A pair of St. Patrick’s Day Parade performers add a dramatic flair to their chaste kiss on Coastal Highway Saturday by rising to the occasion.
Mailloux sentenced
Tyler Mailloux will serve 18 months in the Worcester County Jail for leaving the scene of the July 11, 2022 accident that claimed the life of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp. Mailloux pleaded guilty to the felony count last month. — PAGE 3
Mayor clears air on effect of STR rules
Meehan reiterates limited scope of city’s rental law, says it leaves most rentals unaffected. — PAGE 4
Eaastr Br B aster Brunc r ch
Judge sentences Mailloux to 18 months for leaving scene
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 21, 2025) A Berlin man will serve 18 months in jail after pleading guilty to one felony count in the death of Gavin Knupp, a 14-year-old pedestrian who was struck and killed the night of July 11, 2022.
In Worcester County Circuit Court Wednesday, Judge Brett Wilson sentenced Tyler Mailloux, 24, to 10 years, with all but 18 months suspended, for leaving the scene of the hit-and-run accident that resulted in Knupp’s death. Upon his release, he will serve three years of supervised probation.
“Unfortunately, here, we could not avoid and cannot fix what has happened,” Wilson said from the bench. “And if I could, I would, and I know you all would.”
On July 11, 2022, at around 10:45 p.m., a driver in a black Mercedes traveling east on Grays Corner Road struck and killed Knupp, who was reportedly returning to a vehicle driven by his older sister.
Knupp’s sister Summer performed CPR until first responders arrived and transported him to Atlantic General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The motorist, who was never identified by investigators, fled the scene and did not return. It took a week for Maryland State Police to locate the Mercedes and another nine-and-a-half months before 17 traffic charges, including four felony counts, were filed against Mailloux.
Since that time, the case has worked its way through the legal system, starting with an August 2023 motions hearing, during which Wilson granted the defense’s motion to dismiss, opining that the district court had “exclusive and original” jurisdiction. From there, the prosecution appealed the ruling to the Appellate Court of Maryland, which reversed the lower court’s decision.
The case was ultimately brought back to Worcester County Circuit Court, which had scheduled a 13-day trial to begin March 3.
However, during a motions hearing held less than a week before, a deal was reached between Mailloux and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Mailloux pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident where a driver “knew/reasonably knew accident must result in death and death occurred,” according to the Maryland Transportation Code. In return, the state’s attorney’s office agreed it would not prosecute the remaining charges.
Sentencing guidelines for the conviction are three months to four years.
As part of the plea agreement, the
state’s attorney’s office recommended a maximum penalty of 10 years, with all but three years and 227 days suspended – or one year for failing to remain at the scene and one day for every day he failed to report.
Assistant State’s Attorney Pam Correa told the judge that Mailloux was not accused of causing the accident, but rather accused of leaving the scene. She also argued that Mailloux had hid the car in his family’s garage immediately after the accident and had failed to show remorse for what he had done in the two-plus years the case worked through the court system.
“At every turn, the defendant protected himself,” she said.
While the prosecution argued for a sentence toward the upper end of the sentencing guidelines, Mailloux’s attorney George Psoras asked that the sentence be limited to three months. Pointing to the reduced visibility on Grays Corner Road, Psoras tacitly identified Mailloux as the driver when he said Mailloux believed he had hit a deer.
“We have what I call the perfect storm,” he said.
Psoras said Mailloux had returned home and had pulled the car into the garage to inspect the damage and that led him to believe what he struck was not an animal. Psoras said his client then returned to the scene to find first responders on Grays Corner Road. From there, he talked to his father, who consulted with an attorney.
“He did what his father and his attorneys told him to do,” Psoras said, pointing to the hours following the accident.
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, several of Knupp’s family members and friends spoke of Knupp’s character and the impact his death had had on them all.
“Our lives are shattered,” Tiffany Knupp, Gavin Knupp’s mother, said, “and most days our lives are hanging on by a thread.”
The judge also heard from Mailloux’s family as well as Mailloux himself, who claimed responsibility in the role he played in Knupp’s death.
He said he had decided to enter a guilty plea after seeing Knupp’s family members at last month’s motion’s hearing.
“This is the one thing I have control over to give to you,” he told the family in court this week.
Before a packed courtroom, Wilson acknowledged the difficulty of sentencing in this case. While noting Mailloux’s lack of a criminal record and the advice he had received from an attorney in the hours after the accident, he said the defendant failed to return to the scene.
“It was a cowardly course of action,” he said.
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Tyler Mailloux
Courtroom packed for hearing
Continued from Page 3
Following a nearly three-hour-long hearing, the judge passed sentence, ruling that Mailloux would serve his 18 months of incarceration in the Worcester County Detention Center, where he has been held since entering a guilty plea last month.
Mailloux will also be placed on three years of supervised probation upon his release. The conditions of that probation are that he have no contact with the Knupp family, that he complete 400 hours of community service within the first year, and that he attend a victim impact panel.
“We recognize that no amount of punishment can ever make up for the loss of a life, especially the life of an innocent child,” State’s Attorney Kris Heiser said in a statement following Wednesday’s hearing. “However, prosecutors today advocated for a much
longer sentence than what the court ultimately handed down because we believed it was appropriate given the facts of the case, and necessary to deter future hit-and-run accidents.”
She continued, “While we respect the court’s decision, we also recognize that it is unlikely to satisfy many in our community who have waited so long for the resolution of this matter. I can only hope that the proceedings today, including the presence of so many of Gavin’s friends and family in the courtroom, will serve as a reminder of how much Gavin is loved and that he will never be forgotten by the community.
“I also want to extend my thanks and gratitude to all those who spoke on Gavin’s behalf at the sentencing hearing, and to the Knupp family for their remarkable patience, determination and strength throughout the entire justice process.”
OC mayor: rental restriction rhetoric ‘very
ban short-term rentals in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts by 2027.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 21, 2025) Ocean City’s mayor said he is disappointed with a local group’s message regarding new short-term rental regulations, but the group’s organizer said there has been no effort to mislead the public in their efforts to bring the legislation to referendum.
At the end of Monday’s regular meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan addressed what he believed to be a misrepresentation of an ordinance the Ocean City Council recently passed to
He said a group of residents starting a petition to bring the ordinance to referendum had signs implying the ban applied to all zoning districts in town.
“I am concerned that the message that’s being portrayed is very misleading,” he said. “If you read the signs, they say ‘Sign the petition. Say no to short-term rental ban.’ They nowhere indicate this only applies to R-1 and MH districts, appealing to everybody and, really, I think, scaring people to think this is relevant to all areas in Ocean City. And it just is not.”
While acknowledging that he supported the group’s right to petition, Meehan said he wanted the group to share “accurate information” regarding the newly adopted ordinance.
“We are not banning short-term rentals throughout Ocean City,” he said. “In fact, we’re not even banning them in the next few years in Ocean City in the R-1 and MH districts. This is very misleading, and I’m very disappointed in those that are leading this petition. I really hope they get out the relevant message, let people know exactly what it is they are signing.”
Following Monday’s meeting, Terry Miller, the Ocean City resident
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Council accused of overreaching
Continued from Page 4
leading the petition drive, said she does not believe her group, OCMD Property Rights, had misled the public.
“Essentially we don’t feel we’re misrepresenting anything,” she said. “What has been misrepresented is that the people that own these homes are nameless, faceless corporations with no ties to the community, and that is patently false.”
Miller said the short-term rental ordinance – which sets a five-night minimum stay for vacation rentals in the two districts for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and a 31-night minimum stay beginning in 2027 – impacted not only property owners in R-1 and MH districts, but property owners throughout town.
“This is going to affect everyone in the town,” she said. “This will affect who comes to town. If they can take our property rights, they can take anyone’s property rights. This is government overreach, and their own data doesn’t even support this.”
Miller added the new ordinance would impact property values and prevent property owners from establishing year-round residence in Ocean City.
“We are trying to get the message out,” she said. “These are real people, and this is going to have devastating consequences.”
On March 10, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury accepted Miller’s petition, kicking off a 40-day countdown to collect signatures from 40% of the number of voters in the most recent election. As 2,476 people voted in the last election, a petition with 991 valid signatures must be submitted by April 21 to bring the ordinance to referendum.
“What we’ve accomplished in a week, wow,” Miller said of the petition effort. “People are really coming together.”
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Former councilman’s private dock approved
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 21, 2025) Ocean City’s appeals board granted a former councilman’s request to build a private dock at his lot on Edgewater Avenue, despite concerns from neighboring property owners.
Finding that the request did not have an adverse effect on neighboring residents, the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals last Thursday granted a special exception to construct a private dock on a lot with no principal use established on the premises. Owners Peter Buas, a former councilman, and his wife plan to construct a 6-by-50foot pier and boat lift at their water lot, located at the intersection of Edgewater Avenue and 7th Street.
“I’m not hearing any reason to vote no on this,” Chair Chris Rudolph said.
Ocean City Zoning Analyst Chase Phillips told board members Tidal Solutions LLC submitted an application on behalf of the Buas family to construct the private dock and boat lift on Lot 21, a water lot located immediately south of the Pier 7 condos. He noted the property was split-zoned as R-2 medium residential and RC-1 resource conservation district.
“In this case, because the property is split-zoned and is geographically unique, in this case Section 110-33 states that any use permitted by special exception in R-1 shall be permitted by special exception in R-2, and in Section 110-273, special exceptions permitted in the R-1 district states that private boat docks, wharfs, piers and mooring piles to be located on a property that has no principal use established on the premises can be
reviewed as a special exception …,” he explained. “That’s how, in reviewing this request with the applicant, we determined that this development project would need to be viewed as a special exception.”
In his presentation last week, Buas said the proposed pier would be used by his household, as well as family members and guests. He added that he had also drafted a deed of restriction, which would prevent him from using the pier for commercial purposes.
“Once the dock is constructed, we would walk there,” he said, pointing to his Baltimore Avenue residence. “We’d use it for residential purposes, which is why we’re volunteering the deed restriction … Essentially, it’s tied to the house. That’s the idea. That would substantially protect the neighborhood, because it’s protecting the character of the neighborhood.”
because it took us a while to get that letter of no objection,” Buas added. “When we filed the application, we wanted to make sure we had the best product. And the best product that we have here, we were able to shift south another five feet to allow for that ninefoot buffer to the north. Basically what we were trying to accomplish – and we did – is we wanted to make sure if that north person had a boat, they could still put it there. That was the whole goal.”
However, Amy Seely, the owner of the condo immediately north of Buas’ lot, said she opposed the special exception request. She argued the new pier would impact her southern views and would limit her family’s ability to moor a boat at their dock, which she said encroached onto Buas’ property.
For his part, Tidal Solutions’ Tanner Jennings said the pier and boat lift had been designed to minimize impact on surrounding property, including the condo and dock immediately north of the lot. He added that Buas had also secured a letter of no objection from the owner of Lot 20, the water lot located immediately south.
“The reason, frankly, we waited a few months to make the application is
“When I bought my property in 2000 from Richard Lohmeyer, he conveyed to me that in 1969 he received a license from the Town of Ocean City to build and maintain his dock within the 7th Street right-of-way extended. This shows me the town was claiming ownership to the bulkhead …,” she said. “We bought our unit because we had the open water next to us. We were assured by the decision and memo in 1969 and in 1993 by the Town of Ocean City that this would always be
See RESIDENTS Page 12
Residents object planned dock
Continued from Page 10
the case, knowing that they’d never actually extend 7th Street into the bay. Approving this application would take away our ability to be on our dock and fish and swim as our family has been doing for 25 years.”
Edgewater Avenue resident Jason Wright also shared his objections, arguing that the property in question had always been public. He said it was not uncommon for people to use the lot for fishing, swimming and more.
“How did this location become Mr. Buas’?” he asked. “... I understand Mr. Buas has a deed to the lot, but I have questions about how this all came about.”
Buas, however, maintained that the property is privately owned.
“We have a right to develop the property we own,” Buas told the board last week, “and I think we have met the burden for approval.”
Phillips acknowledged the city had received six letters of objection in reference to Buas’ request. Yet he said the special exception was the first of many steps in a lengthy approval process.
“The project would still need approval from the Maryland Department of the Environment, MDE, and the town’s Board of Port Wardens, as well as a permit after that,” he said. “The issues of navigability or specific design standards are of course regulated by
other agencies.”
Following a public hearing, the board voted 5-0 to approve the special exception request, but with conditions that prohibit commercial use and require the property owner to provide an easement for storm drain maintenance and to install a permitted gate that limits access, among other things.
“I think the biggest thing is the question of public use,” board member Emily Nock said. “Whenever this property was made private, whatever steps happened, that’s not for this board to deliberate over. The fact is it is private property now. Technically, if there’s anybody there using it, Mr. Buas can have them arrested for trespassing.”
Board member John Moran added that the board must find that the special exception will not adversely affect adjacent and neighboring properties.
“The only testimony or letter that actually touched on use was that of Ms. Seely, the adjacent property owner, that has the dock that encroaches on the property at issue here,” he said.
Board member Brian Shane agreed.
“I think Mr. Buas … has gone out of his way to accommodate the neighbor’s dock, which is in fact infringing upon the property he now owns,” he said.
ORANGE CRUSH BILL PASSES HOUSE
The Orange Crush is halfway through the process of becoming Maryland’s official state cocktail. House Bill 1001, sponsored by our Lower Shore Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C, Worcester), was approved unanimously, 137-0, on third reading in the Maryland House of Delegates on Monday, March 17. House members applauded as the bill tally showed all green “yea” lights on the chamber’s voting board. Up next, the proposal will go before the Maryland Senate for approval. A hearing date has yet to be set in the Senate’s Education, Energy, and Environment Committee. If the measure passes both chambers, it would be sent onto Gov. Wes Moore for him to sign into law – and bringing statewide fame to the drink’s founding home, Harborside Bar & Grill in West Ocean City. Pictured is the voting board in the House chamber in Annapolis on March 17.
PHOTO COURTESY RUTH TOOMEY
Gov. Moore says business tax off the table
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 21, 2025) Maryland’s governor says a proposal for a new business-tobusiness tax that could have raised billions in revenue is off the table, but leadership in the legislature says that’s not possible in the face of a massive revenue shortfall.
When asked if a new service tax would be added to this year’s budget, Senate President Bill Ferguson on Tuesday told reporters “it has to be.”
“The revenue has to be accounted for. And so, in the budget together, the framework will be outlined,” he said. “I think everything is fluid until it’s not. I would say, until there’s a final deal, it’s important to note that we are in good conversation,” with lawmakers and the governor’s office. The legislation would have implemented a 2.5% tax on business-to-business industries from accounting to
photography to car repair. State lawmakers in both the House (HB 1554) and Senate (SB 1045) had introduced the proposal in companion bills in late February, as the deadline to file bills approached. But last week, a public outcry against the service tax proposal arose, with testimony decrying the plan lasting hours in committee hearings.
More than 100 opponents to the legislation voiced their concerns in person, plus nearly 400 more protested in writing. Among those were the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, the Worcester County Commissioners, and the Maryland Tourism Coalition.
“It is certainly a bad bill for businesses,” said Ruth Toomey, executive director of the Maryland Tourism Coalition. “While it is dead for this year, I am sure it will be back, or another version will be back next year. Unfortunately, Maryland is facing a
major deficit and this also means that there will be cuts in other places.”
Maryland is facing an estimated $3.3 billion revenue shortfall, a problem that General Assembly lawmakers have no choice but to solve during this legislative session. Now, the services tax proposal that could have generated an estimated $943 million of revenue in the coming fiscal year – and billions more in the next five years – may have to be sourced elsewhere.
Gov. Wes Moore (D) stated this week that he does not support this course of action and that the proposed business-tobusiness tax will not be in the final budget.
“A broad B2B tax will not happen in the state of Maryland,” Moore told reporters Monday in the State House.
Moore also said any bill coming across his desk to be signed into law must ease the burden on middle-class families, make the state more economi-
cally competitive and business-friendly, and make investments in people.
“When I laid out that we had to make ourselves more economically competitive and more business friendly,” he added, “that meant actually creating and opening up pathways for businesses to be able to grow and stay in the state of Maryland and making Maryland the best place in the country in order for businesses to grow.”
Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38, Worcester) said she strongly opposed the business-to-business tax because it would increase operations costs and jeopardize small businesses. She now says she’s “cautiously encouraged” by Moore’s vow not to pursue this taxation.
“Representing a border district with Delaware to the north and Virginia to the south, I especially am concerned about those businesses where profit margins are often just one to three percent,” said Carozza in a statement.
The state law governing sales tax says consumers don’t pay taxes on certain professional services. As a workaround, the proposed legislation would have added the phrase: “unless the labor or service is a taxable service.”
Business-to-business services that would have been subject to taxation include accounting, payroll, IT services, photography and design, lobbying, marketing, landscaping, truck or bus repair, valet parking, and financial planning.
City officials support plans for modified OC Jeep Week
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 21, 2025) Ocean City Jeep Week will proceed as planned, but without some of the events initially presented to the Ocean City Council last month.
On Monday, organizers came back before the City Council with a modified event request for Ocean City Jeep Week, scheduled to take place May 29 through June 1. After voluntarily removing monster truck rides, a nighttime sand course and light show, and live entertainment from the schedule, the council voted 5-1, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca opposed and Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to approve the private event request.
“Essentially what they are looking for is the same footprint that they had in 2024,” Special Events Director Frank Miller told the council this week.
In February, the Ocean City Council, in a 3-4 vote, denied the organizers’ private event request for Ocean City Jeep Week. Those opposed said they were concerned about the safety of certain event components, as well as the revenues the event brought in last year.
“In terms of results, this event really failed,” DeLuca said at the time.
To that end, organizers went back to the drawing board. And on Monday, they presented the City Council with a modi-
fied event request, one that eliminated monster truck rides on the beach, Saturday night sand course rides, a Friday night light show, Friday night live entertainment, and an entire beach block from Dorchester Street to Talbot Street.
For his part, Miller acknowledged that changes had been made to this year’s Ocean City Jeep Week festivities. However, before a motion was made, DeLuca asked that Brad Hoffman, organizer of the separate Ocean City Jeep Fest event, come forward “to address any confusion or questions.”
Acknowledging that the council had no questions for Hoffman, Councilman Will Savage made a motion to approve the modified event request, which was then seconded by Councilman Larry Yates.
“Why would Mr. Hoffman come up to speak about someone else’s event?” Council President Matt James said.
After further discussion, the council voted 5-1 to approve the modified private event request for Ocean City Jeep Week. During public comments, however, Hoffman came before the council to clarify the division between Jeep Week and Jeep Fest and to share what he believed to be shortcomings in the modified Jeep Week event.
“It costs where there’s confusion, when it doesn’t live up to the expectations …,” he said.
County staff present FY26 budget requests
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 21, 2025) Higher revenues mean tax cuts are still on the table for Worcester County, as officials continue the budgeting process for fiscal year 2026.
The county’s Board of Commissioners got a detailed look at expenditure and revenue estimates at its meeting Tuesday in Snow Hill. Budget Officer Kim Reynolds ran down the highlights of the estimated $284.6 million operating budget, which comes in at $22.6 million more than last year, or a 9% increase.
Higher statewide property tax assessments created about $18 million in expected new revenue for the county. Other revenue increases of $1.4 million came from real estate recordation and transfer tax increases.
And, while the county also is projecting $6 million more from income tax revenue, it won’t all get spent. County policy mandates setting aside 15% of revenue in reserves, as well as 22.2% of income tax revenue toward employee pensions.
Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, county departments submitted spending requests totaling $286.8 million. That’s an increase of $24.9 million, or 10%. Reynolds noted that each department head estimated the impact of federal and state funding changes in their requests, all of which will be discussed during April work sessions.
By law, Worcester County must pass a balanced budget. But for now, the difference between requested spending and expected revenue creates a gap of $2.26 million. That has to be reconciled, Reynolds said, either with additional
revenue, spending cuts, or a combination of both.
At the request of the County Commissioners in light of the increased revenue, Reynolds’ budget also included possible changes to property tax rates.
Five possible tax decreases were shared in 10-cent increments, ranging from a 10-cent drop to a 50-cent drop. Projections show this could decrease revenue from $2.4 million to $12.2 million.
Worcester County’s current property tax rate is 84.5 cents per $100 of assessed property value. That’s the fourth lowest in the state behind Queen Anne’s County (83 cents), Talbot County (79.1 cents), and Montgomery County (67 cents). The state’s property tax rate is 11.2 cents. All four of the county’s municipalities also collect their own property tax.
Procedurally, after department heads hand in their asks, the county’s administrative team takes another look for possible cuts. Then, there’s a public hearing on May 6 in Snow Hill. From there, the commissioners will go lineby-line through the books, department by department, until finalizing an operating budget on June 3.
Departments whose budget requests increased over last year include the sheriff’s office ($3.1 million), emergency services ($1.3 million), the roads division ($1.72 million) and the county jail ($1.6 million) which includes a $373,901 for increased medical contract costs.
The Worcester County Board of Education – whose total budget represents about 44% of all county spending –made an appropriation request of $116 million, or $10.5 million more than what was approved last year.
Teacher salaries could go up with this budget. Starting teacher pay would increase to $55,820. It’s part of the board’s requested payroll increase of $5.4 million. This includes a step increase for all eligible employees, a scale adjustment of $4,000 for certificated employees, and a $2,000 scale adjustment for support staff employees.
Requested school board money also includes a proposed increase of $280,000 for bus contractors, as well as a projected health insurance premium increase of $1.2 million, or 8%.
Other departmental requests over last year included $2 million more for grants to towns, and $1.7 million more for general government costs, including new supplies, software, and other property and liability costs.
At the state level, lawmakers continue to figure out ways to solve the pending $3.3 billion revenue shortfall for fiscal year 2026. Some commissioners in the meeting noted how, with the state’s budget still in flux, it leaves Worcester County hanging week-toweek.
“This is going to be a fluid situation, I think, as far as the state’s budget and what they have coming down at us,” said board president Commissioner Ted Elder (District 4, Western). “It’s going to be interesting in these work sessions.”
Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) said it’s possible the state won’t have its budget locked down by the county’s deadline, because there’s been some talk of the governor convening a special legislative session of the General Assembly.
Reynolds told the commissioners there are still a few threads hanging in Annapolis that may come back to zap the county’s pocketbook.
One example is that the state may implement a new cost-sharing agreement for the Department of Assessments and Taxation, which Reynolds said could scrap the current 50/50 agreement and make it 90/10 in the state’s favor, costing the county another
Maryland budget challenges loom
Continued from Page 16
$580,573.
The county also could face a potential $800,000 revenue loss from changes made to tax collection in the governor’s budget. The proposal is to double the state standard deduction and end itemized deductions, according to Reynolds.
Another costly state mandate may involve teacher pensions. Reynolds said there’s a possibility that the state might push 100% of teacher pension costs onto the county. If that happens, then the county would take a budget hit of about $672,000.
“I would hope it’s done by June when we have to approve this,” Bertino said of the state’s budget, “but it’s very possible that those decisions will not be made until after we’re required to approve our budget.”
Obscene display ordinance advances
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 21, 2025) City officials this week took the first step in regulating obscene merchandise on display at businesses along the Boardwalk and throughout town.
On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously on first reading to establish new regulations for profane, obscene, sexually explicit and vulgar merchandise and materials found at front-facing businesses, including those fronting the Boardwalk.
Officials report the ordinance is aimed at protecting minors from some of the items that are visible to the public.
“I think it’s something that we’ve talked about for a long time, and then you guys have stepped up,” Mayor Rick Meehan said of the council’s ac-
tions. “This will make a difference. It’ll probably mean I’ll get 500 less emails this summer from people complaining, but I think it’s the right thing to do. And it really is not just moving the merchandise inside. I would really appeal to those merchants to remove that merchandise altogether. But this is a big first step.”
During a presentation last month, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council the legislation’s goal is to restrict obscene displays while protecting a business owner’s First Amendment rights. She added that the city had received more than 100 complaints regarding such displays along the boardwalk.
“What we’re trying to do is walk this very fine line of honoring and respecting a business, a merchant’s right to run their business and exercise free speech, while protecting our most vulnerable residents and visitors, which are the children …,” she said at the time. “We’re trying to strike that balance, and what we’re proposing we think does strike that balance.”
Examples of obscene materials provided to the City Council included Tshirts depicting sexual acts and shirts with sayings such as “I heart DILFS” and “Don’t be a salty [expletive deleted].”
Officials noted such items were on
display and could be viewed without entering the premises.
The city’s charter acknowledges that the mayor and City Council can police obscenity or public profanity, as well as prohibit any outdoor display that promotes alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, tobacco, weapons, offensive adult materials and obscenity, to name a few.
Rather than send the ordinance to the Ocean City Planning Commission for further review, the City Council last month opted to bring it back for a first reading, which passed on Monday in a 6-0 vote, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent.
As presented, the ordinance prohibits the display of profane, obscene, sexually explicit or vulgar materials and merchandise, unless confined to an area of the business that cannot be viewed from outside. The ordinance also requires a merchant to include signage, notifying anyone entering an area where such materials are displayed.
Any violators would be subject to penalties, including a municipal infraction and $500 fine for the first violation, a municipal infraction and $1,000 fine for the second violation, and potential suspension or revocation of a business license for the third violation.
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(March 21, 2025) Officials this week agreed to make another exception to a moratorium on the issuance of shortterm rental licenses.
Agreeing a carve-out was needed, the Ocean City Council on Monday voted on second reading to amend the city’s moratorium on the issuance of new short-term rental licenses in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts.
The change will allow the new owner of any property with an existing shortterm rental license the to apply for a rental license. The license would be valid for the remainder of the calendar year.
“I’ll just note that this is amended on second reading,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said. “So when this first came before you … the last phrase did say the remainder of the license year. And after the first reading, this has been amended to say the remainder of the calendar year.”
In early February, council members agreed to an 11-month pause in the issuance of short-term rental licenses in two zoning districts, 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, the first reading of the amended moratorium was presented to and approved earlier this month. At that meeting, the council agreed that shortterm rental license, if granted, would be valid for the remainder of the calendar year, rather than the remainder of the licensing year, which ends April 30.
“If they are allowed to use the rental license, then they can continue to rent all the way through April …,” Mayor Rick Meehan said earlier this month. “I don’t know if that was the intent. I think they can accept any rentals currently booked.”
On Monday, a second reading was presented to the council, which voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to amend the moratorium on second reading
Worcester supports Diakonia grant request
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 21, 2025) Worcester County officials pledged their unanimous support for a state grant that will help the West Ocean City nonprofit Diakonia fund its long-awaited expansion project.
The County Commissioners on Tuesday gave their blessing for Diakonia to pursue a Community Development Block Grant that will yield $860,000 in funding. Executive Director Ken Argot said the grant will help Diakonia to secure more local matches toward its $10 million goal.
The commissioners agreed to a letter of guarantee for the grant, meaning the county ultimately would be held responsible for the project’s completion or else be charged back by the state.
Argot said affordable housing is “almost nonexistent” on the Eastern Shore, with scarcity tied to rising property values, seasonal workforce needs and limited rental availability.
That’s why this project will include 42 new affordable rental unit apartments, he said.
“Our shelter is full every day,” Argot said. “As soon as somebody leaves, somebody new comes in. And there’s people on the street. That’s why we started the mobile outreach team, because we knew we couldn’t get them in right away. This will help us sort of break
the cycle of just everybody kind of staying in shelter because there is no place to go.”
The complex will offer not only housing, but support services, including a space for veterans’ services, case management, an expanded community food pantry, and thrift store.
In the works for a decade, Diakonia’s planned 9,000-square-foot campus on Route 611, next door to the Decatur Diner, will be built in two phases. Land for the project was donated in 2021 by West Ocean City-based Blue Water, a real estate development and hospitality business.
Phase 1 of the project, estimated to cost $3.4 million, will include a new 3,200-square-foot building for Diakonia’s relocated veterans service center and administrative offices. This phase includes $2.1 million for initial plans and site work, plus $2 million to build it.
Phase 2 will include three, two-story buildings with 14 units each of flexible housing. Ranging from studios to threebedroom units, this housing would be managed by Diakonia and some would maintain a flexible sliding scale rental agreement as the renters’ income increases.
The second phase also would include building a new community thrift store and an expanded food pantry at an estimated cost of $6 million.
The food pantry, which is now physically inside Diakonia’s current headquarters on Old Bridge Road, would get its own space with a larger area to process donations. The thrift store generates about 10% of Diakonia’s revenue, and Argot said he hopes that figure will increase to 25-30% when the new store is completed.
Fundraising so far has included state and local grants, and gifts from foundations and the community. Additional efforts this year will include a $100,000 direct mail campaign, Diakonia said in a statement.
Other sponsorships would see donors not only purchasing legacy bricks but have the opportunity to lend their name to both individual rooms as well as the overall campus for a goal of $2.4 million.
Diakonia saw a $50,000 funding boost earlier this year when it was se-
lected by Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to participate in a Community Investment Tax Credit program.
People and businesses who donate at least $500 to a nonprofit get a tax credit in the amount of their gift. The recipient then gets back twice that amount as an award, which must go toward a specific project. It means Diakonia could see a $50,000 award if they can secure $25,000 in tax credits for this funding round.
A formal groundbreaking will be announced in the weeks to come, said Brian Roberts, chairman of Diakonia’s board of directors.
“We’re thankful for the county commissioners to approve this project. We can’t thank them enough. We’re looking forward to shovels in the ground soon,” he said.
LOVE HATE MIXTAPE
DWAYN
E WILSON AWAKEN
Free parking still OK south of OC’s Route 50 bridge
Council eliminates paid parking expansion plan
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 21, 2025) Acknowledging concerns from downtown residents, city officials this week agreed to scale back a proposal that would have expanded paid parking in areas south of the Route 50 bridge.
The Ocean City Council on Monday had before it an ordinance that would, among other things, establish new paid parking locations in the city’s southern district, or the area of town south of the Route 50 bridge.
However, after several downtown residents and property owners voiced their objections, the council voted 51, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to eliminate a majority of the proposed paid parking expansion.
“That keeps things basically how they are now …,” Council President Matt James said.
Last month, city staff came before the City Council with a slew of ordinances and resolutions aimed at paid parking.
One ordinance, for example, allows the City Council to enhance penalties for parking violations on designated special event dates and allows the city’s new parking division to enforce scofflaw penalties.
Another would incorporate new paid parking within the southern district area, the south convention center parking lot, and at parking spaces previously designated as part of the city’s “orange dot” program. The program gave free parking accommodations for those owning property in front of or adjacent to metered onstreet parking. That space was then marked with an orange dot and would not be charged the parking fee.
It was that ordinance, however, that was largely opposed by downtown residents and property owners, who came before the council this week to voice their objections.
Year-round resident Elizabeth Anderson said the proposed paid parking expansion would impact her ability to park near her downtown apartment.
“This takes away my ability to live and work in Ocean City …,” she said. “You are pushing us out.”
Ocean City resident Jody Palmisano noted several downtown properties that had residential units, but not enough parking. He said those nonconforming properties existed before the city even established a parking code.
“I estimate there are approximately 370 residents in these buildings with no parking, and they own about 150 cars …,” he said. “If this passes, these residents will start
Parking proposal irks residents
parking above the bridge, and this may have a ripple effect from St. Louis all the way to 15th Street.”
Gary Steger said parking challenges were also found at Son’Spot Ministries, which serves the community from its property on Worcester Street. He said volunteers rely on the free downtown parking throughout the year.
“The parking changes as proposed would be devastating to us, for the functions we do,” he said.
Steger said he was requesting the city oppose the paid parking expansion. If not, he asked for concessions at Son’Spot Ministries, including a dedicated clergy spot, additional parking exemptions for registered license plates, and more.
“If you are able to approve these requests, we would be able to function like we were,” he said.
After hearing complaints from several downtown residents and property owners, Gehrig said he would not support the proposed ordinance.
“I just think it’s incomplete right now,” he said, “and I’m definitely not voting for it.”
James agreed.
“I think nonconformity is the root
of all our parking issues downtown right now,” he said. “That’s our fault. And if not ours, it’s previous councils’ fault.”
After further discussion, the council agreed to amend the ordinance, reducing the number of paid parking spots on Worcester Street, from Baltimore Avenue to the Boardwalk, from seven to six, and eliminating any new paid parking spots proposed in the ordinance.
However, the majority of the council agreed the paid parking should continue to be implemented at the south convention center lot, and that the orange dot program should continue to be repealed.
“The orange dot spaces, Gary has two …,” City Manager Terry McGean said of the Son’Spot Ministries location. “What I’m suggesting is he would end up with one space, which is where his driveway is. This would get rid of the orange dot program but would restore all the free parking for the entire streets.”
Gehrig cast the one dissenting vote, arguing he did not want to see any changes to paid parking until the council held a work session on the topic.
HAPPY
Art League sets bus trip to Philly for stage musical
(March 21, 2025) The Art League of Ocean City has announced a April 5 bus trip to the Philadelphia Academy of Music for a live stage performance of the national tour of the Broadway musical “& Juliet,” based on the Romeo & Juliet story.
All are welcome to join the excursion, but seating is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
The musical performance is based on flipping the script of the romantic but tragic tale, giving Juliet a second chance at life and love — on her own terms.
Featuring a pop score from lsongwriter Max Martin (“...Baby One More Time,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar”), the show reimagines the classic tale with a fresh and modern twist.
The bus will depart the ACME parking lot on 94th Street in Ocean City at 8:30 a.m. Showtime is 1:30 p.m. The bus will depart Philadelphia at 4 p.m. and arrive back in Ocean City by 7 p.m.
Tickets are $195 for Art League members and $235 for non-members, and the ticket price includes the cost of admission to the show. Snacks and water are provided on the bus. Lunch is available at nearby restaurants.
Tickets are available at OCart.org/classes or by calling 410524-9433.
Vietnam-era vets invited for lunch at OC Legion post
(March 20, 2025) Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1091 in Ocean City this week invite all Vietnam-era veterans to enjoy lunch, fellowship and fun at American Legion Post 166 on March 29, from 1-3 p.m.
All Vietnam-era veterans (19551975) are invited to partake in lunch and share time with fellow veterans. They also may bring memorabilia or stories to be shared with the group. Veterans may bring a guest as well.
For more information on the “Welcome Home” event, contact Bob Gilmore at 410-726-5690 or email OPBobGil@aol.com.
The event will be held at American Legion Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842.
Easte
rn Shore
Women in History month observed
1980s helped propel the town’s hospitality sector to new heights.
(March 21, 2025) As part of its 150th anniversary observance, the Town of Ocean City is dedicating March the women who have shaped the resort’s past and present.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Ocean City Tourism Department is spotlighting the trailblazing women who almost single-handedly launched the resort’s lodging industry.
One of the highlights of this celebration is March’s Mobile Museum Exhibit, which showcases the Petticoat Regime—a group of pioneering women instrumental in Ocean City’s early tourism industry—and the Steel Magnolias, whose dedication in the
After making appearances at the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Trade Show and the OC Film Festival, the Mobile Museum will be on display at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center throughout the month, offering visitors a glimpse into Ocean City’s history through the lens of these influential women.
To further celebrate the role of women in Ocean City’s history, Ocean City Tourism is joining the Maryland Tourism Coalition for a walk on May 8 during National Travel and Tourism Week.
This event is intended to bring history to life by highlighting the “Petticoat Regime” and its members pivotal role in shaping Ocean City’s early development. The tour will
begin at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and will walk through five historic establishments, offering a firsthand look at the contributions of these women.
“The history of tourism in Maryland would not be what it is today without the incredible contributions of women, and Ocean City’s story is a prime example of that,” said Ruth Toomey, executive director of the Maryland Tourism Coalition.
“From the early pioneers who built the foundation of hospitality in Ocean City to the women leading the industry today, this historic walk is a wonderful way to honor their legacies and inspire future generations.”
For the full schedule of 150th Anniversary events and the latest updates, visit ococean.com/150 and follow @oceancitymaryland on social media.
ST. PATRICK’S PARADE
The Delmarva Irish-American Club once again hosted the Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15. With a record-setting 100 entries on a chilly and overcast day, this year’s parade was the biggest ever. The parade’s grand marshal was John Fager, founder of the Ocean City restaurant and bar Fager’s Island. The club held its first parade in 1980 as a small affair, and today the parade has become Maryland’s largest St. Patrick’s parade and is a seasonal kickoff for many local businesses. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan serves as president of the club and is co-chair of the parade. After four decades of parades and fundraisers, the club has awarded more than $590,000 in scholarships to local high school students and in donations to local charities and organizations.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Parade Winners
Winners can pick up their awards by calling 410-289-6156 or emailing ocstpattysparade@comcast.net
Youth Group: Westfall Boyle Academy of Irish Dance.
Honorable Mention: Royal Elite Diamondz Dance Team.
Special Committee Award: Maryland State Firefighters Association. Judges' Choice Award: Believe in Tomorrow Children's House by the Sea. Best Overall: Seacrets/Ocean 98.
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Best Beats On The Beach
Who’s Where When
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY 28th Street Coastal Hwy. Saturday, March 22: TBA
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Friday & Saturday, March 21 & 22: Phil Perdue
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 21: Karl Bailey Saturday, March 22: Lennon LaRicci & The Leftovers
CRABCAKE
FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Friday, March 21: True Country Sunday, March 23: Margot N Valerie Wednesday, March 26: Cup Of Joe
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, March 21: Shredded Cheddar Saturday, March 22: Fuzzbox Piranha
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay Friday, March 21: Fantasm & DJ RobCee Saturday, March 22: Southland & DJ Stinson
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake
DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, March 21
CARLEY TWIGG Seacrets: Friday, March 21
DJ CRUZ Seacrets: Friday & Saturday March 21 & 22
PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays
DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays
CUP OF JOE Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, March 26
DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, March 22
LOVE HATE MIXTAPE
Moose: Friday & Saturday, March 21 & 22
SOUTHLAND
Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 22
HOMETOWN RADIO
Seacrets: Friday, March 21
MARGOT N VALERIE
Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, March 23
Saturday, March 22
THE DUNEHOUNDS
Harborside: Saturday, March 22
FANTASM
Fager’s Island: Friday, March 21
Who’s Where When
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Fridays: DJ Billy T
Saturday, March 21:
Dunehounds & DJ Bigler
Sundays: Opposite Directions
Thursdays: Dust N Bones
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Saturday, March 22: LNJ Sessions
Sundays: Beats By Styler
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wax
Wednesdays:
Beats By Madame Dutchess
Thursdays: Beats By Connair
PURPLE MOOSE SALOON
410-289-6953
Between Caroline & Talbot Sts.
On The Boards
Friday & Saturday, March 21 & 22: DJ Madame Dutchess & Love Hate Mixtape
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy.
Friday, March 21: Carley Twigg, Dueling Pianos, Hometown
Radio, DJ Cruz & DJ Connair
Saturday, March 22: Kono Nation Duo, Dueling Pianos, Sky City Social, DJ Cruz & DJ Connair
Thursday, March 27: Opposite Directions & DJ E-State
Purple
LNJ SESSIONS
Pickles Pub:
LENNON LARICCI & THE LEFTOVERS
Coins Pub: Saturday, March 22
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
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous crab cakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL
11403 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall next to Sophia’s, Ocean City 443-880-6258, norioc.com
$$ | 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.
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.
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 #Mexican eats 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.
Ocean City Art League lists winning film festival entries
(March 21, 2025) The Ocean City Film Festival this week announced the winners for its 9th annual season, held March 6-9 in the resort.
The four-day festival, which drew 1,400 passholders, is a production of the Art League of Ocean City.
“We thank the hundreds of people who came out this year to support independent film and the filmmakers who made them,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “We are so proud of how our festival has grown and how it has supported the art of film over the past nine years, bringing excitement and culture to the shoulder season in Ocean City.”
The First Place Audience Choice Winner was “The Henry Hotel” directed by Marlon Wallace, which also won first place in the Historical Film Challenge sponsored by the Town of Ocean City.
The film tells the story of the segregated hotel from pre-Civil Rights times to the current effort to restore the building.
Other Audience Choice winners were “Warriors Beyond the Battlefield: African Americans in the Armed Forces,” produced by Unscene Productions in cooperation with the
Ninth film festival winners listed
Beach to Bay Heritage Area, and “Her Name is Alesia: Ms. Macer to You” by Eric Myrieckes.
Other Historical Film Challenge winners were second place, “Tales from the Dock,” directed by Maurice Waters; and third place, “Eyes of the Fort,” directed by Megan Dodson. The Worcester County Commission for Women presented a special award to Samantha Aben as Best Female Director for her film, “Drifting.”
Winners of the Documentary Short Film category were first place, “On Water’s Edge,” co-produced by the Maryland/DC Nature Conservancy, and honorable mentions, “A Capella Joy: The Delmarva Chorus,” directed by Candice Lee Spielman of Ocean Pines; “Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool,” directed by Leah Warshawski; and “Beneath the Surface,” directed by Ian Derry.
Winners in the Narrative Short category were first place, “Listen with Your Eyes,” directed by Sam Von
Hagen, and honorable mentions “The Boy From Lookout Mountain,” directed by Christopher Flippo; “Avocado Heart Girl,” directed by Keeley Gainey; and “The Campfire,” directed by Logan Bilbrough.
Winners in the Documentary Feature Film category were first place, “Bankie Banx: King of the Dune,” directed by Nara Garber. Honorable mentions went to “Meko,” directed by Harrison Buck; “Diary of an Orphan Elephant,” directed by Hermien Roelvert-Van Gils; and “Living Drugs,” directed by Victorina Petrossiants.
Winners in the Narrative Feature Film category were first place, “Cast & Crew,” directed by Jason Taylor, and honorable mentions “A/way,” directed by Derek Shane Garcia; “Loch Raven,” directed by Bernd Linhart; and “Home Free,” directed by Avi Ronn Federgreen.
More information is available at OCMDFilmFetival.com or by calling 410-524-9433.
State parks ‘Friends’ award Assateague $37,855 grant
(March 21, 2025) The Friends of Maryland State Parks recently presented a check for $37,855 to the staff at Assateague State Park for small grant projects.
These funds will fund 22 projects statewide and enable staff to collaborate with community partners to provide information on Maryland’s cultural history in state parks, stabilize and protect dunes, provide access to recreational resources, and promote conservation and stewardship on our public lands.
“Our park rangers and staff are getting more creative every year, submitting projects that provide additional benefits for park visitors,” says Chuck Hecker, board president, Friends of Maryland State Parks. “We have funded ninety-five SGBI projects since the grant program started five years ago. The total amount of funding, since the program’s inception, is $149,952.”
The Friends of Maryland State
See ADVOCACY Page 37
CROSSWORD
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, forcing an agenda right now might backfire. It is best to be patient and let things unfold organically. A few new people may come to your aid this week and support you.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
You might need to reconsider what you have been fighting for, Taurus. A current battle could be particularly hard to win, so you will have to rethink your strategy.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Someone in a position of power might try to convince you that their way is the best approach this week, Gemini. You are determined to stick with what you think is right, but keep an open mind as well.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, avoid impulsive decisions right now, particularly those that are financial gambles. Poor or selfish actions can deliver consequences that are hard to reverse.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, what you desire could be in direct conflict with what a loved one in your home wants. Instead of trying to force your ideas on them, figure out a way to compromise.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, the universe is calling the shots right now and time is moving at whatever speed is right. It might seem like very slow progress, so you’ll need to remain patient.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, this week you might be tempted to put wants before needs. Self-control is needed or you could start spending more than is financially wise right now.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, frustrating exchanges between you and loved ones might leave you retreating to quieter spaces. Any communication is better than no communication, so keep that in mind.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, you can resist a certain situation, but you might need to remain flexible as you do so. Don’t fight battles unnecessarily right now. Look for the silver lining if need be.
CAPRICORN – DEC 22/JAN 20
Capricorn, shortcuts can compromise your personal growth. The pathway to greater success is to work hard and put in the hours necessary to reap the most lasting rewards.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you have more power than ever before, but remember it comes with extra responsibility. Always use your authority wisely and think through decisions thoroughly.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, if you hope to make progress, you may have to change tactics. What you have been doing simply isn’t working. Start looking at other strategies.
Advocacy group helps state park
Continued from Page 36
Parks has increased funding since year one, awarding $13,619 in 2021 to $37,855 in 2025. At least one state park in all of the five state park regions have applied for and received a grant every year.
Launched in 2020, the Small Grants, Big Impact! program of the Friends of Maryland State Parks was designed to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect with, celebrate, and support Maryland’s State Parks and their community-based programs.
Through its Small Grants program, the nonprofit provides $2,000 grants to state parks to help them achieve their mission of excellence, bringing smiles to park rangers and visitors alike.
OUT OU OM
TDOO CO ME
OME CONDO OUTDOOR Show
PHOTO BY ANGELA BALDWIN
Chuck Hecker, left, FOMSP president is pictured with Assateague State Park staff members Michael Fray, Erin Swale, Carly Brukiewa, Meghan Rhode, Michael Larger and Ashley Brown.
Delmarva Irish-American Club
Ocean City St. Patrick's Parade
LIVESTREAM SPONSORS:
Alley Oops
Dead Freddie’s
Fager’s Island Fish Tales
Jolly Roger Amusements
Longboard Café
Ocean Downs Casino Royal Plus Seacrets Shenanigans
Touch of Italy Town of Ocean City
Greatful Grub Food Truck
Sessa's Vending
Worcester County Tourism
45th Street Shopping Center
Aloft Ocean City
The Voice Radio Network
Unscene Productions
Embassy of Ireland
Carousel Hotel/James Hospitality
Harrison Group
Ocean Copy
PNC Bank
Rogers Graphics
Ocean City Florist
MARCHING UNIT
FIRST PLACE: Sussex Tech Raven Nation Marching Band
HONORABLE MENTION: Sussex Central High School
Golden Knights Marching Band
MOTORIZED UNIT
FIRST PLACE: Shriners of Boumi Temple, Baltimore
HONORABLE MENTION: Ocean Downs Casino
COMMERCIAL FLOAT
FIRST PLACE: Jolly Roger Amusement Parks
HONORABLE MENTION: Fager's Island/Bad Monkey
OTHERS:
Mann Properties
NFP Insurance
Etch-Art
New Wave Printing and Embroidery
Mike Bradley, WGMD
Melanie Pursel, Worcester County Tourism
Bill Baker, Power 101.7 FM
Brad Hofman, Live Wire Media
Ahmed Baky, Second Secretary, Cultural & Community Attaché, Irish Embassy
Pat O'Brennan Trio
OC Today-Dispatch
All the members, friends and volunteers of the Delmarva Irish American Club
NON-COMMERCIAL FLOAT
FIRST PLACE: Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre
HONORABLE MENTION: Women of the Woods
ADULT GROUP
FIRST PLACE: Bearded Men's Society
HONORABLE MENTION: New York City Fire Department
YOUTH GROUP
FIRST PLACE: Westfall Boyle Academy of Irish Dance
HONORABLE MENTION: Royal Elite Diamondz Dance Team
SPECIAL COMMITTEE AWARD: Maryland State Firefighters Association
JUDGES' CHOICE AWARD: Believe in Tomorrow Children's House by the Sea
BEST OVERALL: Seacrets/Ocean 98
BASKETS OF CHEER WINNERS:
Diane Ferry, New Jersey
Debby Lainey, Delaware
Emily Harrison, Maryland
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 21
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
BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB:
‘THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM’ BY MARIE BENEDICT
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the library’s circulation desk. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FANDOM FRIDAY: WITCHES & WIZARDS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3:30 p.m. Crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 12-18 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
LENTEN ‘SOUPER’ SUPPER
Holy Savior Catholic Church Parish Hall, 1705 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Choice of three delicious soups, salad, rolls and sweet treats. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children 11 years and younger. 410-289-0652
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. 410524-7994
Sat., March 22
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY JOB FAIR
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-noon. Meet supervisors seeking candidates in disciplines from public safety to camp counselors to bus driver to lifeguards and more. https://www.ococean.com/ event/town-of-ocean-city-job-fair/2183/, 410-289-8924
THE PRAISE GOD FOR THAT TOUR FEATURING JORDAN FELIZ AND SPECIAL GUEST RILEY CLEMMONS
Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/929341 95/the-praise-god-for-that-tour-featuring-jordan-feliz-and-special-guest-rileyclemmons-ocean-city-oc-performing-art s-center.
2025 OCEAN CITY CHAMBER JOB FAIR
Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, 9100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 12-2 p.m. Dress professionally and bring your resume, ID and a pen. Save time by filling out applications in advance. https://chamber.oceancity.org/events/d etails/2025-ocean-city-chamber-jobfair-42164
CATS & COFFEE
Caprichos Books, 11310 Manklin Creek Road, Ocean Pines, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Town Cats of Ocean City to host this Cats & Coffee event. 410-208-1538, admin@towncats.net
KICKSTART KINDERGARTEN
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Six session series to help preschoolers get ready for Kindergarten. Families receive light snacks and tips for continuing kindergarten preparedness at home. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
13TH ANNUAL ST. JOSEPH’S DAY FESTIVAL
2025
St. Andrew Parish Center, 14401
Sinepuxent Ave., Ocean City, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free. Featuring Italian food specialities, wine, beer, Italian specialty items, 50/50 drawing, games, silent auctions, basket raffles and more. www.sonsofitalyoceancity.com
LIBRARY LEGO LEAGUE
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Explore your imagination with LEGO bricks provided by the library. Creations will be displayed in the Berlin Library. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
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 23
FORMAL GOWN SALE!
The Crab Bag Shopping Center, 13005 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 12-3 p.m. Formal, bridal and cocktail dresses sold at 75%-80% off. All dresses must go. Proceeds supporting Athletic Center Building Fund.
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER
Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults and includes spaghetti, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Children 4 years and younger eat for free. Proceeds benefit Rolling Stones Youth Group. Christina Wilson, 302-519-2993
BERLIN FLEA MARKET
Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656
SEWING FOR A CAUSE
Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
Mon., March 24
DRAGONS WEEK!
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill, March 24-29. Do dragon crafts, check out the displays, find the dragons hiding all throughout the library and more. Something for all ages. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: SPRING
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
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for a Lego challenge event. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is
a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.
Tues., March 25
SESAME STREET LIVE!
Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 6 p.m. Cost is $40/$50. Sing, dance and play alongside your furry friends. Tickets:
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Play with the variety of toys and socialize with other families. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SENSORY STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC KNITTING GROUP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
LOTR ESCAPE ROOM CHALLENGE
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 12-4 p.m. Celebrate Tolkien Reading Day. Teens welcome. Call 410-957-0878 to schedule your session. www.worcesterlibrary.org
HOMESCHOOL HISTORY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 12 p.m. Learn facts about different historical time periods through reading, writing and games. For ages 6-11 years. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
WOMEN IN ART
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m.
CALENDAR
Learn something new about women artists from the medieval era through the 17th century. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CREATIVE CARDBOARD DRAGONS
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3:30 p.m. Use cardboard and other recycled materials to create a fearsome or funny dragon. Tape, cardboard paper and Makedo tools provided. For ages 6-11 years. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 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
Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
Wed., March 26
BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP
Online Zoom call held the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
We have generations of experience and are well known for our exceptional dental care. We
want to help you keep that bright and beautiful smile every season!
years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
COFFEE & CRAFTS: SPRING GARLANDS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in every month for a new craft. Materials provided. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Cooking demonstration will show how to create a delicious and nutritious dish using ingredients that promote brain health. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. The goal of the support group is to provide participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410-641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org
TOWN CATS FUNDRAISER
Panchos & Lefty’s, 12911 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City, 4 p.m. Ten percent of total sales on dine-in, take out and liquor sale will be donated to Town Cats of Ocean City. 410-208-1538, admin@towncats.net
about electricity, circuits and experiment with the snap circuit games. For ages 6-11 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FAE CAFE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Hot cocoa, crafts and conversation about books and events. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
AIR FOAM DRAGON CRAFT
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Make an air foam dragon. All supplies provided. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
KIWANIS CLUB MEETING
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.
Thurs., March 27
PETSMART ADOPTION EVENT
PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., Berlin, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Adoption event hosted by Town Cats of Ocean City. 410Continued on Page 42 ATLANTIC DENTAL COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY
PREVENTIVE CARE • INVISALIGN PERIODONTAL TREATMENT • FULL MOUTH RESTORATIONS • IMPLANT RESTORATIONS SMILE ENHANCEMENTS EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR OUR CURRENT PATIENTS
Come celebrate women’s history month with songs, dancing and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: ‘OUR DRAGON’
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
LUNCHTIME LENTEN SERVICE AND SOUP LUNCH
St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin. Worship begins at noon followed by a light lunch. Pastor Jacob Jackson preaching on Sharing. bethany21811@gmail.com, 410-6412186
DRAGONS IN FOLKLORE
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 1 p.m. Learn about different tales and folklore of dragons. Best for teens and adults, but all are welcome. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FIRESIDE CHAT
Worcester County Library - Berlin
Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books you have read and want to share. Find your next great read. 410641-0650, 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.
ARTSCAPE: MIXING COLOR
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 5:30 p.m. A brief discussion followed by creative exploration of the month’s topic. For artist of all levels. Reservations required: 410957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org
DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF WORCESETER COUNTY MEETING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6 p.m. Democratic Club of Worcester County meeting.
ONGOING EVENTS
DRAGONS WEEK!
Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., March 24-29. Do dragon crafts, check out the displays, find the dragons hiding all throughout the library and
more. Something for all ages. 410-6323495
‘LUCKY LEPRECHAUNS LOOSE IN THE LIBRARY’ GAME WEEK
Pocomoke library, 301 Market St., March 17-22. Drop by anytime during the week to complete the games and receive a St. Paddy’s Day surprise. For ages 6-18 years. 410-957-0878
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.
Crossword answers from page 36
MARCH 21, 2025 OC Today-Dispatch 43
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.
HELP WANTED
Well established concrete company looking for YR FINISHERS & LABORERS. Experience preferred. Call 410-832-8251.
Private club looking for skilled, energetic Bartenders and Servers for nights and weekends year round. 1+ years experience. Call 410-213-1613.
SPEEDWORLD
Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round. Wage starts at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 443-754-1047
SUMMER SEASONAL
Modern Condo 1BR/1BA Bayside, off 123rd St. 2 queen beds, furnished, full kitchen, washer/dryer, POOL, parking. Next to bars & restaurants. Near Northside Park (70 acres).
PROFESSIONALS ONLY max. 2 renters. NO pets or smokers. $11K + sec. dep. & utilities. Email: jimreeves99md@gmail.com
WEEKLY RENTAL
Seasonal Weekly Rental only, Single family home, Berlin. 4BR, 3BA. $725/night. Call 484-319-7188 for details.
SEASONAL RENTAL
Efficiency condo with pool available Mid-May - MidSept. $8500. A/C, parking, 2 people occupancy. Resort Rentals/ OCVacations, 410-524-0295
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555. 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
ROOMMATES
SEASONAL ROOMMATE
Male or Female. May 22nd-Sept. 21st. 2BR, 1.5BA.
Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.
and paint,
floors, interior paint. Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066
MISC./OTHER
Get hard as a rock As the now passes to then, The cold mud of time! Looking back at my footsteps, Can’t change them but will change me!
MISC. FOR SALE
Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-4076870
Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
VEHICLES WANTED
DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929 SERVICES
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258
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
OCD-3/6/3t
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
OCD-3/6/3t
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
OCD-3/6/3t
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
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE
SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-3/6/3t
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
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
OCD-3/6/3t
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
OCD-3/6/3t
RACHEL B. HARRIS ESQ. P.O. BOX 62 POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-0062
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20558 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SUZANNE J. STEVENSON
Notice is given that Teresa Searing, 8253 Sea Biscuit Rd., Snow Hill, MD 21863-4306, was on March 03, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Suzanne J. Stevenson who died on January 10, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3rd day of September, 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.
Teresa Searing 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 13, 2025
tative of the estate of MARK DOUGHTY who died on JANUARY 20, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of SEPTEMBER, 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-3/13/3t
KHURRAM RIAZ
429 W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863 Plaintiff, v.
STEPHEN E SCHOOLFIELD 111 Oak Street Pocomoke, MD 21851 Defendant, And L. DEAN GUY 1621 Colona Road Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant And DEBORAH GUY 1621 Colona Road Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant And
JEFFREY M. RUBEN TRUSTEE
500 Delaware A venue Wilmington, DE 19801 Defendant And WORCESTER COUNTY
OCD-3/13/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of MARK DOUGHTY AKA: MARK DERICK DOUGHTY Estate No. 20552 Notice is given that DAWN DOUGHTY whose address is 10960 SW 219TH ST., MIAMI, FL 33170-3058 was on MARCH 07, 2025 appointed Personal Represen-
Attn: Phil Thompson I West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD
DESCRIBED AS: 5848 Sq Ft Side 111 Oak St Pocomoke, Tax Account# 01-015974, Defendant.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
C-23-CV-25-000059
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. 01-015974, Property description 5848 Sq Ft N Side 111 Oak St Pocomoke, Deed Reference: 2933/479, Assessed to Stephen E Schoolfield and Ruden Fletcher, and owned by Stephen E School field. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. It is, thereupon this 5th of March, 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 4th day of May, 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.
Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy
Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/13/3t
ESP HOLDINGS CORPORATION
10809 Roland Parks Road Deal Island, MD 2 I 821 Plaintiff, v. KARE L TRUITT
3118 Normandy Woods Drive, Apt. H Ellicott City, MD 21043 Defendant, And
WORCESTER COUNTY
Attn: Phil Thompson 1 West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: 2.125 ACS 210 Purnell & Belt STS, Snow Hill, Tax Account# 02-022710, Defendant. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUTY, MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000030
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 Collec-
tor of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 02-022710, Property description 2.125 Acs 210 Purnell & Belt Streets, Snow Hill, MD 21863, Deed Reference: 4309/707, Assessed to Karen L. Truitt. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.
It is, thereupon this 7th of March, 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 6th of May, 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-3/13/3t
VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND P.A.
6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20564
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RITA J. VILLANI
AKA: RITA JOHNSON VILLANI
Notice is given that Mark Granger, 145 E. Carroll St., Ste. 201, Salisbury, MD 21801-5454; and Harold B. Gordy Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 200, Ocean City, MD 21842-6697, were on March 10, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rita J. Villani who died on February 04, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of September, 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.
Mark Granger Harold B. Gordy Jr. Personal Representatives True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: March 13, 2025
OCD-3/13/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20547
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WALTER E. POVLOSKI
AKA: WALTER EMIL POVLOSKI
Notice is given that Christopher Povloski, 48 Martinique Cir., Ocean Pines, MD 21811-1703, was on March 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter E. Povloski who died on January 22, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of September, 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.
Christopher Povloski 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 13, 2025
Tax Lien Hedge, LLC
C/O Eskin Law, LLC
OCD-3/13/3t
1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208
Plaintiff v. Joseph R. Kane
P.O. Box 1329
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 and State of Maryland
Office of the Attorney General S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General
200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office
S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and
All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 207 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 2 I 863, and described as Legal Description 70' X 150' 207 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL Being known as District 02 Account Number 024438 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes. Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000070
ORDER OF
PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 207 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.
A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 70' X 150' 207 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL, District 02 Account umber 024438 Known as 207 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.
The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. It is thereupon this 10th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all
persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 10th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property 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 to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.
Beau H. Oglesby Judge
True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki
Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
OCD-3/13/3t
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND
Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of the Town of Snow Hill Section 200-134 notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider an ordinance to amend: THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL TO FIX AN INCORRECT MAP BEING EXECUTED BY TOWN OFFICIALS IN 2021, AND THUS HAVING A CORRECT ZONING DISTRICT MAP EXECUTED BY TOWN OFFICIALS.
The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing or for a copy of the ordinance please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410632-2080.
OCD-3/20/2t
COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A.
W. HANK FISHER, III, ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20566
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the District Court of Lincoln County, Kentucky appointed Deborah Ann Shoemaker, 2 Foxenfields Abbots Ripton Huntingdon Cambridgeshire, PE28 2PW as the Foreign Personal Representative of the Estate of Arvil Stinnett who died on December 29, 2024 domiciled in Kentucky, America.
The Maryland resident agent for
service of process is W. Hank Fisher III 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.
Deborah Ann Shoemaker
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 20, 2025
OCD-3/20/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20563 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DAVID BRYAN CROUSE
Notice is given that Paul Crouse, 25193 Leland Ave., Harbeson, DE 19951-0309, was on March 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David Bryan Crouse who died on February 26, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of September, 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.
Paul Crouse
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:
1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208
Plaintiff v.
Joseph R. Kane
P.O. Box 1329
Rehoboth, DE 19971 and State of Maryland
Office of the Attorney General
S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General
200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and
Worcester County Treasurer's Office
S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and
All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 205 Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, and described as Legal Description 75' X 495' X 78' X 475' 205 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL Being known as District 02 Account Number 024470 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.
Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000071
ORDER OF
PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 205 Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.
A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 75' X 495' X 78' X 475' 205 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL, District 02 Account Number 024470 Known as 205 Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property 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 to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.
Beau H. Oglesby Judge
True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
OCD-3/20/3t
_________________________________
Neil Eskin Eskin Law, LLC
Attorney for the Plaintiff 1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 343-9125
neil@eskin-law.com
AIS#: 1406170091
Tax Lien Hedge, LLC C/O Eskin Law, LLC
1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 Plaintiff v.
Ernest T. Fischer 6698 Fowling Creek Drive Preston, MD 21655 and State of Maryland Office of the Attorney General S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office
S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector I W. Market St. Room I I 05 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and
All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as Torquay Road, Ocean City, MD 21842, and described as Legal Description LOT 23 BLK 28 SEC CW TORQUAY RD PL CAPE ISLE OF WlGHT Being known as District IO Account Number 004942 on the Tax Roll of
Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000067
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as Torquay Road, Ocean City, MD 21842, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.
A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description LOT 23 BLK 28 SEC C W TORQUAY RD PL CAPE ISLE OF WIGHT, District 10 Account Number 004942 Known as Torquay Road, Ocean City, MD 21842.
The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 12th of May, 2025, and redeem the property 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 to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.
Brian D. Shockley Judge
Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/20/3t
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20570 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LAWRENCE J. WILCKENS
AKA: LAWRENCE JOHN WILCKENS
Notice is given that Patricia Ortiz Cachay, 6 Bearberry Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-2049, was on March 13, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lawrence J. Wilckens who died on November 26, 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 September, 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.
Patricia Ortiz Cachay 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 20, 2025
Neil Eskin
OCD-3/20/3t
Eskin Law, LLC
Attorney for the Plaintiff 1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 343-9125 neil@eskin-law.com
AIS#: 1406170091
Tax Lien Hedge, LLC
C/O Eskin Law, LLC
1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208
Plaintiff v. Jason Anthony Bowen 607 Ravenstone Lane Durham, NC 27703 and State of Maryland Office of the Attorney General
S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General
200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office
S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector l W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and
All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 210 Flower Street, Berlin, MD 21811, and described as Legal Description 60 3 X 92 E STDE FLOWER STREET
BERLIN Being known as District 03 Account Number 034569 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes. Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000065
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 210 Flower Street, Berlin, MD 21811, in Worcester County, State or Maryland, sold by the Director or Treasury for Worcester County, State or Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.
A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 60 3 X 92 E SIDE FLOWER STREET BERLIN, District 03 Account umber 034569
Known as 210 Flower Street, Berlin, MD 21811.
The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.
It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 13th of May, 2025, and redeem the property 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 to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.
Brian D. Shockley Judge
True Copy
Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/20/3t
1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208
Plaintiff v.
John Groton
705 Walnut Street Pocomoke, MD 2 I 851 and Ralph Groton
705 Walnut Street Pocomoke, MD 2 I 85 I and
Robert Reed
705 Walnut Street Pocomoke, MD 2 I 851 and Mary Kay Reed
705 Walnut Street Pocomoke, MD 21851 and
State of Maryland
Office of the Attorney General
S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and
Worcester County Treasurer's Office
S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and
All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851, and described as Legal Description LOT 8 BLK B 17 SOMERSET AVE PL POCOMOKE HEIGHTS Being known as District 01 Account Number 025694 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes. Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000069
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.
A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description LOT 8 BLK B 17 SOMERSET AVE PL POCOMOKE HEIGHTS, District 01 Account Number 025694 Known as 17 Somerset A venue, Pocomoke, MD 21851.
The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.
It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 13th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property 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 to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.
Brian D. Shockley Judge
Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 Plaintiff
v. Lou Alice Lockhart 11275 Highway 98, West, #6-407 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 and Ocean Pines Association, Inc. S/O The Corporation Trust, Inc., R.A. 2405 York Road, #20 I Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093 and State of Maryland Office of the Attorney General
S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office
S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and
All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County,known as 108 Nottingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811, and described as Legal Description LOT B-10-069 7672 SQ FT NOTTINGHAM LN PL OCEAN PINES SEC IO Being known as District 03 Account Number 099075 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.
Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE N0.: C-23-CV-25-000072
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 108 Nottingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.
A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description LOT B-10-069 7672 SQ FT NOTTINGHAM LN PL OCEAN PINES SEC I 0, District 03 Account Number 099075 Known as 108 Nottingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811.
The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for
redemption has not been paid. It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered. that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 13th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property 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 to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.
Brian D. Shockley Judge
True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
OCD-3/20/3t
ROBERT E RICHARDS ESQ
RICHARDS & RICHARDS P. A. 11253 LOCKWOOD DR STE B SILVER SPRING, MD 20901-4566
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of DALE KUNZE Estate No. 20571 Notice is given that STEPHEN W KUNZE whose address is 6716 OREM DR LAUREL, MD 20707-3238 was on MARCH 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DALE KUNZE who died on FEBRUARY 16, 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 SEPTEMBER, 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
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20526 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HONG KI KIM
Notice is given that Jung Ja Kim, 5229 Pommeroy Dr., Fairfax, VA 22032-3921, was on March 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hong Ki Kim who died on January 30, 2023, 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 14th day of September, 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.
Jung Ja Kim 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 20, 2025
OCD-3/20/3t
BID SOLICITATION
Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant Treatment Unit 4 Tank Cleaning
Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors for the cleaning of the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Treatment Unit 4 (FET4) of all wastewaters, sludge, sediment, vegetation, and debris located at 1000 Shore Drive, Berlin, MD 21811 in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained
from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
A pre-bid conference will be held on site at 1000 Shore Drive, Berlin, MD 21811 on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 10:30am. The last day for questions will be Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Friday, April 11, 2025, at 2:30pm and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of solicitation.
Envelopes shall be marked "Bid Solicitation – Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant Treatment Unit 4 Tank Cleaning”, in the lower left-hand corner.
Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-3/20/1t _________________________________
GINA D. SHAFFER, ESQ. SHAFFER LAW OFFICE 11033 CATHELL RD. BERLIN, MD 21811-9328
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20501 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JACK EDWARD CALDWELL Notice is given that Gregory F. Caldwell, 36098 Lumberyard Ln., Willards, MD 21874-1350, was on March 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jack Edward Caldwell who died on November 29, 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 14th day of September, 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.
Gregory F. Caldwell 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 20, 2025
OCD-3/20/3t
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18115 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GORDON HARCOURT ADDY
Notice is given that Patricia Ann Addy, 73 Stoners Cir., Littlestown, PA 17340-1167, was on March 12, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Gordon Harcourt Addy who died on November 11, 2019, 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 Ann Addy 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 20, 2025
Neil Eskin
OCD-3/20/1t
Eskin Law, LLC
Attorney for the Plaintiff 1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208
S/O Vincent L. Abell, R.A. 10308 Bristolwood Court Laurel, MD 20708 and State of Maryland
Office of the Attorney General
S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office
S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and *
All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 113 Eighth Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851, and described as Legal Description LOT 33 80' X 133' EIGHTH ST PL BERWYCK Being known as District 01 Account Number 032143 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.
Defendants IN THE ClRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000068
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 113 Eighth Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.
A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description LOT 33 80' X I 33' EIGHTH ST PL BERWYCK, Dis-
trict 01 Account umber 032143
Known as I 13 Eighth Street, Pocomoke, MD 2 1851.
The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.
It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property 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 to said property in Fee Simple, free of all lie Beau H. Oglesby Judge
True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
At 3:00 PM
BAAV 25-023 – A request has been submitted for a 1.0’ variance from the TOC Code Section 3871(a)(5) to reduce the required 3.0’ freeboard elevation in an AE-6 flood zone for a portion of the open deck attached to a new residential structure. Locally known as 307 S OCEAN DR parcel number 8020A1588B-in Montego Bay MHP.
Owner: Patricia Hall
Applicant: Mary LaRue c/o James E. Larue, Inc.
BAAV 25-024 – A request has been submitted for a variance of .85’ from the TOC Code Section 3871(a)(4) minimum free board height requirement of +3.0’ in the AE-5 flood zone. Existing first floor is currently 7.15’. Locally known as 106 5TH ST parcel number 4071.
APPLICANT/OWNER: Daniel Robinson OCD-3/20/2t
Gina D. Shaffer Esq. 11033 Cathell Rd. Berlin, MD 21811
IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: BRIAN LYNN KERRIGAN ESTATE NO. 20565
NOTICE
OF JUDICIAL PROBATE
To all Persons Interested in the above estate:
You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Jeanne Pelayo, 18 Robin Hood Trail, Berlin, MD 21811 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 April 08, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Phone: (410) 632-1529
Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Publication Date: March 20, 2025
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NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of ELISABETH S. PRICHARD Estate No. 20512 Notice is given that WOODWARD CLARK PRICHARD whose address is 18 CAPE MAY PL., BERLIN, MD 21811-1310 was on MARCH 11, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELISABETH S. PRICHARD who died on JANUARY 22, 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 11th day of SEPTEMBER, 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
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ARNOLD R. SILBIGER
SILBIGER & SILBIGER
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
5420 CARVILLE AVE. BALTIMORE, MD 21227-2705
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of EDGAR L. UDICH Estate No. 20569 Notice is given that JULIE A. PARKS whose address is 5608 OAKLAND RD., BALTIMORE, MD 21227-3918 was on MARCH 12, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EDGAR L. UDICH who died on FEBRUARY 19, 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 12th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE
SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
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SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of MARY PATRICIA HARRIS Estate No. 20535 Notice is given that PATRICIA A. DUNCAN whose address is 9214 CROPPER ISLAND RD., NEWARK, MD 21841-2104 was on MARCH 12, 2025 appointed per-
sonal representative(s) of the small estate of MARY PATRICIA HARRIS who died on FEBRUARY 12, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/20/1t
Town of Berlin Board of Appeals
NOTICE OF APPEALS
Wednesday, April 2, 6:30 PM 10 William Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811
2nd Floor Council Chambers
West Side West Street, Parcel 1146, Tax Map 30: In accordance with the Town of Berlin’s Code Sections 108-788 (d), the Berlin Board of Appeals will hear a waiver request for Parcel 1146 of Worcester County Tax Map 300, located on the westerly side of West Street, and the northerly side of Washington Street Extended, concerning the parking area requirements for a public parking lot in the R-2 Residence District as outlined in Section 108-788 (d). This appeal has been submitted by Mr. David Gaskill, Town Attorney, on behalf of the Mayor and Council of the Town of Berlin.
Property Owner: William E. Esham, Jr.
122 Tingle Road, Parcel 1001, Tax Map 302: Pursuant to Town of Berlin
Code Section 108-702(c), the Berlin Board of Appeals will hear a variance request for an accessory structure at 122 Tingle Road. Subsequent review found that approval granted in October 2023 was issued in error, as structure does not conform to primary dwelling on property, as required by Town Code 108-702(c). As approval error was made by the Town of Berlin, requiring corrective action would impose undue hardship on property owner(s) due to progress of construction. Thus, appeal seeks relief to preclude enforcement action by the Town or any other agency.
Property Owner(s): Tammy Clark and Jeffrey Anderson
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NOTICE of Public Hearing
Amendment to Worcester County Water and Sewerage Plan
Ocean Downs Sanitary Area
Mystic Harbour Sanitary AreaRiddle Farm Sanitary Area Berlin, Maryland
The Worcester County Commissioners will hold public hearings to consider applications filed by the Department of Environmental Programs. The first amendment, for the Ocean Downs Casino, seeks to revise water system in the Master Water and Sewerage Plan (The Plan) Those changes would include a revision to a water service map and a revised water system for the casino. The Casino desires to replace their existing 100,000-gallon elevated steel water tank with a 150,000 gallon bolted steel ground-level storage tank. The second amendment seeks to revise certain water and wastewater system informational items for proposed capital projects in The Plan with the addition of Capital Projects and planned interconnection projects to The Plan without a change of the previously approved water and sewer boundaries. The Department of Public Works proposes to revise certain water system informational items in The Plan Those changes would include the addition of the following capital projects 1) Interconnection of the Mystic Harbour and Riddle Farm water systems with the Herring Creek Water Main Interconnection; 2) Mystic Harbour Treated Effluent to Riddle Lagoon; 3) Sunset Avenue Relief Sewer; and 4) Mystic Harbour Water Plant and Building Rehabilitation. The Worcester County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Water and Sewerage Plan amendments at their meeting of February 6, 2025, and found them to be consistent with the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan.
The public hearing on these applications will be held on:
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. in the
Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 – Government Center One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
For additional information, please contact the County Administration
at (410) 632-1220 x 1601 or visit the County website at: online at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Crown Castle is proposing to install a 26-foot telecommunications utility structure located within the public right of way at the following site: 1909 Marlin Drive, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland 24842 (38 20 57.24N / 75 4 50.66W). The facility is not expected to be FAA lighted. Crown Castle invites comments from any interested party on the impact of the proposed action on any districts, sites, buildings, structures or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and/or specific reason the proposed action may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Specific information regarding the project is available by contacting EBI Consulting, Project #014255-PR, 21 B Street, Burlington, MA 01803, or at (617) 715-1822.
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PROPOSAL SOLICITATION
FY 2025 LMB – Request for Poverty Training Project
Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified Vendors that can provide and/or organize a minimum of 5 training courses in Worcester County centered around poverty, 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 thirdparty bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A pre-proposal meeting will be held via Google Meets, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 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.
Request for Poverty Training Project”, in the lower left-hand corner. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of solicitation.
Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer
Worcester County, Maryland OCD-3/20/1t
PROPOSAL SOLICITATION
FY 2025 LMB – Request for Needs Assessment
Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified Vendors to develop and implement a comprehensive assessment focusing on generational poverty, cradle to career education, 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 thirdparty bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A pre-proposal meeting will be held via Google Meets, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 2:30pm. 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 – FY 2025 LMB –Request for Needs Assessments”, in the lower left-hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of solicitation.
Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-3/20/1t
Call: 410-723-6397
Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Cook sauteed wild mushrooms
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
(March 21, 2025) Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it.
Generally speaking, the term “beauty” is customarily associated with an aesthetic experience and typically invokes some type of appreciation or pleasure.
While we are on the subject of attractiveness, would one consider mushrooms an ingredient of beauty? While fungus may not fall into the classic interpretation of gorgeousness, their unusual shapes and textures are fascinating and a key component in cooking.
Food, ambiance, and occasion are the major components to entertaining. In
addition, we are faced with countless waves of information that can not only alter our plans but also diminish one’s confidence.
One way to avoid this dilemma is to get back to basics. Budget, theme, and practicality are the trinity of individuality.
Choosing simple dishes and elevating them with ingenuity equates personal style. A whimsical melody of uniqueness diminishes the rules of structure.
Originality is free and delights the senses while harmony is a consummation of thorough planning.
That being said, mushrooms have been around for over a billion years. They are served in numerous ways which adds to their popularity. But how much do we really know about mushrooms?The following is a brief review for clarity and comprehension.
Fungi are a group of living organisms which are classified in their own kingdom. In other words, they are not animals, plants, or bacteria but something in between and very unique.
As we move on, the actual word “mushroom” applies to any fungus of the same general shape as a classic mushroom that has a round cap and stalk.
However, exceptions are understood and part of the norm; some mushrooms grow out of the side of a tree trunk and have almost no stalk. The oyster fungus, often called the oyster mushroom, has a very short, offset stem and is a perfect ex-
by Steve Green
The Adventures of Fatherhood
---(Editor’s Note: The writer is on vacation this week. This column is a reprint from Oct. 6, 2022.)
Parenting a special needs kid can be at times like walking cautiously through a minefield. What’s key through the navigation is optimism.
The trouble is not always visible. The route previously deemed safe one day can be disastrous on another. What brought on anxiety and peace once may not always and vice versa. Every day truly is different, no matter if the same routine is followed throughout. The best way to get over a bad day is to move on to the next one, hoping and praying lessons were learned when unfortunate behaviors and lapse in judgments occur.
There are so many motivational sayings that go along with raising special needs kids. Because I think these are healthy to retain, I have many of these saved on my work computer. One I like is, “Once you accept that your child will be different, not better or worse, just different, that’s the first step.” Another is, “Until you have a kid with special needs you have no idea of the depth of your strength, tenacity and resourcefulness.” Another is, “Children with special needs come into our lives, leaving footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” Perhaps my alltime favorite is, “Sometimes angels are disguised as kids with special needs to teach us how to be better people.”
Maintaining these sorts of positive perspectives keeps me level-headed, but there are times when there are challenges to staying optimistic. As we tell the volunteers at our TOPSoccer program for special needs kids, the key traits needed are compassion, patience and a flexible brain. It’s a matter of picking the right battles and simply letting some things go from time to time.
Some examples on the topic.
• If Carson wants to wear his favorite
Berlin Intermediate sweatshirt every day of the week, I will only fight it so much. If he is so insistent that it brings him to tears at 7 in the morning when I try to encourage a different shirt, I cave.
Each day starts with a different outfit in mind while hiding the sweatshirt. What worked years ago no longer does, however. He’s too smart for it. He remembers now. There are many mornings I find him standing in his room and the shirt his mom laid out for him on the floor. He’s waiting and thinking. The anxiety is building.
What I do know is it’s not worth a meltdown if it brings him some sort of peace. We just need to remember to wash it each night and hide it nearby in the hopes he forgets.
• Carson’s necessity for a routine has rubbed off on me, ramping up my own obsessive and compulsive tendencies more than normal.
I spend a lot of time laughing at myself. Pam often joins in as well. I can be ridiculous, and I know it, but I come from a good place with my weirdness.
Carson enjoys my odd quirks each morning. I joke with him, “let’s go, okay it’s 7:12 a.m., we have to get to Dunkin, have our coffee, eat your breakfast and then to school by 7:30.” It works and gets him laughing. Meanwhile I’m sweating.
• The smallest things bring me joy when it comes to Carson, especially when he walks into school with a smile.
His favorite morning thing currently is to listen to the Los Angeles traffic report on the way to school. He laughs out loud over it for some reason, especially when I remind him each day it’s over 3,000 miles away and it’s 4 in the morning there. Yet, there is some lady in a helicopter talking about expressway traffic and the likelihood of fog rolling in at sunrise. He loves it.
When we arrive at school, he then sets my navigation for a point of interest in Los Angeles. Yesterday it was the airport. The day before it was a gas station. He gets a kick out of my arrival time. Whatever it
takes.
• I think way too much about my son not having friends. Growing up, friends were everything to me. Many of these individuals remain great friends today. I get sad when I wonder how Carson will make friends in his life.
What’s interesting is Carson doesn’t seem to care. He’s content doing his own thing and seems to embrace solitariness, but it’s always on our minds.
It’s why it warms our heart when we hear he has a little lunch table of special friends he sits with now.
• One of the ills of society with young people today is the sense of entitlement. The victim card is one I see thrown around a lot by kids, including my neurotypical older son. With Carson, none of this is a problem. He doesn’t seem to expect anything. In some ways, he’s more laidback about things than his big brother. This sounds contradictory with some of the things I have written about in this space today.
However, it’s true because his expectations are different. He doesn’t expect when he goes to Walmart to grab all the candy he wants or get the new video game or soccer cleats even though he has perfectly fine ones at home.
When he doesn’t do well on a test, Carson shrugs his shoulders and moves on. When Beckett doesn’t do well on a test, he makes excuses and blames a teacher for not providing sufficient review or a friend for keeping him up too late the night before. There’s not a lot of ownership on his part.
Matthew McConaughey put it well, saying, “Life is not fair, it never was, it isn’t now and it won’t ever be. Do not fall into the trap. The entitlement trap, of feeling like you’re a victim. You are not.”
(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.)
Continued from Page 55
ample of this.
The mysterious mushroom is one of the most debatable and delectable ingredients for the pickings. You are either in love or detest the flavorful fungi, indecisiveness is not on this menu of partiality.
Preparation may be the biggest reasons mushrooms get a bad rap. Mushrooms, especially wild mushrooms, are like sponges. They soak up moisture.
If you wash mushrooms, they can get waterlogged. So be brief but thorough when you rinse them. Another option is to clean them with a damp paper towel.
Mushrooms are also packed with water. It is imperative to cook them slowly so the natural water will seep out.
Grilled mushrooms are fantastic. The smokiness of the grill brings out the natural umami flavor. As you grill the mushrooms, it is important to turn them for even cooking and to allow the juices to run off.
Roasting is another option. Again, the heat acts as a conductor and forces the moisture out. The grand finale is a gorgeous brown and delectable consistency that cannot be beat.
Do not overcrowd the pan when sauteing mushrooms. You want enough room for their liquid to evaporate – if you pack them in the pan, they will steam which defeats the whole purpose.
Portobellas are a natural encasing for stuffing. But it is important to remove the dark brown gills underneath the cap. They are not attractive and will affect the taste and color of your dish.
The secret to cooking mushrooms is to allow their distinctive essence to shine.
A touch of lemon adds freshness, Worcestershire sauce enhances the earthiness, and butter gives richness to the overall dish.
Sauteed wild mushrooms are simple to make. Their natural beauty and elegance will elevate your overall menu to another level of sophistication. Enjoy!
Sauteed Wild Mushrooms
Ingredients
1-pound assorted wild mushrooms
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 splashes of fresh lemon juice
¼ cup dry white wine
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
kosher salt to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
fresh thyme as a garnish
1. Wash the mushrooms. Remove the stems and freeze for future stock.
2. Heat butter in a large saute pan over medium heat.
3. Add all of the ingredients, except for the thyme, and cook until desired texture.
4. Add thyme as a garnish.
Secret Ingredient – Opinion
Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.
- Daniel Patrick Moynihan
vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY
With Bunk Mann
Shantytown Village was developed by Daniel Trimper IV and opened in 1976 next to the Route 50 Bridge in West Ocean City. It was designed to resemble a New England fishing village and was modeled on photos taken by Trimper during a visit to Nantucket Island. It was a popular attraction for Ocean City’s visitors and people came to eat and shop, often tying their boats to the dock area on the bayside.
Shantytown contained over 30 small but unique shops including the Shell Shack, the Kite Loft, Donald’s Duck Shop, the Shamrock Shanty, Mason’s Books and the Dockside Deli.
After 27 years as a West Ocean City landmark, the Shantytown Village was razed in 2003 to make way for a residential development.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo courtesy of Bunk Mann’s collection
Things I Like...
By Steve Green
Touching down on a flight
Being able to sit outside again
Hearing live music on the streets of Berlin
Lines outside local restaurants
A nice stretch of blue sky days
A lost dog reunited with its family
When a home remodeling project is all done
Trying out a new restaurant in a new town
Facebook memories
Comeback athlete stories
Quiet charitable acts
The truth about seller disclosures
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
(March 21, 2025) In their Consumer Guide series, the National Association REALTORS® offers the basics about seller disclosures when selling a home. Seller disclosures are certain material defects – elements of a home that may negatively impact its value – that sellers must disclose to buyers in a legal document.
While specific disclosures are dependent on state and local law, sellers are typically required to list any completed repairs, information about natural hazards, property defects, missing essentials, land-use limitations, HOA guidance, deaths on the property, and any other conditions that might negatively impact the property’s value.
In Maryland, sellers have the choice to either disclose and answer questions about their property, or sign off on a disclaimer and only answer whether or not there are any latent defects. Latent defects are defined on the disclosure/disclaimer form as being material defects in real property or an improvement to real property that: (1) A purchaser would not reasonably be expected to ascertain or observe by a careful visual inspection of
the real property; and (2) would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of: (i) the purchaser; or (ii) an occupant of the real property, including a tenant or invitee of the purchaser. If a seller answers “Yes” to the question about latent defects, then they are required to write in their disclosure about the defect.
The disclosures allow buyers to choose whether they want to make an offer on the house based on what the seller is disclosing about the property, or can influence the offer amount. For sell-
ers, the disclosure can help protect them from legal liability, meaning they will not be responsible for any issue that arises on the property after the sale as long as it was previously disclosed.
If a seller knowingly withholds information regarding a required seller disclosure, there may be legal consequences. A buyer could cancel the sale or the seller could be legally liable. Sellers should be honest with details required to disclose.
Lauren Bunting is the Broker for Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva.
Opinions
Early zoning also restricted rights
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan’s presentation on shortterm rental zoning Monday night was a little surprising, given his “teaching moment” approach to clarifying what the new rental ordinance does and doesn’t do.
In his defense of the City Council majority’s decision to protect single-family housing districts from the spread of online rental properties and the like, the mayor made clear the new rules apply only to R-1 and MH districts. Also, as the council has insisted, these new rules are not an indicator of things to come in other districts. That is just not going to happen.
Regardless of how people feel about the amended ordinance, these are legitimate points to make. What is less clear, however, is the extent to which property rights have been trampled on in the affected districts.
Again, whether one agrees or disagrees with the council’s recent action is beside the point, since property rights in R-1 and MH districts were never unlimited. The fact is the zoning in these neighborhoods was quite restrictive going back decades.
Per the code before it was updated in recent years, occupancy was limited to immediate family members, including grandparents, and to groups of no more than four unrelated people at a time. The right to rent a single-family residence to anyone based on how many people it could sleep did not exist.
Where that approach failed was with the city’s inability to enforce it because of staff size, the impossible business of knocking on doors and asking for birth certificates or something equally absurd, and a rental licensing program that was not as stringent as it is now.
So, even if online platforms had existed at the time, property owners still could not have taken advantage of that market without violating the zoning code’s restrictions.
Not paying attention to a law because it’s not being enforced might be an easy risk to take, but it isn’t a right.
PUBLIC EYE
Universal reversal?
Watch out, Mars, here we come. That’s my take on the news coming out lately from the science community, members of which are now saying the expansion of the universe may not be gaining speed after all.
NEWS
EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN
OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2025
By Stewart Dobson
On the contrary, some star scientists are suggesting that the Big Bang-induced outward journey of “The Wh0le Ball of Wax” might be slowing. And that might mean the universe will stop this nonsense some day, turn around and eventually collapse back onto itself.
Which would not be good.
The fact that I can even speculate on this possibility probably surprises the many people who have assumed that my reading is limited to the “Beers on Tap” section on local restaurant menus. That isn’t so. I also read hardware store sales inserts because of my penchant for buying tools I’ll never use (For Sale: One mini-circular saw that wouldn’t cut cream cheese. Best offer).
I read all kinds of things, really, especially when the headline says, “If you think your neighbors are close now, just wait until the universe collapses.”
The story didn’t say exactly that, but the implication was clear, based on my copy of “Homeowners Guide to Astrophysics and Basic Wiring.” I know all things move according to the forces applied. So, if something isn’t being pushed forward, it’s liable to be pushed backward. Check your 401K if you don’t believe me.
The bad news, according to my calculations, is we only have a few hundred billion years left to prepare, so we should start get-
ting our cosmic ducks in a row now.
As it happens, I know a little about how to do that from my days in Boy Scouts and my pursuit of the highly sought-after “End of the World” merit badge.
As I recall, the workbook listed five things:
1. The world will end in five days — build a campfire so you can see it coming.”
2. The world will end in four days — let’s throw an unopened can of baked beans in the fire because who cares, right?”
3. Three days left: Build a still, make whiskey.
4. Four days — Baked beans and whiskey! Yay!
5. The world ends today — whiskey for breakfast, build a big campfire so you can see your rear-end. Kiss it goodbye.
Of course, I made that up because the Boy Scouts would never recommend throwing an unopened can of beans into the fire, even though you could bet your Bobcat Badge that ducking flying bean shrapnel is an integral part of Scouting for most young leaders of tomorrow.
But seriously, if the universe does reverse course and all its elements move closer, space travel will become a snap, as the distance between planets is reduced.
Who knows? In a couple of hundred billion years, we wouldn’t have to worry about flying to Mars. We could probably walk to it, because it will be right next door. And possibly being used for short-term rentals.
So, bear this in mind, future generations, if any of this turns out to be true, and people wake up one day to find Mars within shouting distance of their homes, they should: 1. build a campfire; 2. drink whiskey; 3. check the zoning for Mars just in case.
Ocean City Raised Us—Step Up For The Next Generation
Advocating for leaders who support small communities on state’s Eastern Shore
By Zainab Mirza Contributing Writer
(March 21, 2025) The Eastern Shore is my home, and I couldn’t be more proud. My sisters and I often enjoyed donuts while we watched the sunrise at the inlet; I’ve brought friends to pick crabs on Route 50; I even convinced a previous employer to host our retreat on Assateague Island where we camped on the final warm weekend of October.
Growing up here taught me the value of hard work and community. Whether it was neighbors coming together to clear hurricane debris in Ocean Pines or local businesses rallying behind high school fundraisers, Ocean City has always taken care of its own. That’s the kind of place we are— a town that believes in lifting each other up. It’s why, no matter where I’ve gone, I’ve carried that same sense of responsibility and service.
Like many students from the Shore, I wanted to give back to my hometown. I participated in beach cleanups, pushed for AP Environmental Science class at Stephen Decatur, and studied our local ecosystem because I knew how much our community depends on it. From fishing to tourism, Ocean City’s economy is built on our natural resources, and preserving them isn’t just about the environment—it’s about protecting our livelihoods and the businesses that make this town thrive.
I spent the last two years working for the U.S. Department of Energy, helping ensure that energy projects create goodpaying jobs and opportunities for local workers. I ensured companies hired contractors from small towns like ours and that local voices were included in project planning and execution.
I genuinely believe the community that raised me – yes, you all – would be very proud of how I have carried the values taught to me from the Shore. Unfortunately, I lost my job on Feb. 13, 2025, due to decisions made far from Ocean City, by people who don’t understand or care about communities like ours.
This is the challenge we face. Too often, federal policies are dictated by out-of-touch elites and billionaires with no stake in small-town America. Our local businesses, fishermen, and workers are in dire need of leaders who prioritize steady jobs, strong schools, and economic security.
The need for supportive leadership is not just a want, but a pressing necessity.
So, what can we do? Let’s advocate for policies that bring investment to our local community. And when it comes time to vote in 2026 and 2028 for county commissioners, school board, state officials, and congressional legislatures, let’s choose candidates who value small communities—not just in their speeches but in their actions. Ocean City has always been about community and supporting each other— let’s ensure our leaders do the same.
(Zainab Mirza is a 2016 Stephen Decatur High School alumnus who works on energy and climate issues.)
Soviet forces circle city in lengthy battle over Breslau
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer
This week, 80 years ago, the Siege of Breslau was entering its sixth week. The thousand-year-old city of Breslau was located on the Oder River in Silesia, in the eastern part of Germany.
Through the centuries, the city had been a part of Poland, Bohemia, Hungary, and Austria-Hungary. Now, it is once again a part of Poland, with a population of 674,000 and a Polish name of Wroc aw.
Prior to the war, it had a population of 620,000, of whom 10,000 were Jews. Breslau was an important railway hub and a major industrial center.
Civilian evacuation was begun on Jan. 19, 1945. By that time, the city’s population had shrunk to less than 250,000. Many relocated to the “safety” of Dresden. Eighteen thou-
sand, mostly women and children, died from hunger and sub-zero weather during the evacuation.
The Red Army began an artillery bombardment of the city on Jan. 30, 1945. That same day, Hans von Ahlfen replaced Johannes Krause, who, on Sept. 25, 1944, had been appointed the first commander of the Fortress.
The next day, Marshal Ivan Konev, commander of the First Ukrainian Front, ordered the Front’s Sixth Army, commanded by Lt. Gen. Vladimir Gluzdovsky, from Georgia, to capture the city. Gen. Gluzdovsky’s assault began on Feb. 8, 1945, at 8:35 a.m., after an hour of artillery bombardment.
However, aerial bombardment had begun in October 1944. The encirclement of the city was complete when Gen. Gluzdovsky’s Sixth Army
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QUALITY MEANS DOING IT JUST-RITE MARINE CONSTRUCTION
Inside Storage for Small Boats & Pontoons
made contact with the Fifth Guards Army, commanded by Aleksey Semenovich Zhadov, on Feb. 13.
The besiegers were supported by the Second Air Army, commanded by Stepan Akimovich Krasovsky, from Belarus. Later, on the night of the 13th, the Germans attempted a breakout. The 269th Infantry Division, commanded by Hans Wagner, led the breakout effort.
Simultaneously, 19th Panzer Division, commanded by Hans Källner, attacked from outside the city. The two German forces met at the village of Tinz, about nine miles from the city. For a brief time, an escape corridor was established, allowing more civilians to escape. By 11 a.m. on St. Valentine’s Day, the VII Guards Mechanized Corps, commanded by Ivan Petrovich Korchagin, had closed the corridor.
None of this was a surprise to the Germans. They had been preparing for this since July 25, 1944, when Hitler declared Breslau a “Fortress City,” which meant there was to be no retreat from the city. Karl Hanke was appointed battle commander.
Construction of fortifications and field positions began on Aug. 25, 1944. The Seventeenth Army, commanded by Friedrich Schulz, with 50,000 soldiers, was tasked with the defense of the city.
The Luftwaffe began supplying the garrison on Feb. 15. It flew more than 2,000 sorties, delivering 1,486 tons of food and supplies, until May 1. By Feb. 18, the Red Army was two miles from the city center. Four days later, Gen. Gluzdovsky’s Sixth Army held three of the city’s suburbs.
After many disagreements with
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WORLD WAR II
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Hanke, Gen. von Ahlfen was replaced by Hermann Niehoff on March 2. Despite pleas from the city’s clergy and local communists to surrender, the city held until May 6, when Gen. Niehoff finally surrendered the city. By that time Hanke had, literally “flown the coop!” He made his way to Prague, where he was captured by Czech partisans and killed trying to escape.
Defending Breslau, the Germans lost 6,000, with 23,000 more wounded. At least 80,000 civilians were killed during the siege. At least 80% of the city was destroyed.
Following the final surrender of the Axis countries and the execution of peace treaties, Breslau once again became Polish. It came about as a result of Stalin’s insistence on maintaining the Polish - Soviet border the same as the border contained in the
secret protocols of the MolotovRibbentrop Pact in August 1939.
As a result, the eastern border of Poland had been moved west, and that territory incorporated into the Soviet states of Belarus, Lithuania, and Ukraine. To compensate for that loss, Poland’s western border was moved west. The Poles call this area, "Recovered Territories." More than 2,000,000 Germans were removed from this area during the period of “adjustment.” Poland suffered a net loss of 28,471 square miles of land, or about 20% in territory.
Next week: Okinawa
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
JANIS CAROLE DEMARTIN Timonium
On March 10, 2025, Janis Carole DeMartin (nee Pearre) passed away, at her son's home, in Timonium, surrounded by her loving family, including her beloved husband David Andrew DeMartin, her devoted children T. Kim Scheu and her husband Gregory and Michael D. DeMartin and his wife Alison. Her family includes her loving grandsons William DeMartin, Luke DeMartin, Joseph DeMartin, Christopher Scheu and his fiancé' Kaitlyn Kacey, Michael Scheu and his wife Danielle; her loving great-grandson Theodore Scheu; her loving brother Richard Pearre and his wife Brenda Pearre and her loving siblings the late James Pearre, William Pearre, Bonnie Ramming, Frank Pearre, Steve Pearre and his surviving wife Bunny.
Mrs. DeMartin met her husband while attending school at Patterson High School. They have been together for over 62 years. She began nursing school, but stayed home to raise her daughter and son, later working at Mars Supermarket.
In 1979, the family moved to Ocean City, Maryland where they
owned and operated Melvin's Steak House. After selling Melvin's in 2006, Mrs. DeMartin went back to nursing school and graduated at the age of 60. She worked at a private medical practice for several years and retired to enjoy time with her children and grandsons. Services and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Janis DeMartin to: University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute, 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21207, University of Maryland Medical System Foundation at UMMS Foundation, P.O. Box 64573, Baltimore, Maryland 21298 or online at www.ummsfoundation.org/give or Gilchrist-Home/Senior Living Hospice Care at gilchristcares.org.
THOMAS ALBERT HALL
Berlin
Thomas "Tommy" Albert Hall, age 62, of Berlin, MD passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025. Tommy’s life was filled with so much love and even during his last moments, he was surrounded by what mattered the most to him, his wife Cindy, his boys and their families. Continued on Page 65
Janis DeMartin
Thomas Hall
Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea
Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea
OBITUARIES
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A story of love, courage and devotion to his family will be his forever legacy.
Tommy was born in Baltimore City, Maryland and was the son of Arthur Thomas Hall and Shirley Mary (Akers) Hall. He was raised in the Ten Hills neighborhood of Baltimore; the youngest of eight children. Growing up, Tommy was especially close to his dad, spending countless hours building boats in the garage and learning the love of fishing and sailing. It was his father’s guided lessons that gave Tommy a true appreciation for the sea, respect of nature and the discipline to master a sport or learn a new skill. His mother also taught him a great appreciation for his education of the arts. Tommy was a self-taught musician and enjoyed the connections music brought to his life. He was truly the apple of his parents’ eye. The Hall family spent summer vacations in Ocean City, and in 1983, Tommy and his parents moved there permanently. Tommy then married his first wife, Tracey, started their family, had their son, Zachary and took residence in West Ocean City.
In 2002, while on their sons’ 5th grade field trip, Tommy met the love of his life, Cindy. They instantly had an unbelievable connection and were married in February 2003. As they learned how to navigate blending their families, they helped guide their children as they each grew in their unique way. A huge part of Tommy’s life was about the water. He loved fishing, both inshore and offshore, and teaching the appreciation of the sport. The continuation of the Hardcore Offshore Fishing Show afforded Tommy and Cindy the opportunity to enjoy travel and adventures together. With the boys getting closer to graduation, it was time to find a real job! In 2005, it only seemed fitting that he use his experience, and his relationship with Freeman to help him land a job in the up-and-coming community of Glen Riddle, supporting land development. This ultimately led Tommy and Cindy to make this community their lasting home and fostered their love for the sport of golf (with Tommy teaching Cindy to golf, all those years ago).
Through several exciting career moves for Cindy, Tommy and Cindy ventured off the Eastern Shore to Northern VA in 2011. Tommy reinvented his trade, working the ferry boats that ran between their residence in National Harbor and Alexandria. Tommy was proud to reach the level of experience and knowledge required to earn his official Captain License to operate a 100ton vessel. In late 2012 Tommy would once again graciously follow Cindy’s career to Hampton Roads., where he found his dream job running boats and testing marine equipment up and down the Nansemond River.
In July of 2013 Tommy’s battle would begin, receiving a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic cancer. Cindy and Tommy immediately packed up their life in VA, headed back to shore, eventually leading them to care at the University of Marland Greenebaum Cancer Center. For the next two years Tommy would be part of one of the biggest breakthroughs in NSCLC with immune therapy, as he entered a trial study. He later became the face of what is now known as Keytruda. The next 10 years would be continued visits and monitoring at Johns Hopkins, where he followed his beloved Medical team from UMD.
Like the true fighter and champion that he was, Tommy’s goal was to embrace the miracle of good health. This meant reinventing the next chapter life of life on the Eastern Shore.
Some of Tommy’s proudest moments were watching his son,
Zachary, graduate from the USCG Officer Candidate school and commissioned as an Ensign in 2015, watching his stepson, Andrew, receive his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Salisbury University in 2016, and watching his stepson, Brendan, start a successful business, Locals Lawn Care in 2017. As Tommy continued treatment, he was able to find so much pleasure in working part-time with Brendan, working at the pro-shop to stay connected to the Golf community, where he eventually even got back out on the course! In 2018, he started a new job working the pro-desk at The Home Depot, while still working part-time with Brendan.
There is no doubt that the last four years of his Tommy’s life were his most treasured. Becoming a grandparent overflowed his bucket and Tommy and Cindy embraced every
moment they could with their expanding family. The grandchildren quickly grew accustomed to countless hours of playtime with “Fa”.
For those who knew Tommy, you know that no matter where life’s journey took him, he collected friends along the way. He was kind, dependable and would give the world to the people he loved.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Cynthia D. Hall; three sons, Zachary Thomas Hall (Sydney), Andrew Wagner (Paige) and Brendan Wagner (Molly), all of Berlin, MD; three sisters, Monica Anthenelli, Betsy Harrison (Alfred) and Nancy Long (Mike); four grandchildren, Hatteras Hall, Rhodes Thomas Hall, Weston Wagner and Lennon Wagner; twelve nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim Hall and Gre-
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OBITUARIES
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gory Hall; two sisters, Barbara Shade and Amy Laird; brother-in-law, James Anthenelli.
A celebration of life will be held April 8, 2025, at Atlantic Methodist Church, 105 Fourth Street Ocean City, MD 21842. Visitation will be held from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, with a service to follow. Immediately following the service, s reception to celebrate Tommy’s life will be at BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar- Ember Restaurant, 2305 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City MD 21842.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Thomas A. Hall to the following:
Dr. Feliciano, Upper Aerodigestive Department at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.
Please make checks payable to Johns Hopkins University, with “In Memory of Thomas Hall” in the memo line and mailed to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, 750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202 or a donation may be made online, https://secure.jhu.edu/form/Kimmel.
Marlins for Mason, a local Ocean City non-profit that focuses on Dravet Syndrome research. Please make checks payable to Marlins for Mason with “In Memory of Tommy Hall” in the memo line and mailed to 10324
Plantation Lane, Berlin, MD 21811 or a donation may be made online, https://secure.qgiv.com/event/20 25marlinsformason/.
LEE ARNOLD JARVIS
Salisbury
Lee Arnold Jarvis, 73, passed away on March 11, 2025 in Salisbury, Md. Born on January 16, 1952, in Salisbury Md. Lee spent his early years in Ocean City, where he attended Ocean City Elementary School before continuing his education at Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Virginia.
Lee proudly served his country as one of the last individuals to be drafted into the U.S. Army dedicating his two years to military service.
He built a career at The Eastern Shore Hospital in Cambridge, Md. where he worked for 25 years before retiring.
An avid sports enthusiast, Lee had a lifelong passion for athletics. He played basketball during high school and later participated in local softball and football leagues. His love for sports extended beyond playing – enjoyed watching all sporting events and spending time on the golf course with friends. His enthusiasm for golf
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Lee Arnold Jarvis
OBITUARIES
led him to learn how to repair and build golf clubs, a skill he took great pride in.
Lee’s love for the ocean began at an early age. At 14, he taught himself to surf by watching the Johnson brothers ride the waves. The connection to the water remained with him throughout his life. More than anything Lee cherished time spent with family and friends, creating lasting memories through shared experiences and laughter.
Lee was a member of Evergreen Lodge #153 and also a charter member of The Berlin/Ocean City Jaycees.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Kathy Simpson Jarvis; His Brother Ray Jarvis III, his sister Honi Jarvis/Tom; brother-in-law Gill Simpson/Dot; brother-in-law Jeff Simpson/Maggie; sister-in-law Susie Thompson/Kevin as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents Ray Jarvis Jr and Doris Richardson Jarvis.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor Lee’s memory. Go rest high on that mountain… ..you will be missed.
ELIZABETH HANEY
Ocean City
Elizabeth (Bettie) Josephine Haney of Ocean City, MD passed away March 11, 2025, after suffering a devastating stroke. She was 92. Bettie was born in Latrobe, PA on October 27, 1932. She was the loving daughter of the late James and Josephine Carns, and she was a loving sister to 12 siblings - 6 brothers and 6 sisters. As a devoted Baptist, she always found strength in her faith with God. She had an unconditional love for all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were all the apples of her eye. She devoted much of her life caring for and helping raise her grandchildren. Nothing would light her up more than a visit from any one of them. The family spent many vacations camping and traveling up and down the east coast. Back in the CB radio days, she had the nickname “Spic and Span”. If you ever came to her home, it was the cleanest house you would ever see.
Bettie and her beloved husband, Edward, moved from the Rockville area in 1990 to relocate to Maryland’s eastern shore. They both enjoyed the bay views and fishing days together.
It was there, where the grandchildren would also visit weeks at a time.
She is preceded in death by her son Roger Haney.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, James Edward Haney Sr. (Ed) and her children: Jim Haney Jr. (Becky), Alan Haney, Bob Haney (Ann), Rich Haney (Darlene),
Janet Beyer, and daughter-in-law
Lizanne Haney. She was a cherished and devoted grandmother to her 16 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ocean City Baptist Church.
Bettie’s family will be holding a
celebration of life on April 5, 2025, at 1:00pm at: Ocean City Baptist Church, 102 N. Division St., Ocean City, MD 21842.
Arrangements with Eastern Shore Cremation & Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., Berlin, Md 21811. Please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.
Elizabeth Haney
Seahawks baseball team prepares for season
Decatur scores win against Arcadia, North Dorchester in pre-season scrimmages
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(March 21, 2025) As winter high school sports seasons are ending, spring sports are preparing for their upcoming season by competing in scrimmages against teams they will play this spring.
To that end, Stephen Decatur High School’s varsity baseball faced off with the Firebirds of Arcadia High School for a pre-season game on
March 12.
Stephen Decatur’s Head Coach Rich Ferro has 24 years coaching under his belt. He led the team in 2022 to its first Bayside Conference championship title since 2014.
That year, they ended the season with a 5-3 loss to James M. Bennett in the 3A South Region II semifinal round. The year before, they did well going into the finals but lost a tough match-up with River Hill.
In the final game of the Bayside Championship last year, a five-run third inning helped get Stephen Decatur closer to the title. When one more run was needed, Stephen De-
catur scored that run. The final score of the Bayside Championship was 134, giving Decatur a record of 11-0 in that division.
Last year, they beat Arcadia, and nothing changed going into this season. Stephen Decatur grounded the Firebirds again with a 14-3 victory. The win against Arcadia was Stephen Decatur’s 10th on their home field, a streak going back to last year.
Two days before the Arcadia victory, the Seahawks won against North Dorchester 12-2, and then at the March 15 invitational in St. Micheals, they won 5-1 and 5-0.
This year looks promising for this
team, with nine Seahawks returning, Ferro said.
“We return first team all-conference Nate Berzonski, Jackson Cheung, Brandon Nadeau, Landon Daniel, Kyle Springle, Mason Edelman, Caleb Loring, Justin Ukjelick, and Johnny Hobgood,” he said. “The experience will help out with new additions Kolten Zender, Nate Hallmarn, Spencer Gaylor and will have an impact.”
Decatur will hit the road for the first time this season with a March 21 visit to North Caroline High School in Ridgely, Maryland for a 4 p.m. contest.
PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Stephen Decatur High School’s varsity baseball team faced off against Arcadia High School for a pre-season game, pictured above, on March 12. The Seahawks hit the road Friday for a match against North Caroline High School. .
Decatur softball in full swing as Seahawks take on Arcadia
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(March 21, 2025) After a decent 2024 softball season, the girls of Stephen Decatur are ready to compete.
“Overall, this year is going to be [about] leadership,” Coach Scott Kurtz said. “This year, we have quite a large number of upper classmen; five seniors and four juniors. It’s the largest sense of leadership that I have coached.”
The Seahawks have eight returning starters, plus two more returners, with three new freshman contributors. Kurtz has coached since 2018, but due to covid only had seven seasons.
“We’re starting where we left off on the field last year,” Kurtz said. “There are aspects that are good at times and not others.”
Stephen Decatur tied North Dorchester, 1-1 on March 10. Two days later, the Seahawks flew past Arcadia High School, 8-1. Junior Madison Donoway
had two walks and two runs, freshman Maddie Imschweiler had one walk, one hit and one run, and senior Ryleigh Smith had one home run.
Sophomore Lea Herling recorded two hits and one run, while senior Riley Hertzog had one walk and one run and junior Kirby Bounds had one hit, one walk and one run.
“I’ve seen these girls grow-up,” Kurtz said. “The starting pitchers Maddie (McGinnis) and Emily (Blume) are both top players. They’ve only allowed one run so far during the scrimmages and that was an error. They’re very reliable.”
He continued, “Riley Smith, our catcher, is division one. She is so reliable. As you know that catching and pitching are very important in winning a game.”
On Friday, the Seahawks travel to North Caroline High School, where they will compete against the Bulldogs in a 4 p.m. game.
Pines Opening Day Scramble set for April 5
By Tara Fischer
Staff Writer
(March 21, 2025) As spring approaches, the Ocean Pines golf community is gearing up for its season kickoff event to welcome the warmer, golf-playing months.
The 2025 Ocean Pines Opening Day Scramble is set for Saturday, April 5 with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The community’s Men’s Golf Association and the Ladies’ Golf Association have teamed up to host the event.
“The scramble symbolizes the kickoff of our season,” organizer Dave McGregor said. “After this event, then all the other events kick in.”
The tournament follows a four-person team format.
As per a scramble, the best shot of all team members will be used toward that final score for each hole.
Women will tee off from the Charcoal (formerly red) tees and men will tee off from the Orange (formerly gold) tees. Anyone over 80 may choose to take their swing from the Charcoal tees as well.
“Whoever hits the best shot, we pick up, go to that person’s ball, and then you keep doing that until the ball goes to the hole and then you move on to the next hole,” McGregor noted.
To add intrigue to the game, the Ocean Pines tournament dictates that each
player’s drive must be used at least once. Additionally, all levels of play are welcome. McGregor added that this allows those that are typically unable to play in these kinds of events together an outlet to join forces.
“One of the ladies has two young daughters, aged 10 and 12, that play in the tournament,” McGregor said. “Their family of four comprises a team and it’s one of the only events that they as a family can play together because most are for either higher caliber players, or just for men, or just for ladies. While we have a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old playing, we also have an 87-year-old playing. It’s from all walks of life.”
Awards for the Best Overall, Best AllWomen Team, and Best Mixed-Gender Team are to be recognized. A buffet-style lunch at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille will follow the tournament. A cash bar will also be available.
As the transition date for Touch of Italy, the community’s new food and beverage vendor taking over for Matt Ortt Companies, was moved from early May to mid-March, the scramble will be one of the earliest catering events to be hosted by the business.
Golfers interested in entering the tournament have until March 21 to register. Payment must be submitted along with an entry form.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR WALLS
Stephen Decatur High School’s varsity softball team defeated Arcadia High School, 8-1, in a scrimmage held March 12. Above, pitcher Madison McGinnis winds up for a throw. She only allowed one run. The Seahawks will travel to North Caroline High School this week to compete against the Bulldogs.
