5/24/2024 OC Today-Dispatch

Abbott flips, budget flops

Comissioners’ second vote on school budget cuts millions

Worcester County Commissioner Caryn Abbott was the swing vote last week in the county’s 4-3 approval of all but $1 million of the board of education’s $107 million budget for the next fiscal year.

She switched sides this week, as another 4-3 vote OK’d a scaled-back plan that cuts the teachers pay increase and restricts other funds from being used to make up the difference. — Page 3

Mailloux pursues another appeal

Asks for review of of earlier ruling in Gavin Knupp case

Tyler Mailloux hopes high court will overturn a lower court ruling that said the state’s attorney was correct in pursuing charges in circuit court. — Page 14

Name game continues

Bowing to public opinion, the City Council voted in April to name Third Street Park “Third Street Park.” Now, maybe not. — Page 10

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICK DENNY AND BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Stephen Decatur High School’s Class of 2024 were celebrated Wednesday with a parade along the Boardwalk.

PHOTO COURTESY LOIS GOETZKE

Abbott reverses position on budget

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) A week after voting to provide the school system with $1 million less than requested in the coming year’s budget, county officials on Tuesday voted 4-3 to reduce that figure to just under $105 million.

Commissioner Caryn Abbott told her peers on Tuesday she’d had second thoughts about her vote to support providing the school system with about $106 million. Her motion to reduce the Worcester County Board of Education funding to the level that would provide staff with 4% raises rather than the 6% raises discussed last week passed with a 4-3 vote. Those in opposition said the county had the money to fund the school system at a higher level.

“We have the money to fund this,” Commissioner Eric Fiori said. “Expenses have gone up.”

During a budget work session last week, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 to fund the school system at $1 million less than the roughly $107 million requested. While Abbott, Fiori, Commissioner

Joe Mitrecic and Commissioner Diana Purnell supported the motion, which was expected to provide the school system with funding to give 6% raises, Commissioner Chip Bertino, Commissioner Jim Bunting and Commissioner Ted Elder advocated for a more modest budge† that would have allowed for 4% raises and a step increase.

At the start of this Tuesday’s budget work session Abbott said she’d reconsidered her position.

“I’ve had a long week since last Tuesday. I felt I did not make the right decision for the county. I want to say that I think we need to stay within our budget and not spend money we don’t have,” she said, making a motion to reduce funding to the 4% level, which would provide the school system with $104,980,244.

Mitrecic objected. He said that providing a 4% cost-of-living adjustment was not enough. He said the county had millions in its budget stabilization fund. According to staff there is $13 million in the fund now and the county expects to end this current fiscal year with an $11 million surplus.

“We could possibly have $24 million sitting in the budget slush fund,” he said. “It’s a slush fund. It’s taxpayer money we’re holding that you

do not spend… You want to do this that’s fine but let’s give the $11 million back to the taxpayers. Let’s drop the tax rate. If we’re worried about the taxpayers lets drop the tax rate. To not give those raises to people who make this county run is wrong.”

Fiori agreed.

“I was the one who started the argument about these teacher raises,” he said. “I started it and what I found after hundreds and hundreds of hours’ worth of research is yes leadership at the board of education has not followed their financials to a T.”

He said changes needed to be made but that money shouldn’t be pulled away from teachers. He said the commissioners had made their point to the board of education by reducing funding by $1 million.

“We cannot penalize our teachers,” he said. “I think this is wrong.”

Bertino said that if teachers were getting a 4% raise and a step increase, they were actually getting a 6.5% increase, as a step was about 2.5%. He added that earlier this spring the commissioners also agreed to spend more than $2 million in the coming year to buy down the health insurance increase for employees so they would not bear the brunt of increased costs.

See ABBOTT Page 6

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Bunting said he felt Abbott’s motion was fair.

“I think it’s the fairest to the employees and the constituents of Worcester County,” he said. He added that a budget stabilization fund was there to help the county in times of need. “We don’t know what’s coming next November. It may go down the drain.”

Elder said the average teacher would get more than $4,500 more a year with the 4% cost-of-living adjustment and step increase.

“I don’t see anything unreasonable about that,” he said.

Purnell argued that costs for everything—food, insurance, electric—had increased.

“The cost of living has skyrocketed for a lot of people,” she said. “A

teacher is not the highest paid person in this county. Our teachers used to be well paid but they’re not anymore…We all struggle. To take away instead of giving, and we’ve been taking away from our county employees for a while, we can’t keep doing this. We cannot keep this attitude up.”

Fiori asked Finance Officer Phil Thompson about revenue projections related to assessments. Thompson said the volume of transactions was down but that prices had not yet faltered.

“We’re still seeing … pretty strong numbers,” Thompson said.

Fiori asked if revenues would continue to increase.

“I think if you look at our trends … you’re going to see a three-year cycle of significant upticks yes,” Thompson said.

Mitrecic said the average family spent $4,780 more this year than last year for the basics.

“Our people are going backwards,” he said, adding that employees were regularly leaving the county because of pay rates.

Elder said the county was under the same economic pressure everyone else was.

“I can’t see spending tomorrow’s money today,” he said. “I just don’t agree with that.”

Mitrecic said the school system still had to increase the starting teacher salary as required by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

“We have to reach the $60,000 starting salary by 2027,” he said. “That is mandated by the state. It’s not going away.”

Abbott said the school system set

teacher salaries.

“I believe they can do it and they have not …,” she said. “Setting teacher salaries is not our job, that is the board of ed. Given 4%, they can possibly find that other 2% if they want to. That’s up to them.”

The commissioners voted 4-3, with Fiori, Mitrecic and Purnell opposed, to approve an unrestricted budget of $104,980,24 for the school system for FY25. That allocation exceeds FY24funding by $4,973,604 and includes $3,386,552 for salary increases and $1,587,052 to fund the portion of Other Post-employment Benefits (OPEB) not already covered in the school system’s budget.

In an email to staff Tuesday afternoon, Superintendent Lou Taylor said the change represented a reduction of $2,837,285 from the school system’s budget request. He added that the OPEB change meant that $1,587,052 was restricted and could not be used toward negotiated salary packages.

“We recognize that today’s actions are disappointing,” Taylor wrote, “but we ask for everyone’s patience as the board of education and school system leadership are committed to advocating for the FY25 budget request through the commissioners’ striking the county’s budget on June 4.”

Holiday weekend business hopes linked with weather

By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor

(May 24, 2024) As the revving engines and packed parking lots of last weekend’s Cruisin’ Ocean City festivities become distant memories, the weather forecast for the upcoming holiday is now in the spotlight for local businesses.

“Anecdotally, in speaking with folks, there is still plenty of ‘room in the inn’ –like every other Memorial Day, the bookings will depend upon the weather,” Susan Jones, the executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said in an email this week of the upcoming weekend’s tourism projections.

“There are close to 11,000 hotel/motel rooms in town, along with thousands of short-term vacation rentals, so we need the weather to get

warmer to drive some transient business,” she continued.

Gary Johnson, the general manager of the Days Inn on 22nd Street, said that while all 134 rooms of the oceanside hotel were booked for Cruisin’, it is typical for the weather to determine bookings for Memorial Day weekend. As of Tuesday, he said there were still 40 or 50 rooms available.

“We’re not sold out for this weekend,” he said. “It’s normally weather permitting and unfortunately The Weather Channel is not cooperating with the forecast.”

According to the online forecast for Ocean City, while the temperature is looking warm for the weekend, there are chances of rain every day, Friday through Sunday. But as forecasts go, the details are always subject to change.

At the Howard Johnson Plaza on 12th Street, General Manager Ashley Johnson gave a similar projection for the coming weekend.

“It feels like people are just going to wait until the last minute, gauging weather and also finances, obviously,” she said of the bookings earlier this week.

As of Tuesday, Foreman said 67 to 70 of the hotel’s total 90 rooms were still available to rent for the holiday weekend. The number was a far cry from last weekend, though, when she said nearly all the rooms were booked.

The spring Cruisin’ event, which was held last Thursday through Sunday and brought more than 3,000 registered classic cars and accompanying spectators, was overall a boon for the resort. Johnson said it was one of the best installments of the event the Days Inn has ever seen.

Jones added that Cruisin’ and similar events are “a wonderful way to push occupancy” across the resort when weather may not be cooperating.

“Parking lots at hotels and restaurants seemed fuller than some of our recent weekends, so it was good to see some business,” she said.

To view room rates and book stays for the weekend, log onto www.ococean.com/stay/.

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Over the years, resort businesses have found the spring Cruisin’ event kickstarts the busy season with the traditional holiday weekend viewed as weather dependent. Above, participants in last Saturday’s Cruisin’ Boardwalk parade are pictured heading south.

Council will discuss city park naming again

committee bring forward recommendations and schedule a future work session to discuss other naming and branding options.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) City officials will revisit the naming of the downtown recreation complex following a discussion at the committee level this month.

During Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, Councilman John Gehrig, member of the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Committee, announced his group’s recommendations for the naming of the downtown recreation complex. While the council voted in April to approve Third Street Park as the official moniker, it was ultimately decided to have the

“We made the recommendation to move the naming discussion back here to the council for final decision whenever you guys are ready,” he said.

Gehrig said the committee had met with Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo last week to discuss naming rights, branding rights and corporate sponsorships of the complex, which was recently redeveloped. After a lengthy discussion, members determined the park should not be named after an individual or corporate sponsor, but that sponsorship opportunities could be discussed at a later date.

“We did keep open the opportu-

nity to include potential sponsorships of park amenities as part of a package,” he said.

In early April, the council voted 43, with Gehrig, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca and Councilman Frank Knight opposed, to approve Third Street Park as the new name of the bayside complex between 3rd and 4th streets.

While several names were initially presented to the town’s recreation and parks committee, members at the time failed to reach a consensus and the decision was ultimately brought to the public in an online survey.

Officials reported that 99 of the 300 respondents favored the Third Street Park moniker used by locals for decades. At the next week’s meeting, however, Gehrig asked the council to revisit the naming issue at a future work session.

dom people on social media, 99 of which made this decision.”

Gehrig said he wanted to see the council work with the town’s tourism and business development department to brainstorm naming options, as well as sponsorship opportunities, for the park. While acknowledging that the town could still opt for Third Street Park as the official name, he said he at least wanted to have a more detailed discussion.

“It’s a beautiful park with an ugly name,” he said.

The council ultimately voted 6-1 to schedule a work session to explore all naming and branding options for the park. During this week’s meeting, the council agreed to place the topic on the agenda for a future meeting.

Officials also announced the town will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 30 at 11 a.m. to celebrate the redevelopment of the downtown park.

“I’m just asking for some consideration and maybe adding it to a future agenda,” he said at the time, “just to brainstorm some ideas with our expert team and not rely on 300 ran-

“It would be a nice idea to name it since we’re going to cut the ribbon next week,” Mayor Rick Meehan joked.

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Buas bothered by rental inspection timeline

Ordinance approved on first reading but tweaks could be presented soon

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) While agreeing that more work was needed, resort officials this week voted to move forward with new rental regulations.

During Monday’s meeting, the city council voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance that will allow the town to better regulate rentals. While the ordinance includes definitions of long-term and shortterm rentals, adds language related to required parking and establishes a license fee effective date, officials agreed to have staff further evaluate the inspection process for such

rentals.

“I don’t think we’re going to solve that here tonight,” said Council President Matt James.

In recent months, officials have discussed ways to regulate short-term rentals in Ocean City.

In February, for example, the council directed staff to recommend revisions to the town’s rental license program, with a proposal to divide licenses based on length of stay. And earlier this month, the council voted to approve a definition for shortterm rentals and move forward with a proposed licensing structure that divides short- and long-term rental permits.

The discussion then rolled over into last week’s work session with staff presenting additional changes to the rental code, specifically the rental

licensing and inspection processes. One of the proposed changes included giving city staff 30 days –rather than the current 14 – to review a license application and inspect a rental property.

Debate over that specific language, and need to expedite the licensing process, continued this week with Councilman Peter Buas asking that the section requiring mandatory inspections prior to licensure be omitted from the ordinance and addressed through an internal policy.

“My concern with the inspection is that the application is made and no license is issued for at least 14 days, potentially longer if it’s extended …,” he said. if it’s pre-existing with tenants or they’re already bookings, we’re essentially creating a situation

that would have an unlicensed period after settlement.”

Buas said he took issue with the proposed inspection timeline, as it could hurt new owners looking to rent their properties. He argued the town should have regulations that encourage renters to secure the proper licenses and do business in town.

“We want to make it easy to do business in Ocean City,” he said. “Same with real estate. We want to make it easier to invest their money here, not have a laundry list of property maintenance code things.”

Buas said that while the town wants to ensure that rental properties are inspected and deemed safe, he wasn’t sure that the proposed changes achieved that goal. He suggested the town perform periodic inspections, rather than wait for a property to transfer from one owner to another.

“The current situation is that the same property could be inspected three times in five years or not once in 30 years,” he said. “We need some sort of consistency and right now there is none. So if the goal is to make sure there are habitable places in Ocean City for you to enjoy, this doesn’t meet it. We need a different system.”

Buas also asked town staff to consider a license transfer for long-term rentals. He said allowing a transfer could keep tenants in their rentals while an inspection is completed.

“I think there’s a better way to do it than what we have here today,” he said.

After a lengthy discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the rental ordinance on first reading but to have staff better define short- and long-term rental licenses. Staff also agreed additional time was needed to consider Buas’ suggestions regarding transfers and mandatory inspections.

“I would even be okay with an internal policy …,” Buas said. “But I don’t think a sale is the appropriate triggering event that meets our goal of having inspections.”

Suspect appealing to high court

Maryland to review the decision.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) Tyler Mailloux, a local man accused in the hit-andrun death of Gavin Knupp, has petitioned the Supreme Court of Maryland to review an appellate court opinion in his case.

On April 29, Mailloux petitioned Maryland’s highest court to review an opinion from the Appellate Court of Maryland, which reversed an order from Worcester County Circuit Court to dismiss all charges against him. As he does not have the right to an automatic appeal, Mailloux is asking the Supreme Court of

“Petitioner, Tyler Allen Mailloux, by and through undersigned counsel and the law offices of Rice, Murtha & Psoras, LLC, petitions this Court to issue a writ of certiorari to the Appellate Court of Maryland to review that Court’s Opinion in State of Maryland v. Tyler Allen Mailloux … which reversed the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County which dismissed all charges against Mr. Mailloux.”

Last April, 17 traffic charges – including failure to immediately stop at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury and failure to immediately stop a vehicle at the scene of an accident involving death – were filed against Mailloux, 23, in the death of Knupp, a 14-year-old who was struck and killed by a motorist

in a black Mercedes while crossing Grays Corner Road on July 11, 2022. Knupp was returning to a vehicle driven by his older sister and died from injuries sustained in the collision. Mailloux allegedly fled the scene and did not return, according to charges filed.

During a motions hearing in Worcester County Circuit Court last August, Mailloux’s attorney argued the district court had “exclusive and original jurisdiction” and that the judge should either dismiss the case or transfer it to district court. The Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, however, argued state statute provided exceptions allowing the case to be tried in circuit court, including that the penalty for such charges exceeded three years. Fol-

Council approves $165M budget at lower tax rate

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) City officials this week voted to adopt a $165 million budget for the coming fiscal year.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to adopt the fiscal year 2025 budget on second reading. The spending plan, totaling $165,510,197, features a general fund budget of $114.2 million and a tax rate of $0.4426 per $100 of assessed value.

The new rate is higher than the constant yield – or the tax rate needed to provide the same level of revenues as the year prior – resulting in $4,562,084 of new real property revenues for the coming year. The budget also features a decrease in the personal property and corporation tax rate, $1.11 per $100 of assessed value.

Officials report the spending plan includes $47.9 million in property tax revenues and $3.4 million in capital projects – including $1.8 million for street paving, $1.5 million for the town’s capital maintenance fund and $100,000 for Boardwalk redecking. Existing money in the capital maintenance fund will also fund pay-as-yougo projects – $1.2 million for street paving, $120,000 for City Watch cameras, $650,000 for Boardwalk Comfort Station renovations, and $200,000 for canal dredging, to name a few.

The budget also proposes using $4.7 million in fund balance for several expenditures, including a $1.5 million transfer to the capital maintenance fund, $600,401 for additional pension costs, $535,582 for a 3% cost-of-living increase for all town employees and $2 million for capital equipment and one-time purchases.

With no further discussion this week, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the budget. Officials also passed the first reading of budget amendments for fiscal year 2024. The changes reflect adjustments to internal service, enterprise and general funds, as well as capital projects.

Timing unknown on court decision

lowing the hearing, Judge Brett Wilson granted the defense’s motion to dismiss the case, and the matter was immediately appealed.

In March, the Appellate Court of Maryland heard oral arguments from both the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Public Defender, Mailloux’s legal counsel for the appeal. In an opinion issued March 27, the appellate court reversed the circuit court ruling to dismiss over lack of jurisdiction.

“When the State filed the information in the circuit court to include offenses charged in Counts 9 through 17, which undisputedly arose out of the same circumstances as offenses charged in Counts 1 through 8, the District Court was divested of exclusive original jurisdiction in the criminal case, and the circuit court had exclusive original jurisdiction over all the offenses …,” the opinion reads. “We, therefore, hold that the circuit court erred in dismissing the information filed in the circuit court on the ground that exclusive original jurisdiction lay in the District Court.”

During oral arguments this spring, Mailloux’s attorney, Assistant Public Defender Celia Davis, asked the appellate court to uphold

the circuit court’s decision in her client’s case. She argued that while there were exceptions where the case could be tried in circuit court, the district court had “starting point jurisdiction.”

“The term exclusive original jurisdiction does not define where the case must be tried, it defines where the case starts …,” she said at the time. “In fact, the state has not brought us any examples of cases with these particular charges that started in the circuit court. They always start in the district court.”

While it initially appeared the case would continue in circuit court, Mailloux filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Maryland on April 29. The petition asked the state’s highest court to review the decision on the jurisdictional matter, which is noted as being a new legal issue never before considered by the Appellate Court of Maryland.

“Without analysis, the Appellate Court summarily concluded that ‘concurrent jurisdiction’ is an exception to exclusive original jurisdiction,” the petition reads. “The rationale is fundamentally flawed in that the Court equates the definition of ‘concurrent’ jurisdiction with ‘concurrent original jurisdiction.’ In addition, the Court’s analysis fails to

consider the various types of jurisdictions that fall under the umbrella term of jurisdiction generally. Accordingly, this issue requires clarification from this Court.”

In a response issued May 13, the Office of the Attorney General asked the high court to deny Mailloux’s petition. The attorney general’s office argued a review was not necessary or in the public interest.

“While it is true that the specific issue here had not previously been addressed by the appellate courts, not every issue of first impression needs a second look,” the response reads. “Indeed, the conclusion reached by the Appellate Court in this case is the only rational interpretation of the plain language of the relevant statutes. Given that the reported opinion of the Appellate Court is clearly correct, further review of this issue is unnecessary.”

Both the petitioner and the respondent now await a response from the Supreme Court of Maryland. Should the state’s highest court deny the petition, the appellate court decision stands. If it decides to hear the appeal, the Supreme Court of Maryland can either confirm or overturn the decision. How long the process takes remains to be seen.

Police presence up during Cruisin’

Allied agencies support Ocean City police during annual spring car event

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) Cruisin’ Ocean City made its return to the resort last weekend, bringing with it large crowds, more traffic and a larger police presence.

More than 3,000 registered hot rods, customs, muscle cars and the like descended on Ocean City last weekend for the 33rd annual Cruisin’ Ocean City.

As part of the annual spring car event, Ocean City was designated as a special event zone from May 14-19, resulting in numerous traffic citations and warnings, as well as 32 arrests. However, it is not clear which were related to the event and which were not.

“During this period, citizens saw a significant police presence, as officers from allied agencies also assisted the Ocean City Police Department,” said Ashley Miller, deputy communications manager for the OCPD. “The traffic laws were strictly enforced by officers from the Ocean City Police Department, Maryland State Police, and the

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.”

Ocean City’s special event zone reduced the town’s speed limit and increased fines for any violations. In addition, legislation signed in 2020 allows for enhanced penalties for specific motor vehicle violations.

Miller said that throughout the weekend, residents and visitors saw high traffic volume, congestion and alternate traffic patterns in the area of 120th Street. She said large crowds were also reported at businesses between 118th and 120th streets and near 33rd Street on Baltimore Avenue.

“These areas drew crowds and had spectators attempting to incite drivers to do burnouts or rev engines to show off,” she said. “We detailed officers to each of these areas to curb the behavior and try to keep traffic moving.”

Miller also shared preliminary police statistics from May 16-19. The OCPD recorded 34 tows, 1,066 service calls, 543 traffic citations, 377 traffic warnings and 32 arrests. The department also recorded 37 instances of exhibition driving, although most individuals were not Cruisin’ participants.

“We are thankful for the amazing partnership we have with the event promoters,” she said. “They have

been great to work with through the Motor Event Task Force. They work hard to ensure their participants have a busy schedule of events to attend in Ocean City and the surrounding areas, which helps deter the reckless behavior we saw in the past when they would just ‘cruise’ Coastal Highway.”

Miller said community members did share some concerns about the reported uptick in “pop-up rally” style cars in town. However, she noted that officers were proactive throughout the weekend.

“Our officers were on high alert all weekend to ensure they addressed exhibition driving and removing unsafe vehicles from the roadway,” she said. “The Pop-up Rally event has been without a home for the past two years, and we anticipated that we would see some of their participants come to Ocean City for Cruisin’. At the end of the day, they are all car enthusiasts, even though the two groups differ in how to show off and appreciate their vehicles.”

During the same time period in 2023, the OCPD recorded 1,094 service calls, 386 traffic citations, 254 traffic warnings and 35 arrests. The department also recorded 23 instances of exhibition driving.

Governor could veto locally supported RV bill

of shows Maryland RV dealers can participate in, they said concerns from some RV dealers have stalled Senate Bill 60’s progress.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) Legislation allowing out-of-state dealers to display their recreational vehicles at Maryland shows could be in jeopardy as the local delegation recently learned it is on the governor’s veto list.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza and Del. Wayne Hartman confirmed this week that Senate Bill 60 – legislation allowing out-of-state RV dealers to display their products in Maryland shows – is one of several bills Gov. Wes Moore intends to veto. While members of the local delegation were successful in increasing the number

“We’re quite taken aback that the governor would veto this legislation which passed the Senate unanimously after being amended to address the concerns of some RV dealers,” Carozza said. “This bill is a win-win. By allowing out-of-state RV dealers to display only and not sell, you will drive up sales for the Maryland RV dealers who participate in these shows while boosting local tourism and Maryland’s overall tourism economy.”

Ahead of this year’s Maryland General Assembly session, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza and Del. Wayne Hartman introduced cross-filed bills in their respective chambers allowing

out-of-state recreational vehicle dealers to participate in motorhome and recreational trailer shows in Worcester County. Simply put, the legislation would allow these dealers to display their products at such shows but would prohibit them from making sales or accepting deposits.

The legislation was introduced in 2023 as a statewide bill and again in 2024 as a bill specific to Worcester County. At the local level, the legislation will give out-of-state dealers an opportunity to attend events such as the OC RV Show – which is set to return to the convention center Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. Promoter Rich Hutchins noted that while there are several out-of-state dealerships in close proximity to Ocean City, the closest Maryland dealer is more than 90 miles away.

“We have Delaware right here,” he explained. “For our local community, residents are buying in Delaware.”

Officials argue that by allowing out-of-state RV dealers to participate in the OC RV Show, it would increase participation while limiting sales to only Maryland dealers. Hartman added that it also gave Maryland dealers an opportunity to participate in shows in surrounding states.

“This has the potential ability for Maryland dealers to participate in out-of-state RV shows …,” he said. “So it did give Maryland dealers some advantages as well.”

With testimony and support from OC RV Show representatives and Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, the legislation – cross-filed as Senate Bill 60 and House Bill 56 – worked its way through both chambers this spring. In the House, a sunset provision was added and amendments were made to require the Department of Commerce to conduct a study on

the impact of out-of-state dealers on the Maryland RV Show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

“We worked closely with anyone that would be impacted by this bill,” Hartman said. “So when we heard there was resistance once it passed, we were surprised by that. We didn’t foresee this coming.”

Local officials say they are disappointed that producers of the Timonium RV show had asked the governor to veto the bill. Meehan said the bill as proposed represented a compromise.

“We were disappointed that Governor Moore was encouraged to veto Senate Bill 60,” he said. “It is important to remember that the state is our partner in the Convention Center and we believed this bill, as written, would have benefited the Ocean City Show and would have had little if no effect at all on the Timonium Show. The fact that the bill required an economic impact study and that the ability for outof-state display expires after less than three years should demonstrate the good faith of this bill.”

Elected leaders, however, say they are not done. Should the governor veto the bill, they said they would work to bring back legislation that reflected reciprocity among neighboring states.

“The governor wants further limitations on it …,” Hartman said. “He vowed to support us if it was more concise legislation next year.”

Carozza agreed.

“They are concerned about the arrangement with other states,” she said. “But in talking to Rich Hutchins, who works with these out-of-state dealers, it seems to me we were on course to open up participation from RV dealers across the board.”

Garage parking standards adopted, finally

Officials maintain further changes needed in future, but content with direction

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) New design standards are expected to help alleviate some of the parking issues in Ocean City’s neighborhoods, but some argue more could be done to ensure residents park where they reside.

On Monday, the city council voted to adopt an ordinance amending design standards for off-street garage parking. Despite some residents voicing their concerns, officials said the changes were the first step in improving parking as homes are developed.

“There’s been a lot of recommendations brought before the council, and I think what we’re adopting tonight are the very minimum standards that would at least make the garages accessible …,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “I really think we can do better, and I hope we do, and I hope we continue this conversation at some point. But I think it’s important we pass what we have before us tonight because it does address a problem so that it doesn’t get any worse.”

In March, Caine Woods resident

Dennis Dare – the former city manager and councilman – asked the Mayor and Council to address what he called a “glaring deficiency” in the design of ongoing townhouse projects between 142nd and 144th streets. He argued the alleyways used to access the garages were too narrow and that garage parking was inadequate, an issue he said would contribute to more on-street parking. With that being said, town staff began develop-

ing recommendations on new depths, widths and drive aisle sizes that could accommodate larger vehicles without hurting local developers. The findings were presented to the Mayor and Council on April 9.

“What I’m talking about is enclosed parking,” City Manager Terry McGean said at the time. “This is specifically residential one- and twocar parking garages. And why right now? I believe they need a different standard than what we currently have.”

As proposed, the ordinance presented for adoption this week would amend the zoning code to provide new parking dimensions for residential garages and set a minimum parking space width of 19 feet for a two-car garage. During public comments, however, resident and local developer Palmer Gillis said the proposed parking dimensions for the en-

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

“An implication has been made that an extra foot will be the determining factor on whether they’re going to put a car in there or not, and I just find that hard to believe,” said Councilman John Gehrig, holding up his shoe to make the point.

Officials agree more work needed

closed spaces were too small.

“Every jurisdiction that I work in requires a 10-foot by 20-foot space for an open surface parking lot where you get the advantage of the contiguous parking space,” he said. “You’re not even meeting that requirement.”

Gillis added that the changes do not require the parking space to be used for parking.

“I’m not sure I understand what the difficulty is with saying and stating that a parking space is a parking space,” he said, “not storage, not an owner’s closet, not for a ping pong table.”

Dare agreed. He told the council this week he estimated less than half the homes in his neighborhood used their garages for parking.

“In fact, within a block of my house, three houses have removed the garage door and converted the garage to living area,” he said. “My point is garages are used for storage for lawnmowers, bicycles, beach equipment, workshops and, of course, ping pong tables.

He said while he hoped the ordinance would make it possible for res-

idents of new developments to park their vehicles inside their garages, Dare argued the town could also require a 20-foot driveway in front of the garage.

“The only solution to truly protect the adjacent neighborhoods is to provide the open parking spaces on site as to comply with the comprehensive plan and park where we live. Many townhouse developments around town employ this concept.”

Simply put, Dare argued the ordinance was a stopgap.

“In summary, what you have in front of you tonight puts a Band-Aid on the parking issue but does not provide the safeguarding of the adjacent neighborhoods,” he said. “You may have worked on this for two years but in my opinion your work is not done.”

While he said he wasn’t completely satisfied with the ordinance, Meehan said Ocean City could no longer ignore the parking issues caused by new townhouse developments. He said he supported the changes, but wanted the council to consider other improvements.

“I know I suggested that we add

that all enclosed required parking shall remain free of obstruction and available for parking at all times,” he said.

“I’d suggest that again. I’m not sure I’m going to get any traction on it but what I would like to say is we have another ordinance coming up tonight with regard to short-term rentals and that language is in the short-term rental ordinance.”

For his part, Gehrig said officials could revisit some of the suggestions brought before the council Monday. However, he took issue with Gills’ objections to the size of enclosed parking. He said an additional foot would not change how people used their garages.

“An implication has been made that that an extra foot will be the determining factor on whether they’re going to put a car in there or not,” he said. “And I just find that hard to believe.”

Ultimately, officials agreed more conversations on parking were needed. After further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the new garage parking standards.

County introduces Critical Area legislation

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) The Worcester County Commissioners agreed to introduce legislation updating and combining the Atlantic Coastal Bays and Chesapeake Bay Critical Area ordinances.

The commissioners on Tuesday all agreed to put their name on a bill that comprehensively updates and combines the two critical area programs into a single code.

“This codifies the combination of our programs,” Director of Environmental Programs Bob Mitchell said. “It doesn’t add any new language other than what’s required by state law currently.”

According to Mitchell, the legislation was prepared to complete a comprehensive update of the Atlantic

Coastal Bays and Chesapeake Bay Critical Area ordinances—which are meant to protect land near tidal waters and wetlands—and to combine the programs into a single code. He said the update reflects changes in state law since the programs were last updated and will also serve to simplify the program for citizens and contractors.

Mitchell said the changes were reviewed by staff in his department as well as by the county attorney and the staff at the Critical Area Commission (CAC).

“This comprehensive update was complicated by additional language recommendations by CAC staff and the commission’s attorney,” Mitchell wrote in his report to the commissioners. “We would respectfully request that the commissioners introduce this bill so we can move forward to garner

final approval by the full Critical Area Commission.”

The bill will be posted on the county website with a staff contact so that the

public can provide comments on the proposed legislation prior to the public hearing on the bill, which is expected to take place this summer.

City’s golf course clubhouse renovations to move forward

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) Forward funding of up to $1.2 million will allow for renovations to proceed at the Eagle’s Landing Golf Course clubhouse.

house renovations not to exceed $1.2 million.”

In its May 14 work session, the council agreed to advance a request for proposals for the first phase of renovations at the clubhouse and to prepare a resolution to forward fund up to $1.2 million for the completion of the first and second phases of the project.

The city council voted unanimously Monday to adopt a resolution declaring its intent to reimburse the town from future bond proceedings up to $1.2 million for a renovation at the Eagle’s Landing clubhouse. The project, which is expected to start as early as November, will be completed in two phases.

“This is declaring the intent to reimburse expenditures incurred for certain projects within with proceeds of debt to be issued by the Mayor and City Council,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said. “This goes back to the presentation you had at a work session regarding the Eagle’s Landing club-

The first phase of the project will include an addition to the east side of the building, which will allow for additional kitchen and storage space, an eight-seat bar, new restrooms and new flooring, to name a few improvements. The second phase of the project will involve an addition to the west side of the clubhouse for a larger pro shop, an office area, and more storage.

With no further discussion this week, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the reimbursement resolution.

Pocomoke man sentenced for possession of firearm

(May 24, 2024) A Pocomoke man will serve five years in prison for carrying a firearm while dealing crack cocaine.

On May 10, Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Brian Shockley sentenced 22-year-old Jael Ghent after he was convicted of possession of a firearm while dealing crack cocaine. Shockley sentenced Ghent to serve 14 years in prison and suspended all but the five-year mandatory minimum sentence required by law. Upon his release, Ghent will serve three years of supervised probation.

In July of 2023 Ghent’s residence in Pocomoke was the subject of a search and seizure warrant conducted by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team. Investigators located and seized a loaded semi-automatic Glock handgun, plastics bags containing crack cocaine, digital scales and prescription medications. Ghent was indicted on multiple felony charges including possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking case.

In a press release, Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the efforts of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team and thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Joaquin Cabrera who led the prosecution.

Jael Ghent

LIVING CAN BE YOURS!

Public hearing on Berlin’s $14 million budget Tuesday

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) Citizens will have the chance to weigh in on the Town of Berlin’s proposed budget for the coming year at a public hearing Tuesday.

The Berlin Town Council on Tuesday, May 28 will host a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget during the regularly scheduled 7 p.m. meeting.

“This body has worked very diligently with our department heads and staff to really craft a balanced budget addressing most of what we’d like to see,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “I really think this is a good foot forward for Berlin for FY 25.”

Last week, the council introduced the fiscal year 2025 budget for Berlin. The spending plan, which was drafted by the mayor and staff and adjusted by elected officials during budget work sessions this spring, includes proposed revenues of $14,257,116, an increase of 23.8% over the current year.

“The revenues and expenditures are about $14.2 million,” Tyndall said. “Of that $2.4 million is a transfer from reserves and $2.8 million is a bond … for the public works facility. So all in all about a $9 million bal-

anced budget taking those two items out.”

As for the enterprise funds, the proposed electric department budget is $8.5 million, though $1 million of that is a bond for the town’s new AMI metering.

The water department budget is proposed at $5.4 million, though $2 million of that is a transfer from reserves. The town’s sewer budget is proposed at $7.1 million with $2.2 million from reserves and the town’s stormwater budget is $1.3 million with $388,000 of that being a transfer from reserves.

The tax rate for the coming year is flat at $0.8275 per $100 of assessed valuation.

For a $400,000 residence in Berlin, the annual tax bill at the current tax rate will be $3,310. The town’s net assessable real property base now stands at $551 million.

Tyndall encouraged anyone with questions about the proposed budget to reach out to his office at 410-6413858 or by emailing mayorzack@berlinmd.gov.

Tuesday’s public hearing will occur during the regularly scheduled 7 p.m. council meeting in the council chambers at Berlin Town Hall.

Microtel developer seeking building design guidance

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) Developers of a Microtel proposed on Route 113 in Berlin are expected to work with members of the Berlin Planning Commission to come up with a building that fits the town.

After a modified concept plan failed to impress the Berlin Planning Commission last week, the group that wants to build a Microtel on a five-acre lot near the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Route 113 offered to set up a meeting between some representatives of the commission and the head of design for Wyndham. Commission members Ron Cascio, Pete Cosby and Erich Pfeffer agreed to consult with the designer regarding ways to improve the design of the building.

“Corporations just have to start understanding … we’re trying to preserve something here. And keep it special. Because it is special,” commission member Pete Cosby said.

After initially meeting with the planning commission in March, Tom Zambetis returned last week to share updated plans for the Microtel he hopes to build on Route 113. He said he’d tried to address the array of concerns shared by both members of the public and

members of the commission the last time the concept plan was presented. He said that the hotel would not increase residential property values, which was a worry voiced in March, and that the hotel’s pool would be completely enclosed and only accessible from within the hotel, so it wouldn’t be a hazard for school or daycare children in the area. He added that the premises would be monitored around the clock through security cameras.

“The chances are slim to none that anyone would be putting themselves at risk,” Zambetis said.

He said he’d reached out to local law enforcement and told them the hotel would give them access to its parking lot as well as its coffee and bathroom facilities. In addition to the training Wyndham provides its employees regarding drugs and sex trafficking, Zambetis said the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office had offered to provide hotel staff with additional training as well.

Zambetis said he’d consulted with the Maryland State Highway Administration and officials there were looking at whether the Route 113 and Franklin Avenue intersection should have a traffic signal.

“It would make it easier for us but

See PROPOSED Page 28

Proposed hotel design not Berlin?

also the neighbors behind us and the school,” he said.

Zambetis told the commission the hotel would employ 14 people and that more than 12 subcontractors would be hired during the nine-to-10-month construction process. As for the architectural changes the commission recommended in March to make the project fit better in Berlin, Zambetis said brick had been added to the entrance.

“It’s simple, it’s clean,” he said. “It’s nothing major but it adds contrast and the splash of Berlin I think you all are looking for.”

Commission member Ron Cascio said he had a hard time seeing any splash of Berlin.

“It’s frustrating,” Zambetis responded. “We have no direction. We have nothing from you giving us

specifics.”

When Cosby said he liked the look of the Wyndham in West Ocean City, project representative Ernie Selici that was an old layout the hotel no longer did.

“None of the branded hotels have that type of roofline anymore,” Selici said. “None of their prototypes have it.”

Cosby referenced the Atlantic Hotel’s brick fenestration and interesting details.

“But that’s a boutique hotel,” Selici said.

“But it’s Berlin,” Cosby responded.

Cascio said he understood that Zambetis was limited in what he could propose for the elevation of the building because it was a national brand.

“This obviously doesn’t fit the town but that’s what you’re left with. It’s not our job to design it,” he said, adding that Microtel’s architect was in Texas.

Commission member Newt Chandler said the proposed hotel was definitely a box but pointed out that the commission had approved similar buildings. Commission member Erich Pfeffer said it didn’t necessarily need to look like downtown Berlin.

“In regard to the fact that we don’t have architectural standards obviously makes things more difficult but I don’t think this does enough to say ‘We’re Wyndham/Microtel and we did something different in this town of Berlin.’ I know it’s tough that that’s the only guidance I can give. As an architect myself I’d think that’d be the only guidance I’d want, and not to have too much prescriptive guidance because that would really pigeonhole you.”

Selici said he’d worked with other hotel chains and felt Wyndham was the one most likely to be amendable to mak-

ing changes at the town’s request. He offered to set up a meeting between some commission members and the company’s head of design.

“We want to be in Berlin,” he said. “It’s the right spot to be.”

Cascio indicated it was a good idea.

“That makes sense,” he said. “I don’t think anybody’s happy with this.”

Pfeffer, Cascio and Cosby agreed to meet with the designer if Selici set something up.

Resident Marie Velong said that if the hotel wanted to be in Berlin the company should do what Berlin wanted in terms of architecture.

“I don’t understand why we’re even talking about it because a lot of citizens don’t want it,” she said. “To me it’s in your best interest to come up with something that’s amenable to everyone here or forget it. I don’t have any sympathy for you. This Is our town and this is what we want. If you can’t do it, go someplace else.”

Resident Bronwyn Betz said she didn’t see the need for the hotel because the town had a small hotel and some bed and breakfasts as well as nearby hotels in West Ocean City. She said she’d rather see more small businesses than a hotel that served people who didn’t live here.

“To me that looks like an eyesore,” she said. “I don’t see how it benefits us as town residents.”

Resident Gabe Purnell also voiced opposition to the hotel. He said in March more than half the people in attendance at the meeting voiced opposition to the hotel. He said if the commission was only looking at the design of the proposed structure it didn’t make sense for residents to object.

“You’re going to do what you’re going to do,” he said. “To me that don’t sound like a democracy.”

FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The site for the proposed Microtel is pictured east of Route 113.

Memorial Day ceremony returns to Ocean Pines

(May 24, 2024) The largest Memorial Day ceremony in the region is set to return to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines, Monday, May 27, starting at 11 a.m.

The event each year draws thousands of people to the memorial grounds and features music, demonstrations, and public speakers honoring U.S. Military men and women who gave their lives in service.

“Memorial Day honors all who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our county,” Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said in a news release. “This year’s ceremony, as those before it, will honor the brave men and women who served our country and lost their lives in doing so.”

Gilmore said the keynote speaker this year will be Bob Smith, a U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran and career member of the U.S. Army Reserves.

The ceremony will also honor local Gold Star families. During World War I, families would fly flags or banners with a blue star for every immediate family member serving in combat. If one of them died, a gold star replaced the blue star.

Walter Webster, a member of the Maryland East Chapter of Ex-POWs, will place a wreath in honor of all current and former prisoners of war.

The program will also include patriotic music performed by Randy Lee Ashcraft, The Delmarva Chorus, and Glen Mohr with the St. Luke’s Contemporary Choir.

The program is scheduled to run for one hour.

Public parking will be available at Veterans Memorial Park on Route 589 and Cathell Road in Ocean Pines. Limited seating will be available during the ceremony and guests are encouraged to bring chairs. No seating will be supplied for the special dedication ceremony.

In case of inclement weather, the Memorial Day ceremony will move to the Ocean Pines Community Center and be announced on the oceanpines.org and wocovets.org websites and on social media.

For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, visit wocovets.org or search for Worcester County Veterans Memorial on Facebook. Event to feature keynote speaker, performances

McGean outlines sports complex process

Operator selected to help with location evaluation, design and build process

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) As a partnership with Sports Facilities Companies moves forward, Ocean City will now narrow its focus to selecting a site for a proposed sports complex.

Earlier this month, the city council agreed to negotiate a contract with the Florida-based company for predevelopment services related to a sports complex the town plans to build. As those efforts advance, City Manager Terry McGean said the next step will be to select a site for the facility.

“We are currently evaluating a

couple of locations including, but not limited to, the previous site next to the high school,” he said. “Because that process involves property acquisition and negotiation, we can’t publicly discuss very much.”

While the city continues to seek funding and land for the sports complex project, officials in April announced some progress had been made in securing proposals from companies interested in managing the facility. Following a vetting process by both the city manager and tourism director, it was ultimately determined that Sports Facilities Companies was the most qualified firm.

“The purpose behind hiring an operator now is for them to provide advice regarding site selection, design, and construction,” McGean said last week. “At this point it is really a con-

sulting role that they will perform as part of the planning process. They understand what the latest industry trends are and how to locate, design, and build a facility that will maximize our return on investment.”

McGean has noted that pricing was not included in the proposals sent to the city, as operators were simply asked to submit their qualifications. However, the city’s request for proposals (RFP) featured a proposed sports complex layout on a parcel of land next to Stephen Decatur High School.

“We included a hypothetical site layout as part of the RFP process because one of the things we asked each proposer was to evaluate that design and offer comments,” he clarified. “We scored them on their responses. It was a way to gauge their expertise

on the subject matter and nothing more.”

As the city continues to move forward in its efforts to develop a sports complex, Ocean City resident and former councilman Vince Gisriel came before the Mayor and Council this month questioning the demand for such a facility and the need to hire an operator before a site had been selected or funding had been secured, among other things.

“You voted tonight to go forward with a promoter of sorts,” he said at the time. “Whatever the actual guidelines were, there’s no guarantee of state funding for this project, and it’s actually left out of your capital improvement program. There’s no guarantee that a majority or all the members of the commissioners are going to approve a room tax rate hike, and yet you’re going forward with this project, spending money that may or may not come to fruition.”

McGean, however, said hiring an operator for pre-development services would allow the town to gather more information on the development of a sports complex. Officials have asked for the public’s patience as members of a sports complex task force work through the funding and site selection process.

“Frankly the naysayers on this issue seem to want things both ways,” McGean said last week. “They tell us we should not move forward on the project without having all the information, but when we try and bring in the resources to get that information, we get criticized for doing that.”

As proposed, the sports complex would be a partnership between the Town of Ocean City and the Maryland Stadium Authority. The project formally kicked off in 2023, when the town formed a task force to determine the size and scope of an indooroutdoor facility.

In its first meeting last fall, task force members met with representatives from the Maryland Stadium Authority and Crossroads, as well as from Sports Facilities Companies, the firm selected earlier this month.

Fenwick surfer claims top honors at championships

(May 24, 2024) The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) held its 2024 Mid-Atlantic Surfing Championships in Ocean City earlier this month at 36th Street.

Nearly 200 surfing competitors from Maine through the Eastern Shore of Virginia surfed in hopes of qualifying for the ESA’s Eastern Surfing Championship that is held in the Outer Banks every September.

The local ESA Delmarva District had a strong showing in the event with many finalists from the local Maryland and Delaware area.

“We love hosting this event each year,” ESA Delmarva District Director Steven Grunewald said. “Ocean City is a great venue with lots of lodging, restaurants and things to do for everyone. It’s even better when the waves show up to showcase how great of surfing town OCMD can be.”

Fenwick Island’s own ESA All-Star Kai Sommers claimed top honors by winning the elite Mens Open Shortboard division along with first place in the Mens Division.

“It was great to finally take the Open win at my home break,” said Sommers. “The competition was strong, but Delmarva did well.”

Lewes’ Carolina Labin, who is on the ESA’s Developmental Team, took home the Iron Woman Award for surfing and placing in the finals for all of her divisions. Labin surfed her way to second place in both the Womens Open Shortboards and Jr Womens Longboard, and claimed the fourth place award for both Open Longboard and Girls 14-15.

“It felt good to win the Iron Woman award,” said Labin. “Because all my heats were so much

Competing and taking home hardware in the Mid-Atlantic Surfing Championships earlier this month were Kai Sommers, left, and Christian Winter.

Local surfers place in event

Continued from Page 35

not even think about the total number of heats that I surfed and progressed in.”

ESA All-Star Christian Winter surfed his home break to get fourth in his age divisions of Boys 12-13. Winter also made it to the semi-final of the Open Mens Shortboard.

Bethany’s Logan Dawson placed sixth in the Jr Men’s final. Ocean City’s Brian Gloyd and Adam Winter placed second and third respectively in the Legends Shortboard and Gloyd won first place in the Legend Longboard. Brad Hoffman, also from Ocean City, finished with a second place in both for Grand Legends Longboard and Shortboard.

Karver Henson, Gunnar Ryall and CJ Labin made it to the Menehune Longboard final placing second, third and sixth, respectively.

Morgan Cushing and Dillon Scopp put on a fun show for the Jr Mens Longboard claiming fifth and sixth places, respectively. The Delmarva ladies flooded the finals in the Girls, Women and Ladies divisions. Kate Delligatti, Vivi Anna Grinestaff, Sadie Absher and Isabella Labin placed second, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Girls 11 & Under. Maeson Guarino claimed fifth in Girls 12-13.

Cat Volmer and Madison Bloxom won both Ladies and Women Shortand Longboard divisions.

Top finalists will receive a slot into ESA’s Easterns to compete against surfers from the ESA’s Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

The ESA Delmarva will begin its 2024 local season in June. The event schedule can be found on the district’s webpage. All ages and surf levels are invited to participate. The ESA is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization that was established in 1967 and has produced multiple surfing world titles including Kelly Slater. For more information, visit surfesa.org

Beach Patrol ready to start season, fulfill daily mission

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(May 24, 2024) It is so exciting to be at the beginning of another summer season in beautiful Ocean City. We are eagerly anticipating the many visitors that will vacation in our resort town this summer.

Sun worshipers, graduates, boogie boarders, surfers, beach enthusiasts and just about anyone that wants to get away for a relaxing and fun vacation will be arriving. Some have been planning all winter for their beach vacation and anticipate a picture-perfect week.

The Beach Patrol has been preparing to begin our season and our guards are ready to fulfill all three aspects of our

mission: education, prevention, and intervention.

This mission guides our organization. As a retired educator with Charles County Public Schools for over 32 years and 20 years as the Beach Patrol’s public education coordinator, I know the importance of the first part of our mission.

Education is not only one of the best gifts you can give someone, but it is also incredibly empowering. This is the perfect time to begin our educational campaign each season since May is National Water Safety Month and OC Today-Dispatch has been an asset for many seasons in helping achieve the educational part of our mission.

Understanding the dangers that our ocean presents allows a person to make decisions to keep themselves and their family safe while vacationing in Ocean City. Each week I will continue to share some of the most important things to remember to make your stay safe and enjoyable.

We provide education to the public though many outreach venues. Our Junior Beach Patrol program will return to a full roster of 30 campers for each session (due to the program’s popularity we added two additional sessions beginning in 2021). We will participate in the weekly lifesaving museum schedule, Sundaes in the Park, and have safety articles in multiple publications. You will see our most impactful educational opportunities on the beach with our lifeguards performing their beach safety talks and the individual or small group “EDUs” that are performed daily when needed.

The second part of our mission is prevention. Preventive actions are the main tools for keeping the public safe and avoiding more serious situations. Our knowledge and expertise help us inform the public that they are potentially getting into unsafe or dangerous situations before we must intervene. To accomplish this, we must be willing to get off our stands and interact with the public.

You can help your guard by following the local ordinances (rules) and laws, so they do not have to leave their stand as often, to ask you to stop a prohibited activity (that often the person already knows is not allowed such as smoking or drinking alcohol).

The final aspect of our mission, intervention, relies on the application of the lifeguard’s physical skills and training. Although executing the first two aspects of our mission reduces the likelihood that we will need to intervene, we know through experience that there will be instances on the beach when we will be required to perform first aid and water rescues as routine parts of our daily duties.

PHOTO COURTESY TOM LURIE

This photo was taken last year at the annual beach patrol picture day gathering. The patrol estimates about 94% of lifeguards are returning this summer with an addition of 46 rookies in the first Surf Rescue Training Academy (SRA) and one more SRA and a testing date for summer 2024 on June 1.

Weekly safety column returns

As we fulfill our mission, you might also be interested to know the statistics of a typical summer season for the OCBP.

Returning lost and found individuals (1,000 to 2,000); minor first aids (1,500 to 2,500); medical emergencies with EMS (100 to 200); head/neck/spinal responses (80 to 100); police assists (75 to 125); USCG/NRP assists (10 to 25); preventative actions in water (75,000 to 150,000); and surf rescues (2,000 to 4,000)

Ocean City is a great place to vacation, and we are in competition for the continued loyalty of our visitors. We will continue to do our part as lifeguards and as ambassadors for the Town of Ocean City.

To get current information about the Beach Patrol, safety tips, as well as daily stats and current beach conditions, you

can visit our website at oceancitymd.gov/ocbp, or follow us on Instagram or our Facebook page.

We will never know how many lives have already been saved by the lifeguards’ attentiveness. But you can help and do your part by reading our safety advice each week and sharing the information with others.

We also encourage you to check in with the lifeguard each time you visit to learn about current conditions. Each day they write a beach or ocean tip on the back of their stand. We can’t wait to be a part of your wonderful experiences in Ocean City, and always remember to “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!”

As added protection for you and your family, always locate the nearest stand with a guard and swim on that beach.

C

Completelly y remodeled 2 BR, 2 include granite countertops, cus appliances. Newflooring througho tiled shower/tub area and newtoi hasbeenre-donetoremove "popc 5401 COASTAL HIGH SAN REMO CONDOS

has been re-done to remove pool or enjoythe beach. This unit last. Assessment of $4,500 to be able contract. Walk to Senor Frog' more. Buyer must honor rentals f

# 2080B

BA unit. New kitchen to tom cabinetry, and new ut as well as newvanities, lets in bathrooms. Ceiling corn" ceiling. Relax bythe is priced to sell and won't paid by Seller with accepts restaurant, Macky's and or 2024.

“VANISHING OCEAN CITY”

• The history of Ocean City, Md., from its beginning in the 1870s to the present day. Over 500 photo images.

• A hardbound, 220-page coffee table book featuring cover by noted artist Paul McGehee.

• Over seven years in the making with personal memories of Ocean City’s locals and visitors. Recall your own favorite memories of Maryland’s famous beach resort.

• Revisit the old restaurants and long-vanished hotels, relive summer nights on the Boardwalk, go fishing on the ocean or the bay, and learn about the fires and storms that changed the town forever.

Vanishing Ocean City is available for $49.95 at select locations in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and Salisbury. It can also be ordered online at vanishingoceancity.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

This gorgeous unit will not last l

mid-town elevator building, Isla exterior stands out against the stone’sthrowfrom the beach, w private balcony or just relax byt warm and cozy as you relax byyo favorite shows on the flat screen each ofthe additional bedrooms. E ear bookings alreadythis y r. . Buyer

ong. Located in a premier nd Cabana with its colorful coastline of Ocean City. A hich can be seen from your he pool. Winter nights are ur fireplace and watch your tv. Flat screens are also in xcellent rental historywith must honor 2024 rentals.

2 BA CONDO

udy on the Building. Luxurious efully decorated living space. with balcony access, en-suite er. Exclusive amenities: sandy eractive fountains & charming ards Restaurant, shopping, ice eboards or a walk along bay's pecial assessment and/or pay t ratethe 1st year by 2 points an acceptable contract. Don't ome. Contact me to schedule . Buyer must honor 2024 rent& owner used it as well.

Mann Properties

Seacrets

Crabs To Go

Wockenfuss Candies

Berlin Auto Wash

Copy Central

The Buzzed Word OC Chamber Of Commerce

Skipjack Heritage Museum, Chance, MD M.R. Ducks

Malibu’s Surf Shop

OC Art League

Caprichos Books

Kitty’s Flowers

Victorian Charm Park

Framing

Flower Street community to host Memorial Day parade

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) A longstanding tradition will continue next week with Berlin’s Old Fashioned Memorial Day Parade.

The parade, which typically brings thousands of visitors and residents to Flower Street, will feature an array of floats, dance groups and marching units. The parade will start at 11 a.m. at Stephen Decatur Middle School and end at Henry Park.

“It’s something people recognize as Berlin’s opportunity to say thank you to the families and memorialize those who died in service,” organizer Gregory Purnell said.

Memorial Day recognitions within the community will actually begin

Sunday, as Duncan Showell Post 231 will be turning out at St. John’s United Methodist Church on Lewis Road at 10 a.m. for a special Memorial Day service. The following day, Post 231 members will spend Memorial Day morning visiting local cemeteries to place flags and play taps to honor local residents who served in the armed forces.

They’ll be in line and ready to lead the parade at 11 a.m. however, as entries will march from Stephen Decatur Middle School down Flower Street to Henry Park. Purnell expects about 30 entries to participate in this year’s event, for which the theme is “Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future.” A prize of $100 will be awarded to the best float. A variety of food and craft vendors will be set up for attendees to browse after the parade, and the band Uprizing is set to perform. There will also be a dance competition at Henry Park.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of dancing,” Purnell said.

Purnell said a special effort this year was being made to honor local veterans who died on active duty, including Mitchell Brown, Samuel Bowen, Charles Briddell, Kenneth Smack, Keith Bailey, Lamont Lockwood, Robert Trower, Leon Duncan and Daniel Showell.

“We’re having a special tribute to those who died while serving,” Purnell said, adding that with more research organizers hoped to have more information on local veterans in the future. “We’re asking families of those we’re honoring to come out and join in the celebration.”

Attendees might also notice an empty chair at the judge’s stand, as longtime volunteer Tony Bowen recently passed away.

“He would always come out,” Purnell said.

Purnell said the Old Fashioned Memorial Day Parade, which is meant to remind people of the old Decoration Day parades that Berlin was known for in the first half of the 20th century, is a longstanding tradition in Berlin. He said that’s why the event draws such a crowd.

“They come because it’s tradition,” Purnell said. “It’s time honored. People older than myself, they’re happy this event has been reincarnated.”

The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27. Attendees can park on the grass lot across from Henry Park.

CHARLENE SHARPE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Participants in last year’s Memorial Day parade are pictured.

Tradition of volunteerism being enriched by Timmons

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(May 24, 2024) This week in our Volunteer Spotlight we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Active Firefighter Marvin Wayne Timmons Jr.

Wayne continued the family tradition of serving the Ocean City community alongside his grandfather, Marvin I. Timmons, and his father, Marvin Wayne “Bud” Timmons Sr. as a member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. Wayne has always wanted to better his hometown community as an active member of the OCVFC. He is currently employed as a local tow truck operator.

Timmons joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company as a cadet in April 2006. He remained in the cadet program until July 2010, when he joined the ranks of the OCVFC as an active firefighter. During his 14 years of active service, Wayne has completed Maryland Firefighter I, Hazmat Awareness, is a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and has served as a lieutenant for the OCVFC.

Wayne recalls a house fire in West Ocean City on June 26, 2014, as the most significant event of his firefighter career. It was his first experience at a “working” house fire, arriving on the first engine on the scene and deploying the first hose line on the fire.

Timmons cites being recognized as the OCVFC Firefighter of the Year for 2020 as his greatest accomplishment in the fire service.

Timmons offered the following advice to our cadet and other young men and women with an interest in joining the fire service: “If you ever have the opportunity to join a volunteer fire company – join!! You will never regret it. You will have a second family for the rest of your life while having the opportunity to serve your community.”

We thank Firefighter Timmons and his family for their many years of service and commitment to the safety of their neighbors and the many visitors to our community.

For membership information, or to learn more about your volunteer

Marvin Wayne Timmons Jr.

Hardwire LLC recently donated tactical shields to Wor-Wic Community College for its Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. From left, Stefanie K. Rider, executive director of the foundation and director of development, and Kristin L. Mallory, vice president for academic affairs, both of Wor-Wic Community College, receive the donation from J.P. Lacey, business and pricing manager, and Emily Tunis, president and chief operating officer, both of Hardwire LLC, alongside Deborah Casey, president of Wor-Wic, and John C. Moses, director of criminal justice.

Hardwire, Justice Academy partner to bolster training

(May 24, 2024) Hardwire LLC, a leading provider of advanced ballistic armor solutions, recently provided a donation to the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy (ESCJA) operated by Wor-Wic Community College. The Pocomoke City-based company provided two law enforcement tactical shields to ESCJA to bolster training initiatives and better prepare officers for the future challenges they may face in the line of duty.

The ESCJA is a certified training program by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission that will mark its 91st graduating class this year. It provides entry-level and in-service training for more than 40 agencies on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, including the Salisbury Police Department, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean City Police Department, Snow Hill Police Department and Cambridge Police Department among many others.

The donation of these tactical shields underscores Hardwire’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies and institutions. Hardwire understands that law enforcement is a difficult profession; tactical equipment can be a game changer in the safety of officers in the field, especially with proper training. These shields, crafted with high-performance materials in advanced designs, will provide ESCJA trainees with hands-on experience and exposure to real field equipment, mirroring the conditions and scenarios they may encounter in their professional careers.

“Tactical shields are essential tools for law enforcement officers, offering critical protection and tactical advantages in high-risk situations,” George Tunis, CEO of Hardwire LLC, said. “By providing ESCJA with these shields, we aim to enhance their training curriculum and empower future officers with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of law enforcement.”

The partnership between Hardwire LLC and ESCJA signifies a shared commitment to advancing public safety and ensuring that law enforcement personnel receive the highest quality training. By incorporating the tactical shields into training programs, ESCJA can simulate real-world scenarios, allowing trainees to develop crucial decisionmaking abilities, situational awareness, and tactical proficiency.

“We appreciate Hardwire’s efforts to help our students build their knowledge and understanding of vital tactical equipment through this generous donation,” John C. Moses, director of criminal justice at Wor-Wic, said.

MAY 24, 2024 OC Today-Dispatch 51

MARKETPLACE

MARINE TECHS and BOAT YARD HELPERS wanted for West Ocean City boat yard. Call 410-213-2296.

Small Engine Mechanic Year-round. Competitive Wages. 443-754-1047

Classifieds 410-723-6397 by Monday @ 5pm

SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY - Staff needed for events in Ocean City. Seasonal FT/PT help also. Please call 443513-4198.

Thunderbird Beach Motel Now Hiring NIGHT MAINTENANCE and FRONT DESK CLERK

All shifts. Competitive pay. Apply in person. 32nd St., Baltimore Ave. Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm.

OC Hair & Nail Studio. Now accepting applications for Full or PT NAIL TECH & HAIR STYLIST. Sign on bonus w/established clientele. Please call 410524-7606 for interview.

Cleaners - Vacation rentals needed for OC and Pines. Experience preferred but not required. OC Purifiers. Call or text 443-397-1189 or email Karen@ocpurifiers.com.

Help Wanted: FT, Seasonal, Front Desk, Housekeeping, Laundry. Walk in to fill out application. Safari Hotel, 13th Street and Boardwalk. 410-289-6411 AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES Auto Parts/Marine Parts Store with huge Retail department, is now hiring for: Parts Associates (will train). Locations in: Ocean Pines, Clarksville & Long Neck. Great Pay & Benefits. Must have Great Customer Service Experience. Call: 302-344-9769.

EXECUTIVE POSITION

AVAILABLE TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND

Maintenance Tech IV

PT/FT CASHIER/SALES ASSOCIATES

ANTIQUES STORES IN BERLIN, MD Some Weekends Req 410-629-9656 or 410-629-1895

Classifieds 410-723-6397

The Town of Snow Hill is accepting applications for the position of Maintenance Tech IV

PAY RATE: Hourly, TBD commensurate with qualifications/ experience. Full-time, health insurance, retirement, vacation, sick, personal and holidays.

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Public Works Supervisor, this individual operates and trains on noncommercial and commercial weight vehicles (over 26,000 pounds); performs semi-skilled and skilled labor work; uses hand and power operated tools, operates, and maintains various small gas powered, electrically driven, and/or hydraulically operated machinery and equipment; assists in the repair of streets and parks, as necessary; Ability to apply acquired knowledge to increasingly varied and complex tasks; Ability to perform duties independently and as part of a team and complete assigned tasks by the established deadlines.

High school graduate or equivalency plus 7 years of experience in all phases of maintenance, CDL Class B required. Visit www.snowhillmd.gov for Job Description and Employment Application.

TO APPLY: To request an application form, send resume with salary requirements to: execadmin@snowhillmd.com or Town of Snow Hill, Michelle Beckett-El Soloh, P.O. Box 348, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

Overview of employee benefits: Members of the Maryland State Retirement System (LEOPS for Police Officers),

benefits package including a health reimbursement account, employer-paid life insurance, 100% tuition reimbursement, vacation accruals based on tenure, 12 sick days per year, 16 paid holidays per year, two personal days per year, and much more!

Apply: Qualified candidates can submit a confidential Town of Berlin application, a resume, and three professional references to the Town’s Human Resources Director at kjensen@berlinmd.gov. Applications can be found under the employment section of our website at https://berlinmd.gov/employment/ or you can call 410-641-2770 and arrange to pick one up at 10 William Street Berlin, MD 21811. EOE/M/F/V/D.

Cleaners Wanted for

Ocean City, MD

If you are a conscientious individual or team looking for great pay and minimal hours on summer Saturdays in OC, then we are the cleaning company for you. Exp. Preferred. Cell phone and vehicle required.

443-880-0525

Building Attendant. Full & Part Time. Day & Evening Shifts. Memorial thru Labor Day. Dependable, conscientious individual to monitor building, grounds, pool and parking. Send resume to Fred@paradiseoc.com or call 410-250-1111.

Pool -

General Maintenance. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others

410-289-4902

ask for Suzanne.

FLORAL DESIGNER

Part time experienced Floral Designer willing to learn computer program, customer service, and work some Saturdays. Looking for a responsible person to fill in when owner is not available. Please contact us by e-mail oceancityflorist@aol.com, phone 410-250-1636 or stop by the shop: Ocean City Florist, 12909 Coastal Hwy.

SEEKING WORK

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

OC Summer with possible extension into late fall. Clean, furnished, Single Family Home @ 26th St. 3BR, 1.5BA. Avail. immediately. 410-524-0663

NORTH OC SUMMER SEASONAL Single family home. 2BR, 2BA. Cleaning once a month and lawn care will be included. CALL KAREN 443-880-5727.

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

SUMMER SEASONAL

RENTAL 2BR, 2BA Bayfront, Quiet 94th St. area. $13,000 for season. Call Beach Real Estate, 410-629-0224.

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

COMMERCIAL

Commercial Office Spaces

For LEASE / SALE

Historic District Berlin, MD. 360+ SF each $1200/mo each. 410-707-1540

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

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

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

WANT TO BUY

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

Flea Market at Assateague Pointe on Route 611. May 25th starting at 8 AM at the front entrance.

BOATS/PWC

2005 16 ft. KEY LARGO BOAT with 50hp Yamaha 2 stroke, with trailer. Ocean View, DE. In good shape, runs good. Garage kept and only used a few times each summer. Asking $3K. Call or text 240-688-2415.

Units are being sold due to non-payment of rent. Common items in units are, household items, furniture, tools, fishing equipment, paintings, antique and vintage items.

DATE: Friday, May 31st, 2024 TIME: 10:00AM

This will be an online auction. Please go to Lockerfox.com and register. Feel free to call 410-2132029 for any questions regarding the online auction.

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

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MISC. FOR SALE Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719 Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855407-6870

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

FLETCHER, ESQ. TRUSTEE

COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS OF BOARDWALK ONE, INC.

P.O. BOX 762

Ocean City, MD 21842

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

C-23-CV-24-000014

COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS OF BOARDWALK ONE, INC.

P.O. BOX 762

Ocean City, MD 21842

Plaintiff v.

High Hopes Inc, et al. Defendants

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF

TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN Boardwalk One Condominium OCEAN CITY, MD

By virtue of the power and authority resulting from a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber 8599 folio 15, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland for case no. C-23-CV-24-000014, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction on the steps of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, located at 1 West Market Street (Main Entrance), the following described property located in Snow Hill, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM the following timeshare intervals:

with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash, check, or electronic payment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2024 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser at settlement. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited, and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting the deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443.672.8107.

OCD-5/23/3t

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-8000 www.rosenberg-assoc.com

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES’ SALE OF IMPROVED REAL

PROPERTY

7601 ATLANTIC AVENUE, UNIT #21

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $31,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. There will be no reduction of interest due to overpayment of deposit. Adjustment of all real property taxes (excluding recapture of previously reduced or exempt taxes) and any other public charges or assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, and ground rent to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, condo/HOA assessments and Columbia Assoc. assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, recaptured taxes (including but not limited to agricultural taxes), and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale.

faulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Defaulting purchaser waives personal service of any document filed in connection with such a motion on him/herself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such document by regular mail directed to the address provided by said purchaser at the time of the foreclosure auction. Trustees' file number 23000812-MD-F-1.

Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Trustees

OCD-5/23/3t

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.

1966 Greenspring Drive, Suite LL2 Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland 21093 (410) 238-2840

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES'

SALE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

6 90th Street, Unit #1, Ocean City, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from James T. Axe and Barbara K. Axe, dated May 3, 2018 and recorded in Liber 7208, Folio 365 among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $191,250.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, 1 West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, Courthouse Door, on

Each time interval being one per year in the corresponding unit, each being part of the Boardwalk One Condominium Time-Share Regime, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Kenneth Maher and Jennifer Maher dated November 28, 2005 and recorded in Liber 4593, folio 259 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

JUNE 11, 2024 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and described as Unit No. 21 in the "Beachcrest Condominium" and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #10-085659.

The property, which is improved

If the Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, the deposit shall be forfeited, to the Trustees for application against all expenses, attorney’s fees and the full commission on the sale price of the above-scheduled foreclosure sale. In the event of default, all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustees may then re-advertise and resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser or may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser without reselling the property. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the de-

Monday, June 3, 2024 AT 11:00 AM

ALL THAT FEE-SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND and the improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The real property is known as 6 90th Street, Unit #1, Ocean City, MD 21842, Tax ID #10-321204 Tax Map 0115, Grid 0017, Parcel 1288A. Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same, if any and with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $15,800.00 in the form of cash, cashier’s check, certified check, or other form as the Substitute Trustees determine acceptable, is required at the time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. At the Substitute Trustees’ discretion, the foreclosure purchaser, if a corporation or LLC, must produce evidence, prior to bidding, of the

legal formation of such entity. The purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note, its assigns, or designees, shall pay interest on the unpaid purchase money at the rate of 4.5% per annum from the date of foreclosure auction to the date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees.

In the event settlement is delayed for any reason , there shall be no abatement of interest. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, or front foot benefit payments, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale, to be adjusted as of the date of foreclosure auction an assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If the purchaser shall fail to comply with the terms of the sale or fails to go to settlement within ten (10) days of ratification of the sale, the Substitute Trustees may, in addition to any other available remedies, declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser, and the purchaser agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees for the Substitute Trustees, plus all costs incurred, if the Substitute Trustees have filed the appropriate motion with the Court to resell the property. Purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such a motion on himself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail directed to the address provided by said bidder at the time of foreclosure auction. In such event, the defaulting purchaser shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price, all costs and expenses of resale, reasonable attorney's fees, and all other charges due and incidental and consequential damages, and any deficiency in the underlying secured debt. The purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property. If the Substitute Trustees cannot convey insurable title, the purchaser's sole remedy at law or in equity shall be the return of the deposit without interest. The sale is subject to postsale confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of his deposit without interest.

NOTE: The information contained herein was obtained from

sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for informational purposes only. Neither the auctioneer, the beneficiary of the Deed of Trust, the Substitute Trustee nor his agents or attorneys make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of information.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO PERFORM THEIR OWN DUE DILIGENCE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY PRIOR TO THE FORECLOSURE AUCTION. For additional information, please contact the Substitute Trustees.

Mark H. Wittstadt and Justin T. Hoy, Substitute Trustees

Tidewater Auctions, LLC

305 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 105

Towson, Maryland 21204

410-825-2900

www.tidewaterauctions.com

www.auction.com

OCD-5/16/3t

SOUTRY D. SMITH ESQ. HASSANI, FOCAS & FIFER P.A. 22 W. PENNSYLVANIA AVE., STE. 606

TOWSON, MD 21204-5005

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20010 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DAVID PERLMAN GOULD

Notice is given that Amanda Brook Afable, 198 Wayne St., Apt. 3 Jersey City, NJ 07302-3332, was on January 19, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David Perlman Gould who died on October 25, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of July, 2024.

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

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

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

Amanda Brook Afable 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 9, 2024

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BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Carrie M. Ward, et al.

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs, vs.

MARY A. FINCH (DECEASED)

JOHN F. FINCH (DECEASED) 6 Meadow Street Berlin, MD 21811

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

Case No. C-23-CV-23-000184

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 30th day of April, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 6 Meadow Street, Berlin, MD 21811, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 3rd day of June, 2024, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 27th day of May, 2024.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $400,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-5/9/3t

VICTORIA L. O'NEILL ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P A 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20187

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SUPERIOR COURT - PROBATE PART court of BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY appointed ADAM V PUFF whose address is 59 GILL RD HADDONFIELD, NJ 08033-3401 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of KARIN D VENEZIALE who died on MARCH 01, 2024 domiciled in NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is VICTORIA L. O'NEILL, ESQ. whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE

200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER.

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-5/9/3t

LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

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

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20038

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Surrogate Court of Passaic County, New Jersey appointed Maureen McKenna Harris, A1 Suburbian Vlg., Wanaque, NJ 07465-1607 as the Executrix of the Estate of Joan McKenna AKA: Joan G. McKenna who died on December 05, 2022 domiciled in New Jersey, America. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Renna Patel whose address is 1321 Mt. Hermon Road, Suite B, Salisbury, MD 21804. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.

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

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

Maureen McKenna Harris

Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: May 09, 2024

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20186 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES MANNING SMITH

Notice is given that Donna Louise Smith, 89 Watertown Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-1716, was on May 02, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Manning Smith who died on April 15, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 2nd day of November, 2024.

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

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

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

Donna Louise Smith

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 9, 2024

tained 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 29th day of OCTOBER, 2024.

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

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

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

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

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of TERESA LEE PERDUE Estate No. 20174 Notice is given that JOHN DAVID PERDUE whose address is 30103 SOUTHHAMPTON BRIDGE RD., SALISBURY, MD 21804-2476 was on APRIL 29, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of TERESA LEE PERDUE who died on APRIL 09, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of OCTOBER, 2024

unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-5/9/3t

COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

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

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20195

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ court of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania appointed Michelle D. Leonard, 840 West Montgomery Ave., #507, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 as the Executrix of the Estate of Sandra Leonard AKA: Sandra A. Leonard who died on April 01, 2012 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates Jr., whose address is 6200 Coastal Highway, Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21824.

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

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

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

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

Michelle D. Leonard Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Notice is given that Victoria L O’Neill Esq., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 200, Ocean City, MD 21842-6697, was on May 10, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John P. Shipley who died on November 22, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of November, 2024.

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

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

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

Victoria L. O’Neill Esq. 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 16, 2024

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL ANN WOOLLAND Estate No. 20182 Notice is given that DAWN CATALDO whose address is 240 OCEAN PKWY., BERLIN, MD 21811-1901 was on APRIL 29, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL ANN WOOLLAND who died on MARCH 13, 2024 with a will.

Further information can be ob-

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: May 16, 2024

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VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20114

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN P. SHIPLEY

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VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20190 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JANET ELENE GOBBETT

Notice is given that Gary Lee James, 11014 Trappe Creek Dr., Berlin, MD 21911-3556, was on May 10, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janet Elene Gobbett who died on April 03, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their

objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of November, 2024.

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

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

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

Gary Lee James 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 16, 2024

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NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20194 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD JOHN HAJEWSKI

Notice is given that Paul Edward Hajewski, 121 Augusta Dr., Ocean View, DE 19970-3277, was on May 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard John Hajewski who died on February 29, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of November, 2024.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not pre-

sented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Paul Edward Hajewski

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 16, 2024

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20178 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF OLIVER E. ROBINSON III

AKA: OLIVER ELLWOOD ROBINSON III

Notice is given that John J. Robinson, 6928 Rock Hall Rd., Rock Hall, MD 21661-1235, was on May 09, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Oliver E. Robinson III who died on April 02, 2024, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

John J. Robinson 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 16, 2024

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SHAFFER, MCLAUCHLIN & STOVER, LLC

ERIC E. MCLAUCHLIN, ESQ. 4690 MILLENNIUM DRIVE, SUITE 200 BELCAMP, MD 21017-1525

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20193

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Register of Wills court of Sussex County, Delaware appointed Justyna M. Rosenburg, 10710 Piney Island Dr., Bishopville, MD 21813-1452 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert Kurt Rosenburg who died on June 09, 2022 domiciled in Delaware, USA.

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

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

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper:

Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: May 16, 2024

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MAUREEN F.L. HOWARTH AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A.

6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, Maryland 21842

NOTICE OF TAX SALE

OF PROPERTY IN THE TENTH ELECTION DISTRICT, SUB-DISTRICTS 101-109, WORCESTER COUNTY, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Town of Ocean City, Maryland municipal taxes and assessments under levies of the tax years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 on the properties hereinafter described being due and in arrears and unpaid; and in order to compel the payment of the same, together with interest thereon, Attorney and Advertising Fees of $258, and the costs of attending the proceeding, as provided by law, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as the

City Manager and Collector of municipal taxes in the Tenth Election District, Worcester County, Ocean City, Maryland as provided by the Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland (Tax-Property Article Section 14-808 et seq. of the Annotated Code of Maryland), the undersigned City Manager and Collector of Taxes, will sell at public auction, at City Hall, 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2024 AT THE HOUR OF 10:00 A.M. the below described properties: Item 1 10-247772 and 15638338252: Described as Holiday Plaza Condominium, Unit 307, 2801 Baltimore Avenue, Assessed to Alyas Abady and Ayesha Abady, Assessed Value $168,400, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $596.01.

Item 4 10-198747 and 13223729946: Described as Montego Bay Mobile Home Park, Lot 1550, Section 4A, Lot Size 3600 Sq. Ft., 13308 Colonial Road, Assessed to Bungarra, LLC, Assessed Value $125,200, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $894.79.

Item 5 10-099145 and 16303913088: Described as Ponte Vista Condominium, Unit 208, 735 Bradley Road, Assessed to Michael Davids Dawson, Assessed Value $218,600, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,151.57.

Item 6 10-141966 and 15909720508: Described as Sea Watch Condominium, Unit 1300, 11500 Coastal Highway, Assessed to Defrancesco Properties, LLC, Assessed Value $723,600, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,328.74.

Item 7 10-315883 and 15738149588: Described as Mako Condominium, Unit A, 803 142nd Street, Assessed to Raphael NII Darku Dodoo, Assessed Value $117,900, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $839.05.

Item 8 10-053706 and 11454357234: Described as Sand and Foam Condominium, Unit 8, 210 Trimper Avenue, Assessed to Erin C. Driscoll, Assessed Value $146,800, Wastewater, Bulk Pickup, Interest and Penalties Due $868.96.

Item 9 10-140579 and 2827520256: Described as Sea Watch Condominium, Unit 705, 11500 Coastal Highway, Assessed to Elmo M. Gayoso and Ofelia Loot Gayoso, Assessed Value $351,600, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,165.67.

Item 10 10-287472 and 12957745260: Described as Harbor Sails Condominium, Unit 406, Phase I, 169 Jamestown Road, Assessed to Christopher G. Guest, Assessed Value $142,400, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $810.78.

Item 11 10-205417 and 3448931124: Described as El Marlyn Condominium, Unit 3, 5 80th Street, Assessed to Robert J. Hoffman and Sherry Hoffman, Assessed Value $145,800, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,196.73.

Item 12 10-085659 and 10666710866: Described as Beachcrest Condominium, Unit 21, 7601 Atlantic Avenue, Assessed to Kenneth B. Maher and Jennifer Maher, As-

sessed Value $214,500, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $823.59. Item 14 10-190134 and 928128398: Described as Montego Bay Mobile Home Park, Lot 1375, Section 1, Lot Size 3600 Sq. Ft., 13205 Atlantic Boulevard, Assessed to Nancy Carol Devaughn McLaughlin, Assessed Value $122,900, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $788.88.

Item 15 10-316650 and 8315949722: Described as San Remo Condominium, Unit 204, Building A, 5401 Coastal Highway, Assessed to Erick D. Rohl, Assessed Value $192,900, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,188.96.

Item 16 10-262623 and 4303940908: Described as Jamaica Condominium III, Unit 104, 12304 Jamaica Avenue, Assessed to Joan E. Seidenspinner, Assessed Value $123,900, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $768.46.

Item 17 10-139465 and 8580120058: Described as High Point North Condominium, Unit 6-E, 11400 Coastal Highway, Assessed to Suzanne M. Sheredy, Assessed Value $228,200, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $909.22.

Item 18 10-249325 and 6234338516: Described as Bradley on the Bay Condominium, Unit 203, Building A, Phase IV, 3701 Coastal Highway, Assessed to John J. Shipley and Patricia A. Shipley, Assessed Value $180,500, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,035.64.

Item 19 10-221595 and 14216133724: Described as Crab Cove Condominium, Unit 6, 607 Osprey Road, Assessed to Shawn D. Spurry and Kim M. Spurry, Assessed Value $195,700, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $962.38.

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HOLLY A. MUSSELMAN, ESQ.

201 W. PADONIA ROAD, STE. 101 PHOENIX, MD 21093

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20129

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LOUIS DAVID

Notice is given that Lisa Goretsas, 1103 Barley Cutter Rd., Hampstead, MD 21074-1510, was on March 28, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louis David who died on January 05, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of September, 2024.

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

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

(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.

Lisa Goretsas Personal Representative True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 04, 2024

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

Ocean Bowl Admin Building

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide for the Ocean Bowl Admin Building and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

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

A Pre-Bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 9 AM, at City Hall, Community Conference room, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD, for any questions concerning the Proposals Documents. A site walkthrough will immediately follow. The last day for questions will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 3 PM. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Monday, June 10, 2024

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, July 8, 2024, by 3:00 PM. and will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the Mayor

and City Council Work Session held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 1 PM. Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: City Manager; Room 230, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and must note the name of the solicitation (Ocean Bowl Admin Building) on the outside of the package.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

OCD-5/16/2t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

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

Thursday, May 30, 2024

AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Sections 110-94(3)(a) and 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request (1) a special yard exception from the front yard to build upon an existing dwelling that has a legally nonconforming front yard setback of 8 feet, rather than 10 feet required by Code; and (2) a special parking exception to waive 0.5 (1) parking space from the required three (3) parking spaces. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 7 of the plat entitled “Beach Village”. It is further described as being located on the east side of Wight Street and is locally known as 14022 Wight Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: ROBERT WRIGHT AND TERESA RODRIGUEZWRIGHT (BZA 2684 #2409400007)

AT 6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Sections 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request a special parking exception from design standards to allow for 8 out of 42 required garaged parking spaces to have dimensions of 10’ X 18’. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, Block 108, of the plat entitled “Oceanbay City.” It is further described as being located on the north side of the 75th Street and is locally known as 110 75th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JOSEPH E. MOORE, FOR BAYSIDE 75 (BZA 2688 #24-

09400010)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall. Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-5/16/2t

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2024 At 7:00 pm ORDINANCE TO AMEND SUBSECTION (C) OF SECTION 110-884, OUTDOOR DISPLAY OF MERCHANDISE STANDARDS FOR PROPERTIES FRONTING ON ATLANTIC AVENUE (BOARDWALK). Section 110-884 - Outdoor display of merchandise standards for properties fronting on Atlantic Avenue (boardwalk).

(c) Outdoor display as described in sections (a) and (b) shall be subject to the following enforcement procedures:

(1) The business owner may be issued a municipal infraction with a fine of $500 for the initial violation. A confirmation letter and copy of the citation will be sent to the property owner.

(2) The business owner may be issued a municipal infraction with a fine of $1,000 for the second violation.

(3) The business owner may be issued a municipal infraction with a fine of $1,000 for a third violation. The display permit and the ability to display shall l be suspended for two weeks beginning the day after the third violation. A confirmation letter of the suspension and a copy of the citation will be sent to the property owner. The business owner must remove the outdoor display completely within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the suspension notice.

(4) Any further violations shall result in additional municipal infractions and shall result in the revocation of the outdoor display permit and the ability to display for four (4) months. The business owner must remove the outdoor display completely within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the revocation notice. After four months, the business owner may apply for a new one-year display permit provided the business owner is in compliance with subsec-

tion (5) below.

(5) No business owner shall be issued/re-issued a display permit if the the business owner has any outstanding, unpaid, municipal infractions.

(6) Failure to abide by the requirements set forth in this Section may result in the suspension or revocation of the violator’s business license as set forth in Section 14-38.

APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING STAFF (FILE #2414100001)

At 7:15 pm ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTIONS 110-831.27 SUBSECTION (F) AND SECTION 110-865.25 SUBSECTION (6) OF THE DOWNTOWN AND UPPER DOWNTOWN DESIGN OVERLAY ZONE DISTRICTS, NONCONFORMING SIGNS, TO REMOVE THE SUNSET PROVISION AND MAKE ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS

Section 110-831.27(f) - Nonconforming signs.

(3) Any nonconforming sign except those identified in subsection (f)(2) as prohibited signs and window signs shall be removed, replaced, or made to conform to the requirements of this division when it is:

a. Changed or replaced with another sign; however, the face or copy of a nonconforming sign may be changed without bringing the sign into conformity, providing such changes are nonstructural in nature.

b. Structurally altered so as to extend its useful life.

c. Expanded or enlarged.

d. Relocated.

e. Repaired or re-established after damage by more than 50 percent of its value at the time of the damage or destruction.

f. Modified in any way that would increase the degree of nonconformity.

(4) Nonconforming window signs which exceed the aggregate window coverage stipulated in subsection (e)(2) of this section shall be made to conform to the requirements of this section within one year after adoption of the ordinance from which this article is derived or within 90 days from a written notice of violation.

(5) Nothing in this section shall prevent ordinary maintenance performed on a nonconforming sign or sign structure.

(6) All existing unpermitted signs, not otherwise determined to be an existing permitted non-conforming sign, shall be removed or made to conform with the requirements of this division within 90 days from a written notice of violation.

Section 110-865.25(6) – Nonconforming signs. .

b.

1. All existing signs, which are identified in subsection (4) of this section as prohibited signs shall be removed within 90 days of the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived or within 90 days from a written notice of violation, with the exception of the signs described in subsection (4)c, (4)j and (4)k of this section.

2. Signs described in subsection (4)c which obstruct the view in any direction at a street intersection in accordance with section 66-10 shall be removed within six months of June 20, 2016, or within 30 days from a written notice of violation.

3. Signs described in subsections (4)j and (4)k of this section (i.e. signs containing flashing, blinking, revolving or rotating lights and roof signs), must be removed within 18 months of June 20, 2016 or within 30 days from a written notice of violation.

4. All existing unpermitted signs, not otherwise determined to be an existing permitted non-conforming sign, shall be removed or made to conform with the requirements of this division within 90 days from a written notice of violation.

c. Any nonconforming sign except those identified in subsection (6)b as prohibited signs shall be removed, replaced, or made to conform to the requirements of this division when it is:

1. Changed or replaced with another sign; however, the face or copy of a nonconforming sign may be changed without bringing the sign into conformity, providing such changes are nonstructural in nature.

2. Structurally altered so as to extend its useful life.

3. Expanded or enlarged.

4. Relocated.

5. Repaired or re-established after damage by more than 50 percent of its value at the time of the damage or destruction.

6. Modified in any way that would increase the degree of nonconformity.

d. Nonconforming window signs that exceed the aggregate window coverage stipulated in subsection (5)b.5.v of this section shall be made to conform to the requirements of this section within one year after adoption of the ordinance from which this division is derived or within 90 days from a written notice of violation.

e. Nothing in this section shall prevent ordinary maintenance performed on a nonconforming sign or sign structure.

APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING STAFF (FILE #2414100002)

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

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

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

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

JOSEPH P. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON

MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ. ATTORNEY OCD-5/16/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20199

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF TRACY M. NIKSICH

Notice is given that Jennifer Pastorius, 120 53rd St., Unit Q201, Ocean City, MD 21842-5395, was on May 10, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tracy M. Niksich who died on April 30, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of November, 2024.

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

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

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

Jennifer Pastorius 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 16, 2024

OCD-5/16/3t

Tax Certificate Consultants Inc. c/o James F. Truitt, Jr. 20 East Timonium Road, Suite 100 Timonium, Maryland 21093

Plaintiff v.

Amith Sethi Savita Sethi 12507 SUNSET AVE - UNIT 16F and Worcester County, Maryland (for Maryland Annotated Code 141836(b)(1)(v) purposes only) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes

for said County known as: 12507 Sunset Avenue, Unit 16F, Ocean City, MD 21842, 10th (Tenth) Election District, described as All that lot of land and imps UNIT 16 BLDG F PH II SUNSET AVE & RT 611 PL MEYER'S SIDING CONDO IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY Case Number: C-23-CV-24-000083

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property 12507 Sunset Avenue Unit 16F, Ocean City, MD 21842 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

All that lot of land and imps UNIT 16 BLDG F PH II SUNSET AVE & RT 611 PL MEYER'S SIDING CONDO

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

It is thereupon this 13th of May, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 13th of July, 2024, and redeem the property 12507 Sunset Avenue Unit 16F, Ocean City, MD 21842 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing ail rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff's title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD

OCD-5/23/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20201 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EILEEN MEEHAN PATRICK

Notice is given that Kevin D. Patrick, 1106 Euclid Ave., Apt 324, Charlotte, NC 28203-6597, was on May 13, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eileen Meehan Patrick who died on April 24, 2024, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of November, 2024.

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

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

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

Kevin D. Patrick 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 23, 2024

OCD-5/23/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

Eagles Landing Golf Course Kitchen Remodel

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Kitchen Remodel and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

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

A Pre-Bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 10 AM, located at 12367 Eagles Nest Road, Berlin, MD, 21811 (Eagles Landing Golf Course), for any questions con-

cerning the Proposals Documents. A site walkthrough will immediately follow. The last day for questions will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 3 PM. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Monday, June 10, 2024

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, July 8, 2024, by 3:00 PM. and will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the Mayor and City Council Work Session held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 1 PM Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: City Manager; Room 230, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and must note the name of the solicitation (Eagles Landing Golf Course Kitchen Remodel) on the outside of the package.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

OCD-5/23/1t

TOWN OF

BERLIN, MARYLAND NOTICE

OF A PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2024-04

FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND, A MARYLAND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET AS SUBMITTED.

The Ordinance will be introduced for a First Reading on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The Public Hearing on the Ordinance will be held on (*)Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Both meetings will be held during the Regular Meetings of the Mayor and Council at Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, 2nd Floor, Berlin, MD 21811.

(*) rescheduled due to Memorial Day holiday.

The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged. Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call 410-641-2770 for further information.

OCD-5/9/2t

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 24-03

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-03 (Zoning – Farm-based slaughterhouses) was introduced by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, and Purnell on May 7, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1-201(c)(34). (Adds a special exception use for the use of a structure for the slaughtering and processing of livestock raised or

maintained on the farm, excluding rendering plants or facilities, not to exceed six hundred square feet in gross floor area.)

A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 24-03 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-5/23/2t

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 24-04

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-04 (Zoning – Private, noncommercial storage buildings) was introduced by Commissioners Abbott, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on May 7, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

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

A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 24-04 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:35 a.m.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-5/23/2t

Town of Berlin Board of Appeals

NOTICE OF APPEALS

June 5, 2024, 6:30 PM 10 William Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811 2nd Foor Council Chambers

204 West Street: Pursuant to the Town of Berlin’s Code Sections 108165, the Berlin Board of Appeals will hear an appeal for a Yard Setback Variance on a Non-Conforming Lot received from Mr. Palmer Gillis to extend the existing structure at 204 West Street, Berlin, MD. 513 S. Main Street: Pursuant to the Town of Berlin’s Code Sections 108-788 and 108-789, the Berlin Board of Appeals will hear an appeal for a Parking Modification received from Mr. Patrick Vorsteg to reduce the number of parking space for 513 S. Main Street, Berlin, MD.

OCD-5/30/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2024-10

RE: Rental Licenses, Long-term and Short-term

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-10 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of May 20, 2024. Second reading is scheduled June 3, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the May 20, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance defines long-term and short-term rental, adds language about the availability of required parking and establishes a license fee effective date with fees set by a resolution.

OCD-5/23/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2024-11

RE: Parking Enforcement

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-11 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of May 20, 2024. Second reading is scheduled June 3, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the May 20, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts amendments concerning parking enforcement authority, violations and penalties.

OCD-5/23/1t

Land Trust, Furnace Town to host June birding field trips

(May 24, 2024) Nestled among the cypress swamps of the Pocomoke River, Snow Hill transforms into a haven for birdwatchers each spring. This year is no exception, as Delmarva Birding Weekends, the Lower Shore Land Trust, and Furnace Town prepare to welcome birders from across the region to Songbirds of the Swamp, June 14-16.

The cypress swamps of the Pocomoke River and Nassawango Creek boast a unique ecosystem, designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. The dark forests surrounding historic Furnace Town become a breeding ground for a stunning array of neotropical migrants, including warblers, vireos, flycatchers and tanagers.

Birders will participate in field trips in and around Snow Hill and Furnace Town, as well as excursions to other birding hotspots on the Lower Shore. On the evening of June 15, all are invited to attend a summer concert at Furnace Town featuring Heinz and the Red Bird.

“The birdwatching opportunities on the Lower Shore are truly world-class,” Matt Heim, the executive director of the Lower Shore Land Trust, said in a news release. “We have diverse habitats ranging from barrier island to cypress swamp, and thousands of acres of protected land. There’s something here for every birder, from the casual observer to the seasoned traveler.”

One special field trip will be a trek on the morning of June 14, to Nutter’s Neck at the Nanticoke River Wildlife Management Area near Hebron. Birders will search for a bird that was once common on Delmarva, the Northern Bobwhite.

Since the mid-1940s, the population of this quail species has significantly declined across most of their range mainly due to habitat loss. Northern Bobwhite represent a declining species representative of many other songbirds, pollinating insects and native grassland habitat which ultimately limits the diversity and overall health of the local ecosystem.

Nutter’s Neck is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to provide nesting and brood-rearing cover, escape cover, and food sources for Northern Bobwhite.

The impact of the feathered visitors extends far beyond birdwatching enthusiasts. “Birdwatching is a significant economic driver for Worcester County,” Melanie Pursel, the director of the Office of Tourism and Economic Development for Worcester County, said in the release. “Birders spend money on lodging, meals, guide services, and equipment, all of which benefit our local businesses and communities.”

To register for field trips, visit DelmarvaBirding.com.

Council announces winners in ‘Seasons’ art competition

(May 24, 2024) The Worcester County Arts Council recently announced winners in the juried art competition, “Seasons.”

Entries in the competition are on display in the exhibit at the arts council’s gallery in Berlin. The show features 32 pieces of artwork submitted by 22 established and emerging artists with work in all media. Entries were judged by artist and Salisbury University art Professor Jinchul Kim.

The awards are as follows:

First Place — “Dune Fence” (pas-

tel) by Gail Stern

Second Place — “Apple Harvest” (mixed media) by Kathy Gibson

Third Place — “Scion” (blown glass) by Jason Giusti

Honorable Mention awards — “Glen’s Wharf” (oil) by Isabel Morris, “Winter Watch” (watercolor) by Ellen Lawler, and “Sound of Moon III” (mixed media) by Jiyeong Yun

The exhibit will be on display through June 30 and the artwork is available for purchase.

The gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Pictured, from left, are “Seasons” juried art competition honorable mention winner Jiyeong Yun; exhibit judge Jinchul Kim; third-place winner Jason Giusti; Anna Mullis, executive director of the Worcester County Arts Council; first-place winner Gail Stern; and honorable mention winner Isabel Morris.

‘Echoes & Visions’ celebrates 35 years at Wor-Wic

(May 24, 2024) Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury recently hosted the 35th anniversary celebration of its creative arts journal, “Echoes & Visions,” with a coral jubilee, including a reception and poetry reading. The evening celebrated a major milestone as Wor-Wic has annually published a volume of creative writing and artwork since the first issue was published on a dot-matrix printer in 1989.

The issues include work selected by an editorial board of students and faculty who evaluate submissions and select the best work each year to be included for publication. From the humble beginnings in 1989, the magazine has developed significantly. These days, the issues are glossy trade bound volumes, which are distributed around campus to students and faculty for free.

In the past 10 years, “Echoes & Visions” has won more than a dozen national awards from the American Scholastic Press Association, the Community College Humanities Association and the National Council of Teachers of English.

Mindful of National Poetry Month, nine Wor-Wic students and alumni who had been published in various issues over the past years shared their poems to a crowd of faculty, staff, students and community members. The featured readers included Robert Senesi, Tyree Price, Anna Conley, Rebecca Jones-Hochmuth, Brodie DeHart, Ryan McNiff, Waetina Tingle and Kim Vallejo. The event was also streamed online to additional audience members.

The evening showcased how WorWic has always been a home for the humanities and the arts as faculty members, including Adam Tavel, professor of English, Melissa Reddish, associate professor of arts and humanities, and Charles Porter, arts and humanities department head and associate professor of developmental English, shared in reflections on the history of the magazine from its founding by Elinor Cubbage through to the future of the arts at Wor-Wic.

Those interested in supporting “Echoes and Visions” and the arts at Wor-Wic can donate to the Elinor Phillips Cubbage Endowment for the Arts by visiting worwic.edu and clicking “Donate.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Attendees of the coral jubilee celebration of “Echoes & Visions,” the Wor-Wic Community College creative arts journal, listen to a reading.

City welcomes emergency response team members

(May 24, 2024) Over the past two months, 14 community members completed a basic training course to become members of the Ocean City Community Emergency Response Team, known as CERT.

The trainees were taught various skills, including first aid, stop the bleeding, CPR, fire suppression, light search and rescue, and team building skills. Members of Ocean Cities Department of Emergency Services instructed the course. The new members will join the current CERT team, which has about 20 members.

According to a news release, CERT is a vital national program imple-

mented by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It’s not just a program, it’s a lifeline. CERT teams are spread across the United States, often referred to as “the help before help arrives,” the release said.

Their primary mission is to provide crucial assistance to victims, contribute to community safety projects, conduct search and rescue operations, and offer unwavering support to first responders.

For more information about CERT, or to join, contact the Ocean City Department of Emergency Services.

United Way hosts annual meeting, honors partners

(May 24, 2024) The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently celebrated community leadership during the 78th Annual Meeting, held in partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

TidalHealth’s Roger Follebout served as program emcee, and PAC14 provided video production.

Community members, donors, volunteers, and partners gathered to celebrate the impact of the 2022-23 campaign year.

After opening remarks by Immediate Past Chair Joy Strand from JA Strand Consulting, President/CEO Pam Gregory highlighted the importance of partnerships, with special appreciation for the dozens of funded nonprofit partners, along with many collaborative partners who work with United Way to bring needed resources and services to the region.

United Way’s annual sponsors were also highlighted for their continued support: Impact Champion Perdue Farms, Campaign Sponsor Avery Hall Insurance, Anchor Sponsor PNC Bank, Leadership Sponsor First Shore Federal, video sponsor TidalHealth, and Volunteer Center sponsor Bank of America.

The agency’s Top 50 organizational contributors, who support through workplace campaigns, grants, sponsorships and event participation, were recognized as well.

The following annual awards were given out:

• Flame of Excellence Award –Worcester County Public Schools

• Spirit of the Shore – Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore

• Volunteer of the Year – Maggie Fulkrod

• Coordinator of the Year - Karen Bromley, Christy Rose, Megan Roy, and Michelle Smith of Avery Hall Insurance

• Affinity Leader of the Year –Ricky Pollitt

• Legacy Award – Jennifer Cannon and Amy Wingate of Perdue Farms

• Jim Barrett Community Leadership Award - Dr. Bryan Newton

United Way’s annual Impact Report highlights outcomes across the region, which brought better health, economic stability, and educational success to local neighbors. The report is available online at uwles.org. Or, for a published copy, contact the United Way at info@uwles.org or 410-742-5143.

For more photos or information, follow UWLES on social media.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Worcester County Public Schools received the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s Flame of Excellence award. Pictured, from left, are United Way’s Amanda Hailey; Leland Green, Carrie Sterrs, Vince Tolbert, Lou Taylor, Dwayne Abt and Matt Record with WCPS; and Pam Gregory and Joy Strand with United Way.

by Steve Green

IThe Adventures of Fatherhood

t’s graduation season. I suspect in my life I have sat through 100 high school and college graduation speeches.

I remember my high school graduation speaker was former Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus and my college graduation speaker was the late Tim Russert of Meet the Press. I remember some details about their speeches, but it was their words of advice that are memorable, not the accomplishments cited in their introductions.

In fact, the speeches I remember today are those where the chosen leaders speak of their failures and the mistakes made that shaped them into who they are today. It’s a valuable lesson to impart on young minds. Things will never go the way we want at all times. It’s how we migrate through our challenging times that oftentimes reveal the most about us. Times of struggle will be inevitable in life, but there are rewards in meeting the challenges and overcoming them.

While it may say a bit about my social media preferences of late, I came across two graduation speeches this week. Thanks to a chaotic week in the office, I would like to share some parts of their speeches.

The first came from Kylie Kelce, who spoke this month at her alma mater, Cabrini University, which is shuttering this year. A mother of three girls, all under 5 years old, the Class of 2017 member and wife to Eagles great Jason Kelce shared some unique perspectives, including the fact it’s perfectly fine at 21 years old to not be fully aware of your life goals.

“Everyone’s first question after graduation is what’s next. ‘I don’t know’ can be an honest and sufficient answer,” she said. “The truth is that no one has their lives completely figured out, and if someone tells you otherwise, they are lying.”

Kelce also let the young adults know

raising a family may not be exactly what they envision when the time comes. She said, “I'm 32, mom of three. Where did the time go? I couldn't tell you, but what I can tell you is I have no idea what I'm doing. Every day we are winging it, just trying not to mess our kids up. Come to find out, that's what our parents did, too. I'm not trying to ruin the mirage that is parenting, but I really want you to understand that with determination and a little potentially unjustified confidence, you can get through the times of uncertainty. The more concise way to say that is to fake it till you make it. … I am well aware that my current position in life is due to the wonderful people around me, but I'll be damned if I don't stay true to myself in everything I do and ensure that I am always authentically me. So find the things that speak to you. Your enthusiasm can be channeled to create change, and you are wonderful the way you are.”

Another speech I came across this week came from 2022 when Taylor Swift addressed New York University’s graduating class. Swift had some reminders for the graduates about life and remembering it can be a roller coaster ride at times. Some excerpts of the speech include:

“I lose perspective all the time. Sometimes everything just feels completely pointless. I know the pressure of living your life through the lens of perfectionism. And I know that I’m talking to a group of perfectionists because you are here today graduating from NYU. And so this may be hard for you to hear: In your life, you will inevitably misspeak, trust the wrong people, under-react, overreact, hurt the people who didn’t deserve it, overthink, not think at all, self sabotage, create a reality where only your experience exists, ruin perfectly good moments for yourself and others, deny any wrongdoing, not take the steps to make it right, feel very guilty, let the guilt eat at you, hit rock bottom, finally address the pain you caused, try

to do better next time, rinse, repeat. And I’m not gonna lie, these mistakes will cause you to lose things I’m trying to tell you that losing things doesn’t just mean losing. A lot of the time, when we lose things, we gain things too.

“Now you leave the structure and framework of school and chart your own path. Every choice you make leads to the next choice which leads to the next, and I know it’s hard to know sometimes which path to take. There will be times in life when you need to stand up for yourself. Times when the right thing is to back down and apologize. Times when the right thing is to fight, times when the right thing is to turn and run. Times to hold on with all you have and times to let go with grace. Sometimes the right thing to do is to throw out the old schools of thought in the name of progress and reform. Sometimes the right thing to do is to listen to the wisdom of those who have come before us.

How will you know what the right choice is in these crucial moments? You won’t.

“How do I give advice to this many people about their life choices? I won’t. Scary news is: You’re on your own now. Cool news is: You’re on your own now. I leave you with this: We are led by our gut instincts, our intuition, our desires and fears, our scars and our dreams. And you will screw it up sometimes. So will I. And when I do, you will most likely read about on the internet. Anyway… hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it. As long as we are fortunate enough to be breathing, we will breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out. And I’m a doctor now, so I know how breathing works.”

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

Dates announced for license-free fishing outings

(May 24, 2024) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer license-free fishing days for all state residents and visitors on June 1 and 8, and July 4.

The annual events provide anglers opportunities to explore the state’s diverse fishing areas without needing fishing licenses, trout stamps, or registrations.

The department hosts license-free fishing every year on the first two Saturdays of June and on the Independence Day holiday to take advantage of peak spring and summer fishing. On these days, any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland. All anglers must follow all current regulations, including size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide.

The department also has dozens of other resources to help new or experienced anglers, including angler access maps and fish identification charts. Anglers of all levels are also encouraged to sign up for the weekly Maryland Fishing Report, which provides up-to-date fishing information.

This year the department is encouraging anglers to catch invasive species such as snakeheads and blue catfish, which are affecting the overall Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Both fish are great options for eating.

Aside from the free fishing days, and certain license-free areas, anyone 16 or older fishing in Maryland must possess a license, which can be obtained or renewed online, through the department’s mobile app, or in person at a department service center, a participating retail sports license agent in the state, or by calling 866-344-8889 during normal business hours.

Church welcomes new priest

(May 24, 2024) St. Paul’s Episcopal in Berlin celebrated the installation of Rev. Susannah E. Southern as priest-in-charge on Saturday, April 13.

Mother Suz, as she prefers to be called, was ordained in June 2023, and has been serving as assistant priest at St. Paul’s since July 2023. The beautiful and moving ceremony was attended by parishioners, friends and family, and many clergy from various parishes in the area.

The Right Rev. Dr. Santosh Marray, XI Bishop of the Diocese of Easton, was the presider and celebrant, with many other priests participating in the ceremony. The Rev. Carl Mosley, who has been the interim rector of St. Paul’s Berlin for the past two years, served as Clergy of Word and Table.

Mother Suz is the first woman priest to serve as priest-in-charge at St. Paul’s Berlin, marking a major milestone in its almost 200-year history.

St. Paul’s Berlin welcomes Mother Suz as its new priest-in-charge, and thanks Father Carl for his guidance and wisdom as interim rector over the past two years.

St. Paul’s Episcopal in Berlin is at 3 Church St. in Berlin, and celebrates Communion every Sunday. Visit the church’s website at stpaulsberlin.org/ for more information or find it on Facebook.

SUBMITTED

Rev. Susannah E. Southern, known as Mother Suz, was installed as priest-in-charge at St. Paul’s Episcopal in Berlin on April 13.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

IMPACT STUDY UNDERWAY

The Worcester County Arts Council is conducting an Economic Impact Study of the Arts in Worcester County to measure the economic and social value of the arts, artists, and the arts council's programming and contributions to the community. The council is working with the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business BEACON team, Salisbury University students, and Worcester County Tourism officials. Pictured, from left, are Brianna Dix, marketing specialist, and Nancy Schwendeman, workforce development specialist for the county’s Tourism and Economic Development; Ishmael "Bailey" Willey and John Hickman with the BEACON Perdue School of Business; Anna Mullis, WCAC executive director; and KwangWook Gang, associate professor at SU Perdue School of Business.

FIELD TRIP HIKE

Ocean City Elementary School kindergarteners recently took a field trip to the Assateague Welcome Center to learn about local ecosystems. They also enjoyed a hike looking for wildlife.

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) welcomed four new members during a recent luncheon meeting. Regent Talley Hann and Chaplain Barbara Rusko administered the oath of membership to Nash Clark, Cynthia Mancuso, Dianne Disharoon and Cheryl Kruger. Each has traced their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Pictured, from left, are Rusko, Hann, Clark, Mancuso, Disharoon, and Kruger at the ceremony.

BINGO NIGHT FUNDRAISER

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean City-Ocean Pines recently held a Bingo Night at the

Tavern in Berlin. It was a big success raising funds for the club's youth programs, including scholarships to be awarded to local graduating senior students. The workers who put on the event are pictured.

STUDENTS SELECT WINNING BOOK

Ocean City Elementary School fourth graders are pictured with new copies of “The

by Peter Brown, the winning book in their annual reading challenge, The Tournament of

Students were invited to read 16 books selected by their teachers at the beginning of the year and in March they began voting for their favorites. The voting continued until one book remained.

NEW MEMBER SWORN IN

First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League Commandant Al Soto is pictured swearing in new member and former Marine Robert Just at a recent meeting. Just, of Clarksville, Delaware, joined the Marines in 1967 and was discharged honorably in March 1973. He was a radio engineer and operator and served more than a year in Vietnam.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.

Sterling

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Wild Robot”

Books.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH OFFICERS

INSTALLED

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) installed its 2024-25 officers during a recent luncheon. Sharon Moak was installed as the chapter’s new Regent by Maryland DAR State Editor Pat Arata. Other officers installed were Chaplain Barbara Rusko, Treasurer Cynthia Mancuso, Registrar Gail Weldin, Historian Jane Bunting, and Elected Special Delegate Christine Nanna-Lieb. Carol Wanzer was unable to attend and will be installed as recording secretary at a later date. Pictured, from left, at the luncheon are Arata, Moak, Rusko, Mancuso, Weldin, Bunting and Nanna-Lieb.

SCHOOL

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

On April 12, Worcester Preparatory School celebrated Autism Awareness Day by dressing in blue.

The Upper School Surf Club also collected donations to support the Surfers Healing Foundation, which works to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to surfing. [Above] Seventh graders Addyson Wisniewski, Abby Ferguson and Ava Holland were excited to wear blue for the cause.

LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS

The Berlin Lions Club annually presents scholarships to Stephen

the proceeds from the club’s fundraising efforts.

and

PHOTOS COURTESY WORCESTER PREPARATORY

Fourth grade girls were all dressed in blue to show their support. Pictured, from left, are Leah Tunnell, Anya Murukutla, Abigail Kratzer and Isabella Labin.

Third graders Kamden White, Grace Hornung and Margot Hidell show their support by dressing in blue.

Middle school students and faculty stand in support of autism awareness. Pictured, from left, are Soren Poulson, Liam McAllister, Claire Cooper, Zac McGovern, Anna French, Head of Middle School Megan Wallace, CJ Labin, Mara McCalanahan, Gracie Holloway and middle school teacher Laura Holmes.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Decatur High School seniors with

Pictured, from left, are scholarship recipients Parker Intrieri

Logan Plumley, teacher Tommy Hinkle, and recipients Rylie Kirby and Deliyah Holland.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

When all the deadlines of the week are met

A good drink and a sunset

Dinner leftovers for lunch at my desk

Biking with the wind at my back

Walking underneath the downtown pier

A hot afternoon after a chilly morning

When stories spark passionate letters to the editor

Dogs walking their owners on the Boardwalk

The smell of rain in the spring

Ignoring presidential election news for now

A teenager showing respect to an elder

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

WITH BUNK MANN

The Jolly Roger Amusement Park began in 1963 as an Arnold Palmer Miniature Golf Course and Driving Range. At that time, the city limits ended at 41st Street and the area along the bayside at 30th Street was considered “way up the beach.”

Owner Charles “Buddy” Jenkins added kiddie rides the next summer (including a train and a small roller coaster) and the Jolly Roger has continued to grow each year.

The view here looks east toward the oceanfront (circa 1966); the vacant spot along the shoreline is now occupied by the Dunes Manor Hotel.

Today the Jolly Roger complex is one of Ocean City’s most popular attractions and includes Splash Mountain — one of the largest water parks on the East Coast — and Speedworld with a multitude of go-kart tracks. It has come a long way from an Arnold Palmer Driving Range 60 years ago.

Photo by Don Ceppi

U.S. Navy shipman

Chief Petty Officer Marvin Bonneville, a native of Snow Hill, is serving in Japan aboard a forwarddeployed U.S. Navy warship.

Bonneville graduated from Snow Hill High School in 2009.

Bonneville joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, he serves as a cryptologic technician.

USS John Finn, a guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.

A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.

More than 300 sailors serve aboard John Finn. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship missionready at all times, according to Navy officials.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea

fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across America.

Bonneville serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. The forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in the region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

Alcohol compliance check

The Ocean City Police Department, in cooperation with the Worcester County Health Department, will be performing compliance checks this season at area bars, restaurants and other establishments that serve alcohol to ensure employees are making concerted efforts to avoid selling to underage patrons.

People under 21, accompanied by plainclothes law enforcement officers, will be visiting local establishments attempting to buy alcoholic beverages.

Ocean City Police officials remind all business owners that serving alcohol to underage citizens is not only illegal but can have a detrimental impact on their business and the underage individuals involved. The OCPD encourages everyone to obey all alcohol regulations to ensure a safer resort town.

Public comments sought

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 annual work plans for several state forests, including Chesapeake/Pocomoke in Worcester County.

The comment period concludes May 30.

Annual work plans help the department identify priorities within the scope of the forests’ long-range management. They address composition, establishment, growth, health, and quality along with construction and maintenance projects.

Chief Petty Officer Marvin Bonneville

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

The public comment period is the final part of a three-step process. The first step was an internal review by natural resource professionals with expertise in wildlife and fishery habitats, recreation, forest management, water quality, and ecologically significant species. The second was a review by a local citizens advisory committee.

Following the conclusion of the public comment period, each forest manager will review, revise and finalize their specific plan.

The proposed plans for each forest can be found on the Maryland Forest Service website at dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/wor kplans.aspx, and comments can be submitted through an online form.

River raft race

The Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Pocomoke River Raft Race is officially set for July Fourth weekend.

The BYOB, or Build Your Own Boat,

event combines imagination, craftsmanship, and a splash of competitive spirit converge on the Pocomoke River. Both seasoned boat builders and novice DIY enthusiasts are invited to participate. Participants can enter as a group or solo, with teams of one to four people building their own boats out of anything that floats, including traditional wood, recycled plastics, giant inflatables, empty soda cans, and cardboard. Innovation and creativity are highly encouraged and all vessels must be human propelled. No motors or sails, or manufactured boats, canoes, kayaks, or paddle boards.

In addition to bragging rights and glory, participants will have the chance to win prizes provided by local sponsors. Prize categories are listed on the website.

The race is set to begin at noon, July 5, at Sturgis Park in Snow Hill, ahead of the town’s July 4 festivities set for later that night. Coast is $45 per team to enter, but spectators can watch for free.

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Saturday, May 25:

Coastal Cats

Every Sunday Locals Party w/ DJ Deogee

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Friday, May 24:

Blissful Wizards & Mercury Agenda

Saturday, May 25:

Chris Diller Duo, & Zion Reggae Band

Sunday, May 26:

The Permilla Project & The Big Laird Band

Monday, May 27:

The Dunehounds & On The Edge Band

Tuesday, May 28:

Lauren & Sarah & Coastal Cats Duo

Wednesday, May 29:

Joe Hickey & Aaron Howell

Thursday, May 30:

Dylan Canfield Duo & Chris Sacks Duo

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, May 24:

First Class

Saturday, May 25:

Jim Long & Dust N Bones

Every Sunday: DJ Wax

Monday, May 27:

Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustetts

CRABCAKE FACTORY

BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Wednesday, May 29: Union Road

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, May 24:

LNJ Sessions

Saturday, May 25: Rogue Citizens

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, May 24:

Crushing Day, DJ RobCee & DJ Stinson

Saturday, May 25:

DJ Greg, Crushing Day, DJ Dnial & Shake The Room

Sunday, May 26:

DJ Greg, The 1974, Shake The Room & DJ Stinson

Monday, May 27:

The 1974, DJ Robcee & Lithium & Candy

Tuesday, May 28:

Bryan Clark & Latin Night

w/ DJ Patana

Wednesday, May 29:

DJ Wax

Best Beats On The Beach

ON THE EDGE

Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, May 27

ROGUE CITIZENS

Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, May 25

FULL CIRCLE

Seacrets: Friday, May 24 & Wednesday, May 29 (Duo)

MILESBANDANA

Greene Turtle West: Saturday, May 25

HIGHER EDUCATION

Pickles Pub: Saturday, May 25

PICKIN’ PARTY

Harborside: Sunday, May 26

STARLIGHT ANTHEM

Purple Moose: Sunday & Monday, May 26 & 27

THE 1974 Fager’s Island: Sunday & Monday, May 26 & 27

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Friday, May 24:

DJ CMiller

Saturday, May 25:

Milesbandana

Wednesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Friday, May 24:

DJ Billy T

Saturday, May 25:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Harvey Cinco

Sunday, May 26: Pickin’ Party

Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, May 25: Higher Education

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wood

Wednesdays: Beats By Styler

Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE

SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts.

On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, May 24 & 25:

Tripwire

Sunday & Monday, May 26 & 27:

Starlight Anthem

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, May 24:

Full Circle, 9 Mile Roots, Turning The Tide, DJ Antonio, DJ Davie, DJ Connair & DJ Bobby O Saturday, May 25:

Turning The Tide, 9 Mile Roots, The Event Horizon, Lost In Paris, DJ Cruz, DJ Connair, DJ E-State & DJ Bobby O

Sunday, May 26: Hot Dammit, Triple Rail Turn, 9 Mile Roots, Lost In Paris, DJ Antonio, DJ Connair & DJ Bobby O

Monday, May 27: DJ Wax, DJ Antonio, Blake Haley & Hot Dammit

Tuesday, May 28: Dear Zoe, DJ Wax & Opposite Directions

Wednesday, May 29: DJ E-State, Full Circle Duo & 9th Gear

Thursday, May 30: John McNutt Duo, Go Go Gadjet, DJ Cruz & DJ E-State

VISTA ROOFTOP

410-390-7905

13801 Coastal Hwy.

Friday, May 24: Steve Kuhn

Saturday, May 25:

George & Dave

Sunday, May 26:

Dave Crites

Monday, May 27: Mike & Dave

Tuesday, May 28: Rick Artz

Wedenesday, May 29:

Taylor Knox & Brian

Thursday, May 30: Michael Sky

ROAD Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, May 29

Fourth Battle of Changsha remembered

Chinese general in charge disobeyed direct order, then retreated altogether

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(May 24, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, the Imperial Japanese Army, having failed three prior times, launched a fourth assault on the 2,400-year-old Chinese City of Changsha, which is the capital of Hunan Province. Although, after three battles, and devastation from flooding and fire, there wasn’t much left.

Changsha is located on the Hsiang River and was an important railroad junction, linking the city to Canton,

Wuhan and Guangxi. Today, the city is home to more than 10 million Chinese. Former Chairman Mao Zedong began his political career there, first as a student at Hunan No. 1 Teacher’s Training School, and later as a teacher and principal at the same school. It is the birthplace of the chairman’s second wife, Yang Kaihui, who was executed by his Chinese enemies in 1930.

The Imperial Japanese Army’s China Expeditionary Army commander, Gen. Shunroku Hata, ordered the Eleventh Army, under the command of Isamu Yokoyama, to capture Changsha as the second part of Operation Ichi-Go.

For the coming battle, Gen. Yokoyama’s Eleventh Army had been

reinforced from its basic five divisions, by adding four more, with three independent brigades. Gen. Yokoyama launched his offensive on May 27, 1944. On June 2, Gen. Hata was promoted to Field Marshal. Changsha was in the Ninth Military Front, which was commanded by Xue Yue. The Chinese Army’s IV Corps, under the command of Zhang De-neng, was responsible for the defense of Changsha. Gen. Yue did not personally command the city’s de-

CROSSWORD

fenses, as he had in the previous battles. That proved to be the difference in the result of the Fourth Battle and the first three.

Gen. De-neng disobeyed a direct order from Gen. Yue and ordered a general retreat. Worse, while his soldiers were retreating, he ran. The city fell on June 19.

Gen. De-neng was arrested on the orders of General Yue, court-martialed and sentenced to five years in

Continued on Page 81

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you may meet an influential ally this week. Chat them up because this is a person you want to have in your network. You never know when you’ll need some assistance.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you have real talent, so you should be proud and show off your efforts. Whether it is artistic in nature or you are a whiz with numbers, share your gift with others.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Explore creative possibilities, Gemini. You can use a new hobby right now that keeps you occupied. Look at trends that are popular right now and try one of those.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, trust your intuition when you meet someone new this week. You often can get a good read on someone right away. That’s an important skill to develop, especially in the workplace.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There is a lot of potential for socializing right now, Leo. Your calendar will fill up quite quickly with invitations from people in your life. Enjoy the attention.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, take inventory of the things in your life and be real about what you need and what you can get rid of right now. You may be carrying around a lot of baggage you simply don’t need.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You may be feeling extra flirty these next few days, Libra. This will help add a spark to your current relationship or help you find someone new if that is the desire.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Relationship issues at home may be on your mind, Scorpio. Create pockets in your days for deep introspection to process all of the emotions you are feeling.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, if you can’t get an answer to something yourself, then you may want to pick the brains of friends or other people in your circle. They may offer unique perspectives.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you have a lot of selfworth, so stop looking at yourself through a pessimistic lens. Be convinced of your value and ability to assist others around you.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Start feeling good about what the future may hold, Aquarius. There are a lot of possibilities out there, and you’re starting to see them peeking out over the horizon.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

You may not be feeling overly social right now, Pisces. Take a few days to spend time alone and sort through your feelings. Over time you may be ready to re-engage.

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 80

prison. This sentence was later overruled by Generalissimo Chaing Kaishek, who ordered him executed.

However, this was not the end of Operation Ichi-Go. The next target was the city of Heng Yang, which is the second largest city in Hunan Province. In English, it is known as Heng Chow. Its population of 300,000 was evacuated before the coming battle. At the request of the city’s mayor, 32,000 citizens remained behind to assist the army in the city’s defense.

With more than 100,000 men, Gen. Yokoyama’s Eleventh Army began assaulting Heng Yang. It was very important for the Japanese to capture Heng Yang, because the airport was used by American Gen. Clarie Lee Chennault’s Flying Tigers.

On June 2, the Generalissimo ordered the Tenth Army, under the command of General Fang Xianjue to proceed to Heng Yang. The total number of Chinese soldiers assigned to defend the city was 17,000.

For the next month they worked feverishly constructing defenses. At 8 p.m. on June 22, 1944, Gen. Yokoyama sent two of Eleventh Army’s divisions, 68th and 116th, commanded by Lt. Gens. Sakuma Tamehito and Ô Iwanaga, against the city.

Gen. Yokoyama anticipated the

city would fall within two days. Making no progress, Gen. Yokoyama halted the offensive on July 2. By then the Japanese had suffered 16,000 casualties to 4,000 for the Chinese. The Japanese resumed the offensive on July 11. Three more Japanese divisions — the 40th, 58th and the 13th — joined the meatgrinder on July 18.

The Japanese had to deal with incessant bombing and strafing from Gen. Chennault’s Flying Tigers. Finally, on Aug. 8, 1944, what was left of the Chinese force — 3,000 — surrendered after Gen. Xianjue extracted a promise from the Japanese not to harm the civilian population and to treat the wounded humanely.

The Siege of Heng Yang had cost the Japanese 30,000 casualties, including 390 dead officers, and had lasted 47 days. It was the longest siege of the war. And one of the purposes of the offensive — denial of the airbase to the American bombers attacking the Home Islands — was eliminated when the island of Saipan was captured in July and the bombers relocated there.

Gen. Fang and his officers were liberated on Dec. 1944 by a daring rescue mission commanded by Gen. Dai Li. Upon his arrival in the Chinese capital of Chongging, Gen. Fang was feted as a hero and decorated with the highest honor for a Chinese commander — The Order of Blue Sky

and White Sun.

Although Operation Ichi- Go had forced the United States Army Air Force to relocate, this had very little effect on the American bombing campaign of the Japanese Home Islands, since now the USAAF had the use of bases on Saipan.

The prolonged defense of Heng Yang and the capture of Saipan resulted in the fall of the government of Gen. Hideki Tojo.

Operation Ichi-Go involved the largest number of Japanese soldiers — 400,000 —in the war. Also, involved were 70,000 horses, 12,000 vehicles, 1,500 artillery pieces and 800 tanks. Although the operation allowed the Japanese to link the territories under their control, it also required them to defend more, thereby stretching their resources and making their forces more vulnerable to guerilla activity.

Upon Gen. Fang’s death in 1983, surviving veterans of the Japanese Eleventh Army traveled as a group to Taipei to pay their respects.

Next: D-Day

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Md., 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

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

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

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

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRAWL STREET

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

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

■ DISTRICT 24

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

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

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

■ FISH TALES

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

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

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com

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

Celebrating our 40th anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open Thursday through Monday. Happy Hour: Thursday, Sunday and Monday, all night long featuring $10 select appetizers, $6 crushes, $4 select draft. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving

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

■ PIT & PUB

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

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

■ THE WEDGE BAR

806 S. Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and grilled burgers. Happy Hour, Sunday through Thursday, 3-6 p.m. Open Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

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

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

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

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

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel,

Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1.

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

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

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

Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 49 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

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

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

■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

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

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

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

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

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Established 25 years ago but recently under new ownership. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and

dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

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

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

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

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

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

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

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ SHRIMP BOAT

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

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

Pineapple, mango and currant chutney

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(May 24, 2024) Spring has sprung but summer has not reached the tide of the Eastern Shore. That being said, preparing a menu during the transition of seasons can be tricky because the margin of choice is reduced.

The cool temperatures of spring have subsided but summer has not blossomed, so the interim needs consideration. Chutney is the perfect addition that bridges the various seasons.

Chutney is often presented as a side dish that brings out the layers of flavor in everything from grilled meats to vegetarian delights. Common ingredients include garlic, onions, peppers, ginger, tamarind, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, turmeric, brown sugar, crushed red pepper seeds, and vinegar.

It is important to taste chutney as one is cooking it. The natural sweetness and juices vary with individual fruits. Also, as the chutney reduces, flavor components change and should be adjusted according to personal preference.

Chutney needs to be cooked in a heavy bottomed pan with the lid on for at least 20 minutes to ensure the fruit gets soft. Then, remove the lid so the chutney can reduce and thicken. You will have to constantly stir the mixture so it does not burn due to the high level of sugar. Grocery stores carry chutney, but the beauty lies in creating unique combinations of flavors with vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbs. Chutney can be served cold, room temperature, or hot, and freezes very well.

Since chutney has a texture similar to jams, confusion can simmer in the pot of knowledge.

Jelly is made from fruit juice, which is extracted from cooked, crushed fruit. The resulting juice is then heated with sugar, acid, and powdered pectin for consistency.

Jam, which is made from chopped or pureed fruit, is cooked down with sugar. While similar to jelly, jam’s texture is noticeably thicker than jelly.

Preserves contain more fruit than jellies or jams, and the fruit is chopped into larger pieces or preserved whole.

Marmalade is the name for preserves made with citrus, the inner fruit, pulp, and rinds that add to its distinction.

Compote, a cousin to preserves, is a sauce made with fresh or dried fruit and is cooked at a low temperature in sugar syrup.

Relish is very similar to chutney but is not cooked nearly as long.

Before you know it, entertaining will be in full swing. Pineapple, mango, and currant chutney is a delicious way to add complexity and cleverness to your menu.

Pineapple, mango, and currant chutney is a perfect pairing with grilled

meats, cheese boards, and steamed shrimp.

The following recipe does have a “kick,” so if one’s palette is sensitive to heat, an adjustment to the crushed red pepper seeds may be necessary. Enjoy!

Pineapple, Mango, and Currant Chutney

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 (20-ounce can pineapple slices) coarsely chopped and reserve the juice

4 mangos, peeled and chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeded, and chopped

¼ cup currants

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2-inches of freshly grated ginger

1/4 cup orange juice

½ cup rice vinegar

½ cup light brown sugar

1/4 to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon ground cumin few pinches of ground nutmeg

1. In a heavy bottomed sauté pan or pot, melt butter over medium-low heat.

2. Add pineapple, mangos, bell pepper, onion, and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes.

3. Add pineapple juice, orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and seasonings. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes.

4. Remove lid, turn the heat to

medium-low, and allow mixture to thicken. As it starts to get thick, add the currants. Stir often and adjust seasoning if necessary.

5. Once the mixture is thick and there is no liquid in the pan, the chutney is ready.

6. Remove chutney from heat and allow to cool.

Fri., May 24

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY AND SUMMER KICK-OFF

Ocean City Boardwalk Arch, 1 N. Division St., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Town of Ocean City will hold a ceremony marking the official start of the 2024 summer season and in honor of Memorial Day. Mayor Rick Meehan accompanied by special guests.

MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. A fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Sat., May 25

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET

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

ANNUAL AARP ARTISAN FAIR

Lord Baltimore Elementary School, 120 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Artisans will exhibit both indoors and outdoors, showing textiles, metalwork, fine art paintings and more. Farmer’s Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Raffles, food and live music available.

‘PLAYING THE SPORT OF BASEBALL IN THE NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL’

Stephen Decatur Middle School, 9815 Seahawk Road, Berlin, 1-3 p.m. Luther Atkinson and Eddie Banks will discuss the Negro Baseball League/Negro Baseball Barnstorm League. Rayner Banks will talk about Judy Johnsons and other players. Also speaking is Kirkland Hall. 443-944-6701

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Sun., May 26

SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE

Duncan Showell Post 231 will be turning out at St. John’s United Methodist Church on Lewis Road at 10 a.m.

NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL CELEBRATION DAY

Delmarva Shorebirds, 6400 Hobbs Road, Salisbury, 2:05 p.m. Delmarva Shorebirds vs Columbia Wildfires. Sponsored by McDonald’s Corporation and Delmarva Shorebirds. 443-944-6701

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET

Sundays through Sept. 8 - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring more than 35 farmers, food cultivators, bakers, distillers, seafood, meat, eggs and more. https://berlinmainstreet.com/farmersmarket/

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., May 27

BERLIN’S OLD FASHIONED MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Stephen Decatur Middle School and proceeds along Flower Street to Henry Park. There will be a variety of food and craft vendors, live music and a dance competition at the park.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines, 11 a.m. to noon. Featuring music, demonstrations, public speakers and patriotic music. Bring seating. In case of inclement weather, see wocovets.org.

HERO DAY

Coastal Wilds, 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. In addition to the park’s amenities, explore First Responders’ vehicles, Kona Ice Truck, sand art, airbrush tattoos and more. Cost is $25. Free for first responders with ID. www.coastalwilds.org, 302-829-1549

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

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., May 28

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. A variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 0-5

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

FREE PLAY DAY AND CRAFTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Make some new friends with play and improve language and motor skill development. For ages 2-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., May 29

SENSORY STAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

Thurs., May 30

STORYTIME: PRINCESS TEA PARTY Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Wear your prince or princess outfit and enjoy some tasty treats and create a crown. Learn what royalty is all about while practicing your best tea time manners. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014

INTERVIEW WITH A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR

Attend at any Worcester County Library or Zoom in to join the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum as they interview a Holocaust survivor. www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books you want to share. Come and find your next read. 410-641-0650

ZUMBA

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

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

Thursdays - Nick’s Kitchen + Bar, 14410 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 4-6 p.m. 215385-4993, BeachSingles.org

Crossword answers from page 80

Real estate awards

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | PenFed Realty recently held its Quarterly Spotlight Awards Celebration.

In the small teams category, congratulations went to The Carol Proctor Team from Ocean City for clinching the #8 spot in “Residential Units.”

Recognized as the top performers in Maryland were, in the Agent Category, Cindy Poremski, from Ocean Pines, who captured the top sport in total GCI; and Ed Balcerzak, from Ocean City West, who bagged #2 in Residential Units and #3 in Total GCI.

In the Small Team Category, The Carol Proctor Team swept the competition, clinching the top spot in Residential Units and total GCI.

April Top Listers were Carol Proctor Team, Ocean City; Greg Erdie, Ocean Pines; and Jeff Messick, Ocean City West.

Top Contract recognition went to Carol Proctor Team, Ocean City; Suzanah Cain, Ocean Pines, and Ed Balcerzak, Ocean City West.

Chalking up the most settlements were Carol Proctor Team, Ocean City; Suzanah Cain, Ocean Pines; and Ed Balcerzak, Ocean City West.

Public defender job fair

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender will host a job fair and hiring

New Fair Housing measures worthy of attention in Md.

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(May 24, 2024) In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly convened on Jan. 10 and adjourned on April 8. Maryland Realtors issues a recap of all of the pertinent legislation affecting the real estate industry. This week’s summary is covering the “Fair Housing” related legislation that passed.

HB 17/SB 274 Comprehensive Plans - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (Effective Oct. 1) — Charter counties, Baltimore City, and code counties that exercise land use powers are required to affirmatively further fair housing through their housing and urban development programs.

HB 241/SB 308 Housing and Community Development - Just Community Designation (Effective Oct. 1) — The governor may designate an area as a Just Community if past and current trends in homeownership, property values, and property vacancy show a need for reinvestment in the area.

HB 285/SB 518 Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation

Equity (Effective June 1) — The termination date of the Task Force is extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. The Task Force must submit its report by Oct. 31.

HB 598/SB 413 Discrimination - Military Status - Prohibition (Effective Oct. 1) — This bill prohibits discrimination in housing or employment based on an individual’s “military status,” which is defined as being a member of the uniformed services, a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, or a servicemember’s dependent.

HB 873/SB 704 Appraisal Gap From Historic Redlining Financial Assistance Program (Effective July 1) — Financial assistance under the program is expanded to owner-occupant purchasers upon completion of certain affordable housing projects.

SB 666 Maryland Commission on Civil Rights - Monetary Relief (Effective Oct. 1) — The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) may seek “monetary relief” for discriminatory acts, which is paid directly to the complainant instead of the state general fund.

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

ESTATE MARKETPLACE

Life is Simple... Just Add Water!

With new pricing on this direct waterfront home, the sellers are excited to review all acceptable offers!

New owners will feel like every day is a vacation when they step onto their private dock right in their back yard or when they are enjoying a refreshing beverage on their deck that overlooks the sparkling waters of the Assawoman Bay. Inside the home, a first-floor bedroom with ensuite provides the ultimate in convenience. Even on a cloudy day, the serene water views from the sunroom can be enjoyed through the oversized windows that line the back of the home.

The home also has a new bulkhead, new private dock, and boat lift - all with easy access to the Assawoman Bay.

• 4-BR, 3.5-BA

• Two primary suites

• Expansive sunroom & upper deck both span the width of the home and overlook the canal.

Nancye Vermillion

Keller Williams Realty Delmarva North C: 302-500-9255 | O: 302-360-0300 nancyev@comcast.net

• Spacious open living area with plenty of room to entertain or relax.

• Trex back deck with retractable awning

• Low HOA fees, just $55/year

39682 Sunrise Court Bethany Beach, DE, 19930

Each office independently owned and operated.

Saturrdday 10am-1pm

Continued from Page 89

event at Salisbury University on June 5, for attorneys who are interested in public defense and social workers interested in forensic defense. Applicants who attend the event will be able to go through an expedited hiring process.

The process will include multi-level interviews in one day for qualified candidates. A prescreening process will ensure that attendees meet the minimum qualifications. Contingent offers may be provided to selected candidates during the event.

The state office has held three hiring events in Linthicum Heights focused on attorney positions, which resulted in contingent offers for 43 attorneys and 10 prospective attorneys.

The Salisbury event will focus on individuals interested in working on the Eastern Shore.

The event will take place June 5, at Salisbury University on the second floor of the Guerrieri Student Union Building, at 1101 Camden Ave., in Salisbury.

Advance registration can be obtained at opd.state.md.us/lead-collection is strongly encouraged.

LEED certification

Becker Morgan Group recently announced that the Guerrieri Technology

a

Center at Wor-Wic Community College has achieved LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The achievement underscores the college’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible design. The certification validates the design principles Becker Morgan Group and design partner Perkins & Will used to ensure that the building provides a healthy, efficient, and costsaving environment for its users while contributing to the community’s overall well-being.

The Guerrieri Technology Center is Wor-Wic’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified facility. The facility was meticulously designed and constructed to meet the stringent requirements set by the green building council for energy, lighting, water, and material use, as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies.

Key features include highly efficient HVAC systems and optimized natural lighting to reduce electrical consumption. The project also emphasized water conservation through the implementation of low-flow fixtures and native, drought-resistant landscaping to minimize irrigation water usage. The elements contributed significantly to the building’s overall sustainability performance and helped secure the LEED Silver Certification.

home? COASTAL REAL ESTATE GUIDE

May 23 - 30

Wilson/Salt Life 12346 Old Bridge Rd, West OC2BR/1BA

Saturrdday 2-5pm 13905 Lighthouse A

Sunday Noon – 2pm1300 V

Sunday 3-5pm

Monday 10am-Noon

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 103 Mumfor

Saturrdday 10am-1pm 14 68th City

Wilson/Salt Life 81st St. #706 Rivendell, Ocean City3BR/3.5 BA Condo $780,000Nancy Reither/Coldwell B 11602 S. Hills Drive, Berlin 5BR/4.5 BASingle Family$1,849,900Nancy Reither/Coldwell B 905 Lighthouse Avenue, Ocean City3BR/2.5 BASingle Family$849,900Nancy Reither/Coldwell B 00 Marina View Lane #23, Ocean City4BR/4 BA T Toownhome $1,399,900Nancy Reither/Coldwell B 13 131st Strreeet #105, Ocean City 2BR/2BA Condo $365,000Nancy Reither/Coldwell B 304 S Herroon Gull Court 4BR/4.5BASingle Family$1,399,900Nancy Reither/Coldwell B Mumforrdds Landing Road, Ocean Pines 4BR/3.5BASingle Family$659,900Sandy Dougan/BHHS Pe 8th St., Sea Lodge # 203, Ocean City2BR/2BA Condo $439,900Monica McNamara/Coldwe

Sunday 10am-1pm 11000 Hwy

Sunday 1:30-3:30pm14

Saturrdday 10am-3pm

1000 Coastal Hwyy., Capri #1703, OC 2BR/2BA Condo $539,900Monica McNamara/Coldwe

68th St., Sea Lodge #203, Ocean City2 BR/2 BA

$439,900Monica McNamara/Coldwe

Cook/Coldwell Banker Realty

Saturrdday 11am-2pm Kim Bounds/Coldwell Banker Realty

Friday 2-4pm 59 W

59 Wood Duck Drive, Ocean Pines6BR/4BA

Saturrdday 10am-1pm 59 W

Bounds/Coldwell B

302 & 304 North Main Strreeet5BR/2BA/2 ½ BASingle Family$985,000Paul Cook/Coldwell Ba ashington Str 44-4 & 44-A W Wa reeet 6 BR/2 BA/ 2 ½ BASingle

Family$1,125,000 Cindy Porreemski/BHHS P 59 Wood Duck Drive, Ocean Pines6BR/4BA

Sunday noon-2pm5401 Coastal Hwy

Porreemski/BHHS P 01 Coastal Hwyy.., #2080B, Ocean City 2BR/2BA

Friday 3-5pm en Realty of Delmarva

Saturrdday 11am-1pm en Realty of Delmarva

Saturrdday 10am-Noon 109 Caroline St. #106, Ocean City

Resignations concern school system leaders

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 24, 2024) At the Tuesday, May 21, Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education meeting, school-level administrative changes and resignations were announced countywide. The personnel amendments come as the system continues to grapple with funding issues.

The Worcester County Board of Education announced new schoolbased administrative appointments and transfers effective July 1, 2024, at the Tuesday, May 21, meeting.

Among the personnel changes is the reshuffling of assistant principals to different Worcester County schools.

Tony Bevilacqua, who was named the Worcester County Teacher of the Year in 2012 for his work at Worcester Technical High School and most recently served as principal and supervisor of instruction and mentoring at Somerset County Public Schools, will return to WCPS to replace WTHS Principal Tom Zimmer. LaVerne Cray is set to transfer from Showell Elementary School to the technical institute to step into the assistant principal role left by Wynnette Hansen. Zimmer and Cray announced their retirement earlier this year.

Stephen Decatur Middle School

Assistant Principal Mark Shipley is moving to SES to fill the position left by Cray. Berlin Intermediate School Kristy Clark will assume Shipley’s former role.

SDMS Principal Lynne Barton is retiring after the 2023-2024 academic year. Theresa Torpey, the facility’s current assistant principal and extended day administrator with 26 years of experience as a Worcester County educator, will fill the position.

Four new assistant principals, including Colby Haines, who has been with Worcester County since 2012, were also announced. Haines will slide into the SDMS spot left by Torpey.

Leah James, the current Pocomoke High School Curriculum Resource Teacher, will act as the assistant principal at Snow Hill Ele-

mentary School. James is replacing Jennifer Howard, who is transferring to Pocomoke Elementary School as a counselor.

Jeff Postell, who entered the school system in 2021, will take the position of assistant principal at Buckingham Elementary School left by Quinn Swain. The school’s current administrator is moving to BIS.

Snow Hill Middle School teacher Kristina Salvarola is slated to transfer to Snow Hill High School as an assistant principal after Scot Tingle retires at the end of this year.

“Something that I was taught by a former superintendent that sits on the board now is that one of the most important jobs you do as superintendent is name administrators,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said. “…I am very excited today about the people I

have chosen to recommend to the board as new administrators here in Worcester County.”

In addition to the administrative changes, the board announced 12 new resignations at the May 21 meeting.

“I want to caution the board about one thing,” Taylor said in light of the departures. “…We are losing people now because of our lack of salary compared to local counties around us. We normally do not have this many resignations this time of year, and we usually have a list of people lined up to get in here. I have had the chance to talk to some of them, and they said, ‘We love Worcester County, but the same level of scale where I am at Worcester, I go to a neighboring county, and I am making $8,000 to See BOE Page 92

BOE talks reduction in funding

Continued from Page 91

$10,000 more a year.’ If we don’t get our salary package…we will lose more.”

The school system continues to grapple with budgetary dilemmas. At the May 14 meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners, the board approved a budget of $1 million under its requested amount.

However, at the May 21 meeting, the commissioners voted 4-3 to reduce the previously approved budget by approximately $1.4 million. According to a statement released by Taylor, the change has altered the board’s budget to $104.9 million for

a total of $2.8 million under the school system’s initial ask.

“This board and this executive team have a lot of hard work and rolling up our sleeves to figure out where our school system needs to go and what cuts we’ll have to make,” Board President Todd Ferrante said at the May 21 meeting. “I want to assure you that we take everything we do seriously and will have to reconvene at some point this week to discuss. We are certainly disappointed in the outcome of today’s commissioner meeting, but we will do what we think is best for the school system moving forward.”

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Worcester County Board of Education announces administrative changes and resignations at Tuesday’s meeting.

Snow Hill monitoring Tyson Plant grain fire, air quality

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(May 24, 2024) Snow Hill representatives and county emergency services officials spent much of this week monitoring a grain silo fire at the plant owned by Tyson Foods.

“We are monitoring a fire inside a silo at our Snow Hill, Maryland feed mill,” read a statement issued by Tyson Foods last Friday. “The fire is contained inside the silo, and we are working closely with the local fire department to resolve the incident. Because the silo contains corn, those in the area may notice an odor coming from the facility temporarily. Out of an abundance of caution for safety, the roads leading to the facility have been closed.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Worcester County Public Information Officer Kim Moses confirmed air quality tests have been reviewed.

“We have reviewed the air quality test results, which reflect that all readings are within normal ranges,” Worcester County Fire Marshal Matt Owens said. “However, like any form of smoke, those who are sensitive to air quality conditions may wish to limit outdoor activities.”

According to Owens, fire suppression is underway through the use of nitrogen to remove oxygen. Fire hoses will then be use on any grain still smoldering once removed from the silo.

Tyson Foods Vice President of Corporate Communications Laura Burns pledged full cooperation with Snow Hill officials, saying in the statement, “We will continue to work closely with the local officials until the situation is resolved and are grateful for their support.”

Snow Hill residents have reported an odor for the last week over the town. Last Friday, May 17, a press briefing was held and officials on hand included Mayor Mike Pruitt, Councilperson and MayorElect Janet Simpson, Town Manager Rick Pollitt, Police Chief Andy McGee, Police Sergeant Rudell Brown, Code Official Kevin Brown and Tyson representatives.

“We are aware of and are closely monitoring the silo fire situation in Snow

Hill,” the Maryland Department of the Environment posted on its Facebook page last weekend.

In response to community concerns, Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company posted on Facebook, “the fire department is aware of community concerns regarding the incident at the feed mill. Since Thursday, a number of meetings have occurred regarding the extinguishment of the fire. Multiple local agencies, and elected officials have been attending these meetings, to better understand the situation and assist when and where necessary. The facility operator has contracted for air monitoring within the area of the plant. While odors from the plant are currently unpleasant, the plant operators have provided assurances from their contractors that all levels are within appropriate regulatory limits. ...”

In his own statement Tuesday, Pollitt said, “The mayor and town council of Snow Hill have been deeply involved in the situation at the Tyson feed mill from the beginning and have strongly pressed for assurances that the health and safety of our residents is at the forefront of all considerations and actions. We have confidence that the emergency is being properly managed and that on-going testing for air quality and traffic safety is among the highest priorities. We understand that, as the corn product is removed from the silo, there may be additional concerns about smoke and odor and ask everyone to use common sense when in the immediate area. All of the appropriate agencies are involved, and they continue to stress that public health and safety is not at risk.”

NOTICE TO MERCHANTS

Have you forgotten to renew your State of Maryland business license? To avoid paying the mandatory penalty, please renew your license by May 31, 2024. The office will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of Memorial Day under State Law. You can apply and renew business licenses online at Maryland Judiciary Business Licenses Online https://jportal.mdcourts.gov/license/pbIndex.jsp

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County, Maryland

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT BROWN

Over the last week, Snow Hill residents have been dealing with an odor from burning corn inside one of the silos at the Tyson Foods plant.

Y Yoour Countertop Speccialists

Parking code changes advance

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) Changes to the city’s parking code will advance to a second reading following council approval this week.

On Monday, members of the Mayor and Council had before them an ordinance amending the town’s code. The changes reflect several parking code updates in town.

first-time failure to display set at $25. Fire hydrant violations increase to $100, and other various violations increase from $40 to $50, effectively bringing the charges in line with meter violations.

“This is in regard to parking enforcement and violations,” said City Solicitor Heather Stansbury.

Last week, transportation staff with the public works department presented the Ocean City Transportation Committee with several proposed code changes that reflect the authority of the town’s new parking division and increase certain parking violations, among other things. The recommendations were forwarded to the council for a first reading on Monday.

As written, the amendments grant the town’s parking division with concurrent, nonexclusive authority to enforce the code. It also updates fines for certain violations. Handicap parking violations increase to $250, with violations for

“When the parking meter fine was changed from $25 to $50 several years ago, there were some other violation amounts that were kept lower than $50, which we need to update accordingly,” Transit Manager Rob Shearman told committee members last week. “We don’t want, say, parking in front of a fire hydrant or parking in a handicap space to be less of an infraction than parking at an unpaid meter.”

The update also codifies existing signed violations at Somerset Plaza and creates a new citation for occupying more than one parking space. Another change would be to issue a new citation for the same violation every 12 hours instead of every 24 hours.

Officials say the changes will improve the town’s parking code and pave the way for a new parking division which will be tasked with enforcing the regulations. With no discussion this week, the council voted 7-0 to approve the changes on first reading.

Marlin Club event announced

(May 24, 2024) The OC Marlin Club Crew has begun planning for its annual Jewelry, Fashion, Home Decor Show.

The show will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 8, at the club house at 9659 Golf Course Road in Ocean City. All funds from the show go to scholarships awarded each spring to high school seniors in Worcester County.

Show organizers are actively looking for both sponsors and vendors. Sponsorships include the Gold level, $500, six transferable admission tickets with six lunch tickets; Silver level, $250, four transferable admission tickets with four

lunch tickets; and Bronze level, $100, two transferable admission tickets with two lunch tickets.

All sponsorships include featured logos on all printed materials, signage and social media related to the show.

To obtain a sponsorship form, email Elaine Mott at Mottelaine26@gmail.com Vendor applications may be downloaded at ocmarlinclub.com/jewelry show. The deadline to submit applications is June 1.

For more information, contact Jane Klein, event chair, at 38djklein@comcast.net.

Local couple opens shaved ice shop in West Ocean City

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 24, 2023) A locally operated shaved ice stand has opened its doors just in time for summer. The new dessert shop, located on 611 in the former Build Your Own Cookie space, is owned by Worcester Preparatory graduates and husband and wife team Luke and Madison Buas.

Snow Daze officially welcomed customers on May 11. Madison Buas said the grand opening was a success despite the weather.

“We had a line filled with locals even though it was cold outside,” she noted. “I’m excited for warm weather. I feel like we’ll better understand how busy we’ll be.”

The Buas’ curated menu currently

includes 30 shaved ice flavors, like the fan-favorite egg custard, but it is expected to expand. Patrons can choose from various toppings, such as marshmallow, which comes in the middle, gummy bears, Oreos, Reese’s Cups, sprinkles, coconut flakes, and M&Ms.

“A fun thing that makes us unique is we have mini melts, which are like dip and dots, and you can add that to your shaved ice,” the owner said. “It is delicious and melts with it, so it’s like vanilla throughout.”

Snow Daze has ice cream that can be paired with the snowball or ordered by itself. The selection includes chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, brownie extreme, mint chocolate chip, cotton candy, and yeti tracks. Milkshakes, brownies, and cookies are also available.

Buas said that the inspiration behind Snow Daze originated from her mom’s southern roots.

“My mom is from New Orleans, and we always visited, and they are known for their shaved ice,” she said. “Every time we went, we would always get shaved ice.”

The dessert shop runner maintained that she and her husband knew they wanted to start a business together eventually. When the former BYOB, now located in Frontier Town, became available, they took the leap.

The idea for a shaved ice business was conceived in November of 2023. The pair then spent months repainting the exterior of the building and browsing Facebook Marketplace for benches.

“I wanted it to pop from the road and be inviting,” Buas said.

The ice for the treats is frozen onsite in molds and broken down by a SnoWizard SnoBall Machine. While the blades have been a challenge, the Worcester Prep grad said that she and her husband have been learning the ins and outs of the mechanics every day.

The husband-and-wife team are high school sweethearts having graduated Worcester Prep together before attending college. Madison graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2021, and Luke received his degree from the University of Miami.

Buas confirmed that Snow Daze is open daily from noon to 8 p.m. As summer starts heating up, they will likely welcome customers until 10 p.m. to accommodate the after-dinner and Assateague beach rush. The young business owner is excited about the stand’s impact on the community.

“My mission with starting Snow Daze is to spread happiness, encourage people to savor the small moments in life, and create lasting memories,” she said.

An example of one of Snow Daze’s shaved ice creations is pictured. The new business is located on Route 611 where the former Build Your Own Cookie store was located.

A BOARDWALK CRUISE

Daily highlights of the 33rd Annual Endless Summer Cruisin event are the Boardwalk parades. Here’s a scene from Saturday.

PHOTO

Physician assistant bill to address shortage

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 24, 2024) Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed into law the Senator Mary Beth Carozza-sponsored Physician Assistant Modernization Act, legislation that will address healthcare shortages on the Eastern Shore.

Delegate Ken Kerr co-sponsored the legislation, and the House Health and Government Operations Chair Joseline Pena-Melnyk and Senate Finance Committee Chair Pamela Beidle were strong supporters.

The official writing of the bill explains that the act will require physicians and their assistants to cultivate collaborative relationships rather than a “delegation agreement.” The legislation calls for the State Board of Physicians to update the list of advanced duties PAs may perform, modify the education needed for licensure as a PA, “authorize physician assistants employed by the federal government to perform certain functions during a certain disaster,” and alter physician assistant’s scope of practice.

“The PA Modernization Act, in part, helps to safeguard patients’ ability to access high-quality healthcare and ensures the healthcare workforce is being fully utilized,” a press release issued by the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants said.

According to Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants Legislative Director Jennifer Grover, the act’s goal is to provide PAs with more flexibility to treat patients and encourage them to work in rural areas and target primary care, where there is a great need.

“PAs have been working in Maryland since the early 70s and are an integral part of healthcare teams,” Grover said. “Healthcare has changed…and is a more team-based environment. This law improves access to care by reducing administration burdens in hospital systems and allowing PAs to have collaborative relationships with physicians.”

Advocates also want PAs to practice in Federally Qualified Health Centers, which HealthCare.gov describes as “federally funded nonprofit health centers or clinics that serve medically underserved areas and populations.” These facilities ensure that patients have access to primary care services, regardless of their ability to pay.

Under current law, PAs are bound by administrative restrictions that limit the breadth of their practice. Physicians must continuously supervise PAs, and to perform any advanced duties, they must appeal to the board. Approval for these requests often takes three to six months. Grover and other supporters of the bill worry that these constraints diminish patients’ access to quality care.

“PA education has gotten much more comprehensive than it was in the 1970s,” the legislative director said. “This act targets specific clinical training that does not need oversight of physicians as tightly as it has been.”

Carozza emphasized that getting the

bill signed into law took three years. When it was introduced in 2022, there were challenges between PAs and physicians that needed to be worked out. This legislative session, however, saw those differences resolved.

To address physicians’ concerns, the senator said that guardrails were made clear in the law. One such amendment guarantees that the physician leads a healthcare team, even if the physician assistant provides the service.

Carozza said that Beidle, who approached the Eastern Shore legislator with an interest in PA modernization, was integral in getting the act passed. In late 2023, Beidle was named the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

“Her involvement sent the message to PAs and physicians that this year is the year to work through the bill’s issues,” Carozza said. “As the new chair, she sig-

naled that the expectation is that these issues can be worked through.”

Vincent Lewis, an Eastern Shore physician assistant who brought the need for PA regulation modification to Carozza’s attention, was also important to the bill’s passage. The senator said the new legislation is the first change to PA law in 25 years.

“Healthcare shortages came to a head during COVID,” Carozza said. “We saw challenges to the access to healthcare, and Delmarva also has a higher elderly population. All these factors came to a point where the timing was right to pass this bill…PAs have been trained to provide these services.”

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy Health Professions recently unveiled a new physician assistant program to help alleviate the shortages on the Maryland Eastern

Shore. UMES is currently the sole PA school in the area.

The institution’s president, Heidi Anderson, wrote a testimony last year expressing her support for the PA Modernization Act.

“Our mission is to educate diverse and local students on the Eastern Shore, in hopes once they graduate, they will join in the efforts to combat the health care shortage on the Eastern Shore,” the statement reads. “… it is vital that our state support and remove barriers from practice to retain newly graduated physician assistants.”

UMES PA Program Director Nicole Wooten testified for the bill during the 2024 session in person.

The law’s supporters hope that the modernization of PA practice will improve the healthcare Eastern Shore and other rural area residents receive.

Opinions Page

Premature praise in earlier editorial

Correction: Last week’s editorial praising County Commissioners Eric Fiori and Caryn Abbot for supporting the bulk of the school board’s budget request for next year was incorrect ... as it turns out.

The brief commissioner majority they were part of last week fell apart this week when Abbott abandoned Fiori’s attempt to do right by the schools, their staff and students.

Fiori, who has admitted his role in the county’s attack on the way the school administration prepares and presents its budget — all according to the dictates of the Maryland Department of Education — tried to make amends last week by proposing to fund all but $1 million of the school board’s $107 million request.

Abbott voted with Fiori then, thus handing Commissioner President Chip Bertino and his allies a significant defeat. What precipitated her change of heart this week is anyone’s guess, but it is certainly a flip-flop of substantial proportions.

Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor’s assessment of the situation is that this week’s vote cuts almost $4.5 million from the board’s budget.

Although the commissioners did agree to give teachers and staff a step increase in pay and a 4% cost-of-living adjustment, this revised plan stipulates that another $1.6 million of the package can only be used to cover post-employment benefits such as retiree insurance and deferred compensation. That’s it. It cannot be used to help the school board honor the 6% pay increase it negotiated with the Worcester County Teachers Association earlier this spring.

Because of this financial restriction, public education funding isn’t all that far above the legal minimum. It also leaves teachers to wonder why they must negotiate pay with a school board that’s been rendered powerless by the commissioners. Of course, it could be argued that rendering the school board powerless has been on the commissioners’ agenda ever since Bertino became their president.

SCOTUS a funny word

With a good chunk of the national conversation focusing on the U.S. Supreme Court lately, it occurs to me that this uproar over upside-down flags and husbands blaming things on their wives (what? You can do that?) is causing more serious issues to be overlooked.

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

ASSOCIATE EDITORS CHARLENE SHARPE, BETHANY HOOPER

DIGITAL EDITOR MALLORY PANUSKA AMES

STAFF WRITER TARA FISCHER

Contact News Room: editor@oceancitytoday.net SALES

ACCOUNT MANAGERS MARY COOPER, TERRI FRENCH, RENEE KELLY

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS PAMELA GREEN

Contact Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net PRODUCTION

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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GINI TUFTS web: oceancitytoday.com Facebook: facebook/mdcoastdispatch.com

OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397

By Stewart Dobson

For instance, we haven’t heard anything about the legal debate whirling around the State of Louisiana’s push to make Kryptonite a controlled dangerous substance.

It’s being proposed by the Friends of Superman activist group, whose members note that bipartisan support is expected because he wears a red cape and a blue suit. The action is imperiled, however, by Superman’s lack of immigration papers.

Also yet to decided is the “Tickle Me Elmo” legal defense and whether it can be invoked by people charged with assault because they grew up with Elmo and were led to believe it’s OK to poke people wherever you want as long as they laugh.

The more important matter in the world of jurisprudence, however, is the reputational damage that being done to the court by its acronym — SCOTUS.

I can’t be the only person who thinks this is not a word you’d want to yell across the street.

“Heeey, Bob, “Hooow’s the SCOTUS?”

“Whaaaaat?

“I saaaiiiddd, hooowww’s the SCOTUS!”

“Oooooohhhh. I’m seeeeinnng the doctooor toomorroooow!”

“Nooooo. SCOTUS! The Supreeeme Cooourrt of the Uniited Staaates!” “Oooooohhhh. Haaanging in theeere!” I can’t help it. It just sounds wrong to me, not that POTUS (President of the United States) is that much better.

Aside from its real meaning, it could just as easily be a plant: “It’s great to see the potus blooming in the spring, isn’t it?” Or a piece of equipment: “Irish moonshine, known as poteen, is produced be cooking potatoes and rye in a potus.” Or yet another body part: “Man, I worked my potus off today.”

And never mind the third acronym in this category, that being the one used for the First Lady of the United States. I’d bet $100 if you went into your friendly local Ace Hardware store and said, “I’m looking for the FLOTUS,” they’d take you to the plumbing aisle.

Although I suspect that some readers have concluded that I’m a IOTUS (Idiot of the United States) or that I’m guilty of PWOTUS (Poor Writing to Overcome a Tired Unfunny Subject), I honestly think that the use of SCOTUS ought to be stricken from the federal vocabulary.

It just sounds embarrassing, and the last thing this court needs these days is one more thing to be made fun of by late night comedians, editorial cartoonists, and political groups looking for one more way to belittle this prestigious institution.

The criticism and mean jokes made at the high court’s expense has not gone unnoticed by the justices themselves.

It was just other day, in fact, that Chief Justice John Roberts was overheard telling the court’s justices and staff, “Make no mistake, it’s my SCOTUS and I’m tired of putting it on the line for you.”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Everyone is entitled to changing their minds, but there are consequences when it’s weighty and involves a waffling public figure.

For the second time in four months (previously it was the reversal of a 5-2 vote to set aside time for public comments at regular meetings), a stated public direction by most of the Worcester County Commissioners has been reversed. One week ago, in a 4-3 vote, the Board of Education’s proposed budget minus $1 million was supported after a motion by Eric Fiori and seconded by Diana Purnell (my apologies for misrepresenting the second last week) and supported by Commissioners Caryn Abbott and Joe Mitrecic.

For the last week, I have repeatedly assured concerned residents and teachers the vote should hold, pointing to 28 years of covering the county’s budget process. Today, I apologize to those I misled. I was wrong. Last week’s vote was meaningless after all. This Tuesday, Abbott switched her position back, saying she had reconsidered her surprise move last week. She motioned to reduce county funding by reducing the teacher salary increase to a 4% COLA rather than 6%. The vote carried 4-3 on Tuesday but this time with Abbott and Commissioners Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Ted Elder in support with Fiori, Purnell and Mitrecic in opposition. Fiori, Purnell and Mitrecic each took turns expressing their frustration with the first-term colleague’s change of heart, while Abbott, Bertino, Bunting and Elder explained why they prefer to micromanage the school system’s funding decisions. When asked by some after this week’s vote if this decision is binding, I changed my tune, as I have no idea. In an email this week to all school employees shared on social media, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said the administration will continue working toward a better conclusion. He wrote, “As a reminder, the actions … are conceptual only as the county’s final budget will be adopted on June 4. We recognize that today’s actions are disappointing, but we ask for everyone’s patience as the Board of Education and school system leadership are committed to advocating for the FY25 budget request through the commissioners striking the county’s budget on June 4.”

Property tax rates are what residents watch when it comes to budget discussions because they determine how much property owners will pay. It makes sense to monitor these rates, but there’s more to it than simply determining a one-cent property tax decrease in Ocean City is a good thing and constant tax rates at the county and Berlin level should be welcomed. In Ocean City’s case, reducing the property tax rate by a penny still brings in an additional $4.5 million over last year due to increasing property values. In Worcester County’s case, retaining the same property tax rate for the next budget will draw in about $14 million in new revenue for the county’s coffers. In Berlin’s case, retaining the same tax rate pumps about $300,000 in new property tax revenue to the budget. It's a blessing for local government officials to be leading in an area where property values continue to be skyrocketing, and that seemed to be where Commissioner Eric Fiori was going this week when he surmised the county’s tax base will only grow in the coming years. In trying to plead with his colleagues to stop acting like the county is financially strapped, Fiori asked Finance Officer Phil Thompson about revenue projections moving ahead. Thompson replied, “… you’re going to see a three-year cycle of significant upticks yes.”

Along those lines, Mitrecic was about as frustrated as I have seen him in his 18 years in elected office between Ocean City and the county. He said, “We could possibly have $24 million sitting in the budget slush fund … It’s taxpayer money we’re holding that you do not spend… You want to do this that’s fine but let’s give the $11 million back to the taxpayers. Let’s drop the tax rate. If we’re worried about the taxpayers lets drop the tax rate. To not give those raises to people who make this county run is wrong.”

Both Fiori and Mitrecic are right. There is more at play with these school funding decisions than simple economics. ****

It’s what happens along the Boardwalk that makes the annual Stephen Decatur High School graduation parade so special. While it’s lovely to see the seniors getting celebrated by the community in a casual public display, the most special aspect of the parade is annually observing how teachers and staff show up to honor their seniors.

The sincere expressions of love and support by the teachers for their former students is what hits the heart. Watching the onlookers at the parade is my favorite part.

Here’s to hoping this new tradition continuing for years to come and the murmurs of concerns about growing senior class sizes do not derail the event.

Lower speed limit on Route 611 needed

Editor,

As I was leaving my development in Mystic Harbour today, I was nearly Tboned by a car leaving Sinepuxent Road. It was a very close call. Thank God I wasn’t coming down from Frontier town at 50 miles per hour, which brings me to the point of this letter.

It’s very dangerous even now with all of the new development surrounding the area. I can only imagine how it will be this summer. The Seaside Village Townhomes and The Shore Point “cottages” have drastically changed the traffic on 611. New Cottages are still being built just past Mystic Harbour.

I fear that if the speed limit is not reduced from 50 mph to 30 mph all the way from Frontier town down towards Rt. 50 There will be at least one catastrophic accident there sooner rather than later. This would close both lanes of traffic for people coming to and from Assateague and frankly, for everyone trying to get to and from the beach. It’s the only road that will get you there. People have trouble gauging the speed of the oncoming traffic and pull out as they tired of waiting 5 to 10 minutes to do so.

If the speed limit could be lowered (including warning signs about the change of speed) I think it would make it easier for people to leave their developments more safely and, hopefully, greatly reduce the chances of a fatal accident. I would hate to write another letter with the heading “I TOLD YOU SO.”

Wendy Lamour West Ocean City

Educators upset with most recent budget vote

Editor,

To the Worcester Community,

As a 40-year educator in the county I am appalled at the action of our County Commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday. They have stated several reasons for the cuts, which I find unacceptable. They have previously stated they would not micro manage the School Board

budget but have done nothing but. For the past two years the Commissioners have given their employees a 4% raise, and themselves an 8% raise after the elections. I have received as a teacher a 1.14% increase and no step due to the fact I am at the top of the scale. With a 4% raise I will still be behind what was given to county employees. I will have my salary diminished by an increase in health care costs. I do not in any way believe the county employees do not need a decent raise. They work hard and many positions in several departments remain unfilled. Like the educational system they are left behind in salary increases then other jobs in the county.

Our educational staff are exceptional. They hold multiple degrees and work beyond the contracted hours to meet the needs of our students. They open their pockets to provide the needs of our students unselfishly. 74% of our staff are our country residents. Their salary boosts our economy. By state law by fiscal year 2027 starting salary must reach $60,000. For teachers. Are the commissioners prepared to make up the difference in one year what they could be doing over several years?

Worcester County is able to provide a substantial increase in their county budget. Their fund balance and balances for other projects hold the funds to make this happen. I cannot hold that their bond rating is more important than people. I know as it happens each year, county residents will read in the coming months after the budget dust settles that they have reconciled the budget with greater funds then they projected.

I must assume the infighting and lack of understanding of county funding to help our residents, that some of the Commissioners have no plans to remain in office. As voters, please remember this. A Commissioner who served 12 years will receive County insurance upon leaving office. Let’s make sure this does not happen. Commissioner Bertino, Bunting, Addis and Elder do not deserve to continue in office as they do not have the best interest in the citizens of this county.

Meme Suznavick 40-year educator

Divided vote decides Pocomoke court name

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(May 24, 2024) The basketball courts being renovated at Pocomoke Middle School will be known as Warrior Courts at Stephen H. Long Memorial Park.

The Worcester County Commissioners this week voted 4-3 to select Warrior Courts at Stephen H. Long Memorial Park from a list of six proposed names for the updated courts, which should be completed by the end of the month. The decision was an attempt at a compromise, as popular name options included “Stephen Handy Long Memorial Recreation Park” and “Warrior Park.”

Kelly Rados, the county’s director of recreation and parks, presented the name options during Tuesday’s meeting of the commissioners. She said that based on the county’s naming policy, priority should be given to names carrying geographical, historical or cultural significance. Names submitted for the courts included Stephen Handy Long Memorial Recreation Park, Warrior Courts at Stephen H. Long Memorial Park, Pocomoke Proud Park, Sunshine Park, Friendship Park and Warrior Park. Commissioner Caryn Abbott made a motion to name the courts Warrior Park.

“I just want to say that the park is for the children,” Abbott said. “That was our goal the whole time, to make something special for them. I think we’ve ac-

complished that with what the plan is for the park and now we need them to take ownership of it and I believe they will. That’s why I chose Warrior Park, because we are warriors in Pocomoke.”

Commissioner Diana Purnell disagreed and said that Stephen Handy Long Memorial Recreation Park would pay homage to Long, the educator who served as supervisor of Worcester County’s African American schools and was murdered in 1921.

“He gave his life for the kids,” she said, adding that naming the park in his honor was in line with the county’s naming policy.

Commissioner Ted Elder acknowledged the difference of opinion between Abbott and Purnell and suggested one of the other names on the list, Warrior Courts at Stephen H. Long Memorial Park—a name that was submitted by Pocomoke Middle School Principal Melissa Freistat—as a compromise.

Marvin Jones, a Salisbury resident with ties to the Pocomoke community, told the commissioners he supported naming the park solely in honor of Long. He said research showed that Long was a person of historical significance who had made major contributions to the community. He said he was worried that the proposed compromise name was confusing.

“I think you diminish the contributions of Professor Long,” Jones said.

Brendal Jones said she wanted the park named in honor of Long, as many people didn’t know his story and weren’t even aware that after his death there had been an African American school in Pocomoke named for him.

After lengthy discussion, a motion to approve the name Warrior Courts at Stephen H. Long Memorial Park passed 4-3, with Purnell and Commissioners Eric Fiori and Joe Mitrecic opposed.

Area residents are invited to join the Worcester County Commissioners and school officials when they cut the ribbon on the new basketball courts and park

at Pocomoke Middle School on June 4 at 1:30 p.m. Worcester County Recreation and Parks professionals contracted with Surface Solutions, LongFence, and Musco to install new fencing, a basketball court and associated components, and a “mini pitch” with lights. The basketball court and mini pitch are comprised of two basketball courts that can also be used as one basketball court and one soccer pitch. The park is recommended for children and adults and is open to the public outside of school hours and when organized programming is not taking place.

Chesapeake Scenic Byway wins national competition

(May 24, 2024) Maryland’s Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway has been voted the winner of Scenic America’s first-ever Byways Madness contest.

The Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway stretches 419 miles from Chesapeake City to Crisfield on country roads along the bay’s edge and is part of the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop. This scenic byway is one of many in Maryland.

According to a news release, America’s scenic byways faced off against each other playoff-style, with the competition

structured similar to college basketball’s annual March Madness. The Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway beat out some pretty big names and destinations, including Big Sur Coast Highway and the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, which took second and third, respectively.

Chesapeake Country All American Road joins 55 others throughout the nation. The designation means the byway has features that do not exist elsewhere in the United States and are unique and important enough to be tourist destinations.

“The inclusion of the Chesapeake Country All-American Road in the National Scenic Byways network will open new doors for federal funding that can help Maryland communities preserve, showcase and monetize their historic, cultural, natural, recreational and tourism resources,” Sen. Ben Cardin said in the release. “The Chesapeake Country All-American Road weaves together some of the very best historic and natural landscapes that Maryland has to offer, and its recognition by the National Scenic Byways program helps secure its status as a treasured resource that will flourish into the future.”

Scenic byways are an economic engine for small towns and gateway communities across the country. A healthy national byways program drives economic growth through tourism, commerce, and travel revenue, and investment in infrastructure and transportation improvements.

Scenic America, the sponsor of the contest, has a vision for five areas of focus, including preserving and enhancing community character, honoring parks and open space, celebrating America’s scenic byways, undergrounding utility infrastructure, and promoting beautiful highways.

The Chesapeake Country All-American Road Alliance, a nine-county effort with a Maryland Office of Tourism partnership, has completed a byway-wide interpretive plan. The group also unveiled the new logo last fall, which travelers will see throughout the byway.

CRUISERS IN BERLIN

CHARLENE SHARPE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Berlin’s Main Street and surrounding roads were filled up with classic cars last Saturday during Cruisin’ Berlin, an event hosted annually by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce.

KOVER H. ELLINGSWORTH JR.

Ocean City

Kover H. Ellingsworth Jr., 80, of Ocean City, died Monday, May 13, 2024, at Berlin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Berlin. He was born in Salisbury and was the son of the late Kover H. Ellingsworth and Betty (Jones) Ellingsworth.

Kover had been the EMS supervisor for the Town of Ocean City and worked for Stephen T. Cropper and Sons and Cropper Towing. He was a life member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and Sons of the American Legion.

He is survived by a son, Kover Michael Ellingsworth of Berlin; two sisters, Peggy Smith and husband Gary of New York, and Joan Townsend and husband Charlie of Berlin; two granddaughters, Clara Collins-Ellingsworth and Helen Collins-Ellingsworth; and a special friend, Tammy Wheatley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 27, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

Condolences may be sent by visiting bishophastingsfh.com.

ROBERT JAMES “JAMIE” SEIFERT

Ocean City

On May 15, 2024, Robert James “Jamie” Seifert III passed away at his home in Ocean City.

He was the beloved son of Carol Lynn Seifert (nee Atkinson) and Robert J. Seifert Jr.; devoted brother of Kelly Seifert Hooper and her husband Robert; loving uncle of Lucas, Amelia, Emily and Charlotte Hooper; and cherished grandson of Sally Lynch. He will be deeply missed by many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

A memorial service for Jamie will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 30, at St. Joseph Parish, 100 Church Lane in Cockeysville, followed by a celebration of life at Ropewalk Tavern, 1209 S. Charles St, in Baltimore.

JUDITH RUSSELL BAKER

Berlin

Judith Russell Baker, age 76, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2024, after fighting a battle with ALS. She was born on April 18, 1948, in Salisbury, to Joseph and Doris Russell.

Judy worked for many years for Coates, Coates and Coates as a legal assistant. She enjoyed watching TV, dancing, spending time with her family and friends and her cat, Bodie.

A deer and its fawn are pictured making their way through a marsh with the

Judy is survived by her son, T.C. Cooper Jr. (Sandy); granddaughter Emma Rose Cooper; niece Tammy Boston (Rodney); great-niece Samantha “Sam” Widgeon (Joey) and their children, Skylar and Lane; great-niece Kylie Boston; and sister-in-law Bobbi Russell.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Doris Russell; her husband, Barry Baker; and her brother, Steve Russell.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, at Taylorville Cemetery in Berlin. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Judy’s memory to The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 or online at als.org.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Condolences may be shared with the family via burbagefuneralhome.com.

$1,595.

K. Ellingsworth

Robert J. Seifert

Judith Baker PHOTO

MARSH STROLL

Ocean City skyline in the background.

Sports & Recreation

Seahawks softball falls to Huntingtown in Md. playoffs

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(May 24, 2024) If you happened to watch Stephen Decatur in last year’s and this year’s 2A Eastern Regional girls softball quarterfinal, you might have a feeling of déjà vu. Don’t worry. Both games were so identical someone could look at them and make that mistake.

Both teams played hard and didn’t make any errors. After four scoreless innings during this year’s game last Thursday against North Caroline, senior Seahawk Kiara Taylor stepped into the batter’s box like the year prior.

When she saw the perfect pitch headed her way, she delivered a power full swing. The bat and ball

connected so hard the sound of the crack was heard all over the neighborhood.

North Caroline Bull Dogs outfielders backed up to the warning tract only to watch the ball fly beyond their gloves reach and out of the park.

“I was going to wait for it and drive that ball,” Taylor said of the home run. “It felt amazing. I did it last year too.”

Coach Scott Kurtz said he was confident his girls would come through.

“I knew at one point we would get something; I was getting really lonely on third,” he said. “Taylor’s shot was huge. I should have known it was coming when she stepped up to the plate. I am just so happy for the team and her to have that moment again.”

BASEBALL TEAM LOSES IN SEMIS

Stephen Decatur’s varsity baseball team’s outstanding season came to an end Tuesday night, losing to No. 5 seed Chesapeake, 13-9, in the MPSSAA Class 3A semifinals. Last Friday, the top-seeded Seahawks advanced to the final four with a 3-0 win over Northern, catapulting the Seahawks into their fourth playoff game set for Tuesday. Above, the team is pictured celebrating a walk-off win in an early home playoff game.

Like last year, Taylor’s solo homer gave Stephen Decatur the run advantage.

North Caroline scored a run that inning to tie it one all.

Madison Donoway made the second Seahawks run in the sixth inning facing off against North Caroline Varsity Bulldog righthand pitcher Katelyn Tribbitt.

Starting Seahawk pitcher Emily Blume was credited with the win. Blume gave up six hits, and walked three in seven innings. Blume faced 32 batters with a 68.6 percent strike out rate that’s 86 pitches with 59 strikes.

“We played them earlier this season. Our pitcher pitched well and their pitcher pitched well. We got

DECATUR WOMEN LOSE IN STATE SEMIS

some opportunities today,” Kurz said. “They kind of took us off guard. It was uncomfortable. They were locked in, their pitcher was really on it today, hitting her spots and it was making us nervous. We kept them down today.”

He added that North Caroline “hit the ball and made the plays.”

“We had that special player today [Taylor]. She gave us that, Kurtz said. “It was two years in a row she gave us the championship.”

Unfortunately, Stephen Decatur lost on Friday to Huntingtown High School 11-1, ending a strong season for the team.

The Seahawks only lose one player to college this year, putting them in good position for next season. The team went 18-4 on the season.

PHOTOS COURTESY J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephen Decatur’s women’s lacrosse team saw its memorable season come to an end to a familiar foe last Friday night, losing in the Class 2A girls semifinals to Queen Anne’s, 6-4. The Seahawks, seeded No. 2, also lost the Bayside Championship to Queen Anne’s the week before. Queen Anne’s then lost to state champion Glenelg, 13-3, on Tuesday. Pictured above competing in a losing cause against Queen Anne’s are Caitlin Shimko, above left, and senior goalie Addison McDaniel.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Stephen Decatur’s Kiara Taylor, left, celebrates with her teammates after her home run in the fifth inning during the Seahawks’ playoff game last Thursday against North Caroline.

PHOTO COURTESY NICK DENNY

SPRING AWARDS PRESENTED

Worcester Prep Middle and Upper School spring sports season culminated with the annual awards ceremony where student-athletes received awards for excellence, including the prestigious 12-Letter Club and Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) Championships.

Above left, varsity lacrosse award winners are pictured, including, standing, Owen West, move improved; Connor Ferguson, coach’s award; and Dylan McGovern, MVP and conference player of the year; and, seated, Anisha Batra, most improved; Claire Windrow, coach’s award; and Caitlin Williams, MVP. Above right, varsity tennis award winners are pictured, including, standing, Edward Marytiken, most improved; Hunter Simons, coach’s award; and Aleksey Klimins, MVP and conference player of the year; and, seated, Natasha Richter, coach’s award; Lebby Becker, MVP; and Abby Ament, most improved.

Left, All-ESIAC lacrosse players included Ansh Batra, Cole Campbell, Max Carpenter, Connor Ferguson, Baylor Hoen, Ryan Mann, Dylan McGovern, Lucas Nicastro, Karrigan Russell-Wood and Owen West. Bottom left, All-ESIAC tennis players were Carson Rayne, Edward Marytiken, James Haley, Hunter Simons and Aleksey Klimins. Below right, All-ESIAC varsity women’s lacrosse members were Windrow, Emma Zajdel, Williams and Madilyn Nechay, not pictured.

Other awards presented included 12 Letter Club inductees (three varsity sports all four years), who were seniors Claire Windrow and Madilyn Nechay; middle school boys lacrosse: John Parker, MVP; Paul Kraeuter, coach’s award; and Luke Mize, most improved; middle school girls lacrosse: Harper Hertrich, MVP; Carolina Labin, coach’s award; and Isabella Rice, most improved; and JV boys lacrosse: Luke Pitarra, MVP; Gavin Mann, coach’s award; and Beau Brittingham, most improved.

Wave time period determines wind vs. ground swell

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(May 24, 2024) A recent column referenced wind and how intricate the wind is in creating waves. There wasn’t enough room to provide as much explanation as desired so some augmentation will go into this one with added elements.

When wind blows over water waves will be created. The stronger the wind and the longer it continues the more sizable the wave. If the wind field originates roughly more than 100 miles out to sea we call this ground swell. If the wind field is closer it’s known as wind swell.

DECATUR TENNIS FINISHES 2ND IN BAYSIDE

Stephen Decatur’s varsity women’s tennis team lost in the Bayside Championship earlier this month to Queen Anne’s, which won its first-ever female tennis championship. The team, pictured above with Coach Jamie Greenwood, finished the season 12-3. In the Bayside Championship, Queen Anne’s won, 4-3. Ten of the 11 varsity players will return next season.

The difference can be approximated by wave period which will be the time difference between the largest wave or set of waves. Ten seconds is a rough dividing line. Over 10 equals ground swell. Under 10 equals wind swell. Frequently a swell, which is a combination of waves, will have factors of both ground and wind swell.

But how about when a swell gets to the shoreline? Here is that added element that is referenced above. If the wind at the shoreline is blowing straight off the land it will create the smoothest, cleanest wave conditions. This is known as an offshore wind. Even if the wind is a bit side offshore, approximately diagonal to the shoreline, the wave condi-

tions can be clean enough. Generally, any wind coming off the water will make for choppy, less desirable conditions.

So, in a nutshell, we need wind coming off, or from, the water to create waves and wind coming off, or from, the land to make for better conditions. This can vary and these are not the only factors for quality, good surfing wave conditions.

As we can see the wind can have multiple factors. It’s not only direction and velocity but where as well. The wind is certainly a key element and a huge ingredient in the creation and quality of decent, surfable waves. Keep a sharp eye on the water and the surf. It can happen at any time.

— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City