03/07/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

County looks at tax decrease

Rather than collect entire revenue windfall because of the increased tax base, county commissioners agree to see what the effect would be if they lopped a few cents off the existing rate for property taxes. — PAGE 3

Short-term rental limit approved

City Council agrees, 4-3, to end renting properties for short stays in R1, MH neighborhoods by 2027. — PAGE 10

This crush is ours

can say what it wants, but this is an Ocean City beverage. So says a bill in legislature to make it Maryland’s official cocktail.

PHOTO COURTESY DANA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY LIFETIME

The contributions and life of Cheryl Taustin, who died last year, was celebrated at the OC Chamber 75th Anniversary Celebration last Friday with her family accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award on her behalf. Cole and Jay Taustin are pictured at the event with Commissioner Joe Mitrecic and Delegate Wayne Hartman. See page 61 for more photos.

Commissioners to consider property tax rate decrease

County officials direct staff to prep revenue projections for proposed rate reduction

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 7, 2025) Could a tax break be coming to Worcester County property owners? Elected leaders say they want to explore the possibility.

“Because we are having increased revenue coming into the county, that doesn’t mean we should spend it,” said County Commissioner Chip Bertino at Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting. “Quite honestly, as we all know up here, it’s not our money. I’d very much like us to see money given back to the people who are paying it, because costs are going up and up and up.”

For now, property taxes for Worcester County are set to 84.5 cents per $100 of assessed value. Based on that level of taxation, the county could expect to receive an additional $18 million in property tax revenue for fiscal year 2026, according to preliminary estimates released in December.

However, if the tax rate generated the exact same revenue as last year –the term for this is constant yield –then the county’s tax rate would drop to about 77 cents. Every penny on the tax rate brings about $1.8 to $2 million in revenue, according to Bertino. Looking ahead, given the expected property tax windfall for fiscal 2026,

Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) on Tuesday asked county staffers to prepare a report demonstrating projections if the tax rate were dropped by 2, 3, 4 or 5 cents – or even if it fell 7 cents, to the constant yield. The commissioners approved his motion unanimously.

Bertino also said he’s heard the scuttlebutt around the county, that a projected revenue increase would mean more spending – but that’s not a done deal.

“If we can push back money, yeah, I think we should,” he said. “How much does government need to increase? At some point, enough is enough. If you’re on a fixed income, as many people are in the Ocean Pines area, it means something to them. I just feel very strongly about it, especially since I’m seeing these (property) assessments increasing considerably.”

Bertino was quick to say that while he supports a property tax reduction, he’s not necessarily advocating for it – yet. That’s because, given the state of Maryland’s projected $3 billion revenue shortfall, state lawmakers may shift the burden of some services onto individual counties.

It means the near future is unclear because Worcester and the state’s other 22 counties may be forced to pay for things it never did before, like some community college funding, state property assessments, and the register of wills office.

“We’re getting hit with increased

Council grants conditional use for new escape rooms

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 7, 2025) A conditional use approval will allow Maze Games LLC to establish new escape rooms in Ocean City.

During Monday’s regular meeting, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to approve a conditional use request from Maze Games LLC. Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told officials this week that the request, supported by the Ocean City Planning Commission, would allow for new escape rooms at 8001 Coastal Highway.

“Approval aligns with the uses permitted in the LC-1 district,” he said.

On Feb. 4, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use request from Asiya Abdrakhmanova and Ekaterina Golub, principals of Maze Games LLC, to permit new escape rooms at 8001 Coastal Highway. They said the business, to be located within one of the interior units

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of the strip center, would differ from other escape rooms the company operates within the resort.

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

With the commission’s support, a favorable recommendation was forwarded to the Mayor and City Council, which considered the conditional use request on Monday.

Bendler told the council this week the planning commission had provided approval with several conditions, including that no locking mechanisms be installed on interior doors and that video monitors must be installed and in constant use in the rooms at all times of operation.

With no further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve the conditional use with the special conditions.

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Public hearing set for outdoor displays

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 7, 2025) City planners will hold a public hearing this month on new outdoor display standards.

On March 18, the Ocean City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on zoning code amendments that will address outdoor merchandise displays. At the City Council’s direction, the planning commission will consider changes that aim to clean up visual clutter along the Boardwalk.

“That is the ordinance we will be discussing at the next hearing,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told members of the planning commission during this week’s meeting. “This is going to be a discussion of the outdoor display. This is taking the current ordinance and redeveloping it to make it more user-

friendly for all the parties involved.”

Last month, the Ocean City Council voted to develop an ordinance on outdoor displays and to forward it to the planning commission for review. Bendler told city officials at the time the changes were part of a series of revisions that began in 2024.

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

However, staff last year made it clear that they would review the ordinance’s success at the end of the summer and come back to the council with a more

comprehensive rewrite of the outdoor display ordinance later in the year.

Those revisions are what will be considered by the planning commission later this month. The new code would eliminate mannequins and include provisions that ensure a merchant’s outdoor displays do not encroach on neighboring stores, the Boardwalk, or on utility poles, benches and signs.

The revisions will also address outdoor displays facing the side streets, as well as incorporate a new formula for the number of freestanding and wallmounted displays allowed outside of a merchant’s store.

Lastly, the code changes would prohibit open umbrellas and feather flags, encourage decorative amenities such as plants and benches, and change the type of A-frame signs allowed as an outdoor display, among other things.

County leaders to weight property tax rate reduction

Continued from Page 3

costs from state decisions,” Bertino said. “The legislature is going to force county jurisdictions to pay for their shortfalls.”

Other elected county leaders said Tuesday they support a potential property tax decrease.

“The taxpayers fund everything and they’re the last person that we think about a lot of times. They’re also getting hit with these enormous electric bills, and everything else. I fully support giving anything we can back to them,” said Commissioner Caryn Abbott (District 1, Southern).

“I do think that it’s time” to consider a lower tax rate, said Commissioner Jim Bunting. “Ocean City talks about a tax differential every year, and a reduction to residents of Ocean City, and the nonresidents. It would go a long way to meet that goal.”

Worcester County also is projecting another $6 million from income tax revenue for fiscal 2026. But, between that money and new property tax revenue, it won’t all get spent: the county as a matter of policy sets aside 15% of revenue in reserves, as well as 22.2% of income tax revenue toward employee pensions.

Budget meetings in Snow Hill will continue through the spring, and the county’s fiscal 2026 budget is scheduled for adoption at a June 3 meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

Council votes 4-3 to pass rental crackdown

rentals as 30 days or less, the ordinance approved this week would essentially ban short-term rentals in those districts in two years.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 7, 2025) Following a fourhour hearing, a council majority this week supported an ordinance banning short-term rentals in single-family zoning districts beginning in 2027.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted 4-3 to support an amended ordinance that establishes a five-day minimum length of stay for shortterm rentals in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts for the 2025 and 2026 season, and a 31-day minimum stay beginning in 2027. As the city code defines short-term

“I think it’s a difficult decision, but I think the motion that’s on the floor was well thought out,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this week. “After numerous hearings and listening to what the public has to say, I think it gets us moving in the right direction.”

In late January, the council agreed to move forward with a moratorium on the issuance of any new short-term rental licenses in the R-1 and MH districts and to set a five-night minimum length of stay for any existing rentals, beginning this season. That restriction was lessened from the 31-day minimum stay the Ocean City Planning Commission had initially recommended earlier that month.

However, during a second reading of the ordinance in February, the council reversed course, opting to phase in a short-term rental ban in those two districts by 2027. Following public comments, four of the seven council members opined that the planning commission was correct in its recommendation and that shortterm rentals were a business.

“We’re losing our sense of community, and we’re losing our R-1 neighborhoods and residents because of a commercial opportunity to run a business in the R-1 neighborhood, and that contradicts the comprehensive plan and that’s what’s happening,” Meehan said at the Feb. 18 meeting. “Doing nothing, or kicking the can down the road too far, really is a very poor option because this is going to continue to happen.”

On Monday, city staff presented the City Council with an amended second reading of the ordinance, which would phase in a short-term rental ban in the R-1 and MH districts by 2027. The ordinance was also revised so that the minimum length-ofstay requirements would not apply to short-term rental bookings made in the R-1 and MH districts prior to March 3 for the 2025 calendar year.

The introduction of the amended second reading kicked off roughly four hours of public testimony, during which nearly 40 people spoke both for and against the proposed length-ofstay restrictions.

Those in opposition argued the proposed ban would financially harm existing rental owners and impact those who are trying to keep family

homes. Some also threatened litigation should the council pass a lengthof-stay restrictions.

“When this ordinance passes, and I’m confident it will, the R-1 owners like myself will suffer immediate, substantial and irreparable harm. Millions of dollars in homes are at stake for the decision that’s made here tonight …,” property owner Andrew Whitehead said, adding that the council did not meet the standard for passing the proposed ordinance. “I’m calling on this council to put this issue to bed so the next steps can be taken to litigate this in the courts. It’s going to cost the town money, it’s going to cost the R-1 owners money, but we’re willing to take on this fight. We have no choice. We didn’t look for this fight, this fight’s come to us.”

However, those in support of the proposed ban argued that short-term rentals were a business, and as such are not allowed in single-family neighborhoods.

“Businesses are prohibited from operating in an R-1 zoning district … ,” Teal Drive resident John Wright said. “It’s not the City Council’s responsibility to accommodate or appease buyers who have made poor or ill-advised decisions. It is the City Council’s responsibility to enforce the R-1 zoning regulations.”

Residents and property owners on Monday pleaded with council members to either oppose the rental restrictions, support the rental restrictions, or to reach some sort of compromise that would exclude the Montego Bay community,

About 10 local property owners protested outside City Hall Monday against the short-term rental changes discussed and approved by the council.

HAPPINESS

Continued from Page 10

Rental ruling riles homeowners Council carves out exceptions to rental moratorium

the MH district. With emotions running high, there was also one instance during public comments when a rental owner was escorted out by a police officer following a spat with the council president.

Following public testimony, the ordinance was adopted in the same 4-3 vote on which the amended ordinance was passed two weeks ago.

The council majority – Council President Matt James and Councilmen Tony DeLuca, Larry Yates and Will Savage – supported the phasedin approach, with a five-night minimum stay through the 2025 and 2026 rental seasons in the R-1 and MH districts and the elimination of all shortterm rentals in those neighborhoods beginning in 2027.

“My position is I support the comprehensive plan, and planning and zoning [commission] got it right,” DeLuca said.

Councilman Jake Mitrecic, however, continued to argue that the MH district should be excluded from the ordinance.

“I am of the opinion that shortterm rentals do change the character of a neighborhood. I think that in my opinion, Montego Bay, the character has always been that, you know, there’s people coming and going …,” he said. “I’m going to hold to that. I

will say that in our R-1 neighborhoods, I believe this is a necessary step to taking back our neighborhoods and making Ocean City whole again.”

Councilman John Gehrig and Councilwoman Carol Proctor also opposed the ordinance. Gehrig continued to advocate for a one-booking-per-week restriction, while Proctor continued to oppose the five-day minimum. She added that the effectiveness of the city’s current short-term rental regulations should be evaluated before any other restrictions are enacted.

“One of the reasons I can’t agree with it is because we as a council, we did vote to put a moratorium on rentals and to come back in October and view the data,” she explained. “But we didn’t do that.”

For his part, Meehan said online platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO have changed the industry and led to the proliferation of short-term rentals in single-family neighborhoods. He said it was important for the city to act now.

“I’ve been here when we’ve had these types of major decisions that affect the community as a whole, and not just today but in the future,” he said. “And I believe this is one of those decisions and one of those moments.”

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 7, 2025) City officials this week agreed to modify a moratorium on the issuance of short-term rental licenses.

Last month, the Ocean City Council passed an emergency ordinance, which established a moratorium on the issuance of new short-term rental licenses in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts.

On Monday, however, council members agreed to modify the moratorium to allow a new property owner to apply for a rental license if the property that was sold had an existing rental license.

“It has been amended to allow a new owner, based on being a bona fide purchaser of property that has an existing rental license already with that property, the ability to apply for a rental license and the supplementary short-term rental license,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said, “and if obtained, that license would stay with that new property owner for the remainder of this license year.”

In early February, council members agreed to an 11-month pause in the issuance of short-term rental licenses, an effort they said would give the city time to evaluate the effectiveness of new short-term rental regulations. The moratorium states that a rental license cannot transfer with a property, but that the city manager could consider exceptions if a property with a rental license is transferred upon the owner’s death.

Later that month, however, the council directed staff to develop new language that would allow a rental license to be renewed or issued if a property with existing rentals on the books is sold.

“Someone who owns a rental agency and is a real estate broker said they have many homes that have rentals on the books for this upcoming season, and he is concerned some may have a desire to sell, and his company will be responsible for ensuring the renter gets a place to rent,” Council President Matt James said at the time.

“With how the [moratorium] is currently written, it will not allow for the new owner to assume or apply for and obtain a rental license on the property … It’s going to cause a problem for a handful of properties, if I had to guess.”

To that end, city staff on Monday presented the council with an ordinance to modify the existing moratorium. The change would allow a new owner of a property with an existing rental license the ability to apply for a rental license.

Mayor Rick Meehan, however, said he had concerns that the license would

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Seaside plans summer build for new sports center

(March 7, 2025) Seaside Christian Academy, a nonprofit in Ocean City, is making significant progress toward breaking ground on the Seaside Athletic Center, a new multipurpose youth sports facility in West Ocean City.

Located on the grounds of the Christian school owned by Ocean City Baptist Church, the center will enhance local youth sports programs and provide a space for indoor sports tournaments to capitalize on the growth potential that sports tourism could bring to the community.

This project aims to provide safe, accessible sports facilities to promote fitness, teamwork and community spirit, building on the success of the low- or no-cost summer camps rooted in Christian values that are already available. The NCAA-sized basketball court will support year-round access to sports and community events like soccer and volleyball, addressing the area’s lack of such spaces.

The complex is intended to serve as a year-round venue for local, regional, and potentially national youth sports events, ensuring all young athletes can thrive. Ongoing fundraising efforts are critical to sustaining the $5 million project.

Groundbreaking is planned for summer 2025 with completion expected by late 2026. According to a press release from the academy, the initiative has strong backing from residents, local businesses, and the Christian community, with volunteer opportunities upcoming.

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License hold affects R1, MH

Continued from Page 12

be valid for the remainder of the licensing year, which ends April 30, and not the remainder of the calendar year.

“If they are allowed to use the rental license, then they can continue to rent all the way through April …,” he said. “I don’t know if that was the intent. I think they can accept any rentals currently booked.”

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the modified moratorium on first reading, but to modify the language so that the license would only be valid through the end of 2025, rather than the end of the current licensing year.

“I think that makes it easier,” Councilman John Gehrig said.

OC hotel project secures variance extension

extension will give his client more time to begin construction. However, he noted that a foundation permit has already been issued.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 7, 2025) While a variance extension will give the connections of the Kyma Hotel another year to begin construction, the property owner’s attorney said efforts are well underway to start the project in the coming days.

At its Feb. 27 meeting, the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals voted 4-0 to extend its variance approvals for the upcoming Kyma Luxury Resort Hotel and Spa, located at 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., by another year.

Attorney Hugh Cropper, representing Effie’s Beach LLC, said the

“Let’s ask for a year, to be on the safe side,” he told the board last week.

Zoning Analyst Chase Phillips noted the appeals board voted to grant three variance requests in January of 2022 – one to reduce the standard parking size of 11 spaces, one to eliminate a side-yard setback along South 1st Street, and one to eliminate the landscape setback along South 1st Street. And in January of 2024, the board agreed to extend those approvals another year.

However, Phillips noted that the property owner is now seeking a second extension.

“So before this expiration, the ap-

plication did make a request to grant an extension, which to be honest is barely needed because the department has already issued a foundation permit for the hotel. So it is underway,” he explained. “We would note that the code states for a variance to remain valid, construction needs to be substantially underway. I don’t know if they are quite at that point yet, but nonetheless a foundation permit has already been issued, so staff would have no objection to an extension of this approval.”

Cropper told the board the variances granted in 2022 were warranted, as two of them allowed the property owner to enclose outside utilities and improve the look of the hotel. However, since those variances were granted, the property owner has worked with the Town of Ocean City

to produce a perpetual easement for a future bayside boardwalk.

Those deliberations, he noted, caused a delay in the project.

“Since then, of note, the property owner has been working with the Town of Ocean City, and the property owner has a signed agreement with the Town of Ocean City, which is why we didn’t start sooner …,” he said. “That boardwalk will come up South 1st Street, so South 1st Street will now be a public walkway, bayside boardwalk, which will go in front of this property along the bay. So this is all part of a master designed plan.”

Citing ongoing negotiations related to the perpetual easement, as well as the recent issuance of a foundation permit, the board last week voted 4-0, with member Emily Nock absent, to extend its variance approvals for the Kyma Hotel another year.

In 2022, the zoning appeals board granted three variance requests for the proposed Kyma Luxury Resort Hotel and Spa. And in 2023, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted to approve the hotel’s site plan, which features 60-plus units, an owner’s suite, amenities and a bayside boardwalk.

Following that approval, the Mayor and City Council last fall granted a request from the property owner to use the neighboring Sunset Park as a fire lane for the project. In exchange for the modifications that must be made to the park, the property owner agreed to enhance the park’s landscaping and lighting, as well as grant the city an easement to a bayside boardwalk on his property. As part of that public access, the city agreed to issue a letter of support when the property owner applies for a liquor license at the property.

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Paid parking expanded downtown

With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on first reading.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 7, 2025) City officials this week agreed to advance ordinances that will enhance parking penalties and add paid parking spaces downtown.

The Ocean City Council on Monday approved the first readings of three ordinances aimed at paid parking and parking enforcement throughout town.

The first ordinance presented this week authorizes the city’s new parking division to enforce scofflaw penalties and enhances parking and towing penalties for violations that occur during special events and special event zones.

For example, fines for certain violations, such as parking in a no parking zone, parking at a red curb, and parking on a sidewalk, for example, would double during special event dates.

“We did make the change discussed at the last work session to include the special event zone,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told officials on Monday.

A second ordinance introduced this week would also establish additional paid parking locations in the “southern district,” in the south convention center parking lot, and at parking spaces previously dedicated to the “orange dot” program.

As part of the program, the city makes free parking accommodations for those owning property in front of or adjacent to metered on-street parking. That space is then marked with an orange dot, so that anyone who parks there will not be charged the parking fee.

“None of that parking is dedicated to anyone,” Mayor Rick Meehan explained.

Last week, as part of a discussion on paid parking, the council agreed to repeal the “orange dot” program. However, resident Jody Palmisano told officials Monday the expansion of paid parking would impact his downtown property, which has one parking space.

“That’s a lot of free parking you are taking away there from the bridge south,” he said.

Officials, however, noted that the Ocean City Development Corporation supported the paid parking expan-

sion. They also said the organization provided parking options for those who needed it.

After further discussion, the council voted 6-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to approve the ordinance on first reading.

“It makes sense, but it also hurts people,” Gehrig said.

Lastly, a third ordinance passed on first reading this week would replace terms such as parking meters, metered parking, metered space and machine metered parking with paid parking. The change is meant to provide consistency within the city code.

The three ordinances introduced on Monday represent just some of the changes the city is proposing for paid parking.

As part of last week’s work session, for example, city staff presented the council with a resolution that would establish new paid parking rates for street parking and parking lots.

Fees for the Inlet lot, as well as all on-street paid parking and parking lots located on blocks abutting the beach or Boardwalk would be set at $3.50 per hour in the shoulder season and $4.50 during the summer season. Those rates would then decrease for the spaces not adjacent to the beach or Boardwalk.

The resolution would also implement paid parking, seven days a week, from April 1 through Oct. 31 at 99th Street bayside, 100th Street bayside, the 100th Street lot and the 64th Street boat ramp lot. It also establishes special event parking rates, which increases the rate for most paid parking spaces by $1.50 for 2025 special events. Those dates would be set through a second resolution, also presented for consideration last week.

Former Tony’s Pizza building receives site plan approval

Improvements planned as applicant prepares for new Boardwalk restaurant, bar

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 7, 2025) City planners this week supported a site plan to redevelop the former Tony’s Pizza into a new restaurant and bar.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the site plan for a proposed tenant fit-out at the former Tony’s Pizza, located at North Division Street and the Boardwalk. Joe Moore, attorney for Matt Ortt Companies, said his client is seeking to renovate the facility for a new Boardwalk eatery.

“It’s a beneficial upgrade to a pivotal location on the Boardwalk,” he told commissioners this week. “It actually had fallen into disrepair to the point there was a no-occupancy permit on it. So we believe we are providing an excellent service to the town at an excellent location where everyone visiting the town will either go into –we hope – or at least pass by.”

As approved this week, Matt Ortt Companies will complete a comprehensive renovation of the former Tony’s Pizza. The first floor will feature two bar areas, three kitchen areas and dining space. The applicant will also improve the stairwell to the second floor, which will feature additional bars, dining space and kitchen, as well as office and storage space.

Outside the restaurant, the building’s exterior will be improved and repainted, with new signage for a

restaurant that has yet to be named.

“This is a historic building, and we’re at the very entrance to Ocean City,” Moore said. “Unfortunately Mr. Russo and Mrs. Russo, who formulated the place before zoning was even here in Ocean City, both passed away. But Mr. Ortt, who you all know has an excellent reputation in fine dining, is going to totally renovate and upfit the property to make it what it used to be, and more.”

The applicant’s representatives said the exterior will be modernized, and the attached retail spaces on the first floor would also be renovated.

“The retail shops are not part of the site plan, but they are doing improvements to those as well,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said this week.

For his part, Bendler noted the primary structure was built prior to 1970, when the city’s zoning ordinance was enacted. And in 1973, the structure was rebuilt.

Over the years, the property also received parking exceptions from the city, which means the new site plan would only need 14 spaces, rather than the required 163. Two of those 14 spaces, Bendler added, would be placed on an adjacent lot.

“You can see there are 14 spaces shown, but two of these spaces are obstructed by dumpsters,” he told the commission. “They’re proposing to place two extra spaces offsite through the allowed zoning approvals through deed of dedication.”

With little discussion, the planning commission this week voted unanimously to approve the site plan with special conditions presented by staff.

Postponement of harbor zoning change continues

County evaluating action that could impact offshore wind developer’s project

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 7, 2025) Worcester County officials this week continued to postpone a proposed zoning amendment that would stymie offshore wind developers from operating as a utility in the West Ocean City commercial fishing harbor.

“With any big change like this, you know, we want to deliberate. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re doing. We’re taking all information in and we’re deliberating,” said County Administrator Weston Young following Tuesday’s meeting of the Worcester County Board of Commissioners.

After having put off any decisions from their Feb. 18 meeting, when the measure first came up, the commissioners were then scheduled Tuesday to review the proposed changes to zoning within the Commercial Marine District, home of the West Ocean City harbor.

One section of the bill would prohibit “facilities that are intended to support offshore energy production” while another would ban “public utility structure” as a permitted use. It’s part of the county’s efforts to stop or slow developer US Wind from moving forward on a planned 114-turbine wind farm located about 11 miles offshore.

However, the discussion was tabled, and will come back as an agenda item at a later meeting, Young announced at the top of the meeting.

Young also said the county remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the commercial fishing industry from offshore wind. Also, Young noted, President Donald Trump’s negative views on offshore wind have not changed, which creates another wait-and-see issue.

When the bill first came up for consideration last month, the public had been invited to speak. Most who spoke at the public hearing were supportive of the county’s efforts. Opponents called it a procedural violation that ignores traditional re-zoning protocols.

White Marlin Open founder Jim Motsko was among a handful of people who showed up Tuesday to the commissioner’s meeting in Snow Hill for the zoning amendment.

“I don’t know why or when they decided to not address it. I’m hoping they’ll re-address, I do. The sooner the better. I’m still backing them. I would hope they continue to keep the fishing harbor for fishing – a thousand percent backing on that,” he said.

Others who came in person for the zoning issue included Tom Prevas, attorney for developer US Wind, as well

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

AWARD RECOGNITIONS

Two Worcester Prep Upper School students were among the lower shore students recognized in the 18 Under 18 Awards program, organized by Junior Achievement (JA) of the Eastern Shore.  Junior Beckett Green and Senior Briar Parsons were two of the 18 honorees celebrated at the February 18 awards ceremony at the Perdue Henson JA Center in Salisbury. The 18 Under 18 honorees were selected from a wide pool of applicants by JA based on their leadership, community service, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative contributions. WPS Head of Upper School Carol Evans, and Upper School teacher Bianca Geesaman submitted letters of recommendation on behalf of Green and Parsons, respectively. Following their selection, the recipients were given exhibit space before the awards ceremony to showcase their achievements and special moments while interacting with sponsors and fellow honorees. Each recipient also received a cash prize along with several gift cards and keepsakes. Evans is pictured at the event with Green, left, and Parsons.

Former daycare worker sentenced in abuse case

Catherine Deutsch, 32, to spend 90 days in jail for role in child abuse incident

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 7, 2025) A former daycare worker will spend three months in jail for failing to report child abuse at the Berlin Activities Depot.

During a sentencing hearing last Friday, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge found Catherine Deutsch, 33, of Berlin, guilty on three counts of failing to report child abuse/neglect and sentenced her to a total of four years and six months of incarceration, with all but 90 days suspended. The sentencing comes three months after Deutsch entered a guilty plea to the three misdemeanor charges.

“She admitted that she saw what was going on but didn’t know what to do about it,” Assistant State’s Attorney Pam Correa told the court at a November hearing.

In November of 2023, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the Berlin Activities Depot’s Berlin Education Station after law enforcement and Child Protective Services were notified of an eight-monthold who had been admitted to Atlantic General Hospital with a broken tibia. The sheriff’s office alleged that video footage of the infant classroom revealed Heather Ward, 40, of Berlin, had caused the child’s injuries and showed other concerning interactions with several other infants under her supervision.

As a result, a grand jury last March indicted Ward on 90 charges, including 10 felony counts of child abuse and 80 mis-

demeanor counts of second-degree assault. And in June, Deutsch, who worked alongside Ward in the infant classroom, was arrested on 15 misdemeanor charges, including neglect of a minor and failure to report child abuse/neglect.

Having entered into her own agreement with the state’s attorney’s office, Ward in August submitted an Alford plea to nine counts of second-degree assault, for which she was sentenced to 18 years.

And in November, Correa presented the court with another plea agreement, this time with Deutsch.

During a sentencing hearing held Feb. 28, parents of the victims identified in the child abuse case provided impact statements to the judge. The prosecution also argued that Deutsch was complicit in the offenses against the victims, as she had failed to act when the abuse was witnessed.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge sentenced Deutsch to 18 months incarceration for each of the three misdemeanor charges to which she pleaded guilty. All but 30 days were suspended on each count, which will be served consecutively.

Simply put, Deutsch will serve 90 days of active jail time, with the remaining sentence suspended unless she violates the conditions of her probation. The court last Friday also imposed a $1,000 fine for each of the three counts and sentenced Deutsch to five years of probation upon her release. As part of her probation, Deutsch will have no contact with the victims or their families, will not be permitted to engage in any childcare role – alone or supervised, employed or volunteer – and will be required to submit to a mental health evaluation, among other things.

Zoning amendment pulled from discussion

Continued from Page 22

as a representative of state Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, who would have offered a statement of support.

US Wind has planned for an operations and maintenance facility on the land that now houses two longstanding commercial fish houses, Southern

Connection Seafood and Martin Fish House. US Wind also has stated they have options to buy the properties for the facility.

Southern Connection’s attorney Hugh Cropper at the Feb. 18 meeting had argued that down-zoning the marina is a work-around against the

county’s comprehensive plan, that it’s a violation of their property rights, and would devalue their land.

Cropper and his clients, Pat and April Reese, did not attend Tuesday’s meeting because public comment would not have been allowed, since the public hearing already had concluded.

“Obviously, the property owner is pleased that his property was not adversely impacted by the text amendment, at least at this time,” Cropper said. “And I’m not sure what else to (take away) from it since it was pulled from the agenda. We got no communication at all.”

‘Keep Berlin Cool’ campaign hoping to get grant support

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 7, 2025) The Berlin Horticulture Advisory Committee will move ahead with plans to apply for a minigrant from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program for tree plantings following the town council’s approval.

The horticulture group will apply for a grant from MCBP for a “Keep Berlin Cool” tree-planting initiative. The maximum request is $5,000, but committee representatives do not currently believe they will ask for the full amount. The application includes a one-page narrative with an attached budget.

“Trees are necessary, especially in an urban setting, for habitats for our birds and pollinators, for shade, and for stormwater runoff,” horticulture committee member Victoria Spice said.

If the group is approved for the grant, the project would include planting native trees between private residences, townowned property, and congregations. Town staff would not be required to work on the initiative. The horticulture team would spearhead the program, creating site plans and determining which trees would be ideal for each particular spot.

“The town would not be liable for the maintenance of the tree or the success of the tree’s growth,” Spice said.

The committee member added that

the group would work with the homeowner to designate the type of trees. If they prefer a certain color or species, as long as it’s native, the planting could be tailored to the resident’s goal.

If awarded, MCBP will notify the Berlin committee in April. Spice said that the project would likely take place in the fall, which is an optimal time to plant trees. Zack Tyndall, the town’s mayor, added that should the initiative proceed, the group should plan an appropriate distance between the new flora and electrical lines.

“Plan for how far we should plant [the trees] away from electrical lines just to make sure that wherever they plant, it won’t grow right into the electrical line,” he said.

The grant is reimbursable. This means that project leaders will be able to purchase the necessary materials should they be given the financial go-ahead from MCBP, and they will be able to invoice the nonprofit for the funds immediately.

Spice said that MCBP had the funds secured for the mini-grant program as of 3:30 p.m. Monday. However, she emphasized that the program’s fate is uncertain, given the Trump administration’s streak of pulling this type of financial backing.

The council authorized the horticulture team to apply for the grant.

(March 7, 2025) The Restaurant Association of Maryland has announce the winners of the 2025 Annual Stars of the Industry Awards following the presentation last Sunday at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in conjunction with the Ocean City Hotel-MotelRestaurant Association Trade Show.

“The Gala is our opportunity to honor and give recognition to elite restaurants and employees across the state. We are fortunate to have such a diverse group of restaurants and employees to choose from who are dedicated to their customers and their community” said Marshall Weston, President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland. “It made sense for us to hold our Awards Gala in Ocean City and focus our awards on the Eastern Shore community to help commemorate the town of Ocean City’s 150th anniversary celebration”.

Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones said, “It is exciting to recognize the great restaurants and employees of Ocean City and the Eastern Shore at a statewide level.”

State Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Delegate Wayne Hartman were in attendance to provide citations from the Maryland General Assembly to honor John Fager of Fager’s Island, who received the Brice & Shirley Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award. “This award is given to the person who exemplifies sound business principles and impeccable character while dedicating their career to the betterment of the restaurant industry and their community,” said the award description.

The 2025 Maryland Hospitality Hall of Honor inductees were Ocean City staples Fish Tales Bar & Grill, Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon, Sunset Grille, Harborside Bar and Grill and Coconuts Beach Bar and Grill and Salisbury’s Brew River.

Among the other awards presented was the Heart of the Industry Award to Gina Day of Seacrets. The award description said, “A staff member who goes above and beyond to keep the restaurant running smoothly and exemplifies dependability, teamwork and dedication to the restaurant industry.”

The Maryland ProStart Student of the Year was presented to Nick Zlotorzynski, Worcester Technical High School and the Maryland ProStart Teacher of the Year to Phillip Cropper, Worcester Technical High School.

There were a number of voting categories with more than 15,000 people voting for their favorite industry professionals The results were as follows:

Chef of the Year: Zack Mills, True Chesapeake - Baltimore

Manager of the Year: Kendall Yingling, Brian Boru - Severna Park

Server of the Year: Frank Cascio, Fager’s Island - Ocean City

Bartender of the Year: Michael Gray, Seacrets - Ocean City

Chamber to hold job fair

The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will hold a job fair Saturday, March 22, at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort in Ocean City from noon to 2 p.m. The job fair is free to job seekers. Employers will be on-site offering seasonal and year-round positions. Workers are needed in many local businesses including restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, stores, banks, watersports, and more. Dress for success and bring a pen, ID, resume, etc.

Employers interested in manning a booth can contact Colby Jernigan at colby@oceancity.org. Booths for chamber members are $200 ($100 for each additional space). Booths for non-members are $275 ($200 for each additional space). If the business joins the chamber within 30 days, $75 of the booth fee will be applied to membership. Booth fees include one table and two chairs.

For more information on the job fair visit bit.ly/OCJobFair2025 or contact Colby at colby@oceancity.org or 410-2130144 ext. 110.

Scholars registration

Parents of gifted and talented children entering the third through 10th grades in the fall of 2025 can now register their children for Summer Scholars at Wor-Wic Community College.

Returning favorites include “Power, Pause, Play,” where students explore

JEFFREY MESSICK

movement and music while learning how to create and explore, and “Rockets and Robots,” in which participants put technology to work in exciting ways. Other courses open to a variety of ages focus on 3D printing, acting, animals, art, cooking, crime scene investigation, photography and “Star Wars.”

One-week courses are offered Monday through Friday, beginning July 7 and ending Aug. 1. Students can take full- or halfday courses. Full-day courses are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a one-hour lunch. Halfday courses, which are offered from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., can be taken back-to-back to create a full day. Before and after care will be offered.

The courses are designed for public, private and home-schooled gifted and talented students. A student’s gifted and talented status is determined by the school they attend, based on the student’s abilities in the areas of general intellectual capabilities, specific academic aptitudes, or the creative, visual or performing arts.

Visit www.worwic.edu or call 410-3342815 for more information.

Diakonia BINGO benefit

Diakonia, a local homeless solutions provider, will be raising funds through BINGO and other games on Thursday, March 13 at the Casino at Ocean Downs in Berlin.

All proceeds go to benefit Diakonia’s programs to help those who are homeless through outreach, emergency shelter,

eviction prevention, and placing them in their own affordable rental unit. Diakonia also specifically targets veterans in ensuring that no one who served our country goes homeless on the Lower Eastern Shore.

BINGO tickets are $40 ($45 at the door) and can be purchased at Diakonia’s Thrift Store (12507 Sunset Avenue in West Ocean City) or online at app.aplos.com/aws/events/a_night_on _the_town

Doors open at 5 p.m., with games starting at 6 p.m. There will be two intermissions, in which other games will be available to play with special prizes.

Special gifts will be for up grabs including overnight packages in Ocean City, Rehoboth Beach and even the Poconos. Restaurant and store gift cards will also be available to win. In addition, there will be a silent ticket auction, 50/50s, and more.

Coach to address grads

This spring, one of Salisbury University’s most notable alumni, Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn ’94, will serve as the Commencement speaker, celebrating his Alma Mater’s 100th graduating class.

In January, Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn led the team to its first National Football Conference championship game since 1991 — back when he was a junior at SU. He will now offer words of encouragement to SU’s Class of 2026 during the undergraduate ceremony, scheduled Thursday, May 22, at Sea Gull Stadium.

As a student, Quinn was a two-sport athlete, excelling in track and field and football. He was inducted into the SU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. While at SU, he met Stacey, an athletic trainer. The two have been supporters of SU ever since, creating three endowments, benefitting football, track and field, and athletic training.

On the gridiron, he was a feared defensive lineman, recording 145 total tackles. A regular in the lineup during his final three years, Quinn played in all 28 games, with 135 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. As a thrower on the track and field team, Quinn set the school record in the hammer throw (168’ 8”), which stood for nearly 20 years, until 2012.

Quinn rose through the coaching ranks following his graduation from SU, in assistant coaching roles with the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. As a defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks, he went to the Super Bowl twice, winning in 2014 as his defense put on an incredible show against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in a 43-8 victory.

After a six-year stint as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, including another Super Bowl appearance in 2017, Quinn spent the three seasons leading the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, one of the best in the NFL in that time, before getting the

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Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott

Friday, March 7: Phil Perdue

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 7: Beach Bandits

Saturday, March 8: Chris Diller

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Sunday, March 9: Shortcut Sunny Wednesday, March 12: Full Circle Duo

CRAWL STREET

TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, March 7: Charred Mac Saturday, March 8: C-Burch & The Noize

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay Friday, March 7: Mardi Paws w/ Full CircleTicket Event & DJ RobCee Saturday, March 8: Big Machine & DJ Groove

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, March 7

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets: Saturday, March 8

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 8

PHIL PERDUE

Captain’s Table: Friday, March 7

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

SHORTCUT SUNNY Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, March 9

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, March 8

HËDRUSH

Purple Moose: Saturday, March 8

ROGUE CITIZENS

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, March 8:

Rogue Citizens & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Opposite Directions

Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 8

Harborside: Saturday, March 8 • 1pm Pickles Pub • 9:30pm FULL CIRCLE

Seacrets: Saturday, March 8

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, March 8:

Rogue Citizens

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, March 12 (Duo)

Seacrets: Friday, March 7 BIG MACHINE

Coins Pub: Friday, March 7 THE GAB CINQUE

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Seacrets: Friday, March 7 & Thursday, March 13

Harborside: Sunday, March 9

Wednesdays: Beats By Madame Dutchess

Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE

410-289-6953

Talbot St. & Boardwalk

Saturday, March 8: Hëdrush

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, March 7:

Opposite Directions, DJ Connair, DJ Flight & The Gab Cinque

Saturday, March 8: Full Circle, DJ Cruz, DJ Mary Jane & Gypsy Wisdom

Thursday, March 13:

Opposite Directions & DJ E-State

GYPSY WISDOM - Seacrets: Saturday, March 8

9th Annual Film Festival underway in resort

(March 7, 2025) The 9th Annual Ocean City Film Festival, a production of the Art League of Ocean City, is now underway through Sunday.

Beginning on Thursday, the festival will screen more than 100 independent films, both locally made and from around the world, including short films and feature-length movies. The entire Film Festival program for 2025 is available to view at OCMDFilmFestival.com, where passes are available for purchase. Prices are $125 for an all-weekend pass that includes access to all the films, parties, and extra events. Day passes are also available: Friday, $40; Saturday, $40; and Sunday, $20.

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

“We are honored to welcome home John and Erica as the headliners for the

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

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

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

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

The 9th year of the festival will showcase independent films in multiple genres at iconic Ocean City venues including Flagship Cinemas in West Ocean City,

Gold Coast Theaters in Ocean City, Morley Hall at Seacrets, Ashore Resort Hotel, Cambria Hotel, Dough Roller 41st. St., and the Performing Arts Center. Happy Jack’s Pancake House and Papi’s Tacos in Ocean City and The Stoke in West Ocean City will host conversations and after-parties.

Short films are packaged into showcases so viewers can attend their preferences. The showcases include Chuckles, Chortles, Snickers & Snorts; Creating Purpose; Date Night; Don’t Go in the Woods; Enchanted Sea; Family Dynamics; Fights, Crime, and Action; Maryland

Life; Messages from Beyond; Moving Forward; Murder Madness; Ocean Learning; Otherworldly; Sea the World; and The Local Competition, sponsored by the Town of Ocean City.

In addition, the festival will screen 15 documentary and 10 narrative films of feature length, representing the United States, Canada, Spain, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Information about the festival, including a list of films, parties, and events is available at OCMdFilmFestival.com.

The films have not been rated, and some feature adult content.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You might feel like you have extra energy to chase goals and take bold actions this week, Aries. Your natural drive will be strong. Find opportunities to assert yourself in new areas.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

You may feel compelled to slow down and nurture your inner self this week, Taurus. Take time to reflect on your values and personal goals. If you have been feeling overwhelmed, get some rest.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

You are in a social mode this week, Gemini. Your communication skills will take center stage, and it’s a good time to collaborate or share ideas with others.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, your focus could shift toward long-term career goals in the next few days. Work to identify a clear vision of where you want to go and the path to get there.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, this week brings an adventurous energy that implores you to expand your horizons. Consider travel, new experiences or educational pursuits to make the most of your time.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

You may find yourself dealing with intense emotions this week, Virgo. You might realize that time is running out on something and you really need to make a move.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Relationships are especially important to you right now, Libra. Whether it is friendship, romance or business, your interactions with others are bound to be intense.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, this week requires heightened focus on daily routines and personal health. It’s a good time to prioritize self-care and improving your habits. A shift in your environment might help.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, your creativity and passion are elevated this week. You feel ready to pursue personal projects since your inspiration is booming.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Family matters takes precedence and garner your attention this week, Capricorn. You may feel a desire to create a sense of stability in your personal space. That may translate to redecorating.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, communication is key this week, whether it’s in social circles, at work or at home. You will engage in good conversation and exchange interesting ideas. Learn all you can along the way.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Finances come into focus this week, Pisces. You may wonder how you can improve your financial situation and make smarter choices when it comes to money.

Roasted grapes, glaze

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(March 7, 2025) Contrary to popular belief, entertaining does not have a solitude nature but encompasses a wide variety of personalized subtext.

Because there has been a tidal wave of information concerning foods, their potential possibilities, and pairings; a host is faced with countless choices which can often stifle one’s vision when planning a menu.

One way to avoid this dilemma is to get into the habit of considering the practicality of a menu. Will this dish work with the respect to the number of guests, the setting, or service?

In choosing a menu, be aware of color, height, and texture. Think of the plate as your palette and allow the artistic side of you to translate into a decadent course. The only rule is to have fun and be true to yourself. These decisions can make the difference between dazzling your guests or a mediocre experience.

A few helpful hints are always welcomed. See the occasion from the eyes of your guests. Walk through the setting from the moment they arrive to when they leave. This simple task allows one to encompass the entire setting in a matter of minutes.

A specialty drink such as a champagne punch is a great way to start your festivities. Your friends will notice your efforts and love your consideration.

Fresh flowers make a such a difference. A few simple arrangements can elevate the occasion to a superlative level.

Which room is the most overlooked when planning a special event? If you guessed the bathroom, you are correct.

Cleanliness is a must but a basket of mini mouthwash spray, mini hair spray, and pantyhose will be greatly appreciated.

If you want to go one step further, present a small bowl of kosher salt, mineral oil, and essential oil for an aromatic hand scrub. It is these little touches that say so much.

One must plan a special dish for those who are vegetarians. Roasted red grapes with a balsamic glaze over whipped feta cheese crostini are delicious and will make an impression on all.

The sweet and savory components are a classic combination. The contrast of the creamy cheese, glazed grapes, and crunchy crostini blend together for a perfect bite.

When making this dish, it is important to make sure the cheese is room temperature. Otherwise, the cheese can be lumpy.

In addition, the grapes must be sliced. Remember, the crostini are a small bite and whole grapes will be too large.

For a stunning presentation, place a mound of the feta mixture on the base of a glass cake pan. Using a spoon, hollow out the center and carefully spoon the red grape glaze in the center. Serve sliced, toasted baguette slices on the side. This recipe is so easy to make and is packed with flavor.

In closing, the secret to entertaining is to keep it simple. A dash of originality and lightheartedness measures memorable occasions. Enjoy!

Roasted Red Grapes with a Balsamic Glaze

4 heaping cups red seedless grapes

5 tablespoons balsamic glaze

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Using a very sharp knife, cut the grapes in half lengthwise.

3. Combine all of the ingredients

in an oven-proof dish and toss well.

4. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, lightly toss, and set aside.

Whipped Feta Cheese

1 (8-ounce) block feta, room temperature

1 (6-ounce) cream cheese, room temperature

1 (5-ounce) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese, room temperature juice of one lemon

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Using a hand-held mixer, blend ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate for 45 minutes.

Crostini

1 baguette

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1. Slice baguette with a serrated knife at an angle. Slicing the bread at an angle will give you a larger circumference area for the ingredients.

2. Using a pastry brush, brush both sides of each slice of baguette with olive oil.

3. Bake in oven until golden brown. Presentation

Place feta mixture on the base of a cake display stand. If you don’t have one, a small platter will do. Place a mound of feta mixture in the center. Using a spoon, hollow out the center. Carefully spoon cooled roasted red grapes with balsamic glaze into the center of the feta mixture.

Serve slices of toasted baguettes on the side.

Secret Ingredient – Preparation By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. Benjamin Franklin

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

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

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

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m.

Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 49 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRAWL STREET

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

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

■ DISTRICT 24 CRAFT BAR & JAY’S CAFÉ 2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-2893322, district24oc.com

Breakfast, coffee, pastries, beer, pizza and cocktails. Jay’s Café opens Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Craft Bar opens Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There’s more at District 24.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com

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

Celebrating our 40th anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and 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 $4 all beer, $8 crushes, $10 select apps, $6 glass of select wine. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB

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

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

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid

friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

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

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

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

■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ SOPHIA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com

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

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

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

■ NANTUCKETS

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

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

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY (CLOSED UNTIL MARCH)

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

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

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

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar

Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, www.OPYachtclub.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

Calendar

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

Fri., March 7

OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVAL

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Film showings and events held throughout the area. This annual event attracts international, national and regional artists working in film. Tickets: https://ocmdfilmfestival.com/. 410-524-9433

OC MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults are welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

NECROMUNDA

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Come play a selected role-playing game

for adults only after hours. Registration required: 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901

Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994

Sat., March 8

OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVAL

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Film showings and events held throughout the area. This annual event attracts international, national and regional artists working in film. Tickets: https://ocmdfilmfestival.com/. 410-524-9433

KIWANIS MARCH PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8-11 a.m. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, OJ, coffee and tea. Cost is $9 for adults and free to kids 11 years and younger. Benefits youth of the community.

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. The club will feature an open discussion about local fishing. Attendees can enjoy free coffee and doughnuts, purchase OPAC apparel and decals. All welcome.

FRIED

FISH / FRIED CHICKEN / BAKED CHICKEN PLATTERS CARRYOUT

Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin, 10:30 a.m. Platters include homemade potato salad, greens and string beans. Also: corn bread, drinks, sweet potato biscuits, rice pudding, cakes, pies, etc.

KICKSTART KINDERGARTEN

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. A special six session series built to help preschoolers get ready for Kindergarten. Families receive a light snack and tips for continuing kindergarten preparedness at home. For ages 3-5. 410-9570878

MARIO PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12 p.m.

Enjoy Mario crafts, play Switch games and come dressed as your favorite Mario character. Light refreshments served. For ages 6-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

‘POT OF GOLD’ CASH BINGO

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 2-5 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite St. Patrick’s Day outfit. Tickets cost $40 in advance or $45 at the door. Advance tickets recommended: www.WorcesterGOLD.org. 443-235-6525

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Sun., March 9

OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVAL

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Film showings

Continued on Page 36

HOME FEATURES

• 6 BR/6 BA

• 4,328 Sq. Ft.

• 2 Kitchens

• Furnished

• Waterfront

• MLS MDWO2021230

CALENDAR

and events held throughout the area. This annual event attracts international, national and regional artists working in film. Tickets: https://ocmdfilmfestival.com/. 410524-9433

OC FILM FEST - THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 12:30-3 p.m. A special Family Fun Day at the Movies featuring a screening of the award-winning documentary. Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door and free to those 14 years and younger. ocmdfilmfestival.com, 410-524-9433

FRIED CHICKEN CARRYOUT DINNER

Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 10709 Bishopville Road, 1-4 p.m. Fried chicken (1/2 chicken), ham, potato salad, coleslaw, green beans, roll and dessert. Cost is $20 per platter. Walkins only. 443-880-4944

BERLIN FLEA MARKET

Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-6299656

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., March 10

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

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. The group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY RESEARCH

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3-6 p.m. Come tour the local history collection. If you need more help finding your roots, contact the local history librarian at history@worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TEEN CRAFT LAB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Chill, create and decorate a statement tote bag that is uniquely you. All supplies included. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE

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

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

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

HEALTHY EATING ON A BUDGET

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. Leah Magnone from Achieve Fitness LLC teaches how to eat well while saving money. Receive grocery store shopping tips and other insights. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.orgBRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., March 11

STORY TIME: FIVE SENSES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Clay creations and play time. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

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

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

terlibrary.org

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology at the Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. Providing discussions and mutual support, along with education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. Kay Kinnikin, kkinnikin@atlanticgeneral.org, 410-641-4765

SONG CELEBRATION

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. Bring a song to the library and share it with other players and writers. Originals encouraged. Listeners welcome. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK CLUB: ‘BLACK GIRL, CALL HOME’ BY JASMINE MANS

Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 6 p.m. Stop by the library to pick up your book anytime, then meet for a great discussion at Tides & Vine. Must be at least 21 years of age. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ATLANTIC COAST SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7 p.m. A representative from “HYDRAFOAM” decking will be the guest speaker. Food and refreshments available at 6:15 p.m. The public is invited.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral,

11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m.

Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., March 12

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

BABY TIME

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

AIR FOAM CATS

Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. The group will be making air foam cats, all supplies provided. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MERRY MAKERS: AIR CLAY FLOWER FROGS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Using air clay, design cute flower frogs to keep cut flowers in place in jars and vases. Registration required: 410-2084014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

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

LET’S GET COOKING!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn how to create a healthy version of a shamrock shake. Adult assistance may be needed for younger children. For ages 6-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TABLETOP ROLE PLAYING GAME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Come play a selected role-playing game for teens. Registration required: 410632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

DANGEROUS WOMEN: THE POWER OF THE FEMININE IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. Dr. Jennifer Ballengee from Towson University zooms into the library to talk about these ladies of myth. Registration required for zoom only: 443-783-6164, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

Thurs., March 13

STORY TIME: ST. PATRICK’S DAY

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

Join in for an Irish story. There will be songs, dancing and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ‘CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM’

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PRESSED FLOWER LANTERNS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. For all skill levels. Supplies included. Registration required: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

MOVIE MATINEE

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

Come see a movie you might have missed in the theaters. Light refreshments provided. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BINGO

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Join in for a lively game of bingo and win fun prizes. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHEMICAL FALLOUT: RACHEL CARSON’S ‘SILENT SPRING’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Environmental historian Dr. Ralph Lutts will review historical events, news stories and popular films that led to this book’s success in shaping public opinion. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TEEN CRAFT LAB

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3:30 p.m. Chill, create and decorate a statement tote bag that is uniquely you. All supplies included. For ages 12-18 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

QUIT SMOKING & VAPING CLASS

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

ONGOING EVENTS

PINOCHLE

Meets the first and third Thursday of each month at Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 12:15-3:15 p.m. Established Pinochle group welcoming new members. Carrie, 410-251-

8207

MARCH INSPIRATION CHALLENGE

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during March. Art, photography or poetry competition for all ages. Pieces will be displayed in the library for viewing. The theme is “Stormy.” Due by March 26. 410-632-3495

COMMUNITY JOURNAL: TELL HER STORY

Pocomoke library, 301 Market St. Drop in anytime during March and write a story in the community journal about a woman who has inspired you and share your thoughts and hopes for a better future. 410-957-0878

FREE IN-PERSON TAX PREPARATION

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

• Mondays at the Ocean Pines library, www.tinyurl.com/t8km843p

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

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

PHILLIES VS DODGERS BUS TRIP

Bus departs from Ocean Pines Community Center at 8:30 a.m. on April 6 for Citizens Bank Park. Game time is 1:35 p.m. Cost is $85 and includes transportation and ticket. Tickets: Ocean Pines Recreation & Parks, 410-6417052.

QUEEN OF HEARTS

Weekly virtual drawings on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Winner receives 60 percent of jackpot. www.opvfd.com/queen-ofhearts. Sponsored by the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

2025 KIWANIS LOTTERY TICKETS ON SALE

On sale every Saturday morning at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. One $20 ticket is good for all 365 drawings in 2025. Benefits the youth of the community.

OCEAN CITY-BERLIN ROTARY CLUB

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

Crossword answers from page 32

38 OC Today-Dispatch

Bowling Alley Mechanic: Inspect, maintain, & repair bowling alley equipment. Perform installations, overhauls, & routine inspections. Conduct operational checks, visually inspect, trace wiring, & make adjustments. Independently decide on methods & techniques for repairs. Obtain replacement parts. Run automatic pinsetter cycles & ensure accuracy. Establish & execute regular maintenance programs. Provide instructions to maintenance staff. Min Rqmts: High school/ GED. Able to work overtime, including late nights, weekends, & holidays; Non-smoker on worksite; verifiable references.

Resumes to Job Loc: Ocean Lanes LLC, 115 72ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842. ATTN: K. Grigoryan

SPEEDWORLD

Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round. Wage starts at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 443-754-1047

KITE LOFT MANAGER

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

JOLLY ROGER

FT POOL MAINTENANCE

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

Ask for Suzanne.

SEASONAL RENTAL

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

Year-Round Rentals West Ocean City. Pet friendly. Furnished or unfurnished. Good credit and employment references. No smoking. Sec. dep. req. Text only 302-579-9717

House To Share In Ocean Pines. Fully furnished, all utilities & WiFi included. No pets, no smoking. Large Room, $800; Regular Room, $700. 443-880-2486

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

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

COMMERCIAL

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

2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft.

Commercial Space

Available

South Gate Ocean Pines

1500 sq. ft. Retail/Office Call for details 410-430-3758

Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

MARYLAND STATEWIDE

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LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

No job too small. Entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate floors, interior paint. Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066

MISC./OTHER

We spoke of sorrow, My mistakes and surrender, Those last few moments. He knew, my dear friends! With a smile, He knew!

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VEHICLES WANTED

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

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

SERVICES

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

108 8th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE SALE

VALUABLE IMPROVED REAL ESTATE

21 COASTAL DRIVE

BERLIN, MARYLAND 21811

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 AT 9:00 AM

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

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

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

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

For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee 410-289-2323

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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

10116 MCALLISTER ROAD

BERLIN, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated December 22, 2008, recorded in Liber 5182, Folio 470 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $322,500.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

MARCH 18, 2025 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 $16,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation

taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 371045-1)

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

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NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF BILL 24-11

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

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

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester

County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO

CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20532

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

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

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

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

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

Judith Keebler Sentz Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: February 20, 2025

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

3509 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20533 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GIULIA PAPA

AKA: JULIA PAPA Notice is given that Yolanda

Fiore, 1005 Wilmington Ln., Ocean City, MD 21842-3975, was on February 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Giulia Papa who died on January 03, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of August, 2025.

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: February 20, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20513

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

AKA: ROBERT JOHN SCHULTZ

Notice is given that Kenneth Schultz, 1312 Summerhill Dr., Malvern PA 19355-8715, was on February 10, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert J. Schultz who died on December 04, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of August, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-

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

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

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

Kenneth Schultz

Personal Representative True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: February 20, 2025 OCD-2/20/3t

KHURRAM RIAZ

429 W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863

Plaintiff, v. RMB HOLDINGS LLC PO Box 485

Salisbury, MD 21803

Defendant, And AEGIS FUNDING CORPORATION

P.O. Box 84308

Baton Rouge, LA 70884

Defendant And WORCESTER COUNTY

Attn: Phil Thompson I West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and ALL PERSONS THAT HA VE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: 40' X 80' 508 Bonneville Avenue, Pocomoke, Tax Account# 01-020293, Defendant. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000041

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 01-02093, Property description 40' X 80' 508 Bonneville Avenue Pocomoke, Deed Reference: 5033/568, Assessed to RMB HOLDINGS LLC, owned by RMH BOLD-

INGS LLC. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is, thereupon this 13th of February, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 15th day of April, 2025, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

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

OCD-2/20/3t _________________________________

BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND

IN THE MATTER OF TPE MD WO73, LLC’S APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT A 5.0 MW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATING FACILITY IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

CASE NO. 9772

NOTICE OF PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE

A pre-hearing conference in the above-entitled matter is scheduled for March 10, 2025, at 1:00pm, via virtual platform, concerning TPE MD WO73, LLC’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service Commission to construct a 5.0 MW solar electric generating facility approximately ½ mile northwest of the intersection of Old Ocean City Boulevard and Main Street, Berlin, Maryland.

Anyone wishing to view the live stream of the hearing may do so via the Public Utility Law Judge’s (PULJ) YouTube Channel, https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP. Any questions about the hearing should be addressed to psc.pulj@gmail.com. The purpose of the pre-hearing conference is for the PULJ to establish a procedural schedule for the case and consider any preliminary matters, including any petitions to intervene.

Petitions to intervene must be filed by Friday March 7, 2025, and may be filed electronically through the Commission’s website at www.psc.md.us or by first class mail to the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Andrew S. Johnston, Maryland Public Service Commission, 6

St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore MD 21202, and must reference Case No. 9772. The Commission encourages the parties to use the Commission’s e-file system for filing. OCD-2/27/2t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY MARCH 13, 2025

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

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

6:30 p.m. Case No. 25-12, on the lands of The Williams Family Trust, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 28.3 feet (to encroach 1.7 feet) for an existing stairway to a second floor deck in the R-3 Multi-family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1207(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 31 Harborview Drive, Tax Map 16, Parcel 38, Section 1, Lot 394, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland. 6:35 p.m. Case No. 25-14, on the lands of Norman and Diana Beck, et al., requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 25 feet to 20.8 feet (to encroach 4.2 feet) to replace an existing 12’ x 16’ deck with a 10.5’ x 12’ deck and a 12.5’ x 12’ screened porch (total dimension of 12’x 23’) in the R-4 General Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-208(b)(2) and ZS 1305, located at 49 Anchor Way Drive, Tax Map 26, Parcel 432, Section 2, Block A, Lot 71, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland. 6:40 p.m. Case No. 25-15, on the lands of Russell Properties LLC, on the application of Kristina Watkowski, requesting two (2) variances to the front yard setback off of Wilson Ave. from 25 feet to 4.24 feet (to encroach 20.76 feet) for proposed second and third floor cantilevers, and two (2) variances from 25 feet to 19.86 feet (to encroach 5.14 feet) for proposed second and third floor decks on the west end of the existing house; two (2) variances to the front yard setback from Madison Ave. from 30 feet to 16.11 feet (to encroach 13.89 feet) for proposed second and third floor cantilevers on the east side of the house; and two (2) variances to the side yard setback from 6 feet to 4 feet (to encroach 2 feet) for proposed second floor cantilevers on the north side of the existing house in the R-3 Multi-family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1207(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 13444 Madison Ave., Tax Map 5, Parcel 1, Lot 141, Tax District 10,

Worcester County, Maryland. 6:45 p.m. Case No. 25-13, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, on the property of Giovanni and Jennifer David and Mark Gross and Scott Murrell, et al., as shown on the plat submitted with the application, requesting a variance to the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Ordinance to exceed the allowable 100 feet tidal wetland crossing by 53 feet for a proposed 3 foot by 153 foot walkway over tidal wetlands, pursuant to Natural Resources Section NR 3-125(b)(1) and Zoning Code Section ZS 1-116(m)(1), located at 11515 Heron Lane, approximately 730 feet east of South Point Drive, Tax Map 50, Parcel 24, Lot 4 and Tax Map 50, Parcel 18, Lot 44, of the Bay Shores subdivision, in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland. OCD-2/27/2t

QUINN MCGINNES WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ETHELEE H NALLS AKA: ETHELEE HEWITT NALLS Estate No. 20536 Notice is given that MARGARET N PRICE whose address is 252 BISHOPS GRANT DR SUDLERSVILLE, MD 21668-1609 was on FEBRUARY 19, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ETHELEE H NALLS who died on JANUARY 23, 2025 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of AUGUST, 2025

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-2/27/3t

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 13, 2025 2:00 PM

PW 25-017 A request has been submitted to install 40’ of replacement vinyl bulkheading not to exceed 18” channel ward. To extend existing 5’ x 40’ dock to 7’ x 40’ and to add a 7’ extension to existing pier for a total length of 34.5’; maximum channel ward extension 39.5’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 607 HARBOUR DR Parcel # 8020A1553B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Dorothy L. Guillen Rev. Trust

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 25-019 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with associated pilings and a 5’ x 20’ float, all maximum channel ward extension of 20’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2817 GULL WAY Parcel # 4892 -A3 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Mountaindown2Seaside Trust

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart

PW 25-020 A request has been submitted to install 50’ of replacement vinyl bulkheading, construct a 5’ x 40’ dock and a 6’ x 43.5’ pier, reinstall two (2) PWC lifts and install two (2) new boat lifts with associated pilings maximum channelward extension of 50’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 613 S SURF RD Parcel # 9526A-14 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Diane Mychajliw

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart

PW 25-021 A request has been submitted to replace 50’ of deteriorated timber bulkheading with vinyl; install two (2) new PWC lifts

with associated pilings and one (1) boat lift on existing pilings, maximum channelward extension 50’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 615 S SURF RD Parcel # 9527A-15 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Roman Mychajliw

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart

PW 25-022 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings not to exceed 37’ maximum channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 67 HARBOUR ISLAND CM Parcel # 3486 -67 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: RHR Family, LLC

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart OCD-2/27/2t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20497 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RONALD W. FERGER

Notice is given that Robin L. Ferger Hill, 705 Mooring Rd., Unit 3, Ocean City, MD 21842-4976, was on February 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald W. Ferger who died on January 05, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of August, 2025.

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

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

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

Robin L. Ferger Hill 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 27, 2025

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ANN R. GOUGH Estate No. 20523 Notice is given that KATHLEEN A. GOUGH whose address is 1214 ANNA DR., PHILADELPHIA, PA 19116-1800 was on FEBRUARY 13, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANN R. GOUGH who died on DECEMBER 15, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of AUGUST, 2025

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/27/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

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 Planning and Zoning Commission 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: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

At 7:00 PM

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To consider amending Chapter 110, entitled Zoning, Section 110-2 entitled Definitions, to add certain

definitions related to the outdoor display of merchandise; and Section 110-884, entitled Outdoor Display of Merchandise Standards for Properties Fronting on Atlantic Avenue (boardwalk to establish regulations for businesses wishing to display merchandise outdoors along properties fronting Atlantic Avenue (boardwalk). Businesses would be required to obtain an annual display permit through an application process. The ordinance addresses general standards for all outdoor displays and specific requirements for free-standing outdoor displays, wall mounted outdoor displays, A-Frame signs, ancillary services and restaurants. The ordinance also addresses enforcement procedures.

APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (PZ FILE #25-1810003)

No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.

Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.

For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

JOSEPH P. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON

MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ., ATTORNEY OCD-2/27/3t

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:

Thursday, March 13, 2025

AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request a special parking exception to waive 4 out of 5 required parking space for the conversion of a laundromat to a private office. It is further described as being located on the west side of

Philadelphia Avenue and is locally known as 409 Philadelphia Avenue, Unit 31, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BRITTANI

PHILLIPS (BZA 2711 #2509400001)

AT 6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(1), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 110-333(1) has been filed to request a private dock on a property which has no established principal use on the premises. The property is described as Tax Map 110, Grid 12, Parcel 4124, and as Lot 21 of the J.E. Evans Plat. It is further described as being located on the west side of the intersection of Edgewater Avenue and 7th Street and is locally known as Lot 21, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: TIDAL SOLUTIONS, LLC (BZA 2713 #25-09400002)

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, Attorney OCD-2/27/2t

KIRK G. SIMPKINS ESQ SIMPKINS & SIMPKINS, P.A.

P.O. BOX 550

PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20540 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EMILY JEAN TAYLOR

Notice is given that Kirk G. Simpkins, P.O. Box 550, Princess Anne, MD 21853-0550, was on February 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emily Jean Taylor who died on February 07, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of August, 2025.

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

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

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

ister of Wills. Kirk G. Simpkins

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 27, 2025

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MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC

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

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20543 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHARLES ELWOOD BAILEY

Notice is given that Vina Bailey, 33 Blue Heron Cir., Berlin, MD 21811-2712, was on February 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Elwood Bailey who died on January 11, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of August, 2025.

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

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

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

Vina Bailey 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 27, 2025

MEEGAN KENNEDY WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20551 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD M. SASSI

Notice is given that Peter S. Buas, 3509 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, MD 21842-3334, was on February 26, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard M. Sassi who died on February 23, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26th day of August 2025.

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

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

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

Peter S. Buas 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 06, 2025

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BRIAN PETER COSBY NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP 12417 OCEAN GATEWAY #B-13 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGETTE MARIE METRO Estate No. 19541 Notice is given that VALERIE METRO MONTGOMERY whose address is 5405 CHATHAM RD BROOKLYN PARK, MD 21225-3428 was on FEB-

RUARY 27, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGETTE MARIE METRO who died on DECEMBER 17, 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 27th day of AUGUST, 2025.

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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DONALD MARLAIS, ATTNY.

411 10TH ST., NE WASHINGTON, DC 20002-6119

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20553 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FREDERICK LEWIS STROBEL JR.

Notice is given that Angel Kennedy, 2755 E. Palmer St., Gilbert, AZ 85298-5749, was on February 27, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frederick Lewis Strobel Jr. who died on January 13, 2025, 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 27th day of August, 2025.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal

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

Angel Kennedy 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 06, 2025

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SIMPKINS & SIMPKINS, P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW

P.O. BOX 550 PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853

ROBERT JAY HUDSON

58 Lookout Pt Ocean Pines, MD 21811

Plaintiff VS.

JAMES HARVEY SMITH

P.O. Box 366703 San Juan, PR 00936-6703

And WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Serve on: Phillip G. Thompson, Treasurer P.O. Box 248 Snow Hill, MD 21863

And

All persons or Corporations having Or claiming to have interest in the hereinafter described properties situate in Worcester County, Maryland

Defendants

CIVIL NO. C-23-CV-25-000049 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

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

"The property located in Worcester County, further described as List Number: 50 Parcel Number: 08007438 Property Description 2.12

Acs N Side George Island Landing Rd, Assessed to Smith James Harvey"

The Complaint states, among other ~ that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

IT IS thereupon 25th of February, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general

circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the April 29, 2025, and redeem "The property located in Worcester County, further described as List Number: 50 Parcel Number: 08007438 Property Description 2.12

Acs N Side George Island Landing Rd, Assessed to Smith James Harvey" and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances. '

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

Beau H. Oglesby Judge

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/6/3t

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

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of BARBARA DAVID - TUBBS Estate No. 20554 Notice is given that CHRISTINE M JONES whose address is 323 BUTTERCUP CT BERLIN, MD 21811-1190, JOHN F JONES whose address is 323 BUTTERCUP CT BERLIN, MD 218111190 were on FEBRUARY 28, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BARBARA DAVIDTUBBS who died on FEBRUARY 11, 2025 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of

Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

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

IN THE ESTATE OF: EMILIO VASCO CALCARA ESTATE NO. 20340

PUBLIC NOTICE TO CAVEAT

To all persons interested in the above estate:

Notice is given that a petition to caveat has been filed by CAROL RENNE MOLONY AND JULIANA CALCARA , DAUGHTERS OF THE DECEDENT challenging the will dated 9/25/2023.

You may obtain from the Register of Wills the date and time of any hearing on this matter.

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills

Name of newspaper: OCEAN CITY DIGEST

Date of publication: MARCH 06, 2025

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

IN THE ESTATE OF: KAYRELL J. WILKERSON ESTATE NO. 20509

PUBLIC NOTICE TO CAVEAT

To all persons interested in the above estate:

Notice is given that a petition to caveat has been filed by DONNA M. WILKERSON SUTRIDGE, 12829 SWORDFISH DRIVE, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 challenging the will dated 8/18/2022.

You may obtain from the Register of Wills the date and time of any hearing on this matter.

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills

Name of newspaper: OCEAN CITY DIGEST

Date of publication: MARCH 06, 2025

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IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: ROBERT ELLSWORTH JOHNSON

ESTATE NO. 20542

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by SARAH JOHNSON, 214 DEAN ROAD, CENTERVILLE, MD 21617 AND AMANDA FLOYD, 9181 FIREFLY RUN, PASADENA, MD 21122 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on March 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

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

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills Newspaper designated by personal representative: OCEAN CITY DIGEST

Date of publication: MARCH 06, 2025

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PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

LBHA - Adult Mental Health Targeted Case Management Services

Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified Vendors to provide mental health Targeted Case Management (TCM) services for eligible adults with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Applicants must meet all criteria and remain in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

Proposal 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 Proposal 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 Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal conference will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, via Google Meet, at 1:00pm. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Monday, April 7, 2025, at 2:30pm and will be opened, and only vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Proposal Solicitation – LBHA - Adult Mental Health Targeted Case Management Services”, in the lower lefthand corner.

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

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

Procurement Officer

Worcester County, Maryland

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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: James Ryan Bergey, III, 10580 Worcester Highway, Berlin Maryland 21811.

For: OC Flamingo, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Flamingo Coast 3 Atlantic Avenue

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: T&T Russo Realty Corporation

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 19, 2025 @ 1:25 P.M.

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

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION

FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B/W/L 7 Day and a Request to designate as Multiple License #1 Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Robert Ciprietti, 38944 Cypress Lake, #56167, Bethany Beach, DE 19930; and Wayne Albert Hartman, 60 Hingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811.

For: Farindola OP, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Ocean Pines Yacht Club 1 Mumfords Landing Road Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811

Formerly: Ocean Pines

International Yacht Club, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 19, 2025 @ 1:45 P.M.

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

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NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B/W/L 7 Day and a Request to designate as Multiple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: Robert Ciprietti, 38944 Cypress Lake, #56167, Bethany Beach, DE 19930; and Wayne Albert Hartman, 60 Hingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811.

For: Farindola OP, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Ocean Pines Golf & Country Club 100 Clubhouse Drive Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811

Formerly: Ocean Pines Golf & Country Club, Inc

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 19, 2025

@ 1:50 P.M.

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

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION

FOR

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B/W/L 7 Day and a Request to designate as Multiple License #3 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: Robert Ciprietti, 38944 Cypress Lake, #56167, Bethany Beach, DE 19930; and Wayne Albert Hartman, 60 Hingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. For: Farindola OP, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Ocean Pines Beach Club 4905 Atlantic Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Ocean Pines Beach Club, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 19, 2025 @ 1:55 P.M.

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

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DONALD EUGENE HOLTZAPPLE SR Estate No. 20516 Notice is given that DONALD EUGENE HOLTZAPPLE JR whose address is 925 JOHNSON ST., SALISBURY, MD 21804-3863 was on FEBRUARY 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DONALD EUGENE HOLTZAPPLE SR who died on OCTOBER 20, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of AUGUST, 2025

Any person having a claim

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

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

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

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

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20550 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ALICE LEE ADKINS

Notice is given that Patricia Ellen Hudson, 204 Coulbourne Ln., Apt. B, Snow Hill, MD 21863-1267, was on February 26, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Alice Lee Adkins who died on November 15, 2024, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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

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

Patricia Ellen Hudson Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County

Terri Westcott

One W. Market Street

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 06, 2025

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

To all persons interested in the estate of ELLEN H. WENTZEL Estate No. 20546 Notice is given that DEBORAH H. WENTZEL whose address is 16 WINDJAMMER RD., BERLIN, MD 21811-1516 was on FEBRUARY 25, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ELLEN H. WENTZEL who died on DECEMBER 25, 2024 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

enforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DORIS MOSLEY Estate No. 20544 Notice is given that HOPE JACOBS whose address is 12583 KEMPSTON LN., WOODBRIDGE, VA 22192-5066 was on FEBRUARY 24, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of DORIS MOSLEY who died on DECEMBER 10, 2024 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20541

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of Fairfax County, Virginia appointed Elia James Iannelli, 13728 Fieldstone Way, Gainesville, VA 20155-6669; and Domenick Iannelli Jr., 7716 Overlook Drive, Catlett, VA 20119 as the Co-Executor of the Estate of Phoebe Isla Iannelli who died on November 22, 2024 domiciled in Virginia, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Michele Iannelli Willis whose address is 13 Manda Ct., Middletown, MD 21769-7851.

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

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

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

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

Elia James Iannelli Domenick Iannelli Jr. Foreign Personal Representatives Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: March 06, 2025

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GAIL R. KAHAN 2500 LINDENWOOD DR. OLNEY, MD 20832-1549

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20549

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of Cook County, Illinois appointed Arnold B. Mellits, 1595 Dunwoody Club Xing, Atlanta, GA 30338-3400 as the Executor of the Estate of Janet Gloria Mellits who died on September 29, 2024 domiciled in Illinois, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Gail R. Kahan whose address is 2500 Lindenwood Dr., Olney, MD 20832-1549.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Arnold B. Mellits Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper:

Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: March 06, 2025

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MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL NOTICE OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ORDINANCE 2025-02

NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2025-02 was introduced for first reading at a regular meeting on February 18, 2025. A fair summary of the ordinance is as follows: An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill (the "Town") to amend Chapter 131, Entitled Penalties, Fees, Fines and other Charges, Section 131-2, Entitled Building and Other Related Fees and Section 1313, Entitled Planning and Zoning Fees of the Code of the tow Snow Hill, Maryland. The Mayor and Council of Snow Hill (“Snow Hill”) desires to remove the majority building, planning and zoning fees from the Town of Snow Hill Code and add the ability to adopt said fees by resolution of the Mayor and Council. The second reading will take place on March 11, 2025 at the regular Town Hall meeting. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

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2025-03

NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2025-03 was introduced for first reading at a regular meeting on February 18, 2025. A fair summary of the ordinance is as follows: An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill (the "Town") to amend Chapter 131, Entitled Penalties, Fees, Fines and other Charges, Section 131-1, Entitled Parking Fines and Section 131-6, Entitled Municipal Infractions of the Code of the Town of Snow Hill, Maryland. The Mayor and Council of Snow Hill (“Snow Hill”) desires to update fine amounts as recommended by staff related to parking fines and municipal infractions. The second reading will take place on March 11, 2025 at the regular Town Hall meeting. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-06

RE: Transfer of Short-term Rental License

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-06 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of March 3, 2025. Second reading is scheduled March 17, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the March 3, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance amends the moratorium passed in Ordinance 2025-05 to allow, in calendar year 2025 , the buyer of a property located in R-1 or MH districts and if said property has an existing rental license, the buyer may apply for a rental license and supplementary short-term rental license under certain circumstances.

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-07

RE: Parking and Towing Penalties

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-07 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of March 3, 2025. Second reading is scheduled March 17, 2025.

A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the March 3, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance enhances parking and towing penalties for violations during designated special events and special event zones. It also authorizes the Parking Division of the Public Works Department to enforce scofflaw regulations.

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-08

RE: Paid Parking Locations

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-08 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of March 3, 2025. Second reading is scheduled March 17, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the March 3, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance establishes locations for paid parking on streets and municipal parking lots and restates all paid parking locations, including additional paid parking spaces south of the Rt. 50 Bridge, spaces in the south convention center parking lot and spaces previously exempted via provisions in Ordinance 2023-01.

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-09

RE: Paid Parking Definition

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-08 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of March 3, 2025. Second reading is scheduled March 17, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the March 3, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts the term “Paid Parking” to mean parking for which the Town requires payment and shall be read in place of the following terms: parking meter, parking meters, metered parking, metered

New guide provides purchase process FAQs

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(March 7, 2025) The National Association of REALTORS® released their latest consumer guides focused on preparing for homeownership. This guide covers what prospective buyers should consider as they kick off the home purchase process, including the importance of credit scores, mortgage pre-approval, down payments, budgeting, and educational resources.

How important is my credit score? Establishing a good credit history

takes time, and it is never too early to start working on it. Your credit score will impact your approval for a home loan and the terms of your mortgage, including how much you can borrow and what programs will lend to you. Buyers with strong credit scores may benefit from lower interest rates on their mortgage. Using credit cards and paying the balance off on time and in full each month can help you improve or start building your credit score.

What is a mortgage pre-approval?

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can help buyers better compete in high-demand housing markets and, in some cases, can be required to make an offer. Pre-approval requires verified financial information and is dif-

ferent than pre-qualification, which provides an estimate of how much you can borrow using self-reported information. However, pre-approval does not lock in your mortgage rate, which may change with the market.

What if I can’t afford the cost of a down-payment? While down payments are typically 10-20% of a home’s purchase price, some buyers may qualify to pay a lower down payment, such as 3-5% of the purchase price through a government-backed mortgage, such as FHA or VA, or down payment assistance programs. However, these lower down payments often require mortgage insurance. A higher down payment can help you avoid the cost of mortgage

insurance and potentially help you qualify for a better interest rate.

What other items should I budget for? In addition to your down payment, mortgage payments, and closing costs, there are many other expenses to budget for when preparing to buy a home. Items like moving, maintenance and repair costs, utilities and monthly bills, homeowners, and property taxes are also key considerations. Some buyers may also need to factor in annual or monthly payments to a homeowners or condo association, or hazard insurance for floods or fire.

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

Area officials make annual budget requests

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 7, 2025) Pocomoke needs money for firefighter overtime. Berlin wants a grant to go toward a new community center. Snow Hill asked for help paying for sidewalks for schoolchildren, and Ocean City wants money to help paying for a batch of new po-

lice officers. Local leaders jokingly call it the “beg-a-thon” – when municipalities descend on the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill and bring forth their respective funding requests to the County Commissioners at the start of another season of budget planning. This year’s budget

requests came at the commissioner’s meeting on Tuesday.

Pocomoke City Pocomoke City’s fiscal year 2026 request totals $1.8 million. This includes unrestricted grant funding of $567,787, which is a 5 percent increase over last year’s request.

City Manager John Barkley said

that money would support operational upgrades to public works, police, water and wastewater, and economic development. He called the grants “critical” in the face of rising costs for materials, equipment, fuel and energy, vehicles and supplies.

To help fund for firefighting and

Company Promotions

SVN | Miller Commercial Real Estate announced the promotion of four long-term team members to key leadership roles as part of an exciting succession plan designed to guide the company into a new era of growth and innovation.

Michele Messick takes on the role of controller, where she will lead SVN Miller’s financial strategy and ensure the company remains on solid fiscal footing. Since joining SVN | Miller in 2013, Messick has been the driving force behind the company’s financial success, overseeing the accounting department with precision and care.

Justin Hart has been named director of maintenance, a position that capitalizes on his hands-on expertise and commitment to ensuring properties under SVN | Miller’s management are maintained to the highest standards. Since joining SVN | Miller in 2016, Hart has spearheaded the creation and development of the SVN | Maintenance Department, building a robust division that provides exceptional support to clients

Amber Bostwick, CPM has been promoted to director of operations, where she will oversee the seamless integration of company functions and ensure SVN | Miller continues to de-

liver the high standards of service its clients expect. Amber’s extensive experience across all facets of the company, including operations, property management, and brokerage, has provided her with an unparalleled understanding of SVN | Miller’s inner workings. In addition, Amber has earned her Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), further solidifying her expertise in overseeing complex operations and property management systems.

Lindsay Harrington, CPM steps into the role of director of property management, leveraging her deep expertise in tenant and property owner relations. Since joining SVN | Miller in 2009, Lindsay has focused primarily on lease administration and insurance management. Lindsay has also earned her Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), a credential that underscores her expertise in managing complex property portfolios. This designation, combined with her extensive experience, positions her to provide unparalleled leadership in enhancing the property management experience, ensuring tenants and clients benefit from responsive and effective solutions tailored to their needs.

“This talented team brings fresh perspectives, proven expertise, and an unwavering commitment to our clients,” said Rick Tilghman, managing director. “Their leadership marks an exciting new chapter for SVN | Miller as we continue to grow and adapt in an evolving commercial real estate market.”

New office opened

Becker Morgan Group proudly marked the opening of its new Charlotte office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house luncheon, welcoming clients, colleagues, and community leaders to celebrate this exciting milestone. The event showcased Becker Morgan Group’s commitment to serving the needs of the region with innovative architectural and engineering solutions.

Attendees gathered to commemorate the expansion, with remarks from firm leadership highlighting the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional design services and fostering strong community partnerships. The new office represents a strategic investment in the Charlotte market, allowing Becker Morgan Group to provide localized expertise and enhanced service to clients across the Carolinas.

OC seeks funding to help with police hiring

emergency medical services, Barkley asked for a $72,000 grant. He said Pocomoke City is up against fire/EMS staffing shortages and needs that money for overtime, on-call compensation, and possible out-of-town calls for service. He also requested a $49,338 infrastructure grant, for security upgrades to government buildings.

“We appreciate the funding and support that Worcester County has provided to the city in past years, and we look forward to continuing to work with the county on matters of common interest in the coming fiscal year,” Barkley said.

Berlin

Berlin Mayor Zackery Tyndall sough a 7.5% grant increase, totaling $537,000, which he said would be used to offset municipal services like fire/EMS and police.

Tyndall also asked for $150,000 to assist with site work on a new community center on Flower Street. Funding will also come from federal community development block grants to assist with architectural and design work.

Tyndall said the town has set aside $370,000 for the project, much of which came from fundraising with the sales of lawn-sized Town of Berlin flags. The community center site also would be the future home of the nonprofit community group Shore Up!

“I want to thank the commissioners for the transfer of property that you did on Flower Street, for that rear parcel that’s largely offline wetlands – not really a whole lot of use, but it is going to add some green space to the future community center,” Tyndall said.

Snow Hill

Snow Hill grant requests totaled $1.13 million. Town Manager Rick Pollitt mentioned a promenade project on Bank Street, which requires $72,000 in stormwater management expenses to make up for a federal funding shortfall.

Other Snow Hill requests included $12,600 for sidewalks for pedestrian safety in the vicinity of schools, $49,338 toward street infrastructure needs, and $66,518 for deteriorating basketball courts.

Pollitt also said Snow Hill is seeking $171,185 in support toward flooding remediation at Byrd Park, a 15-acre site along the Pocomoke River.

“We’ve tried to make the case that Byrd Park is more than just a town park,” he said. “People come from miles around to launch their boats there, have picnics, family gatherings. We’re hoping the county will see that as a regional resource that’s worthy of your attention.”

Ocean City

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and City Manager Terry McGean spoke at the meeting. The resort’s request includes $2.8 million in unrestricted grant funding, $50,000

toward the convention bureau, a $100,000 recreation grant, and $400,000 toward tourism marketing.

Meehan asked for $1.13 million in police funding, to offset half the cost of recruiting and hiring 10 new fulltime officers, as well as providing them with police vehicles. That manpower is needed, the mayor said, since Ocean City was forced to end its 125year program of hiring summertime cops.

“The seasonal officer program was really our farm team – they were our AAA team,” Meehan said. “Over 90% of our current officers serving as fulltime officers started as seasonal officers. We no longer have that program, which is making it very difficult for us to recruit.”

Ocean City also requested $1,247,495 to offset the town’s spend-

ing on emergency services to West Ocean City, where Meehan says the resort handles about 21% of all fire/EMS calls.

Ocean Pines

To maintain its 82 miles of roads and 387 drainage ditches, Ocean Pines requested $150,000 toward infrastructure maintenance and repairs, as well as $223,071 toward general street grants. The in-person request came from Ocean Pines Association vice president Rick Farr and general manager John Viola.

Citing an increasing demand on their emergency services, Farr also asked for a $75,000 grant toward for police and $46,000 toward fire services.

He also mentioned that, because the Ocean Pines is technically a homeowner’s association and not formally a municipality, they don’t participate

in a pension system for police but have their own 401(k) program.

Ocean Pines also put in a request for a $40,000 grant for its recreation and parks department, which Farr said is operated seven days a week, year-round. Money would go toward maintenance and operational costs for amenities like concerts in the park, holiday events, soccer fields, basketball courts, and walking trails, he said.

Rick Meehan

‘Fun bill’ eyes Orange Crush as Md. cocktail

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 7, 2025) A Lower Shore lawmaker is raising a toast to the iconic Orange Crush, with a bill pending in Annapolis that would designate it as the state’s official cocktail.

Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C, Worcester) introduced the legislation in response to Delaware’s summer 2024 declaration that the Orange Crush was the First State’s official adult beverage.

“The fact that there was all the fanfare, nobody stood up to say, ‘hey, this belongs to Maryland.’ Theres a lot of talk already about it, a lot of excitement. This is one of those things we have fun with, show our Maryland pride, and set the record straight,” Hartman said Wednesday. “This is the right bill to pass this year.”

Hartman’s bill has the support of the Maryland Tourism Coalition, a trade association for all sectors of the tourism industry. Executive Director Ruth Toomey said if the bill passes, she’ll make the Orange Crush the group’s signature drink during summer conferences.

“It’s a fun bill. We’ve had a really crazy fast-moving session, so we’re looking forward to having the Orange Crush bill presented,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for all the bars and liquor distributors to really have fun with it, some fun marketing campaigns to attract visitors and

tourists, not just to Ocean City but around the state.”

Hartman wants everyone to know the history behind the heralded highball and hopes to make the Orange Crush as synonymous with Maryland as the crabcake.

He’s even written into the language of the bill how bartenders at Harborside Bar & Grill in West Ocean City dreamed up the concoction in 1995.

“It’s historical,” remarked Harborside co-founder Chris Wall. “It’s nice to be acknowledged for your accomplishments, especially among your peers and the people. It’s quite an honor. (Co-founder) Lloyd (Whitehead) and I are more on the humble side, but things like this, it’s pretty amazing.”

Wall said the recent crush craze began when The Starboard, a destination bar in Dewey Beach, Delaware, audaciously claimed it had perfected the Orange Crush.

The rivalry went viral and even picked up steam in Washington, where Senators from both states – Chris Coons from Delaware and Ben Cardin from Maryland – playfully faced off with a crushmaking competition ahead of a summer recess. Team Maryland won.

“Starboard never showed up to help Coons. I kind of felt bad for him, because they did not set him up at all,” said Wall, who was there with Sen. Cardin’s team.

“The Washington Post had us on the front page. It was quite an event. It was nice to see everybody having a little fun.”

Wall and Whitehead opened Harborside in 1993. Two years later, the Orange Crush emerged during a chilly off-season, when Wall decided to keep his bartenders warm and busy outside by experimenting with a potent potable that had just come to market: orange flavored vodka.

“It was before we enclosed the outside

March 6 - 13

bar before winter, and we left it open too late. The bartender, she was freezing her butt off out there, in a parka. Another guy, I said to him, we have a Stoli O machine outside that we can’t put back in the bottle,” Wall recalled, referencing a device that keeps chilled booze in a reservoir, pourable by spigot.

“Legally,” he added, “we can’t put it back in the bottle. So, we went out there to watch football and we already had the

See OFFICIAL Page 55

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Bartenders Maddie Moloney and Will DiGennaro mix up a couple of Orange Crush drinks at the bar where the drink was invented, Harborside Bar & Grill in West Ocean City .

Berlin will soon welcome region’s first Ghost Museum

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 6, 2025) This summer, a new haunted attraction will open in Berlin, allowing residents and visitors to explore local paranormal history.

A ghost museum with artifacts and documents detailing the spooky past and stories about Berlin will welcome paranormal enthusiasts from near and far in June. A specific date has not been formalized, but Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, maintained the facility will open its doors in early summer. The upper level of Pitts Street Treasures will serve as the exhibit’s home.

“[Pitts Street Treasures] was ultimately chosen due to its historic nature and the beauty of the room and windows,” Wells said.

According to Wells, the museum’s owners and operators have chosen to remain anonymous at this time. She added when the creator came to her with the idea, she “loved it,” adding the attraction has been in the works for about a year.

The museum will be suitable for all ages. A Facebook post by the Town of Berlin Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District announcing the gallery said there would be “no jump scares.”

The facility will feature “a collection showcasing artifacts, stories, and historical accounts of ghost sightings and paranormal phenomena,” the social media post continues. The cost of entrance has yet to be determined. Wells noted the establishment will be open during the weekly Berlin Farmers Market each Sunday from May through October.

Municipal officials are confident the exhibit will enhance the town’s allure.

“It brings a unique blend of history, mystery, and intrigue to downtown Berlin for those eager to experience the town’s haunted charm,” Wells said.

Berlin’s mystical background has been a source of interest for some time. Chesapeake Ghost Tours, a paranormal business owned by Mindie Burgoyne, features the town as one of its Maryland Eastern Shore haunted attractions that tourists and residents can attend via a guided tour with storytellers. Additional offerings by the company include an Ocean City Ghost Walk, a St. Michaels Ghost Walk, a Cambridge Ghost Walk, a Salisbury Ghost Walk, a Snow Hill Ghost Walk, a Pocomoke Ghost Walk, and a Denton Ghost Walk.

The Chesapeake Ghost Tours website notes that Berlin’s tour “has the strangest energy out of all our Eastern Shore ghost walks.” The excursion features legends like the “healing tree,” walking dead and an “elemental.”

The healing tree is located on the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum’s property. The story goes the plant radiates heat, healing energy, and vibration. The elemental, or a non-human spirit, is also discussed on the tour, as there have been accounts of apparition sightings at the Adkins Company on Harrison Avenue. The company’s website notes the walk includes stories of a child who haunts the iconic Atlantic Hotel.

The Pitts Street museum will now operate in conjunction with Chesapeake Ghost Tours’ unearthly services. Visitors and residents can access the new facility sometime this June.

Official cocktail status sought

Continued from Page 54

juicers in ‘94. Stoli O came out in ‘95. I said, let’s just mix things up –we have the fruit, we got the juicer, we got the vodka. And the Orange Crush just took off.”

The name, of course, was a nobrainer. “We’re crushing the fruit, crushing the drink. Orange Crush. Common sense,” Wall said.

With a practiced spin of the venerable Hamilton Beach 932 – the “best juicer in the world,” Wall noted – bartenders at Harborside make crushes fresh to order: juice an orange into an ice-filled glass, add Smirnoff orange vodka, a splash of triple sec, shake it up, top with a spritz of lemon-lime soda.

Harborside keeps about 50 cases of oranges on hand, either of the Florida or California variety, going into any summer weekend, Wall said. “Florida oranges, the uglier on the outside, the better it is,” he said.

Does it bother Wall that every bar around town, starting in West Ocean City, soon started making their own ver-

sion of the Orange Crush? Not at all, he said.

“Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Knock yourself out. That’s just free advertisement for us. It never hurt my feelings, because most bartenders know us and our staff around town – ‘it started at Harborside.’ You gotta remember, the Bloody Mary, the Margarita, they all started somewhere,” Wall said.

Hartman’s House Bill 1001 and its companion in the Senate are scheduled for a hearing March 13 in Annapolis. If they don’t die in committee, they have a halfway decent chance at passing; Hartman says he’s been told Gov. Wes Moore’s administration is supportive of the measure.

The Orange Crush could then join a long list of beloved Maryland state symbols, like the state drink (milk), state spirit (rye whiskey), and state dog (Chesapeake Bay retriever), to name just a few. Maryland’s Eastern Shore has already contributed an official state treat in 2008 when lawmakers made Smith Island Cake the official state dessert.

by Steve Green

AThe Adventures of Fatherhood

winter of many firsts for both my teenagers wrapped last month with Beckett performing in his first musical since elementary school.

Last year Beckett went with his mom to watch the Worcester Prep musical Mamma Mia! His immediate response was how impressed he was with a goal to go out for the play next year. He followed through on that vow and tried out for the musical.

This year’s musical was an interesting one filled with weather cancellations. An entire week of rehearsals was lost in January due to snow and more days followed with more snow, resulting in heightened anxiety, understandably, among the cast and directors.

As I have gotten older with my boys, I have learned I am most excited when my kids try new things. It’s fun to watch them branch out, especially when they find joy in the new and discover things about themselves. The result seems to be confidence.

Carson’s freshman year has consisted of all new things, including most notably a bigger school with new classes and teachers.

The most exciting aspect of Carson’s freshman year has been his first involvement in Unified Sports with tennis in the fall and strength and conditioning in the winter. Both teams won state titles, which he is proud of and often wears his apparel and medals around the house.

Carson does not always show excitement on his face. It’s his actions later that confirm how much things mean to him. For instance, the night his team won the state title in strength and conditioning, we had an event in Salisbury for his brother. As we were about to leave, and racing the clock, Carson ran

back upstairs abruptly.

I have learned in these bizarre circumstances to let him do his thing because there’s a method to his madness. He had a head of steam and a goal. He came around the corner holding the medal up his high his team received. He insisted on wearing it to the event and was clearly proud. It’s these acts that demonstrate the significance and meaning.

As for Beckett, his junior year has featured multiple new electives, like digital audio and chemistry of cooking, while also trying mock trial and the musical in school during the winter months rather than basketball.

Outside of school, in February, he went to his first Christian retreat weekend in Denton with other teens and leaders from our church. I was incredibly impressed with his interest, as all we did was paid for it and never even asked him to attend.

When I picked him up from the camp to return home so he could attend a musical rehearsal, we had some of the best and most mature conversations I can recall. My faith is a big part of my life, but I don’t expect him at 16 years old to share my beliefs. Sure, he attends church most Sundays with us, but at his age I did not have the same feelings and passion that I have today about my spirituality. He will lean into it naturally or he will not. It’s his decision as he moves through life.

On the way home, however, Beckett shared his feelings and emotions about the experience. He used the word, “awakening” and I admit to getting emotional hearing him talk about his experience. He admits to not understanding everything, but he also said he wants to learn more and hold himself accountable.

Meanwhile, as I was driving up listening to our church’s service on stream, I recall thinking how proud I

was he wanted to attend this weekend retreat and hoping he got something out of it. It was clear he did, and he has been researching similar excursions for the future.

When we got home that day, he went straight to school to continue musical rehearsals as the team was trying to make up for lost time.

In the weeks leading up to the musical, he was stressed. Some long days and nights of rehearsals were needed to make up for the lost time.

Over the course of the two performances last month, there were no indications the performers were not prepared. It was enjoyable for all.

For our guy, it was his first musical in high school. When he was younger in elementary school, he participated in the school’s seasonal performances, but in recent years he seemed to grow away from the arts. When we asked if he wanted to go out for the play his sophomore, he said no because his friend group would ridicule him.

At some point, he has determined he does not care what other people think. This is a clear sign of maturation. I was as proud of that decision as I was seeing him enjoy performing on stage.

Footloose the Musical is based around the movie by the same name, but with much more singing naturally. It’s a fun musical to watch as the music is familiar and it’s funny.

Beckett had two supporting roles, one of which was as a cowboy. He really got into the role and gave his mom and I some fun memories watching him and his friends.

He’s already looking forward to next year, which means we are as well.

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

Sheriff’s Office to seek increase in starting salaries

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 7, 2025) Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said he had but one thought last week when he saw neighboring Rehoboth Beach increased its starting salary for police officers to $78,000.

“How in the hell are we going to compete with that?” he said.

Leadership at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office said starting pay for deputies needs to increase sharply, as the agency faces recruiting competition from other law enforcement agencies offering bigger salaries and five-digit signing bonuses.

The $55,037 starting salary for a Worcester County sheriff’s deputy is not competitive and should be increased to attract new recruits and lateral transfers, Crisafulli and his senior leadership team said in an interview with OC Today-Dispatch.

By how much, though, is something Crisafulli is still figuring out with county leaders. Worcester County’s annual budget process kicks off this week, with county departments and municipalities submitting funding requests. The fiscal year 2026 budget will be finalized in June.

“We’re certainly taking a hard look at this budget cycle to improve. We want to be competitive. You have surrounding agencies – Delaware State Police, Maryland State Police, your Virginia Beach departments – they’re just ratcheting up the pay,” Crisafulli said.

The sheriff’s office staffs 95 sworn deputies. They have two full-time openings, and two part-time openings, not to mention three deputies who just completed a six-month stint at the police academy with another recruit soon to graduate.

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But with more and more training requirements from the state, it means deputies are spending less time in their job, and more time on training. Some roles require monthly or biweekly training. Then there’s vacation, personal time, even sick time means less time clocked into their job.

“Some of them, we’re lucky to get them for 1,500 hours a year,” Crisafulli said. “It’s getting to the point, it’s taking two to three deputies to make one.”

In the last five years, the sheriff’s office received a total of 151 applications for entry-level deputies, including seven this year. A decade ago, however, there would have been three to five times as many applications, according to Chief Deputy Nate Passwaters, second in command at the sheriff’s office.

He said Worcester’s recruiting struggles are microcosm of a nationwide trend: police agencies started to

Competition soars among surrounding agencies

see a decline in applications during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21. At the same time, rhetoric around police reform hampered some departments’ abilities to get qualified applicants, he said.

It’s led some agencies to up the ante – like in Hagerstown, he noted, where the police department is offering recruits a $40,000 bonus.

“You can go on the internet right now and look at 20 different police departments and you’re going to see sign-on bonuses and significant increases in salaries,” Passwaters said. “We’re all struggling to get the same applicants. It’s important for us to do everything we can on our end, working with our county administration and commissioners, to make it enticing.”

It’s not just rookie hires that are drying up. For deputy positions that cover the court system – the primary duty of the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Crisafulli notes – applications for years had easily been sourced from retired cops looking to downshift in their career. From 2020 to 2022, the office saw 26 applications for parttime hires.

But since 2023, total applications fell to two. It’s forced the sheriff to convert as many as 15 to 18 parttimers into full-time deputy positions. Passwaters said to get out from under that staffing imbalance would require bringing another 12 to 15 more deputies on board.

“When people retired, they would come over, be able to wear the uniform, work the courts, and remain a law enforcement officer,” Crisafulli said. “It’s an open line in the budget, but you can’t fill it, because people are not staying in this profession. They’re taking their pension and

they’re saying enough is enough.”

Many police agencies put new hires on a three- to five-year contract, something that Crisafulli himself did 30 years ago when his police career started in Pocomoke City. Historically, this has not been the practice of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office – but that could change.

“We’re strongly considering that option in the next couple of years,” Crisafulli said. “You’re doing it to protect your investment so that the deputy doesn’t get three weeks into field training, and wake up and say, ‘wow, I could make $10,000 more in the neighboring county.’”

Competition is coming not only from Lower Shore counties in Maryland, but Delaware, where the State Police have bold billboards advertising a $86,919 starting salary – “and that’s really all you need” to see, said Sgt. Mike Valerio of the sheriff’s office.

Valerio also represents his colleagues in blue as the vice president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #50. He noted that, unlike other police unions that use collective bargaining to agree on a contract and wages, his lodge will sit down face-toface with county leaders to discuss wages.

“We’re reasonable and don’t expect the deciders of salary to give our members blank checks. But we gotta stay competitive,” he said. “We gotta ensure our members have the ability to live a comfortable life and provide for their family while still doing this job, because they can go make more money doing other things.”

Valerio also mentioned how the ever-shrinking candidate pool isn’t just entry-level college kids or candi-

dates exiting the military. It’s also lateral transfers, or mid-career cops who leave other agencies for the sheriff’s office. And he’d know – Valerio left the Ocean City Police Department in 2016 to join the Worcester team in Snow Hill.

The sheriff’s office is also facing even more competition, from an unlikely source: the local housing market, where inventory is low and list prices are rising.

“They want to live in Worcester,” Valerio says of his lodge brothers and sisters. “They just can’t afford it.”

POLICE STARTING PAY

After graduating from academy

Snow Hill Police

$48,073

City of Virginia Beach Police

$49,790

Pocomoke City Police

$52,826

Berlin Police

$54,560

Salisbury Police

$55,000

Worcester County Sheriff

$55,037

Wicomico County Sheriff

$57,200

Ocean City Police

$57,947

Ocean Pines Police

$63,500

Maryland State Police

$68,673

Rehoboth Beach Police

$78,809

Delaware State Police

$86,919

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

Miniature golf became a popular form of entertainment in the 1920s and reached a peak of over 25,000 courses nationally in 1930. The first opened in Ocean City in the early 1930s just off the Boardwalk and many others have come and gone in the years since.

Everyone it seems had a favorite and among those that have vanished several stand out. One of the most popular was Old Pro’s Sports Course on the Pier (with Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts) while others bemoan the closing of Bamboo Golf on Third Street and Philadelphia Avenue with the pink elephant and white rabbit.

Some also recall the Gold Rush Territory on 125th Street with its western theme, while others miss Ice Land Golf on Somerset Street and Philadelphia Avenue featuring polar bears and an igloo (and built on the site of the old Ocean City Ice House). One of the more recent to depart was Lost Galaxy Golf on 34th Street where one-eyed aliens and flying saucers were part of the scenery.

Today numerous miniature golf courses (including six owned by Old Pro Golf alone) exist along Coastal Highway with dragons, pirate ships, wild animals and dinosaurs providing a background to one of Ocean City’s most popular forms of family entertainment.

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

Photo courtesy Mike Beatty 1966

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

When my teens fall asleep early

Working on a miserable weather day

Looking forward to March Madness

Mail carriers who carry dog treats

When we are first with accurate news

The finds during a desk cleanout

Rare weekends with no plans

The area’s absurd weather extremes

A quick healing injury

Great customer service

A smooth road trip

Passion for community service drives Tanner

Lieutenant fulfills childhood dream of joining Ocean City Vol. Fire Company

By Michael Todd Contributing Writer

(March 7, 2025) This week we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Lieutenant Kyle Tanner, whose deep roots in the community and dedication to mentoring new firefighters drive home the spirit of hometown service.

Born and raised in Ocean City, Tanner graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 2017. Since 2018, he has worked for the Town of Ocean City in the recreation and parks department, where he now serves as a crew leader.

For Tanner, joining the fire company fulfilled a childhood aspiration.

"Joining the fire company has been a dream since I was young," he shares. His journey began with the cadet program from 2013 to 2017, where he distinguished himself by serving as both a lieutenant and president. "My most memorable experiences involve the lasting friendships I have made," Tanner reflects on his cadet years.

In 2017, Tanner transitioned from cadet to active member of OCVFC. His leadership capabilities and commitment to the organization have been recognized through his current position as lieutenant and his service on the board of directors since 2023.

Throughout his service, certain incidents have proven particularly formative. "The fire on Harbor Road is one I look back on due to the intensity of the situation," Tanner recalls. He also notes the valuable experience gained while serving as incident commander during a challenging fatal car fire at Northside Park. "It provided me better insight on being an incident commander," he explains.

These experiences have shaped Tanner into a mentor for newer members. "My greatest accomplishment is having the ability to be able to provide knowledge and understanding to the newer generation of firefighters," he states with pride. This commitment to education is also evident in his occasional assistance with the rookie school.

Tanner's connection to the fire service extends to family, with his uncle Bobby also serving with the department. "It is great hearing stories from the past and learning how the

company used to function," he shares, highlighting the value of institutional knowledge passed through generations.

His time as a live-in at Station 4 and participation in morale functions rank among his most cherished memories with fellow OCVFC members. Tanner notes that what makes Ocean City's volunteer fire service unique is "a variety of different members from many different backgrounds and places throughout the east coast."

Among those who helped shape his development, Tanner particularly acknowledges two mentors: "David Coleman and John Fisher were wonderful mentors that helped me become the firefighter I am today."

When asked about the most rewarding aspect of being a volunteer firefighter in Ocean City, Tanner emphasizes the personal connection to his hometown:

"Being able to serve the community I have grown up in and have been a part of my whole life, as well as having the ability to help out my fellow firefighters."

Tanner has witnessed positive growth in the organization during his tenure. "I've noticed the growth in the

number of members in recent years, which is a true testament to how great the organization is," he observes.

For those considering joining the fire service, Tanner offers straightforward advice: "Spend more time listening than talking."

We thank Lieutenant Tanner for his continued service and dedication to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and the community he has called home his entire life.

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

Kyle Tanner

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

DISTRICT GOVERNOR WELCOMED

The Ocean City Lioness Lions and Ocean City Lions joined together to welcome District Governor Bijoy Mahanti. Both are a part of Lions International, the world’s largest service club organization with 1.4 million members in over 200 countries. Pictured are OC Lioness President Beverly Topfer, District Governor Bijoy, and OC Lions President Scott Stark.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ART CONTEST PARTICIPANTS

Students from Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) were honored for their outstanding artwork in the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club’s Worcester County High School Art Contest. In February, the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club hosted the Worcester County High School Art Contest, a juried event showcasing the artistic talents of high school students. The exhibition displayed 35 pieces of student artwork submitted by various high school art teachers, including WPS Art Director George Zaiser. Participants in the 2025 WPS Optimist Club Art Awards are shown with their certificates of participation, awards, and artwork. Standing, from left, are participants Sydney Todorov and Jayden Scopp, second place winner in drawing Elena Gjoni, third place winner in painting Levi Phillips and honorable mention in painting Sydney Tingle. Seated are third place winner in drawing Angeline Todorov along with participants Mikayla Towns and Kobe Bouzaglo.

OUTREACH PROGRAM

The After School Art Club at Berlin Intermediate School made silhouettes in honor of President’s Day and also silhouette selfies. Joanne Guilfoil, the artist who leads the club, said, “We were late on Presidents’ Day celebration because of snow, but did these anyway so the students could learn about a profile, how to spell silhouette and where the term originated, and remember our presidents.” The art club is an outreach program of the Art League of Ocean City with a grant from the Worcester Co. Arts Council. Students Daniel and Liam are pictured above.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ART EDUCATION

Kids in Sinead O’Harte’s “Kids Paint after George Seurat” class on Feb. 22 painted Seurat-inspired dragons during the Art League of Ocean City’s art education classes. Information on upcoming children’s art classes is available at OCart.org/classes. Pictured are Levon and Sasha Hovhannisyan.

ATTORNEY, JUDGE SPEAK TO STUDENTS

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, a

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

group of Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) students attended a WORX (Work, Observe, Research, Experience) seminar featuring Judge Brian Shockley and attorney Meegan Kennedy as guest speakers, both of whom are WPS alumni. Shockley has served on the Worcester County Circuit Court since August 2017. Kennedy recently worked as a Law Clerk for Judge Shockley in the Circuit Court for Worcester County and previously served in the Office of the Public Defender in Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester counties before joining a private law firm. The WORX program at WPS aims to introduce students to the vast opportunities available within the community and beyond. Pictured with the guest speakers are students Gavin Mann, Dexter Feldman, Liam Crowley, Isha Garg, Gabriella Damouni, Lena Parker, Sydney Parker, Emma Nordstrom, Elena Gjoni, Hayden Wagner, WPS Director of Student Life Megan Wallace, Carolina Labin, Darren Lockard, Nate Friedman and Ronen Poddar.

OC CHAMBER AWARDS CELEBRATION

PHOTOS COURTESY DANA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce’s 75th Anniversary Diamond Celebration was held last Friday at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. There were eight awards presented during the evening. Elected officials pictured on the page are Ocean City Councilman John Gehrig, Senator Mary Beth Carozza’s aide Pat Schrawder, County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic and Delegate Wayne Hartman. A highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement recognition for the late Cheryl Taustin of The Taustin Group who was represented by her son Cole and husband Jay, above left. Diakonia was recognized as the non-profit of the year, above right, with representatives from the charity on hand. Below left, The Original Greene Turtle team is pictured after being recognized for its charitable contributions and passion with the Community Spirit award. Below right, Wendy DiBuo of the Crawl Street Tavern was celebrated as the Citizen of the Year for his business leadership and involvement in nonprofit endeavors in the area.

Other awards presented throughout the evening included Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Trisha Seitz of Effectv, above left; Young Professional of the Year, Jeremy Brown, Authentic Merchant Solutions, above right; First Responder of the Year, Ryan Whittington, Ocean City Fire Department, below left; and Business Person of the Year, Mary Anne and Mike Lawson, Barn 34, who were represented by Rodney Clark.

Opinions

Tariffs hit home for our products

The 25% tariffs President Trump imposed Tuesday on imported goods from Canada and Mexico have hit home. Next week, our newspapers, Bayside Gazette and OC Today-Dispatch, will begin to feel the pinch of the tariff on the Canadian newsprint our printer uses for all our products.

In addition to our main publications, this will include our public notices newspaper, Digest, the monthly Real Estate section we publish through our association with the Coastal Association of Realtors, and, if the tariffs extend into summer, the Discover Downtown section we produce in concert with the Ocean City Development Corporation.

Last year, these publications resulted in a combined annual press run of about 1.7 million papers and somewhere around 62 million individual pages of newsprint rolling off the press. Since paper constitutes 50-70% of the cost of printing, a price increase of some kind is coming our way in seven days regardless of how this tariff is handled by the Canadian producer and our printer.

We were alerted to that Tuesday by our printing company in Dover, Delaware. It cannot yet say how much of an increase we’ll see, because the producer has not told its buyers how much of the tariff it is willing to absorb.

For our part, it is our intent to absorb the increase for as long as we can to help our advertisers. Many of them could be facing their own tariff-related price increases this year depending on their industries and markets. Time will tell.

That’s the beauty of being an independent and “stubbornly local” newspaper company. We can react to the needs of the community while we look for a way to make this work without doing irreparable damage to our own financial circumstances.

Of course, given the political volatility of the situation right now, these tariffs could be gone before this paper even reaches the newsstands. We sincerely hope that happens, but if it doesn’t, we want our customers and supporters to know we will be doing everything we can to help.

PUBLIC EYE

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content copyright 2025

reprint from April 14, 2023

Saving daylight? No!

It all began when a cowboy out on the lone prairie dumped the dregs of black campfire coffee from his cup and said to the drovers with him on the trail to Abilene, “Come on, boys, we’re burnin’ daylight.”

By Stewart Dobson

Out of nowhere came the voice of the young greenhorn, on his very first cattle drive: “Not if we set the clocks ahead an hour,” he volunteered. “That way it will be later in the day but the sun will still be up yonder.”

And thus the greenhorn was rendered into small pieces and scattered along the Old Chisholm Trail and, inadvertently, Daylight Savings Time was invented ... again.

Ever since the first humanoid achieved self-awareness and, upon seeing his reflection in a pool of water, said, “Whoa! Who is that big-foreheaded, monobrowed handsome man?” humans have been attempting to arrange time to suit themselves.

Legend has it, for instance, that the great mathematician Archimedes of ancient Greece had a summer intern, Doofus of Delphi, who proposed a way to give his mentor more time to work on his calculations.

“Eureka!” he reportedly exclaimed. “I have created a new hour of sunlight by using not one, but two sundials, with the pointer on one of them set to an hour later. Yeah, that’s it. We’ll use the second sundial from March to October!”

Archimedes replied, according to ancient

texts, “είσαι

χαμένος,” which loosely translated means, “You’re an idiot!”

And thus, even though Daylight Savings Time didn’t catch on at the time because of portability issues (the wrist sundial had yet to be invented) the intern’s name, Doofus, did survive as a commonly used synonym for anyone whose dial could use some fine tuning.

It wasn’t until the early 1900s that DST became an accepted way to kid ourselves into believing that we were actually saving daylight.

Think about it — if we really were saving daylight, hedge fund groups would be buying big chunks of it and renting it back to us on a short-term basis.

Arguments that DST saves energy and increases human physical activity also remain unproven, especially since people aren’t going outside anymore after school or work, but are sitting around inside, running their air conditioners, and staring at the phones.

Further, recent studies shows that switching the clock back and forth interrupts our Circadian Rhythms, which, as I understand it, refer to our biological clocks (as opposed to Jolly Johnny and the Circadian Rhythm Band of polka party fame).

Our biological clocks are attuned to the sun, which tells us when to be active, when to be passive and when to fall asleep in the recliner.

That’s how it works for me, at least, and is why I say we need to pick a time and stick with it, rather than allow ourselves to be dictated to by clock-watching time bandits, whoever they are, who otherwise only give us the time of day twice a year.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

When property values explode, it’s wise for local governments to at least consider reducing the property tax rate in response to the windfall from booming assessments.

Most governments have property tax rates set above the constant yield level, which is the rate that brings in the same amount of property tax revenue as the year prior. The constant yield rate is set by the state and can change annually based on assessed land values. In the case of Worcester County, in fiscal year 2024, the constant yield rate was .8197 per $100 of assessed valuation with the property tax rate set at .845. For this coming fiscal year, the constant yield rate has been lowered to .770 by the state for Worcester, leaving a gap of 7.5 cents between the current property tax rate and the constant yield rate. At the current tax rate, the county is estimated to bring in more than $18 million in new property tax revenue, according to recent statements. The county’s gap between the set tax rate and the constant yield is much higher than seen in local municipalities –Berlin has a 4.76-cent gap; Ocean City’s is 4.68; and Snow Hill, 5.75. All these towns will also see significant increases in property tax revenue due to land values growing. It would be smart for officials in those towns to at least consider helping property owners with a rate reduction.

Following a motion by Commissioner Chip Bertino, Worcester County agreed to explore lowering the tax rate in the coming weeks including going all the way to the constant yield. Flattening revenues would not be wise due to increased costs, inevitable department demands and the need to maintain appropriate reserves. This evaluation and desire to help property owners must be balanced with the uncertainty of inflationary pressures as well as unknown impacts of the state’s poor budget practices.

For the county, another wrinkle to consider is the school system’s approved budget includes a $10 million increase in funding over what was approved last year. If the commissioners reduce the tax rate, the amount of new tax revenue forecasted will drop from the $18 million currently projected under the same tax rate. Most commissioners in recent years have been unwilling to meet the entire school system funding request, and there’s no indication this year will be any different. The weeks ahead will tell the story, but there seems to be a will to reduce the rate. County staff will now provide revenue projections with specific tax rate decreases as well as the constant yield.

***

Another factor for the county before it reduces the tax rate will be dealing with the request for a major increase in funding from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in addition to the school system. It’s clear a major issue facing governments all over continues to be recruiting and hiring police officers in a competitive environment.

It’s unclear at this point how much new revenue the Sheriff’s Office will be seeking in its budget request, but my guess is it will exceed the 4.5% cap departments were asked by the county not to exceed. In a story this week, Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Valerio said, “We're reasonable and don't expect the deciders of salary to give our members blank checks. But we gotta stay competitive. We gotta ensure our members have the ability to live a comfortable life and provide for their family while still doing this job, because they can go make more money doing other things.”

At this week’s budget request meeting from municipalities, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan outlined the resort’s pickle without the seasonal officer program, reporting the city will have to hire 10 new full-time officers and provide them vehicles to stay competitive. The city is asking the county to split the cost, requesting $1.13 million in police funding so the Sheriff’s Office is not needed more in the city to cover manpower needs.

What’s happening in Annapolis is concerning as the hunt for revenue and expense reductions continues to address the structural deficit. While the bill to make the Orange Crush the official state cocktail is fun to follow, there’s other legislation proposed with massive consequences on small businesses and consumers.

A case in point is House Bill 1554, which will broaden what service can be taxed in the state. There have been versions of this legislation considered in previous years without success. The intent is to broaden the services that can be subject to the state’s sales tax, which is currently at 6%. The proposed legislation calls for 2.5% sales tax “on certain labor and services” currently not subjected to any sales tax. Newly taxed services would include cellular service, security services, accounting, bookkeeping, billing, payroll, information technology, photography, design, printing, landscaping, vehicle repair, appraisals, financial planning, tax preparation and sports or performing arts advertising service.

The hope here is the bill does not pass, but its first reading was held Feb. 25 with the House Rules and Executive Nominations.

Letters to the editor

County residents deserve relief on property taxes

Editor,

Worcester County taxpayers need a break from escalating costs. To that end, during the Commissioners’ comments portion of Tuesday’s meeting, I made a motion for County staff to provide the Commissioners with information on what a one, two, three, four and five cent decrease to the property tax would mean for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. I also asked what the impact would be if the Commissioners decided to maintain the Constant Yield rate. The motion passed unanimously.

For reference, the current Worcester County property tax rate is .845 cents per $100 assessed value. Each one cent of the property tax rate equates to between $1.8 million and $2 million in county revenue.

This budget planning cycle is unlike any I’ve experienced during my eleven years in office. Why? Because of the uncertainty of what the state budget will look like. Outsized and illconceived spending programs put in place by the progressive-dominated state legislature through the years have brought the state to where it is today: a $3 billion budget deficit that is expected to increase to $6.5 billion within the next couple years. It’s very possible Governor Moore and the legislature will balance the state budget on the backs of local taxpayers by shifting to county jurisdictions financial burdens that are, at their core, unfunded mandates which for Worcester County taxpayers could equate to millions of dollars.

Property reassessments last year in Ocean City saw increases of upwards of 40% resulting in increased property tax revenue within the county. Increased Ocean Pines reassessments this year will result in even more tax revenue flowing into the County treasury. Admittedly, those of us who live full time in Worcester County benefit from homestead tax relief. However, out-

of-area property owners absorb in one year the full assessment increase. Tax revenue increases should not be a green light for County government to spend to the limit of what it takes in. County government should return what it can to those who are footing the bill – taxpayers.

During the past few years, each of us has been victimized by inflation –higher food costs, increases in homeowners and auto insurance premiums just to name a few. As mentioned above, we’re also experiencing higher property taxes. We need relief.

As I write this, it’s too soon to know definitively what impact the governor’s and the legislature’s decisions on the state budget will have on the state as a whole and Worcester County specifically. Despite this, I strongly believe that the FY 26 County budget should be discussed from the perspective of reducing the County property tax rate and lowering costs to local taxpayers.

Chip Bertino Worcester County Commissioner Ocean Pines District

Offshore wind project cheered, not jeered Editor,

If someone pitched you a project that promised well-paying local jobs, a boost to the Shore economy, greater American energy independence, lower energy bills, and reduced flooding in Ocean City streets and on local farmlands, wouldn’t you be ready to sign on the dotted line? That project isn’t a pipe dream, it’s offshore wind. While it seems a vocal minority on the Shore oppose the US Wind project off the coast of Maryland and Delaware, a recent poll shows a majority of the public strongly supports offshore wind. As a nonpartisan Eastern Shore advocacy group, my organization, Shore Progress, commissioned the poll to understand public sentiment regarding offshore wind. The results, conducted by Gon-

Continued on Page 64

Continued from Page 63

zales Research & Media Services, Inc., indicate strong support among Eastern Shore residents. More than two-thirds of residents believe offshore wind will boost job development and improve Marylanders’ health, demonstrating a clear endorsement of the industry.

This support is well-placed. The economic benefits of offshore wind extend far beyond the turbines themselves. The proposed wind farm off the Maryland and Delaware coast, for example, is projected to create thousands of good-paying jobs, injecting vital economic growth into our region. Imagine the ripple effect: local businesses thriving, families prospering, and our communities revitalized.

And the economic benefits don’t stop there. Offshore wind supports America’s energy independence. By generating electricity domestically from renewable resources, it diminishes our dependence on foreign fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and shielding us from volatile global market prices.

This project will generate enough clean energy to power 718,000 homes on the Delmarva Peninsula, potentially lowering energy costs at a time when household budgets are stretched thin. US Wind will make a $200 million investment in transmission system upgrades to support en-

ergy reliability and increased efficiency. The company predicts potential savings of up to $253 million for Delmarva ratepayers over 20 years. That’s real, tangible relief for families struggling with skyrocketing prices.

And let’s not forget the environmental advantages. Offshore wind farms produce a staggering 99% less carbon dioxide than coal-fired power plants for the same energy output. Harnessing this clean, renewable energy is crucial for mitigating the extreme weather that threatens our coastal communities. Less flooding, less saltwater intrusion damaging precious farmland – these are not just abstract concerns, they’re realities for many on the Eastern Shore. Improved air and water quality in both Maryland and Delaware are added bonuses.

Finally, let’s address some common misconceptions. Claims about offshore wind harming whales have been thoroughly debunked by experts. As Duke University marine scientist Douglas Nowace notes, there are “no links whatsoever” between offshore wind development and whale deaths.

And while wind turbines do kill about 4 to 18 birds per year, research suggests that house cats cause far more bird deaths in the United States, as do buildings and cars. Regarding potential impacts on fishing,

research has found that offshore wind turbines can act as artificial reefs that attract fish, potentially helping the fishing industry.

Offshore wind isn’t just about clean energy it’s about a stronger economy, a healthier environment, and a more secure future for the Eastern Shore. It’s time to embrace this opportunity and build a brighter tomorrow for our communities.

Jared Schablein

(The writer is the chair of Shore Progress in Salisbury.)

Carozza legislation worthy of following Editor,

Utility bills are a fact of life for all Maryland families, and for many of those families, they are a major budget item. I was shocked when I read recently that many families have experienced an incredible increase in their electricity bills - some by as much as 100%. That is just crazy and is something I have never heard of.

There are many factors that contribute to the electricity rates established by the Maryland Public Service Commission, but I believe you would be hard-pressed to find even one rate payer who can tell you what those factors may be.

The Maryland Public Service Commission is funded by Maryland taxpayers and is therefore answerable to said taxpayers. It just stands to reason that when the PSC is considering electricity rates, the first and foremost criteria should be the reliability of the different sources of electricity followed closely by the cost of each.

Senator Mary Beth Carozza is one of the sponsors of Senate Bill 675 (cross-filed with House Bill 1149) entitled “Public Service CommissionFull Costs and Benefits Analysis of Sources of Electricity Generation”. This legislation, if passed, would require the Public Service Commission to conduct an analysis of the full costs and benefits of sources of electricity generation in the State; and also require the Commission to include recommended policy changes to support the development of energy sources with the lowest costs and greatest benefits to the ratepayers of the State; and would require the Commission to report its findings to certain committees of the General Assembly by December 1, 2026.

Sounds like a really good idea.

The bill can be read in its entirety at mgaleg.maryland,gov.

Please contact your legislators and let them know you like this legislation and to request that they vote in favor.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

Congress should not approve funding cuts

Editor,

The Republicans want to gut essential healthcare programs like Medicaid in order to lower taxes for Elon Musk and his billionaire friends. These funding cuts are not about fiscal responsibility. They are about redistributing wealth to the richest Americans.

Medicaid serves millions of lowincome families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Cutting its funding means denying critical healthcare to those who need it most, all while padding the pockets of the ultra-rich. Over 1 million Marylanders are on Medicaid. These cuts are not sound policy; they are economic cruelty which will harm your community and your neighbors.

Cuts to Medicaid lead to poorer health for children, less availability for nursing home care and can lead to hospital closures, leaving rural residents without nearby emergency care. These cuts will also result in higher insurance costs for the rest of us to cover emergency room costs for those without insurance.

Without Medicaid, hospitals are forced to provide more emergency care without reimbursement, pushing them into financial distress. Nationwide, more than 600 rural hospitals would be at risk of closing due to financial stress.

Rather than taking healthcare away from struggling Americans, we should be asking the wealthiest among us to pay their fair share. Congress must reject these cuts and prioritize the well-being of everyday citizens over corporate interests.

Joan Roache Ocean City

Have an opinion?

We invite you to share it, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410-723-6397.

‘Operation Meetinghouse’ leads to Japan’s destruction

Series of air raids hit major Japanese cities throughout war before atomic bombing

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

This week, 80 years ago, the destruction of Japan and its cities from the air was initiated with the firebombing of its capital and largest city, Tokyo. This was dubbed, "Operation Meetinghouse.”

The first Boeing B-29 Superfortress took to the skies over Guam at 5:36 p.m., Guam time. Other B-29s

from Saipan and Tinian would join the ones from Guam for a total of 325 aircraft, although only 279 arrived over Tokyo.

It took two hours and 34 minutes for the bombers to assemble in the air. The first bombers arrived over Tokyo at 12:08 a.m., local time. The 135,000-pound Superfortresses were powered by four engines driving four propellers. It had been thought that the B-17 Flying Fortress was big, but the B-29 Superfortress dwarfed it.

This was not the first American air

Continued on Page 66

County recreation programs offer some variety for spring

Manager team offering blend of popular favorites, new activities for all ages

(Feb. 20, 2025) A whole host of spring programs are in the works through Worcester County Recreation & Parks (WCRP).

“The spring lineup includes a wide variety of longstanding favorites and new features, hosted by our outstanding program manager team,” Special Events and Marketing Manager Ryan Nellans said. “They aren’t just ‘one of the coach guys.’ They are personable, recognizable specialists who bring their A games to all of our programs.”

The WCRP spring lineup of program managers includes Kelly Buchanan, who will head up Active Start Pickleball at Showell Park.

“It’s easy to learn and fun to play!” Buchanan said. “So, come on out.”

Other youth programs include Active Start Field Hockey, Sand Volleyball and Track, as well as Toddler and Home School Gym programs, Little All Stars, and Paddle the Pocomoke.

Kyle Jarman is currently wrapping up the Junior NBA program, and he has his eye on the adult basketball season ahead.

“It’s always basketball season at the recreation center,” Jarman said.

“I’m ready to roll into our 3v3 Adult Basketball league in May.”

Jarman will also head up Youth Flag Football in April. Other WCRP league programs starting this spring include Men’s Softball, Outdoor Soccer, and 4v4 Coed Sand Volleyball.

Chance Congleton is bringing brand-new energy to WCRP outdoor spring programs, including Paddle the Pocomoke, which is set to launch youth from the Pocomoke River Canoe Company on Wednesdays in May. Other favorite outdoor programs include Hooked on Fishing and Dog Obedience.

Joe Tolbert will lead a special addition to WCRP fitness programs this spring with the Berlin Run Club, which will meet at the Berlin Beer Company on Mondays. Other group fitness programs include Xtreme Hip Hop, Yoga, and Tolbert’s unofficial fan club favorite, Early Bird Fitness.

To better meet the needs of area residents, WCRP provides opportunities for financial aid for youth programs. For more information or to register, contact WCRP at 410-6322144 or email Ben Kirk at bkirk@co.worcester.md.us. A full list of WCRP youth and adult programs this spring is available at worcesterrecandparks.org and @PlayMDsCoast on social media.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

An aerial view shows Tokyo following the war.

strike against the Japanese home islands, or even Tokyo. The first, of course, had been Jimmy Doolittle’s raid on Tokyo in April 1942, with modified B-25 Mitchell Bombers, launched from an aircraft carrier.

There had been other raids, some with B-17s, and lately with B-29s. The B-29 raids began in 1944 and were launched from India by way of China. But these proved logistically unsatisfactory.

With the advent of the Allied Pacific Island-Hopping Campaign, the Allies crept inexorably closer to the Japanese Home Islands. With the acquisition of airbases closer to the Home Islands, the American Bombing Campaign against Japan began in earnest.

This night would signal a change in American bombing tactics as used against the Japanese Empire. Previously, American antipathy toward the Axis countries had caused the American daylight bombing campaign against the Axis countries to target specific military and industrial targets, owing to the war on women and children and the myth that the American Norden bombsight could drop a bomb into a pickle barrel from 20,000 feet. Not only was that bombing very inaccurate, but it was also very costly in men and machines.

Maj. Gen. Curtis E. LeMay was appointed commander of Twentieth Air Force on Aug. 19,1944. Disappointed by the ineffectiveness of the American bombing campaign against Japan, Gen. LeMay, on Feb. 19, 1945, ordered the use of incendiary bombs. The first such raid was launched against Tokyo on the evening of March 9, 1945. It “... is the single most destructive bombing raid in human history.”

An estimated 100,000 civilians were killed, and 1 million were left homeless. A 16-square mile swath of central Tokyo was destroyed. The bombs used were 500-pound cluster bombs, containing 38 bomblets of napalm.

These were released at a height of 2000 – 2,500 feet, which ignited 35 seconds after release. The bombers dropped a total of 1,665 tons of bombs that night. The first bombers dropped their bombs in an “X” pattern.

Those following were guided by the flaming “X.” The bombs destroyed 267,171 buildings. Losses for the attackers were 27 bombers. The death and destruction were more than were generated when the atomic bomb was dropped on either Hiroshima or Nagasaki less than five months later.

This was not the first time Tokyo had been bombed by B-29s using in-

cendiary bombs, nor would it be the last. The first time was Feb. 25, 1945, when 174 of the big bombers dropped 453.7 tons of bombs and destroyed 643 acres of the city.

The big bombers returned on April 2, 3, 7, and 13. On this last raid, 327 B-29s destroyed another 11.4 square miles of the city. Two days later 303 Superfortresses destroyed six more square miles of the Japanese capital. On the evenings of May 23 and 25, more than 1,000 B-29s attacked the city, destroying another 22 square miles.

By the end of April, Gen. LeMay’s Twentieth Air Force was at full strength, with more than 1,000 of the heavy bombers, which all had one target — Japan.

Nagoya, the fourth largest city in Japan, and where as much as 50% of Japan’s warplanes were produced, was targeted, beginning on Dec. 13, 1944. This was followed by attacks on the city on Dec. 18, January 3 and 14, 1945.

The city was hit again on March 11 and 13, 1945. The Mitsubishi Engine Plant in Nagoya was destroyed by 223 B-29s on the evening of March 23, 1945. The city only suffered one attack in April, but was attacked by 472 B-29s on May 13, and by 457 B29s three nights later, resulting in the destruction of 3.82 square miles of the city, 113,460 buildings were destroyed, 3,866 killed, and 472,701 homeless.

Yokohama, the second largest city in Japan, was attacked on April 15, resulting in the destruction of 1.48 square miles of the city. On 29 May, 517 B-29s, escorted by 101 P-51 fighters, destroyed another 6.9 square miles of buildings and killed more than 1,000 Yokohama residents.

Osaka, the third largest city in Japan, was attacked on June 1 by 521 B-29s, escorted by 148 P-51s, which destroyed 3.15 square miles of buildings, and killed 3,960. Within the week, 409 B-29s hit Osaka again, destroying 2.21 square miles of buildings. Osaka was hit yet again on June 15 by 444 B-29s, which destroyed another 1.9 square miles of the city. More than 300,000 homes

in Osaka were destroyed in these raids.

Kobe, Japan’s third-largest port city, was first bombed on Feb. 5, 1945. On the evening of March 16, 331 American B-29 bombers hit it again. Three square miles — 21% — of the city were destroyed, with 8,841 Japanese killed and another 650,000 left homeless.

The Kawanishi aircraft factory in Kobe was attacked on May 11, 1945, by 92 B-29s. On June 5, 473 B-29s struck Kobe by day and destroyed another 4.35 square miles of buildings.

Once the larger cities had been destroyed, the USAAF switched its attention to small and mid-size cities. There were days when 2,000 U.S., planes (when fighter escorts were counted) would attack the Japanese Home Islands.

In addition, the British and American navies would shell the coastal areas. Between the big attacks the USAAF sent single bombers over these cities, just to get the air-raid sirens sounding. By this time Japan’s air defenses were virtually ineffective. Their pilot training program had long ago fallen behind the Americans. They were no longer getting enough oil to run training flights. Their ammunition stocks were low.

About targeting civilians, Gen. LeMay said, “If you kill enough of them, they stop fighting.” Upon reflection, he also said, “I suppose if I had lost the war, I would have been tried as a war criminal.... Every soldier thinks something of the moral aspects of what he is doing. But all war is immoral and if you let that bother you, you're not a good soldier.”

Next week: The Bridge at Remagen

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

OBITUARIES

BOBBY JOE INGRAM

Ocean City

Bobby Joe Ingram, age 60, died Feb. 8, 2025, under the care of Manokin Nursing and Rehab, Princess Anne.

Born Oct. 15, 1964, he is survived by his father, Robert Ingram, of Tennessee; his son, Bobby Baldwin; and many close friends.

Bobby was born and raised in Baltimore and attended Lansdowne High School. Later “sounds of the ocean” called him to the Eastern Shore. A mechanic by trade, Bobby was honest and hard working; he connected with his customers. There weren’t too many car problems he couldn’t tackle.

Other interests included motorcycles, NASCAR, fishing, and live music. For about the last 10 years of Bobby‘s life, he had significant medical problems. Bobby always kept his chin up and did little complaining.

At a future date, Bobby’s friends will have a send-off. Drink a beer for Bobby! He will be missed.

JAMES “KEITH” HUDSON

Berlin

James “Keith” Hudson, 62, passed

away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2025 at TidalHealth in Salisbury.

Keith was born and raised on the Eastern Shore, attending Buckingham Elementary and Stephen Decatur High schools.

Keith loved fishing and surfing at Assateague Island. He worked for many years as a mate on a fishing boat. Keith was a great story teller who could make any story sound great.

Keith was a no nonsense man that lived life on his terms. He was a Buffalo Bills and Orioles fan and loved his Nascar.

He is survived by his son, James Kristofer Hudson and wife Melissa along with their two children, his grandchildren, Jaelyn, 14, and Aria Hudson, 9. He was the son of James Kennard Hudson and Libby Townsend Hudson.

Keith will be sorely missed by his family and friends. His memory will be in our hearts always.

There will be no funeral services held. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

SAMUEL THEODORE LUDLAM

Ocean City

Samuel Theodore Ludlam, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, Febru-

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

ary 5, 2025, in Salisbury.

Sam was born in Ocean City on July, 9 1942. He was the son of the late Maurice Edgar Ludlam and Anna (Bergman) Ludlam.

Sam was a proud resident of Worcester County and graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1960. After returning home from The US Naval Reserve in 1966, he began his 40-year career with George B. Cropper concrete. Sam worked his way up to general manager and was proud to be a part of a company that was responsible for creating much of the concrete that aided in the development of Ocean City. Sam enjoyed spending his free time playing golf, watching old John Wayne westerns, hosting Monday night poker games, and beating anyone who was brave enough to play him in rummy. Above all else, Sam was a devoted father, brother, uncle, and pop-pop who cherished time spent with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, kindness, selflessness, and playful sense of humor.

He is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer Morse (Jimmy) and Samantha Bergenty (Todd); their

mother, Ruth Ann Ludlam; two brothers, Phil Ludlam (Betty) and Maurice “Dick” Ludlam (Judy); a sister, Shirley Phillips; two grandchildren, Chris Morse and Chloe Resnick, who knew him as “Poppop”; a sister-in-law, Shirley Ludlam; and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen Ludlam and Edgar Ludlam, and a sister, Dorothy Brown.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 14, at 4 p.m., at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coastal Hospice at www.coastalhospice.org.

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James Hudson

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Sports & Recreation

Decatur wins thriller over Arundel in regional playoffs

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(March 7, 2025) “Going into it I knew it was going to be a dog fight because they are number one across the bridge, but we had to play harder we have the confidence in all of us. We got the team,” said Johnathan Purnell after Tuesday night’s playoff win against Arundel High School.

The lights went down, and the crowd roared as their favorite players were introduced. The battle was on, and Stephen Decatur was down 15-12 at the end of the first quarter after

Arundel hit three from behind the line.

The Seahawks came out for the second quarter ready to score. Solomon David put in a three pointer, a basket and made a free throw for six points. Judah Carmack added six points and Caleb Loring put in a basket, resulting in the score tied at half, 26-26.

The Seahawks regrouped in the third quarter, as Purnell made two three pointers with Davin Chandler and Carmack each contributing four points. Stephen Decatur outscored

WRESTLERS HEAD TO STATES

Arundel 16-8 in the third for a nice lead entering the fourth, 42-34.

Arundel flexed its muscle again in the fourth while the Seahawks went cold. With 1:12 left to play Stephen Decatur was down 47-46.

Game high scorer Carmack made a jump to give the Seahawks the onepoint lead, 48-47. After a defensive stop, the crowd went wilda as Loring was fouled. He made one free throw but missed the second. Loring was able to hustle to the loose ball on the rebound for a jump ball with the arrow to Decatur. The Seahawks were able to run out the clock at that point, winning 51-47.

After the game, Head Coach BJ Johnson said he was,” feeling great. The best plays of the game were when

he (Caleb Loring) was diving on those balls. That’s what we teach and those things go unnoticed, but it seems to be the reason why we won the game. They all played together as a team, they hustled.”

Loring said, “This is awesome. Before the game I woke up and I was hoping for this game. I’m ready for them. Our team captains Davin (Chandler) and Frankie (Buxbaum), they’ve done a great job all year to prepare us for this. I just follow their lead; they give us all the energy. I just got to go on the ground and get the balls for them.”

In a game too late to be included in this edition, Decatur matched up against South River in the 3A East Region 1 Finals Thursday night.

Once the 1A/2A regional wrestling matches were wrapped, a total of 16 Stephen Decatur wrestlers – eight boys and eight girls – advanced to compete in the state tournament. On the boys team, left, Juan Hinosay, Elijah Collick, Jake Saullo, Amarian Manuel and Nate McDaniel won their weight divisions; Aaron August took second place; Alex Riehl and Braydon Bell won third place finishes; and Cole Muir finished in sixth. For the girls team, right, Melani Ruiz, Irie Carmack, Rachel Plata, Amari Purnell, Chaniah Bernier and Azariya Johnson won their weight classes. Earning second-place finishes were Calleigh McBride and Makaiya Robinette. Beyonce Rodriguez and Amelia Gonzalez Ventura took home fourth place.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Judah Carmack led Decatur with 14 game points in the playoff win over Arundel including the goahead basket with under one minute left.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Head Coach BJ Johnson and standout players of the game Caleb Loring and Judah Carmack are pictured being interviewed after Tuesday’s home playoff win.

Decatur holds off Bennett for playoff victory at home

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(March 7, 2025) Mistakes on defense and offense almost cost Stephen Decatur High School girls’ basketball team its bid for another championship, but the Seahawks scrapped their way to a 63- 59 win over Bayside rival James M. Bennett Monday night.

The Seahawks soared in the first quarter with two three pointers, one from Allison Swift and one from Maliyah Manuel. Contributing were Paityn Tyre with five points and Malaih Dennis with a bucket and another from Manuel for 15 to Bennett’s nine. This is where the game was won but the battle continued.

In the second quarter, both teams scored 17 each, leaving the score 32-26 at half with Decatur ahead.

The third quarter proved to be more competitive with the Seahawks holding up the defense. It was getting tight with Bennett taking the quarter by two. Starting the fourth quarter, Decatur was ahead 47-43. Each team scored 16 in the quarter with Decatur ultimately winning

by four points.

Malegh Blake was the evening’s high scorer with 16 points. After the game, she said, “We definitely could have played better; we missed a lot of layups, our hustle and our defense is pretty good so yeah okay overall. A lot of people are doubting us, so as long as we go up there and play our game, I think we’ll be good.”

Head Coach Corey Holland said, “It was a good win tonight, the girls played exceptionally hard but too many mistakes on the offensive end and then a few too many turnovers which allowed them to stay in the game but other than that I thought the girls played well … the best play was the kick and roll …. being able to pass the basketball, get the ball to the open player. I thought a few players did really well Tyre had a really good game tonight, rebounding the basketball and scoring on the post she did really well tonight.”

Decatur advanced to play South River on the road in the 3A East Region 1 finals on Thursday evening.

SURF REPORT

Winter gear still a must for next several months in area

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(March 7, 2025) Okay, so maybe you haven’t surfed in a while and it’s time to get back into it. Spring is essentially just around the corner and hopefully the bulk of the winter is behind us. Meteorologists consider the first of March to be the start of spring, though astronomically March twentieth is the first day of spring. There’s been some “above normal temperature” mild days. Things are warming up so let’s go. Hold on a minute, Sparky. There’s one big factor that can and will put a damper on this excitement. That factor is water temperature. Though the water temperature may have risen a few degrees, low 40s is still not only chilly but down right cold. Full on winter wetsuit gear is still a necessity.

The assiduous (one who has perse-

verance) and fastidious (very attentive) surfer, who has been in the water through these last few cold months, will most probably take all of this in stride. If he or she doesn’t, he or she will soon find out. It’s simply a factor of our locale at the beach. Inland Berlin, Salisbury, or Selbyville can be 60 to 70 degrees but at the beach one will be lucky to see a reading of 50. Factor in the wind, and thus the wind chill, and it’s even colder. This scenario is not presented to make for a dismal outlook on spring but water in the 40s certainly has its effect. Sure, there can be a few days when spring makes a welcome appearance at the beach, but the wise will keep that winter clothing handy. This also goes for winter wetsuit gear as well.

Spring is a nice time of the year as long as the latent winter doesn’t linger too long. Fortunately, we get a nice payback in the fall months.

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

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Seahawks Jozlyn Tyre, left, and Allison Swift are pictured driving the lane for baskets against the Clippers in the 3A East I Region semifinal.

Forward April Bondurant battles for a rebound during the home playoff win Monday night.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS