5/15/2020 Ocean City Today

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MAY 15, 2020

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY

SLOW RETURN TO BUSINESS

Ocean City launches “Welcome Back” campaign, tugging at people’s heartstrings – Page 14

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AGH gets zero from Worcester

Flex zoning could help shops open City looks for means to allow businesses to use more space

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Ocean City officials, staff and department heads are brainstorming ways to allow local businesses to have access to all their available space, zoning restrictions notwithstanding, so they can conduct services efficiently and safely this summer.

The Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission addressed the topic last Tuesday.

“The issue is that our recovery plan that is being discussed right now through our Emergency Operations Center includes a general desire on the mayor and city council’s part to have some flexibility moving forward with how we apply our zoning regulations, our inspections and our potential citations See CITY Page 3

TOURISM

Commissioners end $175K contribution with 4-3 voting split

PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS ESCHENBURG

The extraordinarily low tide Sunday left the bay bottom bare at the Marina Deck restaurant off Dorchester Street.

Persistent winds create whoa tide

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) The exceptionally low tides over the weekend couldn’t be missed in the bay and the inlet after Mother Nature dished out several days of blustery winds following the full “Flower Moon” last

Thursday.

Morning Star charter boat proprietor Capt. Monty Hawkins said prolonged gusty conditions often have a negative impact on tide levels.

“The main thing is just a hard, hearty See SUNDAY’S Page 2

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Although Atlantic General Hospital received an annual grant of $175,000 from the Worcester County Commissioners last year, it will receive no county money this year, after a discussion of the hospital’s service area and expansion plans led to a narrow vote to end funding on Tuesday.

The debate leading up to the commissioners’ 4-3 decision began when County Commissioner Jim Bunting said he would back zeroing out all funding to nonprofits in the county.

“I don't think we should be giving anything to any nonprofits,” Bunting said.

See COUNTY Page 4

Unemployment leaves them waiting and in trouble Weeks of trying to receive benefits without success, workers face dire situations

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Debbi Dean-Colley wakes up at 6 a.m. every morning to check the status of her BEACON OneStop unemployment application. She then spends seven to eight hours on hold with the Maryland Department of Labor, trying to figure out why she has yet to receive benefits and why her ap-

800-641-0011

plication switched from active to pending.

After being laid off from her job at Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services and stopping her work with the Art League of Ocean City following its closure, Dean-Colley applied for unemployment at the end of March and still hasn’t received any answers.

“The journey has been frustrating — emotionally trying,” Dean-Colley said.

“I can say there have been days where it’s consumed me.”

On April 24, the department launched the unemployment applica-

tion website for residents to apply online around the clock for all claims and weekly certifications. But then the system crashed when thousands of Marylanders seeking unemployment benefits flooded the system all at once.

The majority of these workers were furloughed or laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The department apologized for the website glitches and rolled out numerous improvement strategies.

Dean-Colley said the improvements have not helped. Two weeks ago, she was told she would be given an ap-

pointment time, and still has not received that. In addition, the first couple weeks she filed under the old system did not transfer into the new system.

“It’s eliminated three or four weeks out of what we would’ve received through unemployment,” Dean-Colley said.

On Tuesday night, she expressed her frustration as testimony to the Maryland General Assembly via Zoom.

“There’s nobody that’s standing up for us,” Dean-Colley said. “What does it do to our self-esteem? We’re disSee WAITING Page 4

C ousel Group Caro Be S Safe f - Be W Well! ll!

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PAGE 2

Ocean City Today

Schools’ graduations get creative

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) With the May 6 announcement that public schools in Maryland would be closed for the remainder of the academic year, administrators at Worcester County high schools have developed new graduation schedules to honor the 2020 seniors.

Chief Operations & Academic Officer for Worcester County Public Schools (grades 9-12) and Chairperson of the Graduation Committee Dr. Annette Wallace said the district level graduation committee will recognize the seniors at the three high schools with a virtual celebration.

A local videographer and graduate of Worcester County public schools will film the Stephen Decatur, Pocomoke and Snow Hill commencement ceremonies.

All of the graduates will receive a copy of the video and it will be uploaded to social media to have a watch party at a later date.

“We have heard our seniors’ voices that they want to celebrate together, which is why we came up with these celebrations that will happen over the next couple of weeks, but we need our community and our seniors to also recognize that our No. 1 priority is their safety and our No. 2 priority is celebrating them,” Wallace said. “We have to keep them safe first, and that’s something that school administrators—regardless if we’re living in a pandemic or not—the truth is, safety really is first.”

In addition, each high school is planning senior activities that adhere to social distancing protocol. The high schools have their own graduation committees and have received feedback from students and parents about how to celebrate.

“The graduation events aren’t just commencement, and I think we all probably get caught up in commencement because that’s the biggest one, but we have our senior awards nights and each of our schools is going to be celebrating those differently,” Wallace said. “Our communities partner with us to do a baccalaureate service, so each of our three high schools is going to be doing something virtually with that as well.”

Stephen Decatur High School has shifted to several virtual events, including the online baccalaureate spearheaded by Pastor Dan Turing and a radio broadcast of school-based senior awards.

The Bill Baker and Jessica Show on Power 101.7 will play the award ceremony with interviews and shout-outs from 6-10 a.m. on May 19.

A video of the awards ceremony will also be uploaded to Decatur’s social media. “We’re creating a YouTube video of all the teachers giving their awards, which I think is great for our students to be able to see their teacher

they are getting the award from,” Principal Thomas Sites said. “It’s usually the department chairs who will give out a lot of these awards to clubs [and] to different organizations through the school.”

For the first time, Decatur will host a Boardwalk commencement parade.

“Our graduation ceremony has always been in the [Roland E. Powell] Convention Center,” Sites said. “It’s a great ceremony. We have them up on the platform, on the stage. We give 10 tickets per student, so there’s upwards of 2,500 to 3,000 people in there, but of course Annette Wallace with what’s going on today that is not a possibility.”

Seniors asked Sites to avoid a virtual commencement. The Decatur administration considered how a class of 295 students could gather while practicing social distancing.

With a Boardwalk parade, the students would remain in their cars but still be physically together to meet the students’ desires.

“We’ve been working on this for about three weeks now, trying to figure out the best way that we could recognize our seniors and make it special for them,” Sites said.

Sites was inspired by students in Florida, who are crossing the finish line in their cars at Daytona 500 and receiving their diplomas.

“I thought, ‘Wow that is neat.

That’s neat to them because that’s where the speed race is located.

What’s our unique thing we have around here?’ We have the Boardwalk, known throughout the region and really the country, so this was our way of doing it.”

With the Ocean City Boardwalk and beach reopening on May 9, Sites said “It kind of fell in place.”

A date and time for the parade is to be announced.

Although the 2020 Decatur graduating class is not having a traditional commencement ceremony, the students will receive their caps and gowns. On May 22, regalia will be distributed to students while they stay in their cars.

Similar to Decatur, Pocomoke High School has scheduled a regalia pickup day for May 21. Seniors will wear their caps and gowns for modified outdoor commencement ceremonies from May 26-28.

The students will participate in staggered graduations that comply with social distancing rules, such as scheduling the students 10 to 15 minutes apart, said Principal Jennifer Rayne.

Rayne and her 92 seniors have prioritized upholding the school’s traditions during these unprecedented times.

The soon-to-be graduates gave the Pocomoke administration a wish list of three items that would make their commencement memorable and incorporate customs.

“One was that they wanted to be able to graduate before the end of the school year, and I appreciate that. I understand that many of them want closure and that also keeps it as normal as possible,” Rayne said. “The other thing that was on our seniors’ wish list is that they cross the stage and have that traditional experience.

And then finally, the last piece was that they wanted to celebrate together and celebrate with the community.”

To fulfill the graduates’ final request a senior car parade around Pocomoke City is in the works.

“The parade, which is going to be our culminating event, is going to be the opportunity for our seniors to celebrate together, celebrate each other and for the community to recognize them,” Rayne said.

The date has yet to be determined, as the Pocomoke administration awaits changes in the social distancing and stay-at-home orders.

Likewise, Snow Hill High School’s car parade, coined ‘A Little Pomp Under the Circumstances’ for the graduation song, is pending approval.

As for its commencement, Snow Hill is planning a staggered outdoor ceremony called ‘Soaring through Graduation.’

The 66 graduating students will drive to the school, exit their vehicles to participate in a video recording inside the facility, then walk across the outdoor stage to receive their diplomas.

Families will have the opportunity to take photos, then the new graduates will turn their tassels. Then, they will be asked to return to their vehicles and exit the venue.

Students who are waiting their turn will be able to blow their horns and celebrate their classmates, said Dr. Kimberly Purvis, principal of Snow Hill.

“One of our visions was to meet the needs of our students and our families by providing a commencement exercise that would give parents and students two things and that would be a face-to-face encounter as well as recognition and celebration among some of their classmates,” said Purvis.

In addition, Snow Hill is hosting a virtual senior awards ceremony on May 20 at 6 p.m. and a virtual baccalaureate on May 27 at 6 p.m., both via Zoom.

“We will have community presenters at our graduate awards night,” Purvis said. “This is giving the opportunity to organizations to see the students they awarded, and the students will be able to thank those organizations for investing in them.”

As the local high schools adjust their graduation plans, throughout Maryland there has been debate

MAY 15, 2020

Sunday’s low tide was whoa tide because of winds Continued from Page 1 northwest wind or westerly gale,” he said. “You get three days of it and, boy, will the water disappear.”

Hawkins also noted the full moon days earlier also exacerbated the situation.

“If there was something going on with the moon … and if you had a wind whipping out … then you would get a double whammy,” he said.

Hawkins said westerly winds typically push water away from shore.

“They drive the water out and we get really low tides,” he said. “Some of the marinas were just flat mud across.”

Hawkins said it’s likely been at least a year since tide levels dipped that significantly.

“It’s been over a year since I’ve seen one that low,” he said. “Usually, they’re in the heart of winter [and] we don’t usually get them this time of year.”

Hawkins said ever changing nautical conditions can alter work procedures.

“Sometimes the tide will be so low we’ll have to go up into the commercial harbor to unload our people,” he said. “It’s part of the game [and] you’ve got to have plan B.” For his part, Hawkins used the less-than-ideal water conditions to perform seasonal boat maintenance.

“I’m sure glad I wasn’t trying to fish,” he said. “I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere.” about the 54-page recovery plan, which State Superintendent Karen B. Salmon released on May 6, that details the possibilities for the state’s schools when they reopen.

“I think that the recovery plan has caused quite a stir … The recovery plan doesn’t start in September,” Wallace said. “There isn’t a start date on the recovery plan, so we are very hopeful that the recovery plan is going to start this summer.”

Currently, Worcester County Public Schools is developing a recovery committee, Wallace said.

“We’ll have a district level team … when it’s appropriate [we’ll be] bringing in some stakeholders, our parents, and probably likely some of our students to get some feedback from them about what some of our thoughts are,” Wallace said. “But, certainly, as we move forward in [recovery], our most vulnerable students are at the forefront of our minds. Our struggling learners are at the forefront of our minds, and then also providing opportunities for advancement and enrichment for our high performing students, so we are committed to producing a very comprehensive recovery plan.”

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 3

City seeks way to help with space restrictions Continued from Page 1 over the summer,” said Bill Neville, City Planning and Community Development director.

As the resort slowly opens, social distancing and gathering guidelines will most likely remain in place to prevent spikes in covid-19 cases.

To accommodate these rules, businesses would have to balance maximizing capacity and maximizing public safety.

“One of the examples that came out early on was the idea that our restaurants, in order to open and provide social distancing, would need to provide additional outdoor seating so that tables could be spaced further apart,” Neville said.

That could mean putting tables out in the parking lot, and the city would need to waive the parking standards to a certain level over the summer until social distancing restrictions are relaxed.

“This is something that other communities have talked about, and in other places they’ve talked about it as a 90-day waiver of permits and a waiver of certain regulations,” Neville said.

However, rather than waiving permits and regulations, Neville said the city’s approach was more about allowing modifications.

“If you look at that section that requires a site plan, at the end of it there’s a provision that allows administrative approval for very small changes to site

plans, so that’s one section that we could potentially modify to deal with how can we accommodate some site plan revisions on a temporary basis,” Neville said.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining records and emphasizing this was not the new normal, but a temporary solution to an unprecedented problem.

Neville asked whether the commission wanted to be involved in each review, or whether it wanted staff to handle it.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to bring every single thing in front of us,” Planning Commissioner Joe Wilson said. “I think the staff is perfectly capable of handling those items, particularly because this is going to be an extremely interesting summer for everyone. I think these businesses are going to need the ability to make a decision on the fly, [rather] than waiting for us to meet every two weeks. Two weeks during the summer could mean 20 percent of their income.”

Other members agreed, and stressed the importance of making the process as easy and as fast as possible.

“I think a lot of people are going to be doing stuff without your approval just to survive. They’re freaking out,” Commission Member Chris Shanahan said.

Nonetheless, developing some form of allowance before the season begins will be difficult, as it will require collab-

oration between the planning department, fire marshal’s office, law enforcement, local health officials, businesses, and other departments, and will be contingent on Gov. Larry Hogan’s recovery plan.

Anyone with suggestions or comments are encouraged to contact the Planning and Zoning Department either online at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/planning-community-development/ or via phone at 410-289-8855.

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PAGE 4

Ocean City Today

MAY 15, 2020

Waiting for unemployment with rent overdue Continued from Page 1 carded so easily.”

This is especially trying for her family, as she has two daughters who are also struggling to apply for unemployment. As a single parent, Dean-Colley has not received child support for the last two months. She had to delay her car payment for a month and her landlord has not received rent.

Ellie Bratten, an Ocean City resident who worked at a restaurant and a grocery store before the pandemic hit, filed for unemployment the day after the BEACON One-Stop application was launched. She said applying was the easy part.

“I thought, ‘Okay, this isn’t as bad as people made it out to be,’” Bratten said.

“But I did have some questions that I needed to ask that weren’t available on the website. So then I proceeded with

the phone calls. Two thousand phone calls I made the first week.”

Since then, she only received a busy signal and has not had any of her questions answered. Bratten also has received no benefits, even though she was approved.

In addition, her case switched from active to pending this past weekend and she can no longer access the weekly claim certification. Bratten said this experience has been more stressful than working, as it has taken a financial toll.

“I’ve had to put my car payment and car insurance on postponement,” Bratten said. “I’ve had to put my electric on postponement. I’ve been able to pay part of my rent. I don’t know about the rest of my rent for this month.”

She has contacted multiple local officials and employees at the state department, but many have redirected

her to someone else or have said they will be in touch later, according to Bratten.

“Everyone is passing the buck around,” Bratten said.

Rainy Hamrock of Ocean Pines said her husband, Brooke, received unemployment benefits about three weeks ago after applying on April 1. However, her daughter, Rebekah Nesbit, has struggled because she worked on her college campus, Washington College.

Hamrock said her daughter was originally denied because her wages were insufficient, but then they requested an alternate base period to reflect when she was working more hours. When the paperwork arrived to re-apply, it was still for the original base period which would not qualify.

Hamrock said college students have been grossly underrepresented.

“They didn’t get the stimulus because most of them are claimed on their parents’ taxes,” Hamrock said.

“Then the parents didn’t get the dependent stimulus because they’re over 16, but most of these kids were already working and paying into the system too.”

She added that Nesbit had been calling the department all Wednesday morning to get the issue corrected, as that day was the deadline for her to fill out the paperwork.

“She’s trying to leave for grad school in a couple months and there are fees associated with that,” Hamrock said.

“The uncertainty of knowing if you’re going to make those deadlines is incredibly stressful.”

According to the department of labor, more than 5,000 Worcester County residents have filed for unemployment since the beginning of March, and those are just the successful applications.

To access the application, visit dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml.

County zeros out grants to AGH Continued from Page 1 County Commissioner Diana Purnell disagreed, especially during the time of the coronavirus pandemic.

“To zero out grants to Atlantic General Hospital would be detrimental to our community,” Purnell said. “The hospitals are going to need everything that they can get.”

County Commissioner Bud Church added that thought cutting funding to Atlantic General would not sit well with Worcester County citJim Bunting izens.

County Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic, however, said that after a poor experience with the emergency room at Atlantic General, the emergency room director called him and mentioned that 40 percent of emergency room visits are from Sussex County. Mitrecic said he was concerned that Sussex County was enjoying 40 percent of the emergency room while not making any grants or donations to the hospital.

“Perhaps if we withhold our funding this year, they’ll go after Sussex County in a more rigorous method to collect more money from them,” Mitrecic said.

He said that although Worcester residents might not be happy with that, some of them might not realize that so many Sussex County residents are using the hospital without their county paying. Mitrecic then referenced when Atlantic General CEO Michael Franklin presented commissioners with the hospital’s expansion plans in early March.

“They need to start worrying about the hospital and not building that

campus,” Mitrecic said.

The hospital plans to redesign the inpatient care on the second floor of the hospital and to design a surgical services and ambulatory surgery center in Ocean Pines.

Mitrecic also pointed out that the hospital received more than $1 million in state funding for the pandemic.

The motion to cut Atlantic General’s funding from $175,000 to zero passed with the support of Mitrecic, Bunting, Commissioner Ted Elder and Commissioner Chip Bertino. Purnell, Church and Commissioner Joshua Nordstrom voted in opposition.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Franklin said he was disappointed with the commissioner’s decision. He explained that $100,000 of that funding was a continuation of the county’s five-year pledge to support the hospital’s Campaign for the Future to update and renovate facilities.

“The decision to discontinue that commitment in year four of five of their pledge may set an ill-fated precedent with others that have similar pledges, and that will significantly impact our ability to continue with those plans,” Franklin said.

The remaining $75,000 was for annual hospital operations.

“Discontinuing funding support to all nonprofits will put added stress on those citizens most at risk, and will create a disproportionate strain on the health department and hospital moving forward,” Franklin said.

Atlantic General was the only nonprofit commissioners chose to completely cut from the budget. Franklin also clarified that Atlantic General recently requested and received support from Delaware for critically ill patients.

MAY 15, 2020

PAGE 5

Ocean City Today

Wor. releases two ICE detainees Court cites inmates at high risk for covid-19, says jail withheld case information

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Although U.S. District Court Judge Theodore Chuang originally declined to release an immigration and customs enforcement inmate in the Worcester County Detention Center in Snow Hill, the court released two ICE detainees last Friday.

Adina Appelbaum, program director of the immigration impact lab at the capital area immigrants’ rights coalition, who helped represent the two detainees, said their release was because they were at high risk for severe infection or death from the coronavirus and because the Worcester jail withheld information from the court. The second inmate was added to the lawsuit after he was identified to be at risk.

According to the ruling, one inmate suffers from hypertension, high blood pressure, lymphedema and a compromised immune system, while another suffers from hypertension, prostate problems, including a prostate infection, chronic pain, and a rule/out diagnosis of an intellectual disability.

Appelbaum said that the court originally denied releasing the inmates because there was no evidence that any individuals had coronavirus or that the government was failing to test people. She added that the court ruled that the detention center would be held in constitutional violation if that changed.

Medical documents were later obtained that showed medical personnel wearing hazmat suits had been visiting an inmate.

“All of that person’s medical records, which we filed, had notes throughout them from the facility stating that the person was suspected of having covid-19,” Appelbaum said.

Both inmates are residing in Maryland and at least one is being monitored by ICE, according to Appelbaum.

Kim Moses, public information officer for Worcester County, said although the county respected the court’s decision to release the inmates, it did not agree.

“The judge’s decision was based almost entirely on the fact that one detainee, who is not being released, had a cough and slight fever in early April and was not tested for covid-19,” Moses said. “However, that detainee was completely isolated in accordance with the jail’s procedures and his symptoms resolved.”

She added that the decision to test an inmate is made by the jail’s healthcare provider and the Worcester County Health Department.

“The jail takes the health and safety of inmates, detainees, and staff very seriously,” Moses said. “It is unfortunate that this ruling does not reflect that care.”

Since March, the jail has implemented safety measures — all new inmates receive a temperature check, medical screening, mask and are isolated in a single cell for 14 days until the medical provider has cleared them; extra cleaning practices are carried out in the facility and housing units; visits are restricted to attorneys only, who are medically screened be-

‘These two individuals — their lives were on the line, so it was very much an emergency to get them out before it was too late’ Adina Appelbaum, program director fore entry; any inmate with a fever is moved to the medical housing area for monitoring and must be cleared by the medical provider; four housing units have been designated for isolation; and all staff receive a temperature check and medical screening before entering the facility.

As of Monday, the jail has not recorded a positive case. When asked how many inmates and staff had been tested, the jail did not respond.

Despite these measures, Appelbaum said that jails are a tinderbox for coronavirus.

“In the detention centers, it is impossible to do social distancing,” Appelbaum said. “We’ve seen in several other jail settings around the country and around the world that once covid-19 enters, it spreads very rapidly.”

She cited a jail in California that

went from zero cases to over 100 in just a few days.

“These two individuals — their lives were on the line, so it was very much an emergency to get them out before it was too late,” Appelbaum said.

Although she didn’t know why Worcester chose not to test the individual, Appelbaum said it was nonsensical.

“It goes to the heart of the judge’s decision of why the government has committed a constitutional violation of deliberate indifference here, to the safety of the petitioners and their custody,” Appelbaum said.

The court’s decision states that because the jail withheld information and did not correct the record before or after the original ruling was made, the court doubts that the Worcester jail will reveal suspected cases when they arise and conduct proper testing.

It added that because the jail “claims that a detainee it labeled as suspected covid-19 did not need to be tested because the temperature did not reach a particular threshold, it reflects an unreasonably high tolerance for the potential presence of a detected case of covid-19 inside the Worcester County Detention Center.”

Appelbaum said that since the government had no plan to protect vulnerable populations, the only solution was to release inmates, as they have a constitutional right to be safe and free from punishment while in government custody.

“We’re happy that these plaintiffs are now safe, but there’s also many other people still detained that we’re extremely concerned about,” Appelbaum said. “There’s a lot more work to be done right now to protect immigrants during this pandemic.”

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PAGE 6

Ocean City Today

Local, state and national weekly coronavirus update

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Here are local, state and national updates on the pandemic.

Local May 9, 2020 — The Ocean City Boardwalk and beach reopen, and the resort sees crowds of people lining up for Thrasher’s Fries, despite cold and windy weather.

May 13, 2020 — As of Wednesday morning, Worcester County has 125 confirmed cases of covid-19, three deaths and one probable death.

State May 7, 2020 — Gov. Larry Hogan’s order to allow for elective medical procedures and a broadening of outdoor activities takes effect at 7 a.m.

Citizens may go golfing, fishing, boating, hunting, horseback riding, and do other outdoor recreational activities.

State parks reopened, as well as state beaches for walking and exercising.

Local authorities have the power to enact similar decisions, Hogan said.

May 13, 2020 — Hogan announces stage one of his recovery plan will commence Friday at 5 p.m.

The stay-at-home order will be lifted, and certain businesses, personal service establishments and houses of worship will reopen at half capacity.

As of Wednesday morning, Maryland has 34,812 confirmed cases of covid-19, 1,694 deaths, 138,762 negative test results, 2,456 people released from isolation and 1,550 people currently hospitalized.

National May 7, 2020 — An additional 3.2 million American’s filed for unemployment the week before last.

Luxury department store chain Neiman Marcus — as well as its two Bergdorf Goodman stores and Last Call outlets — files for bankruptcy.

The White House rejects the CDC’s reopening guideline for being too prescriptive, The New York Times reports.

May 8, 2020 — The U.S. unemployment rate hits 14.7 percent, with 20.5 million jobs lost in April.

Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary tests positive for coronavirus.

May 12, 2020 — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases, testifies to the Senate and warns against reopening too quickly.

Doing so could result into spikes of cases, which could then turn into a second large-scale outbreak.

May 13, 2020 — As of Wednesday morning, the United States has 1.3 million confirmed cases of covid-19 and 80,820 deaths.

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MAY 15, 2020

Wor. County rises to 127 cases, 14 in OC; four deaths

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Worcester County has reached 127 cases and four deaths, according to the Maryland Health Department. This is an increase of 31 from last week.

The first death was woman in her 80s who was in hospice care at the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center prior to infection. The second case was also a woman in her 80s.

The third case was probable – the individual was never tested for coronavirus. Information on the fourth death has not yet been released.

There are 61 cases in the Berlin and Ocean Pines 21811 zip code, 14 cases in the Ocean City 21842 zip code, 12 in the Snow Hill 21863 zip code and 38 in the Pocomoke City 21851 zip code.

A zip code must have at least eight cases to be listed.

Sixty-six people have been released from public monitoring.

Worcester has conducted 1,262 coronavirus tests.

The Berlin nursing home has recorded 30 cases, six of which are staff members.

As of Thursday, Maryland had 35,903 cases and about half of those have been in nursing homes.

As of Tuesday morning, there was one covid-19 patient in the intensive care unit.

As of Thursday, next door Wicomico had 754 cases and Sussex County has 3,503 cases.

According to Toni Keiser, vice president for public relations, the hospital has sufficient testing, ventilators and supplies. They have received additional supplies through requests. Although Gov. Larry Hogan secured 500,000 test kits from South Korea, the hospital does not know if it will receive any of those.

To treat patients, Atlantic General is asking for plasma donations from coronavirus survivors. This is for a Mayo Clinic study through the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

The first patient transfusion took place on April 24. Donors must have tested positive for the virus and have been symptom-free for 28 days.

Those who have been symptom-free for 14 days may also donate if they have tested negative.

When a case is confirmed positive, the health department conducts contact tracing to inform individuals and businesses that may have come into contact with the positive case.

If someone suspects they may have the virus, they should call their primary care provider or the health department. Do not show up unannounced to a medical facility.

As for local testing, the Worcester See AGH Page 7

SCREENSHOT OCEAN CITY TODAY

Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Wednesday that the state would officially enter stage one of his recovery plan effective Friday at 5 p.m.

Stage one lifts the stay-at-home order, and reopens certain businesses at half capacity.

Md. enters phase one, stay-at-home order lifted tonight

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) It’s official — effective Friday, at 5 p.m., the state will enter stage one of Gov. Larry Hogan’s recovery plan, which lifts the stay-athome order and partially reopens a wide range of businesses.

“Today, I am please to announce that Maryland has achieved the 14day trend of plateauing and declining numbers,” Hogan said. “This allows us to cautiously and safely begin stage one of the recovery plan.”

Retail stores may reopen at 50 percent capacity, and personal services, such as barbershops and hair salons, also may reopen at 50 percent capacity and by appointment only.

All customers over the age of 2 are required to wear a face covering while inside a personal service establishment, unless it inhibits the service from being performed.

Manufacturing may resume operations, and churches and other houses of worship may also begin to hold indoor services at 50 percent capacity, but are encouraged to move all activities outdoors when possible.

Hogan did not announce any changes with regards to bars and restaurants.

Marylanders must continue to practice social distancing and wear masks in indoor public areas.

“The fight against this deadly disease is far from over,” Hogan said.

“But because of the incredible courage you have shown and the extraordinary sacrifices you have made, Maryland and our nation can now at least being to slowly recover.”

MAY 15, 2020

PAGE 7

Ocean City Today

OPEN 7 DAYS 12-8PM Celebrating Over 50 Years!

kes a C b a r C t Bes in Town!!!

ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A healthcare heroes sign was posted outside of the Atlantic ImmediCare on 10th Street, which is also the site county residents must go to get a sample taken for coronavirus testing.

AGH has one covid-19 ICU case Continued from Page 6 County Health Department has opened a hotline Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to determine if a person should be tested. Call 410-6321100 and select option eight.

For general information on the coronavirus call the health department 24/7 at 410-632-4321 or

visit worcesterhealth.org. View updates from Atlantic General at atlanticgeneral.org/patients-visitors/c ovid-19-updates/.

To track Maryland cases, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov/.

To donate plasma, go to delmarvablood.org/cpdonor or call 1-88-8256638.

Coronavirus cases in Worcester County timeline: March 19 – Worcester County confirms its first case of coronavirus, a man in his 30s.

March 21 – A woman in her 20s tests positive.

March 30 – A third positive case diagnosed out of state is confirmed.

April 1 – A woman in her 20s tests positive.

April 2 – A man in his 40s tests positive; health department releases three cases from public monitoring.

April 4 – A man in his 40s and a woman in her 60s test positive.

April 5 – A man in his 60s and a woman in her 30s test positive.

April 6 – A man in his 40s tests for a total of 10 positive cases in Worcester; four total cases have been released from public monitoring.

April 9 – Six more people test positive.

April 13 – Five more people test positive.

April 15 – An out-of-county resident tests positive.

April 16 – Three more people test positive for a total of 25 cases; nine individuals have been released from public monitoring.

April 20 – Worcester counts a total of 33 cases; 11 individuals have

been released from public monitoring.

April 21 – One more person tests positive; 13 individuals have been released from public monitoring.

April 24 – Five more cases diagnosed; 18 cases have been released from monitoring.

April 25 – Two cases are diagnosed.

April 26 – Two cases are diagnosed for a total of 48.

April 27 – Five people test positive.

April 28 – One person tests positive; 23 cases have been released from monitoring; a woman in her 80s has died.

April 29 – Worcester has 55 confirmed cases.

April 30 – Six people test positive for a total of 61 cases; 26 cases have been released from monitoring; a second case dies.

May 3 – Worcester counts 75 cases; 29 have been released from monitoring; a third death is probable.

May 4 – Five more people are diagnosed.

May 5 – One more person is diagnosed; 40 have been released from monitoring May 6 – Five more cases are conContinued on Page 8

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PAGE 8

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

Coronavirus timeline:

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The sun was shining and despite cool, windy conditions, hundreds of people visited the Ocean City Boardwalk last Saturday, the first day it, along with the beach, was officially open to everyone. Many just went for a stroll, while others grabbed some pizza, fries, popcorn or other treats.

Crowds last weekend on Boardwalk

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Ocean City’s beach and Boardwalk reopened to the public last Saturday, giving resort elected officials, law enforcement officers and the public a glimpse of what the new normal might look like this summer in terms of social distancing and facial fashion.

“This weekend was the soft opening of the beach and Boardwalk, which provided a very small step toward Ocean City’s recovery,” said Jessica Waters, interim tourism director and communications manager. “Families were walking in groups of two to four people and were responsibly social distancing.

Of those on the Boardwalk, approximately 30 percent were wearing face coverings.”

Last Monday, Mayor Rick Meehan issued an emergency declaration re-

opening the beach and the Boardwalk to the public effective last Saturday at 9 a.m.

The move did not supersede Gov. Larry Hogan’s stay-at-home order.

In preparation for potential visitors, the city installed social distancing signs all throughout the Boardwalk, and boarded over benches.

Businesses took similar safety measures.

However, while Saturday’s chilly weather and high winds proved to be an effective crowd controller, Sunday’s milder weather and softer breezes drew hundreds to the area.

As other media outlets have reported, the southern portion of the Boardwalk became heavily congested on Sunday, most often as a result of people lining up for food — lines at Thrasher’s French Fries in particular were packed.

Nonetheless, most visitors followed social distancing guidelines, according to the Ocean City Police Department.

“Officers continually monitored the Boardwalk for violations and were able to obtain voluntary compliance on the few violations we ob-

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Continued from Page 7 firmed; three more people are released from monitoring May 7 – Ten more people are diagnosed for 96 total; 47 total have been released from monitoring May 8 – Two people are diagnosed; one is released from monitoring May 9 – Four people are diagnosed; three are released from monitoring; another death is recorded May 10 – Four people are diagnosed; one is released from monitoring May 11 – Seven people are diagnosed May 12 – One person is diagnosed May 13 – 11 people are diagnosed for a total of 125; eight people are released from monitoring May 14 – Two people are diagnosed for a total of 127; seven people are released from monitoring for a total of 66 served,” Patrol Division Capt.

Michael Colbert said. “The majority of Boardwalk restaurants with carryout service did a good job of controlling their lines. Most marked 6-foot distances for patrons to reference for social distancing.”

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Crossword answers from page 32

Guests are cautioned to “proceed at your own risk” before stepping onto the Ocean City Boardwalk to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Correction In an article titled “Public comments on Wor. Budget” in the May 8 issue of Ocean City Today, it states that J. Franklin Wright commented on the Ocean Pines Association budget. The correct last name is Knight. Ocean City Today apologizes for the error.

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 9

Gov. Hogan allows special event zone legislation to pass

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Gov. Larry Hogan allowed Ocean City’s proposed exhibition driving bill to pass without his signature last Thursday.

Resort officials have been seeking increased penalties for major misbehavior behind the wheel after the unsanctioned car rally, known colloquially as H2Oi, endangered visitors, residents and law enforcement officers.

The bill passed both the Maryland House and Senate just before the General Assembly adjourned early on March 18 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The bill adds to 2018’s special event zone bill by prohibiting exhibition driving and increasing maximum fines and imprisonable actions. It defines exhibition driving as “the transportation of a passenger on (or in) an area of a motor vehicle that is not designed (or intended) for passenger transport such as the hood or roof.”

Excessive, abrupt acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle; skidding, squealing, burning or smoking of the tires; the swerving or swaying of the vehicle from side to side while skid-

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Thrasher’s French Fries on the Boardwalk at the inlet was a popular spot last weekend. The line stretched dozens of people deep both Saturday and Sunday, but many didn’t mind waiting for their salty snack. The beach and Boardwalk officially opened to all last weekend.

ding; excessive engine noises; grinding of the gears or the backfiring of the engine of the motor vehicle or any of the wheels of the vehicle losing contact with the ground are all defined as exhibition driving.

Violators could be fined up to

$500. The penalty for negligent driving, racing and racing participation as a timekeeper is up to $1,000. Violators of these acts can also be jailed for up to 60 days.

The special event zone must have signs warning of these penalties.

Although Ocean City planned to use the special event zone legislation during Cruisin’ Ocean City for May 14-16, the event was canceled due to the coronavirus. The legislation could still be used in the fall for any kind of car rally.

PAGE 10

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

Ocean City hotels prepare to open Reservations likely to arrive slowly, estimated to pick up in second half of summer

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) For the past two months, seven Ocean City hotels have been open to essential personnel during the coronavirus pandemic. On March 31, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and City Council made an emergency declaration to restrict short-term rentals through April 30 and later extended to May 22.

The declaration asked for voluntary compliance. The city has not indicated how it would respond to a hotel in violation.

Though Ocean City has seen fewer visitors because of the restrictions on short-term rentals, restaurants, the beach and Boardwalk, the resort could see more visitors soon, as the stay-at-home order is lifted at 5 p.m.

The beach and Boardwalk opened last week and on May 22, the restrictions on short-term rentals will be lifted.

Susan Jones, executive director of the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said the properties that have closed due to financial reasons will need to take baby steps to open safely

and slowly.

“They will need to flush all the water lines, perform the enhanced environmental sanitation procedures in all the rooms, not to mention finding people to return to work,” Jones said. “These things will all take time.”

During an Ocean City tourism meeting on Monday, Jones suggested that the resort provide a social distancing itinerary, such as ordering take out and eating on the beach and Boardwalk.

Michael James, managing partner of the Carousel Group, said that the group’s seven hotels will open on May 22 and are taking reservations for that time. As of Wednesday, James estimated that the hotels had about 15 percent of rooms reserved for Memorial Day Weekend, but that it could pick up to 35 percent with the stay-at-home order lifted.

The Carousel Hotel has 18 rooms reserved for that weekend out of 259 total. The other six properties are also taking reservations.

“They’re [reservations] getting back to normal now, but for the past seven weeks, they’ve been very soft,” James said. “I would say starting at the end of last week, they really started to pick up and over the weekend, they picked up even more.”

He expects to be fully staffed for Memorial Day Weekend.

James said the hotels will have several safety measures, including Plexiglass shields for the front desks and social distancing guidelines on the floors.

“Any type of outdoor seating that we might be available will be spread out and we’ll use signage to remind people to be respectful of other people,” James said.

He added that checking in remotely and paying in advance will be an option for those who want.

“For people who are a little bit more cautious, we want to accommodate them,” James said. “And for peo-

ple who are a little more comfortable still, we also want to accommodate them as long as they’re not infringing on anybody else’s space.”

He expects to have a slow first half of the summer and then a return something that’s closer to normal by the second half.

Mark Elman, general manager of the Clarion off 101st Street, said the Clarion will also open on the 22nd and is taking reservations for the summer. Reservations have been slow there as well.

“I think there’s still a lot of unknowns and questions as to what else besides hotels and carry out will be offered,” Elman said. “We don’t know if our pools will be allowed to be open or if the health club will be allowed to open, so I think people are calling with more questions than are wanting to reserve right now.”

To prepare, the Clarion brought back its housekeeping staff on Tuesday.

“We’re currently going through all of our guest rooms and all of our public space, cleaning and disinfecting all of those areas, all the high touch areas, removing all of our room service menus, all of our pens and notepads and things that are high touch items that guests would possibly utilize,” Elman said.

As of Wednesday, the Clarion only had 10 rooms booked for Memorial Day Weekend, which Elman partially attributes to surrounding states having stay-at-home orders still in effect.

“I think it’s going to be a slow progression,” Elman said. “I’m anticipating that the July and August will be not like previous summers, but at least a lot better than May and June will probably be.”

The hotel plans to have a winter staff for the first couple weeks and then transition to a full staff as the summer business picks up.

“We are doing whatever safety measures that we can do to make

ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Carousel Hotel, located on 118th Street, had 18 rooms reserved for Memorial Day Weekend as of Wednesday.

ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Clarion Hotel, located on 101st Street, plans to disinfect all guest rooms, public spaces and high-touch areas the week leading up to their opening day on May 22.

sure our employees are safe and that when our guests do start arriving, that their safety as well is important to us,” Elman said.

Dune’s Manor on 28th Street said they are taking reservations for the summer and have been taking in more reservations than cancellations, but have not yet determined its opening day.

County tightens budget, will fund WOC ambulance

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Even though the Worcester County Commissioners used their Tuesday working session to focus on tightening spending next year, they also took a step in a different direction by deciding to fund ambulance service to West Ocean City.

During a special session with commissioners in February, the county’s fire chiefs explained that calls for service are rising and that fire departments are struggling to recruit and retain full-time staff. Perhaps the biggest hole in service is West Ocean City, as Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers has told commissioners that the resort departments runs out of units because of the number of calls for service.

According to Bowers, it costs the Town of Ocean City $458,843 to provide for and answer calls for service in West Ocean City.

During the commissioner’s Tuesday session, Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins suggested that the county could buy themselves a year because of the pandemic.

“Volumes will be somewhat different in the summer months and some of those decisions could be postponed,” Higgins said.

See COUNTY Page 11

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 11

County will pay for West Ocean City ambulance service Continued from Page 10 County Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic disagreed and said that Ocean City could not wait another year.

“We need a vote by the commissioners to give Ocean City that money or not, so somebody can plan some sort of exit strategy, so somebody can take over West Ocean City runs,” Mitrecic said.

Although commissioners asked if they could use CARES Act funding, federal money for the pandemic, it was clarified that it can only be used directly for the pandemic.

County Commissioner Jim Bunting suggested relying on the Berlin Fire Company or contracting a private company, but both ideas were met with skepticism.

County Commissioner Bud Church said Berlin responding to West Ocean City would not be feasible, especially since the new Berlin fire station is unmanned.

“They don’t have staff there full time,” Church said. “That is not a reasonable solution to the problem.”

Mitrecic said he doubted that the county could find a private company to service West Ocean City for the more than $400,000 that it costs.

The motion to fund Ocean City to service West Ocean City passed, with Commissioners Joshua Nordstrom, Diana Purnell, Chip Bertino, Mitrecic and Church in favor and Commissioner Ted Elder and Bunting in opposition.

Higgins will return to commissioners with a more precise number for what Ocean City will require.

As for expenditure cuts, the county cut from $10,000 from the Ocean Pines Association budget for the 4th of July fireworks to Atlantic General Hospital’s grant of $175,000.

They also agreed to move senior transportation from the Tri-County Council to the Commission on Aging, meaning that they will no longer grant the council $34,000. The commission will instead rely on the $32,000 the county gives as a state match, as Executive Director Rob Hart said that it can transport seniors cheaper than the council did.

The county will also take an undetermined financial hit to the immigration and customs enforcement facility in Snow Hill for both revenue and expenditure, as no detainees have arrived since mid-March. The county receives $87.11 every day for each immigration-related detainee.

Commissioners also agreed to reduce Furnace Town’s funding by $20,000.

The next budget work session will be on Tuesday, May 19, at 1 p.m. via Zoom. A link will be provided on the county website for the public to view.

ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Worcester County Commissioners tightened requested expenditures and decided to fund the Ocean City Fire Department to provide ambulance service to West Ocean City during their budget work session on Tuesday, May 12.

PAGE 12

Ocean City Today

MAY 15, 2020

OCBP and OCPD prepared for summer 2020 Captains adapt to difficult times by being proactive, recruiting, training ongoing

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Although coronavirus restrictions have curtailed the Ocean City Beach Patrol and Ocean City Police Department’s efforts to recruit and train new personnel, both groups say they are ready for the resort’s summer season.

The beach patrol’s search for new surf rescue technicians, or lifeguards, begins as soon as the season starts to wind down in August. Following that plan, it conducted three tests last summer and squeezed in another testing session on March 1. But soon after that, the state went into lockdown and made conducting additional tests impossible.

“We had a test scheduled for York College in Pennsylvania on a Sunday, and they made the decision to close campus that Friday, so we lost the York College test,” said beach patrol Capt. Butch Arbin. “Two weeks later, we were scheduled to be at the University of Maryland College Park — we lost that test. And last Sunday, April 26, we were scheduled to go to Ocean Pines, and, of course, because pools and athletic clubs are closed,

we couldn’t hold that. So we lost three tests, and that really was about 69 people signed up to test at those three locations.”

Arbin said one more test remains on the schedule —May 31, in Ocean City, with 54 people signed up.

Of those who tested in August and Capt. B. Arbin March, 42 passed and will be ready for training come the end of May — two weeks later than the typical training period.

“We’re not at zero, but you know 42 is not as many as we would have liked to have gotten,” he said.

Nonetheless, Arbin said he contacted to veteran guards in January to get a feeling of what their plans were for the summer, and then each year, on April 1, the patrol sends an official letter to all of its former employees to see whether they plan to return.

Of roughly 162 lifeguards who responded, Arbin said roughly 85 percent committed to returning, putting the organization in a good place for when it starts its season on Saturday, May 23, Memorial Day weekend.

New recruits are never on the beach that weekend, as they are typically training.

The police department has had similar difficulties recruiting and training employees.

“Specifically related to covid-19, we experienced issues with completing the hiring process with some candidates because of the stay-at-home orders and restriction on travel,” said Capt. Elton Harmon, who oversees the police department’s training and recruitment section.

The hiring process is multi-layered, he explained, and includes a written exam, physical assessment, interview, thorough background process, polygraph and psychological exam.

“The restrictions established in state and the neighboring states created challenges to complete all phases of the hiring process,” Harmon said.

This is on top of the police depart-

ment’s existing struggle to hire seasonal employees — a persistent nationwide issue as expressed by Police Chief Ross Buzzuro on numerous occasions.

“We initially wanted to match and or exceed our staffing we had in the summer of 2019,” Harmon said. “We start recruiting and testing in Capt. E. Harmon August of each year for the next summer and that continues through the winter into the spring. We fell short of that number this year, but, to date, we have offered employment to 119 seasonal employees, 51 seasonal police officers [and] 68 public safety aides.”

The police department is looking to move future recruitment efforts online through webinars or live streaming.

Nonetheless, Harmon said the police department would be ready to handle the upcoming season, and both the beach patrol and police have prepared safety measures for their employees.

“Officers are directed to adhere to all CDC guidelines,” Harmon said.

“They [officers] have been provided proper PPE to use when appropriate and are encouraged to practice social distancing when possible.”

Beach patrol lifeguards have always been issued a CPR mask, gloves and eye protection, but this year an N95 mask will be added to that list.

Arbin said he spoke with leaders of the Ocean City Fire Department and EMS to see what else the organization could do to protect its lifeguards.

“On the stand — we don’t have any problem with social distancing when our guards are on the stand because they’re over six-feet above everybody anyways,” Arbin said.

However, the lifeguards would not be issued additional personal protective equipment, which can get in the way of rescuing someone in the water.

“So right now what will happen is if a person in the water is in trouble, the guard is going to make the rescue the same way they did any other

time,” Arbin said.

However, if the victim requires more medical attention, a lifeguard will put on his or her gloves, mask and eye protection, ask the patient a set of questions to gauge his or her condition.

If the situation is severe or the patient exhibits signs of having covid19, a supervisor will take over the situation.

“Our next layer is our ATVs,” Arbin said. “Our supervisors, they’ll have the full PPE, face shields, the gown, everything. That’s the change, we’re going to deal with everything like we always did, but we’re going to try to get our guards away from the patient and back in the stands as soon as possible so that the people that are fully outfitted can take over patient care.”

Additionally, both organizations have established guidelines for employees who show symptoms of contracting the virus.

“All employees go through a daily wellness check before they begin work,” Harmon said. “If anyone is experiencing signs or symptoms related to covid-19, they are immediately sent home and instructed to contact their health care provider.

They are placed on paid sick leave until they return.”

Beach patrol lifeguards also earn paid-sick leave at a rate of one hour of leave per 30 hours of work, and may use it should they come into contact with an infected patient, or someone who exhibit signs of the virus.

However, whether lifeguards can use their workers’ compensation for coronavirus-related absences is uncertain, as there is no nationwide protocol for such unprecedented circumstances.

“Our personnel will take all necessary and proper precautions,” City Risk Manager Eric Lagstrom said.

“As individual exposure scenarios are varied, each case will be evaluated and investigated on its own merits.

Prompt reporting of claims will be key, as well as contact tracing to all possible exposure sources to assess compensability under Maryland Workers’ Compensation law.”

Fatal crash investigation continues (May 15, 2020) Maryland State Police have identified the person killed in a crash on Tuesday morning in Worcester County.

Around 5 a.m., troopers from the Berlin Barrack responded to a reported crash in the area of southbound Route 113 at Shad Landing.

According to a preliminary investigation, a male was driving a 2020 Hyundai Elantra, when for unknown reasons, he drove off the roadway and

struck a tree.

The driver, identified as Tyshawn Timothy Warren, 19, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical service personnel.

His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

A passenger in the vehicle, a female from Norfolk, Virginia, was transported via Maryland State Po-

lice helicopter to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

The roadway was partially closed for approximately five hours in the area of the crash. The Maryland State Crash Team will continue to investigate the crash.

Deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the Snow Hill Fire Department assisted at the scene.

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 13

THANK YOU FRONTLINE WORKERS!

We Sincerely Thank All Our Healthcare Workers, Police, Fire/EMS, Grocery Store Workers, District And Circuit Court Personnel Who Continue To Work And Service The Community.

Paid for by Brian H. Clark

PAGE 14

Ocean City Today

MAY 15, 2020

Welcome back: Ocean City ad prepares for slow return

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) After the resort shut its doors to guests to mitigate the spread of covid-19, Ocean City officials and department heads believe the time is now to begin slowly inching that door back open.

“The ‘Welcome Back’ campaign, similar to the “Happy Place,” tries to really pull on people’s heart strings about coming back to a place that they love and beginning to make memories again,” said Jessica Waters, Ocean City interim tourism director and communications manager.

In April, the city aired its “Happy Place” campaign, which focused on reminding visitors that Ocean City always would be their paradise, but then was not the time to come visit.

Waters said during a Monday Tourism Commission meeting that the first set of advertisements had been a major success.

“Not only did we see overwhelming positive responses on social media channels, but we got dozens of emails, phone calls — even the governor, [Gov. Larry Hogan], actually complimented how well it was done,” Waters said during the meeting.

Waters said the campaign saw

more than 12 million impressions on television and cable, about 739,000 on social media, 1.5 million on digital ads and 1.3 million on YouTube.

An impression represents an opportunity for an ad to be seen, heard or have influence on a potential viewer.

“It drove traffic to our website — there was an increase of web traffic with nearly 60,000 unique visitors,” Waters said. “All around I think it was the right message and really resonated with people.”

Nonetheless, the Happy Place campaign was never meant to be a permanent fixture, and was simply a placeholder, as city officials watched Hogan’s reopening plan and devised their own.

The “Welcome Back” campaign takes a foot-in-the-door approach, and emphasizes the return of families and small groups to Ocean City, one step at a time.

“We really wanted to focus on immediate families, small groups [and] shots of … their favorite things about Ocean City, which is being on the beach, being on the Boardwalk, being in some of their favorite places with the people that they love,” Waters said.

Creating the ad campaign was challenging in part because no one knew what the summer in Ocean City will look like this year.

“It’s going to be a different summer and how we navigate welcoming people back without exactly knowing that has been a challenge,” Waters said. “... People think of Ocean City

The “Welcome Back” campaign, similarly to the “Happy Place” campaign, will pull on people’s heartstrings about coming back to the place they love, Ocean City, a city spokeswoman said.

and they think crowded Boardwalk and they think Ferris wheel and amusement park — we just don’t know exactly what the state is going to allow and what the timeline [will be].”

With such uncertainty, Waters said the department split its new campaign into phases, with phase one titled, “It’s Time.”

“The first phase, the first commercial, which we’ve called ‘It’s Time,’ really focuses on it’s time to start making memories again with the ones that you love,” Waters said. “I know I certainly feel that way about making memories with my family right now, so I’m hoping that will really resonate with a lot of our visitors who haven’t been to Ocean City in quite some time.”

The phase one commercials will begin airing on Monday.

As for the other phases, Waters said the timing depends on how the governor manages the state’s reopening.

“All of it is very fluid and we’re trying to adjust to what the new normal is going to be for 2020,” Waters said.

Regardless, Waters said everyone in the community — government officials, department heads and business owners — were busy fortifying the resort and ensuring that once the resort does reopen, guests will not only feel safe, but be safe.

“Ocean City is a happy place and it’s a safe place for a lot of people, and while all of us believe that this summer in Ocean City is going to be different, I think that we’re still going to be able to offer people that comfort that they’re used to, [and] we look forward to doing that, no matter what that looks like,” Waters said.

Convention center work commences

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) The finish line is near for the three-phase, multi-million dollar expansion project at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street, after the tertiary phase got underway Monday.

The 11-year project began in February 2009, when the City Council approved what was then a twophased expansion.

The expansion has been financed through a cost share agreement between the city and the Maryland Stadium Authority, which until recently was a 50/50 split.

Phase one expanded the lower exhibit hall, now known as the dockside exhibit hall, by 14,218 square feet, and resulted in the creation of the 12,633 square-foot ballroom.

The city also relocated a truck loading dock from the west side of the building to the south side in order to create a view of the bay.

In phase two, a two-story, 1,200seat performing arts center was created by knocking out portions of the first floor exhibit hall and ballroom.

The city paid $11.1 million for the first two phases.

The final phase of work will be the most expensive, coming at a price tag of $37.5 million, but with a new 60 percent stadium authority/40 percent city cost-share agreement.

The city’s $15 million contribution will result in a major expansion of the convention center’s exhibition space, as well as a new exterior parking layout.

“This third phase is the addition of 30,000 square feet of exhibit space,” City Engineer Terry McGean said.

When guests walk into the convention center, to their immediate right is a 50,000-square-foot exhibit space, which is typically divided into hall A and hall B, McGean said.

Nonetheless, as the convention center has grown, so have its events

and its popularity among event organizers.

“We have a lot of events that want to expand, get larger and we don’t have space to accommodate them,” McGean said. “The other problem we have is we have a lot of events that want to come in on dates that we already have things going on in those halls.”

The additional square footage would allow for the center to host growing events, as well as divide the space into halls A, B and now C. “We can operate them [the halls] either as one big room, two rooms or even as three rooms,” McGean said.

“So they can be set up in numerous configurations so we can have multiple events going on at the same time.”

The work is expected to continue throughout the year and has a tentative completion date of December 2021.

Initial work will focus on reconSee BIG Page 15

MAY 15, 2020

PAGE 15

Ocean City Today

Big investment, heavy return Continued from Page 14 structing the front entrance, which includes converting the car loop into additional parking spaces.

Truck docks on the north side of the building will be removed and relocated to the east of the building to create more storage space.

Additionally, an old wooden building next to the convention center, known as the sunset room, will be torn down and restored to wetlands, McGean said.

While some may balk at the project’s hefty price tag, McGean pointed to its projected return on investment

— an estimated 470-670 new fulltime equivalent jobs and $47 million to $67 million in new spending in the state, per a stadium authority economic impact study.

“A lot of the prime dates for conventions are during what we call our shoulder season,” McGean said. “So when hotels have rooms to rent, when the restaurants aren’t as crowded — that’s the prime time for conventions. The convention center helps us expand the season, keep hotels full and keep restaurants full … we’re bringing in people when we need people coming in.”

JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Part of the tertiary stage of a massive expansion project at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street includes the demolition of an adjacent building known as the sunset room. The building will be restored to wetlands, City Engineer Terry McGean said.

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PAGE 16

Ocean City Today

MAY 15, 2020

Resort leaders, staff debate best route for transportation

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Facing no winning options, the Ocean City Transportation Committee devoted much of its Tuesday session trying to balance public safety against the need to reduce the losses its bus and tram services will experience this summer.

“We all need to realize that just like any other business in Ocean City right now, private businesses are experiencing losses because of things they can’t do because of regulations,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “As a town, we are going to face some of those same things in our operations, but we have to make sure we do the right thing. If we don’t do the right thing, we might not be operating at all.”

Up until now, the city’s bus system has been running on its winter schedule, with no more than two buses on the road, one northbound and one southbound, 40 minute headways and transporting an average of 250 to 300 people per day.

Typically during this time of the year, the city would have moved into its summer schedule, with eight buses out on Coastal Highway and 10 minute headways.

With covid-19’s ever lingering presence, however, it would be nigh impossible to go into the summer schedule, as the resort’s typical crowd of transit users most likely won’t be in Ocean City, meaning less revenue.

Additionally, with the city desiring to maintain social distancing measures on buses by using seat markers and a no-standing policy, bus capacity would be reduced even further.

“For March, revenue was down $22,000 and in April revenue was down $40,000. Those two months we’re still in the $50,000 [revenue] range,” Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said. “Normally, it’s May that we really start to pick up … that would be around $250,000 [in revenue]. For the month of April we only collected $8,500 in bus passenger revenue. If we do that again in May, then we’re going to start seeing

more substantial losses.”

Knapp said losses incurred in April were still manageable without transferring any money from the general fund.

However, “If we start to pick up service, for instance, we start to add some of those expenses on that side and we start to see more substantial losses, that’s when we will not be able to contain it within the transportation fund,” Knapp said.

She added that the city had already reached its limit for state and federal operating grants, meaning all future losses would be shouldered by the resort.

To cut operating expenditures, the transportation department is moving into a modified spring bus schedule.

“Starting Friday, May 22, we are going into six buses in the morning and six buses in the afternoon,” Transit Operations Manager Steve Bartlett said.

“That’s a 20-minute service basically.”

The modified schedule would also eliminate overnight transportation and would continue until July, but Bartlett said everything was flexible and could change if needed.

This flexibility aspect is important to city officials, who expressed their doubts about whether crowds would be large enough to warrant operating even six buses.

The committee moved on to discuss the tram service.

“I know that we’re not going to be able to operate the tram successfully if it’s only half full, and I’m not really sure we can present the proper image,” Meehan said. “A lot of it is perception, as well as safety, [and] having a tram go down the Boardwalk with 80 people in it — I’m just not sure at the present time that’s the right thing to do.”

The mayor also pointed out that a tram cutting through crowds on the Boardwalk could force people to break social distancing guidelines.

“Personally, I don’t think we should start the trams Memorial Day weekend,” he said.

Councilmen Tony DeLuca, Mark Paddack and Dennis Dare agreed,

JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Ocean City Transportation Committee voted Tuesday to go into a modified spring bus schedule with 20-minute headways, and begin tram services on June 15. The committee will meet one week early on June 2, to review this decision.

however Dare took it one step further and expressed his desire to see the trams not run this summer.

“It’s more like a golf cart at a golf course, if you want to compare it to something,” Dare said. “I don’t think it’s essential for us to operate it. I suspect if we did try to do social distancing on it, the revenue would be reduced to the point where there wouldn’t be a profit to help subsidize the required mass transit.”

The Boardwalk trams are considered an amusement, not public transit.

Regardless of what scenario the city chooses, it will lose money.

By going into the modified spring schedule, the city would see a loss of $296,000 in its transportation fund. If trams were to begin running on June 1, and ridership was reduced to half, Knapp estimated a profit of $22,000.

However, for the remaining quarter of fiscal year 2020, April, May and June, there would be a loss of $82,000.

This would increase the general fund contribution to the transportation fund from $296,000 to $378,000, for fiscal year 2020.

If the trams don’t operate until July 1, that loss increases to $147,000, and the combined loss would be $443,000.

Moving into fiscal year 2021, if the trams do not run the first quarter, July, August, September, there would be a loss of $817,000.

The big months for tram revenue, Knapp said, are July and August.

If the city chose to not run the tram at all for fiscal year 2021, that would result in almost a $1 million loss, as tram revenues were budgeted at $674,000, while fixed costs were budgeted at $385,000.

Dare asked Knapp what the best case scenario would be, and she said, based on the assumption a spring bus schedule would reduce revenue in half, a winter bus schedule and a June 1, tram start date would minimize losses and maximize profits, respectively.

The committee ultimately opted for the modified spring bus schedule, and to suspend tram operations until June 15, allowing for the transportation department to conduct its two-week tram driver training.

Bartlett said during this period, drivers under training do take passengers, and so this time could be used to gauge how ridership will be in July.

The committee also voted to meet a week earlier on June 2, to review and adapt its decision.

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MORNING SWIM A family of geese leaves the small beach area at Northside Park on 125th Street and swims off in the bay.

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

Gov. Hogan vetoes Kirwan, bill may return next session

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) The Blueprint for America’s Future, commonly known as the Kirwan bill, was vetoed by Gov. Larry Hogan last week, thus sparing county governments the problem of trying to find ways to pay their share of the education improvement program when revenue is looking scarce.

The bill proposed a Gov. Hogan multi-billion-dollar revamp of Maryland’s public education funding based on the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission. Some of the highlights of the ambitious package are Chip Bertino free preschool for 3and-4-year-olds living at 300 percent below the poverty level, a pay raise for teachers, collegeand career-readiness standards, vocational education and allocated funding for counties.

The bill passed through the General Assembly just before it adjourned early on March 18 due to the coronavirus pandemic. If Hogan had allowed the bill to pass, Worcester County would have had to make the largest financial contribution of all Maryland counties due to its high property tax base.

Both Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R38) and Delegate Wayne Hartman (R38 C) had voted against the bill during the legislative session, citing the high price tag, lack of local control and inability to address classroom environment issues.

Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino said he was not surprised that Hogan vetoed the educa-

tion bill.

“I think the question now is whether or not his veto will be overridden by the Democratically controlled legislature,” Bertino said.

Legislative leaders stated in April that they would not reconvene in May, though they could reconvene later in the year.

Hogan’s veto is because the coronavirus pandemic could have a $2.8 billion effect on the state economy.

“The state budget and county budgets are really being stressed at this point and to have the weight of the uncertainty of Kirwan on us would be very, very challenging,” Bertino said.

He added that although he agreed with numerous aspects of Kirwan, Worcester County was already fulfilling those mandates and does an exceptional job of funding the public schools.

“It does much better than a lot of the jurisdictions across the state and I think that’s demonstrated by the fact that we spend more per student than any other jurisdiction, so I think we do a very good job,” Bertino said. “As I’ve said before, I think the state should let us our thing down here with regard to funding.”

He also thought it was sneaky of the legislature to pass the bill so close to the legislature’s adjournment.

“They got it in at the 11th hour, which was I thought was a little bit taking advantage of a very difficult situation,” Bertino said.

It’s likely that the bill will at least return to the legislature for the 2021 session, as the Democratic Party has stated it is a priority.

Hogan also vetoed two tax bills that were created to help pay for Kirwan – a tax on digital download and streaming and another on cigarettes and vaping.

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The OC Bay Hopper co-owner Steve Butz gave a one-year business report to the mayor and city council on Tuesday. The report was part of the company’s conditional use permit, which will last until February 2021.

Resort council gives OC Bay Hopper five-star review Tues.

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Members of the Ocean City Council agreed Tuesday to allow the conditional use permit for OC Bay Hopper Water Taxi service to remain active until its expiration date of February 2021.

As part of the service’s conditional use approval last year, it was required to give the council a one-year report.

“The word that we’ve gotten is that we performed in an outstanding way [and] we were very professional,” Bay Hopper co-owner Steve Butz said.

The company, located on 117th Street, created a buzz last year after being marketed as the “Uber” of the bay, offering transportation as far north as Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, and all the way down to Assateague Island.

Users may access the taxi-shuttle hybrid via an app on Android and Apple devices.

However, not everybody was on board initially when the idea, proposed in 2018, began taking shape last year.

Residents in the Newport Bay Drive and Jamestown neighborhoods said during a public hearing last January that the water taxi service could

cause congestion and noise pollution in the area.

Nevertheless, the service did well its first summer, conducting 1,000 trips and 4,000 people, and those opposed saw the water taxi in a new light.

“In fact, we had many of the neighbors come back to us at the kiosk and say, ‘Look, we’re really sorry for ever opposing this’,” Butz said.

Councilman Mark Paddack and Councilwoman Mary Knight shared similar stories.

“I know during the planning process and so forth I was inundated with a few calls from constituents in that area regarding [the] business … the persons that were complaining initially I’ve since run into and spoken to in the community and they were in favor of going ahead and continuing the conditional use,” Paddack said.

Originally, Butz had planned to present a proposal to extend the permit by an additional five years, as well as its serviceable areas to include public docking sites, but he said with the current climate he felt it inappropriate to distract the council with such a request.

“I look forward to that plan in the future about how you can partner with the town,” Knight said.

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MAY 15, 2020

PAGE 19

Ocean City Today

New social media policy for OC employees

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) The Ocean City Council adopted a new social media policy Tuesday that combines the city’s guidelines for its traditional outlets, official city social media sites and employee social media pages.

“It’s been on my bucket list for a long time to combine them to make it easier for employees to understand,” said Jessica Waters, Ocean City communications Jessica Waters manager and interim tourism director.

Waters began working on the new policy last summer.

“I started by researching dozens and dozens of different policies,” she said. “I looked at government policies, I looked at corporate policies, I looked at colleges, I looked at hospitals and took what I thought were the best parts and what I thought were the most applicable to the Town of Ocean City.”

There were no glaring issues with any of the old policies, but rather Wa-

ters felt that the language was unnecessarily wordy and outdated.

“This was really a housekeeping item,” Waters said. “This was a good opportunity to clean it up, make it more reflective of the times and how social media is used today, and I think it will benefit the Town of

OCPD sees decline in crime because of covid-19 crisis

STRETCHING IT OUT

Ocean City employees and be a helpful guideline on how they conduct themselves with media and social media.”

After her research, Waters wrote a draft policy, worked with former City Human Resource Director Wayne Evans to refine it and then had the

city’s legal counsel review it.

“I finished this in February, and then unfortunately all of the covid-19 stuff broke and it got shelved for a while,” Waters said. “But I still think it’s a really important policy to set out expectations for employees on how to deal with the media.”

PHOTO COURTESY JANET HOUGH

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Perhaps unsurprising to most, crime has decreased dramatically in April, as a result of covid-19.

“Everything is related to covid-19 — that’s what we are attributing all these decreases across the board,” Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said, during a Ocean City Police Commission meeting Monday.

According to police statistics, custodial arrests went down from 100 last April, to 19 this year — roughly an 80 percent decrease.

There were zero drug arrests, DUI arrests and weapon arrests, and drug citations reduced from 29 last April to two this April.

The only “increase” the police department saw last month was in officer calls for service, from 1,095 to 3,904, or a 256.5 percent increase.

“That’s officers being very diligent in their duties, going business to business making sure … they were in compliance with not only the governor’s orders but also the mayor’s orders in the month of April,” Buzzuro said.

This was exemplified by last month’s top 25 calls for service, which was dominated by public health related calls — 2,149 to be exact.

All other calls paled in comparison, none over 100 this year.

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MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

Worcester outlines CARES Act funding plan

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) The Worcester County Commissioners adjusted their plan for the federal CARES Act recovery funding to allocate 15 percent of the money to Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke and the Ocean Pines Association and 40 percent to Ocean City during their budget work session on Tuesday.

The CARES Act, a $2 trillion bill pandemic response measure that includes aid to states and local governments will allocate an estimated $9.1 million to Worcester County.

The budget originally proposed 10 percent for towns and the association and 60 percent to Ocean City. This would’ve been $114,022 for each municipality and association and $684,132 for Ocean City.

The motion to adjust the funding passed, with Commissioners Ted Elder, Chip Bertino, Joshua Nordstrom and Jim Bunting in favor and Commissioners Joseph Mitrecic and Bud Church opposed. Commissioner Diana Purnell abstained.

The county will receive half the funding at first for immediate response, such as healthcare staff and equipment. This second half of the funding is for recovery, which the county plans to distribute among the municipalities and small busi-

nesses.

County administration told commissioners that the state and federal levels had not given clear guidance on the funding.

“We have not been given documentation for the CARES Act as to what kind of costs are reimbursable,” said Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins. “We’re not even sure what the right documentation for that would be.”

Weston Young, incoming assistant chief administrative officer, said the county would be reliant on the state to tell them what is an eligible expense.

“When we send what we plan to do and how we plan to spend this money, they may put additional requirements on top of it,” Young said.

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Shannahan said the funding the county estimates for each town can be adjusted.

“We’re not going to be tied to this number,” Shannahan said. “We need to give the state an idea of how we intend to use the recovery side of the funding.”

Young added that for the business side of the recovery funding, a loan review committee could put out a call to the businesses and would later decide which businesses get how much money.

“That’ll give us a gauge of what businesses are out there asking for money, what they’re asking for and how they plan to use it,” Young said.

“That can help us to make a determination.”

He said figuring out what expenses are eligible will depend on the re-

sponsiveness of the state.

“It’s been a moving target in terms of what they’ll cover and what they’ll reimburse,” Young said.

He guessed the county would have to prove a certain expense was needed due to an abnormal situation caused by the pandemic.

TRANSPORTATION BRIEFS

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) The following took place Tuesday, May 12, during the Ocean City Transportation Committee:

Park N Ride The park and ride service in West Ocean City will remain closed during Memorial Day weekend. The committee will decide when to reopen the shuttle service in early June.

Transit As mandated by Gov. Larry Hogan, bus riders are reminded that all passengers must wear a face mask or covering.

The Transportation Department, which is a branch of the Department of Public Works, has created signs with the directive, as well as others, that will be posted on bus shelters.

Solar light Following the successful installation of solar panel lighting at the 26th Street northbound bus shelter, three additional shelters will get the panels.

These shelters are located at 77th, 37th and 20th streets, southbound.

Next meeting The committee will reconvene on June 2, a week earlier than usual.

During this meeting, members will reconsider the park and ride shuttle, bus and tram schedules.

Currently, the buses are on a modified spring schedule, with six buses and 20 minute headways.

Trams are not scheduled to be deployed until June 15, but that could change depending on directives issued by the governor.

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MAY 15, 2020

PAGE 21

Ocean City Today

Heavy Metal Playground delayed one month

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Although the proposed Heavy Metal Playground for West Ocean City hoped to receive approval from the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals this past Thursday, it has instead chosen to delay the project. The board granted owner Mark Stevanus a one-month delay.

“I know there’s some opposition, some documentation we’ve received,” Stevanus said. “We’d like some time to read through the documentation and be able to address the concerns.” The playground is proposed to be located at 12325 Old Bridge Road, about 390 feet east of the intersection with Route 50.

The playground, full of heavy machinery such as excavators and bulldozers, is classified as an outdoor recreational and amusement use. In sessions lasting from 15 to 45 minutes, participants at least 8-years old can safely use and play with the heavy equipment for entertainment, corporate events and heavy equipment training certification.

Heavy Metal Playground, located outside Frederick, also offers training certifications to underprivileged teens and veterans to help them gain employment.

Although it was originally proposed for Berlin, the Berlin Planning Commission was not on board with the proposal, citing noise concerns.

After the location was changed, the Worcester County Technical Review Committee reviewed the project on April 8.

Stevanus said that the location

changed to West Ocean City because it would be more visible from Route 50 and could help the resort town’s economy. It would be the only beach town with such a playground.

Schools get broadband grant to increase student access

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Worcester County Public Schools will receive a $32,750 Emergency Broadband Education Assistance grant from the Governor’s Office of Rural Broadband and the Department of Housing and Community Development.

The Board of Public Works approved the Lou Taylor grant request as Maryland schools have been distance learning since the end of March.

Last Wednesday, it was announced that schools will be closed for the rest of the year.

According to a press release from Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) the funding will be used for exterior wireless access points on Worcester school buildings.

“Students, teachers, and parents are facing challenges when it comes to finding new ways to learn from home and finding other accessible online sites to be utilized,” Carozza said in the release. “This grant is so important to rural areas on the Shore and ensuring

that my constituents have access to broadband remains one of my top priorities.”

She added that this will benefit students without internet access because they can complete work in a vehicle near an access point.

Superintendent Lou Taylor said he was grateful for the grant.

“As a rural county with broad socioeconomic dynamics, it is imperative that we can provide equitable access to reliable internet connectivity for continuity of learning,” Taylor said. “We hope that these wireless access points will be able to provide another avenue of reaching those families that struggle with finding reliable connectivity.”

As of the end of April, Worcester schools had a 96 percent attendance rate for online learning. The school system has also given out 600 hotspots for families with students who are in dire need of internet access.

If internet connectivity is still not available to the students, schools have been providing printed copies of the materials. Since schools will not reopen, arrangements will be made to have school materials mailed to be graded.

PHOTO COURTESY HEAVY METAL PLAYGROUND

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Lot # 107

$162,900 REDUCED $10,000!

Donate to last food drive, today (May 15, 2020) Outlets Ocean City will host a “Stuff the Truck” drivethrough food drive benefitting the SonRise Church food campaigns, including Sharing the Harvest and the Backpack Program.

These programs help feed families in Worcester County.

The final drive will take place Friday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ocean City Outlets, 12741 Ocean Gateway, on Route 50 in West Ocean

City.

Items needed include pasta, tomato sauce, rice, beans, canned vegetables, cereal, peanut butter, jelly and other non-perishable food items.

The drive will take place in the parking lot of Outlets Ocean City and the food items will be loaded directly into the Sharing the Harvest truck.

For more information, email alane.emerson@outletsoceancity.co m.

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

$184,500 REDUCED $7,000!

$157,000 410-641-1671

Well Kept Turn Key 2 Bedroom on an Oversize Lot. New HVAC, Recently Replaced Roof & Water Heater. Berber Carpet, Extra Large Courtyard, 8 x 10 Shed. Rear Deck with Privacy! Motivated Seller!

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Lot # 157 Million Dollar View! Great Potential with this Fixer Upper Bayfront Home. Recently Replaced HVAC. 2 Bedrooms with Lots of Closet Space. Gas Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Disposal, Washer/Dryer & 8 x 10 Shed. No Reasonable Offer Refused!

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Lot # 58 Nice Turn Key 2 Bedroom. New Storm Door.

Recently Replaced Stainless Steel Refrigerator & Bedding. Roof & Windows Replaced in 2009.

Washer/Dryer, Courtyard & Shed. Make An Offer!

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

assateaguepointesales.com

PAGE 22

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

Seal released at Assateague park after winter rescue

BREAD SALE Worcester Prep teacher Jackie Knowlton and her students hosted the annual second grade Bread Sale. The students made $773.36 and donated the proceeds evenly between Atlantic General Hospital and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help find a cure for their classmate, Keller Hoch, who suffers from the genetic disease.

PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL AQUARIUM

Animal Rescue staff from the National Aquarium released a rehabilitated seal, Huck Finn, at Assateague State Park on April 29. The seal was rescued on Feb. 27.

SOCIAL WORK MONTH The Worcester County Commissioners presented a proclamation on March 3 recognizing March as National Social Work Month to Julie Rayne and Rhonda Bavis of the health department and Jamie Manning, assistant director of Services for the Department of Social Services and other DSS staff members to honor social workers for striving to improve lives locally.

‘SAY SOMETHING’ PLEDGE Hundreds of Stephen Decatur High School students and staff members pledged to “Say Something” during a week-long campaign to establish a more inclusive and friendly school environment. The campaign was inspired by the Sandy Hook Promise organization, whose mission is to prevent shootings, violence and other harmful acts. Throughout the week, students used props to take selfies using the hashtag “SaySomethingSDHS” and wore the color green on a designated day for school-wide awareness.

(May 15, 2020) A core team of Animal Rescue staff traveled to Assateague State Park the morning of April 29 to release successfully rehabilitated seal, Huck Finn, back to the Atlantic Ocean.

The National Aquarium’s staff remains dedicated to providing the highest level of animal care and welfare as well as advancing mission critical work despite its temporary closure due to covid-19.

Huckleberry Finn, nicknamed in line with this season’s rescue seal naming theme of storybook characters, was originally rescued on Feb. 27 from Assateague State Park.

Upon his arrival to the Aquarium’s Animal Care and Rescue Center, the Animal Health and Rescue teams determined he was extremely dehydrated, underweight and had external signs of wounds and infection.

During Huck’s two months of rehabilitation, he gained more than 30 pounds under the care of the aquarium team.

Additionally, Huck grew stronger and improved his swimming skills.

While the staff will miss watching Huck and fellow rescued seal, Pippi, interact like siblings, they know he is ready to return to his natural habitat and that his feisty personality will serve him well.

Animal Health and Rescue staff continue to provide care for gray seal, Pippi Longstocking, and look forward to when she can also be returned to her ocean home.

The National Aquarium’s Animal Rescue program is responsible for responding to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles along the nearly 3,190 miles of Maryland coast and works with stranding partners through the GARS Network to help respond, rescue and release animals year-round.

It’s important to note that if a member of the public sees a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle, the person should not touch or approach the animal, or allow other people/pets to do so.

Instead, take carefully note the location and time of day and immediately contact the National Aquarium’s Stranded Animal Hotline at 410-576-3880.

The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization focused on changing the way humanity cares for the ocean planet. Through unparalleled exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives, its is creating a new community of hopeful conservationists, driven by its mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures.

For more information on the National Aquarium, visit www.aqua.org.

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 23

COPS & COURTS BRIEFS

CDS Bensalem, Pennsylvania resident Kirk Allen Smith, 35, was arrested for trespassing and possession of a controlled dangerous substance among other charges.

On May 6, around 3 a.m., police reported being dispatched to 76th Street rental unit for a disorderly conduct call.

Upon arrival, police reported hearing Smith screaming obscenities, and found him on the fourth floor pounding on a unit.

Police reported that Smith was visibly intoxicated.

In an interview, Smith told police that he had traveled to Ocean City about a week ago to spend time with his “woman.”

The roommate of his alleged partner kicked him out after he got too drunk, he told police, and he was banging on the door to retrieve his belongings and leave.

Police met with the roommate, who told police that Smith was no longer welcome there.

Police retrieved Smith’s bag and

coat, but the suspect said his wallet and phone were not in the bag.

Police would go back and forth several times for Smith’s “missing” items, but found none — his wallet eventually was found in his pant pocket.

Police issued Smith a trespass warning, but he refused to leave, and he was eventually arrested.

Upon conducting a body search, police reported finding two glass smoking devices with white powder residue.

Smith faces two trespassing charges, one possession of a controlled dangerous substance charge, three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, a noise violation charge and a charge for violating the state travel ban.

Indecent exposure A 35-year-old Columbia, Georgia resident, Dominic Dustin Dornan, faces two counts of indecent exposure.

On May 10, around 3:53 p.m., an officer on bicycle patrol responded to the South Atlantic Avenue area in reports to a man exposing his penis to

WORLD WAR II

Eight decades ago, city of Rotterdam falls to Luttwaffe

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (May 15, 2020) This week, 80 years ago, the City of Rotterdam became the second major European city to capitulate as a result of attacks by the German Luftwaffe.

Rotterdam, the second largest city in the Netherlands, is in the Dutch Province of South Holland in the west.

Its port is the largest and busiest in Europe. From 1962 to 2004, it was the world’s busiest port, but was then superseded by Shanghai. The present population of 590,000 is about 40,000 more than lived there 80 years ago.

The Dutch hoped that, as in World War I, they would be able to sit this one out. The Allies tried to convince them that a German attack was inevitable — especially after the German plans fell into Belgian hands and revealed plans for attacks on Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

It became increasingly obvious that a German attack was certain. Warnings came from: (1) Col. Hans Oster of the German intelligence service, Abwehr, through his friend Major Gijsbertus J. Sas, the Dutch Military Attaché in Berlin; (2) the Japanese Naval Attaché in Amsterdam, Capt. Tadashi Meada; (3) and even Pope Pius XII! Despite these warnings, the Dutch were unprepared for what was coming.

They specifically refused to cooperate with France and Great Britain in a mutual defensive plan, for fear of provok-

ing their German neighbor. The Dutch Army was small, poorly equipped and poorly trained. It had no armor. The air force was almost nonexistent. The Germans expected the country to fall within three to five days.

The German assault on France and the Low Countries was launched on May 10, 1940 and included airborne assaults against The Hague and Rotterdam. The assault against The Hague was an attempt to capture the royal family, the government, and the military command, and force the Dutch to surrender quickly. However, it failed.

The assault against Rotterdam was also unsuccessful, although the paratroopers did establish a toehold and the Dutch were unable to dislodge them.

While The Hague was being assaulted, the German Ambassador to The Netherlands, Graf Julius von ZechBurkensroda, made his way to the Dutch government building to deliver the German ultimatum to Dutch Foreign Minister Eelco van Kleffens. It was a demand, in essence, to accept a German protectorate, with a guarantee to the royal dynasty and overseas possessions— or else.

By the end of the first day, the Dutch city of Maastricht had surrendered.

Queen Wilhelmina’s daughter, Princess Juliana and her husband, Prince Bernard, and their children left on May 12 on the HMS Codrington. Later that afternoon, the Dutch beseeched the Continued on Page 24

people on the Boardwalk.

Upon arrival, the complainant told police that he had been flashed, and pointed police to the suspect.

Police approached Dornan, and immediately saw that his shorts were unbuttoned and the zipper was half way down, according to the court document.

Police reported Dornan exhibited signs of intoxication, and told police he had been drinking liquor.

Another victim approached police and said Dornan “flapped his penis” and recorded himself on his cell phone.

Police arrested Dornan for the incident.

Assault/burglary Local repeat offender Walter Leslie Everett, 57, was arrested once again last week for charges of second-degree assault and fourth-degree burglary.

On May 5, around 6:30 p.m., police reported being dispatched to a downtown dollar store in reference to an assault.

There, police met the complainant, who had bloodstains on her clothing and bruises on her left ear and right eyebrow — the latter inflamed and bulged, police reported.

She told police that Everett had assaulted her after she had told him she wanted to end their relationship.

Everett allegedly began punching

her in the face and head and twisted her left arm behind her back. He then grabbed her phone and tried to break it, she told police.

She told police that Everett was intoxicated, and remained inside his residence on Philadelphia Avenue.

EMS personnel took the alleged victim to Atlantic General Hospital for further treatment.

Police went to the resident and announced their presence to see if Everett was still there, but no one responded.

An officer reportedly released a K9 to clear the residence, and during the search an officer saw Everett walking in his living room.

Everett reportedly disobeyed several commands from police to walk to the back door to police, and police arrested the suspect at gunpoint.

Everett said he wanted to be seen

by EMS, so police allowed him to be taken to Atlantic General Hospital.

At the hospital, police met with the alleged victim, who told police that she and Everett had been squatting in the residence, which the property owner later confirmed.

While police spoke with the alleged victim, Everett reportedly approached her in an intimidating manner, and hospital security had to remove him from the area.

A warrant for his arrest was issued on May 6, and was served to him on May 9.

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Ocean City Today

MAY 15, 2020

WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 23 British for three divisions, but they were unavailable, because the British were almost as unprepared as the Dutch!

By the next day, Holland had been cut off from the Allies by land. Later that day the rest of the Dutch Government left on the British Destroyer H.M.S. Windsor. Queen Wilhelmina left on the British Destroyer H.M.S. Hereward. Also, that day, the first German tanks arrived at Rotterdam.

That same day, concerned that the British might reinforce the Dutch, Eighteenth Army Commander, Gen. Georg von Kückler, instructed Gen. Rudolf Schmidt, commander of XXXIX Panzerkorps, that, “Resistance in Rotterdam should be broken with all means. If necessary, threaten with, and carry out, annihilation of the city.”

Gen. von Kückler would be awarded the Field Marshal’s baton on June 30, 1942. During the war, he acquired the nickname “Sidecar George.” Luftwaffe chief, Field Marshal Hermann Göring, concerned about the fate of the beleaguered paratroopers in the city, ordered it bombed.

At 9 a.m. on May 14, the Germans delivered an ultimatum to Col. Pieter W. Scharroo, commander of the Rotterdam defenses, demanding a capitulation of the city. The note threatened that if a positive response was not received within two hours the, “... severest means of annihilation ...” would be employed. The colonel passed the communication to the Dutch supreme commander, Gen. Henri Gerard Winkelman, who instructed the colonel to send an envoy to clarify matters. The Dutch then returned the note to the Germans, complaining that it wasn’t in proper form!

At 12:15 p.m. a Dutch captain handed this request to Lt. Col. Dietrich von Choltitz, who would earn the gratitude of all civilized people for defying Hitler’s order to burn Paris in 1944.

Gen. Schmidt, together with his Dutch interpreter, drafted a “proper” ultimatum, which was then delivered to the Dutch.

Thirty minutes earlier, 90 German bombers, led by Walter Lackner, had taken off from their bases near Bremen, with their target, Rotterdam. The second, redrafted, ultimatum and the German bombers, arrived at 1:20 p.m. The second ultimatum demanded a response by 4:20 p.m. That would be two hours after the bombing of Rotterdam began.

The Luftwaffe dropped 1,308 bombs, destroying the inner city and killing 814 civilians. One square mile of the city and 24,000 houses were destroyed, leaving 80,000 homeless. The mayor and city alderman demanded that the city be surrendered before more damage was sustained. At 3:50 p.m., Col. Scharoo personally surrendered the City of Rotterdam to Gen. Schmidt. The colonel expressed his resentment that the bombing had occurred before the time promised in the general’s second note. The German

general replied, “Colonel, I fully appreciate your bitterness.”

Meanwhile, Field Marshal Göring had ordered a second bombardment of the City unless a message was received that Rotterdam had surrendered. On hearing this, Gen. Schmidt, at 5:15 p.m., sent an un-coded message stating that the city had, indeed, surrendered. The bombers were recalled just in time.

As Dutch Capt. J.D. Backer was meeting with Gen. Kurt Student to finalize the terms of surrender, the Dutch soldiers assembled outside as instructed by the Germans. A detachment of approaching SS soldiers, seeing so many armed enemy soldiers, started firing.

At that, Gen. Student ran to the window and was shot in the head. His life was saved by a Dutch surgeon, but he would not return to duty until January 1941 - just in time to plan the airborne assault on Crete. An investigation determined that a German had fired the shot.

Following the Luftwaffe’s bombing of Rotterdam, the R.A.F. took the gloves off and began bombing civilian industrial targets in Germany.

In the meantime, Col. Baron Cuno Edouard Willem van Voorst tot Voorst, commander of the Dutch Defenses of the City of Utrecht, received a demand for that city’s surrender, saying that only unconditional surrender could, “... spare it the fate of Warsaw.” Since the city had no anti-aircraft defenses, he surrendered it. Because he refused to sign an oath of loyalty, both he and his brother would spend the rest of the war as guests of the Reich.

Feeling that the Dutch position was untenable, and that German policy was to bomb those cities that did not surrender, Gen. Winkelman, at 4:50 p.m. ordered the Dutch troops to lay down their arms. At 5:20 p.m. the German envoy in The Hague was so informed.

At 7 p.m., Gen. Winkelman informed the Dutch people of the surrender by radio. At 5 a.m., the next morning, a German invitation to Gen. Winkelman to meet with Gen. von Kuckler, to negotiate the articles of written capitulation, was delivered. Gen. Winkelman made it clear that only the armed forces in the homeland would capitulate, not the country itself, and that all other armed forces, wherever located, would continue to resist. The document was executed at 10:15 a.m. on May 15. The day before, Vice-Admiral Johannes Furstner had sailed for England with the Dutch fleet.

The German occupation under Reichskomissar Arthur Seyß-Inquart was, unsurprisingly, harsh, with some 250,000 Dutch dying. However, it cannot be ignored that 55,000 Dutchmen served in the Wehrmacht, with many of them serving in the 23rd SS Nederlands Panzer-Grenadier Division and the 34th SS Landstorm Nederland Grenadier Division.

The Nederland Division fought well on the Eastern front, participating in the Battle of Narva with the Norwegian, Estonian and Latvian SS divisions. The first non-German to be awarded the

Waalhaven, the airbase near Rotterdam, burning during the German attack.

Knight’s Cross was Dutchman Gerardus Mooyman from the SS Nederlands Division. He received the award for single-handedly destroying 19 Soviet tanks during the Second Battle of Lake Ladoga, near Leningrad in January 1943. The Landstorm Nederland fought on the Western Front, and at one time faced the Prinses Irene Brigade in Field Marshal Montgomery’s Army Group, also composed of Dutchmen. Many more Dutch “cooperated” with the German authorities.

On March 31, 1943, the city of Rot-

terdam was again subjected to a massive bombing attack which left 401 dead and 16,500 homeless. This time it was not the work of the German Luftwaffe, but rather the American Eighth Air Force.

Next week: The Battle of Arras Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Contracts of sale contingencies

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (May 15, 2020) Purchasing a new home is normally the biggest investment you’ll ever make and once you’ve bought a home, it’s a decision you can’t easily reverse.

Contracts of sale offer various contingency clauses that allow you to negotiate the contract or possibly render the contract null and void.

Some of the main contingencies in contracts are: • Financing contingency—This allows you to spell out the terms of your financing such as amount of down payment, maximum interest rate, loan type (such as FHA, VA, etc.), and the timeframe in which the lender has to obtain commitment of financing.

• Home Inspection contingency— This contingency offers you the chance to inspect the home for major issues in mechanical and structural systems of the house.

A home inspection contingency does not always offer a buyer an unconditional right of rescission, but it can be requested specifically.

The timeframe allowed for the home inspection to be completed is usually within five to 14 days from the date of contract acceptance, and the inspection addendum language is very

specific as to when buyers and sellers must respond to each other when repairs are requested, or the buyer can lose their ability to void the contract based on the inspection findings.

• Appraisal contingency—This contingency usually works where if the appraisal value of the home comes in for less than what you offered, you can request that the seller reduce the price accordingly, or the contract can be voided.

However, FHA loans must appraise at the contract price, so the appraisal contingency is built into the FHA addendum language in essence.

Other options with an appraisal contingency include the buyer and seller meeting at an agreed upon price, or if it doesn’t affect ability to obtain financing, the buyer can accept the appraisal even if it’s less than the appraisal value.

There are several other contingencies available, such as mold inspections, chimney inspections, well/septic inspections and Homeowners Association/Condo Association contingencies.

The fine print and the timeframes are very important when it comes to contingencies in a contract, so be sure to pay attention and read and discuss your contracts thoroughly with your licensed Realtor.

– Lauren Bunting is an Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.

MAY 15, 2020

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Ocean City Today

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Fried salmon balls, seared fish filet and smoked spread

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (May 15, 2020) Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher of the late 6th century BCE, was committed to the theory that unity is an amalgamation of opposites and harmony.

He also believed that “change” was not only necessary, but unavoidable.

That being said, it will be very interesting to see how the coronavirus affects Ocean City’s tourism this summer.

Typically, the season is booming with vacationers as they flock to the Eastern Shore for fun in the sun.

Yes, time will tell – but sometimes change can be a good thing.

It is a chance to explore new ideas and possibilities. Adjustments are inevitable and our willingness to accept and adapt is crucial.

Restrictions are gradually being lifted, so I am planning to go home in the near future. A special menu is a must and charcuterie comes to my mind.

For those not familiar with this term, allow me to explain.

Charcuterie refers to the acts of preparing, assembling and artfully arranging cured meats with cheeses, fruits, vegetables, condiments, crackers or bread.

The choices are endless so pairing is based on the type of meats and their preparations.

Accoutrements must be carefully thought out. This is where a chef not only shows off his creativity and artistic skills, but also demonstrates their ability to build a cohesive, well-balanced dish.

Remember, a charcuterie board is not just what you eat, it is also a feast for your eyes. Height, color and texture must be carefully thought out.

Wooden boards such as a large

cutting board are not only rustic but allow the food to “pop.” Elegant platters are another possibility for a more sophisticated “look.”

Some hosts like to place small tags with descriptions of what each item is. Personally, I feel it takes away from the overall presentation. A verbal description gets the job done and allows the proteins to be the “star.”

Traditionally, charcuterie incorporates meats, but seafood charcuterie is reaching new heights in popularity and is fitting for the Eastern Shore.

Seafood charcuteries follow the same guidelines as meat charcuteries.

Adapting dishes to coincide with personal preference is always acceptable.

My mother loves salmon so I have decided to prepare a salmon charcuterie. I will present several variations of salmon and pair them with ingredients that will highlight the salmon.

The beauty of charcuterie is that it can be presented as a simple offering or a work of art. The basic layout of the dish makes it perfect for buffets.

If you want to upscale your festivities, consider charcuteries as an option.

The individual components of the salmon charcuterie platter, starting from the left-hand side are fried salmon balls topped with chipotle tartar sauce, baby cucumber slices garnished with salmon caviar, seared salmon with fresh string beans, and a smoked salmon spread served with petite crackers. * Recipes for the fried salmon balls, chipotle tartar sauce, seared salmon, and smoked salmon dip follow.

Salmon Charcuterie Chipotle Tartar Sauce favorite tartar sauce favorite bottled chipotle sauce

1. Mix tartar sauce with chipotle sauce and refrigerate until ready to serve. The amount of chipotle sauce is based on personal preference.

Fried Salmon Balls Eastern Shore Style 1(14.75 oz) canned salmon, drained 3 tablespoons unsalted butter ½ small red onion, finely chopped 3 stalks celery, finely chopped 1 cup combined yellow, orange and red bell pepper, finely chopped 1/3 cup minced fresh curly parsley 3 tablespoons capers, drained 3 teaspoons favorite hot sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2/3 cup mayonnaise 3 teaspoons Old Bay, plus extra for a light dusting 1 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder 1 ½ cups unseasoned bread crumbs 2 large eggs, beaten 4 cups unseasoned panko breadcrumbs canola oil for frying 1. Place butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat and sauté onions, celery, peppers, parsley and capers until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Remove pan from the heat and place cooked vegetables in a sieve to remove any excess liquid.

2. In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, Old Bay, garlic and onion powder.

3. In a large bowl, combine salmon, cooked vegetables and hot sauce mixture. Add raw eggs and combine with salmon mixture. Add bread crumbs and again thoroughly incorporate into salmon mixture.

4. Coat salmon balls with panko bread crumbs.

5. In a large sauté pan, heat canola oil over medium high heat. Make sure there is enough canola oil to cover half of the salmon balls. Cook salmon balls until a golden-brown crust develops. Turn one time and cook the other side.

6. Place salmon balls on a cooling rack and lightly dust with Old Bay seasoning.

7. Top with chipotle tartar sauce.

Seared Salmon 1 large salmon filet, scales removed and skin left on 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons canola oil kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. Heat sauté pan over mediumhigh heat. Add butter and canola oil: the butter enhances the natural richness of the salmon while the canola oil helps keep the butter from burning.

2. Place salmon, skin side down, and sauté until the skin develops a nice sear. Flip one time and cook the other side. Cooking time will vary according to the thickness of the fish.

See WALKER Page 26

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MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BRIEFS

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) The Worcester County Commissioners made the following decisions during their meeting last Tuesday.

Treatment plant The commissioners approved a request to bid for improvement services to Unit 3 at the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Ocean Pines Service Area. The project is estimated to cost $500,000. The 2019 bond issue contains funding for the

project.

Health department The commissioners approved a request to waive the formal bidding process for repaving the parking lot of the Worcester County Health Department location in Berlin.

John Tustin, public works director, said it would be beneficial to speed up the bidding process because repaving could take place while the department is closed because of the covid-19 pandemic. With the normal bidding process, repaving would most

likely take place in July or August, when traffic to the health department could begin to increase, and could be more expensive.

In addition, there is already construction underway along Old Ocean City Boulevard and Route 589 and Healthway Drive, which would cut down on mobilization costs.

Commissioners awarded David A. Bramble with the contract in the amount of $56,750. There is $200,000 earmarked for parking lot resurfacing/upgrades approved in Assigned Fund Balance for this project.

Gwin one of 18 presented Minds in Motion scholarship

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (May 15, 2020) Stephen Decatur High School senior Eric Gwin is one of 18 students in Maryland to receive a 2020 Minds in Motion ScholarAthlete Scholarship.

The winners were chosen from 650 applicants. A male and a female recipient was selected from each of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s nine districts.

“It’s pretty cool. It’s a big honor, especially seeing how many people applied for it,” Gwin said. “I applied for a lot of local [scholarships] and I just decided to give this one a shot.”

Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship courtesy of The Allstate Foundation, which has sponsored the annual program since its inception in 2008.

The award recognizes student-athletes who have excelled on the playing field and in the classroom.

Applicants must be seniors with a

minimum 3.25 unweighted overall GPA and have participated in interscholastic athletic activities sponsored by MPSSAA during their high school careers.

Gwin, who is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), and the National Technical Honor Society, played soccer and lacrosse for Decatur.

“We’re so proud to have had the opportunity to coach Eric Gwin for the last four years,” Jamie Greenwood, coach of the Decatur varsity boys’ soccer team, said. “To see Eric’s growth as a soccer player, but more as a young man, has been tremendous. We wish Eric the absolute best as he continues to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall.”

Greenwood said Gwin was an asset to the soccer team. He was a quiet senior captain, who lead the team by example, Greenwood added.

“Not only was Eric a tremendously

Walker prepares salmon three ways for dining options Continued from Page 25 Whatever you do, do not overcook the salmon. Salt and pepper the fish while it is hot and waiting to be plated.

Smoked Salmon Spread 8 ounces whipped cream cheese at room temperature ½ cup sour cream 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, drained ¼ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt 6 ounces good quality smoked salmon, minced 1. Place the smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, fresh dill, horseradish, onion powder and salt into a blender and puree until a smooth consistency is achieved. Chill for at least 2 hours and serve with favorite crackers, toasted slices of baguettes, or toasted sections of pita bread.

Secret Ingredient – Change. “No man ever steps in the same river twice.”

– Heraclitus

Eric Gwin

hard worker on the soccer field, he worked equally as hard in the classroom,” Greenwood said. “He worked hard every practice to improve and it showed in games. His superior knowledge of lacrosse helped him tremendously in soccer. They are so similar that I was really looking forward to seeing how his success on the soccer field in the fall this year translated to lacrosse this spring.”

This would have been Gwin’s fourth season playing lacrosse for Decatur. Unfortunately, all spring sports were canceled in Maryland and other states because of the coronavirus.

“It’s disappointing. I was looking forward to playing lacrosse my senior year,” Gwin said. “Lacrosse is my favorite sport. We were looking strong this year.”

Coach “Hoffy” Hoffman thought his Decatur varsity team was going to

make a run this year, with the help of Gwin, his “best attackman.”

Hoffman said the scholarship is “well deserved.”

“He’s one of those kids you really like to be around. He’s just a good person on and off the field,” Hoffman said. “You never have to question his dedication or effort. I just wish we had him one more year.”

Gwin has committed to play lacrosse for Division III Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York.

“I’m excited to see what he does at the next level,” Hoffman said. “He’s going to hit the ground running at RPI.” Gwin plans to major in civil engineering and minor in environmental engineering or architecture.

“I just want to thank all my teachers and especially my coaches that helped me,” he said.

MAY 15, 2020

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Ocean City Today

Art competition deadline extended (May 15, 2020) Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) announced that the deadline for the 2020 Congressional Art Competition has been extended to May 21.

The competition recognizes talented high school artists from around the country, and is supported by the entirety of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Winners from each congressional district will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for

one year.

All high school students in Maryland’s First Congressional District are encouraged to apply.

“I am pleased to announce that the House of Representatives is once again sponsoring a nation-wide high school art competition this spring, and I appreciate this opportunity to recognize the talented young artists of Maryland’s First District,” Congressman Harris said. “Each year I am thoroughly impressed by the submissions

we receive and am honored to display the First District runners-up in my offices. I am excited to see the winning piece from the First Congressional District hanging in the U.S. Capitol.”

Since the first Congressional Art Competition in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have submitted their art work to the competition judges.

For full competition guidelines, visit https://harris.house.gov/services/artcompetition.

Maryland Board of Elections sends out primary ballots (May 15, 2020) The Maryland Board of Elections has confirmed that mail-in ballots for the June 2 Presidential Primary election have been sent by U.S. Postal Service to all eligible state voters.

Ballots for Worcester County residents were mailed on April 27; by now, each eligible voter in the county should have received a ballot at the mailing address provided to the Maryland Board of Elections.

Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, voting for the June 2 Primary will be conducted by mail, with limited options to vote in-person on election day.

The pandemic also resulted in the date of the Primary being moved from April 28 to June 2.

While the mail-in ballots voters receive will display the original Primary date of April 28, the ballots are in fact valid for the June 2 election.

‘Voting by mail is safe, secure and free.’

Maryland Administrator of Elections Linda Lamone

PHOTO COURTESY FRANK AND SUSAN LOPEZ

CLOUDY MEMORIES Frank and Susan Lopez say they saw their 15-year-old fur baby’s image in this cloud formation on May 3. The second photo was enhanced to highlight the image.

NJROTC A Black Hawk downing on the grounds of Stephen Decatur High School was not the only exciting event that students and staff members experienced in late February. The NJROTC program hosted several military personnel of all ranks to discuss leadership skills and career opportunities with the armed forces.

“Voting by mail is safe, secure and free,” said Maryland Administrator of Elections Linda Lamone. “There is no postage required to submit a ballot.

Voters simply need to fill out their ballot, sign the oath on the envelope and place it back in the mail.”

The return ballot must be postmarked no later than June 2, but can be mailed at any time before election day. Voters should sign only the oath on the outside of the envelope but not the ballot itself.

If an eligible voter does not receive a ballot in the mail, they may submit a request to absentee.SBE@maryland.gov or call 1-800-222-8683.

The Maryland State Board of Elections is committed to educating voters on the changes made to the election procedures due to the novel coronavirus epidemic. These changes have been made to ensure voters can exercise their fundamental right to vote while also safeguarding the public’s health during this pandemic.

The June 2 Presidential Primary election will be conducted by mail, with up to four in-person voting locations in each Maryland county and the City of Baltimore for those who are unable to vote by mail.

Drop boxes for voters to submit ballots will be available at designated locations beginning on May 21. The drop boxes will be available from May 21 until the close of voting on June 2.

For more information about this election, including a list of in-person voting locations, visit www.elections.maryland.gov or contact the State Board at 1-800-222-8683.

Commentary

Ocean City Today May 15, 2020

Page 28

Class of 2020 will see creative pomp “A Little Pomp Under the Circumstances” is the theme of Snow Hill High School’s graduation exercises, and it perfectly encapsulates the spirit and creativity of ceremonies that await the public school system’s graduating seniors.

The willingness of school system officials, personnel and students to entertain novel solutions to the state’s covid-19 restrictions on mass gatherings is impressive. Even more notable, however, is their resourcefulness, as they confronted a potentially ruinous situation and found ways to make alternative plans that were safe, celebratory and unusually memorable.

No one can say that the Class of 2020, and the people who led them to this juncture, suffers from a lack of problem-solving skills. That’s important, because of all the things a good education should provide, the ability to find functional answers to unfamiliar challenges is the most critical.

That’s especially important as this class takes the next step into a world where the greatest of the many problems it will face just might be finding a path to agreement on what these global challenges truly are and what to do about them.

Granted, deciding to replace the usual graduation ceremony march with a Boardwalk car parade for purposes of social distancing, as Stephen Decatur High School seniors are doing, is not the same thing as addressing global warming.

Neither does the Main Street vehicular procession to be staged by Pocomoke High School’s class of 2020 measure up to saving humanity from next unknown disease it will inevitably encounter.

But, as is evidenced by the alternative graduation plans they have assembled, members of these three classes will leave their schools with two things that civilization will require to overcome the known and unknown obstacles the lie ahead: a good spirit and critical thinking.

The county’s schools have done an excellent job of giving these students that foundation. Now, it’s up to them to build on it as they will.

Congratulations, Class of 2020, we’re confident that you will do your best.

Ocean City Today P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS .................. Greg Ellison, Morgan Pilz, ...................................... Joshua Kim, Elizabeth Bonin ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS............................ Mary Cooper CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS ................ Kelly Brown, Kyle Phillips PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year.

Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com.

Copyright 2020

PUBLIC EYE

Flawless Fauci isn’t?

How can it be that one-time smartest guy in the world Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top advisor on the crudvid-19, is suddenly one of the dumbest, according to some political commentators and U.S. senators?

Here’s a guy whose word we took as gospel in the world of infectious diseases, and now he’s the used car salesman of epidemiology — “Psst, buddy, wanna buy an N95 mask that belonged to an old lady who used it to go to the supermarket on Sundays? Garage kept. Just like By car, which we’ll even Stewart her throw in — a one-owner N95 Dobson AND a ’75 Ford Falcon!

Whaddaya say, pal?”

Sen. Rand Paul got in on the Fauci flailing this week, when he told the formerly good doctor that, while he respected him for knowing more than diddly squat, he didn’t know all things diddly, squat or otherwise.

I was somewhat surprised by this assertion, as Sen. Paul, as an ophthalmologist, is also medical doctor and therefore must know a considerable amount of diddly himself.

On the other hand, just because you’re a specialist in one field doesn’t mean you’re an expert in other fields. In other words, you wouldn’t go to Eye Doctor Paul for a colonoscopy, unless you recognized and accepted the risk of him misplacing your new bifocals where the sun don’t shine.

“So, Dr. Senator, what do you think?”

“Can you read the bottom line?” he asks.

“I thought that’s what you were doing.”

The shame of it is that whatever Dr. Fauci knows or doesn’t know, I would prefer to be advised on the right or wrong of what he’s saying by someone who’s up on the science in that field instead of someone who’s opinion is so, so, opinionated.

I mean I have at least two or three opinions on just about anything anyone could ask just in case I find myself mingling with people I don’t know all that well.

That way, I can quickly employ whichever one will work best when I’m trying to get along with others, which usually occurs about once a quarter.

I’m also aware, however, that there are times when I plain don’t know what I’m talking about. In fact, this could be one of them.

Then again, I still don’t get how an acknowledged smart person is so quickly viewed as a too-smart-for-our-own-good person by people who weren’t listening to him anyway. After all, if they weren’t listening, how would they know what he is?

It’s like one activist this week who demanded to know how Fauci gets to impose these rules, when he wasn’t elected to anything.

The answer, of course, is that he didn’t.

The governors did all that, not the epidemiologist, whose only rule, I believe, is that it’s always wise to match the exam you need with the doctor qualified to do it.

Otherwise, you might walk out afterward not knowing which end is up.

Your Online Community: www.oceancitytoday.com

MAY 15, 2020

PAGE 29

Ocean City Today

Blood supply ‘dangerously Ocean City Fire Department low,’ healthy donors sought promotes two staff members (May 15, 2020) As Delmarva begins to slowly reopen and hospitals anticipate the return of elective surgeries, Blood Bank of Delmarva is issuing an urgent call for healthy blood donors.

The need for red blood cells has rebounded to pre-covid-19 levels, but the blood supply is dangerously low.

In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished.

Right now, reserves are far below that minimum. For instance, O positive red blood cells are at a 2.8-day inventory level.

Before covid-19, mobile blood drives hosted by schools, organizations and businesses made up around 40 percent of the region’s incoming blood supply, but all drives had to be canceled during the past several months. The blood bank will begin holding a limited number of mobile blood drives each week, but they are far from the 50 drives per month that would be required to meet the growing need at area hospitals.

Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at a one of these mobile drives or one of blood bank’s three donor centers in Delaware and Maryland, but walk-ins will be allowed when space permits.

“The blood supply is a critical part of our healthcare system. It is imperative for healthy individuals to come in and do-

nate blood so that it’s available to those in need,” said Blood Bank of Delmarva President and CEO Christopher Hillyer, M.D. “At this unprecedented time, this is one thing you can do to help someone who desperately needs it. We have extended hours at our donor centers and we’re encouraging donors to schedule an appointment to visit one of these controlled, safe environments.”

Donating blood is safe and it only takes one hour. Extra precautions are being taken to help prevent the personto-person spread of covid-19.

Blood Bank of Delmarva staff is also practicing health self-assessments prior to presenting at work.

As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms.

Donors can schedule appointments by calling 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visiting www.delmarvablood.org.

Blood Bank of Delmarva is a not-forprofit 501(c)(3) community blood bank with a simple mission: saving lives.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva achieves its mission every day by providing safe blood and blood products to all 19 hospitals in Delmarva and relies on over 80,000 volunteer blood donors each year to ensure patients’ needs are met.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva distrib-

(May 15, 2020) The Ocean City Fire Department announces the promotion of Lt. Derrick Simpson and Lt. David Peterson to battalion chief.

Battalion Chief Simpson started with Ocean City Fire Department in May of 1999 as a part-time David Peterson firefighter/EMT and was hired full-time as a firefighter/paramedic in February of 2006.

Battalion Chief Simpson has served in a variety of roles including overseeing the departments SCBA Derrick Simpson Maintenance Program.

Effective April 13, Chief Simpson will command ‘A’ Shift and oversee fire operations and response.

Chief Simpson lives in Berlin with his wife, Shannon, and their three daughters.

Battalion Chief Peterson was hired with the department as a part-time firefighter/EMT in 1993.

In November of 2000, he was hired as a full-time firefighter/paramedic.

Chief Peterson has been the commander of the department’s Dive Team for the last five years and oversees nearly 20 public safety divers.

Beginning May 11, Chief Peterson will command ‘D’ Shift and oversee equipment and fleet operations.

Chief Peterson lives in Berlin with his wife, Dawn.

“We would like to congratulate Battalion Chief Simpson and Battalion Chief Peterson on their well-deserved promotion,” said Fire Chief Richie Bowers. “We thank them for their continued service to the residents and visitors of Ocean City and Worcester County.”

utes over 130,000 blood products annually and operates four donor centers.

Each year, the Blood Bank of Delmarva normally hosts over 600 blood drives.

These blood drives would not be possible without the commitment of community organizations that volunteer to serve as sponsors or coordinators, which provides

opportunities for blood donors to give blood and help patients in need.

Blood Bank of Delmarva is New York Blood Center Enterprises affiliate and a member of AABB and ABC. For more information, visit delmarvablood.org or follow at facebook.com/delmarvabloodbank.

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Flag display shifts focus to include essential workers

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (May 15, 2020) Although the dedication ceremony slated for Armed Forces Day this Saturday was shelved due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines’ Flags for Heroes display remains on track.

Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said despite health safety guidelines curtailing public celebrations, after consulting with project co-sponsors the Rotary Club of Ocean City and Berlin, maintaining the undertaking appeared vital.

“We didn’t want to cancel this years flag display because we felt there were more people out there today than ever before that should be thanked for their positive influences on our lives,” she said. “Flags for Heroes is about being an inspiration to somebody.”

In total, 200 flags will shade the landscape to the west side of the Veterans Memorial near Route 589 in Ocean Pines with a patriotic mass of red, white and blue from Armed Forces Day on May 16 through Flag Day on June 14.

Gilmore said while the Flags for Heroes exhibition in Ocean Pines, now in its third year, is essentially unchanged the focus has also shifted to essential workers.

“We never give much thought to how essential they are,” she said. “It’s put them in a whole new light and they are certainly the heroes of right now.”

Largely intended for U.S. Armed Forces members, during the past two years a smaller percentage of flags have been dedicated to heroes of a different ilk.

“It’s an opportunity to say thank you to a veteran for their service and that’s what probably 80 percent of the flags have gone to, but the other 20 percent have always been to other people who have been a hero in someone’s life in some way, shape or form,” she said.

Gilmore said those wider sentiments now include employees in the health care, food industry and shipping industries.

“This year we have that opportunity to say thank you to all those essential workers and hospital employees,” she said. “It’s more of an extension of the program than it is a change of course.”

Appropriate safety measures will be followed during display set up.

“The only people that will be together at any time are the people that are installing the flags and we’re going to take every precaution of social distancing as that procedure is done,” she said. “We felt that it was

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 You’ll have a lot of energy and inspiration this week, Aries. Feel free to do anything you put your mind to, especially some recreational activities.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you may be feeling especially affectionate this week. With an open heart, you could be ready to delve into a new layer of your relationship or find a new romance.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

The annual Flags for Heroes will again be on display in the field between Route 589 and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines.

super important for the display to go up this year.”

The prior pair of Flags for Heroes endeavors, with individual sponsorships costing $50 and corporate partners contributing anywhere from $250 to $2,000, have helped raise funds for the Veterans Memorial.

“That’s not the main point this year because we’re not even going back to businesses and reminding them that they supported us last year,” she said. “We don’t feel the economy is right to even ask that question.”

Groups lending support this year include: American Legion Synepuxent Post #166, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #166, the Vietnam Veterans of America Ocean City Chapter #1091 and the Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645.

“We also have Delmarva Power that came right back in and gave us support,” she said.

Gilmore said since sending correspondence in early March to some past sponsors about half of the allotted flags have been reserved.

“We’re getting a little bit of that corporate support but most of what’s coming back are individuals,” she said. “That’s the bread and butter of it, each individual $50 sponsorship.”

Gilmore said the focus shifted after the covid-19 pandemic tossed society a proverbial curveball and regardless of the level of participation the same size display is planned.

“We’re going to put up the 200 flags we put up last year [and each] has a medallion that … names the hero and the sponsor,” she said. “Our focus this year is to have an opportunity to say thank you to all essential workers and let them know they are appreciated and are the heroes in our lives.”

On a separate note, Gilmore said covid-19 pandemic has also delayed plans to mark the 15th anniversary of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines this May. “Memorial Day is the 15th anniversary of the dedication of Veterans Memorial,” she said. “It was dedicated on May 30, 2005.”

Gilmore, who joined the Veterans Memorial Foundation in 2004, credited co-founders Roseanne Bridgman and Board Member Emeritus Sharyn O’Hare for envisioning the project that broke ground on Veterans Day in 2004.

“I was there for the groundbreaking,” she said.

Contingent on ongoing developments, the intent is to mark the occasion at a later date.

“We hope to do that sometime in the fall,” she said. “We still want to recognize the 15th anniversary, it’s important.”

To learn more about flag sponsorships visit opvets.org/events/flagsfor-heroes-2020 or contact Cliff Berg at 302-540-2127 or email cliff0917@aol.com.

Art League Lunch & Learn webinar ongoing and free (May 15, 2020) The Art League of Ocean City continues its free monthly Lunch & Learn series online on Monday, May 18 from noon to 1:30 pm. The speaker will be Phil Cropper, noted area chef, educator, and designer.

The Lunch & Learn series fulfills the Art League’s mission to bring the creative arts to the community. Participants do not need to be artists or have any art experience to attend.

The Lunch & Learn series is moving online while the doors of the Ocean City Center for the Arts are temporarily closed.

“Let’s make this a true lunch and learn,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “We are encouraging participants to get takeout from one of our area restaurants, and enjoy lunch while you listen and watch Phil.”

Cropper, who also judged the Art League’s current “Farm-to-Table” exhibition, will speak about the art of food and what inspires him and give a short cooking demonstration.

See SERIES Page 31

People may be wise to give you a wide berth for the time being, Gemini. Your dander is up, and it may be a good time to look for ways to reduce stress.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, it is very possible that you will meet someone new this week who has the potential to become a lifelong friend. Be observant of every new face and name in your circle.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 A volatile situation could reach its breaking point soon enough, Leo. Arguments that have slowly been brewing will culminate. Fortunately, things will quiet down afterward.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, even though you are tempted to go in many different directions over the next few days, you’ll need to pick a course and stick with it if you are to get anything done.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this week you may find yourself taking center stage at a family gathering or with a group of friends. Use this opportunity to make your voice heard.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Be careful that your actions are not taken the wrong way, Scorpio. Do not take on traits that you would otherwise disagree with. Lighten up and be joyful this week.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, take a breather whenever you can because there is a whirlwind of activity soon to come your way.

Enjoy any breaks that come your way in the days ahead.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Your willpower may be weak lately, Capricorn, and you may be eating or doing things that you’ll regret later on. Ask a friend to guide you away from temptations.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, someone may offer you a promotion or another more influential position. Do not let this go to your head, but enjoy the success that has come your way.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, if you have noticed you are running into obstacles in your quest to meet your goals, you may want to step back and consider a new path.

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

OBITUARIES RAYMOND J. KRAMER Ocean City Raymond J. Kramer, age 87, of Ocean City, died Sunday, April 26, 2020, at Macky and Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines.

He was born in Baltimore and was the son of the late Joseph M. and Anna M. (Kawecki) Kramer.

He retired from Peterson, Howell and Heather Leasing as a service manager.

He was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City and was a U.S. Army veteran.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary LaVerne Kramer of Ocean City; a son, Christopher Kramer of Bel Air, Maryland; and a grandson, Grant Kramer.

Services and burial will be private in Bel Air, Maryland.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

PATRICIA DENNIS PYLYPCZUK Berlin Patricia Dennis Pylypczuk, “Pat,” age 81, died Saturday, April 25, 2020, at her home.

Born in Berlin, she was the daughter of the late Aubrey C. “Tooky” Dennis, and Virginia Lee Brittingham Dennis.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Pylypczuk; P. D. Pylypczuk and children, Cecil Tull and his wife, Dana, of Berlin, Denise Tull of Jacksonville, Florida, Christy Giroux and her husband, Eric, of Damascus, Maryland, and Jason Pylypczuk and his wife, Aubree, of Berlin.

There are 10 grandchildren, Cameron Tull, Aubrey Tull, Brittany Wheaton, Claire Wheaton, Mallory Rayne, Noelle Rayne, Ally Rayne, Matthew Giroux, Adley Pylypczuk, Eva Pylypczuk, and two great-grandchildren, Amara and Carter.

A 1957 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, and earning associate’s degree from Wesley College, Pat had worked for 35 years with ABC Printers, and had been a deacon at Buckingham Presbyterian Church in Berlin.

She enjoyed cooking and delivering printed materials to her family’s many customers.

A graveside service in Sunset Memorial Park will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company 214 N. Main St., Berlin, Maryland 21811; or to Women Supporting Women, 1320 Belmont Ave, Suite 402, Salisbury, Maryland 21804. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

ANNA M. EBAUGH Ocean City Anna M. Ebaugh, age 83, died on Sunday, April 26, 2020, after a brief illness.

Born in Uniontown, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Franklin Baker and Marie Houck Baker.

She was preceded in death by her hus-

band, William Martin Ebaugh, in 2010.

Surviving, are her daughters, Linda Sturgill and Virginia Case of Ocean City, Bonnie Mann and her husband, Daniel, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, and Vickie Whittaker of Ocean City.

She was an adored grandmother to Tyler Sturgill (Rachel), Cory Anna M. Ebaugh Sturgill, Elizabeth Mann, Fletcher Case, Beau Mann, Emily Case, and to two great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are her siblings, Edna Stephan and Thelma Carr (Scott), Raymond Baker (June), and David Baker, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Jesse “Junior” Baker.

Anna dedicated much of her life to being a homemaker.

After moving to Ocean City in 1985, she and her husband owned and operated A&B Tile Works for 20 years.

She enjoyed traveling and the beach and was extremely active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was also an experienced quilter, a talent shared by her mother and sisters.

Interment will be private for the family.

A donation in her memory may be made to: Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department, 1409 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

Letters of condolence may be sent via:

www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

DAVID EDWARD JOHNSON Berlin David Edward Johnson, age 44, died on Thursday, April 16, 2020.

Born in Milford, Delaware, he was the son of the late Bruce E. Johnson, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Patricia Lynch; a daughter, Caroline Brous and her husband, Dan, of Salisbury; and two sons, Conner Andrew Johnson and David Johnson, II, both of Weston, West Virginia.

Also surviving is a brother, Bruce Johnson, Jr. of Berlin; an uncle; Frank Lynch, Jr. and his wife, Joanne, of Berlin; and two aunts, Mary Elliott and her husband, Bruce, of Gumboro, and Gloria Ridgeway and her husband, Kenny, of Lewes, Delaware, and several nieces and nephews.

David had worked as a carpenter and was an avid Ravens fan.

A graveside service will be held in Sunset Memorial Park and will be private for the family.

Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

SALVATORE R. CIANCI Lititz/Ocean Pines Salvatore R. “Sal” Cianci, 93, of Lititz, formerly of Ocean Pines, Maryland, Continued on Page 32

PAGE 31

Series allow Art League to keep residents creative Continued from Page 30 He currently directs the culinary and pastry arts programs at Worcester Tech High School and is a manager at Fager’s Island.

Cropper is also the principal designer and owner of Phil Cropper Designs, a commercial interior design firm.

He gives back to the community by serving as president of the Delmarva Cooks & Chefs Association, president of The Friends of the Gwen Lehman Foundation, and board member of the Worcester County Arts Council, WorWic Community College/HMR and his church.

The Lunch & Learn event is free and open to all. Reservations are not required, but space is limited to Zoom’s maximum capacity of 100. The Zoom meeting ID is 846 7083 4943, and the password is “lunch.”

More information is available on the Art League’s website, ArtLeagueOfOceanCity.org, or by emailing Info@ArtLeagueOfOceanCity.org.

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

PAGE 32

Ocean City Today

MAY 15, 2020

OBITUARIES Continued from Page 31 passed away unexpectedly on April 24, 2020.

Born in Inwood, Long Island, New York, he was the son of the late Carmello and Jessie (Zappula) Cianci.

He was the loving husband of Elizabeth “Betty” Cianci Sal. R. Cianci (Melville).

Sal was a man that could always be found tinkering around his house. Small home improvement projects were his specialty and had a doit-yourself mentality.

He also enjoyed woodworking, whether it be sculpting or working on his lathe.

Betty meant everything to Sal. They enjoyed dancing and their specialty was the jitterbug.

Sal would often share with his friends and family that he and Betty met at a dance, where he wore his pink bowtie.

They also made a habit of living and being close to the water. Being at their home in Ocean Pines was something they both treasured.

Sal’s memory will live on in his wife, Betty; children, Chris Cianci, husband of Sandra, Donna Felger, wife of Eric, and Jeannie Sollenberger; grandchildren, Angie Mobark, Michelle Collier, Anthony M. Cianci, and Nicole and Amber Felger; great-grandchildren, Jonas, Bennett and Louie, as well as his sister, Virginia Torchetti.

He was preceded in passing by his siblings, Nancy Seguin and Joseph Cianci.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

MARGARET JEAN MCCRYSTAL Ocean Pines Peggy McCrystal, age 84, passed away peacefully April 30, 2019. She was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments.

Born Oct. 31, 1935 in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania to Guido and Marjorie Salvan, she was the eldest of three children.

Peggy married James McCrystal, on April 4, 1970, and had M. J. McCrystal just celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary last month.

She was very active in raising three generations of children; she was the true definition of a mother. Today, she rests in the arms of our Blessed Mother.

Peggy’s passion was being active in the lives of her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

She loved the beach where she spent many summers with family and friends, and ultimately made the beach her home.

She was happiest when her home was full of family and visitors – there was always room for more.

Growing up, our weekends were filled with the aroma of homemade, broom-

stick-dried Italian pastas.

She enjoyed home crafts and her beloved Shih-tzu puppies.

A former professional with IBM, she led the social activities of the IBM Club as its president.

In “retirement,” she operated her own small business, MJM Enterprises, which specialized in nutritional supplements and home health products.

Peggy was preceded to the Lord by her parents and her brother, Anthony Salvan.

She is survived by her husband, James; her sister and husband, Mimi and Mike Barcus; her sons and their wives, Ken and Ana Eastep, John Eastep and Lynne Reynolds, Michael and Sharon Eastep, Kurt Eastep and Sean McCrystal; her daughters, Jill McCrystal and Julie McCrystal; her grandchildren, James McCrystal, Eva Eastep, Evan Eastep, Jennifer Bechtel, John Michael Eastep, Amelia Eastep, Rachel Raby, Michael Joshua Eastep, Victoria Eastep and Nicolas Eastep; plus nine greatgrandchildren, and her many nephews, nieces and cousins — all of these she loved and touched deeply.

She had long been a student of her Catholic faith and bible studies. She was spiritually fulfilled when she traveled to Medjugorje many years ago.

Looking through her personal bible today, this highlighted verse from Matthew 28:20 was bookmarked: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

In lieu of the temporary governmental limitations on gatherings, there was a limited visitation, Sunday, May 3, at Burbage Funeral Home, in Berlin, Maryland, followed by a private funeral on Monday, May 4.

A celebration of Peggy’s life is being planned for this summer, which will be open to her many friends and family.

JAMES WESLEY BRYAN Fayetteville James Wesley Bryan, 62, of Fayetteville, died Monday, May 4, 2020.

He was born June 14, 1957, in Ocean City, Maryland, to James Wesley Bryan and Helen Ozella Dutton.

James is survived by three sons, Sherrod Bryan of Springdale, Walter Bryan and Dallas Bryan, both of Bentonville; and two daughters, Shayla Bryan of Springdale and Sandi Bryan of Charlottesville, Virginia. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home.

LOIS B. RUTH Hagerstown Lois B. Ruth (nee Healy) passed on April 27, 2020, in Hagerstown, Maryland.

She was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on Oct. 27, 1923, to Herbert and Linda Healy (nee Jenkinson).

Lois is survived by two daughters, Linda Landis (John) and Deborah Stewart (Thomas); nephew, Paul Michael Homan (Patty); five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three great-nieces.

In 1942, Lois joined The Navy Waves

and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, where she met her husband, Frank.

After the war, she and Frank married on July 12, 1948, and moved to Baltimore County, Maryland, to raise their family.

After Frank retired, they moved to Mystic Harbor in Berlin, Maryland, where Lois served on the Welcome Committee and was president of The Ladies Club for many years.

Lois enjoyed swimming, bird watching, going to the beach and being with her friends, especially the Ocean City Eight, as they called themselves.

She loved being a grandmother and having her grandkids spend time with

CROSSWORD

her and teaching them to swim while singing “I Could Have Danced All Night” with her New Jersey accent.

Lois will be missed by grandchildren, Jennifer Robinson and husband, Todd, and their three sons, Kyle, Jake and Luke; Angie Ward and husband, Adam, and their two sons, Carson and Mathew; Sherri Stewart, Thomas Stewart and Frank Stewart; and her special friend and sister of Adam Ward, Lisa Byrd.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; sister-in-law, Peggy Hohman; friend, Clifford Smith; and Jean Landis (son-in-law’s mother), who passed three hours before Lois to meet Answers on page 8

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 33

OBITUARIES her in the afterlife.

A memorial service for Lois and Frank will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Lois’ name to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program.

DAVID EARLE EFIRD Selbyville David Earle Efird, age 80, of Selbyville, died Monday, May 4, 2020, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Mr. Efird was born in Washington, D.C., and was the son of the late David Lee and Earline (Sarrells) Efird.

After high school, Earle worked in the plumbing trade becomDavid E. Efird ing a self-employed master plumber until his retirement in 2002.

He was a life member of the Kensington VFD in Kensington, Maryland.

He is survived by a son, David L. Efird, of Selbyville; a daughter, Elaine Roby (Jeff), of Inwood, West Virginia; five grandchildren, Danielle Reed (Kenny), of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Jonathan Lavely, of Charles Town, West Virginia, Earle Lavely, of Point Of Rocks, Maryland, Christopher Roby (Gabrielle), of Inwood, West Virginia,

and Erin Jennings (Phil), of Luray, Virginia, and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nadine Efird.

Due to current restrictions, services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

JOHN G. WIDGEON, SR. Bishopville John G. Widgeon, Sr., age 69, of Bishopville, died Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at home.

John was born in Salisbury and was the son of the late John Vincent and Hilda L. (Pusey) Widgeon.

He was a self-employed carpenter for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Linda E. Widgeon; two sons, John G. Widgeon Jr. and Matthew V. Widgeon, both of Berlin; one daughter, Candace Marie Widgeon, of Marathon, Florida; four step-children, Jerry A. Bowden (Kelly Nock), of Bishopville, Timothy J. Bowden of Ocean Pines, William A. Bowden Jr., of Ocean View, and Amy M. Bowden; two brothers, David P. Widgeon (Faye), of Parsonsburg, and Robert E. Widgeon (Taffy), of Spokane, Washington; nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Judy Widgeon, and a sister, Anita K. Dennis.

Memorial services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Maryland 21802.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

ENRICO THOMAS FEDERIGHI Millsboro Enrico “Rico” Thomas Federighi, age 92, of Millsboro, Delaware, formerly of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, Delaware.

He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on Nov. 1, 1927, son of the late Henry Federighi and the late Marie (Delage) Federighi.

Rico obtained his undergraduate from Enrico Federighi Johns Hopkins University, and his doctorate degree from Indiana University. He had also attended Antioch University (Yellow Springs, Ohio) where his father was the head of the science department.

Mr. Federighi was a mathematician for the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, retiring after 38 years of service.

He loved performing in the annual APL Christmas Program (he loved to sing). Rico was a member of Mensa and the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).

His family, numbers and baseball

were his greatest passions.

He had been active in the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus over the years.

While not as active in recent years, he was a longtime member of the Nautical Sound Barbershop Chorus.

He and his wife, enjoyed going to the Millsboro Senior Center.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Francis Federighi.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, BaDona (Bauman) Federighi; a son, Kenneth Federighi and his wife, Brandi, of Ocean Pines, Maryland; four grandchildren, Joseph Federighi (Sue), Vincent Federighi (Staci), Kara Rice (Chris) and Colton Federighi; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Renie Federighi; and a niece, Carol.

He is also survived by many greatnieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was truly “one of a kind.”

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, services and burial will be held privately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Delaware. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date once the restrictions have been lifted.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Enrico’s name to the Millsboro Senior Center, or The Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting, www.melsonfuneral services.com.

PAGE 34

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

IMPROVEMENTS TO TREATMENT UNIT NO. 3 AT THE OCEAN PINES WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT - WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting sealed bids for the improvements associated with Treatment Unit No. 3 at the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant (OPWWTP) for the Worcester County Department of Public Works - Water and Wastewater Division. Bid Packages and Bid Forms may be obtained online under the "Bids" drop-down menu in the lower right hand side of the home page at www.co.worcester.md.us or by calling the Commissioners' Office at 410-632-1194 to request a package by mail. Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 PM, Monday, June 8, 2020 in the Office of the County Commissioners at Room 1103 - Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Bids will be opened on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 1:00 PM EST and results will be promptly posted under the "Bids" drop-down menu of the County Website. Envelopes shall be marked "Bid for Improvements - OPWWTP Treatment Unit No. 3" in the lower left-hand corner. After opening, bids will be forwarded to the Department of Public Works for tabulation, review and recommendation to the County Commissioners for their consideration at a future meeting. In awarding the bid, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever bid they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate. All inquiries shall be directed to John Ross, Deputy Director of Public Works, at 410-641-5251, extension 2412.

OCD-5/14/1t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING GUM POINT ROAD AREA SEWER EXTENSION CREATION OF SERVICE AREA, CONSTRUCTION, AND PROVISION OF SERVICE FROM OCEAN PINES SERVICE AREA WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND In accordance with the provisions of Sections PW 5-305, PW 5-306 and PW 5-307 of the Public Works Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, the Worcester County Commissioners will hold a combined public hearing to create the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area in which public sewer services will be provided by

contract from the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area through sanitary facilities to be constructed by Worcester County. The public hearing on these matters will be held on TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 at 10:20 A.M. in the COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING ROOM ROOM 1101 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, the meeting will be held remotely via video teleconference. If you would like to speak at this public hearing you must register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/re gister/WN_OZnNd_q5RqJ7NBZsAbrxw . Participants who join the video/audio conference will be enabled to speak by the meeting chair. 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 18, 2020 in the County Commissioners Office at Room 1103 Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area Creation - In accordance with the provisions of Section PW 5-305, staff investigated the proposed establishment of the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area and found that: the proposed facilities are desirable for the comfort, convenience, health, safety and welfare of the people to be served; construction and operation of the facilities is feasible; the proposal is in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the County; the proposal will not be unduly detrimental to the environment; and the design and operation of the facility will be in accordance with all required permits and applicable standards.

Provision of Services from Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area - In accordance with the provisions of Section PW 5-306, the County Commissioners propose that sanitary services to serve the newly created Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area will be provided by contract from the Ocean Pines Service Area by way of extension of the sewer infrastructure as envisioned in the Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Plan for Worcester County as amended by Resolution No. 05-9 adopted on April 5, 2011 which added the Greater Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area, a part of which includes the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area. Ratepayers within the Gum Point Road Sanitary Service Area will pay the equity contribution as established by the County Commissioners to the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area upon connection to the facilities and will thereafter pay user charges as established annually for the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area.

Construction of Sanitary Facilities to Serve the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area - In ac-

cordance with the provisions of Section PW 5-307, the County Commissioners propose to construct the sewer facilities extending from the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area to the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area to serve a total of 97 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs). Based upon recent estimates for this proposed construction project, the County Commissioners have established a budget of $268,000.00 (two hundred sixtyeight thousand and 00/100 dollars) for this project. Construction funding is proposed to be borrowed from the General Fund and repaid by the individual property owners served by the sewer facilities at an estimated cost of $16,886 (sixteen thousand eight hundred eighty-six and 00/100 dollars) per EDU which includes reimbursement of the County construction costs ($2,763 per EDU), the equity contribution cost to the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area ($11,785 per EDU), Future Capital Improvement (FCI) cost ($600 per EDU) and sewer service connection cost ($1,738 per EDU). The above estimates reflect FY21 costs which will vary in future years. In addition, each property owner will be responsible for purchasing and installing a grinder pump at an estimated cost of $5,000 and other hookup costs (electrical, plumbing) to connect to the system.

Once County Government Offices are opened to the public, the case file for this proposed project may be reviewed at the Department of Environmental Programs, Room 1201 (2nd Floor) - Worcester County Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday (except holidays). In the interim, the case file may be reviewed on the County website at www.co.worcester.md.us . Interested parties may also call 410-632-1220.

All interested citizens are encouraged to virtually attend the hearing and express their views on this matter. Both written and oral testimony will be accepted.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "D" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: James Anthony DiBuo, 12004 Turtle Mill Road, Bishopville, Maryland 21813; Danelle Marlene Amos, 2 10th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Billwen Enterprises, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Crawl Street Tavern 501 South Baltimore Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: O'Donnell Brothers Holdings, LLC There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020

MAY 15, 2020 @ 1:00 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: John C. McIoota, 10050 Golf Course Road #37, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Matt Pfau, 500 Cascade Lane #513, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971.

For: SIBAG, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Sunset Island Bar & Grille 1 Beachside Drive Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 1:30 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for Transfer of a Class "B" B/W/L 7 Day license from Route 50 Diner, Inc. to Ocean Taps, LLC and Request to Designate as Multiple License #3 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Avraham Sibony, 1566 Teal Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Ocean Taps, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Route 50 Taphouse 12806 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: Route 50 Diner, Inc. There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 1:40 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19

MAY 15, 2020

pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for Transfer of a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Muhammad Usman Ali, 303 Belt Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; Elsie Virginia Ahmad, 303 Belt Street, Snow Hill, Mayland 21863.

For: 28 Snow Hill 2020, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Duck In II 5610 East Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 Formerly: Prayosha, LLC There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 1:55 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "H" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Tauhid Islam, 9804 Winding Trail Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Ocean I Liquor, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Cambria Hotel 13 St. Louis Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 2:10 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

PAGE 35

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Stephen William Kolarik, 11620 Back Creek Road, Bishopville, Maryland 21813; Linda Michelle Barragan, 11620 Back Creek Road, Bishopville, Maryland 21813.

For: Cafe Con Pan, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Casita Linda 218 North Baltimore Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 2:25 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Ross Andrew Bergey, 11428 Newport Bay Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: 1106 Cavu, Inc. For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Annabelle’s BBQ & Creamery 6401 Coastal Highway #1 Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 2:35 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class "B" B/W/L 7 Day and Request to Designate as Multiple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Michael John James, 12805

Kings Court, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Frederick Joseph Palloni, Jr., 13025 Marthas Choice, Bowie Maryland 20720; Matthew Michael James, 117 112Th Street Unit B, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Carousel F&B, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Fenwick Inn Hotel 13801 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 2:50 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

19971.

For: DC 34, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Hilton Tru Hotel 3401 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 3:15 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18268 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF VIRGINIA LEE Notice is given that L. Monty Hawkins, 74 Bramblewood Drive, Berlin, MD 21811, was on May 04, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Virginia Lee who died on March 19, 2020, 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 November, 2020.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

L. Monty Hawkins Personal Representative

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class "B" B/W/L 7 Day and Request to Designate as Multiple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Nicole Lynn Brushmiller, 103 South Main Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811 For: Burley Café, Inc. For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Globe 12 Broad Street Berlin, Maryland 21811 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 3:05 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020.

OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Jeff M. Thaler, 607 South Pacific Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Kenneth K. Martin, 128 East Side Drive, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971; Michael A. Meoli, 7 Johnson Branch Court, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

HUGH CROPPER IV, ESQ 9923 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., SUITE D2 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

PAGE 36

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

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: May 07, 2020 OCD-5/7/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 20-2 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 20-2 (Zoning - Special Events in the RP Resource Protection District) was introduced

by Commissioners Church, Mitrecic, Nordstrom and Purnell on March 17, 2020.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § ZS 1-215(c)(15). (Renumbers the previous subsection ZS 1215(c)(15) to subsection ZS 1215(c)(16) and adds a new subsection ZS 1-215(c)(15) to allow the commercial hosting of non-agricultural functions and events as an accessory use on a farm in the RP Resource Protection District by special exception with certain conditions and minimum lot requirements, including a minimum lot area of twenty-five acres. Such facilities and uses must be in compliance with all building, fire, health, zoning and environmental code requirements. The event must be located not less than five hundred feet from any residential structure on an adjacent property and any amplified music must end by 11:00 pm.)

A Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. will be held on Bill 20-2 at the Commissioners' Meeting Room, Room 1101 - Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, the meeting will be held remotely via video teleconference. If you would like to speak at this public hearing you must register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/re gister/WN_OZnNd_q5RqJ7NBZsAbrxw . Participants who join the video/audio conference will be enabled to speak by the meeting chair. 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 18, 2020 in the County Commissioners Office at Room 1103 Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

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

ter County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us .

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-4/30/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 20-3 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 20-3 (Natural Resources - Special Events in Resource Conservation Areas) was introduced by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Church, Elder, Mitrecic, Nordstrom and Purnell on April 21, 2020.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § NR 3-102(a). (Adds a definition of the term “Special Events” to the Worcester County Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Law.) § NR 1-108(d)(10). (Adds this new subsection to authorize special events to be conducted in an Estate, Agricultural or Resource Protection zoning district within Resource Conservation Areas of the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, subject to certain standards, including: the activities must generally occur outside the buffer area; a scaled drawing must be submitted for approval demonstrating compliance with the site requirements of the County Zoning Ordinance and minimizing impacts on natural resources; such events shall be conducted in close proximity to existing structures; special events shall be limited to properties of twenty-five acres or larger in area and may only be scheduled to occur between April 1 and October 31 of each calendar year; and requiring compliance with and protection of Habitat Protection Areas as defined in Section NR 3-120 of the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Law.) A Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. will be held on Bill 20-3 at the Commissioners' Meeting Room, Room 1101 - Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, the meeting will be held remotely via video teleconference. If you would like to speak at this public hearing you must register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/re gister/WN_OZnNd_q5RqJ7NBZsAbrxw . Participants who join the video/audio conference will be enabled to speak by the meeting chair. 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 18, 2020 in the County Commissioners Office at Room 1103 Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in

the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us .

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-4/30/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PROPOSED CHANGE IN ZONING NORTH OF US ROUTE 50 EAST OF GOLF COURSE ROAD WEST OCEAN CITY TENTH TAX DISTRICT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Pursuant to Section 1-113 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, Rezoning Case No. 424 has been filed by Hugh Cropper, IV, attorney, on behalf of Stockyard, Inc., property owner, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change approximately 0.25 acres of land located to the north of US Route 50 and east of Golf Course Road in West Ocean City, in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from R-3 Multi-Family Residential District to C-2 General Commercial District. The Planning Commission has given a favorable recommendation to the rezoning application.

Pursuant to Sections 1-113 and 1114 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, the County Commissioners will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020 at 9:40 A.M. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, the meeting will be held remotely via video teleconference. If you would like to speak at this public hearing you must register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/re g i s t e r / W N _ x f Z 6 3 49QrqInTBAO9reWA . Participants who join the video/audio conference will be enabled to speak by the meeting chair. 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, June 1, 2020 in the County Commissioners Office at Room 1103 Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

At said public hearing, the Commissioners will consider the rezoning application, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 424 and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions on the rezoning, other appropriate restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements

MAY 15, 2020 being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance.

Maps of the petitioned area, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 424 and the Planning Commission's recommendation which will be entered into the record of the public hearing are on file and are available to view electronically by contacting the Department of Development Review and Permitting, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm (except holidays).

Joseph M. Mitrecic, President OCD-5/14/2t _________________________________

TOWN OF BERLIN

NOTICE

OF A PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE 2020-03 APPROVING THE FY 2021 BUDGET AS SUBMITTED The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berlin will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Berlin Town Hall Council Chambers, 10 William Street, on Ordinance 2020-03. A copy of the proposed Ordinance will be available in the Mayor and Council Packet on the Town website, www.berlinmd.gov or can be emailed or mailed to you upon request, please call 410-641-2770 or email info@berlinmd.gov to request a copy for inspection.

Ordinance 2020-03 An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of The Town of Berlin, Maryland approving the FY21 Budget as submitted.

OCD-5/14/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18270 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CEAN LISA BUNTING Notice is given that David Orlando Bunting, 906 Rosalie Way, Salisbury, MD 21804, was on May 04, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cean Lisa Bunting who died on April 6, 2020, 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.

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

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 November, 2020.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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 Orlando 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: May 14, 2020 OCD-5/14/3t _________________________________

PRINT WEB oceancitytoday.com • baysideoc.com

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MAY 15, 2020 Classifieds now appear in Ocean City Today & the Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com and baysideoc.com.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Hiring ALL Positions!!

HIRING ALL POSITIONS!!

Full time & Part time To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com

Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd street! or call 443-664-2825

MAINTENANCE Immediate position available for year-round Restaurant Maintenance Personnel. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC & LPgas knowledge required. Prior experience with restaurant equipment necessary. Great opportunity with benefits. Send resume to: REST. MAINTENANCE, PO Box 160, Ocean City, MD 21843 or email romeara@harrisongp.com.

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $17.50/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

Worcester County Government

Work on the Beach in Ocean City, MD Renting Umbrellas and Chairs to Beachgoers • Over 65 Beach Attendant Positions Available • Make Lifelong Friends & Memories • Earn Valuable Sales & Customer Apply Online at Service Skills EightyFiveAndSunny.com/ • Competitive Wages Employment • Hourly + Commission + Tips

Maintenance Technician Competitive Salary: $17 - $20/hr. depending on experience.

• Help build and maintain Delaware and Maryland's fastest growing restaurant group • Perform interior and exterior finish work, such as drywall, painting, paneling, ceiling and floor tile, plumbing repairs, heating and air conditioning system repairs • Perform routine and emergency repairs on restaurant equipment, including diagnostics on electrical and refrigeration components • On call on a rotating emergency schedule for weekends and holidays • Basic skill sets must include some Electric, Plumbing, Carpentry, Refrigeration Benefits: Health Insurance, 401K, Sick Leave Fax to 410-520-0199 For faster processing please apply online at www.joindunkin.com.

COMMERCIAL

PGN Crabhouse 29th Street & Coastal Hwy. Help Wanted • Delivery Drivers • Kitchen Help • Waitstaff Please call 410-289-8380

Year Round, 3 BR, 2 Bath Home off Keyser Point Road in WOC. Heat pump. 2 sheds.

Great neighborhood. Ideal for retired couple.No smoking, no pets. Unfurnished. $1400/ month + sec. dep. Taking applications. Call or text 410422-2100.

1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City.

Call 443-497-4200

RENTALS RENTALS Downtown OC Seasonal Apartments Available May 18-Sept. 16 Utilities included No pets/No smoking For inquiries call, 443-373-1443

RAMBLER MOTEL

ROOM FOR RENT ROOM FOR RENT Room For Rent. +55. North OC near 118th St. Furnished bedroom w/shared bath & laundry w/common area and deck overlooking canal. $675/mo. utilities incl. Avail.

Immediately. 410-603-5110

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Taking on New Listings.

Need help selling your house?? Call Howard Martin Realty, 410-352-5555.

We also handle year-round rentals.

Seasonal General Laborer The Town of Berlin is in search of a seasonal general laborer. Duties include but are not limited to grass cutting and trash removal.

The selected candidate must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Normal working hours will range from 20-40 hours per week to include alternating weekends.

Applications may be downloaded from our website: http://www.berlinmd.gov Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources office located at 10 William St. Berlin, MD 21811 via our drop box.

The Town of Berlin is an EEO employer.

Become a Better You in 2020!

To Order Product Call Christine 443-880-8397 or email: snowhillavon@ comcast.net To Become an Avon Representative Sign Up at www.

ChristinesBeautyShop.com

Online

BERLIN: From 225 sq. ft. to 700 sq. ft. office space. From $350 to $1100 per month.

Includes utilities. 120 sq. ft. storage sheds each $95/mo.

Call 410-726-5471.

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

Classified Deadline is Monday @ 5pm

SERVICES

Town of Berlin

You are applying for work with a franchisee of Dunkin’ Donuts, not Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Any application or information you submit will be provided solely to the franchisee. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who are solely responsible for their own employees and set their own wage and benefit programs that can vary among franchisees.

ssifieds la C r u o Y r e Ord

RENTALS

9942 Elm Street, WOC (Behind Starbucks) Sleeps 4, $250 per week Manager onsite 410-213-1764

Is currently hiring for the following full-time jobs: Correctional Officer Trainee ~ Transfer Station Attendant Roads Worker ~ Maintenance Mechanic Plant Operator ~ Building Maintenance Landfill Operator ~ Vehicle & Equipment Mechanic EOE/AA Job descriptions and application available: http://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/hr/jobs.

Excellent Benefits. Call 410-632-0090 or fax applications to 410-632-5614 e-mail to Ann Hankins- ahankins@co.worcester.md.us

HELP WANTED

BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service Classifieds 410-723-6397

www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/ NOTICES Recently diagnosed with MARYLAND STATEWIDE LUNG CANCER and 60+ years old? Call now! You and CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING your family may be entitled to NETWORK a SIGNIFICANT CASH AWARD. Call 855-404-8251 AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS today. Free Consultation. No DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, Risk.

RVs Lutheran Mission Society of MD. Compassion Place EDUCATION/INSTRUCTION TRAIN ONLINE TO DO ministries help local families MEDICAL BILLING! with food, clothing, counseling Tax deductible. MVA li- Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! censed #W1044.

Get Trained, Certified & ready 410-636-0123 www.CompassionPlace.org to work in months! Call 888453-2456. (M-F 8am-6pm ET) BUSINESS SERVICES HEALTH/MEDICAL Bulk advertising at its best: SUPPLIES advertise in over 70 newspapers and reach millions of Attention: Oxygen Users! readers with ONE call. Gain freedom with a Portable Broaden your reach and get Oxygen Concentrator! No results for pennies per reader. more heavy tanks and refills!

Call Wanda at 410-212-0616 Guaranteed Lowest Prices!

Call the Oxygen Concentrator or email Store: 866-994-1121 wsmith@mddcpress.com.

www.oceancitytoday.com

Convenient, quick, no waiting, no calls ~ Days, nights and weekends

FINANCIAL SERVICE Over $10K in debt? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay a fraction of what you owe. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 866-572-8948.

MISCELLANEOUS: FOR SALE Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping!

100% guaranteed.

CALL NOW: 855-820-2858 SERVICESMISCELLANEOUS Increase your customer base and get great results by placing your ads in the MDDC – Classified Advertising network! Call today 410-2120616 Ask for Multi-Media Specialist - Wanda & watch your results grow.

MAY 15, 2020

PAGE 39

Ocean City Today

BLINDS & SHADES

COSMETICS the company for women

ELECTRICAL/CONSTRUCTION

• cosmetics • skin care • body care • fragrances • gifts • & more!

CHRISTINE BROWN independent sales representative

443-234-5262

order online: www.christinesbeautyshop.com

ELECTRICIAN

Raymond O’Brocki Jr. Master Electrician 443 691 0544 Call or Text

FIREPLACES

emerGency service available

410-251-3153 residential & commercial service

additions • interior/exterior lighting Tanner: Owner/Operator lampRobert & light repair & serviceSince 1989 Wall outlets – microwaves • Generator installs

Call Turner Today 410-251-3153 BERLIN • OCEAN PINES • OCEAN CITY

HOME IMPROVEMENT

* SALES, SERVICE, AND INSTALLATION * * GAS, WOOD BURNING, AND PELLET * * CUSTOM MANTELS & ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS *

Same Rate Day, Evening, Weekends

35 Years Experience

302.436.9250

No Job Too Small! Free Estimates!

Residential/Commercial/Emergencies!

MD Lic #2268 Worcester Co Lic #M1337

38205 DuPont Blvd.

Selbyville

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

BAYSIDE BUILDERS

COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK DONE BY OWNER

• Flat Roof Specialist • • Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Custom Homes • Additions • Repairs • Kitchens • Baths • Tile Work • Decks • Custom Inside Trim Work • Hardwood Floors

Cell: 410-713-8599

ROOF REPLACEMENT & REPAIRS

PipeLine

Contracting, LLC Home Improvement Services Company

atminc4u@aol.com

PAINTING

We take care of your “To Do” list, so you don’t have to!

Home Improvement & Property Management Services • Drywall • Flooring • Tile • Room Remodeling • General Carpentry

• Painting • Painting Touchup • Drywall Repair • Lighting/Ceiling Fan Replacement

• Screen Repair • Plumbing Repair • Property Management • Residential

• Commercial US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor

Servicing Delaware & Maryland Beaches

Call Us Today! (410) 982-8368 • (610) 209-7604 pipelinecontracting.net • info@pipelinecontracting.net MDHIC # 107489 • DE # 2014100304 PAHIC#104744 • Insured & Licensed

ROOFING

ROOFING

FREE Written Estimates Over 31 Years of Roofing You!

• The BEST Warranties • Locally Owned & Operated • Over 20k Served • GAF Master Elite Certified • 5 Star Skylight Specialists • Financing g Ava.

Shingle Roofs • Metal Roofs • Flat Roofs

Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989

Family Owned & Operated

ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS

FREE ESTIMATES 108 Moss Hill Ln., Salisbury, MD 410-831-3938 32295 Nassau Rd., Lewes, DE 302-200-7663

Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946

ROOFING

TUTORING

10545 Friendship Road, Unit 3, Berlin, Maryland 21811 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com *Licenced in MD, DE &VA

Ed’s Math Tutoring in your home

Has your child been challenged learning math?

Edward Fowler

Experienced grade school math tutor.

302-864-7163

www.roofers www. ww roofer roof ro roofer offers rs.o .org .org g

410.204.2586 410 204 2586

YOUR BUSINESS

Your Business Card Here!

Call Nancy 410-723-6397

TRIPLE

CROWN

PAGE 40

MAY 15, 2020

Ocean City Today

-LIKE US ON

Neighbors Serving Neighbors - One Home at a Time 410-208-9200 • 800-337-7368 • 11065 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines • 8202 Coastal Highway, Ocean City • 410-723-9450 Licensed in MD, DE

• www.hilemanrealestate.com • e-mail: hilemanre@aol.com NEW LISTING!

A TOUCH OF TUDOR!

Call Debbie Hileman at 443-235-5982

Recent updates include new kitchen and baths, stainless steel appliances and much more! Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, hardwood floors, and a full wall brick hearth fireplace. The Master Bedroom provides access to the 22x10 screened porch, and contains a beautiful tiled shower with glass doors. Partially $279,900 Furnished!

SPACIOUS CEDAR HOME

Sonia

Zaffiris Associate Broker GRI, CRS

Licensed in MD, DE

443-366-9177 SoniaSEZ@aol.com

Offers multidimensional design allowing for views, light, space and acoustics. Dramatic open entry foyer connects to great room with fireplace & built-ins, dining, contemporary kitchen with breakfast bar, newer quartz counter-tops. 1st level master bedroom & full bath with whirlpool, separate shower, walk-in closet and walk out deck. 2 more bedrooms, full bath, loft overlooks lower level.

Special feature is a private room ideal for office, hobbies, exercise or ideas of your own. This limited edition work was lovingly enjoyed and maintained by the original owners. $319,900

DIRECT WATERFRONT!

Marisa

Dolbey REALTOR , ASP 410-251-8238 Cell Marisadolbey1 @gmail.com ®

Direct River Access from this Sunny & Bright with LOTS of Windows & Skylights! Soak up the Sun on the rear multi-level decks, screened porch or on your private Boat Dock!

New carpet, vinyl & fresh paint. Laminate Flooring in Living, Dining & Master BR. Upstairs Loft, Dual-Zone Heat Pumps, Storage shed in rear, Plus more storage in extra-high crawl space. $529,900

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Kevin D.

Heselbach REALTOR , RSPS ®

Licensed in MD & DE

410-723-9450 Office kheselbachHRE @gmail.com

Terri

Bradford

Associate Broker, GRI

Bethany

Drew

Associate Broker, Licensed in MD, DE GRI

Terri: 410-430-6875 Bethany: 410-430-2602 www.PO2Team.com Powerof2@PO2Team.com

2 ocean block buildings. 2-3Br 2Ba units on 78th (upper & Lower) Vacation rental properties and 2-2Br 2Ba units (behind, upper & Lower) year round rentals with parking along side and between buildings.

Units have long solid rental histories.

$999,000

SHOWS LIKE A MODEL!

Fully renovated 1BR/1BA unit w/luxury vinyl floors throughout. Kitchen w/SS appliances, granite countertops, 3D look tile backsplash & spacious breakfast bar. New lighting & plumbing fixture, fresh paint, & updated bath. Amenities offer swimming pool & laundry facility. Call for your personal tour!

$165,000

NEW LISTING!

METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED

3BR/2BA waterfront townhouse w/3 levels of decks & assigned boat slip.

Spacious eat-in kitchen offers cherry wood cabinets w/soft close drawers & custom storage space. Living room faces canal & leads to 2nd deck.

Remodeled hall bath w/tile floor. Newer water heater, kitchen appliances, remodeled bath & AC. Updated roof & exterior.

Conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants & all fun places OC has to offer. $287,900

MOTIVATED SELLER

Tim

Ulrich Associate Broker 410-422-1441 Cell timrealestate9 @gmail.com

Convenient to all locations in W. OC, newer 3BR/2BA w/nice open floor plan.

Master BR w/walk-in closet & full master BA. Upgrades include: tilted windows, Armstrong floors, insulated crawl. Detached garage has separate 110/220 service. 10X10 Shed, enough parking for up to 7 cars on concrete driveway. Full size laundry room. So close to the beach, yet peaceful park setting w/low county taxes, makes this an affordable option for owning $169,654 at the beach.

MOVE-IN READY & FURNISHED WATERFRONT

home with boat dock has lots of potential!!

An unfinished 600 square foot 2-level addition could be a guest cottage/studio/ office/workshop/garage. The 2nd level even has a balcony overlooking the canal! The main house features a wide open great room with a window wall facing the spacious deck, fire pit & boat dock. One year warranty to Buyer for extra protection. $359,000

Call Debbie Hileman at 443-235-5982

MOVE IN READY

Bayside waterfront 2BR/2BA w/views of Assateague Island & Ocean w/sunset views of inlet & bay. Never been rented. Downtown OC Location. Walk to the boardwalk, restaurants, shopping or the beach. Community pool, large sundeck & building elevator. 1 assigned parking spot and a shared parking spot. Views are breath taking.

Lynette

Bridges-Catha CRS, PMN, GREEN, SRES

Licensed in MD, DE

443-497-3128 Cell Smilin4shore@comcast.net

$269,900

Member of: MRIS, Sussex & Coastal Multiple List

SAVOR THE EXPANSIVE VIEWS

in every direction from this MegaSpacious 3 level, 5 Bedroom Waterfront Home with Elevator, 2 Garages, Generator & 2 Master Bedroom Suites. There is definitely a room here for EVERY occasion!

Extras include 2 separate Washer/Dryers, central vacuum, security system and surround sound. Sellers are providing a 1 year home warranty and brand new 90' bulkhead for Buyer.

Prepare to be Amazed!!

$1,295,000

PANORAMIC WATERVIEWS

This 3BR/3BA Townhome is a Secret Gem with expansive Waterviews in Ocean Pines... all the way to the Bay and the OC Skyline! And NO CONDO FEES! 2 Master suites, 3 balconies, living room with wet bar, plenty of parking, plus garage that has extra storage. 2 gas fireplaces, tiled floors, whirlpool tub, island kitchen, window seat, central vac, and PRIVACY! New carpeting. $369,900

Debora E.

Hileman OWNER/BROKER GRI & CRS Licensed in MD, DE

443-235-5982 Cell Debbie@Hileman RealEstate.com

BUILD YOUR PERFECT COUNTRY HOME!

Two Large Parcels - 1.5 Acres & 2.07 Acres. Plenty of room for pets, gardening, friends, & family gatherings. Standard Septic System approved for up to 5 Bedrooms. Very convenient to the Town of Berlin, Ocean City & Assateague Beaches!

ADORABLE RANCHER

with Front Porch and Screened Porch backs to Park! Open Floor Plan has Cathedral Ceiling, Breakfast Bar & Sunny Skylight in the Guest Bath. Brand new Carpeting & Laminate Plank Flooring. Stainless Appliances only 2 yrs old, Brand new Water Heater & Washer. One Year Warranty to Buyer!

IN-TOWN BERLIN PERSONALITY

$79,900 & $99,900

NEW LISTING!

3BR/3BA on historic tree-lined st. Master BA w/double walk-in shower, free-standing soaking tub. Office, hobby or music room w/separate entrance.

Updated kitchen, SS appliances & fireplace dining area. Deck w/overlooks back yard & patio.

A block to downtown Berlin. $339,900

Cindy

Crockett REALTOR®, GR

Licensed in MD

$214,900

410-430-0587 Cell Cindy@HilemanReal Estate.com

Lydia Rittersbacher REALTOR® 443-366-9177 Cell Lydiarealestate @yahoo.com