4/26/2024 OC TODAY-DISPATCH

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STUBBORNLY

Officials go to bat for bar

When Saltwater 75 appeared before the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners, it had some unusual support: a city councilman, a state delegate and a state senator.

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High, but not mighty

Under watchful eye of OC police, marjiuana users tested buzzed driving skills on 4/20

“Green Lab” allowed police to see how cannabis-impaired drivers reacted to different circumstances, while giving users the opportunity to see if they are in control as they think they are when they’re high.

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Your Community

KITE FESTIVAL: The Maryland International Kite Exposition will take place on the beach this weekend. Beginning on Friday, the high-flying fesitival will feature three days of kite aerobatics, all sorts of kite designs and configurations and other attractions. Plans are, according to organizers, decidedly up in the air.

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PHOTO COURTESY BRIAN PLIMACK WEEKEND SIGN-OFF

Sunday’s sky from downtown Ocean City was one to remember as Mother Nature showed off her color wheel in dazzling fashion.

CHARLENE SHARPE/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

OC council talks muncipal airport projects, funding

Longer runway, restaurant space, new hangars listed in planned improvements

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Future projects at the Ocean City airport and the funding needed to achieve them highlighted a recent discussion between elected officials and city staff.

As a result of earlier budget discussions, Airport Manager Jaime Giandomenico and Public Works Director Hal Adkins came before the mayor and council earlier this month to present the airport’s master planning document and discuss potential projects in the coming years. Adkins said the phased projects range from a runway extension to new commercial space that could potentially house a restaurant or other non-aeronautical activities.

“Some of them deal with taxiway reconstruction, some deal with apron expansion for airplane parking, some deal with aircraft hangar buildings and then – only because it had been brought up in the previous meeting –there is a building shown that is located east of the terminal that was identified in our long-range planning as a potential restaurant or an alternative facility that is not aeronautical based.”

During an April 8 meeting with the town’s airport manager, members of the council asked about plans to add hangars and potential restaurant space at the airport. During the master plan presentation, Adkins presented the council with a layout plan that included several aeronautical and non-aeronautical projects in the coming years.

“This is what we work on exhaustively with our consultants for land planning at the airport,” he said. Adkins noted the plan calls for additional hangars to be built on the property, as well as a building that could hold a restaurant. He noted, however, that they are not included in the coming year’s budget and would not be eligible for grant funding should the town move forward with such projects.

Staff also pointed out the master plan’s inclusion of a master runway extension. While the current runway is slightly more than 4,000 feet, Adkins said the goal is to bring it to 4,400 feet.

“The ultimate buildout is for a little over 4,400 feet and would include a 385-foot extension toward [Route] 611 but does not impact 611, and 611 stays where it currently is,” Adkins said.

Council President Matt James questioned if the extension would allow for larger aircraft to take off and

land at the airport. Giandomenico said the airport would ideally need 5,000 feet for larger aircraft, but it was constrained by its location.

“So 5000 feet, like so many other things, is driven by insurance,” he explained. “That’s the magic number for our critical airplanes which are midsize, super midsize business jets. Anything less than that you have to start sacrificing range and payload. We can’t get there because we are constrained by the ocean and 611.”

Adkins reminded the council that the town in prior years had spent roughly $900,000 completing a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study to move Route 611 westward and expand the runway to 5,000 feet. He noted, however, that the plan did not get the support it needed at the county level.

“It resulted in a FONSI, a finding of no significant impact, and an RO, which is a record of decision,” he explained. “Unfortunately, because of other players involved at the county level, the whole thing was scrapped.”

When asked if it was a project worth revisiting, Adkins reminded the council that the town would need to include the county commissioners in its discussion.

“Your airport is not within your corporate limits,” he said. “Your airport is in the county, and the commissioners become part of the scenario.”

With the exception of leased aircraft hangars, officials noted that such aviation-based projects would be eligible for federal and state grants. Adkins noted that the town’s attempts to move Route 611 and expand the runway to 5,000 feet would have been 95% federally funded, with a 2.5% county and municipal match.

“The goal then was to try and build a 5,000-foot runway for economical reasons and to benefit tourism, so people can fly in and not fly to Salisbury …,” he said. “But it didn’t happen.”

Returning to the topic of the airport hangars, Giandomenico told the council that such projects were expensive and were not eligible for grant money. When asked if the airport was charging the rents it needed to cover the cost of constructing the existing hangars, Adkins said it wasn’t.

“I can say no airport I know of across the United States does,” he replied. “But you do get a return on investment from those businesses being based there, buying fuel from you.”

While Giandomenico noted that hangars were expensive to construct and maintain, it did bring in additional businesses, which in turn supported fuel sales and other operations. Officials noted there is currently a waiting list for hangar rentals at the airport.

Restaurant’s expanded music hopes dashed

Toast owners sought more live entertainment, carryout alcohol sales for patrons

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) An Ocean City restaurant’s request for expanded entertainment and carry out sale privileges failed to get the approval of the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC).

The BLC last week denied requests for the off-sale of beer and wine, more live entertainment and expanded hours for background music from the Wicomico Street restaurant Toast, which is in the Emerson Towers building. The restaurant’s connections said they were seeking the changes to better serve their customers.

“Having a successful business there is not only good for that business but is good for the condominium,” said Pete Cosby, the restaurant’s attorney. “In order for you to have a successful restaurant here you need to have some level of entertainment.”

“We’re not looking to have bands, we’re not looking to have concerts,” he said. “We’re looking to give people good dinner music. We’re just looking to have that option.”

‘We’re not looking to have bands, we’re not looking to have concerts.’

Mike Berardinelli, owner of Toast

Mike Berardinelli, owner of Toast, told the BLC his restaurant, which is on the water, already faced challenges in attracting clients because of the lack of parking in the area and the array of noise and activity in the neighborhood. He said he wanted to expand live entertainment because patrons expected it.

He said he’d only ever received a noise complaint from one resident of the condo and that only he and his manager were permitted to adjust volume.

As far as the request for off-sale privileges, Cosby said boaters and those residing in the vicinity of Toast would like the ability to purchase carryout drinks to go with their food.

“They’d rather not have to get in their cars, fight traffic and go to the nearest liquor store,” Berardinelli said.

Three Emerson Towers property owners attended the hearing to oppose Toast’s request. Steve Lohrmann said he didn’t have a problem with background music but that there were noise issues in 2019 when the prior restaurant had live music. He said Emerson Towers property owners closest to the restaurant were worried about noise.

“The issue is there’s six units directly over the restaurant area — they hear everything, then you have seven units back on the side and they don’t hear anything,” he said.

Property owner Bill Rank said he’d contacted Berardinelli several times about noise. He said the last time Toast asked the board for more entertainment BLC members had advised him to work with his neighbors to address concerns.

“He has not tried to be a good neighbor,” Rank said. “He disregards the privileges that are given. At the minimum I would think a good neighbor would at least abide by the rules that are set. Music is rarely played at background music level.”

The board went on to deny each of Toast’s requested changes.

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Deep dive continues on comprehensive plan

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Discussions on Ocean City’s comprehensive plan continued last week with a review of downtown and economic development.

As the town continues to update its comprehensive plan, Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) Executive Director Zach Bankert came before the Ocean City Planning Commission last Tuesday to present his organization’s priorities for downtown development in the coming years. He said he wanted to see topics such as downtown design standards, workforce housing and parking nonconformity addressed in the community planning document.

In recent months, town staff and members of the planning commis-

sion have been reviewing the town’s comprehensive plan as part of a 10year update. Last week, the commission focused on the downtown development and economic development chapters of the document.

Bankert told officials he had met with OCDC’s master plan committee and had brought forward notes for the commission’s consideration. He said one of the organization’s top priorities was supporting the Baltimore Avenue project, which calls for improving the streetscape and burying utility lines. He said the project would not only benefit property values and redevelopment efforts, but would increase the tax base.

“This is a project that OCDC has been supportive of for a long time,” he said. “We encourage you to include it in the comp plan as a goal,

and we encourage the Mayor and Council to fund it as soon as possible, particularly given that we recently received some federal funds for it.”

Bankert said the OCDC was also looking to amend its downtown design standards to incorporate larger projects taking place in the downtown area, as well as Boardwalk-facing properties. He said he wanted to add that as a goal in the comprehensive plan.

“I think we all agree we are going to see larger projects,” he told the commission. “So I want to be better prepared for that when we see it at the [downtown development committee] level, so we can give you a recommendation that we actually put down on paper, but that still allows development to occur.”

Bankert added that he wanted the comprehensive plan to encourage ac-

cessory workforce housing. He also noted that the OCDC wanted to reevaluate the town’s planned overlay district (POD).

“At some point, OCDC would like to reevaluate PODs that’s A, acknowledging the size of the blocks downtown, and that most of them are smaller than what is typically allowed with a POD, but B, it also a point for us to incentivize some of these programs that are on here,” he said.

Commissioner Joe Wilson said POD projects gave the planning commission more flexibility to require certain elements within the development.

“The POD is nice because it allows us flexibility to make demands we wouldn’t be able to make, like workforce housing and nonconformity of parking,” he said. “I think taking a good look at that and creating the ability for more PODs may work in our favor and create more regulation for what we are ultimately trying to achieve.”

In terms of parking, Bankert said OCDC was an advocate of a fee-inlieu-of-parking concept, which allows developers to pay a fee instead of providing some or all of the necessary off-street parking required by code. That money is then used to pay for public parking.

“The city did form a blue ribbon committee …,” he said. “I’m thinking for the comp plan we should put a goal to continue that committee but also have a pilot program and see that pilot program come to fruition with some sort of action plan to get a garage built as a goal.”

The OCDC also proposed the elimination of parking nonconformities in the downtown area. In doing so, Bankert suggested that residential properties not be given the opportunity to go before the board of zoning appeals for parking variances.

“I don’t think you can have fee-inlieu-of-parking if you don’t eliminate nonconformity,” he told the commission.

Bankert said OCDC also wanted to see the comprehensive planning document address Boardwalk amusement parks and large-scale special events on the Inlet parking lot. He said the organization had also considered the pros and cons of raising the freeboard in downtown Ocean City to allow for parking underneath.

“It addresses nonconformity and it’s good for flood remediation,” he said. “For us at OCDC, the pros don’t outweigh the cons. We’re more concerned about walkability, your view from the street, the aesthetics of downtown, that this would discourage mixed-use development downtown.”

Lastly, Bankert said OCDC continued to support the idea of a bayside boardwalk. He said his organization was seeking grant funds to pay for renderings that could be presented to the public.

Bayside boardwalk designs eyed

Continued from Page 6

“We think if you actually see it, see how great of a project that actually is, that would help us sell that project,” he said. “It might also help us determine what the challenges are, put them all out there so we can potentially tackle them.”

While some commission members took issue with some of OCDC’s suggestions – particularly in regard to parking nonconformities and freeboard – City Planner Bill Neville said the ideas could be discussed further.

“We can get public feedback before refining it,” he said.

Moving on to the economic development chapter of the town’s comprehensive plan, Neville said the planning document would need to address the town’s vision for Ocean City as properties are redeveloped.

“The Maryland Department of Planning has guidance for how we should develop an economic development chapter in the comprehensive plan. Long story short is what their approach is, is modeled after a community with undeveloped land …,” he told the commission. “It’s a perfectly logical approach that doesn’t have any application in Ocean City because we don’t have that same sort of available land scenario. That’s where I’m starting to build this idea of how do we describe a growth scenario for a community that is predominantly built out.”

Neville said he wanted to see the chapter touch on economic drivers within the resort, including golf, fishing and other recreational opportunities. He added that the chapter should also focus on the impacts of dredging and offshore wind on the sportfishing

and commercial fishing sectors.

For his part, Commissioner Palmer Gillis said the chapter should also include a section on pyramidal zoning, which allows for more restrictive uses in less restrictive zoning districts. He said pyramidal zoning has allowed for residential development to overtake commercial properties.

“We have to make sure we maintain some sort of commercial use on the island,” he said.

“What I’m seeing happening right before our eyes is converting to residential use and not even trying to incorporate a commercial piece. In my opinion, that is bad planning. To me, that is economic development. If you push commercial use off the island, you are creating more burden on the road systems, pedestrian movement systems, and the taxes that support that.”

Sports events receive tourism comm. support

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Requests for tourism development grants will advance to the Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation following a resort commission meeting last week.

During the April 16 meeting of the Ocean City Tourism Commission, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo brought forward requests from two local events seeking tourism development grants. He said the first event, War on the Shore, was seeking $2,000 as it moves from Stephen Decatur High School to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

“We have that coming to the convention center as a wrestling event,” he said.

Kim Mueller, sales director for the convention center, told the commission the event has historically been held at Stephen Decatur. The event’s growth, however, has prompted a venue change.

“They were struggling and a little nervous about making a change to the convention center, but their numbers are good so we’re supporting that,” she said. “We went ahead with a contract and gave them a discount but it still needs a little bit more help. So we’re requesting $2,000.”

Councilman John Gehrig said he supported the request. He noted the school’s wrestling team had multiple state championship titles.

“We have a responsibility to promote wrestling at our high schools,” he said. “We’re like the wrestling capital of Maryland.”

Mueller said the event would be held the first weekend in January. She added that it would also bring 1,700 participants to town.

“The economic impact is good,” she said. “It has 1,700 attendees, competitors, not including families. So it’s a good piece of business.”

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First OC Beach Sports Fest set to receive seed funding

Continued from Page 8

With no further discussion, the commission voted unanimously to support the $2,000 grant request.

The commission last week also voted to provide $4,000 in tourism development funding to the first-ever Ocean City Beach Sports Festival. Perlozzo said the event is being organized by Scott Westcoat, developer of the annual Sand Sports events in Ocean City.

“He’s got beach soccer, beach lacrosse, spikeball, teqball and beach volleyball,” he said. “He’s going to do that same weekend, same footprint, and he has requested $15,000 to help

him start this … It’s a turnkey, family experience.”

Perlozzo noted that Westcoat had come before the Mayor and Council earlier this year seeking approval for the new beach sports festival.

He said the event is expected to bring 2,000 attendees to town this June.

“I’m not recommending you give $15,000,” he said.

After further discussion, the commission settled on a $4,000 grant to support the event.

“I think it’s a great event,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

OC council approves ethics changes after discussion

Former city councilman advocates for following rules rather than carve out

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Elected leaders have voted to adopt changes to the town’s ethics code.

The Ocean City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance amending the town’s ethics code. The changes, officials say, are meant to make the town code consistent with state law.

city manager managing a staff and professionals to avoid any type of carve out,” he said.

Gisriel said he had attended an ethics seminar years ago. He said one piece of advice left an impression on him.

“When you are someone in elected office or in a position of importance, you work hard to avoid a conflict of interest or any impropriety,” he said. “But equally important, they emphasized to us, was avoiding the appearance of a conflict or an impropriety. There may not be any conflict, but you have to go the extra mile to avoid the appearance.”

“This is to be consistent with the enacted state law changes,” said City Solicitor Heather Stansbury. “As I mentioned when you were here last on this ordinance, on March 18th, the proposed ordinance changes are required to be sent up to the state. You will see that the state has reviewed the changes and approved those changes.”

When the ordinance was presented to the council in March, Councilman John Gehrig shared his concerns that the state-mandated changes could impact certain officials and their ability to accept gifts, pay for meals or “sell the town.”

“I just want to be clear, it's not like I want to loosen the rules and open up ourselves to fraud,” Gehrig said last month. “At the same time, I would expect the mayor to entertain and be entertained. That means he's doing a great job, that's his job. Just like our director of tourism and business development and our salespeople. That's their job.”

He continued, “I know often this body functions and acts like a business. An example of that is just the mere fact of what you raise and spend on advertisement, and you function to promote the town. But keep in mind basically you're a government entity and you should hold yourself to the highest standards and not deviate from the code itself, the law, and look for carve outs.”

For his part, Gehrig thanked Gisriel for his comments. He noted, however, that the town wanted to address some of the proposed changes.

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After a lengthy discussion on the proposed changes and potential carve outs that the town could request, the council on March 18 voted to advance the ordinance to a second reading. Back on the agenda this week, resident and former councilman Vince Gisriel asked the council to accept the state-mandated changes.

“What I am concerned about is not the ordinance itself – because I think it's solid and based on solid foundation – but at one of your meetings there was some discussion about carve outs and I would encourage strongly as elected leaders and as the

“I mean, none of us want any impropriety …,” he said. “At the same time, we have real-world situations that we want clarification on and we're trying to be proactive to address those items in the future, by being able to use our common sense to say, ‘hey look, this is a real-world thing that may conflict with the policy,’ so that we get clarification on that and we don't have the impropriety or appearance thereof.”

The council voted 7-0 to adopt the amendments to the town’s ethics code. Stansbury added that staff would also be coming forward with a presentation on entertainment and ticket policies.

“Depending on what those policies ended up looking like or heading towards, if we thought that they ran close to what the state could have a problem with it, we would send it back up to the [attorney general’s] office for some commentary,” she said.

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Extension could keep Adkins with city until 2030

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Members of the Ocean City Council agreed to change the town’s pension plan to extend the public works director’s participation in a deferred retirement option program (DROP).

The Mayor and Council voted unanimously on April 15 to adopt an ordinance that would extend DROP eligibility for Public Works Director Hal Adkins, who will celebrate 40 years of service to the town next month. The deferred retirement open program, known as DROP, allows long-tenured employees eligible for retirement to begin accumulating benefits while continuing to work for the town for a set amount of time.

“Right now, the public works director could retire anytime, he’s fully eligible,” City Manager Terry McGean said last week. “What the DROP does is he stays working for the town and what he would have earned in retirement, his pension, is actually placed into an account for him and then when he actually does retire, he receives that money. So he not only gets his pension when he retires, he’s also earning his pension now while he works. He cannot access that until he retires from the city.”

Currently, there are two general employees who participate in the program – Adkins and City Manager Terry McGean. While Adkins’ sunset date for retirement was initially set at Dec. 31, 2027, the change extends the DROP to Dec. 31, 2030.

Adkins said earlier this month the extension will allow him to oversee the redevelopment of Baltimore Avenue – a project that recently received $20 million in federal funding – and provide training to the next generation of leaders in the public works division.

“When considering the number of long-term staff that have recently retired, coupled with numerous long term … public works management staff that will be retiring in the next few years, I take it very personal to assure there is not only a smooth transition in those who assume the new management roles/titles but equally, if not more importantly, that they have the knowledge to carry this town forward for the foreseeable future,” he said in a statement. “Call it what you want. I have a tendency to call it ‘Nex Gen Training.’ A seamless transition of managers, silent to the public’s awareness, to assure those who chose to vacation here, live here, invest here, all have enjoyable experiences.”

With no discussion last week, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the ordinance change extending DROP eligibility for the public works director.

Hartman outlines iGaming issues

Local development council heard delegate’s concerns during Wednesday meeting

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) While it didn’t pass this year, officials discussed the negative impact an internet gaming bill could have in Worcester County if it is reconsidered at the state level next year.

Worcester County’s Local Development Council, the committee that reviews how local jurisdictions use casino revenues, talked this week about how House Bill 1319, internet gaming authorization and implementation, would have hurt Ocean Downs Casino if it had passed. Del. Wayne Hartman said the bill or a version of it could come up again during next year’s legislative session.

“There’s no guarantee it isn’t coming back,” he said. “This state has a spending problem.”

The Worcester County Commissioners in February wrote letters of opposition to HB 1319, citing the way the bill would threaten brick-andmortar institutions like the casino, fuel gambling addictions and result in lost revenues locally. Hartman said that while it was obvious from

the start the bill was going to pass in the House, he’d worked with others to ensure there were some amendments that made it less problematic. He pointed out that the House was primarily made up of Democrats but that Republicans did what they could.

“We make bad things better,” he said.

One amendment made once the bill was introduced, for example, stipulated that internet gaming be tied to a checking account, not a credit card.

‘If we’re losing money in brick-and-mortar casinos then we’re losing money in what we’re doing right now.’

Wayne Hartman, State Delegate

“You could have had somebody literally gamble their house away in a drunken stupor,” he said.

In this case, while he was pleased to get the bill amended it did not pass the Senate. With the state’s need for more funding, however, he’s worried the bill could be reintroduced next year. Hartman said he was concerned about how internet gaming would

make gambling addictions worse and could potentially give children access to gambling. He said studies showed it would also result in job loss locally. And as for the casino revenues distributed via local impact grants to area municipalities, those would likely decrease. Local jurisdictions have used casino revenues to fund public safety initiatives and schools, among other projects.

“If we’re losing money in brickand-mortar casinos then we’re losing money in what we’re doing right now,” he said at Wednesday’s meeting.

Cam Bunting, chair of the council, agreed that what she’d reviewed regarding internet gaming in other states hadn’t been positive. Kim Moses, the county’s public information officer, said that Commissioner Diana Purnell had gone to Annapolis this spring, along with representatives from the casino, and testified against the bill.

“It was a united front that was presented,” she said.

Hartman said there was definitely a chance internet gaming legislation could be pursued next year. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee he expects to be able to keep a close eye on its progress.

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Commission supports Saltwater 75 requests

Board approves extension of background music, bar relocation at restaurant

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) A bayfront restaurant will be able to make some minor exterior changes and extend its background music by one hour following approval from a local board last week.

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) voted 30 last Wednesday to approve a request from Saltwater 75 to reorient an outside bar, add a small deck and play background music until 10 p.m. The approval came after testimony from neighbors, sound experts, and resort leaders like Councilman John Gehrig and Del. Wayne Hartman.

“When a business is successful, it adds to the success of the county and the state,” Hartman said. “I think it’s a win-win for the town.”

In 2021, longtime Ocean City restaurant BJ’s on the Water closed and was replaced by Saltwater 75. Initial changes to the facility caused concerns among neighbors, and in 2023 the restaurant’s entertainment hours were reduced after noise complaints.

This month, attorney Joe Moore told the board Saltwater 75 wanted the ability to play background music until 10 p.m. as well as permission to add a small deck behind the restaurant and move an outdoor bar from its current position facing the building to a new spot facing the bay.

“Our request would be to allow us to move the bar 15 feet to a location

so we can have 12 people, the same number currently at the bar, be able to look at the bay and the sunset when they are there,” Moore said.

Moore indicated the request to extend the background music until 10 p.m. was a minor one considering many Ocean City establishments were just launching entertainment at 9 p.m.

“Our beach goes silent of course,” he said, referencing the current 9 p.m. music cutoff.

Moore introduced a sound expert who said he’d worked with Saltwater 75 to install a wooden wall on each side of the property as well as sound deadening mats. At his direction the restaurant’s speakers were faced downward and toward the restaurant rather than the bay.

“All of that is for noise control,”

Moore said.

An acoustical engineer introduced by Moore said he’d measured sound at the property and found that ambient noise registered at 57 decibels. He said that hadn’t been impacted when the restaurant’s music was turned on.

Doug Smith of the Ocean City Police Department said he’d visited the establishment numerous times and found no violations of Ocean City’s noise ordinance.

Susan Jones, longtime executive director of the Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association, told the board she was in attendance to support the changes proposed by Saltwater 75. She stressed tourism was Ocean City’s economic engine, contributing $258 million in state and local taxes through tourism. She said that Ocean City was created in 1875 as a resort town and continued to be a resort town.

“Resort towns do generate some noise,” Jones said. “But as a resort town it’s also important to figure out who are your guests. I don’t know if you’ve noticed over the last couple of years but ever since we had a lot of that trouble on the Boardwalk, back when we had all the COVID money the town of Ocean City has taken a real look at who are the visitors. Who are we marketing to, who do we want to be our visitors? I think it’s really important when I have members like these guys who are coming in and making a financial investment in Ocean City with four different properties, they are also worried about who the visitors are. They don’t want bottom of the earth visitors either. So it’s really important to have operators who not only invest financially in Ocean City but do care what it does to the community.”

She said that one of the restaurant’s connections, Chris Reda, had served on the OCHMRA board and consistently supported local causes and fundraisers.

“It’s important to have community minded business people in our community,” Jones said.

Hartman also spoke in support of

Neighbors object to changes

the proposed changes. He said that by moving the outdoor bar as proposed, the restaurant wasn’t increasing its number of patrons, it was just giving those patrons a more enjoyable experience by orienting the bar toward the bay.

Ocean City Councilman John Gehrig said the connections of Saltwater 75 were good operators and good people.

“Certainly the investment in some iconic properties in OC has certainly helped property values in town and the level of visitor that comes to town, the level of experience for our residents,” he said.

He said they’d tried to work with neighbors of the property.

“Unfortunately, you can’t make every single person happy, that’s kind of how life goes,” he said, adding that many of the property’s neighbors had submitted letters of support for the proposed changes.

He added that Saltwater 75’s owners were local.

“They’re not hit and run operators,” he said. “They live in town.”

Neighbors Carol and Ray Armstrong attended the hearing to oppose the Saltwater 75 changes. Ray Armstrong said he wanted the restaurant to be successful but was disturbed by the loud music he heard from it at his condo.

“It’s too loud,” he said.

He added that it was primarily the live entertainment that was the problem.

“If you’d take the live entertainment inside I wouldn’t be opposed to these other changes you want to make,” he said.

Carol Armstrong said the law stated that establishments were not supposed to disturb the neighborhood. She said before Saltwater 75 opened she’d had a peaceful neighborhood. When Moore pointed out there were people in her building who supported the restaurant changes, Armstrong said that was because they were newer residents who hadn’t known the tranquility of the neighborhood prior to the arrival of Saltwater 75.

“Many people chose to live on this cove because of its peace and tranquility,” she said.

Moore told the board that most neighbors in the area supported Saltwater 75. BLC member Marty Pusey said those who had objected expressed concerns about the restaurant’s live music. Moore pointed out the request in front of the board was for the minor site changes and the expansion of background music, not live music.

“They are not here for a violation,” Esham said.

The board voted 3-0 to approve the changes for Saltwater 75.

Historic advertising murals restored in Berlin

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Restoration of a historic advertising mural is underway on Pitts Street in Berlin.

Passersby this week likely caught sight of local artist Olga Deshields on a scissor lift alongside the red brick building at 11 Pitts St., carefully repainting the “ghost mural” on its side. The long-faded mural is being restored thanks to a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

“Restoring the faded ‘ghost mural’ advertisement is crucial as it revives a piece of our town’s history and preserves the story of our community for generations to come,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.

Two years ago, John Holloway, a member of the Berlin Historic District Commission, brought up the idea of restoring the faded advertising murals after seeing the old mural for the G.M. Dryden General Merchandise store restored in Snow Hill. Wells began exploring potential funding for the project and called for the community to share any old photos of the buildings before the murals faded.

With some photos of the Pitts Street building from 1959 eventually located, Deshields last week started restoring the American Sales Co. advertisements. Members of the historic commission said they were thrilled to see the project underway.

“The ghost sign on Pitts Street looks awesome,” commission member Brian Robertson said.

Holloway too said he was excited to see the completed murals. He said he was surprised that he didn’t remember the murals better, since the photos found depicting them were taken around Easter 1959. He said he’d been in town since 1965.

don’t remember it.”

“That wouldn’t have faded when I was a kid,” Holloway said. “I just

Painting is expected to continue through the week. The north side of the building mural appears to be completed. The $8,000 project is being funded with a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

CHARLENE SHARPE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Artist Olga Deshields restores an advertising mural that dates back to at least the 1950s. The town used a grant to fund the restoration of the ad murals on boths sides of the building at 11 Pitts St.

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PHOTO COURTESY CONNIE ALDERFER

Police learn from high drivers in ‘Green Lab’ event

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Local police and volunteers with the cannabis community joined forces last week to hold a smoking-and-driving event at the Ocean City airport.

Last Saturday, members of the cannabis community volunteered to assist local police in a training exercise that involved field sobriety and impaired driving tests. Hosted by the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD), Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said the “Green Lab” gave both law enforcement and cannabis consumers a better understanding of how cannabis impairment affects driving.

“One of the most significant benefits of this Green Lab for the Town of Ocean City and surrounding Worcester County areas is getting hands-on experience in a controlled environment,” she said. “Having the Green Lab allowed for open discussion between law enforcement and cannabis consumers. We are curious as to what is out there today in cannabis content, along with how they perceive their driving skills and limits. We found that the consumers were just as curious as to how we enforce it and how we can tell.”

Held on April 20, a day for cannabis consumption and celebrations, the Green Lab invited five volunteers to consume cannabis, drive an obstacle course and then complete a battery of field sobriety tests. While the OCPD has hosted Green Labs in years past, Miller said this was the first time the agency had expanded its testing to include a driving component, making it the first cannabis driving impairment workshop on the East Coast. A similar testing was last documented in Washington state in 2012.

“In previous labs, the volunteers would consume cannabis and then perform the field sobriety tests,” she explained. “While that is beneficial to give our officers first-hand knowledge of what to look for in impairment, it does not capture how cannabis impairment truly affects driving. This weekend, our officers could see that real-time impairment in combination with driving a vehicle.”

Miller said the volunteers consumed flower cannabis – rather than gummies or edibles – in three different smoke sessions before getting behind the wheel and driving on a designated obstacle course designed by emergency vehicle operation course (EVOC) instructors. The course included parking, backing into a parking spot, last-minute decision making, braking, speed adjustments

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza did a ride along last weekend with an Ocean City police officer and a volunteer who consumed cannabis before driving.

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Officers learn from volunteers

Continued from Page 20

and U-turns, all of which were designed to mirror everyday driving situations.

“We utilized a driver’s education vehicle, which provided an additional safety element,” she added. “The volunteer who consumed cannabis would drive the vehicle with one of our EVOCs in the front passenger seat. The EVOC instructor could use the passenger break or assist with the steering wheel if necessary.”

OCPD and one of the volunteers. She praised local police for hosting the event.

“The cannabis driving impairment workshop was a first for the East Coast, and truly demonstrates OCPD’s public safety leadership especially now that recreational use of cannabis is legal in the State of Maryland,” she said. “There is no doubt that law enforcement already is seeing an uptick in driving under the influence of cannabis, and the timing of holding the Green Lab workshop here and now in Worcester gives us a real advantage of keeping drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe on the roads.”

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Miller said volunteers were then asked to meet with drug recognition experts – sworn law enforcement officers trained to recognize impairment in drivers who are under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol – to complete specialized field sobriety tests. Miller not only thanked drug enforcement officers from the OCPD, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police and the Montgomery County Police Department, but the volunteers themselves.

“While cannabis is legal to consume with limitations, it is a big ask to put themselves out there and consume cannabis in the presence of police officers,” she said. “Our officers learned about the cannabis community and how they perceive their usage and abilities.”

Also in attendance at Saturday’s Green Lab was Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, who did a ride-along with

Carozza noted she opposed recent legislation that eliminated law enforcement’s authority to search a vehicle based on the smell of marijuana, which she said has led to a decrease in the seizure of illegal weapons. She said she wanted to learn more about how police are being trained to detect impaired driving from those under the influence of cannabis.

“Now, with the specific training of law enforcement on detecting and recognized impaired driving due to the use of cannabis, we would expect to see more arrests made for impaired driving under the influence of cannabis,” she said, “and with these arrests, law enforcement is able to search vehicles which would lead to more illegal guns being seized by law enforcement and off the streets.”

THURSDAY: Dust N Bones 5 p.m.

Members of the local cannabis community volunteered to help police with a training exercise that invovled field sobriety. Volunteers consumed flower cannabis rather than edibles and then got behind the wheel with officers monitoring their impairment. SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

MOUNTED UNIT GROWS

The Ocean City Police Department announced this week the newest addition to its mounted unit. Buckshot is current mounted unit member Storm’s older brother. The horses grew up together at DGS Shire farm. Buckshot was trained by Jerald Sams and Cynthia Sparks of Mounted Patrol International, LLC in Manor, Texas. Pfc. Christian Rodden and Buckshot were out and about exploring downtown Ocean City and the beach Tuesday.

The Ocean City Police Department announced this week the newest addition to its mounted unit. Buckshot is current mounted unit member Storm’s older brother. The horses grew up together at DGS Shire farm. Buckshot was trained by Jerald Sams and Cynthia Sparks of Mounted Patrol International, LLC in Manor, Texas. Pfc. Christian Rodden and Buckshot were out and about exploring downtown Ocean City and the beach Tuesday.

Berlin mayor proposes fire co. parking deal

By Charlene Sharpe

(April 26, 2024) Town officials are hoping to work with the Berlin Fire Company to create another parking area.

Mayor Zack Tyndall this week asked Berlin Fire Company leadership to determine if the department would consider leasing some of its property behind the station to the town so it could be used for parking.

“We’ll revisit that with the fire company,” said David Fitzgerald, president of the Berlin Fire Company.

During a quarterly presentation from the fire company this week, Tyndall brought up the issue of parking. Lack of available parking in Berlin is a common complaint among visitors, particularly as the town’s special event season is underway. The fire company currently offers parking in its lot and on the grass behind headquarters in exchange for a donation during special events. Fire company officials have said it’s hard to speculate how much they’ll actually receive in donations as it varies each event and is weather dependent.

As a result, after this week’s presentation from Fitzgerald, Tyndall said he thought the town and the fire company could work together to improve the parking situation. Tyndall said he’d like to propose the town lease the grassy space behind headquarters for overflow parking. If the town leased the land, it could be improved and potentially metered, Tyndall said. He said revenue from the meters could go toward the fire company’s capital equipment costs. He asked that Fitzgerald take the concept back to the fire company.

Fitzgerald said he’d have the fire company’s attorney reach out to the town’s attorney to discuss the concept and then would take it to the membership.

In 2021, the fire company proposed improving the grass area with American Rescue Plan Act funds. While the project was not pursued, the department wanted to spend about $228,000 designing and building a parking lot and the associated stormwater facilities. It was estimated at the time the lot could accommodate approximately 100 spots.

No tax rate change eyed in Berlin

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Berlin’s elected officials voted unanimously this week to adopt the current tax rate for the coming year.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday approved a tax rate for the coming year of $0.8275 per $100 of assessed land value, the same as it is now. The tax rate was increased last year from $.815 to the current level. Unexpected healthcare cost and other insurance savings and budget adjustments made in recent weeks addressed the initially projected shortfall for fiscal year 2025.

The council in recent weeks has discussed the possibility of increasing the property tax rate. In fact, the original advertisement on the constant yield tax rate reported a one-cent property tax rate increase was planned. The council was able to pare down expenses and adjust revenues to address the deficit. During a meeting last week, Councilman Dean Burrell advocated for considering an incremental tax rate increase to keep pace with expenses, referring to Smyrna, Del. recently approving a massive tax rate increase.

During this week’s meeting, Burrell revisited the idea of increasing the tax rate by a penny, but there was no support among council members to increase the tax rate two years in a row. Council members Shaneka Nichols, Jack Orris, Jay Knerr and Steve Green said this week and in previous meetings they were opposed to increasing taxes this budget year.

“Thank you for not raising taxes,” resident Mary Hedlesky said.

While no citizens weighed in on the proposed tax rate during Monday’s public hearing, Mayor Zack Tyndall and council members had a lengthy discussion on the proposed budget before officially approving the tax rate.

“I think it’s important to have that conversation together before we act on a tax rate,” Tyndall said.

Much of the talk related to ways that revenues could be adjusted to allow more funding for expenses such as fire and EMS service as well as providing longevity compensation for staff with more than 10 years of service.

The council agreed to adjust the projections for health reimbursement account utilization to provide additional revenue. While the town has budgeted for paying for 65% of the health reimbursement account utilization, multi-year trends show that the actual spending averages around 35%. As a result, the town’s insurance consultant recommended adjusting the budgeted amount to 52%. Berlin officials agreed on a more modest adjustment to 55%. The change resulted in savings of $40,000 for the general fund.

That funding, along with the increase in revenue the town is set to see

related to increased property values, will help the municipality cover the cost of providing longevity payments to staff with more than 10 years of service. After lengthy discussion, officials agreed to provide staff with more than a decade of service with a onetime payment of $100 per year of service to address the issues of fairness associated with the creation of a step and grade system that did not account for years of service.

Tyndall said he also wanted the council to discuss the increased request for EMS funding from the Berlin Fire Company. The department requested $605,000 for the coming fiscal year. While officials agreed last week to bump up their contribution toward fire service, they said this week they also wanted to increase their funding for EMS. While they agreed not to provide funding for a new supervisor position, town council members agreed to increase the town’s contribution to EMS by $75,000 with help from the county’s grant, which the town asked be increased by 8% this spring.

Councilmembers acknowledged that the budget discussion had been lengthy but said they were pleased with addressing several key issues in the coming fiscal year.

“It’s truly amazing,” Councilman

Jay Knerr said, praising staff for their support during the budget process. “Thank you all for making it happen.”

Councilman Steve Green said he liked the transparency of the process even if ugly at times and was proud of what the council had accomplished.

“I’m very at peace with what we did tonight,” he said.

Tyndall thanked Finance Director Natalie Saleh and the rest of municipal staff on their efforts and reminded those present that putting together the town’s budget was one of the most important things elected officials did.

“Holistically we have a budget that is relatively conservative on most of our estimates,” he said. “I think we’ve charted a path for fiscal year 25 that really is achievable and balanced. I appreciate that.”

Moving forward, Saleh said she’d like to see more citizens get involved in the budget process.

“It’s their town,” she said. “We need to hear from them.”

Tyndall agreed and said ideas on how to increase citizen involvement and participation were being discussed during the town’s strategic planning process, which is nearing completion.

The town’s budget will formally be introduced May 13. A public hearing on the spending plan is set for May 28.

RECORD STORE DAY

CHARLENE SHARPE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Solid crowds were seen all day on Saturday for the first “Vintage and Vinyl in Berlin” event celebrating Record Store Day. Berlin Arts and Entertainment District in partnership with Sound Storm Records produced the event, showcasing not only vinyl records but also vintage clothing, books and more. Providing live music was the Journos duo, pictured above right.

Two new Berlin restaurants secure license transfers

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) The board that oversees alcoholic beverage licenses in Worcester County approved plans for a trio of businesses in Berlin last week.

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) approved license transfers for two new businesses and granted a beer and wine license to existing shop Jun & Juice.

“The Buzz Meadery is our company and we’d like to sell the mead at our other company Jun & Juice,” owner Megan Hines said.

Last Wednesday the board approved a Class A beer and wine carryout license for Jun & Juice as well as license transfers for two new establishments, Reverie Arbor and Wine Bar and BourAgave Bourbon and Tequila Joint.

Reverie, to be located at 7 S. Main St., is being opened by Tara Talbot in the former location of Health Freedom.

A bit further north on Main Street, Oaked 110’s Heather Welch is partnering with longtime Liquid Assets team member Megan Newberger to open BourAgave in the former loca-

tion of Boxcar on Main, which closed last June. Paper has been applied on the street side windows of the restaurant ever since.

While the ground floor layout of the facility is expected to be similar to what it was before, members of the management group told the BLC they were planning to utilize the second floor as well.

The second floor of the space has rarely been used by previous restaurants that occupied the Main Street site.

Management said they will be setting up a small bar, lounge areas and seating at tables on the second floor. The upstairs space will also be used for private parties and special events.

Attorney Joe Moore told the board the restaurant would be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the week and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends, as the facility is expected to serve brunch. While the facility will offer live entertainment, Welch said it would primarily be on the second floor so it wouldn’t disturb dinner service.

“We’re very particular about the noise,” she said. “I don’t want to run out the customers.”

Site plan approved for miniature golf course in North OC

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Plans for a new miniature golf course at the Montego Bay Shopping Center will advance following approval from a resort commission.

On April 16, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the site plan for an 18-hole miniature golf course at the Montego Bay Shopping Center. Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said the project, submitted by Jay and Cole Taustin, will be located on an empty lot in front of the shopping center on 128th Street, which is in the SC-1 shopping center zoning district.

“This site was formerly a gas station,” he told the commission. “It has been razed. It is now a clear site.”

Late last year, the Taustins – owners of the Embers Island miniature golf course on 23rd Street and several other restaurants and businesses around the resort – received conditional use approval for the course. Back on the agenda last week for site plan approval, the applicants’ representative, Blaine Smith, presented the commission with more detailed drawings for Monty Go’s Adventure Park, a steampunk-styled, American wild west course.

“It hasn’t changed much at all from what we’ve seen at the public hearing,” he said.

Along with a waterfall feature and other elements associated with the themed course, Smith said the property would include a concession and retail structure with restrooms at the southwest corner.

For parking, Smith said the golf course is required to have 18 spaces. However, the developer has entered into an agreement with the shopping center to share parking spots.

“All of the traffic patterns are the same,” he added. “The only thing this golf course does is eliminate one entrance off Coastal Highway that used to serve the gas station … Normally that is a plus, and I think it’s a plus in this case as well.”

Representatives for the developer also highlighted plans for trash removal, bike racks and pedestrian access. Fisher Architecture’s Heather Morrison noted the golf course would also feature perimeter lighting.

“We will have lighting around the perimeter, all shining into the sight,” she said, “being conscious of the neighbors.”

Bendler told commissioners that staff members had recommended approval of the site plan with several standard conditions. He added that a specific request was made during technical review of the project.

“There is one specific item that was brought up at TRC from public works that the applicant establish a line of demarcation where the sewer line is and where city ownership ends and private ownership begins …,” he said. “The applicant has agreed to do that.”

Association holds annual meeting

(April 26, 2024) The Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association installed its 2024-25 officers and board of directors at Harrison’s Harbor Watch and announced annual award winners.

Garvey Heiderman of The Hobbit was installed as the incoming president. Dan Jasinski of Real Hospitality Group and Rick Staub were installed as 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President, respectively. The newly installed Secretary-Treasurer is Ruth Waters of the Harrison Group.

Serving on the board of directors are Dave Robinson of Boardwalk Hotel Group, Keith Whisenant of Residence Inn and Meg Alvarado of Happy Jack Pancake House. Two-year directors installed included Lorrie Miller of Blue Water Hospitality, Chad Olenchick of Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille and Caribbean Pool Bar and Nadine Horsey with Northside Pit-n-Pub. Jeremy Brink of Ocean 13/Captain’s Galley Crabcake Shack, Michael James of James Hospitality Group, and Cole Taustin of Taustin Group will serve as one-year Directors. Third-generation hotelier Ryan Wilde of The Tides Inn (formerly BEST Motels) is the immediate past president and was presented with a special thank you for his commitment to serving as president.

Also, during the evening, the Tres Lynch Bank of Ocean City scholarship was presented to Alia Collick, a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School working

at the Commander Hotel, and enrolled in the business and hospitality program at Wor-Wic Community College.

Phil Cropper and Caitlin Evans, the culinary and hospitality program instructors at Worcester Technical High School, were presented with $5,000 from OCHMRA to continue the success of the program.

The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore shared certificates and congratulations for participating hotels, restaurants, and attractions that were part of the DINE

STAY PLAY United fundraiser. Since 2016, the promotion has generated over $322,000 for the Lower Shore. An inaugural Summer Spirit of UWLES award was presented to Meg Alvardo for her restaurant’s steadfast and enthusiastic participation in DINE STAY PLAY United.

In existence since 1971, the OCHMRA is a private, nonprofit organization, that exists to connect industry interests through advocacy, education, and partnerships to advance Ocean City as a leading tourism destination.

Pictured are HMRA Board members

Ryan Wilde, Rick Staub, Lorrie Miller, Michael James, Mike Gershenfeld, Garvey Heiderman, Jeremy Brink, Dan Jasinski, Ruth Waters, Meg Alvarado and Chad Olenchick.

Springfest gets underway in resort Thursday

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Springfest, a free four-day festival, will return to the inlet lot May 2-5.

The Town of Ocean City invites community members to celebrate Springfest’s 33rd anniversary with live music, local food vendors and handmade crafts. The festivities kick off Thursday, May 2, at the Inlet parking lot and continue through Sunday, May 5.

“Ocean City is excited to welcome another outstanding Springfest lineup,” said Jessica Waters, marketing and communications director for the Town of Ocean City. “While we all gear up for the summer season, there is no better way to say goodbye to winter and kick off spring than attending the four days of fun that Springfest will bring. Taking place at the Inlet Lot we will have a variety of craft vendors, outstanding entertainment, and delicious Eastern Shore delicacies.”

This year, Springfest will feature two live stages, with more than 20 groups showcasing several musical genres such as rock, country, fusion and R&B. While most performances will be free to the public, ticketed headline acts include The Olivia Show “A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John” on

May 2, Lauren Alaina on May 3 and Everclear on May 4.

“Our headliner performances bring something for everyone,” Waters said. “For Grease fans you can enjoy an evening with Olivia Newton-John on Thursday. Of course our country fans should not miss out on Lauren Alina on Friday, bringing our outstanding vocals to the Springfest stage. And everybody knows at least one of Everclear’s multiple award-winning songs, which will be rocking the house on Saturday evening. We are thrilled to bring back another great Springfest with four outstanding days of food,

crafts, music and fun.”

Springfest will also feature handmade art and crafts from more than 200 artists and exhibitors. A wide range of products will be available, from clothing and jewelry to woodwork and photography.

Several food vendors will also be on hand offering festival favorites like funnel cakes, hot dogs and crabby pretzels. In addition to the food tent, vendors will also be selling gourmet items in the gourmet tents, while local nonprofits will be selling beer and specialty beverages.

As parking will be limited in the

downtown area, public transportation will be available throughout the weekend. Attendees can take advantage of the Coastal Highway Beach Bus or the Express Beach Bus Shuttle, which will transport riders to and from the convention center parking lot to the fairgrounds. The Boardwalk trams will also operate throughout the weekend.

Springfest will be held Thursday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, or to view the full music lineup, visit www.ococean.com/springfest.

FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Crowds and vendors fill the inlet parking lot during Springfest 2023.

International kite exposition makes annual return to

Festival to feature giant displays on beach in front of Kite Loft on Boardwalk

(April 26, 2024) The Kite Loft will host the Maryland International Kite Exposition (MIKE) this weekend, featuring three days of kite flying on the beaches of Ocean City.

Throughout the festival there will be exhibitions and demonstrations including stunt and power kite lessons, giant kite displays and more. The festival will showcase some of the best kite flyers from around the world. Kites of all shapes and sizes will be on display.

There are amazing things to see and enjoy at MIKE including kites of

OC

all shapes and sizes flying in the sky, ground displays featuring colorful banners and inflatable objects, giant bubbles, sport kite demonstrations, kite flying lessons, and more.

Spectators can enjoy MIKE from the Boardwalk or the beach between 4th and 6th streets. There are designated areas for activities and different types/sizes of kites.

It is important for spectators and kite fliers to be aware during the exposition and to always look up and down.

Kites are tethered to ground anchors using strong lines. Kites occasionally fall out of the sky; kite lines can break, and kites can break free from ground anchors without warning.

Changes in wind speed or direction will also cause the kites to change flight direction or come down.

Kites may range in size from several inches to over 100 feet long, some kites have hard frames (sticks) while others are soft kites/inflatables with fabric that fills with air. Kites may have multiple lines supporting or controlling them.

MIKE begins on Friday, April 26 at 9 a.m. and ends on Sunday, April 28 at 5 p.m.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Staff at The Kite Loft were busy getting prepared on Tuesday for a weekend of flying as part of the Maryland International Kite Exposition.

HDC approves Main Street home siding

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Historic district officials approved vinyl siding for a Formstone home on Main Street.

The Berlin Historic District Commission (HDC) voted unanimously last week to approve cedar impression vinyl siding for a Formstone home on South Main Street. While the homeowner initially wanted to add siding to just the damaged areas of Formstone, commission members said the whole house needed to be done.

“It’s going to have to be the whole house in order to secure the house,” commission member Mary Moore said.

Susan Wellman and Brittany Wellman approached the HDC last week seeking permission to add cedar impression vinyl siding to two sides of the Formstone house at 312 S. Main St. Susan Wellman said she’d talked to numerous contractors and masons when she realized she needed to address the failing Formstone on two sides of the house.

Public hearing on Worcester County budget on May 7

(April 26, 2024) The Worcester County Commissioners are hosting a public hearing May 7 on the requested Fiscal Year 2025 county operating budget and proposed real property tax rate of $0.845 per $100 of assessment.

The hearing will take place at 6 p.m., May 7, at the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill. The meeting will also be streamed live at worcestercountymd.swagit.com/live.

Public testimony, either in-person the night of the hearing or written in advance, is welcome. Speakers may address the commissioners for up to two minutes.

Written comments may be sent by email to wchearing@co.worcester. md.us, or by mail to the County Commissioners’ Office at Room, 1103 Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

“There’s nobody alive that does Formstone anymore,” she said. Instead, she proposed replacing the areas with damaged Formstone with vinyl siding that looks like cedar shake.

Commission member Laura Stearns said she sympathized with Wellman but pointed out the house was historic and on Main Street.

“We have to make sure we make the right decision,” she said.

Stearns said she was worried that the house would look piecemeal with two sections covered in siding while the rest remained Formstone.

“I just feel like it all needs to be done at once,” she said.

Wellman said she couldn’t afford to do it all. Stearns maintained that members of the HDC were selected to protect the town’s historic areas.

“Being on the historic district isn’t the

easiest because it doesn’t win friends,” she said.

Commission member Mary Moore said she agreed with Stearns. She said that because the Formstone was failing on more than one side, it was likely it all needed to be replaced.

“Who’s to say the front doesn’t start falling off?” she said. “We can’t have it look like a patchwork quilt.”

Commission member Carol Rose referenced the trouble Rayne’s Reef had when its owners tried to address failing Formstone. She said the home’s Formstone was old.

“It’s probably all compromised,” she said.

Wellman maintained that she didn’t have the money to demolish the Formstone all over the house and replace it with siding. Commission member Brian Robertson asked if potentially installing

siding over the Formstone was an option. Other commission members urged Wellman to talk again with contractors regarding options.

“You don’t want to destroy a nice Craftsman home,” Moore said.

Brittany Wellman said she would talk with the contractor again and asked if the commission would approve the cedar style siding if it was for the whole home. Stearns said she wasn’t opposed to that but felt that the commission should have further review of the details and trim that would accompany the siding.

“It would have to look like the era,” she said.

Stearns made a motion to approve the addition of new cedar style siding to the whole house and to continue the discussion of the front detail work. The commission voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

When the second half of the day is better than the first Picking up a newspaper while visiting a town

Teens who do youth mission trips

Eating out at least once a weekend

When the middle ground prevails

Making Friday an easy work day

The difference a teacher can make

Cutting the Comcast cord

A non-windy Boardwalk day this time of year

The charm of old hardwood floors

Tech changes that help with efficiency

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

WITH BUNK MANN

Ocean City north of 15th Street was mostly undeveloped from there to the Delaware line in the late 1940s. There was, however, a small community known to locals as “Maryland Fenwick” in the area of today’s 141st Street (known at that time as Lea Avenue). There were approximately 50 cottages and a general store, which centered around the old Methodist campground that had begun in the late 1890s.

The area suffered extensive damage in the March Storm of 1962 with several of the small houses washed away and totally destroyed.

In this photo from 1949 a young Blaine Bunting poses with his mother Delia in front of their cottage in Maryland Fenwick. The roads were unpaved at that time hence the World War II surplus Jeep.

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

Photo courtesy Blaine Bunting Sr.

Life member Clayton Moore reflects on family’s service

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(April 26, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Life Member

Clayton H. Moore Jr.

Moore was raised on a farm in the Newark/Snow Hill area along with his brothers Freddie and Floyd. Clayton and his brother Freddie served our country as members of the National Guard stationed in Bethany Beach, Delaware, while Floyd served as member of the United States Army Military Police Corps.

Following fulfillment of his military commitment, Clayton began a 30-year career working as a screen designer and welder for the Dresser Industries gas station fuel pump manufacturing plant in Salisbury.

The fire service has impacted the Moore family for many years. Floyd Moore returned from the military service to become fire chief for the Showell Volunteer Fire Company.

Freddie Moore’s daughter, Tammy, is married to Charles “Chuck” Barton, retired deputy chief of the Career Fire/EMS Division in Ocean City. Moore joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company in 1972 “to become more involved and connected to the community.”

He credits two men with greatly influencing his decision to join the volunteer fire company – former OCVFC Fire Chief Al Harmon and OCVFC member William “Bill” Garton. During his 21 years of active service, Clayton was assigned to Engine #702 serving with Captain William “Bill” Todd. He also served two years as assistant chaplain for the volunteer fire company under the guidance of Chaplain James Baker.

Firefighter Moore recalls three significant events during his career in the fire service.

The most momentous event was the Sauté Café fire on the morning of July 16, 1983, resulting in the tragic

death of Ocean City Volunteer Firefighter Jeffrey Dieter Sr.

The second event was the massive Ship’s Café fire on May 9, 1977, which destroyed the entire building on the bay at 14th Street.

The third was a late-night fire that destroyed the famous Irish House on Talbot Street in downtown Ocean City.

Clayton says his greatest accomplishment in the fire service was the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience as an instructor for the OCVFC Cadet Program under the leadership of Charles Bunting.

Moore offers the following advice to young men and women with an interest in the fire service: “Listen and learn from the experiences shared by our past and current firefighters. This advice will be valuable in your efforts to remain safe on the fireground.”

We thank Firefighter Moore and his family for their service to our nation as well as their years in the fire service dedicated to the well-being of our neighbors and visitors to our community.

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

Clayton H. Moore Jr.

Coastal trust’s native plant sale

date

announced

Event May 4, online orders accepted through April

30

(April 26, 2024) The Assateague Coastal Trust is hosting its 25th Annual Native Plant Sale next month.

Set 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 4, at the ACT building, located at 10959 Worcester Highway in Berlin, the sale celebrates “the significance of thoughtfully cultivated backyard gardens in supporting critical pollinator species and the overall ecosystem,” according to a press release.

Native plants play a pivotal role in the Eastern Shore landscaping, offering essential habitat for birds, insects, and pollinators while decreasing reliance on pesticides and fertilizers due to their self-sustaining nature. Designing a new garden or adding plants to an existing one can also contribute to buffer areas, a crucial concept in the watershed, as buffers reduce land surface runoff and filter pollutants before they enter our waterways.

This year, the release said the land trust is unveiling an expanded inventory of 18 new native sun and shade pollinator species, carefully curated to enhance eco-positivity and mindfulness in gardens.

Executive Director Brenda Davis is excited to offer garden enthusiasts a diverse array of options for their landscaping needs with the emphasis on the importance of creating resilient and vibrant ecosystems. The plants have been specifically chosen to attract and support pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, while promoting sustainability and biodiversity in garden spaces.

The trust is also partnering with a local, organic farm, “Herbs, Spices and Everything Nice,” to provide a variety of vegetables, including heirloom tomato varieties, peppers, and herbs.

This year’s event will also feature Go Green OC & Ocean Compost, which will be available for donations while supplies last.

Online orders will be available until April 30 and are strongly encouraged to guarantee plant availability for spring gardens. Limited quantities will be available to buy on the day of the event. Proceeds from the sale will support the trust’s mission to ensure clean waterways, litter free beaches, and a healthy community through education and conservation efforts along the regional coastline, the release.

For more information, including the online order form and native plant guide, visit ACTforbays.org. For inquiries regarding order pickup or sponsorship opportunities, contact Debbi Dean at outreach@actforbays.org.

by Steve Green

LThe Adventures of Fatherhood

ife with teenagers can be trying at times, but I have found it best to adopt a big picture approach with raising our two boys, 15 and 14. It’s healthier this way because the days can be akin to a roller coaster ride.

The daily moods and unfortunate exchanges – fueled by puberty and social stuff most of the time -- will not be remembered years from now. Time has a way of dulling those details, while spotlighting and highlighting the positives.

For example, I don’t long for the newborn exhaustion I felt from months of night awakenings for feedings, but I will forever cherish the days of crawling on the floor with my kids sharing their first giggles. I suspect years from now I will not long for the battles of a clean room or common courtesy but will forever hold our trips, experiences and certain conversations in my heart.

One such positive for our family came last weekend with Beckett’s involvement in something called The Philadelphia Project, a youth mission program.

What is The Philadelphia Project? It was created in 2010 by Ray and Michelle Garcia who sought to answer a basic question, according to its website, “How can the church respond to the needs of the community and live out the Gospel in tangible, loving ways?” The concept matches churches from the region with vulnerable neighbors or organizations in need of assistance.

Beckett, 15, and his Rolling Stones youth group friends from Stevenson United Methodist Church participated in what’s called a “blitz weekend” from last Friday to Sunday. It’s described as, “During the fall and spring seasons, The Philadelphia Project hosts ‘Blitz’ retreat weekends. We challenge youth to

serve wholeheartedly in our community and to think critically about how God’s Word speaks to social and spiritual issues. Our prayer is that God uses these experiences to make an eternal impact on youth and those they serve as well as a visible impact, offering hope and restoration to our community. During a blitz, participants have the opportunity to serve in our church, home repair, and mercy tracks.”

In Beckett’s case, his group was fortunate as far as potential assignments. His group was tasked with getting an open field space ready for the opening of a community organization’s baseball season. Nobody in any of the assembled groups knew what their jobs would be until Saturday morning. Based on some of the other tasks carried out by other groups, it seems Beckett and his group had a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these young athletes and their families. We saw photos of him shoveling dirt and other odd jobs and even flipping the score on the old-fashioned scoreboard during the games. For a teenager who loves sports and working with kids, it seemed like a perfect fit for Beckett. It was also good for me to know my son is capable of putting those shoveling skills to work around his own house.

The thing I liked best about Beckett’s weekend away is my kid wanted to go. It was not a fight for him to give up a weekend of relaxation, friends, sports or work. He was looking forward to the adventure, which says a lot about his spirit and heart. He was curious what it was about and grasped the concept of this being community service in God’s name. As he gets older and my perspective evolves with him, I find meaning in these sorts of values we get to see from time to time. He was game for something unknown, and I think he came back better off for it.

It’s these sorts of experiences I hope he will remember the rest of his life.

Ilearned something this week about quarter-zip sweaters. Carson, 14, thinks they are hilarious especially when zipped all the way up.

One morning this week while getting ready for school, I realized as I was walking out the door I still had on a T-shirt. I ran back into our bedroom and grabbed a sweater I was planning to wear. When I walked out of the room, Carson began laughing. I mean like really giggling. He turned me around and walked me to a mirror, beginning to play with my zipper. He was tickled at the site of me in my sweater. It struck his funny bone, leaving me to wonder all day if I looked as ridiculous as Carson thought.

I actually don’t think I can wear anything with a zipper around him anymore. As is common with our Autism folks, he became infatuated with zipping it all the way up and all the way down. He got my neck a couple times and I played off the fact he drew blood because he didn’t mean any harm. I just wanted to get him to school in a good place.

We spent much of the drive with a laughing Carson zipping up and down my sweater. He was enjoying himself while clearly making fun of my apparel choice.

While driving home trying to dry the little cut from the zipper incident, I got to wondering when exactly I became a quarter-zip sweater guy. It seems to me they are for older guys but then I remembered I am now 48 years old.

(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.)

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

BIKES DONATED

DONORS RECOGNIZED

SCHOOL RECEIVES GIFT

The

a

$3,000

PHOTO COURTESY OC BERLIN OPTIMIST CLUB

Christina Dolomount and Dutch Osteveen of the OC Berlin Optimist Club pose with 11 bicycles they recently donated to Diakonia. Osteveen, a club member and bicycle master, refurbished the bikes at this home in Ocean Pines.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY-BERLIN OPTIMIST CLU

Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club presented

check for

to Berlin Intermediate School at the Junior Seahawks On The Move breakfast April 18. The breakfast honored sixth grade students who have made significant progress during the past school year. Pictured, from left, are Optimist members Sharon Sorrentino, Melva Middleton, Charlie Dorman, Charlie Smith, Christina Dolomount and Berlin Intermediate Principal Amy Gallagher.

PHOTOS COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

The Art League of Ocean City hosted a party on April 17 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts to honor and celebrate the organization’s donors and corporate partners. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Katy Durham, and Rina and Jeff Thaler, all donors and corporate partners, pose together for a photo.

The Homer & Martha Gudelsky Family Foundation is a major financial contributor to the art league. Ioana and Rolfe Gudelsky and their two children are shown at the reception.

The Jack Burbage Foundation is a top donor to the nonprofit. Jack Burbage and Virginia Pappas are pictured at the event.

Top donors Jim and Jan Perdue pose for a photo at the event.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

ECLIPSE WATCHING

Third grade Ocean City Elementary School science students pose with eclipse glasses after learning about the total solar eclipse on April 8. They learned about the different types of eclipses, created a paper model of the moon and the sun alignment during an eclipse, discussed safe viewing procedures, and viewed the eclipse in the afternoon with their glasses on.

BEACH ADOPTED

A former second grade class at Showell Elementary School recently adopted a beach through the Ocean City Surf Club’s Adopt Your Beach program and teamed up with 11-time World Champion professional surfer Kelly Slater to publish a book on keeping the beaches clean. Pictured, from left, are OC Surf Club President Tommy Vach, Adopt Your Beach mascot “Gill,” and book creator and Showell Elementary second grade teacher Mackenzie Keyser. Pictured kneeling are the students who wrote and illustrated the book.

HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTIONS

As part of recent Worcester Preparatory April

to the

Society Inductions, six students were

on April 17. [Above

CONTEST WINNERS

Showell Elementary fourth graders Saylor Miller and Colton Ward, two of the American Legion Auxiliary Synepuxent Unit 166’s Americanism Essay Contest winners, pose together for a photo after an awards ceremony held recently at the Legion’s headquarters in Ocean City. The contest invited local school children to write essays pertaining to the theme, “What does Freedom mean to me?” and the best entries were chosen as winners.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ESSAY RECOGNITION

Republican Women of Worcester County Literacy Chair Susan Ostrowski poses, from left, with Worcester Prep eighth grade essay contest winners Elena Gjoni, Hayden Wagner, Ben Rafinski, and RWWC

to the

the

and 18 students were

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY SURF CLUB

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER PREPARATORY SCHOOL

President Jean Delcher.

PHOTOS COURTESY WORCESTER PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Honor

inducted

Worcester Prep chapter of

International Thespian Society,

inducted

National Art Honor Society

left] International Thespian Society WPS inductees, pictured front from left, are Abby Ament, Briar Parsons and Sydney Tingle; and back, Upper School Dance/Drama Director Paulette DeRosa-Matrona, students William Mumford, Jackson Fernley and Will Wells, and WPS Middle/Upper School Music Director Christopher Buzby. [Above right] National Art Honor Society inductees, pictured front row from left, are Angeline Todorov, Lindsay Bruner, Maggie McCabe, Moorea Phillips, Lebby Becker and current member Natasha Richter; second row, Vanesska Hall, Madilyn Nechay, Jayden Scopp, Sydney Tingle and Esi Mehilli; third row, Middle/Upper School Art Teacher George Zaiser, and students William Mumford, Briar Parsons and Sara Frieh; and back row, Dylan McGovern, Adam Hafez and Hunter Simons, current member Mason Williams, and Luke Hopkins.

Pollinator garden tour

The Lower Shore Last Trust is hosting a pollinator garden tour in June.

The event, set June 21 and 22, is a fundraiser for the trust and highlights seven private gardens in a particular county — this year in Somerset — each year.

Attendees buy tickets, which provide them a map to visit various private gardens, talk with owners, share tips and get inspired. A plein air artist at each location sets up a canvas and creates artwork unique to each host’s garden environment, and some locations host workshops or speakers.

Tickets are available now.

Arts scholarships

High school seniors seeking scholarships through the Worcester County Arts Council’s Student Art Scholarship award

program have until May 3 to apply.

The arts council will provide awards that range from $500 to $2,000 to qualifying high school seniors and art majors who are Worcester County residents.

The program is designed to identify, recognize, and encourage talented students who demonstrate excellence in creative writing, culinary arts, dance, music, theater, or visual arts. The number and amount of the awards are determined by the quality and artistic merit of the applications and based on available funds.

Graduating seniors majoring in the visual, performing, music, or media arts, are encouraged to apply. This is a merit scholarship, and award decisions are based on evaluation of talent, dedication, and potential, not financial need. The deadline for application submission is May 3.

Last year, a total of $5,500, including the John Sisson family’s contribution,

was awarded to four Worcester County students pursuing education in the arts.

Scholarship Guidelines and Application Forms can be accessed online at worcestercountyartscouncil.org/artsscholarship-2024

For more information or technical assistance, contact Anna Mullis, arts council executive director, at anna@worcestercountyartscouncil.org.

Spirit nominations sought

To honor volunteers whose contributions help improve the local quality of life, Worcester County residents are invited to nominate individuals, organizations, and businesses for the Volunteer Spirit of Worcester County awards.

The nomination period opened April 1 and will close at 4:30 p.m., May 31.

Volunteer spirit nominations will be accepted for each of the following eight categories, with one winner to be chosen

from each: individual, group/team, emerging leader, faith-based, nonprofit volunteer program, local business, veteran, and lifetime achievement.

Nominees should reside in and represent the volunteer spirit of Worcester County. Nomination forms are available at worcestervolunteer.org. Click on “News” on the site.

Completed forms may be submitted to the Human Resources Office, Room 1301 in the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill, or by contacting Human Resources Specialist Kelly Brinkley at 410-632-0090 or kbrinkley@co.worcester.md.us.

To highlight the outstanding services of the volunteers, the Worcester County commissioners will be presenting the award winners at its Aug. 20 meeting.

Golf Classic on tap

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore is gearing up for its 15th Eastern Shore Golf Classic.

This year’s tournament is set for June 17 at the River Marsh Golf Club in Cambridge.

Registration Deadline is June 1.

Golf includes18 holes (captain’s choice/scramble format), golf cart, breakfast, golfer gift, Pepsi products and reception.

Prizes and awards for hole in one, closest to the pin, first and second place gross and net Golfer registration is at 8 a.m. with a shotgun started slated for 9.

Wor-Wic induction

Among a total of 17 Wor-Wic Community College students, Worcester County resident Katie Rimel of Ocean City, was recently inducted into the Alpha Nu Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at the college campus on the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury.

Advisors of the chapter are Dana Burnside, professor of communication studies, and Juley Harper, associate professor of English.

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for community college students. The Alpha Nu Omicron chapter was chartered at Wor-Wic in September of 1987.

By Taylor Sloan Feature Writer

(April 26, 2024) Full of Hell’s upcoming record, Coagulated Bliss, is out today.

During an interview last week ahead of the record drop, Spencer Hazard, guitar player and local Eastern Shore band member, gave insight on the band’s music and new album release.

“‘Coagulated Bliss’ lyrically is based about growing up in a small town and the trials and tribulations that come with it,” Hazard said.

“Our singer Dylan isn’t from Ocean City, he’s from a small town in central Pennsylvania called Mifflinburg, but he’s been visiting OC for 15 years to practice with us, so he has a pretty good grasp of the surroundings,” Hazard said.

Hazard said he really wanted to take small town and local aspects and incorporate them into this album.

“Musically I wanted this album to represent a 15-year career looking back at previous influences or song writing aspects and combine it with where I’m currently at mentally and as a guitar player. The art for the record takes a lot of inspiration from the area whether it be certain landmarks that people may recognize or aspects from personal home life,” Hazard explained.

Everyone in the band is local except their lead singer. Band members in Full of Hell include Dylan Walker with vocals, Gabe Solomon on guitar, Dave Bland on drums, Sam Digristine for bass and Hazard on guitar.

The band has played both nationally and internationally.

“At this point in our career we have played about 40 some countries in Europe, Asia, South America, as well as Mexico, Canada, Australia and crossed the United States more times than I can count. The only states I haven’t played in are Alaska, Hawaii, and South Dakota. It’s crazy to think we’ve played in Tokyo and London more times than we have played on the Eastern Shore,” Hazard said.

The band has a full list of their shows and tour dates on its social media, @FULLOFHELL on Instagram.

“We are playing a local show this summer in Salisbury at a skate shop called Lurking Class. This will only be the eighth time we’ve played in the area. For our kind of music, we find it difficult finding local gigs so almost since the beginning of the band we have traveled to play gigs,” Hazard said.

“Full of Hell initially same together in 2009,” Hazard said post a break-up from a previous band he played in.

A previous band member for the drums was only available for studio time, therefore Hazard reached out to their current drummer Dave over the now non-existent social media platform, Myspace. Band releases record inspired by small town living

2024 Maryland International Kite Expo

April 26, 27 & 28 On The Boardwalk & Beach (5 Blocks Of Fun South From 6th Street)

Fun For The Entire Family Welcome to Ocean City

Ocean City, Maryland, and The Kite Loft welcome you to come and fly on the beautiful beaches along our famous Boardwalk!

The Maryland International Kite Exposition will feature three fun-filled days of kite flying on the beautiful beaches of Ocean City, Maryland. Throughout the festival, there will be exhibitions and demonstrations including stunt and power kite lessons and much more! The festival will showcase some of the best kite flyers from around the world. Everybody of any age, locals and visitors alike, are encouraged to bring your kites and fly on the beach.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT OPEN TO ALL. GIANT KITES WILL BE DISPLAYED BY OUR FEATURED INTERNATIONAL KITE FLYERS. For More Information, Please Call The Kite Loft At 410-289-7855 Or Go To The Web At www.kiteloft.com

Continued from Page 45

Full of Hell has released a few albums since they came together.

“We released a record in 2021 called ‘Garden of Burning Apparitions’ that was written and recorded during the height of covid. We couldn’t tour or play shows during that time, so Dave and I started writing ‘Coagulated Bliss’ off and on almost immediately after releasing the previous. The bulk of the material was finished in 2023. We went to a studio in Baltimore called Developing Nations which we have recorded consistently since 2011,” Hazard said.

Together the band has done six full length LPs, six collaboration LPs/EPs, three live records/tapes, eight split records with other national/international bands, and numerous tapes, remixes and seven inches eps.

Their album can be purchased locally and internationally. Fans can purchase the record from the record from the band’s label Closed Casket Activities, as well as at any major internet retail chain.

Hazard said, “We always make sure they are available locally through stores such as Soundstorm in Berlin, Kaiju in Salisbury and Extended Play in Rehoboth.”

Full of Hell is passionate about the record and the band has hopes for a more diverse audience. Hazard explained why he was zealous about the

production of their new album.

“I hope that people locally can appreciate the record because this is one of the most personal pieces of art we have collectively done. We take pride we are from a small town and people from around the globe are shocked we are based in Ocean City. We have even talked to people in Eastern Europe who are familiar with the area and think it’s cool that we get to fly the flag globally for the Eastern Shore. I know our type of music isn’t the most popular or common for the town, but we are hoping we can maybe bring something new to the table that maybe people haven’t heard before,” Hazard said.

For more information on the band, check out www.fullofhell.com.

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Friday, April 26: Aaron Howell Duo

Saturday, April 27: Coastal Cats

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Thursday, May 2:

Homeskool Dropouts Duo

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

DJ GIDDY UP Coins Pub: Saturday, April 27

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday & Monday April 26 & 29

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

Friday, April 26: Lennon LaRicci & The Leftovers

Saturday, April 27: First Class Duo

CRABCAKE FACTORY

BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Sunday, April 28: Otto Grundman

Wednesday, May 1: Kevin Poole

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Saturdays

OTTO GRUNDMAN

DJ

April 26

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, April 26:

Josh Pryor & Contraband

Saturday, April 27: Black Dog Alley

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, April 26:

Sons Of Pirates & DJ RobCee

Saturday, April 27:

Groovalicious, Jumper & DJ Stinson

Monday, April 28: 1st Deck Party, Tranzfusion & DJ RobCee

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Wednesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

Factory Bayside: Sunday, April 28

BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Thursdays, & Fridays

Wednesday, May 1

BILLY T Harborside: Friday,

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays &

KEVIN POOLE Crabcake Factory Bayside:

Crabcake

TRANZFUSION

Pickles Pub: Saturday, April 27

Fager’s Island: Monday, April 29

HOMESKOOL DROPOUTS

Coconuts Beach Bar: Thursday, May 2

PICKIN’ PARTY

Harborside: Sunday, April 28

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Friday, April 26: DJ Billy T Saturday, April 27: Cecilias Fall & DJ Harvey Cinco Sunday, April 28: Pickin’ Party

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, April 27: Tranzfusion

Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wood Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE

SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Friday & Saturday, April 26 & 27: The Chucks

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 26:

Side Piece Duo, DJ Davie, Knox Engler, DJ Ernesto & Steal The Sky Saturday, April 27:

John McNutt Band, DJ Ernesto, DJ Cruz, Not Leaving Sober & The Counterfeiters Thursday, May 2: DJ Connair & Opposite Directions

VISTA ROOFTOP

410-390-7905

13801 Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 26: Steve Khun Saturday, April 27: Otto Grundman Monday, April 29: Danny Dolan Tuesday, April 30: Rick Artz

THE CHUCKS

Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, April 26 & 27

AARON HOWELL DUO Dry Dock 28: Friday, April 26

Local artist transforms OC

library’s children’s section

Entranceway now features custom nautical theme to welcome young guests

(April 26, 2024) The Ocean City Library is debuting a new and exciting entryway into its children’s section.

Local artist Dawn Tarr Scott transformed the entry by adding imaginative sea creatures and vibrant colors.

"It's a special way to welcome children and families into the library and brings a sense of fun and magic to the space," Branch Manager Alec Staley said in a news release.

Scott is an Eastern Shore artist

originating from Snow Hill. She has been creative since childhood and shares a birthday with Van Gogh. Painting on a prolific scale, Scott has traveled and painted internationally and has had several artworks on major media outlets and shows. She enjoys painting a variety of subjects and loves to infuse them with Reiki Energy for positive healing.

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

CROSSWORD

Local artist Dawn Tarr used her talent and creativity to transform the children’s section entrance way to the Ocean City library branch.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You can get your spark back with some help from friends, Aries. You may have been struggling in one form or another, but others can provide the perspective needed.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you are a dependable rock and that comes with a lot of responsibility. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed, and in those instances feel free to delegate some tasks.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Too much joking around may strike a nerve of someone close to you, Gemini. Feel out every situation before you start communicating in such a laid back and jovial way.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, like it or not, you have to stand by a promise or a commitment you made to someone, even if you no longer feel like doing so. Once it is finished, you can go your separate ways.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, if others have underestimated you or written you off in the past, you will have an opportunity to prove them wrong this week, even if you already know the truth.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Your keen eye for detail has you pointing out a mistake that may have cost someone a lot of money, Virgo. Your reward could be a promotion or another commendation.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Making room for your needs right now is challenging as others seem to require all of the attention, Libra. You will have a chance to balance the scales soon enough.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Right now you may be reluctant to commit or comment on an issue that is affecting some in your circle, Scorpio. You can get involved once you dig further and do your own research.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, when you hang out with friends, you may be tempted to spend more than is in your budget at the moment. Set a limit, and perhaps leave your credit cards at home.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you are ready to move forward, but others in your orbit may be holding you back. Know when to cut loose and do things according to your bigger vision.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Thinking about all of the things in your life that may not be going to plan could have you feeling down, Aquarius. Flip the perspective and start focusing on the right things.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, you are known for being a dreamer, but right now you have to come down from the clouds and develop a solid plan of action. There will be time for fanciful ideas later.

LYNCH SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

During last week’s Hotel Motel Restaurant Association annual installation of officers and awards banquet, the Tres Lynch Bank of Ocean City scholarship was presented to Alia Collick, a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School working at the Commander Hotel and enrolled in the business and hospitality program at Wor-Wic Community College. Pictured, from left, are Wor-Wic President Deb Casey, Sen. Mary Beth

Carozza, Collick, and Earl Conley of the Bank of Ocean City.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

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

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, 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, 410-2897192, 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, 4-9 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, 25:30 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 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET

19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, blackoutalley.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

BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & ICE CREAM, THE EMBERS

2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2893322, district24oc.com

Come visit all your culinary options at this block of fun, including the landmark Embers Restaurant with a new, innovative vision as well as Blu where fresh seafood is king. Be sure to stop in Jay’s for a tasty treat as well as an ocean of caffeinated offerings. There’s fun activities for kids of all ages here as well with a miniature golf course and an arcade.

■ FISH TALES

2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 410-289-0990, ocfishtales.com

Bayfront marina dining offered here with a huge menu to satisfy guests of all ages. Enjoy a drink from a hanging chair or fish tacos at your table while the kids play in a playground build in the sand. Food and drink menus offer enough of a variety to meet all needs.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Ave., 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 Thursday through Monday. Happy Hour: Thursday, Sunday and Monday, all night long featuring $10 select appetizers, $6 crushes, $4 select draft. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Familyfriendly 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.

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-6846, castleinthesand.com

A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean City-based surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule.

■ 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’S 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

CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1.

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

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

Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

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

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

■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR

12203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6647075, tailchasersoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A coastal casual farm to table restaurant with a fun dockside family friendly atmosphere. Menu changes with the seasons and cocktails are handcrafted with care. Bring the whole family for lunch or dinner along the canal. Kids playground available to keep the littles entertained.

■ 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. Established 25 years ago but recently under new ownership. 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.

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining

$$ | Full bar

Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Thursday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘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.

■ SHRIMP BOAT

9724 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City, 410-213-0448, shrimpboatoc.com

Since 1989, a spot for locals and visitors to enjoy fresh local seafood straight off the boats. Dine-in seating also available. It’s all sourced local and fresh and a free shrimp sample available.

Pickled beets offer unique decisions for chefs

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(April 26, 2024) Pickled beets is the special of the day. Pickling is the process of preserving the lifespan of food by anaerobic fermentation in brine or immersion in vinegar. The varieties of vinegar are the opportunity for choice.

Apple cider, white, and rice vinegar are the preferred options for pickling by immersion in vinegar. Multiplicity lends credence to creativity and is the foundation of a chef.

Rice vinegar takes top honors. It is made from sugars found in rice and has a mild, delicate essence. The subtle tang achieves the art of pickling and still allows the beets to remain the main component of the dish.

To add or not to add onions is the next question at hand. Once that bridge has been crossed, the kind of onion and how it is broken down must be considered.

Onions give pickled beets more depth, texture, and add to the overall experience. White, yellow, red, and sweet lead the way for selection. The pickling vinegar reduces the pungency of the onions. For this reason, red onions are incorporated into the following recipe.

The beets are the star and the onions are the supporting cast. As a result, a mandoline is a must. Slicing the onions on a mandoline produces paper thin slices that are in unison, which enhances the overall presentation.

Whole black peppercorns and red pepper flakes give the pickled beets a touch of heat. Pickling spice, whole Jamaican allspice, whole anise seeds, and ground ginger not only heighten the natural sweetness of the beets but take them to another level of flavor. Whole coriander, fresh rosemary, dill, and bay leaves add diversity and depth to the dish. The spectrum of delectable spices and herbs turn ordinary beets into a superlative dish.

For those who adore beets, two recipes are better than one. Following is a simple beet recipe that will wow your guests. Once the beets are cooked and fork tender, puree them with heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Add a few pinches of freshly grated nutmeg. The beets will turn a gorgeous, fuchsia color. Place the beet mixture into a piping bag and pipe directly onto the serving plate. This condiment is a great pairing with proteins and is a creative twist for vegetarians. Either way, accolades will follow.

Pickled beets are yummy accompaniments for your favorite grilled meats and are a wonderful addition to picnics.

Presenting them in mason jars with a festive ribbon makes a wonderful gift during the season of sun and fun. Pick-

led or pureed beets are hard to beat.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

5 pounds beets

5 cups rice vinegar

2 ½ cups cold water

2 ½ cups sugar

2 red onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

½ to 1 tablespoon dried, crushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon whole Jamaica allspice

1 tablespoon pickling spice

1 tablespoon whole anise seed (optional)

1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon whole coriander

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon dried dill

5 bay leaves

1. Peel the beets. If they are extralarge, cut them in half.

2. In a large pot, steam until tender but they should have some firmness.

3. Once the beets are cooked, place them on a cooling rack to slow down the cooking process.

4. When the beets have cooled, using a mandoline, slice the beets into thin slices or using a knife, cut into onequarter inch slices. Set aside.

5. Rinse the mandoline and carefully dry with a tea towel or paper towels. The blade in the mandoline is very sharp and should be treated with caution. Slice the onions and set aside.

6. Add all of the ingredients except for the beets and onions to a medium

saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Cool vinegar mixture and strain.

7. In a large plastic or glass bowl, combine sliced beets, sliced onions, and reduced vinegar mixture and marinate for 24 hours.

8. Place beet mixture in a serving vessel and serve family style.

9. If one wants to present pickled beets as a gift, layer beets and onions into mason jars. Fill jars with vinegar mixture. Add a decorative ribbon.

Secret Ingredient – Precision

“Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.”

Donald Rumsfield

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., April 26

MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHAIR YOGA

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3 p.m.

Nicole Young, certified yoga instructor, helps participants stretch in a safe and low impact manner. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

53RD ANNUAL WARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILDFOWL CARVING COMPETITION & ART FESTIVAL

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10

a.m.-5 p.m. Highly decorative works of art to functional hunting decoys. Multiday pass costs $10; seniors and students, $8; free to those 11 years and younger. kclattenburg@wardfdn.org, https://wardfdn.org

Sat., April 27

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, Whaleyville, 7-10 a.m. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

23RD ANNUAL BOARDWALKIN’ FOR PETS

Boardwalk at the Inlet, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 8:30 a.m. Start a fundraiser to benefit the Worcester

County Humane Society today! New this year are: Pawsport Pass, Doggie Dig and After Pawty. https://worcestercountyhumanesociety.org

53RD ANNUAL WARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILDFOWL CARVING COMPETITION & ART FESTIVAL

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Highly decorative works of art to functional hunting decoys. Multiday pass costs $10; seniors and students, $8; free to those 11 years and younger. kclattenburg@wardfdn.org, https://wardfdn.org

ANIME OCEAN CITY

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Featuring a curated collection of celebrity guests, artists, vendors and more. Tickets: https://animeoceancity.com.

WORLD TAI CHI DAY

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 10 a.m. World Tai Chi Day demonstration and participation. Kim Reed, 410-213-2822

CRAFTY SATURDAY: EARTH DAY STORY TIME AND CRAFT

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

Learn about taking care of our world and join in helping clean up our Earth. All ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

11TH ANNUAL BOARDWALK FUNDRAISER

WALK: EVERY CHILD IS A MASTERPIECE!

Caroline St. Stage, 2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 12-2 p.m. Donations are $25 per individual or $100 per team of four. Registration required: https://thecricketcenter.com/event/11th-annual-boardwalk-fundraiser-walk-every-child-is-amasterpiece/.

JAZZIFIED POP WITH ABE OVADIA

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 1 p.m.

A unique fusion of pop and rock tunes presented in a captivating jazz content. This innovative performance offers a fresh perspective on familiar melodies. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Sun., April 28

BISHOP’S ANNUAL VISITATION

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church St., Berlin, 9:30 a.m. The Bishop will make his annual visitation. There will be one service at 9:30 a.m. where Chris and Evan Todd will be welcomed into the Episcopal Church through confirmation. Potluck to follow.

53RD ANNUAL WARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILDFOWL CARVING COMPETITION & ART FESTIVAL

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Highly decorative works of art to functional hunting decoys. Multiday pass costs $10; seniors and students, $8; free to those 11 years and younger. kclattenburg@wardfdn.org, https://wardfdn.org

ANIME OCEAN CITY

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring a curated collection of celebrity guests, artists, vendors and more. Tickets: https://animeoceancity.com.

THE REAL HOPE SINGERS IN CONCERT

Bowen & Trinity United Methodist Church, 8426 Newark Road, Newark, 3 p.m. The Real Hope Singers will be in concert. A light luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., April 29

WSW BASEBALL FEVER

Women Supporting Women, 1320 Belmont Ave., Salisbury. Tickets $20. WSW raffle for 2 Washington National tickets to any home game during the 2024 season. 410-548-7880

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. A variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 05 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: LEAPING FROGS

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

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

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

Tues., April 30

FREE PLAY DAY AND CRAFTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Make some new friends with play and improve language and motor skill development. For ages 2-5 years. 410-6410650, 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

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

Wed., May 1

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Takes place the first and second Wednesdays of each month. For nonsurgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Have fun making music, singing songs and playing. For ages 0-2 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30-2:30 p.m. The group provides discussion and education on the topic of diabetes. Patti Yocubik, 410-641-4217, pyocubik@atlanticgeneral.org

LEI DAY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Learn a brief history of Lei Day in Hawaii while making silk ribbon leis to celebrate. Registration required. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PAINT & SIP

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Cost is $27. Wine and crackers included. Register: 410-641-7052.

KIWANIS BINGO NIGHT

The Sterling Tavern, 119 N. Main St., Berlin, 6-9 p.m. Playing cards, chance auction and a 50/50. Food will be available. Bingo proceeds to go the Kiwanis Club’s local Community Programs.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 6-7 p.m. A safe place for caregivers who share similar challenges and rewards of providing care for adults who have serious illnesses. Nicole, nfy@atlanticgeneral.org, 410-641-2626

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Thurs., May 2

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. A free mask fitting clinic

for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointment required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

SPRINGFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Four days full of tasty treats, lively music and awesome handmade crafts. www.ococean.com/springfest/

STORYTIME: CINCO DE MAYO

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Learn all about Hispanic culture and create a fun craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. A quiet place to meet new friends and play some chess. Bring your boards and join the game. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIY FASCINATORS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. It’s Derby time. Create headband fascinators and show off your expressive side with these festive hair pieces. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Registration required for each class. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

THE OLIVIA SHOW ‘A TRIBUTE TO OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN’

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 7 p.m. Takes place in the inlet parking lot as part of Springfest. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/500968 54/the-oliva-show-a-tribute-to-olivanewtonjohn-ocean-city-oc-inlet-lot.

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577, BeachSingles.org.

Crossword answers from page 50

Looking for a rewarding summer job?

Coastal Kayak is hiring all positions! No experience necessaryjust the desire to learn! Coastalkayak.com for more info and application. HIRING: Line Cooks, Sous Chefs, A/V Techs, Painters, Maintenance Staff, Plumber, Security, Office Staff, Food Runners, Cashiers, Carpenters and more

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy seeks

Office Assistant

Growing Flight Academy with campuses in Berlin, Maryland and Georgetown, Delaware seeks Exceptional Candidate to join our team. Professional Friendly office environment. F/T Weekend availability is a plus. Year Around Position. Responsible for student interaction, dispatch and check in of flights, filing, retail sales and keeping our offices neat and clean. Must be customer oriented and be proficient in data entry and have good computer skills. Previous office or educational experience necessary.

Please forward resume to mfreed@flyoceanaviation.com

We prefer initial contact be through e-mail only. Qualified applicants will be contacted for in person interviews.

are a plus.

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

Crew Wanted To Work On Water:

The SeaBoard is seeking a captain and a deck hand for summer ’24. Both positions require ability to lift 40 pounds and climb ladders. Preferred candidates are computer literate and mechanically inclined with boating experience.

Send email to info@theseaboard.com

Now Hiring Summer 2024 Positions for Sun Outdoors

Ocean City!

Looking for bartenders, cashiers, cooks, housekeepers, activities attendants, front desk agents, security, and maintenance!

Starting at $15/hour and up! Call 410-213-0097 or email careers@ eoshospitality.com to inquire.

Help WantedCook

with 2-3 Years experience required. Honest, dependable, reliable. Flexible schedule - Full or Part-time. Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment. Serious inquires only.

Open daily 12:00 p.m.

American Legion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD

AA/EOE

SEASONAL POSITIONS

• General Clerical

• Fuel Dock Attendant

• Ramp Attendant

• Boat Yard Attendant

• Domestic

• Maintenance Apply online: DelawareStateJobs.com

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER

Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker position available for our 87th St. Ocean City, MD location and our Willards, MD location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience and excellent computer skills a must.

Please email resume to kris.derickson@fbwband.com “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Thunderbird Beach Motel

Now hiring Night Auditor & Front Desk Clerk. Competitive pay. Apply in person. 32nd St., Baltimore Ave. Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm.

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility

Up to $20/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

Seeking Work: Small and Large Jobs. 44 years experience in construction. Patch work, landscaping, painting, etc. Call/leave a message, 443-754-7709.

RENTALS

Waterfront Bayside - Newly remodeled 2BR, 2BA Condo in North OC. 4 steps to ground level off your private balcony. Full kitchen, LR, DR, W/D, balcony w/tables + seating for 6. Seasonal/ monthly Dec.-April, $2,200. Contact Julie 443-223-4623

Summer Bayside Condo near Jolly Rogers 2BR, 2BA, W/D & AC. Cable, WiFi, fully furnished. Sleeps 4-6. 2 units available May-Sept. Call Mike at 410-603-6120. www.mbjcproperties.com

Summer Seasonal Rental

2 bdrm., 1 bath Apt. Convenient midtown location. Sleeps 6. Close to jobs, transportation, beach and bay. May 15-Sept. 15. 443-783-3150

Ocean Pines, Year Round two story, 3BR, 2.5BA, screened porch. Large garage, fireplace. Good credit. No smoking. No pets. $2400 per month plus all utilities. 301-509-6515

Townhouse, 3BR, 2BA, $2100/month, utilities NOT included. Fully furnished. Long term lease only, 1+ years. Address: 438 Ocean Parkway, Berlin, MD 21811

Summer Seasonal Memorial Day to Labor Day. Single family home. 2BR, 2BA. $22,000 + utilities. Cleaning once a month and lawn care will be included. Contact Karen 443-880-5727

Fully Furnished Townhouse, 4BR/2BA, Living Room, Dining Room. Water, Electric and Cable not included. $2100/month. Located at 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. 410-456-0272

Yearly lease. One month security deposit and one month rent upfront.

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

LOTS & ACREAGE

16 Acres. Perked, surveyed and ready to build your home and man cave, horse farm, etc. on. Just outside of Bishopville on 610. $325,000. Howard Martin Realty, 410-352-5555

COMMERCIAL

Industrial Warehouse. Space: 1500 sq. ft. Masonry construction, 18’ high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom, yard and storage shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

Commercial Space For Rent West OC 2500 sq. feet. rental@ ocsandyfeetretreat.com or 910-448-1693

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

WANT TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY: Vintage signs, old advertising items, military memorabilia, antique toys, decoys, and small antique items. Call/text, 443-880-3082

COMMUNITY YARD SALEBerlin, Decatur Farm, off Route 113 across from Stephen Decatur ParkSaturday, May 4th, 8am to noon. Homeowners will be setting up in front of their homes, so the sale is community wide.

OC Marlin Club Nautical Flea Market Saturday, May 4th. Rods, reels, coating accessories, tackle, nautical items and more. 7:30-11am. Come and shop or rent a space. $30 per space. Call 443-614-7260. Proceeds of space rental go to OC Marlin Club Scholarship Fund.

Oyster Harbor Community Wide Yard Sale. Whisper Trace Dr. May 11, 2024, 8am to 1pm. Rain date: May 18, 2024. ESTATE SALES Estate Tag Sale

MISC./OTHER

Should he be punished?

A tango to start the dance? She might just demure.

Dawn, just once a day, Moon, so very close!

Sat., April 27, 2024

2 MARBLE Fireplaces, mantels & frames, Garden Pedestals & lady busts, 26 mosaics, 2 ammonite bath sinks, 2 Sheryl Wagner marble shell sinks in crates, 4’x8’marble slab, 2 marble tall door surrounds, slate & wrought iron table w/glass top, 4 bar-height chairs, 4 pc. mosaic seating set, garden umbrella, 2 Dutch Tall Case Clocks circa 1750,1780 French Carved Armoire, bed and night table, c1895

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FOR SALE

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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 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855407-6870

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

Entire Sets of Unused Sample Home Furniture, Bedroom, living room, Dining room set, lamps, twin bed, baby crib, bookcases, Antique door hardware, Antique wood doors, Old wooden store counter, rugs, dishwasher, books pictures, paintings, frames, End tables, loveseat, triple dresser, chandelier, games, plush toys

CRAFTS SUPPLIES

Floral & greenery. Create your own crafts/ wreaths and decorations with new craft supplies

Air fryer, small appliances, RC airplanes, EV charger dozens of new

All new in boxes

Cash & Carry & Layaway. Bring truck and blankets 757-678-2658

TOWNOFOCEANCITY OPERATINGBUDGET FISCALYEAR2025

BE IT ENACTED AND ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of Ocean City, Maryland, that the following fund revenue and departmental expenditures, together with certain restrictions and authorizations are adopted:

MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ.

WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP

P.O. BOX 910115 BROAD STREET

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20146 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HARVEY R. KOCH

AKA: HARVEY R. KOCH JR.

Notice is given that Scott Koch, 42 Mystic Way, Burlington, NJ 080164254, was on April 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Harvey R. Koch who died on February 22, 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 4th day of October, 2024.

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.

STRONG Estate No. 20147 Notice is given that MARYELLEN ARMSTRONG whose address is 15926 COZUMEL DR CORP CHRISTI, TX 78418-6633 was on APRIL 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BEVERLY MARIE ARMSTRONG who died on MARCH 22, 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 4th day of OCTOBER, 2024

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-4/11/3t _________________________________

REENA J PATEL ESQ

LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ANTHONY F CITRANO SR

Estate No. 20151 Notice is given that CYNTHIA CHATTERTON whose address is 34367 BRANCH VIEW LN DAGSBORO, DE 19939-4137 was on APRIL 05, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANTHONY F CITRANO SR who died on FEBRUARY 12, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of OCTOBER, 2024.

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-4/11/3t

JOHN E TARR, JR.

C/o: Michael E Crowson, Esq. 913-B Snow Hill Road

Salisbury, Maryland 21804 and BO E TARR

C/o: Michael E Crowson, Esq. 913-B Snow Hill Road Salisbury, Maryland 21804 and RANDY E TARR

C/o: Michael E Crowson, Esq. 913-B Snow Hill Road Salisbury, Maryland 21804

Plaintiffs v. JONNITA PIERCE 10356 Georgetown Road Berlin, Maryland 21811 and DEANNETTE BRITTINGHAM 10356 Georgetown Road Berlin, Maryland 21811 and THE ESTATE OF ALBERT DALE 10356 Georgetown Road Berlin, Maryland 21811 and KENNETH HAUCK

10370 Georgetown Road Berlin, Maryland 21811 and TAYLOR ECKER

10370 Georgetown Road Berlin, Maryland 21811 and KATHLEEN MALONEY PROTOS

C/o: KATHLEEN MALONEY 10411 Griffin Road Berlin, Maryland 21811 and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Attn: Roscoe R. Leslie, County Attorney

One W. Market Street, Room 1103 Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 and ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN

Claiming any legal or equitable right, title estate, lien, or interest in the real property described in the complaint adverse to the plaintiffs' claim to said real property, more specifically described as an area containing 44,315 sq. ft.+/-, 1.017 Acres+/-, located between 10403 Griffin Road and 10411 Griffin Road, Berlin, MD Defendants

(Action to Quiet Title or, Alternatively, for Declaratory Relief)

Plaintiffs have filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for Worcester County. The object of this proceeding is to quiet title or have the Circuit Court declare the rights to a "Parcel Unknown" with an area of 44,315 Sq. Ft.+/-, or I .OJ 7 Acres+/-, located and binding upon Griffin Road, Berlin, MD, and situated between 10403 Griffin Road, Berlin, MD, and 10411 Griffin Road, Berlin, MD.

Plaintiffs are the record owners of the real property located at 10403 Griffin Road, Berlin, MD, and are claiming said Parcel Unknown via adverse possession. Said real property is described as follows:

Being all of a parcel of land located on the North side of Griffin Road (30' wide) in the Third Election District of Worcester County, Maryland and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron pipe found on the Northerly line of Griffin Road at the southeasterly comer of lands currently owned by John E. Tarr, Jr. et al, as described in Liber 8647, Folio 3549, as recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland thence running the following courses:

1. N 06° 40' 00" W - 231.40' to a Found Iron Pipe

2. N 52° 16" 00" E- 188.15' to a Found Iron Rod

3. S 18° 38' 00" E- 166.34' to a Found Concrete Monument

4. S 30° 03' 00" W - 239.24' to a Found Concrete Monument on the northerly line of Griffin Road

5. Thence by and with the arc of a curve having a radius of 1093.10', and a length of58.71'; N 70° 21' 36" W a distance of58.70' to the Point of Beginning; said parcel being found to have an area of 1.017 acres, more or less.

The complaint requests the Circuit Court to quiet title to said Parcel Unknown or, alternatively, to award declaratory relief, in favor of Plaintiffs.

It is thereupon this date of 3rd of April, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland,

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order of Publication in Ocean City Today, a newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the date of June 3, 2024, and assert any interest in or claim to said Parcel Unknown or thereafter a final judgment may be entered quieting title to the said Parcel Unknown, and vesting in Plaintiffs a title, free and clear of any encumbrance or claim of right; and it is further

ORDERED, that not later than fourteen (14) days after the date of issuance of this Order Plaintiffs' counsel shall post in a conspicuous place on the property that is the subject of this action a copy of Plaintiffs' summons and complaint and sup-

exhibits, issued to All Unknown Persons; and it is further ORDERED, that Plaintiffs' counsel shall file proofs that summons has been served, posted and published, as required by this Order or Writs issued by the Circuit Court.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE, of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-4/11/3t

ZST Rentals, Inc.

1515 Snow Hill Road

Stockton, MD 21864

v.

Estate of Roger D. Watson

c/o Emine Watson, Personal Rep. 56 King Richard Road Berlin, MD 21811

E.M. Joyner, Trustee

725 S. Salisbury, Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801

P

.L. Ensor, Trustee

725 S. Salisbury, Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801

Commercial Credit Bank

725 S. Salisbury, Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801

Worcester County, Maryland

Roscoe Leslie, County Attorney Government Center, Room 1103

1 W. Market St. Snow Hill, MD 21863

Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 20, Account No. 01017071, Property description

55' X 85' N SIDE 217 CEDAR STREET POCOMOKE, Deed

Reference: 4938/663, Assessed to Roger D. Watson, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest

All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 20, Account No. 01017071, Property description

55' X 85' N SIDE 217 CEDAR

STREET POCOMOKE, Deed

Reference: 4938/663, Assessed to Roger D. Watson

Roger D. Watson.

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

It is thereupon this 3rd of April, 2024, 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 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 2nd day of . .June 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-4/11/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOEL E. GORGODIAN Estate No. 20112 Notice is given that PETER HUGHES whose address is 861 OCEAN PKWY., OCEAN PINES, MD 21811-1579 was on MARCH 25, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOEL E. GORGODIAN who died on FEBRUARY 28, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of STEPHEN J. CZONSTKA Estate No. 20148 Notice is given that SCOTT STEPHEN CZONSTKA whose address is 106 JEFFERSON ST., BERLIN, MD 21811 was on APRIL 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of STEPHEN J. CZONSTKA who died on NOVEMBER 25, 2023 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of OCTOBER, 2024

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-4/11/3t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

Case No.: C-23-CV-24·000063

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: Item Number 20, Account Number 01017071, Property description

55' X 85' N SIDE 217 CEDAR STREET POCOMOKE, Assessed to

(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

To all persons interested in the estate of KEILA BROSSET Estate No. 20153 Notice is given that MITCHELL C BOLTON whose address is 33074 VINES CREEK RD DAGSBORO, DE 19939-4182 was on APRIL 08, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KEILA BROSSET who died on MARCH 20, 2024 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of OCTOBER, 2024.

To all persons interested in the estate of CATHERINE E ORTEL Estate No. 20156 Notice is given that CORRIE SINGER whose address is 1911 BROADWAY RD LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093-1404 was on APRIL 08, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CATHERINE E ORTEL who died on JANUARY 03, 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 8th day of OCTOBER, 2024

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

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET

BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20158

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN EDWARD WILSON

Notice is given that Peggy Ann Wilson, 44 Lake Field Xing, Hampton, VA 23666-5538, was on April 09, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stephen Edward Wilson who died on January 21, 2021, 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 9th day of October, 2024.

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

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WAYNE ODACHOWSKI

Notice is given that Karen Odachowski, 12312 Pine Rest Dr., Ocean City, MD 21842-9200, was on April 15, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wayne Odachowski who died on March 22, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of October, 2024.

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.

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.

Peggy L. Jester 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:

April 18, 2024

OCD-4/18/3t

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

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

Jane D. Bunting

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: April 18, 2024

OCD-4/18/3t

LOUIS J. WEINKAM JR, ESQ WEINKAM &WEINKAM, P.A. 1002 FREDERICK ROAD CATONSVILLE, MD 21228 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19928 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LINDA LEE HANNA AKA: LINDA L. HANNA

(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. Peggy Ann Wilson Personal

Karen Odachowski 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: April 18, 2024 OCD-4/18/3t

Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20161

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FREDRIC RONALD SAWYER

Notice is given that Peggy L. Jester, 3023 Johnson Rd., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-2954, was on April 11, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Fredric Ronald Sawyer who died on January 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 11th day of October, 2024.

P.O. BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20154 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM G. BUNTING

AKA: WILLIAM GARDNER BUNTING SR., WILLIAM GARDNER BUNTING

Notice is given that Jane D. Bunting, 10215 Friendship Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-2850, was on April 09, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William G. Bunting who died on March 15, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of October, 2024.

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

Notice is given that David Hanna, 8800 Coastal Hwy., Unit 603, Ocean City, MD 21842-2771, was on April 15, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Linda Lee Hanna who died on August 22, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of October, 2024.

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. David Hanna Personal Representative

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 18, 2024

OCD-4/18/3t WORCESTER COUNTY MARYLAND

OFFICE OF THE TREASURER GOVERNMENT CENTER

1 WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1105

State and County taxes for the 2022 tax levy (and prior years) by the County Commissioners of Worcester County and/or delinquent water, sewer, and assessment charges and/or delinquent nuisance abatements on the properties hereinafter described being due and in arrears and unpaid, and in order to compel the payment of the same, together with interest thereon and costs attending the proceeding, as provided by law, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Treasurer, Finance Officer, and Collector of State and County taxes for Worcester County, Maryland, as provided by the Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland, the undersigned Treasurer, Finance Officer and Collector, aforesaid, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder the following properties. This public auction will be held with Real Auction.com. The link is https://worcester.marylandtaxsale.co

m

STARTING WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024 @ 10:00 A.M.

CLOSING

Acct#02010720

Acct#02021943 Assessed To Ames

Maurice L Sr. Located At 106 Stevens St Snow Hill, Md. Described As Lot 2 13802 Sq Ft Stevens Rd

Subdiv Pl Of Oscar K & Viola F Blake. Assessment $67,133. Total Due $2,726.79

Acct#10356059 Assessed To Analytic Process. Located At Salisbury Rd Ocean City, Md. Described As Outlot A 16996 Sq Ft Salisbury Rd

Sub Par A Mary Birch Resid Trust. Assessment $83,200. Total Due $2,779.34

Acct#10395380 Assessed To Ball

Family Trust The. Located At 10117 Fast Colors Ln Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 393 10000 Sq Ft Fast Colors Ln Riddle Farm Subdiv Ph 16. Assessment $495,000. Total Due $10,710.36

Acct#02006936 Assessed To Ballard Artie H & Elizabeth W. Located At 4239 Market St Snow Hill, Md. Described As Lot 18 Blk 1 Sec 1 W/S Market St 35184 Sq Ft Pl Castle Hill

Ests. Assessment $94,400. Total Due $2,228.96

Acct#03120147 Assessed To Bates

Kenneth Cody. Located At 11242 Campbelltown Rd Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 2 1.84 Ac E S Campbelltown Rd Bndy Ln Adj Ld Davis/Goo. Assessment $99,667.

Total Due $2,361.48

Acct#10769179 Assessed To Bay

Rose LLC. Located At 725 Bradley Rd A Ocean City, Md. Described As Unit A S Side Bradley Rd Bay Rose CM. Assessment $369,600. Total Due $11,894.65

Acct#10221064 Assessed To Bealefeld Shirley W Leaf. Located At 11 134th St 0307 Ocean City, Md.

Described As U 307 134th St Ocean Princess CM. Assessment $156,400.

Total Due $5,123.47

Acct#10322677 Assessed To Bean

Charles Hugh Jr & Kathleen E. Smith. Located At 10113 Queen's Cir W Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 7 Queen's Circle Fox Chapel Subdiv. Assessment $427,700. Total Due $1,306.57

Acct#10053986 Assessed To Behney Christopher. Located At 210 Trimper Ave 0004 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 4 Trimper Ave Sand & Foam CM. Assessment $106,000.

Total Due $3,536.73

Acct#10120586 Assessed To Bellosi-Mitchell Grace M & BellosiSiebert Jessica. Located At 10900 Coastal Hwy 0202 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 202 Beach Hwy Golden Sands Club CM. Assessment $327,600. Total Due $10,615.29

Acct#02016737 Assessed To Benavides Helen. Located At 104 W Green St Snow Hill, Md. Described As App 20' X 52' 104 W Green St Snow Hill. Assessment $138,533.

Total Due $5,495.96

Acct#02016680 Assessed To Benavides Investments LLC. Located At 102 W Green St Snow Hill, Md. Described As 20.2 X 52 102 W Green St Snow Hill. Assessment $131,033.

Total Due $3,658.15

Acct#04001427 Assessed To Berdan Pat Godfrey & Godfrey George Lee. Located At 8519 Newark Rd Newark, Md. Described

As 24393 Sq Ft South Main St Newark. Assessment $101,200. Total Due $2,144.62

Acct#10265592 Assessed To Bernetta A Vaughan Revocable Livin. Located At 614 Osprey Rd 000f Ocean City, Md. Described As U F Osprey Road Dawn's Cove Th CM. Assessment $270,000. Total Due $8,061.31

Acct#10183162 Assessed To Berrett Rebecca Ann. Located At 607 Twin Tree Rd Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 4 Blk 13 Sec 1D Twin Tree Road Pl Caine Woods. Assessment $242,300. Total Due $7,597.28

Acct#03163377 Assessed To Berzonski Derrick J & Shawnee J. Berzonski. Located At 201 Flagship Cir Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 42

Ph 1S 21781 Sf Flagship Cir Decatur Farms Pl. Assessment $343,700. Total Due $13,188.24

Acct#05000068 Assessed To Bivens Letitia Rodnay. Located At 9425 Morris Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As 17.19 Acs N Side Morris Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $92,000. Total Due $2,260.42

Acct#01016954 Assessed To Blake

Richelle Lynnette. Located At 203

Laurel St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 49.66' X 79' X 49.66 X 79' NS 203

Laurel St Pocomoke. Assessment $71,667. Total Due $1,607.13

Acct#03034569 Assessed To Bowen Jason Anthony. Located At 210 Flower St Berlin, Md. Described

As 60 3 X 92 E Side Flower Street

Berlin. Assessment $72,333. Total Due $3,483.89

Acct#10024935 Assessed To Briele Henry A. Located At Vista Bay Ln W Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 12 Blk 4 S Side 30th St Pl Bay Shore Acres. Assessment $75,100. Total Due $1,220.35

Acct#10246970 Assessed To Bunting Linda M. Located At 314 A 136th St Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 16-A 136th St Pl Resub Lots 16 & 17 Blk 23 Sec 1A Caine Wood. Assessment $187,300. Total Due $5,884.70

Acct#10768889 Assessed To Burke Edward A Trustee & Burke

Kathryn D. Trustee & Others. Located At Baltimore Ave Ocean City, Md. Described As Parcel A 1704 Sf Baltimore Ave Resub Of Lts 6 & 7 Into. Assessment $93,700. Total Due $3,101.79

Acct#10229820 Assessed To Burtnick Sam & Burtnick Marybeth. Located At 137 Jamestown Rd B Ocean City, Md. Described As U B Jamestown Rd Shipwreck Haven IV CM. Assessment $221,400. Total Due $7,245.56

Acct#01021427 Assessed To Butler Kenneth D &. Located At 513 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 74' X 60' N Side 513 & 515 Laurel St. Assessment $46,000. Total Due $2,069.43

Acct#10112974 Assessed To Centiole Joseph & Marietta. Located At 9500 Coastal Hwy 004C Ocean City, Md. Described As U 4C Beach Hwy Pyramid CM. Assessment $268,000. Total Due $13,393.38

Acct#07000022 Assessed To Chatham Daphne Frances Ball. Located At 8052 Meadow Bridge Rd Eden, Md. Described As 42.19 Acs E Side Meadow Bridge Road. Assessment $119,233. Total Due $3,258.15

Acct#03076342 Assessed To Clazey Carl S. Located At 131 Watertown Rd Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot B-11-293 10095 Sq Ft Watertown Rd Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $210,133. Total Due $4,463.91

Acct#10277256 Assessed To

Acct#10222079 Assessed To Colletti Ricardo V & Walker-Colletti

Stephanie B. Located At 3801 Atlantic Ave 0110 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 110 Btw 38th & 39th Sts Diamond Beach CM. Assessment $240,900. Total Due $7,872.25

Acct#10222311 Assessed To Colletti Ricardo V & Walker-Colletti Stephanie B. Located At 3801 Atlantic Ave 0216 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 216 Btw 38th & 39th Sts Diamond Beach CM. Assessment

$260,800. Total Due $8,358.09

Acct#03124800 Assessed To Collick Albert B & Collick Renate E. Located At 9309 Seahawk Rd Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 3 3.086 Acs W/S Step Dec High School Rd Subdiv William Smith. Assessment $144,733. Total Due $2,217.16

Acct#03034321 Assessed To Collick Beatrice. Located At 114 Railroad Ave Berlin, Md. Described

Brandywine Dr Ocean Pines, Md.

Described As Lot B-13-183 9750 Sq Ft Brandywine Dr Pl Ocean Pines Sec 13. Assessment $197,500. Total Due $4,256.78

Acct#04001184 Assessed To Deberry Annie Tindley. Located At 8513 Tindley Rd Newark, Md. Described As Lot Dirickson Farm N Side Labor Camp Road. Assessment $43,300. Total Due $1,211.61

Acct#01025449 Assessed To Diego Miguel Andres. Located At 302 14th St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 136' X 180'6' 14th Street Pocomoke. Assessment $114,600. Total Due $3,886.02

Acct#10188598 Assessed To Distefano Shawn & Lisa Disterfano. Located At 184 Pine Tree Rd Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 1249 Sec 2 Pine Tree Rd Pl Montego Bay Mob Hm Pk. Assessment $442,000. Total Due $13,853.85

Acct#02011204 Assessed To Dixon Teamer Jr. Located At 3944 Market St Snow Hill, Md. Described As Lot SW/S Market St S Of Snow Hill. Assessment $128,967. Total Due $2,820.89

Acct#03087441 Assessed To Domingo Gloria S Dr. Located At 21 Alden Ct Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot C-11-018 6395 Sq Ft Alden Ct Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $76,867. Total Due $1,805.67

Acct#01001019 Assessed To Donaway Rita Elizabeth. Located At 2514 Worcester Hwy Pocomoke, Md.

Described As 190' X 190' X 190' X 143' Near E Side R-113 NE Of Pocomoke. Assessment $62,100. Total Due $1,587.35

Acct#02037548 Assessed To Dukes John Clayton & Virgil P. Located At Box Iron Rd Newark, Md. Described As 1.31 Acs Taylors Landing Rd Girdletree. Assessment $18,100. Total Due $524.94

Acct#10108470 Assessed To Dunn

Gerald A & Irmgard D. Located At 152 Old Wharf Rd Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 40 Sec JJ N Side Old Wharf Rd Pl Caine Keys II. Assessment $381,600. Total Due $10,952.48

Acct#07000278 Assessed To Dykes Judith A. Located At 445

$72,600. Total Due $1,621.09

Acct#10369649 Assessed To Flood Livia Robinson. Located At 200 59th St 0408 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 408 60th St Coconut Malorie Resort. Assessment $106,900. Total Due $3,543.66

Acct#02021919 Assessed To Flores Diana & Cabellero Celia. Located At 239 Washington St Snow Hill, Md. Described As 220' X 181' X 284' 239 S Washington St Snow Hill. Assessment $188,800. Total Due $4,675.24

Acct#04003829 Assessed To Foreman Samuel Tyreel & Sean J B Foreman & Others. Located At 6538 Bowden Rd Newark, Md. Described As Lot 9 7.397 Acs S Side Langmaid Rd Pl Langmaid Woods. Assessment $130,600. Total Due $2,057.73

Acct#10755166 Assessed To Four Seasons Park Inc. Located At 12024 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Md. Described As Imps Lot 21 115 Sh Ocean Gateway Four Seasons Park Co-Op. Assessment $101,633. Total Due $2,418.56

Acct#10008123 Assessed To Freburger Kelly M. Located At 13011 Drum Point Rd W Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 30 N Side Drum Point Rd Pl 1 Sec 1 Captains Hill. Assessment $720,367. Total Due $15,194.86

Acct#10157358 Assessed To Fumich Family Trust. Located At 9 130th St 0107 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 107 130th St Banana Beach CM. Assessment $140,400.

Total Due $4,642.31

Acct#10311713 Assessed To Gismo I LLC. Located At 16 Cutlass Dr Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 41

Blk E 4942 Sq Ft Cutlass Dr Mystic Harbour Sec 1. Assessment $180,967. Total Due $3,914.77

Acct#05000548 Assessed To Golphin Enoch & Deborah. Located At Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As 1 Ac N Side Line Hotel Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $44,667. Total Due $986.03

Acct#02025280 Assessed To Gordy Karen J. Located At South Dr Snow Hill, Md. Described As Lot 21 Circle Dr Pl Subdiv Meadow Brook. Assessment $32,100. Total Due $1,486.71

Acct#02021684 Assessed To Gordy Karen J. Located At 109 Powell St Snow Hill, Md. Described As Lot 109 Powell & Snow Sts Snow Hill. Assessment $133,133. Total Due $5,272.88

Acct#02020203 Assessed To Green Felicia & Green James. Located At Ross St Snow Hill, Md. Described As Lot 7 1.18 Acs W Side Ross St. H Williams Subdiv. Assessment $27,400. Total Due $1,288.07

Acct#10258669 Assessed To Green Michael O. Located At 504 Yawl Dr Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 339 3600 Sq Ft E S Yawl

W/S Selby Rd Subdiv Of Lds For Elisha W Murray. Assessment $187,800. Total Due $4,331.77

Acct#01025694 Assessed To Groton John & Ralph Groton &. Located At 17 Somerset Ave Pocomoke, Md.

Described As Lot 8 Blk B 17 Somerset Ave Pl Pocomoke Heights. Assessment $110,367. Total Due $7,661.53

Acct#03021246 Assessed To Hall

Randolph Freddie Jr. Located At 10209 Germantown Rd Berlin, Md.

Described As Lot X E Side Germantown Road SE Of Berlin. Assessment $80,333. Total Due $1,895.99

Acct#03123898 Assessed To Hall

William E & Hall Christina. Located At 11633 Worcester Hwy Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 1 W/S R-113 Pl Minor Sub Prop Of Mary Griffiths. Assessment $154,600. Total Due $2,278.57

Acct#10226821 Assessed To Harmon Barbara J. Located At 14 136th St 0301 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 301 136th St Sunspot CM. Assessment $214,000. Total Due $7,006.53

Acct#10120071 Assessed To Harper Kevin. Located At 10300 Coastal Hwy 508 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 508 Coastal Hwy Atlantis CM. Assessment $231,800. Total Due $7,508.75

Acct#10430755 Assessed To Harris Wayne L &. Located At 4 Hidden Cove Way LUG-B Ocean City, Md. Described As U-LUG-BE-2E PH 5 Hidden Cove Way The Garden CM Sunset Isl. Assessment $317,700. Total Due $10,340.52

Acct#10191718 Assessed To Harting Sue H. Located At 219 South Ocean Dr Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 63 Sec 3B South Ocean Dr Pl Montego Bay Mob Hm Pk. Assessment $368,700. Total Due $11,414.86

Acct#10366216 Assessed To Hauser Sheila D. Located At 12506 Deer Point Cir Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 10 14251 Sq Ft Deer Point Circle Deer Point Subdiv. Assessment $342,700. Total Due $6,875.32

Acct#03126013 Assessed To Haynie Mark W & Evelyn M. Located At Timberline Cir Berlin, Md Described As Lot 397 Timberline Circle White Horse Park Phase 3 Assessment $99,600 Total Due $2,272.23

Acct#01020587 Assessed To Heath Clarence W. Located At 504 Young St Pocomoke, Md. Described As Lot 2 3102 Sq Ft 504 Young St L V Layman Inc Subd Pl. Assessment $36,967. Total Due $1,647.73

Acct#10715768 Assessed To Heise

Broad Marsh Marina CM. Assessment $15,000. Total Due $612.08

Acct#02022079 Assessed To Hillman Emily Dawn. Located At 232 Washington St Snow Hill, Md. Described As 117' X 191' X 162' X 81' S Washington St Snow Hill. Assessment $93,233. Total Due $3,768.08

Acct#10343844 Assessed To Hinkle Gary & Marcia D & Alan Bell. Located At 8343 South Longboat Way Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 366 3000 Sq Ft South Longboat Drive Assateague Pt Resort P 3. Assessment $158,033. Total Due $3,363.53

Acct#01021400 Assessed To Holden Gregory T & Vera L. Located At 509 Cedar St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 60' X 120.4' 509 Cedar St Pocomoke. Assessment $61,700. Total Due $2,282.29

Acct#10072964 Assessed To Hollohan Robert T. Located At 5305 Atlantic Ave 0004 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 4 Btw 53rd & 54th Sts Sea Splash CM. Assessment $607,700. Total Due $19,660.80

Acct#03007022 Assessed To Hudson Alan. Located At Old Ocean City Rd Berlin, Md. Described As 25.92 Acs W Side R-346 Min Sub Alan H Hudson. Assessment $10,300. Total Due $568.17

Acct#03007014 Assessed To Hudson Alan. Located At 9178 Old Ocean City Rd Berlin, Md. Described As 39.81 Acs W Side R-346 Rev Lds Roger A Hudson. Assessment $173,167. Total Due $4,197.09

Acct#03007006 Assessed To Hud-

Acct#03004848 Assessed To Fiedler George D. Located At 11104 Worcester Hwy Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 1 2.13 Acs E Side Worcester Hwy Bluewater Botanical. Assessment $210,633. Total Due $4,501.01

Acct#10004942 Assessed To Fischer Ernest T. Located At Torquay Rd Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 23 Blk 28 Sec C W Torquay Rd Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment

Pocomoke, Md.

80'

133' Eighth St Pl Berwyck. Assessment $113,633. Total Due $5,240.91

Acct#05009650 Assessed To Grothe Anthony A & Grothe Teresa A. Located At 13117 Selby Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As 6.0556 Acs

Michael Scott &. Located At 12625 Sunset Ave 2 Ocean City, Md. Described As U-12625-2 PH 4 Sunset Ave Bayside Professional Ctr. Assessment $108,067. Total Due $2,328.43

Acct#03021564 Assessed To Henry Mary C & Martin L Henry &. Located At Germantown Rd Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 2 NE Side Germantown Road Plat Isaac H Crippen. Assessment $70,600. Total Due $1,746.42

Acct#10768818 Assessed To Hensley Michael R & Hensley Patience M. Located At 12 Broad Marsh Marina CM M-12 Ocean City, Md. Described As Unit M-12 67th St

Due $2,207.39

Acct#05006104 Assessed To Johnson Preston L & Brice Leon. Located At Campbelltown Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As 24 Acs Nr E Side Campbelltown Rd South Of Bishop. Assessment $47,000. Total Due $1,155.52

Acct#05011698 Assessed To Johnson Ronnie Lee. Located At 9631 Peerless Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As Lot N Side Peerless Road Nw Of Showell. Assessment $78,967. Total Due $1,879.74

Acct#03002985 Assessed To Jones Millard Edward F. Located At 8336 Circle Rd Berlin, Md. Described As 1.136 Acs S Side Circle Rd SE Of Whaleyville. Assessment $164,900. Total Due $3,589.60

Acct#02024470 Assessed To Kane Joseph R. Located At 205 Market St Snow Hill, Md. Described As 75' X 495' X 78' X 475' 205 E Market St Snow Hill. Assessment $96,867 Total Due $3,745.09

Acct#02024438 Assessed To Kane Joseph R. Located At 207 E Market St Snow Hill, Md. Described As 70' X 150' 207 E Market St Snow Hill. Assessment $156,333. Total Due $6,268.49

Acct#03141306

Acct#03157687 Assessed To Karbyte Enterprises LLC. Located At Worcester Hwy Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 2B 12.46A E/S Route 113 Revised Lots 2A & 2B. Assessment $389,300. Total Due $11,564.19

Acct#10338387 Assessed To Kavoossi Saiid & Annette M. Located At 12116 W Cannonball Dr Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 222 North Longboat Way Assateague Pt Resort

Acct#01025147 Assessed To Kirkwood Cynthia. Located At 1316 Market St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 77 X 198.75 X 133.7 X 191.75 S Side Market St Pocomoke. Assessment $111,200. Total Due $5,267.81

Acct#03128865 Assessed To Kling

Gregory D. Located At 9342 Kitts Branch Rd Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 2 1.61 Acs S/S Kitts Branch Rd

Walter Tingle Subdiv. Assessment

$131,400. Total Due $2,388.99

Acct#10131634 Assessed To

Kostack Joseph R & Kostack Janice

E. Located At 183 Jamestown Rd 0011 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 11 Jamestown Rd Watergate CM. Assessment $196,500. Total Due $6,445.31

Acct#03144488 Assessed To

Kufchak Carl Vincent. Located At 11848 Peyton Ct Bishopville, Md. Described As Lot 3 1 Ac Peyton Court Peyton Acres Pl. Assessment $533,900. Total Due $11,586.11

Acct#10398754 Assessed To

Kwedar Michael T & Kwedar Mary

E. Located At 18 Harbour Towne CM 18 Ocean City, Md. Described As Boat Slip #18 Phila Ave & Bayside Harbour Towne CM. Assessment

$20,000. Total Due $772.77

Acct#10210976 Assessed To

Leblanc Aida L & Dayna L. Hitch. Located At 143 Jamestown Rd 0003 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 3 Jamestown Rd Jamestown Inlet CM.

Assessment $214,600. Total Due $6,901.28

Acct#10121140 Assessed To Leonard Eugene & Leonard Sandra

A. Located At 10300 Coastal Hwy 1106 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 1106 Coastal Hwy Atlantis CM. Assessment $287,000. Total Due $9,346.54

Acct#07005261 Assessed To Lewandowski Joseph L III. Located At Scotty Rd Snow Hill, Md. Described As 5 Acs W Side Scotty Road W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $48,000. Total Due $1,108.44

Acct#03095169 Assessed To Lewis William D Jr. Located At 40 Nottingham Ln Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot B-10-035 7500 Sq Ft Nottingham Ln Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $174,100. Total Due $3,122.60

Acct#01046187 Assessed To Lipps

Mark W. Located At Colona Rd Pocomoke, Md. Described As 9.71 Acs N Side Colona Road Min Sub M D Maizel Etal. Assessment $41,333. Total Due $1,026.89

Acct#01012592 Assessed To Lipps

Mark W. Located At 865 Colona Rd Pocomoke, Md.

Acct#10065291 Assessed To Lulu H Auger Trust & Auger Ulysses. Located At 4203 Atlantic Ave 0013 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 13

Btw 42nd & 43rd Sts 13 On The Beach CM. Assessment $435,700.

Total Due $14,132.92

Acct#10174279 Assessed To Lundgren Hans & Lundgren Johnness. Located At 417 142nd St

Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 9

Blk 68 50 X 145 142nd St Pl Fenwick. Assessment $275,700. Total Due $8,874.11

Acct#01021249 Assessed To Lynch Holly Star. Located At 413 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 73.5 X 84 X 65.7 X 76.11 NE Side 413 Laurel St Pocomoke. Assessment $66,967. Total Due $2,149.98

Acct#03066142 Assessed To

Mahon Michelle R. Located At 12 Southwind Ct Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot B-09-207 9750 Sq Ft Southwind Ct Pl Ocean Pines Sec 9. Assessment $170,600. Total Due $3,176.72

Acct#03050874 Assessed To Mahon Sherry L. Located At 44 Brandywine Dr Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot G-13-118 9800 Sq Ft Brandywine Dr Pl Ocean Pines

Sec 13. Assessment $294,800. Total Due $6,212.77

Acct#10245753 Assessed To Man

Diana Phuong & Sodeth Man &. Located At 3701 Coastal Hwy 0332G

Ocean City, Md. Described As U 332 B G P 3 Coastal Highway Bradley On The Bay CM. Assessment $118,800. Total Due $3,948.11

Acct#03021920 Assessed To Mapp

James D Sr &. Located At 10440 Harrison Rd Berlin, Md. Described As 80 X 150 E Side Harrison Road Se Of Berlin. Assessment $188,867. Total Due $3,754.29

Acct#05003415 Assessed To Mavrakis Magdaline D. Located At 9235 Whaleyville Rd Whaleysville, Md. Described As 2.48 Acs N Side Whaleyville Rd Loc Sur Albert H Powell. Assessment $334,600. Total Due $6,004.17

Acct#10312450 Assessed To Mccleary Eric Todd. Located At 7 Keel Dr Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 108 Blk J 5800 Sq Ft Keel Drive Mystic Harbour Sec 2. Assessment $185,867. Total Due $3,681.47

Acct#10384400 Assessed To Mccormick Family Stone Harbour LLC. Located At 13208 Stone Harbour Ln 4 Ocean City, Md. Described As Unit 4 Ph 5 Jefferson Ave Stone Harbour Villas CM. Assessment $655,000. Total Due $13,329.72

Acct#05005574 Assessed To Meehan Thomas Joseph &. Located At 9937 Bishopville Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As 148 X 467.85 X 432.90 N S County Rd Near Bishopville. Assessment $80,500. Total Due $1,648.60

Acct#01003054 Assessed To Mills Steven Jr. Located At 1805 Cypress Rd Pocomoke, Md. Described As 197' X 147' W Side Unionville Rd Sw Of Pocomoke. Assessment $11,767. Total Due $521.62

Acct#10317126 Assessed To Milone John S. Located At 507 32nd St 00230 Ocean City, Md.

Acct#03024210 Assessed To Kilgore Samuel David & Kilgore Carrie Leigh. Located At 11303 Assateague Rd Berlin, Md. Described As 3 Acs Assateague Road Sw Of Berlin. Assessment $325,167. Total Due $6,463.61

Acct#03099075 Assessed To Lockhart Lou Alice. Located At 108 Nottingham Ln Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot B-10-069 7672 Sq Ft Nottingham Ln Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $66,767. Total Due $1,503.75

Acct#04001702 Assessed To Lockwood Sylvester L. Located At 8314 Patey Woods Rd Newark, Md. Described As Lots In Blks A C F H & J Patey Woods Rd Newark. Assessment $91,167. Total Due $2,007.07

Acct#03002101

Acct#01001116 Assessed To Mcmanus Paul. Located At 1923 Pit Circle Rd Pocomoke, Md. Described As 75' X 165' W Side Pit Circle Rd Franktown. Assessment $16,100. Total Due $634.18

Acct#01015559 Assessed To Mcmanus Paul E. Located At 700 Clarke Ave Pocomoke, Md. Described As 42' X 85' W Side

Acct#10202310 Assessed To Och LLC. Located At 309 South Ocean Dr Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 5A Sec 5A South Ocean Dr Pl Montego Bay Mob Hm Pk. Assessment $458,900. Total Due $14,786.65

Acct#10066611 Assessed To Papoulias Konstadina J &. Located At 7 45th St 0225 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 225 45th St Ocean Waye 45 CM. Assessment $76,800. Total Due $2,598.28

Acct#03016188 Assessed To Parker Mabel Sallie Savage. Located At 10811 Maple Ct Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 13 115 X 175 N Side Maple Lane Plat Highland Park. Assessment $85,000. Total Due $2,000.88

Acct#01017314 Assessed To Parsons Karen Annette. Located At 208 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 70.12' X 104.5' X 70 X 102' S Side 208 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $123,867. Total Due $4,506.01

Acct#05011361 Assessed To Parsons Richard H & Carol Ann. Located At 10907 Piney Island Dr Bishopville, Md. Described As Lot 55 28916 Sq Ft N Side Piney Island Dr Pl Piney Island Subdiv. Assessment $146,400. Total Due $3,324.40

Acct#10013356 Assessed To Parsons Richard H & Carol Ann. Located At 11905 Grays Corner Rd Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 7 Blk B N Side Old Ocean City Rd Pl Winchester Dev. Assessment $99,900. Total Due $2,340.93

Acct#02026465 Assessed To Parsons Richard H & Carol Ann. Located At 4226 Keep Ct Snow Hill, Md. Described As Lot 5 24000 Sq Ft Keep Court Snow Hill Estates. Assessment $106,200. Total Due $2,484.14

Acct#02026600 Assessed To Parsons Richard H & Carol Ann. Located At 4311 Tower Dr Snow Hill, Md. Described As Lot 2 Blk 3 W/S Tower Dr Pl Castle Hill Ests Sec II. Assessment $107,300. Total Due $2,502.40

Acct#03001121 Assessed To Patel Bhailal Babarbhal. Located At 11529 Longridge Ln Whaleysville, Md. Described As 27.76 Acs North Side R 346 Bdy Sry Walter H

Md. Described As Boat Slip #7 26th St Lookout Landing CM. Assessment $15,000. Total Due $605.75

Acct#01028057 Assessed To Powell Alice Mae. Located At 709 Eighth St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 40' X 100' S Side Eighth St Pocomoke. Assessment $51,633. Total Due $2,424.49

Acct#10769629 Assessed To Prologo Luciano. Located At 205 Bridge Point Cm Ocean City, Md. Described As Boat Slip # 205 Rusty Anchor Rd Bridge Point CM. Assessment $20,000. Total Due $772.77

Acct#03022544 Assessed To Purnell Sharon Denise. Located At 10529 Harrison Rd Berlin, Md. Described As 59 X 260.5 X 70 X 231 W/S Harrison Road Se Of Berlin. Assessment $216,833. Total Due $4,705.18

Acct#10769449 Assessed To PVI Developers LLC Located At F Island Cove CM Ocean City, Md Described As Boat Mooring F N Side 25th St Island Cove CM. Assessment $15,000. Total Due $612.08

Acct#10086906 Assessed To R & R Investments Of Virginia LLC. Located At 75th St Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 16 Blk 108 50 X 120' N Side 75th St Pl Oceanbay City. Assessment $300,000. Total Due $9,644.81

Acct#10431077 Assessed To R & R Investments Of Virginia LLC. Located At 75th St Ocean City, Md. Described As Lots 17 18 Blk 108 N/S 75th St Pl Oceanbay City. Assessment $625,300. Total Due $19,962.02

Acct#10086833 Assessed To R & R Investments Of Virginia LLC. Located At 110 75th St Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 15 Blk 108 Btw 75th & 76th Sts Pl Oceanbay City. Assessment $325,200. Total Due $10,444.05

Acct#10147387 Assessed To R & R Investments Of Virginia LLC. Located At 11700 Coastal Hwy 1101 Ocean City, Md. Described As U T1101 Beach Hwy Carousel Center CM. Assessment $421,100. Total Due $13,609.00

Acct#04002229 Assessed To Redmond Mailon. Located At Patey Woods Rd Newark, Md. Described As Lots In Blk A C F H & J S Side Patey Woods Rd Newark. Assessment $36,900. Total Due $935.16

Acct#01002996 Assessed To Richardson Nichole. Located At 2049 Mcmichael Ave Pocomoke, Md. Described As Part Lot 2 50' X 50' Brickyard Ave. Assessment $13,700. Total Due $774.18

Acct#03020762 Assessed To Rigopoulos Nicholas G & Chamberlain Susan L. Located At 10130 Germantown Rd Berlin, Md. Described As 15810 S F W Side Germantown Rd Bndy Ln Adj Btw Ld Lee E. Assessment $170,600. Total Due $3,752.66

Acct#01020293 Assessed To Rmb Holdings LLC. Located At 508 Bonneville Ave Pocomoke, Md. Described As 40' X 80' 508 Bonneville Avenue Pocomoke. Assessment $31,100. Total Due $2,388.65

Acct#10090687 Assessed To RNR Properties LLC. Located At 4 84th St 001B Ocean City, Md. Described As U 1B 84th St Surfside 84 CM. Assessment $277,400. Total Due

$9,045.33

Acct#01030345 Assessed To Roberts Desmond Jr. Located At 610 Bank St Pocomoke, Md. Described As Lot 40 S Side Bank St Pocomoke. Assessment $40,933. Total Due $1,835.91

Acct#10238129 Assessed To Roemer Scott William. Located At 15 40th St 0014 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 14 40th St Olympic CM. Assessment $112,800. Total Due $3,755.27

Acct#03088839 Assessed To Romersa Arthur R & Romersa Lisa. Located At 41 Watertown Rd Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot B-11399 7500 Sq Ft Watertown Rd Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $213,767. Total Due $4,536.37

Acct#10245281 Assessed To Ronald Max Heckman Trust & Samuel Adam Heckman Trust. Located At 13200 Coastal Hwy 1001 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 1001 Z Coastal Hwy Excalibur CM. Assessment $298,400. Total Due $9,720.25

Acct#10261651 Assessed To Rose

Aubrey E & Darlene B Rose. Located At 206 8th St 0026 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 26 8th St Surfside 8 CM. Assessment $69,100. Total Due $2,350.81

Acct#10248701 Assessed To Rose

Aubrey E & Rose Darlene B. Located At 711 Edgewater Ave 711 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 711 Edgewater Ave Pier Seven CM. Assessment $147,300. Total Due $4,864.09

Acct#10170486 Assessed To Rose

Bryan. Located At 14 W 139th St 0003 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 3 139th St El Gwendo West CM. Assessment $190,400. Total Due $6,249.25

Acct#03156613 Assessed To Roth

James R & Bonita B Roth. Located At 12 Chatham Ct Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot 377 5231 Sq Ft Chatham Court Phase 4 Parke Ocean Pines Sec 16. Assessment $301,833. Total Due $6,407.33

Acct#10343429 Assessed To Russell Gregory M. Located At 8322 South Longboat Way Berlin, Md. Described As Lot 329 3000 Sq Ft South Longboat Drive Assateague Pt Resort P 3. Assessment $171,033. Total Due $3,732.88

Acct#03033643 Assessed To Sackadorf Larry T &. Located At 223 Graham Ave Berlin, Md. Described As App 176' X 150.2 Near E Side William St Berlin. Assessment $329,733. Total Due $6,873.55

Acct#05006929 Assessed To Sadowski Robert J Sr & Sadowski Michele M. Located At 11535 Back Creek Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As Lot 1 2.00 Acs N Side Back Creek Road Min Sub W D Cannon Etal. Assessment $258,133. Total Due $4,610.19

Acct#10194865 Assessed To Santangelo Thomas A & Santangelo

Jacqueline R. Located At 185 Beachcomber Ln Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 1132 Sec 3 Beachcomber Lane Pl Montego Bay Mob Hm Pk. Assessment $138,300. Total Due $4,417.67

Acct#01002902 Assessed To Satchell Cory R. Located At 1409 Unionville Rd Pocomoke, Md. Described As 1.24 Acs N Side Unionville Rd Bndy Sur Cory R

Satchell. Assessment $53,900. Total Due $1,311.98

Acct#01015974 Assessed To Schoolfield Stephen E & Rudean N Fletcher. Located At 111 Oak St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 5848 Sq Ft N Side 111 Oak St Pocomoke. Assessment $57,500. Total Due $4,946.83

Acct#03011445 Assessed To Shea William. Located At 11311 Gum Point Rd Berlin, Md. Described As 100 X 300 N Side Gum Point Road East Of Berlin. Assessment $294,333. Total Due $4,750.54

Acct#10125138 Assessed To Sherman Glenn E & Bonnie Gale. Located At 10700 Coastal Hwy 1005 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 1005 Beach Hwy Quay CM. Assessment $246,500. Total Due $7,982.32

Acct#03105326 Assessed To Sipe Frederick. Located At 44 Footbridge Trl Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot B-10-189 11967 Sq Ft Footbridge Trail Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $288,433. Total Due $3,186.83

Acct#03092720 Assessed To Slattery Darrin R. Located At 34 Boston Dr Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot W-11-045 7675 Sq Ft Boston Dr Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $90,267. Total Due $2,096.92

Acct#08007438 Assessed To Smith James Harvey. Located At 6247 George Island Landing Rd Stockton, Md. Described As 2.12 Acs N

Blvd

Md. Described As Lot 246 Blk J 6753 Sq Ft Mystic Harb Blvd Mystic Harbour Sec 3B. Assessment $190,433. Total Due $2,722.22

Acct#01002090 Assessed To Sturgis Joyce Antoinette. Located At 1536 Unionville Rd Pocomoke, Md. Described As 2 Acs S Side Unionville Road Sw Of Pocomoke. Assessment $58,500. Total Due $1,445.64

Acct#01021559 Assessed To Sturgis Wesley T. Located At 605 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md. Described As Lot 1 Laurel St Pl Fortney & Snyder, Assessment $66,967, Total Due $2,700.20

Acct#10143667 Assessed To SW Condominium LLC. Located At 11500 Coastal Hwy 0607 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 607 Beach Hwy Sea Watch CM. Assessment $351,600. Total Due $11,244.51

Acct#01022970 Assessed To Taylor Kevin E. Located At 109 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 60 X 160 E Side 109 Fourth St Pocomoke. Assessment $59,467. Total Due $2,598.25

Acct#10262062 Assessed To Tenanty Patricia A. Located At 107 Convention Center Dr 00250 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 25 P A Convention Center Drive Thunder Island CM. Assessment $288,000 Total Due $9,358.94

Acct#03030431 Assessed To Timmons James B. Located At 303 Bay St Berlin, Md. Described As 65 X 150 N Side 303 Bay Street Berlin. Assessment $185,033. Total Due $6,961.48

Acct#05001250 Assessed To Tingle Norman B & Tingle George & Others. Located At 9506 Morris Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As 21.07 Acs South Side Morris Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $130,300. Total Due $3,032.96

Acct#10003024 Assessed To Todd William Bryan Jr & Elizabeth. Located At 12528 Salisbury Rd Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 7 & Pt Lot 8 Blk 20 Sec B N/S Salisbury Rd Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $174,367. Total Due $3,492.56

$61,067. Total Due $19,889.75

Acct#01016121 Assessed To Ulysse Jean Raymond. Located At 809 Second St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 30.1' X 120.5' X 31.83' X 117.75 E S 809 Second St Pocomoke. Assessment $82,567. Total Due $2,774.73

Acct#03172082 Assessed To Velong Gina L. Located At 174 Intrepid Ln 1403 Berlin, Md. Described As Unit 1403 Intrepid Lane Decatur Frm Twhse Ph T14. Assessment $189,667. Total Due $6,823.46

Acct#05031931 Assessed To Vignale Chad Joseph & Vignale Angela K. Located At Back Creek Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As Lot 2 2.36 Acs N Side Back Creek Rd Min Sub S & D Mumford. Assessment $70,700. Total Due $1,672.64

Acct#02023040 Assessed To Walterhoefer Taryn. Located At 208 Federal St Snow Hill, Md. Described As 80' X 120' X 77' X 208 E Federal & Purnell Sts Snow Hill. Assessment $148,367. Total Due $4,783.02

Acct#01044079 Assessed To Ward Only Properties LLC. Located At 738 Ninth St Pocomoke, Md. escribed As Lot 9-9671.46 Sq Ft Near B K Jones Ld On Rr Ninth Street Estates. Assessment $196,033. Total Due $9,148.84

Acct#10264766 Assessed To Watson Roger C & Brenda L. Located At 107 Convention Center Dr 00620 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 62 P B Convention Center Drive Thunder Island CM. Assessment $265,300.

Total Due $8,629.95

Acct#10061792 Assessed To West

Malinda & Taylor Brenda. Located At 2813 Plover Dr 001D0 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 1D S 1 Plover Drive Bal Harbour CM. Assessment $156,100. Total Due $4,881.28

Acct#05015049 Assessed To West Milton Lee Jr. Located At 11211 St Martins Neck Rd Bishopville, Md. Described As Lot 2 2 Acs N Sde St

Martins Neck Rd Min Sub M West Sr Etal. Assessment $309,300. Total Due $4,809.27

Acct#02026716 Assessed To Whaley Raye Gillette. Located At 100 Washington St Snow Hill, Md. Described As 57' X 89.5' S Washington St Snow Hill. Assessment $87,967.

Total Due $3,469.21

Acct#10230322 Assessed To White Bernard H III & Loretta M. Located At 4000 Coastal Hwy 0317 Ocean City, Md. Described As U 317 Btw 40th & 41st Sts Ocean Point No 2 CM. Assessment $118,800. Total Due $3,948.11

Acct#01015605 Assessed To Whitney Licurtis. Located At 108 Oak St Pocomoke, Md. Described As 70' X 140' S Side 108 Oak Street Pocomoke. Assessment $20,200. Total Due $1,091.69

Acct#03014088 Assessed To Widgeon Christopher Bryan. Located At 8936 Cedar Lane Rd Berlin, Md. Described As 9.145 Acs S Side Cedar Lane Rd W Of Berlin. Assessment $296,767. Total Due $6,548.05

Acct#10405157 Assessed To Wilkinson Donald A. Located At 388 D Island At Hidden Harbo 388 Ocean City, Md. Described As Boat Slip #388 125th St Island At Hidden Harbour. Assessment $15,000. Total Due $612.08

Acct#03088146 Assessed To Willman David M. Located At 438 Ocean Pky 13 Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Unit Am Borderlinks Dr Pl Borderlinks I. Assessment $164,233. Total Due $3,183.34

Acct#10019451 Assessed To Wooden Maryellen. Located At 8209 Stephen Decatur Hwy Ocean City, Md. Described As 100' X 300' Nw Side Stephen Decatur Road. Assessment $126,900. Total Due $2,995.88

Acct#10178428 Assessed To Zimmerman Mark. Located At 618 S Surf Rd Ocean City, Md. Described As Lot 11 Blk 13 South Surf Road Pl Caine Woods Sec 3. Assessment $262,200. Total Due $5,699.61

TERMS OF SALE

All bidders must register. Registration for the sale begins at 10:00 a.m. April 19th and ends promptly at 4:00 p.m. May 3rd. Proper identification for individuals and proof of existence for legal entities shall be required by RealAuction for all registrants. In order to bid, an individual or entity must be registered.

ACH will need to be tendered by 4:00 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 17th on the final date of sale. It shall be in the amount of taxes due including expenses of sale (attorney, auctioneer, advertising and miscellaneous). A receipt will then be issued by RealAuction. A tax sale certificate will be provided by mail to the tax sale purchaser within thirty days of the date of the sale.

These properties are offered for sale “AS IS”, at the risk of the purchasers and neither the undersigned nor any other party makes any warranties or representations whatsoever either expressed or implied, of any kind or character, with respect to the properties or the title thereto. In the event a tax sale certificate is issued and then voided by the Treasurer, through no fault of the buyer, only a refund of amounts actually paid on day of sale shall be made and shall be the Treasurer’s sole liability and limit thereon. Properties are listed and sold based upon information provided by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, which is in no way represented to be accurate or correct. The sale, the premises, and the properties are, to the extent provided by law, subject to any and all title defects, claims, liens, encumbrances, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, rightsof-way and matters of records. In the event of mistake, defective title, description or nonexistence of property, no refund shall be given.

ducted in accordance with procedures determined by the Treasurer or his agent at the sale.

All costs in connection with the foreclosure of the right of redemption and all other title costs are at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers. All taxes and fees and other impositions including, without limitation, the following: transfer tax, agricultural transfer tax, recordation tax, and recording costs required will likewise be at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers. Terms of sale shall be complied with as determined by the Treasurer, who shall be the sole judge of such.

These requirements are directory as to the Treasurer and not mandatory. They may be altered by the Treasurer at his sole discretion in the interests of justice, fairness, and efficiency or other good and valid reason.

PROPERTIES LISTED HEREIN, ON WHICH TAXES ARE PAID PRIOR TO DATE OF SALE WILL NOT BE SOLD.

PHILLIP G. THOMPSON TREASURER AND FINANCE OFFICER FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND COLLECTOR OF STATE AND COUNTY TAXES FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND OCD-4/18/4t _________________________________

HEATHER E STANSBURY ESQ AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

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

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM JASON DYER Estate No. 20164 Notice is given that LUCIAN KANE DYER whose address is 301 12TH STREET UNIT 1 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on APRIL 16, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of WILLIAM JASON DYER who died on NOVEMBER 21, 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.

Acct#08004668 Assessed To Ulrich Sandra. Located At 5641 George Island Landing Rd Stockton, Md. Described As Lot Geo Island Landing Rd Stockton. Assessment

Acct#03056465 Assessed To Wienhold Jonathan Christian. Located At 78 Birdnest Dr Ocean Pines, Md. Described As Lot B-06-173 11672 Sq Ft Birdnest Dr Plat Ocean Pines Sec 6. Assessment $280,100. Total Due $5,058.61

Bidders should be well versed in the law regarding tax sales and should investigate the properties and titles thereto prior to purchase or bid. Competent legal advice should be sought by prospective bidders prior to the sale. No legal advice shall be given by the County Attorney, Treasurer, or staff.

Bidders representing legal entities are limited to one bidder per property sold. Bidding shall be con-

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 claims 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-4/25/1t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING

WORCESTER COUNTY

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024

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

6:30 p.m. Case No. 24-36, on the lands of Nathaniel Passwaters, on the application of Kristina Watkowski, requesting a variance to a rear yard setback from 50 feet to 35.6 feet (to encroach 14.4 feet) for a proposed addition to an existing dwelling in the R-1 Rural Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1205(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 12333 Dixie Drive, Tax Map 10, Parcel 241, Lots 122 & 123, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 24-34, on the lands of Kevin Myers & Ayres Creek Investments, LLC, on the application of Kristina Watkowski, requesting a special exception to allow special events (transient use) in the E-1 Estate District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-105(c)(5), ZS 1-116(c)(3) and ZS 1-337, located at 11726 & 11728 Winding Creek Drive, Tax Map 42, Parcel 10, Lots 17 & 18, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 24-23, on the lands of NVR, Inc., on the application of Kristina Watkowski, requesting after-the-fact variances to the left side yard setback from 3 feet to 2.9 feet (encroaches .1 feet) and to the right side yard setback from 7 feet to 6.9 feet (encroaches .1 feet) for an existing house in a Residential Planned Community, pursuant to Zoning Code§§ ZS 1-116(c)(4) and ZS 1-315, located at 12103 Snug Harbor Road, Tax Map 33, Parcel 281, Lot 82, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 24-33, on the lands of Maria Castellano, requesting after-the-fact variances to a front yard setback (Timberline Circle) from 10 feet to 1.67 feet (encroaches 8.33 feet), to the right side yard setback from 3 feet to 1.64 feet (encroaches 1.36 feet) and to the left

PUBLIC NOTICE

The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.

The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 04/19/2024

All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643.

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police

side yard setback from 7 feet to 1.52 feet (encroaches 5.48 feet), associated with an existing manufactured home and decks in a campground subdivision, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1305 and ZS 1-318, located at 309 Timberline Circle, Tax Map 16, Parcel 85, Section 3, Lot 309, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 24-35, on the lands of Scott Young, on the application of Kayla Short, requesting shoreline modifications to the minimum separation requirement of waterfront structures to adjoining property lines from 6 feet to 2 feet (to encroach 4 feet) on the right and from 6 feet to 3.5 feet (to encroach 2.5 feet) on the left, for a proposed dock pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 2-102(e)(2) & Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(n)(3), located at 2 Liberty Bell Court, Tax Map 16, Parcel 41, Section 4, Lot 410, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland. 6:55 p.m. Case No. 24-37, on the lands of KCJ Farms, LLC, on the application of Mark Cropper, requesting a special exception to allow a dredge spoil disposal site in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections §§ ZS 1116(c)(3) and ZS 201(c)(26), located at 6220 Disharoon Road, Tax Map 55, Parcel 39, Tax District 2, Worcester County, Maryland.

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IN THE ESTATE OF MARY BETH MILLER

AKA: MARY B. MILLER

Notice is given that Judith A. Velasco, 6981 Kestrel Ridge Rd., Brighton, MI 48116-5176, was on April 16, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Beth Miller who died on March 02, 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 16th day of October, 2024.

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

Notice is given that Geoffrey Brian Baumann, 4914 Powder Mill Rd., Beltsville, MD 20705-1936, was on April 18, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth Whitmore Baumann II who died on February 10, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18th day of October, 2024.

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

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

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

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

enforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/25/1t

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20167

Ocean City, Maryland. Thursday, May 9, 2024

At 2:00 p.m.

PW 24-021 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings not to exceed 26’ channelward of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 8906 RUSTY ANCHOR RD UNIT 216 Parcel # 9079 -216 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Manuel & Pamela Arvon

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

Geoffrey Brian Baumann 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:

April 25, 2024

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Superior Court of District of Columbia appointed Philip N. Margolius, 4301 Military Rd., NW Apt. 710, Washington, DC 20015-2139 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Peggy Mallios who died on December 20, 2023 domiciled in District of Columbia, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Alan M. Margolius whose address is 39 West Montgomery Ave., Rockville, MD 20815.

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

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To all persons interested in the estate of DOROTHY H. WILSON Estate No. 20163 Notice is given that MARY LOUISE CAREY whose address is 6112 LAWS RD., SNOW HILL, MD 21863-3067 was on APRIL 15, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of DOROTHY H. WILSON who died on JANUARY 14, 2024 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Philip N. Margolius 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:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

BOARD OF PORT WARDENS

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

PW 24-022 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings maximum channelward extension of 48’ of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 523 HARBOUR DR Parcel # 8020A- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Walter & Lori Tullis

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

PW 24-023 A request has been submitted to demo an existing perpendicular pier and install a new 6’ x 50’ pier; to install two boatlifts on the south side and install two PWC lifts on the north side all with associated pilings not to exceed 50’ channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 3509 S CANAL ST Parcel # 4353 -56 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Palmer Gillis

APPLICANT: Hidden Oak Farm, LLC

PW 24-024 A request has been submitted to install one elevator type boat lift with associated pilings, maximum channelward extension of 12’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 725 BRADLEY RD UNIT C Parcel # 9263 -C in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Anthony Abunassar

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 24-025 A request has been submitted to approve the currently installed “float/lift” not to exceed 21’ channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 201 WINDWARD DR UNIT 5 Parcel # 3838A-5 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: James & Patricia Booth

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 24-026 A request has been submitted to approve a previously installed boatlift on existing pilings maximum channelward extension of 18’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2807 PLOVER DR UNIT 2

Parcel # 4941 -2 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER/APPLICANT: Robert Ogilvie

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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 claims 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-4/25/1t _________________________________ Rosenberg & Associates, LLC 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 301-907-8000

Diane S. Rosenberg Mark D. Meyer Miroslav Nikolov 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 Substitute Trustee Plaintiff(s) v. Estate of Jessica C. Richardson 6060 Worcester Highway Snow Hill, MD 21863

Notice is hereby given this 18th day of April, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of 6060 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill, MD 21863, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 20th day of May, 2024, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in the Ocean City Digest a

weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 13th day of May, 2024. The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $210,000.00.

Susan R.

Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-4/25/3t

BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND

IN THE MATTER OF CHABERTON SOLAR SNOW LLC’S APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT A 4 MW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATING FACILITY IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. 9714

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING

A public comment hearing in the above-entitled matter is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., via virtual platform, concerning Chaberton Solar Snow LLC’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service Commission.

If you would like to speak at the hearing, please send an email to psc.pulj@gmail.com by Monday, 12:00 Noon on April 29, 2024. Otherwise, anyone wishing to observe the live stream of the hearing may do so via the Public Utility Law Judge Division’s YouTube Channel, https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP. Any questions about the hearing should be directed to psc.pulj@gmail.com.

Written comments on the proposed Project may be submitted electronically through the Commission’s Public Comment Dropbox, which can be accessed through the Commission’s website at www.psc.state.md.us, or by firstclass mail with the Commission’s Chief Clerk, Jamie Bergin, Maryland Public Service Commission, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. All comments must include reference to Case No. 9714

Pursuant to the Commission’s March 13, 2020 Notice of Waiver and Relaxed Filing Requirements, no paper copies need to be submitted if the filing is public in nature and no more than 25 pages in length. The Commission encourages parties to use the Commission’s “e-file” system for filing. Instructions for e-filing are found under the “Tools” section of the Commission’s website under the “Make a Public Comment” tab. Which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-apublic-comment/. OCD-4/11/3t

Ann Runo, the president of the Ocean City Lioness Lions Club, is pictured with Jesse Bollinger and his leader dog, Burley, at a recent Lions District 22B meeting to support the leader dog program. The program empowers people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills of independence with the help of highly trained dogs at no cost.

WORCESTER COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FY 2025 REQUESTED OPERATING BUDGETS

The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budgets as requested by the Agencies and Departments which are funded by the Worcester County Commissioners. If you wish to speak or attend in person, we encourage you to pre-register by calling the County Administration office at 410-632-1194. Speakers will be allowed to address the County Commissioners for up to two (2) minutes. Public Comment may also be submitted in advance by email at wchearing@co.worcester.md.us or in writing received on or before 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, May 6, 2024 in the County Commissioners’ Office at Room 1103 Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. All commenters must identify themselves by their full name and address to be included in the public record. Written comments received by the deadline will be read into the record by Worcester County staff during the public comment portion of the meeting. Anyone not planning to speak may view the public hearing live on the County website at https://worcestercountymd.swagit.com/live. The Public Hearing will be held at:

6:00 P.M.,

General Fund requested expenditures exceed available revenues (based upon current tax rates) by $10,116,174. This difference must be reconciled by the County Commissioners either through reductions in expenditures or increases in taxes, fees and/or use of Budget Stabilization Funds. Copies of the requested budgets are available for public inspection on the Worcester County website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

GENERAL FUND ESTIMATED REVENUES

GENERAL FUND REQUESTED EXPENDITURES

CubeSmart marks official opening

Self storage facility offers 80,000 square feet of climate-controlled storage

(April 26, 2024) CubeSmart Self Storage, which operates more than 1,400 facilities nationwide, recently announced the grand opening of its first facility in Ocean City.

The company celebrated with a ribbon-cutting last November at the new facility at 117509 Ocean Gateway

off of Route 50, followed by a threemonth soft launch.

According to a news release, the self-storage facility offers 469 indoor units — 80,000 square feet of storage space across two expansive buildings. The 100% climate-controlled facility will offer customers free use of a moving truck and, for a limited time, a free month of storage.

Customers can choose from a wide range of options, from smaller 5-by5-foot storage lockers to 10-by-30-

foot spaces that are able to accommodate the contents of a large, multiroom house. Available drive-up units add convenience for residential or commercial customers storing large and heavy items.

The new location combines 24hour access with advanced security measures, including automated gates and a network of surveillance cameras.

Local owner Spiro Buas selected

I have motivated buyers for homes in your area. Sales prices are high, inventory is low. If you've ever thought of selling your home, please give me a call today. I can provide you with a free market analysis of your home's current value.

The exterior of the new CubeSmart Self Storage facility off Route 50 is pictured.

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(April 26, 2024) Real estate brokers in Maryland are required to exercise reasonable and adequate supervision over the provision of real estate brokerage services by any other individual acting on behalf of the broker, which includes transaction management coordinators.

There are specific guidelines provided by the Maryland Office of Attorney General, Department of Labor.

An unlicensed employee may do a number of tasks, including, but not limited to:

• Submit listings and changes to an MLS

• Assemble documents for closing; type contract forms at the direction of, and for approval by, licensee and supervising broker; compute com-

mission checks

• Place signs on property; arrange the date and time of inspections, mortgage application, pre- settlement walk-thru, and settlement; act as courier service to deliver documents, pick up keys

• Schedule appointments for licensee to show listed property

• Accompany a licensee to an open house or showing for security purposes or to hand out preprinted materials.

An unlicensed employee may not:

• Prepare promotional materials or ads without the review and approval of licensee and supervising broker; show property; answer any questions on listings, title, financing, closing, etc.

• Discuss or explain a contract, listing, lease, agreement, or other real estate document with anyone outside the brokerage; be paid on the basis of real estate activity, such as a percentage of commission, or any amount based on listings, sales, etc.

broker duties differ

• Negotiate or agree to any commission, commission split, management fee, or referral fee on behalf of a licensee

• Discuss the attributes or amenities of a property, under any circumstances, with a prospective purchaser or lessee

• Discuss the terms and conditions of the real property offered for sale or lease with the owner of the property

• Collect, receive, or hold deposit monies, rent, other monies, or anything else of value received from the owner or lessee of the real property or from a prospective purchaser or lessee

• Hold himself or herself out in any manner, orally or in writing, as being licensed or affiliated with a particular company or real estate broker as a licensee

• Contact the public concerning the availability of real estate brokerage services unless an inquiry about a specific property is immediately referred to a licensee

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

• Provide owners of real property or prospective purchasers or lessees with any advice, recommendations, or suggestions as to the sale, purchase, exchange, or lease of real property to be listed or real property presently available for sale or for lease

Owner pleased with response

Continued from Page 75

CubeSmart to operate the facility because of its recognizable national brand and reputation for service.

“Our vision was to give the community something different: a stateof-the-art storage facility that takes the hassle out of moving,” Buas said in the release. “Customers are already responding to conveniences like our complimentary moving truck and the CubeSmart mobile app, which offers gate access, autopay and more.”

Buas added that, since a soft rollout that began in last fall, CubeSmart has significantly outpaced its initial growth projections — a trend he ex-

pects to continue as the ongoing marketing program reaches consumers. He said plans to expand the facility are already under consideration.

Taylor Bank provided financing for the Cube Smart facility. Buas said that working with a locally based lending team that understood the market played a vital role in the success of the project. Storage Construction, a York, Pennsylvania, builder focused exclusively on the self-storage market, handled design and build-out of the facility.

For more details about Ocean City CubeSmart, including special introductory pricing, visit OCstoreit.com.

Worcester County job fair

Local job seekers can meet prospective employers from across Worcester County and choose from hundreds of seasonal and year-round jobs at the Worcester County Job Fair next month.

The fair is set 3-6 p.m., May 1, at the Pocomoke Fair Grounds Building.

The fair is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Come prepared and ready to network and take the next step.

The job fair promises an array of opportunities across various industries. From experienced professionals looking to advance their careers, to recent graduates ready to embark on their first jobs, all job seekers are welcome.

Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development is hosting the event in partnership with the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Great Pocomoke City Fair.

For more information, contact WCTED Workforce Development Specialist Nancy Schwendeman at nschwendeman@co.worcester.md.us or (410) 632-3112 x2120.

Nonprofit grants

Taylor Bank is still accepting applications for grants from its For Good Fund.

In 2023, the bank introduced the For Good Checking Account, through which a portion of every participating customer’s debit card transaction was directed to the For Good Fund. From the contributions, roughly $15,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that strengthen and enhance local communities. Individual grants will range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Grant applications are available at taylorbank.com/for-good-fund. Completed application must be submitted by June 1.

Focused on supporting low-income

communities, the For Good Fund was created to support local nonprofits, with an emphasis on neighborhood development, workforce development and education, and basic human services.

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in good standing with the IRS.

Taylor Bank will prioritize organizations serving Worcester County; Sussex County, Delaware; and Accomack

County, Virginia. The bank’s giving committee will evaluate each grant request for financial sustainability, leadership, collaboration, overall impact, and more.

Taylor Bank is administering the program through a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

To learn more, visit taylorbank.com and click “See Our Impact” on the home page, or contact forgood@taylorbank.com.

WCDC hosting job fair April 30 to fill current openings

(April 26, 2024) The Worcester County Developmental Center is hosting its 2024 Spring Job Fair, a career fair for open jobs in various different departments of the center, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 30, at 8545 Newark Road in Newark.

Visit wcdcservices.org “About” and “Employment” tabs for more job information.

The event will include light refreshments, raffles, and giveaways for attendees as they learn about the benefits, growth opportunities and work environment opportunities within the development center.

Attendees are asked to bring driving records and professional references. The event will be held indoors and outdoors in the back parking lot.

The Worcester County Developmental Center empowers adults with developmental and physical disabilities to be productive, responsible, and participating members of the community by identifying, enhancing, and creating opportunities so all individuals can achieve their highest level of economic and social independence.

Anyone seeking employment who is unable to attend the fair, email a resume to kjones@wcdcservices.org or fax to 667-288-6064.

Developmental center staff will be conducting walk-in interviews from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday, until fully staffed.

Safety report, Blueprint update presented

Recent K-9 scans at local middle and high schools reveal no drugs found

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 26, 2024) The Worcester County Board of Education hosted a meeting on Tuesday, April 16, during which members provided updates on school safety and the progress of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

Chief Operations and Academic Officer Annette Wallace provided a safety update at the April 16 meeting. Since the March gathering, there have been two days of drug dog scans. One session searched Pocomoke

Middle School, Snow Hill Middle School, and Pocomoke High School. The second hit Stephen Decatur High School and Snow Hill High School. The results of the drug scan were entirely negative, as no drugs were found.

Wallace also mentioned that office referrals across all county schools, including lateness, missing supplies, or inappropriate behavior, have been the lowest since 2013.

In her monthly update on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, Denise Shorts, chief academic officer for grades Pre-K-8, reminded the board of the May 1 submittal date for the five pillar reports.

The blueprint intends to enhance

the state’s education quality by steadily increasing school system funding. To achieve this goal, the plan outlines five pillars: early childhood education, high-quality and diverse teachers and leaders, college and career readiness, resources to guarantee student success, and governance and accountability.

Shorts, the lead on pillar one, said she and her team are revising the work they got back from each group to ensure the county can meet the May 1 deadline. The school system was also required to submit ten pages of its blueprint implementation plan by March 15 to the Blueprint’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board.

“Overall, they felt comfortable that the first part of the submission was great, and very few districts will have to make many revisions,” Shorts said.

Worcester County expects to receive feedback for the first ten pages later this week as they move into phase two, technical assistance through AIB for budget review.

Shorts affirmed that she applied for the AIB help, and the county will know if they matched with someone for technical assistance by July 1.

The next Worcester County Board of Education meeting is on May 21 at the central Newark office. A closed conference will start at 10 a.m., followed by an open session at 12:30 p.m.

Maryland Safe Boating Course planned for May

(April 26, 2024) The next Maryland Safe Boating Course is set from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May 4, at the Ocean Pines Library.

The one-day, in-person course is for anyone who wants to learn the rules of navigation, knot tying, docking, basic maintenance, safety measures, and more.

The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that anyone born after July 1, 1972, must possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat in the state of Maryland. Attendees of the safe boating course who pass the test at the end will receive a Maryland Boating Certificate, which is NASBLA approved and valid in all states.

A fee of $20 covers the cost of the course and materials.

Checks should be made payable to “USGCAUX 12-05“ and mailed to USCGAUX 12-05, P.O. Box 168, Berlin, MD 21811. Payment through PayPAL is also accepted For more information, or to register, contact Barry Cohen at 410-9354807 or email CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

Md. Coastal Bays Program seeks herp search volunteers

Participants to conduct scientific survey at Illia Fehrer Nature Preserve

(April 26, 2024) Maryland Coastal Bays Program staff are seeking about 40 volunteers to help conduct a scientific survey on May 4 on the Illia Fehrer Nature Preserve to learn more about the reptile and amphibian (herp) species that inhabit the watershed.

The survey will require a small amount of homework, as volunteers will be asked to review the survey pro-

tocol and be given some resources to browse before the survey date.

This is a perfect opportunity for people interested in learning more about herps living in the local watershed, who want to spend a few hours outside in a beautiful, forested wetland area, or who just love to have fun with other community members.

MCBP staff will provide all volunteers with the necessary gear to conduct the survey. Volunteers are asked to bring reusable water bottles, boots or close-toed shoes that can get

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

A boat is pictured in the bay at sunset.

Continued from Page 80

muddy/wet, and to wear appropriate clothing (long pants). There will be a bathroom on site.

Register for the event online at: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL

SdCwol1DWpsjkdBOX9dPlFdyKUpC1 imSwVmCqOl31GupY3_BQ/viewform

For questions about the event, email Kelsey Poisal at kpoisal@mdcoastalbays.org.

PHOTO COURTESY MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS PROGRAM

A frog is pictured clinging to a tree on the local Illia Fehrer Nature Preserve.

School board honors unified team champs

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 26, 2024) The Worcester County Board of Education honored

accomplished students, athletes and coaches from the system’s three high schools at their Tuesday, April 16 open meeting at their central Newark

office.

Coordinator of Instruction Jess McInerney recognized Stephen Decatur High School senior Abigail Vadella as Worcester County’s nomination for the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program.

The program is designed to expose students to government and politics in high school. According to McInerney, the young pages interact with state legislators, witness the chamber in session, and complete additional civic duties.

“Abigail excels in AP and advanced courses at Stephen Decatur High School, and she is a leader in multiple

national honor societies across content areas,” the instruction coordinator said.

Vadella, who worked in Congressman Andy Harris’s office as the youngest United States Congressional intern, will attend the University of Pennsylvania to study philosophy, politics, and economics. McInerney said the high school senior is gearing up for a career in government.

Worcester County Public Schools Athletic Director Sam Slacum also attended the April 16 meeting to recognize Stephen Decatur High School, Pocomoke High School, and Snow Hill High School student-athletes.

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Worcester County Board of Education recognized students, athletes and coaches including the Stephen Decatur High School Unified Strength and Conditioning team, at its April 16 meeting.

Student athletes recognized

“These students have excelled on the courts and in the pool this winter and have had some wonderful achievements,” he said. “…All these athletes sustain high academic standards to maintain their eligibility. Most of them are looking to move on to college. These are some of our best and brightest in the county.”

SDHS swim coach Kristina Watts honored individual Bayside Conference Champions Daniel Karcheuski, who excelled in the breaststroke race, and Chase Ponton, who was victorious in the backstroke event. Also recognized were Mason Castanares and Vincent Schicchi, who won two relays along with the solo leaders.

The board commended Decatur’s wrestlers, who won their fifth consecutive state title against Damascus High School 52-22 on Feb. 10. While the whole varsity team was present at the board of education meeting, individual champions Elijah Collick, Gavin Solito, and the first-ever girls’ state title holder AJ Johnson were individually honored.

“This is a great accomplishment by these young men and women,” head coach Josh August said.

The SDHS basketball team also attended the April 16 meeting. The board of education honored Bayside Player of the Year Davin Chandler and First Team All-Bayside South

Athletes Careen Bolden and Brycen Coleman. Johnson was named the Bayside Conference Coach of the Year.

“We might not be state champions, but we are two-time regional champs,” the head coach said, addressing the players. “None of this recognition would be possible without you guys putting in the work and putting up with me. The coaches push you because we believe in you. Coaching the level of student-athletes at Decatur is a privilege.”

The newly established SDHS Unified Strength and Conditioning team was also recognized by the board, along with coaches Lindsay Owens and Shannon Bone. The competitors secured a state title on Feb. 21 at the Special Olympics Maryland 2024 Interscholastic Unified Sports Strength and Conditioning State Invitation.

PHS Assistant Principal Joseph Stigler and the swim coaches honored athletes, Gavin Grace and Samantha Lambertson. SHHS basketball coach Shawn Johnson commended player Jayden Hudson. Track and field runners Logan Hurney and Allie Suarezapecheche were also recognized.

The next Worcester County Board of Education meeting is scheduled for May 21 in the Newark central office. An open session will convene at 12:30 p.m.

Affordability, current issues discussed at Berlin meeting

Town’s strategic plan process to conclude next month after feedback

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(April 26, 2024) Talk of affordability highlighted a strategic planning input session in Berlin recently.

Representatives of Salisbury’s University’s BEACON (Business, Economic and Community Outreach Network) reviewed the latest draft of the town’s comprehensive plan with residents last week at a meeting at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Many of the comments related to affordability and just why it was included as an action step in the strategic plan driving strategy related to retaining a small-town feel.

“Nationwide nobody can define what affordable housing is,” resident Chris Denny said.

BEACON’s John Hickman outlined the draft strategic plan for dozens of residents at the church last Wednesday. The plan’s mission statement talks about how the community envisions a town where heritage, culture, resilience, friendliness and wellbeing serve as guiding principles

fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. There are six driving strategies, with ensuing action steps, that are meant to help the town fulfil its mission. While some strategies focus on fostering a community where all are welcome and improving infrastructure, one that generated significant discussion last week related to retaining a small town feel and providing opportunities for a diverse community to live and thrive in Berlin. The action step of studying affordability generated numerous questions and comments. Denny asked Hickman to define affordable.

“I cannot,” Hickman said. “That’s part of why that action step is in there. That discussion came up in the broader discussions with this which led to this being an action step and looking at all of the aspects around affordability.”

Councilman Steve Green said affordability was hard to define because it was house by house and sometimes year by year.

“I look forward to exploring that,” he said.

Denny said it was a question nobody seemed to answer. Another resident in the crowd said she thought affordability meant that people who

Attendees testify housing issues reaching crisis

were from a community—not just those who came to the area from big cities—should be able to buy houses there.

“That’s what we need to figure out,” she said. “How do you make it so the people that actually live in the area can afford a house they can actually keep and maintain.”

Others said there was a need for senior housing. Some said young adults couldn’t afford to return to the area after they attended college. Resident Gabe Purnell said there was also a need for affordable housing for those who were single and living on only their own income. He said Diakonia, the local shelter, was overrun. “They can’t expand, county government said no,” Purnell said. “It’ll be a few years before they’ll be able to expand so we’re really in a crisis.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall said that while affordability was complicated to define, the conversation showed that there were a variety of different factors that played into it. While age and income level play a part, he said impacts of everything from zoning to internet speed could also effect affordability and opportunities for local residents.

“I think there’s a lot of things that go into this but first and foremost we’ve got to put it front and center and say it’s a challenge, lets figure it out,” Tyndall said. “I think it’s going to take a lot of these different meetings and conversations about how we get there. It should be front and center.”

CHARLENE SHARPE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH BEACON Director John Hickman presented a draft of the Town of Berlin’s strategic plan to attendees at St. Paul United Methodist Church on April 17.

Opinions

Meehan’s advice should be heeded

Ocean City’s elected officials, like their counterparts elsewhere the state, know that the privilege of holding public office does have its downsides.

Among the worst are having to serve as local government’s complaint department and having to listen to citizens (and editorial writers) tell them how to do their jobs.

Whether that’s fully countered by the satisfaction of serving and the perks of office remains to be seen, but that’s how it is. It’s also why last week’s letter from Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan to the Worcester County Commissioners encouraging them to allow public comment at their meetings should be read and re-read by the four-commissioner majority that voted in February to kill the possibility.

Voting against a motion to allot time on their agenda for the public to speak were Commissioner President Chip Bertino and Commissioners Eric Fiori, Caryn Abbott and Jim Bunting.

According to WBOC News, that vote made Worcester the only county on the Eastern Shore — that’s nine counties in all — that refuses to hear citizens address county affairs or to ask questions.

The public is entitled to know why that is, if only to clarify whether this ban on citizen comment is because the majority can’t handle criticism, doesn’t want to hear new ideas, or won’t tolerate challenges to its authority.

Otherwise, voters might erroneously conclude that this majority only wants to hear from them every four years, and even then to cast their ballots and then get out of the way.

As Ocean City’s longest serving mayor, Meehan has seen it all — the gripes, accusations, criticisms and confrontations — take place in a public forum. He knows what he’s talking about and the commissioners should listen to him. If they don’t, the public’s only recourse is to break up that majority when the next opportunity arises.

sale unhinged

By Stewart Dobson

Time, date and place: April 9, 10:43 a.m. A home improvement store in Delaware.

Me: “I’d like to buy the Excalibur Top o’ the Line Weather Resistant Exterior Door that will add to my home’s curb appeal.”

Suddenly Alert Salesperson: “Certainly, sir. Let me check the price and see if it’s in stock ... Yessir, we have it in the back. The price, including shipping, handling, shuffling, lunch break, and installation comes to ...” slightly less than my IRA account.

Me: “Wow! Does a free house come with that?”

Weaselly-Eyed Salesperson: “Ha-ha, sir. Do you want it?”

Me: “Yeah, I guess.”

BB-Eyed Salesperson: “We’ll set up delivery on the 16th and installation on the 19th.”

Me: “Hold on. You said it was in stock.”

Pinhead Salesperson: “It is. It’s just in the back under lots of stuff, and the stuff-moving crew won’t be in until the 16th.”

Me: “Whatever.” I hand over my credit card and watch the smoke curl up from the chip reader.

Date: April 16. Place: My house. Time: All. Day. Long. Nothing. No door. No phone call.

Next day: See above. The day after that. See above.

Date: April 18: “Hello, customer service? I need to track an order.”

Robot Voice: “Thank you for calling ... for your home improvement needs, and where the collapse of civilization has begun in Aisle Three. What is your order number?”

Me: “I’ve got a three-foot long charge slip, two invoices, a customer questionnaire and the Treaty of Paris here, and not one of them has anything on it called an order number.

Robot voice: “Let me transfer you to an associate, sir.”

Me: “Sure. Fine.” I listen to Chirpy, Uplifting Accordion Concerto #3 for 37 minutes. Nothing. I hang up and call again. “Yes, may I have your order number ... let me transfer you to ...” Chirpy, Uplifting Concerto music ensues. Nothing.

Time and place: Later that day at the store’s customer service desk.

“Yes,” says the bored individual at the counter. I’ll have someone up here to help you in a moment.

We wait. And wait. I start humming Chirpy, Uplifting Accordion Concerto #3.

“I’ve had it,” says my wife, as she shifts into her school of piranha mode and heads toward “Doors and Windows.” “Stay here. I’ll call you. They’re gonna need aisle cleanup when I’m done.”

She calls, and I head for the department, where I encounter the Incredible Shrinking Salesperson. “It’s not in stock. Yes, it is in stock. No, wait ... it’s behind something, but we can’t ...”

“Look,” she says evenly, flashing several additional rows of teeth, “I don’t care if it’s in stock, out of stock, on the dark side of the moon or you have to build it yourself. I’m going to say two words: Door. Tomorrow. Capiche?”

Single-cell Organism salesperson: “Yes ma’am.”

Next day. The installer calls. “Has the door been delivered?”

“No,” I tell him.

“Well, what am I supposed to do?” he asks.

“Hold on a second,” I reply. “Here you go dear, this call’s for you.”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

There has been a lot happening – or not happening is more accurate – on the Buckingham Elementary School replacement front. At this point, Buckingham’s hopes of getting a new school are bleak. The issue seems more about unfair bureaucracy than politics.

It’s the right focus to keep teacher-to-student radio as low as possible, but it’s hurting Worcester County Public Schools when it comes to building a new Buckingham Elementary School. Earlier this month, the Interagency Commission on School Construction listed four possible avenues for Buckingham’s future and each are equally complicated and problematic.

The options are combining Buckingham and Berlin Intermediate schools, replacing both Buckingham and Berlin Intermediate back to back (bumping planned renovations for south-end schools), moving sixth grade to Stephen Decatur Middle and replacing Buckingham as a pre-k through fifth grade school or moving sixth grade to the middle school and converting Buckingham, Showell and Ocean City elementary schools back to pre-k through fifth grade facilities. It’s fine to be confused at this point, but these are the options presented as far as moving ahead. It was stated either of these options would land the county about $30 to $37 million in state funding. Simply building a new Buckingham Elementary on the current plot and razing the current structure will not receive funding support from the state, meaning the project is stalled.

During a recent meeting, it was stated the rub here is the average age of schools in Worcester is 27 years old, compared to 31 as a statewide average. The most concerning issue, however, is according to the state commission, Worcester’s classrooms need to be more jammed with students to justify state funding assistance for a standalone Buckingham. It’s disturbing. Worcester County schools get shafted on the state funding front for two reasons. There is the unfair wealth formula that already results in Worcester County annually getting the lowest amount of state aid and now the state is arguing against the need for new school buildings because of perceived seats available in “adjacent schools.”

Eyeballs, not stats, will tell you Buckingham needs to be replaced. When asked if the state wanted to have larger class sizes at this month’s meeting, IAC leader Alex Donohue said, “The state doesn’t prescribe particular class sizes however for fairness IAC uses state rated capacity which is based on a standard class size and we fund all the LEAs the same. If an LEA wants to run smaller class sizes the IAC doesn’t say you can’t or shouldn’t but the IAC cannot equitably fund one district for much smaller classes sizes than another district because that would pull more of the limited scarce state dollars to the districts that choose to fund smaller class sizes versus the ones that can’t afford to.” It sounds like dictating class sizes to me.

It’s sad when the right focus is a problem. In the case of Buckingham Elementary School, it looks like Worcester County Public Schools’ commitment to maintaining reasonable classroom sizes – which is below the state average – could cost them a standalone Buckingham building. It’s clear students learn better and teachers are more efficient when the teacher to pupil ratio is low. It doesn’t seem to matter to the state’s bureaucrats.

At last week’s Board of Education meeting, a hail mary motion by Board of Education member Dr. Jon Andes was approved. The motion was “to go to the IAC to appeal for a change in their policy for funding the school system at state-rated capacity, which they have done for both Ocean City Elementary and Showell. We want to take not only an appeal with the board, but we want to include our county commissioners and our state delegation in that appeal.” It’s worth a shot but the reality is the school system is going to have to create a new plan. It’s unfair but it’s the reality barring a major change in direction.

A post on the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page caught my attention for two reasons – my love for dogs and the special skills the new K-9 lab possesses.

In the latest installment of how far things have come, Luna, a threeyear-old yellow lab, is trained in electronic detection of media storage items such as thumb drives.

The dog will, according to the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, be an asset with “investigations involving child exploitation and abuse and other related crimes.” When not being put to work for electronic device detection, it was reported Luna will also be used as a therapy canine during traumatic interviews and investigations.

Why Maryland’s governor must veto House Bill 1258

Legislation slated to have major financial impact on local print newspapers

By Rebecca Snyder Contributing Writer

(April 26, 2024) The members of the Maryland Delaware DC Press Association (MDDC) are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of House Bill 1258 on local journalism.

This bill, which is on Gov. Wes Moore’s desk now, would upend the long-standing practice of publishing public notices in local newspapers and their associated websites, threatening the vitality of Maryland’s communities and the essential role of the press in fostering civic engagement and accountability. We believe that H.B. 1258 will create a seismic change in the local media landscape that will decimate and potentially prompt the closure of local news outlets.

For decades, local news media have been at the core of their communities, providing critical information, facilitating public discourse, and holding power to account. Although digital formats now supplement print publications, the watchdog role of news media has remained constant. Public notices have been a fundamental part of this ecosystem, serving as a cornerstone of transparency and accountability in government through independent publication and a deep reach into local communities.

However, H.B. 1258 seeks to centralize estate notices on a government-operated website alone, effectively pulling critical information for creditors and heirs into a subjectspecific website that requires a user to have reliable internet access and to know where to look for the information. It will also remove a vital revenue stream for local newspapers, jeopardizing the future of journalism

in our state.

The ramifications of this legislation extend far beyond the newsroom. By undermining the financial viability of local newspapers, H.B. 1258 threatens the livelihoods of countless journalists, editors and other media professionals who work tirelessly to keep our communities informed. Moreover, it potentially deprives readers of access to vital information about government proceedings and community events, thereby undermining civic engagement and transparency.

Cataclysmic change sounds dramatic. Local news, however, is on the precipice. H.B. 1258 will abandon a system of public notice that has worked well for decades and eliminate a significant number of jobs in Maryland. Local news will go away if communities, governments and others do not support it. Studies show that when a community loses its source of local news, it experiences decreased voter turnout and civic engagement; increased municipal borrowing costs that lead to higher taxes; and decreased transparency among government and business officials, leading to increased waste, fraud and abuse.

Proponents of H.B. 1258 argue that centralizing public notices on a government website will increase accessibility and efficiency for the state Register of Wills offices. However, this overlooks the reality that many residents, particularly in underserved communities, lack reliable internet access or the technological literacy to navigate online platforms effectively. Many pandemic-era subsidies that made broadband access affordable for Marylanders have been discontinued. Websites are hacked regularly, and government is not immune.

The print publication is a tangible, permanent record that is archived by publications and libraries, containing

See BILL Page 88

Bill drafted without input from local news providers

Continued

the records of an entire community. Having these notices appear only on a court website diminishes the independence of notice as the agency placing the notice is the one that is publishing the notice. News media is in the business of audience development and dissemination of information, and the traffic to both our members’ websites and the MDDCNews.com aggregated site dwarfs a state website. Having notices in the context of other news and information the public searches for makes notices more visible. That will not happen under this bill.

H.B. 1258 was drafted without input from the very stakeholders it stands to impact most profoundly: local newspapers and the communities they serve. The absence of robust debate and meaningful consultation during the legislative process is a disservice to the principles of democracy and good governance. At its core, H.B. 1258 represents a shortsighted

approach to policymaking that prioritizes convenience over the public interest. By hastily dismantling a system that has served our communities well for decades, this bill threatens to irreparably harm the fabric of local journalism and the democratic values it upholds.

Our member publications are committed to their communities, employing local journalists and other professionals, occupying office space, contributing to the community and often serving as media sponsors and supporters of community events. All this will be drastically affected if H.B. 1258 becomes law.

Those jobs won’t come back; some publications will not be able to stay in business. Sustaining a $1.7 million hit industrywide will surely mean smaller newsrooms and shoestring operations. Gov. Moore, please stand for local news and veto H.B. 1258.

(The writer is the executive director of the MDDC Press Association, of which this newspaper is a member.)

The story of ‘Merrill’s Marauders,’ Myitkyina

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(April 26, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, “Merrill’s Marauders,” an American long-range penetration group modeled after the British “Chindits,” under the command of Gen. Frank Merrill, set out for Myitkyina in the driving rains of monsoon season under orders from “Vinegar” Joe Stilwell.

The city is located 920 miles north of Rangoon and 488 miles from Mandalay in Burma. The word in Burmese means, “near the big river,” and it lies on the west bank of the 1,422-milelong Irrawaddy River. Myitkyina is the northern most river port and railway terminus in Burma, and today has a population of 150,000. It is the capital of the State of Kachin, and had been captured by the Japanese on May 8, 1942, when they drove the allies out of Burma.

The American commander in the area, and Chief-of-Staff to Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, was Gen. Stilwell. When the Japanese pushed the allies out of Burma, he and his staff had walked through the jungle, and over mountains, from Mandalay, Burma to Imphal, India — a distance of 240 miles, as the crow flies.

Upon arriving at Imphal, the general said, “We took a hell of a beating. We got run out of Burma and it is humiliating as hell. I think we ought to find out what caused it, go back and retake it.”

Beginning in December 1942, “Vinegar” Joe did just that, urging the allies at a conference in Delhi to mount an offensive to recapture Myitkyina. By May 1943, at the TRIDENT Conference in Washington, Gen. George C. Marshall and Adm. Ernest J. King were on board with Vinegar Joe.

By October 1943, the plan was coming into focus. Finally, FDR was persuaded to back Stilwell’s campaign in North Burma. The presence of the air strip at Myitkyina tipped the scales for the president. Still, Vinegar Joe’s nominal superior, British Admiral — and second cousin to King George VI — Field Marshal Lord Louis Mountbatten, was opposed to any attack on Myitkyina.

This area of Burma was defended by units of the recently created ThirtyThird Imperial Japanese Army commanded by Masaki Honda.

After Churchill had taken Chindits’ organizer and leader Orde Wingate to the First Québec Conference, with the two of them spinning yarns about the behind enemy lines’ exploits of the Commonwealth’s Long Range Penetration Group, the Americans decided they must have one as well. So, the call went forth. For some, it was literally the key to the stockade. Eventu-

ally, a unit of 3,000 was formed.

Vinegar Joe gave the order to attack Myitkyina on April 21, 1944. The next day Merrill’s Marauders broke camp. After traversing 1,000 miles of the jungles and mountains of Burma, all the while fighting the enemy, disease, snakes, insects and other wild animals, the “Marauders” by now were at half-strength. With them was a Chinese division of 4,000 and 600 Kachin Rangers, all under Merrill’s command.

On May 14, Gen. Merrill signaled Gen. Stilwell that his force was 48 hours from the city. Gen. Stilwell was told on May 16 that the assault would begin the next day.

The allied force launched its assault on the airstrip on May 17, at 10

a.m. Surprise was complete. The Japanese never expected an assault in monsoon season. It was over in 50 minutes. “Vinegar” Joe, who had been fighting his own battles with the British, was overjoyed and arrived the next day, with 12 reporters in tow. Gen. Merrill arrived on May 19. Fully expecting the town, defended by only 700 Japanese, to fall at any time, Stilwell left thinking he was a genius.

Capturing the airfield had taken a superhuman effort by the sickly, emaciated “Marauders,” but for the allies, it was only the first step in the operation. The city still had to be taken, but it would have to be taken without the “Marauders,” for they were spent.

All were headed to the hospital due to malnourishment, scrub typhus,

jungle rot, malaria, and/or dysentery, in addition to wounds and injuries. All were underweight. So, Merrill sent two of the Chinese battalions to take the town, but instead of fighting the Japanese, they fought each other! When the same thing occurred the next day, Merrill had his second heart attack in as many months.

Meanwhile, reinforcements were arriving to the Japanese garrison at Myitkyina. Their numbers increased to 3,000 within a week. Another 1,500 arrived shortly thereafter. The town would not fall for another 10 weeks. After the high of the surprise (even to his British allies and his commanding officer, Admiral Lord Mountbatten) capture of the airfield,

Continued on Page 90

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 89

Stilwell returned on May 25, and had to suffer the humiliation of the inability to capture the adjacent town.

Finally, on Aug. 3, 1944, out of food and ammunition, their commander having committed suicide, the Japanese abandoned Myitkyina.

During the battle, the following losses were sustained: 272 Marauders died, 955 were wounded and 980 invalided; 972 Chinese died, with 3,184 wounded; 790 Japanese dead and 1,180 wounded. The Marauders — down to 130 effectives — were disbanded. Each Marauder was awarded

the Bronze Star.

Two movies were made of the action — Objective Burma, starring Errol Flynn, in 1945, and Merrill’s Marauders, released in 1962, with Jeff Chandler as Gen. Merrill.

Next Week: Liberation of Sevastopol

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing people accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

Coast Guard’s newest vessel recognizes Ocean City native

(April 26, 2024) Even though Coast Guard legend Charles L. Calhoun was laid to rest in Berlin 22 years ago this past February, the name of the Ocean City boy who did more than make good will continue to

go to sea for years to come.

On the anniversary of his April 20, 1925 birthday, the Coast Guard commissioned its newest national security vessel, the 418-foot Coast Guard

See VESSEL Page 91

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Merrill's Marauder

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The U.S. Coast Guard recently commissioned its newest national security vessel, the Calhoun, above, in honor of Ocean City native and Coast Guard Master Chief Charles L. Calhoun.

Vessel namesake began career at station in resort

Continued from Page 90

Cutter Calhoun at its homeport in North Charleston, South Carolina.

The naming of the Legend-class ship recognizes the achievements of its namesake, who began his Coast Guard career at Station Ocean City in 1946 and culminated in his becoming the service’s first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard on Aug. 27, 1969.

Selected by the commandant to serve as the Coast Guard’s top enlisted member, Calhoun was the senior enlisted advisor to the commandant until Aug. 1, 1973, when he retired from active duty.

His military service began as a Navy torpedoman in World War II after graduating from Ocean City High School in 1943. After being honorably discharged, he enlisted in the Coast Guard as a Boatswains Mate Second Class. He would later serve in Vietnam and accumulate more than 14 years of sea time, according to his official biography.

He also became only the second enlisted member of the Coast Guard at the time to receive the Legion of Merit for his exemplary performance and service to the country.

The Legend-class ships, known as National Security Cutters, are the largest combat cutters in the Coast Guard fleet. They are equipped with automated weapons systems and have a top speed of 28 knots. The Calhoun is the 10th of this class to be built and arrived at its homeport in December.

Its primary missions, according to a Coast Guard statement issued at the time of its commissioning, will be counterdrug operations, migrant interdiction, protecting living marine resources and defense readiness.

OBITUARIES

CHARLES EDWARD “ED” JOLLY JR.

Ocean Pines

Charles Edward “Ed” Jolly Jr., 90, of Ocean Pines, died Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at home.

He was born in Baltimore and was the son of the late Charles Edward Jolly Sr. and Isabelle Louise (Amos) Verzi.

He was a retired automobile technician for Fox Chevrolet, a member of Community Church at Ocean Pines, Baltimore County Trail Rides Association, American Motorcycle Association, and an ASE Certified Automobile Technician. Ed also served in the U.S. Army.

Ed is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary J. Jolly; five children, Charles Edward Jolly III of Dublin, Michael R. Jolly of Jarrettsville, Stephen W. Jolly of Ocean Pines, Deborah A. Jolly of Dublin, and Ronald J. Jolly and wife Lauri of Monkton; one brother, Robert Verzi of Manchester; two sisters, Diana Verzi of Ocean Pines and Linda Walizer of Parkville; six grandchildren, Christine, Stephen Jr, Kimberly, Stephanie, Alex and Jennifer; and two great-grandchildren, Alexia and Bentley.

He was preceded in death by two

brothers, Douglas Verzi and William Jolly.

A memorial service was held at noon, April 20, at Community Church at Ocean Pines in Berlin. Friends called one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802, or Community Church At Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD 21811.

Condolences may be sent by visiting bishophastingsfh.com.

NANCY REBECCA HUDSON Ocean City

On April 20, 2024, Nancy Rebecca Hudson was called home to be with our Heavenly Father.

Nancy, or “Mom” as she was affectionately called by many, passed peacefully, surrounded by her children. She was called to her eternal destination after fighting a long battle with COPD.

Nancy was born and raised on the Eastern Shore with most of her life being in Ocean City. Nancy was known as “Mom” or “Mom Mom” or even “Super Mom” by everyone, both family and friends alike.

Nancy has worked most of her life in the hospitality industry, either in the family restaurant known as the City Lunch or at many retail shops such as Delmarva Sporting Goods and 7/11 in West OC. She retired after working at Trader Lee’s for many years.

Nancy was preceded in death by her brothers, Gerald “Jerry Boy” Hudson and Dennard “Buster” Hudson; Joyce “Joy” Higbee; her mother, Catherine “Kitty” Hudson; and her loving husband, Harry “Buddy” Bowden; as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.

Nancy is survived by her sister, Betty Redden; daughter Tina Bowden; and sons Jeffrey Bowden and Wayne Bowden.

Mom would also want Jessica Tilghman to be mentioned because of the special bond in life. Nancy also had 11 grandkids and 17 great-grandkids.

A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Monday, April 29, at the Sunset Memorial Park on Ocean Gateway in Berlin.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bikers Without Borders Foundation at P.O. Box 296, Bishopville, MD, 21813.

$1,595.

Master Chief Charles Calhoun

“Ed” Jolly Jr.

Nancy Hudson

Sports & Recreation

Seahawks’ 9-game winning streak snapped in Cape loss

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(April 26, 2024) For a long time now, every spring, neighboring school districts Stephen Decatur and Cape Henlopen get together for a game of varsity softball.

“I fought for this game,” Cape Henlopen coach Chuck Hudson said. “I’m a local guy and we played them in basketball a couple of years ago, one of the most fun games of the year and I told them we should play in every sport. We are one of the two beach schools and we talked about it and agreed and now we will do it forever.”

The coach added that Stephen De-

catur is “always a really good test,” and he knew he was up against a good team after they beat Sussex Central — the best school in the conference – 6-5 earlier this month.

This year’s game at Bill Cordrey Field in Lewes resulted in the lady Vikings shooting down Stephen Decatur’s Seahawks 9-5 after six-and-a-half innings.

The lady Seahawks were on a ninewin streak when the national anthem played for Saturday’s game. Cape scored its first run in the second inning and led from there. The Seahawks had eight hits with two errors, while Cape got 12 hits with no errors.

Hudson said his team “gets a lot of

SURF REPORT

extra work in the off season, which makes a lot of difference.”

At the bottom of the third inning, the score was 5-0 in favor of the Vikings. In the fourth inning, Stephen Decatur started to show what they are made of with three runs.

Sophomore Emily Blume came to bat.

“She hit the double down the line, she knocked in two runs, which is awesome,” Seahawks Coach Scott Kurtz said.

Blume was happy to get her team on the board.

“The hit felt good and my ball placement was good it went up the line to get in two runs,” she said. “Good to get a rally going for my team.”

Blume also pitched during the game

and held the Vikings at bay in the fourth and fifth innings, leaving the score at 53 to start the sixth inning.

Cape Henlopen came back in the sixth with four runs, making the score 9-3. The Seahawks gained their momentum back with two more runs, but time ran out and the final score was 95 in favor of the Vikings. Also pitching for the Seahawks was Madison McGinnis.

“We were sitting at one and two, which is all you can hope for, and nine wins in a row coming into this. We knew Cape was a high-quality team and we knew we needed to be on our A game,” Kurtz said. “Their balls found green when our balls couldn’t find the green but theirs just dropped down … both pitchers pitched well.”

Stay alert for waves with changing weather

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(April 26, 2024) So here we are in the last week of April.

Whether it’s read when this paper hits the stands or sometime into the future it will hopefully provide some insight into beach town weather, water and surf conditions.

On the day of this writing, the weather could be considered rather “nasty.”

Chilly comes to mind, with rain and air temperatures in the upper 40s. The water has reached the lower 50s but that’s still cold enough. This could almost be a typical day in the winter but the calendar says the latter part of April.

The last few weeks of this column

have been about this transitional month of April. At the risk of being redundant, it seems to be significant enough to write about, especially with this last week forecasted to have mostly below normal, or should I say below average, air temperatures.

While paging through recent issues of this paper I came across a picture of a fisherman who had just caught a sizable “keeper” flounder in a back bay of Ocean City. He looked proud and happy and rightfully so. I’m sure that fish produced a fine meal when filleted.

Now this is not a fishing column, even though many surfers are avid fishermen, but what struck me most was that the water temperature that the fish was caught in was 52 degrees. The back bays will tend to warm more quickly than the ocean, though the ocean won’t be too far behind. Also, the angler was wearing a hooded sweat

shirt, or “hoodie” as they are commonly known, with the hood on his head and a substantial camouflage jacket. His garb looked quite “winterish.”

Generally speaking, well equipped surfers won’t be that concerned with colder weather. Granted, warmer and less inclement weather will encourage a surfer, especially when quality surf conditions are prevalent, but the cold isn’t always a barrier. I can well recall surfing around this area when it was snowing and feeling rather comfortable.

I can also recall paddling out at a well-attended point break in California on a chilly winter morning. It was so foggy that the breaking waves couldn’t be seen from the beach although they could be heard. Upon getting outside, 36 surfers could be counted and it really wasn’t that good. I may have

caught a few waves but nothing memorable. Feeling that the go out wasn’t worth too much time, I exited the water and headed for a breakfast café.

Suffice to say that April and even part of May can still be wintery at the beach. Sure it’s not as extreme as January or February, but it can still have that colder touch. Yes, there are quite a few people clad in shorts and short sleeve shirts, but that’s been viewed all winter. It’s a mystery to me.

Have a little patience. Summer’s not too far off. Pretty soon we’ll be complaining about the heat and humidity, but it’s a good bet that most are ready for it.

As for the surf, it can happen at any time and really doesn’t regard a colder atmosphere.

— Dave Dalkiewicz

is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS Seahawk Ryleigh Smith drove in a run with this hit and later scored in the seventh inning during last Saturday’s game against Cape. Stephen Decatur’s Bailey Griffin and Riley Hertzog trap Cape’s Bri Windish between first and second bases during last Saturday’s game.

Track athletes compete in home meet on Senior Night

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(April 26, 2024) Varsity track and field athletes at Stephen Decatur High School get three home meets annually to show off their skills before a home crowd. Last Tuesday was their second and it was also Senior Night.

Joining the Seahawks on the Louis H. Taylor field were three invited teams from around the region: Parkside High School, Wicomico County High School and James M. Bennett High School.

When the dust settled, Stephen Decatur athletes were the overall winners with a total score of 96. Wicomico County came in second with 89 points. Parkside had 46, and James M. Bennett finished the day with 30 points.

Sophomore Lotus Wise had three wins for Stephen Decatur. Wise won the 100-meter race with a time of 13.73 and in the 200-meter race she covered the distance in 27.62. In the girls triple jump, Wise covered 10.24 meters with

a score of 33-07.00. Her closest competitor from Wicomico County, Deborah Laguerre, scored 32-02.00 with 9.80 meters to her credit.

Solomon David was another Stephen Decatur multi winner in boys high jump (1.83 meters) and boys long jump (5.92 meters).

Stephen Decatur boys’ varsity competed in 18 events and scored first place in eight. The individual winners were the 300-meter hurdles, where Edward Quick III scored 47.31. The 800 meter was taken by Quinn Martin with 2:14.36, Ethan Justice won the 1600 meter with 4:56.14, and Collin Pennington won the 3,200 meter at 10:45.00.

Seahawk men also won in the 4-by200-meter relay, with Jamarr Smith, Evan Copeland, Ke’nai Floyd and Luis Carrasco, running in a 1:38.33. Also coming in first in the 4-by-800 relay were Ethan Justice, Ethan Cowder, Martin and Braydon Bell with a 9:01.38 score.

“I did the Open 100, Open 200, 4by-100 and 4-by-200,” Copeland said. “I am number one for Stephen Decatur, it took hard work, being there for practice, showing up on time doing little things like that. I think of myself as a football player. I did the 100 in 11.5, not too good for track but for football it will translate pretty good.”

He plans on going to football camps this summer and hopes to pursue it in college.

Lady Seahawks competed in 17 events coming in first in six.

Along with Wise’s hat trick, they also won the 1,600 meter by Macy Woroniecki with 6:07 at the line, and the 4-by-400-meter relay at 5:13.56. Running were Ellie Cheynet, Tiara McDonald, Caroline Brown and Sanaiyah Matthews.

The 4-by- 800-meter relay was 11:04.59. Running were Amber Marshall, Macy Woronlecki, Avery Weber and Ellie Cheynet.

LADY MALLARD MILESTONES

During

WEEKLY FISHING UPDATE

When the wind was not a factor, there have been signs of fishing picking up in the coastal bays. Nick Serio fished behind Assateague Island with no luck and then moved up to the Thorofare where he landed this nice keeper flounder that was over 18 inches,

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

the varsity girls lacrosse season at Worcester Prep, senior goalie Caitlin Williams achieved her 500th career save and junior Emma Zajdel recorded her 100th career scoring point. Williams has been a four-year starter at goalie. Zajdel has scored 75 goals and added 25 assists. Pictured, from left, are WPS Head Coach Chris Williams, athletes Zajdel and Williams, and Assistant Coach Frank Nechay.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

above left. Jeff Weeks and Dave Weller had a solid outing at the jetty Friday and the Route 50 bridge Saturday. The guys teamed up to catch three keeper tog up to 17 3/4 inches and three nice bluefish to 32 1/8 inches. Reports courtesy of fishinoc.com

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior Patrick Haynes came in fourth in the boys 110-meter hurdles with 19.89 during a meet

Sophomore Riyan Anderson came in fifth in the 100-meter hurdles with 21.29 on the clock during Tuesday’s meet.

Freshman Robert Bowen-Carpenter came in tenth in the boys shot put competition.