5/26/2023 Ocean City Today

Memorial Day: fun begins now

rial Day weekend in Ocean City — if the weather cooperates.

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

Many opportunities to honor war heroes around the region this weekend –Page 3

County uses PIA to seek school info

Md. Public Information Act invoked by commissioners in duel over board budget

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Budget negotiations between Worcester County government and the public school system took another turn on Monday, when the county commissioners filed what both sides consider to be a Public Information Act (PIA) request for a line-item budget from the Worcester County School Board of Education.

‘It wasn’t done because we’re worried about finding anything wrong. We wanted a full copy of the budget broken down line by line.’

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Coming off of a busy, successful Cruisin’ car event weekend, the glass is half full when it comes to expectations for the Memo-

“In terms of the weekend, historically, Memorial Day is quite weather dependent,” Ocean City Hotel-MotelRestaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones said in an email earlier this week.

“That being said, I do have several hotels reporting 80 percent-plus occupancy for this weekend, while oth-

ers aren’t at that point yet,” Jones added. “So, I do believe the weather will continue to play a role in the outcome.”

Non-controllable factors such as rainy weather and the covid pandemic have challenged the official kick-off to summer in the resort town the past few years. According to The Weather Channel’s online 10-day

— Jim Bunting

The request comes after the commissioners voted to not fund a $4.4 million requested increase to the schools budget and instead stick with the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) minimum, or not less than was spent last year. The request calls for detailed documentation of salaries and grant usage as well as a five-year expense report.

It’s not meant to be taken as an escalation in tactics, though, Commissioner Jim Bunting said.

“(The PIA request) was more (about), when we ask for not just a summary of the budget but line-byline budget, they sent us an extra 21 pages and it only amounted to about

THINK FEDERAL DEBT CRISIS DOESEN’T AFFECT WORCESTER? THINK AGAIN — PAGE 63

Season’s first big weekend has businesses wondering if weather will cooperate

PHOTO COURTESY JANET HOUGH

SUNSET PROVISION

A solitary seagull crosses in front of the big red/orange ball of the setting sun looking west over Isle of Wight Bay. In many ways, it says vacation time has arrived and it’s time to get outside.

Memorial Day events honor fallen heroes around region

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Memorial Day weekend is the start of the summer beach season, but it is also a time for honoring American veterans who gave their lives in service to this country.

Several Memorial Day activities are scheduled around the county, ranging from ceremonies to parades.

Here are some of the events planned for this weekend:

Ocean City

Monday, May 29 at 8 a.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard will be dropping a wreath in the ocean to the sound of Taps at the former Dunes Manor Hotel, now Hilton Garden Inn on 28th Street. The wreath honors the service men and women who lost their lives at sea.

Monday, May 29 at 1 p.m. The American Legion (2308 Philadelphia Avenue) will honor veterans with guest speakers, including members of the community

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who have had family members and friends who have died in the war or since passed away. A special commemoration will occur for those still missing in action.

Ocean Pines

Monday, May 29, 11 a.m. to noon, the largest Memorial Day ceremony in the region returns to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines.

The event draws thousands of people to the memorial grounds and features music, demonstrations, and public speakers honoring U.S. military men and women.

“Memorial Day honors all who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our county,” Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said. “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.”

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Charlie Townsend of the Berlin Fire Company leads two trucks down Flower Street during the Memorial Day Weekend parade in Berlin last year. He is riding on the 1924 truck he maintains for the department. This year’s parade is scheduled for May 29.

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School officials rebut commissioners’ claims

Continued from Page 1

4 percent of the budget,” Bunting said. (This was intended) to try to get the message across, suggesting that they consider this like a PIA request, we want the full budget (outline).

“It wasn’t done because we’re worried about finding anything wrong. We wanted a full copy of the budget broken down line by line, like we get from our department heads, and thousands of pages (long).”

Carrie Sterrs, the schools coordinator of public relations and special programs, confirmed the request in an email.

“The communication received asked that their request be considered a Public Information Act request, which we are now treating as such and complying in accordance with the Act,” she wrote.

When asked via text message if what the county provided the board with is an actual PIA request, public information officer Kim Moses said, “Yes. The request for more detailed financial information from the Board of Education should be considered a public information act request.”

A public information request, per state law, is a written document that specifies what information is being sought. The recipient has 30 days to comply or explain why it cannot.

Bunting added that, as of Wednesday, he wasn’t aware of any further developments.

Meanwhile, on May 16 at the monthly Board of Education meeting, school officials offered varying points of view over what the board can do to appease the county commissioners.

“There has been (a lot of) misinfor-

mation circulated over the past few weeks about the board of education,” Vince Tolbert, schools chief financial officer, said at the meeting.

He began by pointing out such facts as the board’s budget process beginning in late 2022 but that the county didn’t start asking about a more detailed budget until this spring, which he said put a lot of pressure on school officials to produce massive amounts of data in a short timeframe.

Ninety-one percent of the schools budget is salary, Tolbert said. It’s not clogged with frivolous or otherwise unnecessary expenditures.

He also pointed out that the county commissioners selected a health insurance package at 9.5 percent the rate in premiums for county and board of education employees. The board gets its health insurance from the county.

The county’s health benefits committee recommended maintaining benefits at a 3.7 increase, but, Tolbert Said, the commissioners’ decision amounted to 26 percent of the board’s FY2024 local share budget request, essentially making it an unfunded mandate.

“One thing we did not expect — a major increase in health care this year,” Tolbert said.

“They did not want to change the plan or the formularies in our health care at the time. So we were not expecting that. In reality, from this current year’s budget to next year’s budget, that has increased our health insurance by $1.1 million. We did not realize we’d have that big of a hit.”

Unfunded mandates from the state’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Fu-

ture total $600,000 of budget allocations, Tolbert said.

Addressing misinformation, he said that Maryland Department of Education data shows that Worcester County Public Schools is 21st out of 24 states in administration costs — about 1.49 percent of the budget.

He claimed that board officials are being as transparent as they can be.

“We did meet with the county administrator and his assistant,” Tolbert said. “We did provide additional details, 21 pages … of what we gave them back in March. We are making every effort to give them the budget information that they need.”

The board’s vehicle fleet is not wasteful, he said, and is required for maintenance and transportation and actually saves the school system money — $21,190 annually over the alternative of reimbursing employees for mileage at the IRS rate of 65.5 cents per mile.

Tolbert also tried to dispel the idea that Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) grant money could be used to offset the $4.4 million shortfall.

“Why not use that? Because that money won’t be there next year,” Tolbert said. “I’m a financial guy … it would not be prudent of me to recommend to the board to spend $4.5 million that’s ongoing money when it’s not going to be there next year. That would be a terrible financial decision. OK?”

Denise Shorts, chief academic officer for grades Pre-K through 8th, said she’s seen “disturbing” trends in county residents saying that the school system should hire fewer nurses and mental health personnel.

“Research shows children can’t learn if their basic physical and physiological needs aren’t being met,” Shorts said.

There were 68,797 nurse visits in the 2021-22 school year, she added, and seven social workers work with 186 students each, which is actually “behind.”

Board member Katie Addis, one of the more vocal voices in the community demanding better board transparency, asked Tolbert why they were having trouble furnishing the county commissioners with the five-year expense report if the school system goes through regular audits, something Tolbert detailed earlier.

He drew a comparison to Wicomico County Public Schools, which he said presents its budget in that five-year history format. Worcester, on the other hand, lays out its budget based on the prior year’s actual budget, the current year’s approved budget and the proposed budget for the next year.

“I told the county that if that’s something that the board wants to pursue going forward, it will take some time to build that the way that Wicomico has it,” Tolbert said. “They have about 2.5 times the number of people that I have in my office. They built that in years.”

Speaking about a 90-minute meeting they had with Weston Young, chief administrative officer for the county, WCPS Superintendent Lou Taylor said Tolbert asked if what he was providing that day was sufficient, and he was told it was.

“If there’s something on there missing that (the county) didn’t like, that’s between them and their administrator,” Taylor said. “If the administrator would call us back and say we need additional things, we’ll try to produce it.”

“All we hear is transparency. I get it. But we’ve not been able to get directly, ‘What are you requesting in full transparency?’ So we took some items, Vince redeveloped some things and we thought that we were on target until we found out that we’re not.”

But it does appear that the five-year outline — the subject of Addis’s prior questioning and the basis of the PIA — is the focal point of the county’s probing.

“Other than the fact that this has been very difficult, I think the world of (Taylor). He’s the best superintendent we’ve ever had,” Bunting said. “But we were faced with a situation where we didn’t have enough money to fund an extra $4 million this year and on top of that, last year we funded (the schools at) $3.3 million extra, but finances were a bit different then. We wanted a (thorough,) balanced budget

Katie Addis

Vince Tolbert

Jim Bunting

Lou Taylor

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Memorial Day success depends on weather

forecast, conditions were looking relatively beach-friendly for Friday and Saturday as of Wednesday, despite some clouds and cool temperatures. The site was predicting “mostly cloudy” or “partly cloudy” skies and mild temperatures for the two days, but chances of rain were predicted Sunday and Monday. But as weather forecasts go, the conditions could easily change.

The rainy weekend days over the past few weeks have already affected some businesses that rely on pleasant weather, such as Jolly Roger Amusements. Vice President Steve Pastusak said earlier this week that the gokarts and other amusements at both the downtown and 29th Streets locations have been open on weekends, but that recent rainy conditions put a literal damper on business.

“The weather’s been killing us six Saturdays in a row,” he said.

Despite that, a little rain did not have too much of an effect on Ocean City Cruisin’ last weekend. City Manager Terry McGean said he heard that the Boardwalk parade held Friday during the annual event, which attracts thousands of classic car enthusiasts to the resort every year, had the highest number of cars ever participating.

Another factor that could influence how the coming weekend goes is staffing.

With low housing availability and foreign work programs just now bouncing back to pre-covid levels, business owners are still expected to struggle some with filling out their workforce rosters early in the season.

“Staffing seems to be leveling out

to a degree, however, there is still need for some back-of-the-house positions in the kitchen and housekeeping,” Jones said. “Several members moved to bringing on H2-B visa employees over the last couple of years, though this is an expensive option.”

The federal H-2B Nonimmigrant Temporary worker program issues visas to a set number of foreign work-

ers across the United States each year. Recently, members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association lobbied members of Congress to issue more foreign work visas — including H-2Bs — to help with labor shortages across the country.

Locally, businesses such as Jolly Roger and others have supplemented their workforces, which have historically been made up of American workers and J-1 Summer Work Travel students, with H2-B workers. The process is a little longer and costs more, along with the limits to the number of people available, which makes it difficult for some businesses to take advantage of the program.

Pastusak said he has hired all the local and J-1 students that he could and is waiting for some more H-2B workers. Overall, he said he has a couple hundred foreign students and adults working positions at the Jolly Roger locations and expects to be able to handle the crowds for the coming weekend.

“It’s not perfect but it will do for Memorial Day and the first couple weeks of the season,” Pastusak said.

Jones added that, according to a representative from the Department of State, nearly 3,000 J-1 students are set to be hired to work during summer 2023.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

People walk along the Boardwalk near Talbot Street on May 24. The crowds will likely increase substantially along the downtown corridor this weekend for Memorial Day if the weather holds out.

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Many events honoring fallen heroes in region

The keynote speaker this year will be Maj. Al Soto (USMC retired).

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.

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

Memorial Day 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 www.oceanpines.org and www.opvets.org websites and on social media.

For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, visit www.opvets.org or www.facebook.com/WorcesterCountyVeteransMemorial.

Berlin

Monday, May 29 at 8 a.m.

“Celebrating the Past and Embracing the Future” is this year’s Memorial Day Parade theme.

Duncan Showell Post 231 Color Guard

will salute departed veterans at local cemeteries starting at 8 a.m.

A parade starting at Stephen Decatur Middle School and ending at Henry Park will begin at 11 a.m.

Food and craft vendors, live music, activities for children, and dance performances are scheduled at Henry Park.

For more information or to participate, contact DJ Lockwood at djlockwood334@gmail.com or 410-497-3242.

The Berlin Community Improvement Association hosts this event.

On Monday, May 29 at 2 p.m., the Hubert V. Simmons Negro League Baseball Museum Senior Men’s Softball team will play the Worcester County NAACP in an Old Timers Softball Doubleheader game.

Pocomoke

On Friday, May 26 from 5-8 p.m., downtown Pocomoke will celebrate Me-

morial Day Weekend with the 4th Friday Street Festival.

A Memorial Day fireworks display will take place over the Pocomoke River, sponsored by the Downtown Pocomoke Association, City of Pocomoke, and Simply Sublime Massage and Bodywork.

Fourth Fridays take place within the two blocks of Market Street between Front Street and Second Street for a block party-style event.

Local artists and vendors will fill the sidewalks of Market Street to sell their work, including paintings, photography, jewelry, bath and body products, home decor, fashion, plants, and much more.

This is a family-friendly event with children’s activities, including a bounce house, crafts, sidewalk chalk, street games, and more. Live music will be provided by the Laidbaxx.

Participating downtown businesses will stay open late during event hours and local restaurants will offer food specials. A cash bar will be open for the adults to purchase beer and wine.

In the event of rain, the street festival will be canceled and will resume on the fourth Friday of the following month.

For more information, visit the “Downtown Pocomoke Association” Facebook page, www.downtownpocomoke.com or call Pocomoke City Hall at 410-957-1333 ext. 111.

Salisbury

On Sunday, May 28 at 2:05 p.m. the Delmarva Shorebirds play the Lynchburg Hillcats at Purdue Stadium. The Worcester County NAACP branch will honor several past players of Negro Baseball League teams on the Eastern Shore at this game.

In attendance will be former Indianapolis Clowns Pitcher Pedro Sierra, former Kansas City Monarchs outfielder Sam Allen and Negro Baseball Goodwill Ambassador Rayner Banks will have his Negro League Baseball exhibit on display. Negro Baseball League merchandise also will be available. This event is sponsored by McDonalds and Delmarva Shorebirds.

Worcester required to strike annual budget before June 6

Continued from Page 4

and that’s what we’ve (asked for).”

Back at the meeting, Addis also inquired about the incentive retirement program, which helps persuade teachers to give as much notice as possible if they leave, falling under the salaries budget line.

“How does that fit into the salaries category when it’s not technically a salary that’s budgeted every year?” she asked. “That’s one of the items, that 91 percent affixed cost, that is technically not a fixed cost. That’s where the questions arise because there are items that are coming into the 91 percent that sometimes can be questionable.”

Tolbert said that the funds are included in instructional salaries and enable the county to “Get out and recruit the best teachers in Worcester County” as early as possible before other school systems snap them up.

Addis also insisted — this is not about devaluing teachers, bus contractors and school employees.

“There are a lot of budget items that are one-time items that can be used for those ESSER funds and then that money can potentially be replaced for salaries,” Addis said. “Is that ideal? No. But it keeps our staff for another year to figure it out. I think we really need to start having some hard conversations about what we’re going to do.

“At the end of the day, all of that personnel are going to be the ones to feel the heat.”

Though the county commissioners have already voted on the board of education matter, they don’t cement the entire budget until June 6th, theoretically leaving a window open for Worcester County Public Schools to get its $4.4 million, or at least part of it.

Could that happen?

“Just my opinion, I’m committed to an MOE budget and what the MOE is this year,” Bunting said.

“I have my feeling that’s the way the vote is going to go.”

Digital Boardwalk tram ads to supplement OC branding

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Ocean City’s Boardwalk trams are going through some major changes this year that should be fully revealed when passengers begin boarding for Memorial Day weekend.

As part of an initiative of the city’s new transit ad contractor, Gateway Outdoor Advertising, the city’s 12 trams are set to be outfitted for rear digital ads to flash different paid promotions on short intervals as they travel up and down the boards.

Transit Manager Rob Shearman said in an email earlier this week that the screens for the digital ads were on track for installation before the weekend, barring any unforeseen delays.

The ads are expected to generate more revenue for the department,

Correction

with Boardwalk businesses and other local establishments set to be solicited to buy space.

The Jeeps that haul the trams also got a makeover of sorts, with wraps displaying the city’s new winky smiley face logo and signature branding colors.

“The Jeeps which pull the trams have all had their new ‘smile’ branding applied,” Shearman said. “The tram carriages themselves have not yet been done, but the graphic work on them is planned to be a bit more subtle (basically just a wave pattern around the bottom edge as opposed to the current chest-high ‘racing stripe’).”

The new wraps were on display last weekend when the trams ran for Ocean City Cruisin’ and will continue standing out and marketing the city’s new brand throughout the summer.

A story in the May 19, 2023, edition about Ocean City applying for a grant from the Maryland Transit Administration incorrectly said the money will help buy two used articulating buses. If the grant is approved, the money will help buy new buses.

PHOTO COURTESY TRANSIT MANAGER ROB SHEARMAN

A wrapped tram drives along the Boardwalk sporting the new Ocean City logo and signature branding colors. The trams were also set to begin displaying digital ads beginning Memorial Day weekend.

Ocean City Beach Patrol preparing to take stands

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) After a rough recruiting season, Ocean City Beach Patrol staff are as prepared as they can be to climb up into the stands and guard the resort’s 10 miles of beach for the next four months.

“Right now, our staffing levels are below what we would like to have mid-season,” Beach Patrol Capt. Butch Arbin said of the staffing situation leading into Memorial Day weekend. “But we never plan to be fully staffed when we start the season.”

The first surf rescue academy began Monday for this year’s 23 new recruits and Arbin said the veterans will start to trickle in for the official

start to the season at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The lifeguards — or surf rescue technicians as they are officially named — will guard the entire length of the beach from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day until Sept. 24.

Arbin said the stands, especially at the beginning of the season, will be strategically placed.

“We don’t equidistance them all 10 miles,” he explained. “Because we know statistically where we’re busier, where we’re less busy, where the beach is more crowded, where the beach is less crowded. We use data, historical data we’ve collected, to decide where we need to place the stands.”

He added that the stands will be more spread out this Memorial Day than they were last year, but the shortfall will be supplemented with mobile patrol units.

As a part of a package of extra incentives City Council members recently approved to help entice more applicants in the face of low recruitment numbers, three new ATVs will be added this season to join the existing mobile units.

“That helps in the areas where guards are a little more spread out,” Arbin said of the fleet.

He added that people are urged to swim directly in front of the stands with guards for the best protection and safest swimming experiences.

“That’s what we want people to do, take some responsibility for their safety, and not just figure, ‘Oh I can see a lifeguard stand down the beach,’” Arbin said. “Because the lifeguard can’t see that distance and see if a person’s in trouble. It’s impossible.”

The other new incentives – increased $500 signing bonuses and time-and-a-half for SRTs and supervisors who work over their regular weekly hours — were added to a series of other perks implemented last year.

Arbin said there are two more tests for guards on June 3 and 10 and a second surf rescue academy set for June 18. Fifty-eight people have registered for the two tests, which he said is a lot.

“I hope they all show up,” Arbin said.

He added that the challenge thus far has not been with recruiting, as people know about the jobs and go online and apply.

“The hard part is getting people who are physically able to do the job,” Arbin said. “And I don’t mean the Olympic athletes. I’m talking about somebody who can swim one length of a pool.”

PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS SANDERS

New Ocean City Surf Rescue Technician William Carrier runs on the beach during a rescue academy training exercise on May 24.

Honoring gold badge member David Coleman

Firefighter life member of local department, involved in over 8,000 service calls

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(May 26, 2023) This week we recognize Gold Badge member David Coleman. David’s love for the fire service was inevitable and began at an early age. His father, William “Bill” Coleman, was a member of the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company for 55 years, serving in a variety of positions.

He served as chief of the volunteer fire company for 40 years and was actively involved in responding to over 8,000 calls for service during his career. David served as a lieutenant in the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company and is now a life member.

David retired from the Town of Ocean City after 25 years of employment with the Recreation and Parks Department. After his retirement, he has found time to attend many water-

fowl decoy shows, fire apparatus shows and musters, and enjoy leisure travels with his fiancé, “Miss Jenny.”

His retirement has also provided him the opportunity to continue working for Goose Haven Farms Custom Farming and guiding waterfowl hunters during goose season.

Firefighter Coleman has been a four-time winner (the 1st occurring in 1982 and followed by three years in a row from 2015 thru 2017) of the World Championship Live Goose Calling competition held during the annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland. He has developed and sells his own line of goose calls.

David joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company on April 12, 1994. During his 28 years of active service, he served several years as a member of the board of directors.

David quickly became the “unofficial” photographer for the OCVFC, taking photos during nearly every fire, drill and “controlled burn” training opportunity not only in Ocean City but also across the Eastern Shore. His

peers in the fire service gave Firefighter Coleman the title “Mr. Fire” in recognition of his professionalism shown in depicting the fire service through his photos.

His fireground photographs have appeared in many media publications including the cover page of Firehouse Magazine, a nationally distributed monthly publication devoted exclusively to the fire service.

Firefighter Coleman cites the Dough Roller Restaurant fire on the Boardwalk in 2008 as the most significant event of his fire service career. He was one of the first firefighters to arrive on the scene and shared his admiration of the leadership displayed by Chief David Cropper as the incident commander and the teamwork exhibited by the many fire companies responding to the scene.

David takes great personal pride and is extremely honored for the opportunity to be involved in the care and display of OCVFC Engine #8, a 1953 Ford Barton American pumper, restored by the OCVFC and used in

parades and funeral details for deceased members. We thank Firefighter Coleman for his efforts to maintain the history of the OCVFC and the legacy of our senior members through the preservation of Engine #8.

We also thank Firefighter Coleman for his years of service and his commitment to the safety of our residents and visitors to our community.

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

David Coleman

Fireworks slated to replace drone shows at OC events

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) The lighted, skyhigh drone shows that stood in for a lack of traditional fireworks during Ocean City events the last few years are no more.

During fiscal 2024 budget talks several months ago, council members discussed eliminating the aerial shows during Sundaes in the Park and other public gatherings. Members of the Tourism Commission followed up and approved the request, which officially eliminated them for the coming season.

City Manager Terry McGean said it was determined that it was more expensive to hold drone shows as opposed to shooting off regular fireworks.

“The cost in total for Sundaes in the Park fireworks, and fireworks instead of drone shows, it reduced the cost,” McGean said during a council meeting last week.

The city has not hosted a traditional Fourth of July or other large fireworks show since before the pandemic.

While covid restrictions halted all holiday gatherings in 2020, officials were ready to bring back the July 4 show in 2021. The plans literally exploded, though, when a firework went off prematurely during setup the morning of the holiday. Then last year, vendor staffing issues forced the cancelation of the Fourth of July show again, making this year — if it happens — the first since 2019 to feature real fireworks.

Marlin Club Crew seeking vendors for upcoming show

(May 26, 2023). Plans are underway for the 20th Anniversary Marlin Club Crew of OC Inc. Jewelry, Fashion & Home Decor Show to commence during White Marlin Week.

The show is set from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 10, inside the Ocean City Marlin Club in West OC at 9659 Golf Course Road. The show is open to the public, rain or shine.

The Crew seeks vendors and sponsors for this year’s showcase. Applications and the event flier are available on the Ocean City Marlin Club website ocmarlinclub.com.

For questions or more information, contact Secretary Jodi Danzi at 410-726-8337 or Crew President Sue

Seifert at 410-382-8489. Vendor applications must be submitted online or postmarked by June 1.

Sponsorship donations are always appreciated and fund the group’s annual scholarship awards programs and contributions to other local charities. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permissible by law. Checks can be made payable to: The Marlin Club Crew of OC. Inc.; 9659 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, MD 21842.

A total of $20,000 in scholarships will be awarded to 2023 Worcester County High School graduating seniors. Awards distributed from 2004 to 2023 total $238,000.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A shot from a drone show win 2021 at Northside Park. City officials decided this year to do away with the drone shows in place of regular fireworks at city events.

Spring Cruisin’ participants

ride back home with awards

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Aside from one rainy day, Spring Cruisin’ had a turnout of participants, spectators and vehicles comparable to years past, and many registered cars got to drive home with awards.

“We had a wonderful weekend. Saturday’s weather was a little wet but we still had thousands of cars and people come out for the day and everything just went really well,” said Meredith Herbert, who was a co-promoter of OC Cruisin’ with her sister, Jacklyn Lehr, and family friend Bob Rothermel.

“(Attendees) were down at the inlet on Saturday with the rain, but it wasn’t a complete washout. We still had quite a few spectators that came and we had a good Friday and a good Sunday which helps to make up for it,” Herbert said.

At the awards ceremony on Sunday, there were about 40 major trophy winners, Herbert said.

The Mayor’s award went to James Contreras from Point Pleasant, New Jersey, for his 1958 Oldsmobile Fiesta Wagon, and the Police Chief award was given to Shawn Saifert, from Hanover, Pennsylvania for a 1955 Chevy Bel Air.

The Mathias Thunder Road award went to Emmett Bismett from Rockville, Maryland, for his 1971 Oldsmobile 442 convertible, and Russ Shipley from Havre de Grace, Maryland, received a sponsor award from Amsoil for another 1955 Chevy Bel Air.

Cruiser of the Year award went to the Revel family from Salisbury.

“They have been Cruisin’ since 2001, when they had car seats in their 1958 Impala. Now, in 2023 each of their kids are all grown up with Chevy Bel Airs of their own, which they cruised down the boardwalk,” Herbert said. “This is what Cruisin Ocean City is all about, the generations of car enthusiasts. Cruisin’ is one big happy family.”

There were nine winners in the Artwork Contender Competition at the convention center, and a chosen few will find out they won when they see their car on artwork at the Endless Summer Cruisin’ in October or at next year’s Spring Cruisin’ in May 2024.

The pinup contest at Pier 23 in West Ocean City had 12 women competing from four different states dressed in pin-up clothing from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

OC police sees most offenses for exhibition driving this year

Continued from Page 16

Jennifer Tremont, a.k.a. Bomber Jen, from Fruitland, who serves in the U.S. Air Force, won the event and will also be featured on upcoming Cruisin’ art.

Friday’s Boardwalk parade saw one of the largest Cruisin’ parade turnouts in the last 5-10 years with 674 participating vehicles, Herbert said.

Make a Wish Foundation moved around town over the weekend fundraising, and made over $10,000. That’s enough for the foundation to grant a wish, Herbert said.

The Cruisin’ Banner Auction raised $3,000 of the total for Make a Wish.

Cruisin’ organizers also gave out six $500 scholarships at the awards on Sunday to be applied to the first year of education after high school for college or technical school, Herbert said.

Herbert said that she received no complaints from law enforcement, and from what she could tell, drivers were generally well-behaved.

Preliminary statistics for police activity throughout the Ocean City Special Event Zone show decreases in calls to service, but increases in enforcement.

The Ocean City Special Event Zone started May 16 and ran through May 21. It reduced speed limits in town to 30 mph and increased fines for traffic violations. Ocean City Police, Maryland State Police and the Worcester County Sheriff’s office increased their presence to prevent exhibition driving in particular.

“This year, we did see the most exhibition driving offenses since the legislation passed in 2020. This year, there were 23 citations issued by

Ocean City Police Department and allied law enforcement agencies. In 2022, there were 18 exhibition driving offenses, and in 2021, there were 22,” said Ashley Miller, Deputy Communications Manager of the OCPD.

The rest of OCPD’s preliminary statistics this year only spanned May 18-21, rather than the full duration of the Special Event Zone.

There were only 755 officer calls for service this year, compared to 973 in 2022, and there were 339 citizen calls for service this year, which is down from 362 the year before.

Traffic Citations and warnings in the statistics report were from the OCPD only. While OCPD citation numbers went down to 386 in 2023 from 410 in 2022 and 445 in 2023, traffic warnings have been on the rise, with 254 this year, 121 in 2022 and 72 in 2021.

Car accidents took a large drop compared to years past, with seven this year, 12 last year and 17 the year before.

Total arrests were down to 35 this year, compared to 53 in 2022 and 77 in 2021. Police had one drug arrest, four weapons arrests and eight DUI arrests related to Special Event Zone violations.

“Each year the success of these events is a joint effort between the Cruisin’ staff, law enforcement partners, the Ocean City community, and our mayor and City Council,” Miller said.

Endless Summer Cruisin’ is scheduled Oct. 5-8, a smaller car event that also welcomes newer car models to register. There are already close to 2,000 cars registered for October, and close to 1,000 for Spring Cruisin’

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Thousands of classic cars, trucks and customs turned out for Spring Cruisin’ despite having a rainy Saturday, and many got the chance to drive home with awards. Pictured is a show car in front of Jolly Roger Amusements.

OP man gets 50 years for abuse

Jury convicted Connor Paul Kelly of abusing infant son, judge gave max sentence

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Connor Paul Kelly, 32, of Ocean Pines, was sentenced to 50 years in prison in Worcester County Circuit Court last Friday for the abuse, assault and neglect of his infant son in 2021.

On March 15, a jury found Kelly guilty of second-degree child abuse, three counts of second-degree assault and neglect of a minor.

Judge Beau Oglesby gave Kelly the maximum sentence for each crime; 25 years for a repeated second-degree child abuse offense that was merged with one of the second-degree assault counts, two 10-year sentences for the remaining counts of second-degree assault and five years for neglect of a minor. All the sentences are to be served consecutively.

The judge gave Kelly credit for 785 days he has already served in jail.

The offenses took place between

Jan. 15 and Feb. 15, 2021, according to the Maryland Case Search. That was when, state prosecutor Pamela Correa told the court, Kelly abused his son while on probation for a 2018 second-degree child abuse conviction he received for trying to smother his four-month-old daughter with a blanket in 2017. His daughter recovered.

Oglesby issued an arrest warrant for Kelly on March 24, 2021, which was served on March 25, 2021.

Before sentencing, prosecutors argued that the maximum sentence was the only way to protect society at large, saying that Kelly had demonstrated a pattern of violence and never showed remorse or took responsibility.

Prosecutor Mary-Ann Burkhart was also present, but Correa led the presentation.

“The defendant displays what I would describe as a God complex, or perhaps more accurately the son of God complex,” Correa said at the hearing.

As evidence, Correa read text messages between Kelly and his children’s mother, in which Kelly describes his and his children’s enormous energy and power, posting in the chain a Wikipedia page about “Nephilim,” or beings that are of God and angels, and comparing them to his children.

Correa also provided the court a transcript of a phone call Kelly had in jail with his mother in May 2021, in which he said the state cannot do this to a “son of God.”

“This is concerning to the state your honor. The concern is not one of spirituality. It is that he is using that to refrain from accepting responsibility for his actions,” Correa said.

The judge decided not to play the call in court.

Correa said that if Kelly had the chance to have more children, the state would have no power to intervene until they were injured. They noted that the mixture of healing and freshly broken bones in Kelly’s son suggested a continuing course of

abuse in the first few weeks of his son’s life.

“His failure to acknowledge what he is doing means that he will not recognize if he hurts another child,” Correa said.

Prosecutors pointed to Kelly’s criminal record and lengthy history of mental health problems, which included his being bi-polar and experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations, to suggest that he would offend again if he had the opportunity. Correa also suggested that some of Kelly’s recent struggles with hallucinations were feigned.

Kelly was represented by Attorney Andrew Jezic and Anders Randrup III, who was co-counsel.

Jezic acknowledged Kelly’s mental health struggles, hoping the court would give him a split sentence and asked that probation only begin after Kelly’s parole ends.

“He (Kelly) recognizes with his mental health history, which is deep and sincere and longstanding, that he does want supervision from the court when he is eventually released,” Jezic said.

The defense said examples of Kelly’s God complex and some of the startling correspondence with family were all based in his mental health issues.

Kelly’s family and the defense said Kelly had mentioned in years past that he had caused certain forest fires with his mind, and that he thought an alligator killed a child in Disney World in 2016 because of Kelly’s own sins. The Kelly family had visited Disney world just before the incident occurred.

“Ultimately we are asking your honor to keep in mind and fashion a sentence, that this is a person who has suffered from persistent, serious mental illness from the time he was a very young adult,” Jezic said.

Jezic noted that aside from the incident with his son, Kelly had been compliant with his community service during probation and remained peaceful through these processes.

See LAWYERS Page 24

Connor Kelly

Mailloux jury trial scheduled Sept. 11-14 for Knupp case

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Tyler Mailloux, the 22-year-old resident of Berlin who has been charged as the driver in the hit-and-run death of Gavin Knupp of Ocean Pines, will face a trial before a circuit court jury in September.

The court on May 17 set aside four days in the second week of September — Sept. 11-14 — for the trial, which will be preceded by a motion hearing on Aug. 16 in the courtroom of Judge Brian Shockley. Judge Brett W. Wilson of Dorchester County Circuit Court is scheduled to oversee the first three days of the trial, and Shockley is scheduled to cover the final day.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser filed 17 charges against Mailloux in circuit court on April 28,

about 10 months after the incident that killed 14-year-old Gavin Knupp on Grays Corner Road last July. Four of the 17 charges are felonies, two of which carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. All the charges are related to Mailloux’s alleged failures to stop at the scene or report it later.

The list includes charges such as failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in bodily injury or death, and failure to report an accident that involved bodily injury or death within 15 days of the incident happening.

On May 1, a summons was filed for Mailloux’s initial appearance in court, set for May 31. If Mailloux’s attorney enters an appearance on his behalf before the court date, then the initial appearance will be canceled, Heiser said.

Route 50 traffic stop leads to firearm, cocaine arrest

(May 26, 2023) Maryland State Police troopers arrested two Salisbury men Friday morning on stolen firearm and suspected cocaine charges during a traffic stop in Worcester County.

According to a news release, Javon Brittingham, 31, of Salisbury, faces charges of criminal possession of a stolen firearm, reported stolen from Georgia, as well as other gun-related charges, driving under the influence, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and other related traffic charges.

Troopers pulled Brittingham over for speeding around 3 a.m. while he was driving west on Route 50 in a 2020 Toyota Camry. Upon contacting Brittingham, the trooper noticed

signs of possible impairment. A further investigation on the scene revealed a stolen firearm and suspected cocaine.

The release said Brittingham also had a passenger in the vehicle, who was identified as Rodney Smith Jr., 29, also of Salisbury. Smith was charged as well with criminally with possession of a stolen firearm, and other gun-related charges.

Brittingham and Smith were arrested on the scene and taken to the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack for processing. They were then taken to the Worcester County Detention Center where they were seen by a District Court Commissioner. Brittingham was held there on a $5,000 bond and Smith was held without bond.

Lawyers cite Kelly’s mental health struggles

Continued from Page 20

“He (Kelly) is someone who can control himself to an extent,” Jezic said.

Defense also said that Kelly was acquitted of the most serious felonies in the case and that among the convicted felonies there was no evidence of intent.

Although Jezic argued that facts of the case show Kelly’s son has fully recovered, Oglesby pointed out that may not be true, referencing earlier testimony from the mother’s side of the family, which said that medical research suggests the child could face life-long health consequences.

Members of Kelly’s family gave statements to the judge prior to sentencing, including his father, Paul Kelly, of Ocean City.

“I won’t apologize for my faith. Yes, I do tell my son we are very religious, there is a lot of that God factor, they’re exactly right. We do believe in faith, that’s where that stems from,” Paul Kelly said. “There is a strong guilt feeling that he has in his actions that he takes on and he takes blame for things. I’ve seen it happen over and over again. That’s why we’re here again today, because he’s taken blame for something that didn’t necessarily happen. We have our own opinions.”

He asked the judge to show mercy in the sentencing, saying the families, both the mother’s side and Kelly’s side, were being ripped apart.

“Hopefully there’s some good that turns out of all this bad, that’s what my faith tells me,” Paul Kelly said.

Jezic told the judge that although he advised Connor Kelly not to speak, the defendant still wanted to make a statement to the judge.

Kelly told the judge he loves his son and his two daughters, that they are the first thoughts in his head in the morning and his last thoughts at night.

“I don’t know what the plan is here that God’s got going on, but I have to trust him,” Kelly said.

Breaking down into tears, Kelly

POLICE/COURTS

Undercover drug busts

The Ocean City Police Department made three arrests on Monday of last week as part of a long-term undercover narcotics investigation focused on drug dealers in and around Ocean City.

The names, arrest dates and charges in the most recent string of arrests are as follows:

told the judge again that he loves his son.

Oglesby then took a recess and returned with the sentence.

The judge told Kelly that these allegations were proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and that these serious offenses demonstrate a pattern of abuse within a brief period of time.

“I do endorse the idea that history is a fair prediction of the future,” Oglesby said.

The judge said the X-ray of the infant son’s broken arm shown during trial was one of the most grotesque he’d ever seen.

“On one side of the courtroom is a group of people whose instinct is to protect their son, and on the other side of the courtroom is a group of in-

Bimini Maryjane Howard, 60, of Ocean City, received two charges for distribution of narcotics after she sold nine wax folds of heroin and fentanyl mixtures to police on Jan. 20. They arrested Howard May 15, according to a police report.

Police arrested both Anthony Lemonte Sterling, 44, of Snow Hill, and Jason David Jackson, 43, of Ocean City, on May 15 after serving a

dividuals whose instinct is to protect their son,” Oglesby said in reference to Kelly’s family occupying one side of the court, and the mother’s family occupying the other side.

Oglesby said that Circuit Court Judge Brian Shockley, who oversaw Kelly’s previous child-abuse conviction, had granted a considerable amount of mercy with the focus of rehabilitation.

“Your behavior and what you did to your son doesn’t mean that you don’t love your son … the court finds that it does mean that you cannot be trusted in a community, that society is not a safer place when you are in it,” Oglesby said.

The judge asked Kelly to stand and read him his sentence.

search warrant for Sterling’s person, Jackson’s person and Jackson’s GMC Acadia, according to a police report.

Sterling received three charges for possession of a controlled dangerous substance after police found several small bags of a heroin and fentanyl mixture in the car.

Jackson received eight charges, three of which were for possession of

Continued on Page 68

OCBP guards ready to take stands

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(May 26, 2023) 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 is 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 18 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. Ocean City

Today has been an asset for us in helping to 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 have added two additional sessions for 2023).

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 to inform the public that they are poten-

tially 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).

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.

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

See THREE-PART Page 28

BOOK SIGNING and Meet & Greet Just Released

“Ocean City Chronicles” by Bunk Mann

Sunday, May 28, 2023 • 11am-2pm

Ocean City Lifesaving Museum

813 South Atlantic Ave.

Ocean City on the Boardwalk

Three-part mission announced

Continued from Page 27

to 100)

• Police assists (75 to 125)

• USCG / DNRP assists (10 to 25)

• Preventative actions in water (75,000 to 150,000)

• 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.

Ocean City Chronicles

Ocean City Chronicles is the final book in Bunk Mann’s three volume historical series which began with “Vanishing Ocean City” in 2014 and continued with “Ghosts in the Surf” in 2019. Centered around his articles in Ocean City’s award-winning newspaper, the Maryland Coast Dispatch, his latest book features 285 of the most popular ones over the past eleven years. It includes hundreds of photos of long vanished hotels and restaurants, the great storms and fires, deep sea fishing, Boardwalk attractions and amusements, and stories of the people who turned a small 19th century fishing village into a modern year-round destination. “Ocean City Chronicles” is a comprehensive history of Maryland’s famous oceanfront resort in a hardbound coffee table book featuring cover art by noted artist Paul McGehee. Supplies are limited so order your copy today!

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS:

OC Lifesaving Museum

Fager’s Island

Donaway Furniture

Mann Properties

Seacrets

Crabs to Go

Wockenfuss Candies

Berlin Auto Wash

M.R. Ducks

The Buzzed Word

OC Chamber of Commerce

Malibu’s Surf Shop

OC Art League

Caprichos Books

Kitty’s Flowers

Victorian Charm

Park Place Jewelers

Copy Central

Toy Town/Snow Hill

Ocean Gallery

Mann & Gray Insurance

The Bay Country Shop, Cambridge, MD

The Pine’eer Craft Club’s May Crafter of the Month, Agatina “Tina” Celia poses with some of her hand sewn wallets.

PHOTO COURTESY PINE’EER CRAFT CLUB

Reminiscing Maryland’s Beach Resort BY HUNTER “BUNK MANN

Craft club names

Agatina Celia May crafter of month

(May 26, 2023) The Pine’eer Craft Club is proud to announce Berlin resident Agatina “Tina” Celia as the May 2023 Crafter of the Month.

According to a news release, Celia is a consummate crafter, enjoying a wide range of mediums from sewing and beading, candles and decoupage, to her lovely dried flowers. Tina has many items on display in the Artisan Gift Shop from her sewn wallets to charming bottles and a wall of framed flower varieties; plus the inventory is always changing.

When Celia retired and moved to the Berlin area three years ago, it was to be close to her daughter, son-inlaw and their dog, Dexter. Joining the Pine’eer Craft Club of Ocean Pines was icing on the cake.

“I enjoy the camaraderie of the club members who have a passion for crafting,” Celia said in the release. “As a crafter, it’s fun to be surrounded by others who love it, too.”

Celia travels to craft shows and is well known for her dried flowers. She brought many of them with her from a garden surrounding her former home. A bit of memory goes into each stem she dries and frames. The bevy of blooms Celia can frame is amazing, and when asked which is the toughest to capture, she said “roses, the dimension makes them really challenging.”

To see Celia’s Crafts and more creations, stop by the Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop. The shop is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, except holidays.

The club is always seeking new crafters and meetings are open to the public. If you are an artisan who would like to sell your creations at the shop, contact Debbie Jiwa or Barbara Herzog, shop managers, or email opcraftclub@aol.com for more information.

All new crafters must go through the juried process, and when items sell profits return to the community. Since its inception, the craft club has donated nearly $179,000 back to Ocean Pines. The club has been hand crafting in Ocean Pines for 49 years.

Doughnut holes, sugar and water make divine delicacy

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(May 26, 2023) There is nothing that shapes the human experience as profoundly or as pervasively as creativity.

Cooking is not only based on skill but is influenced by inspiration.

Personal interpretation sweetens the thought process and is the salient domain for every dish.

A croquembouche is a decorative dessert consisting of a cone-shaped tower of cream puffs held together by caramel and typically garnished with spun sugar.

While the edible tower is a stunning centerpiece, it does take a considerable amount of time to make and one has to be confident in making cream puffs. No worries, store bought doughnut holes replace the little billowy balls of dough filled with cream. In addition, mini croquembouches are simple to make and can be made at the last minute.

The spun sugar is the “star” of the

dish.

If one adores the art of entertaining, and wants to add a new technique to their repertoire of skills, spun sugar will certainly wow your family and guests.

Just as important, once you master spun sugar, the possibilities are endless. There is much to discuss, so let’s get started.

The doughnut holes can be plain or filled, the option is yours.

Each individual serving plate should include five doughnut holes on the bottom layer that form a circle.

Top that layer with three doughnut holes. Then crown the mini croquembouche with a single doughnut hole.

The “glue” that holds the doughnut holes together and the spun sugar is a simple mixture of granulated sugar and water.

The trickiest part of making spun sugar is having the caramel at the right temperature. Too hot and it won’t drizzle properly and will form clumps. Too cold and it won’t drizzle at all.

It will take some practice, but once you get, you’ve got it. A very thin drizzle from a fork or metal whisk will produce tiny silk strands.

The end results are amazingly beautiful.

Following are detailed instructions on how to make spun sugar:

Place a rolling pin on two containers that are the same height and at least about 12-inches high with at least 8inches in the middle for the strands to hang down.

Spray the rolling pin lightly with cooking spray. Place several paper towels underneath the center. The dripping caramel will cause quite a mess.

The ratio of sugar to water is ½ cup sugar to 2 tablespoons water.

Combine 4 cups of sugar and 16 tablespoons of water in a small pan over medium heat.

Do not mix the ingredients; if you stir them, the mixture will crystalize.

When the sugar mixture turns an amber color, it is done.

Dip the fork or metal whisk in the sugar mixture and using back and forth motions, allow the caramel to drip from the rolling pin.

If the caramel is at the right temperature, you will see tiny streams of caramel forming thread like sugar strands.

Then, using your hands, mold the strands into the desired shape. Do not wait too long, as the sugar will harden and potentially break.

If the caramel becomes hard while you are working, reheat over mediumlow until loosened.

It took me four attempts before I got the spun sugar at the right temperature. Don’t give up, the results are

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Spun sugar brings doughnuts to next level

Continued from Page 30

well worth the learning period.

Mini doughnut croquembouches with spun sugar are fun and will make a spectacular finale to any meal.

But best of all, this dessert is easy on one’s wallet: doughnut holes, sugar, and water — what more can a host ask for. Enjoy!

Mini Doughnut Croquembouches with Spun Sugar

Ingredients

36 doughnut holes, 9 holes per person

4 cups sugar

16 tablespoons water

1. Arrange each plate with a ratio of 5, 3, 1 donut holes.

2. Place a rolling pin on two containers that are the same height and at least 12 inches high with 8 inches in the middle for the strands to hang down.

Spray the rolling pin lightly with cooking spray. Place several paper towels underneath the center. The dripping caramel will make quite a mess.

3. Combine the sugar and water in a small, heavy saucepan. Increase heat to medium and cook, without disturbing, until the caramel reaches a very light amber color.

Watch the pot carefully, as this will happen very quickly.

Remove the caramel from the heat immediately. While the caramel is cooling, you can glue your donut holes together with the hot caramel.

This step is optional, you only have three layers of doughnut holes and they should be secure.

4. Allow caramel to cool just until very, very thin wispy strands form when drizzled with a fork or metal whisk. Dipping your fork repeatedly into the sugar mixture, whip the strands of sugar back and forth quickly across the rolling pin to form long, handing strands of sugar.

5. Repeat until you have accumulated enough sugar to pick up with your hands.

While it is still pliable, carefully mold the strands of sugar according to personal preference.

If the caramel hardens too much as you work, place the pan back over low heat just until it begins to melt again.

6. Garnish each mini croquembouche with spun sugar.

7. As soon as you are finished with the spun sugar, wash your pan immediately.

Once the sugar completed hardens, clean up is difficult. If that happens, lightly heat the mixture for easy clean up.

* I highly recommend watching videos before you attempt to make spun sugar. The internet is loaded with videos and it really helps.

* If you enjoy making spun sugar, and know you will be doing this throughout your cooking career, purchase a cheap metal whisk, and snip off the top portion of it. This utensil will produce many strands at one time, which is a good thing considering you are working against time.

Secret Ingredient – Donuts. “The optimist sees the donut, the pessimist sees the holes.” – Oscar Wilde

Safe boating courses June 6-8

(May 26, 2023) The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering Maryland Safe Boating Courses at the beginning of June at the Ocean Pines Library.

The classes are set from 6-9 p.m. on June 6,7 and 8 at the library at 11107

Cathell Road in Berlin.

The cost is $20 for all three evenings.

To register or get more information, call Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or email CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

SHA prepares roads for influx of travelers

(May 26, 2023) The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration shops on the lower Eastern Shore are preparing state roads for the influx of travelers heading to Ocean City and other tourist destinations this summer.

According to a news release, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Ocean City becomes Maryland’s second largest city with tens of thousands of people traveling to the resort town each weekend.

“Highways within our shore locations are not far above sea level, which leads to challenges for roadway drainage systems during high tides and storms,” State Highway Administration District 1 Engineer Mark Crampton said in the release. “Our crews work hard to ensure all state roads are well maintained and manicured to welcome our spring and summer guests.”

Crews have been cleaning the inlets, pipes, and ditches that are part of the highway drainage system. Debris and litter collect over time and require deep cleaning with a vacuum truck to ensure good drainage flow.

State Highway Administration crews are also performing debris removal near bridges, which the release said can result in temporary lane closures as cranes are needed to hoist large tree limbs that collect and create dams under bridge structures.

Another critical maintenance activity is replacing worn road signs and line striping. Salinity of the air on the Eastern Shore and long periods of sunlight cause road signs to fade faster than in Western Maryland counties. Line striping often wears faster, requiring more frequent replacement.

The State Highway Administration reminds all travelers to develop a travel plan as they plan their Maryland

Eastern Shore vacations. The release urged travelers to leave early or stay late to avoid traffic congestion and stay on U.S. Route 50, as it is the most efficient way to travel to and from the ocean resort towns.

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, visit mdot-sha-project-portal-maryland.hub.arcgis.com, or the SHA homepage at roads.maryland. gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, visit md511.mary land.gov. Chesapeake Bay Bridge information is available by calling 855-BAYSPAN.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You may struggle to get going this week, Aries. But once you do, it will be full speed ahead. In fact, you may need to slow things down to let others catch up.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, if you are feeling a bit scattered as of late, take some time out of your schedule to meditate and reflect on what is most important to you. Then follow that path.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, give yourself permission to move slowly this week. If you racing through things, you’re apt to make mistakes. Set your own pace and let things play out as they may.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Deadlines could make for a heated week, Cancer. It’s best to remove yourself from any situations before they get out of hand. Offer advice when things cool down.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Routines are boring you lately, Leo. You may need to shake things up. If you work a set schedule, see if you can go to flex time and look for ways to change.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Do not let drama that doesn’t involve you sneak into your orbit, Virgo. If you need to distance yourself from others for a while, then do so.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, others feel you’re giving off some high-strung vibes this week, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Something is weighing on your shoulders. Figure out what it is and lighten the load.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you’re dishing out all sorts of sage advice but it may be frustrating if others don’t want to take it. All you can do is offer and let others lead their lives.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Things may be a little rough around the edges lately, and you’ll need to figure out the ways to smooth things over, Sagittarius. Find a few friends who are in your corner.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, emphasize a slow and methodical approach to a problem with an elusive solution. Slowing things down has a tendency to provide substantial clarity.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Disagreements on how to move forward could bring tension at home or work this week, Aquarius. Everyone needs to put their ideas on the table and whittle down the best answer.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Don’t compare yourself to others, Pisces; otherwise, you may downplay all of your wonderful attributes. Be proud of who you are.

PHOTO COURTESY MARYLAND STATE HIGHWAY ADIMINISTRATION

Crews install a new sign on MD 611 (Stephen Decatur Highway) at the entrance to Assateague Island in Worcester County.

NOW PLAYING

THE BEACH BANDITS

Coconut’s Bar & Grille: Sat., May 27, noon to 4 p.m.

May 31: Keri Anthony Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Colossal Fossil Sauce, 4-8 p.m.

June 1: Doug Kaetz, noon to 3 p.m.; The Dunehounds, 48 p.m.

COINS

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

May 26: Dust N Bones, 7 p.m.

May 27: Every Saturday, Jim Long, “Get off the beach party”, 3-6:30 p.m.; Rockoholics, 9 p.m.

May 28: Jim Schwartz, 7 p.m.

May 29: Teenage Rust, 4 p.m.

May 30: Every Tuesday, DJ Jeremy Karaoke Party, 8 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

THE RUNNER UP

Carribbean Pool Bar: Sat., May 27, 7-11 p.m.

THE ANGLER RESTAURANT

312 Talbot St., Ocean City, 410-289-7424 / www.angleroc.net

May 26: Full Disclosure, 5-9 p.m.

May 27: Lennon La Ricci, 5-9 p.m.

May 28: Carley Twigg, 5-9 p.m.

May 29: Steve Founds Duo, 5-9 p.m.

June 1: CBD, 5-9 p.m.

BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH

12601 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842 443-664-2896 / www.bourbonstreetonthebeach.com

May 26: Dave Sherman, 4 p.m.; Voodoo Tribe, 8 p.m.

May 27: Chris Button, 3 p.m.; Shots Fired, 6 p.m.; Ted Poley Band (Voice of Danger Danger), 9 p.m.

May 28: Chris Button, 6 p.m.; Ted Poley Band, 9 p.m.

May 29: Jack Worthington, 4 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com

Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue, 5-9 p.m.

CARRIBBEAN POOL BAR

In the Plim Plaza Hotel 109 N. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-289-6181 / www.plimplazaoc.com

May 26: Ray Holiday, 1-5 p.m.; Royal Flush, 7-11 p.m.

May 27: Dust N Bones, 1-5 p.m.; The Runner Up, 7-11 p.m.

May 28: No Byscuyts, 1-5 p.m.

May 29: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.

COCONUT’S BAR & GRILLE

3701 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, 21841 410-289-6846 / castleinthesand.com

May 26: The Permilla Project, noon to 4 p.m.; The Chest Pains, 5-9 p.m.

May 27: The Beach Bandits, noon to 4 p.m.; Zion Reggae Band, 5-9 p.m.

May 28: Triggerfish, noon to 4 p.m.; Old School Band, 5-9 p.m.

May 29: Sean Loomis, noon to 4 p.m.; On The Edge Band, 5-9 p.m.

May 30: Acoustic Campfire, noon to 3 p.m.; Dave Hawkins & Joe Mama, 4-8 p.m.

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

May 26: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

May 27: Higher Education, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

May 28: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

May 29: Karaoke with Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

May 30: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

May 31: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 1: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

SEACRETS

49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com

May 26: Memorial Day Weekend 2023, 11-2 a.m.; Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m to 5 p.m; Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; 9 Mile Roots, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Turning the Tide, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

May 27: Memorial Weekend 2023, 9-2 a.m.; Bobby-O on De Bay, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Davie, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Turning the Tide, 1-5 p.m.; DJ Connair, 1-7 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.; 9 Mile Roots, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Fish Out of Water, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; The Malones, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

May 28: DJ Connair on De Bay, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Memorial Day Weekened 2023, 9-2 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, noon to 8 a.m.; The Malones, 1-5 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; 9 Mile Roots, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Lost in Paris, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

May 29: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Memorial Day Weekend 2023, 11-2 a.m.; Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Party Fowl, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

May 30: Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; Tunnels End, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. ; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

May 31: John McNutt Duo, 5-9 p.m.; Tunnels Ends, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

June 1: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Seacrets

Classic: PBR Bull Riding Contest, 11-2 a.m.; John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Shot of Southern, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

PIZZA TUGOS

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922 / pizzatugos.com

May 26: Schizophrenic Boogiemen, 9 p.m. to midnight

May 27: Colossal Fossil Sauce (upstairs Tiki Bar), 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

May 31: Every Wednesday: Karaoke w/DJ Chuck D, 9 p.m.

Murphy vies for seat on OP board

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Jerry Murphy has already made a mark on Ocean Pines. He was the builder of the round houses that can be seen throughout the neighborhood.

Now he wants to make his mark in another way, as a candidate for the Ocean Pines Board of Directors.

Four candidates are now vying for the three open seats created by the departures of Directors Doug Parks and Colette Horn because of term limits, and Director Frank Daly, who is moving to Florida.

The other candidates are Elaine Brady, John Latham and Jeffery Heavner.

Murphy moved to Ocean Pines in the

early 1970s as a builder. He became a fulltime resident in the 1990s. His family purchased the Boise Cascade office, located on Widows Watch Court and in 1990, he took full ownership of the property.

“I constructed a custom home on the site and have since enjoyed wonderful memories with family and friends,” Murphy said. “My desire to give back to the community is very important to me.”

Murphy has experience serving on boards. He served on the Board of Directors for the Washington Park Company for the past eight years, where he was primarily responsible for the financial stability and maintenance of a 115year-old historic building in Baltimore.

He also served on the liquor board of Baltimore representing the Mount Vernon Belvedere Association.

“My ability to listen and debate with an open mind and practical point of view

Heavner files for one of three open

has served me well,” Murphy said.

Murphy likes the direction the board of directors and general manager are taking both financially and structurally.

He said he would like to focus on the safety of the community with increased funds, both public and private, for police recruitment and the Southside Fire Station Project.

“In respect to drainage and bulkhead issues, some progress has been made, there is much more to be done. We need to help fund and keep the progress moving forward,” he said.

Murphy lived in Washington, D.C. where he launched Shamrock Marketing Incorporated.

He sold that business in 2006 to partner with his wife, Julie Canard, in the real estate business. They were top producers with the Bethesda Gateway Long and Foster office and recognized for their expertise in Baltimore, Eastern Shore and Ocean Pines.

He said he is looking forward to focusing all his time on his Ocean Pines community.

The election is scheduled for Aug. 9.

seats on OP board

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer Jeffery Heavner

(May 26, 2023) Jeffery Heavner and his wife were first attracted to Ocean Pines in 2017 and purchased a condominium in Marina Village to relax and enjoy the amenities on weekends.

They loved it so much that they purchased their current home in 2019 and became permanent residents.

That love has now evolved into what Heavner said is the need to give back to the community by serving on the board of directors.

Heavner is now one of four candidates vying for the three seats on the board being vacated this year by the departures of Directors Doug Parks and Colette Horn because of term lim-

See FOUR Page 37

Jerry Murphy

Four candidates vie for OP board

Continued from Page 36

its, and Director Frank Daly, who is moving to Florida.

The other candidates are Elaine Brady, John Latham and Jerry Murphy.

“Ocean Pines is a strong community with excellent amenities, safety protection and continuous improvement. It is vital to make decisions now that will protect this lifestyle for the next 50-years.”

“I am a problem-solver and have developed proven leadership skills over a career that spanned 5-years of honorable service in the U.S. Navy and 30-years at ExxonMobil Corporation,” Heavner said.

“It is encouraging to see the board attract good candidates and I want an opportunity to preserve this legacy and serve the community using my leadership skill set.”

He spent the last four-years as a directing member of an eight-person, North American, lubricants leadership team.

“I thrived asking questions, listening, analyzing, collaborating, making decisions, planning and setting goals that drove safety standards, conserved resources, controlled expenses and delighted customers.”

“If elected as a director, I will use my experiences to work with the OP sub-committees, board members, general manager and other supporting staff for responsible investment in continued infrastructure improvements. I would emphasize amenity maintenance and improvement, safety investment, HOA standards, road maintenance and continued bulkhead replacements.”

Heavner grew up in Dundalk, Maryland and spent summers working at his family’s Ocean City Boardwalk business.

“This is where I was exposed early to hard work and balancing customer satisfaction and cost control,” Heavner said.

Heavner graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in resource management (Strong focus on leadership and engineering). He honorably served on the aircraft carrier, USS Midway, home ported in Yokosuka, Japan as an intelligence officer for one of the last F-4, Phantom, fighter squadrons, and as an instructor at the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia Beach. He was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal for his superior performance.

Heavner and his wife volunteer two days a week at a non-profit horse rescue, garden at the community gardens and take care of their church gardens.

May 10 was the deadline for candidates to file for the upcoming board of directors election, which is scheduled for Aug. 9.

Trails complete at Assateague Island National Seashore

(May 25, 2023) Construction is complete, and the Life of the Marsh Trail and the Life of the Forest Trail are now open Assateague Island National Seashore.

Construction on these trails has been in progress since the fall in an effort to make them more accessible to all visitors, to improve the overall visitor experience on the trails and to increase the lifetime of the trails.

Park officials said accessibility features have been improved to allow a better experience for visitors using wheelchairs, guide canes or other mobility resources.

Sight lines for children have also been improved with viewshed overlook opportunities. Two major additions are amphitheater style seating areas on both trails, and the replacement of the stairs leading to the beach on the Marsh trail with a ramp.

The Marsh and Forest Trails allow visitors to view wildlife and birds in the solitude of the bayside marsh environment. These trails offer great photo opportunities away from the beach in Assateague’s less visited habitat zones.

Improvements are also underway on the Life of the Dunes Trail, although officials said they do not ex-

Pine Tones spring concert June 4

(May 26, 2023) The Pine Tones Chorus will present its spring concert, So Happy Together, at the Community Church of Ocean Pines, at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 4. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. and admission is $20 at the door.

With the inspiration of founder June Todd, direction by Jenny Anderson, and special guest musicians, the Pine Tones invite the audience to take a trip back to the swinging 60s.

According to a news release, there is something for everyone in the program, including Simon and Garfunkel, the

pect any closures will result from this work.

These projects were funded by park entrance and pass fees. Eighty percent of all revenue from Assateague Island National Park Entrance fees or the local sales of the various federal interagency passes stays in the park to help pay for these types of visitor-related projects.

The other 20 percent goes into a fund which can be used by parks with no entrance fee or very low fee revenues.

Examples of projects funded in the last year are the new boardwalk at the Maryland Visitor Center, renovation of the Old Ferry Landing area, renovation of Well #1 on the island, de-

See SPEED Page 45

Entrées vary from fresh seafood to roast turkey with all the trimmings, including fresh vegetables & homemade desserts.

Beach Boys; the Beatles; Frank Sinatra; Peter, Paul, and Mary; the Association; the Eagles; the stars of Motown; the Mamas and Papas and more.

There is even a rousing anthem from “Hello Dolly,” which won 11 Tony awards when it debuted in 1964.

The concert is possible in part through a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council through the Maryland State Arts Council.

“This is one of the most fun and upbeat shows we have ever done,” said Pine Tones President David Holloway said in

the release. “The music is so happy and familiar to baby boomers, and we promise that younger people will love it also. As it says on the tee shirts, ‘I may be old, but I got to see all the cool bands.’’”

The Pine Tones Chorus includes more than 40 local singers and has been entertaining local audiences for nearly 40 years. The chorus also visits several area nursing and rehabilitation centers to entertain residents.

The group always welcomes new members. Interested parties should contact Jenny Anderson at 443-655-5636.

CROSSWORD

“Let our family serve yours.”

Ashcraft battled cancer, now ready to perform again

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) He’s back!

Randy Lee Ashcraft has been off the music circuit for a year now, after being diagnosed with throat cancer. His return to the stage is now just days away.

He and the Saltwater Cowboys are getting together for their first performance since last year at 7 p.m., June 2, at Bourbon Street on the Beach on 126th Street in Ocean City. The performance will be a celebration and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

“I feel great. It was a journey, but I feel good now,” Ashcraft said.

Ashcraft’s cancer was caused by human papillomavirus or HPV virus.

“Eighty percent of people have it. You get it when you are in your teens. For 90 percent of us, your body just puts it away.”

But it can manifest itself as throat cancer in men and cervical cancer in women, and today there is a vaccine for it.

Fortunately, Ashcraft gets annual check-ups on his throat because he is a singer. It was at one such examination that his doctor felt the lump and told him it felt like cancer.

“I was completely devastated when I found out. I thought I would lose the

ability to sing,” Ashcraft said.

His surgeon, whom his wife Lisa found, was the doctor who discovered the link between throat cancer and HPV. Her team at Johns Hopkins specializes in head and neck cancer caused by HPV.

The surgeons told him, “We think we are your best chance for you to sing again.”

They were lucky enough to have friends who lived near the treatment center and did a house swap. Lisa worked remotely from the hospital while he received treatment. They would come home on the weekends.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY LEE ASHCRAFT

Randy Lee Ashcraft has been on hiatus from singing due to throat cancer. He will be back on stage at 7 p.m., June, 2 at Bourbon Street on the Beach on 126th Street in OC for a fundraising event.

See ASHCRAFT Page 42

BOARDWALK WALKIN’

A group of Showell Elementary School first graders and chaperones walk during a field trip on Friday, May 12, toward the north end of the Boardwalk near 27th Street. The students walked the entire length of the Boardwalk and listened to a presentation from Beach Patrol staff.

STUDENTS ‘GATHER’

Students from Christine Malaby’s advanced placement studio class from Delmar High School pose for a picture on May 17 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. The students stopped by to view the “Gather” exhibition that celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The show will be up through May 27 with free admission.

LUNCHEON MEETING

The Republican Women of Worcester County held their monthly luncheon meeting at Harrison’s Harbor Watch, Ocean City on April 27. Pictured, from left, are Del. Charles Otto, Liz Mumford, RWWC first vice president; Sandy Zitzer, RWWC president; and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza.

BAYSIDE TRASH CLEANUP

Assateague Coastal Trust Community Engagement Coordinator Debbi Dean spearheaded a bayside trash cleanup on Assateague Island, Federal side, recently. Twenty-one participants from the Nature Explorers and 4-H homeschool group cleaned up 19 pounds of trash near the Assateague Outfitter’s area.

HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTIONS

As part of the Worcester Preparatory April Honor Society Inductions, five students were inducted to the school’s chapter of the International Thespian Society. Pictured, in front, from left, Upper School Dance/Drama Director Paulette DeRosa-Matrona, Moorea Phillips, Lebby Becker and WPS Middle/Upper School Music Director Christopher Buzby, and in back, Sara Freih, Natalie Chadwell and Elaina Elrick. The International Thespian Society is the Educational Theatre Association’s student honorary organization to recognize high school student achievement in Theatre.

The Worcester Preparatory April Honor Society inducted eight stduents to the National Art Honor Society on April 20. Pictured, in front, from left, are WPS Digital Media teacher Nancy Raskauskas, Natasha Richter, Chris Todorov, Logan Ginnivan and Middle/Upper School Art teacher George Zaiser, and in back, Haris Gjikuria, Austin Gentry, Caitlyn Hoen, Griffin Jones and Mason Williams. The National Art Honor Society recognizes students who have shown outstanding ability in art scholarship, character and service.

PHOTO COURTESY JAMES GREENWOOD

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

Worcester Preparatory School’s second grade class shows off their planted garden boxes in celebration of Earth Day on April 21. They are joined by teachers Abby Harrison, left, and Julia Allison, right, and Story Hill Farm owner Helen Raleigh.

BEACH SCHOOL SPIRIT

Liz Engh's Ocean City Elementary School kindergarten students, dressed for Beach School Spirit Day, show off their Earth Day creations.

TEST KICK-OFF

Students in grades three and four from Ocean City Elementary participated in a Kick-Off celebration for MCAP, the state assessment that they will take in May. Pictured is Kara Wolf's third grade class with their team pennant and bags of caramel popcorn donated by Fisher's popcorn.

READING RECOGNITION

Students at Ocean City Elementary School were excited to show off all the reading they did during Spring Break. Each flower added to the Blooming Readers flowerpot represents 15 minutes spent reading. As a reward, students will be treated to a pie-eating contest between the school’s principal, assistant principal and guidance counselor at the end of the school year. Pictured are Wendi Eitel's third grade class and Laura Black's kindergarten class.

RIDING PROGRAM DONATION

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recently donated $1,500 to the Four Steps Therapeutic Riding Program. Pictured, from left, are Maribeth Kulynycz, Grayson Underwood, horse Kitty, Sandy Winter, Maizy Underwood and horse Diamond.

PUBLIC ART AWARD

The Art League of Ocean City staff joined their co-worker Aubrey Sizemore at Shenanigan's Pub in Ocean City on April 19 as the Ocean City Development Corporation presented her with its Public Art Award 2023 for her coordination of the Art League’s utility box painting efforts around the resort. Pictured, from left, are John Sisson, board president; Nancy Dofflemyer, development director; Rina Thaler; executive director; Sizemore, award recipient and volunteer coordinator; Katie Brown, gallery director; and Kacie Neeb, gallery assistant.

PHOTO COURTESY ROGER PACELLA

Ashcraft to host benefit at Bourbon Street

Continued from Page 39

“I guess you don’t fight cancer on the weekends,” Ashcraft said, who added that the treatment was hard on his body.

He said he was told before treatment to gain as much weight as he could because he was going to lose it.

“I was eating cheesesteaks, cheeseburgers, anything I could get my hands on.”

“They could not find the tumor. They knew where it was. I had my tonsils out in 1969 and there was a little nub of my tonsil that was still there. I had a tonsillectomy, and the tumor came out with the tonsil. That left a little hole, and that is where they aimed the radiation.”

“That ended up being a big challenge on the back side as far as eating and being able to swallow.

“They told me I was going to have to get a feeding tube if I did not start eating.”

A friend brought him some split pea

soup and he could swallow that, which gave him the idea to puree his food.

“I started pureeing everything. Sausage and eggs in the morning.

“I put roast beef and mashed potatoes and ground it up, and I put some weight on and avoided the feeding tube.”

“At first, I thought that was disgusting. Eventually I got to like it,” Ashcraft laughed.

Today, he can still feel the ulcer that remains where the cancer had been.

“It’s still there. I can feel it, but it is almost healed.”

He had chemotherapy and radiation for three months, which ended in August. Each session was five to eight hours.

“My first chemo infusion, I guess I was feeling sorry for myself.”

“The nurse comes in wearing a hazmat suit bringing the stuff they were going to put in my body.”

He told the nurse, “I took care of myself for 60 years so I could get cancer. And she said to me, ‘No sir, you took care of yourself for 60 years so you could beat cancer.’

“That changed everything for me.”

“She set me straight and I felt better because of it. I was the guy in the waiting room cheering everybody up. I approached it on a more positive level after that.”

To do the radiation treatment, the doctors created a “cancer mask” of his head that was made out of mesh. He would lie on a table and they would put the mask on and bolt it, and thus his head, to the table.

An aide bolted him in for his first treatment. “When it was over, he asked me if I was OK, I said, ‘You didn’t mess up my hair, did you?’”

“The second day, same thing, he asked me if I was okay, and I asked him, ‘You

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

WORCESTER COUNTY WATER AND WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE FUND

FY 2024 REQUESTED BUDGETS AND ASSESSMENTS

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed operating budgets, assessments, user charges and other charges for each of the 11 sanitary service areas operated by the Worcester County Department of Public Works, Water & Wastewater Division:

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 Government Center, One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

Copies of the proposed operating budgets for the 11 sanitary service areas are available for public inspection in the County Commissioners’ Office in Room 1103 of the County Government Center in Snow Hill and online at www.co.worcester.md.us.

The 11 sanitary service areas and proposed changes to the user charges are as follows:

Assateague Pointe – increase from $96 to $106 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) per quarter domestic water flat charge; increase from $150 to $163 per EDU per quarter domestic sewer flat charge; and increase from $27 to $30 per lot grinder pump flat surcharge.

Briddletown – increase from $69 to $73 per EDU per quarter domestic water flat fee; increase from $30 to $32 swimming pool flat charge; increase from $65 to $69 irrigation flat charge; no proposed changes for the commercial water.

Edgewater Acres – increase from $183.75 to $196.60 per EDU per quarter domestic water and sewer base fee; Increase from $103 to $110 per EDU per quarter for domestic water flat rate, and increase from $157.40 to $168.40 per EDU per quarter domestic sewer flat charge.

The Landings – increase from $267.50 to $277.50 per EDU per quarter domestic water and sewer base fee; increase from $42 to $44 per EDU per quarter Lewis Road domestic water base fee; no proposed changes in commercial water and sewer base fees, and increase from $257 to $267 per EDU per quarter accessibility fee.

Lighthouse Sound – increase from $230 to $242 per EDU per quarter domestic sewer flat charge; increase from $107 to $114 per EDU per quarter sewer accessibility fee.

Mystic Harbour - increase from $195.80 to $215 per EDU per quarter domestic water and sewer base fee; increase from $193.33 to $212.66 per EDU per quarter domestic sewer flat charge; no proposed changes for commercial water and sewer, increase from $53.20 to $58.50 per EDU per quarter for Sunset Village domestic water flat charge and increase from $48.95 to $53.75 per EDU per quarter for Oyster Harbor domestic water only. There is no longer an Accessibility Fee per EDU for unimproved lots.

Newark - increase from $222 to $230 per EDU per quarter domestic water and sewer base fee; and increase from $274 to $286 per EDU per quarter commercial water and sewer base fee.

Ocean Pines – increase from $187 to $199 per EDU per quarter domestic water and sewer base fee; increase from $170.75 to $179.75 per EDU per quarter domestic sewer flat charge; increase from $146 to $154 per White Horse Park lot per quarter per domestic water and sewer flat charge; increase in commercial water and sewer base fees ranging from $242.89 to $2,022.30 at present to $257.46 to $2,143.60 based on total EDUs.

Riddle Farm - increase from $220 to $240 per EDU per quarter domestic water and sewer base fee; and increase in commercial water and sewer base fees ranging from $249.70 to $2,079 at present to $272.17 to $2,266.11 based on total EDUs.

River Run - increase from $158 to $167 per EDU per quarter domestic sewer flat charge; and increase from $59 to $62 per EDU per quarter domestic water base fee.

West Ocean City - no proposed changes.

In addition to user charges, assessments will be levied in the Mystic Harbour, Newark, Ocean Pines, Riddle Farm and Snug Harbour service areas or sub-areas to make debt payments. All assessments shall be made on an EDU basis.

For additional information, contact the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office at 410-632-9309.

didn’t mess up my hair, did you? By the third time, he said, ‘You’re messing with me, aren’t you?’”

While he walked away from his guitar for a time during treatment because it just made him too sad to play and not be able to sing, he continued to write songs and plans to make an album in the fall.

He wrote a song about his treatment called ‘My Cancer Mask.’ One line in the song is, “I knew I was getting the world’s best care, because no matter how tight that mask was, they never ever messed up my hair.”

He videotaped the song and shared it with his oncologist. She asked for a copy and played it for the Tumor Board (a group of doctors who consult on cancer patients). They loved it and are going to include it in the booklet that they provide to patients at the start of their treatment.

He said he had great support from friends.

“I never felt forgotten,” said Ashcraft.

Once his voice started to come back, he asked his doctors if he could sing. They said I should start doing my vocal exercises and as it got easier, he started to sing some songs.

“My voice is different. I still have some healing to do. There are some songs I still can’t sing yet, but I am excited about it. “

Once he felt strong enough, he called the Saltwater Cowboys.

“The rehearsals have been so much fun. We are like little kids again.

“It’s fun for me to see them so happy to do it again.”

He does not plan to go back to five or six nights away. He expects to play one or two nights instead.

“I am going back to my roots and will play mostly originals. I am going back to where my heart is and I’m going to do what I love.”

“It’s so corny but I gotta say it. I always took the advice of people who had been through this to love life every minute. I thought I did.

“I was in the military; I jumped out of planes. Made me think that I understood that. But when you’re laying strapped to a table and they are shooting you full of poison, you’re like, if I get through this ...

“My answer now is ‘yes’ to everything as long as we can afford it. I am happier than ever. I can’t wait to sing the songs they [friends/fans] ask for. I want to do that again. I will do it as long as they will listen.”

Ashcraft said the Bourbon Street performance will be a little different. He will come out solo first, do some songs with his daughter, Bailey Mae, 16, and then two members of the band will come out and do some acoustics and then the whole band will come on stage. His brother, Jim, will even join him for a song or two. His cancer mask will make an appearance as well.

If fans and friends want a sneak preview before the Bourbon Street comeback, Ashcraft will perform at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines, on Monday, May 29, beginning at 11 a.m.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

■ ANGLER RESTAURANT

312 Talbot St., Ocean City, 410-289-7424, www.angleroc.net

$$ | Reservations | Kid’s menu | Full bar

$6 cruise with $15 lunch or dinner food purchase. Serving lunch, dinner, and lite fare. Seafood is our specialty and great landlubber choices. Boat Bar Happy Hour is 3-6 p.m. Open daily. For lunch, dinner, and Lite fare. Dine in or carry out available.

■ ANTHONY’S CARRYOUT

1608 N Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, (corner of 17th and Coastal Hwy) 410-2134803, anthonyscarryoutoc.com

$$ | Sandwich shop

American restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. Locally baked rolls with overstuffed and oversized subs, sandwiches, hand cut Idaho fries, fried chicken and much more. Thinly shaved slow roasted roast beef and hams daily. Breakfast sandwiches stuffed meats, eggs and cheese piled high. A must try!!! Open Thursday through Monday, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

■ CABANAS BEACH BAR & GRILLE

Located in the Plim Plaza Hotel, 109 N Atlantic Ave., 2nd Street & the boardwalk, Ocean City, 410-524-1776, www.cabanasoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open to the public. A full-service restaurant serves lunch and dinner inside and Signature smash burgers, fresh cut fries, handhelds, signature salads, and much more. Indoor and outdoor bar. Fresh squeezed crushes, frozen drinks, tropical libations. Dine in or carry out.

Open 7 days a week. Saturday & Sunday, serving breakfast 8-11ish a.m.; Weekdays, Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6ish p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8ish p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9ish p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11ish p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6ish p.m.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside

The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Visit Captain’s Table for seafood, steaks, lobster specials and martinis; Open for breakfast and dinner everyday; Breakfast, Monday and Friday, 7:30-10:30am, Saturday and Sunday, 7:30-11:30am; Dinner, Monday through Thursday, 4-9pm, Friday through Sunday 4-10pm.

Come hear Phil Perdue live on piano, Friday and Saturday nights from 5-9pm.

■ CARUSO’S PIZZA & SUBS

Downtown & Boardwalk across from Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Ocean City, 410289-1990, oceancitymdpizza.com

$$ | Kids’ menu

Pizza, subs, calzones, stromboli’s. Fresh lemonade, orange crushes and beer. Open 7 days a week. Dine in or carry out available.

■ 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. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine with a Caribbean flare from a selection of house specialty entrees such as burgers, seafood, and pastas! Breakfast, Daily, 7am to 11:30am; Lunch and Dinner, Sunday through Thursday, 11:30am to 9pm, Friday through Saturday, 11:30am to 10pm; The elegant, yet cozy dining venue is perfect for a date, fancy family dinner, or celebratory meal.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

Caroline St, Wicomico St. & South Division St. on the boardwalk, Ocean City, www.dumsersdairyland.com

Ice Cream is made daily. Stop by any Dumser’s location for homemade ice cream, milk shakes, sundaes, floats and much more. Open 7 days a week.

■ FISHTALES BAR & GRILL

21st Street and the Bay, Ocean City, 410289-0990

$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Fishtales located in a premier outdoor beach location on the bay with the best sunsets. Come for the best local fare in town. We offer lunch and dinner with great happy hour food and drink specials. Kids play area too. So, sit back and enjoy. Open 7 days a week.

■ HAMMERHEADS RAW BAR & GRILL

913 Atlantic Ave. on the boardwalk, Ocean City, 410-289-0006, www.hammerheadsocmd.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy the best food, drinks, and view that Ocean City has to offer on our ocean front deck. Grab a table up against the boardwalk for some great people to watch while enjoying some of the local’s favorite food, such as the seafood steam pots and 1/2 lb burgers, or our creative cocktails like the shark tank and rum punch bucket. Take a break from the beach with a cool frozen drink or one of our refreshing fresh squeezed fruit crushes. Open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Open 7 days a week. Dine in or carry out is available.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaraunt.com

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

Join us for our award-winning Raw Bar where you will find the most fresh, off-the-boat seafood! Featuring the best views of the Inlet and Assateague Island, dine in for our unlimited sides and certified Angus Beef steaks; Now Open, Monday and Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call for banquet and largeparty details.

■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS

11805 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 443-664-7275, www.ochoriosjerkandtings.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Authentic Jamaican Food in Ocean City. From the authentic jerk chicken to the mouth-watering oxtail, your taste buds are sure to thank you. Serving lunch and dinner. Two born and raised in Jamaica island boys decided they would bring the true Jamaican food experience – spices and all, that millions enjoy every year when they visit the island of Jamaica. Starter with Yaries jerk wings, soups, salads, chicken, seafood, beef, oxtails to curry goat and coco breads. Finish off a delicious meal with Jamaican rum cake and fried sweet plantains. Also, available are vegan options. The combination of a great beach town and authentic Jamaican food will definitely give you that true island feeling.

Open Wednesday – Thursday, 12 AM – 8 PM, Friday – Saturday, 12 AM – 9 PM, Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PM. Carry Out – Dine In – Delivery.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT 15th Street @ Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-861, PapisTacoJoint.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Try the new Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy build your own street taco’s with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsas. Serving foods such as little cravings, Papi’s trio guacamole, Queso Fundido and choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in, or order online for your carryout and delivery by Door Dash. Catering is available.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open daily. Serving food until 1 a.m. Free parking across the street. Daily food and drink specials. Live entertainment 6 nights a week. Lots of pool tables. Liquor store attached. Game room. 30+ drafts on tap. Dine in or carry out.

■ PIZZA MAMBO

710 Philadelphia Ave., between 7th and 8th Streets, Ocean City 410-289-1200; 7205 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-524-0090, ocpizzamambo.com

$$ | Kids’ menu

Serving pizzas with homemade crust, sauces, and 100 percent cheese. Specialty pizzas, wings, appetizers, and salads. Also, calzone, subs, and sandwiches. Fast free delivery with 2 locations. Open year round. Order online at ocpizzamambo.com

■ TOAST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

221 Wicomico St, Downtown Ocean City, Inside Emerson Towers on the Bay, 410-2377070, www.toastocmd.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Serving NY specialty pizzas, home of the Super Slice Challenge, brunch breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches & subs, Italian & Seafood. Relocated to Ocean City’s downtown bayfront. Check out Facebook for daily specials, days & hours open. Dine in and carry out available.

■ 32 PALM

Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

32 Palm’s inviting decor fuses the perfect atmosphere with Eastern shore favorites for an exceptional dining experience! Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring a unique selection of bourbons. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year! Also, don’t miss out our extensive wine list and whiskey menu.

■ MARLIN MOON

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

Eat where the locals eat! Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon delivers the culinary combinations you’re craving and uses only locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables. Open all year round daily featuring a great selection of entrees, small plates, appetizers, and creatively crafted cocktails. Breakfast, 7:3011am; Lite Fare, 11am to 10pm; Dinner, 4-10pm.

■ PGN 29th Street, Ocean City, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-8380, 410-2894083, www,pgncrabhouse.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & Wine

Know for their famous steamed crabs. Dining in or carry out is available. Casual seasonal seafood stop for the all-you-can-eat specials. Steamed crabs, chicken and corn on the cob. You can find clams, ribs, crab cakes, seafood platters and more. You can call for daily specials. Open 7 days a week. 11 a.m.

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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.

■ BAHAMA’S CRAB SHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET

Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Hwy, Fenwick 302-537-5882,

Premium seafood, fat crabs by weight, sandwiches and dinners. Open daily at 10 am, closed Wednesdays. Seafood, chicken, homemade soups, super crab cakes, steamed shrimp, fresh clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters, and snow Crab Claws.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

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

Enjoy one of four restaurants in the Carousel. Serving breakfast; The Bistro, Saturday through Sunday, 7-11 a.m. proudly serving Starbuck’s brand. Reef 118 Restaurant, Saturday through Sunday, 7-11 a.m. buffet or A la carte. Serving Dinner; Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Bistro, Friday, 3-10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reef 118 Restaurant, Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails in the Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

■ SQUARZ PIZZA & RESTAURANT

In Montego Bay Shopping Center, 12825 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 443-664-8149, www.squarzpizza.com,

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

New Ownership. Open 7 days a week at 4 PM. Serving soups, salads, build your own pizza, small plates, sandwiches, dinner entrees and desserts. Full bar and HH 7 days a week, 4 to 6 PM. Dine in special menu that changes weekly in addition to the regular menu. Wide variety of gluten free options. No fryers on premises, Dine in, carry out and delivery available. Check out the menu and order online. 10% of entire check excluding alcohol.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro

12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carry out. Lunch specials, dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

■ PIZZA TUGOS

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922, pizzatugos.com

$$ | Full bar | Celebrating 40 years in Ocean City. Offering pizza, wings, burgers, subs, salads, pasta and more! Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 2 a.m.

Speed limit set to change on for vehicles on Bayside Drive

Continued from Page 38

sign of a new freshwater distribution system for the island, and replacement of the entrance sign at the visitor center.

Visitors are reminded that pets, bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards and roller skates are not allowed on park trails.

This is a safety regulation due to the confined space on the trails, combined with the high volume of visitors often using the trails at the same time.

Assateague Island National Seashore will also be changing the speed limit on Bayside Drive. The speed limit will drop from 25 MPH to 15 MPH. This is in our continuing effort to make the island safer.

Bayside Drive has a large number of bicyclists, many of whom are children. There is not a bike lane along this road, which leads to the Bicycle

Rental Concession.

This change will make Bayside the same speed as Old Ferry Landing. Going forward, the only areas still 25 MPH are the majority of Bayberry Drive. Drivers are reminded that there is no place on the island where the speed limit is more than 25 MPH.

One final reminder is that the speed limit in all camping loops and parking lots is 10 MPH. Also, camping loops are limited to registered campers only.

If you are not a registered camper, you should not be driving through or parking in the camping loops. Respect the rights of campers who should be able to experience a safe and quiet experience.

For general information about the Seashore and park activities, visit www.nps.gov/asis or call 410-6411441.

Construction is complete, and the Life of the Marsh Trail and the Life of the Forest Trail are now open at Assateague Island National Seashore.

National pub runs OC student’s art in kid’s magazine

(May 26, 2023) Artwork by Lyla Mae Graves, 7, of Ocean City, has been selected for publication in SPIDER magazine.

In February, readers were asked to submit an original drawing of a music-loving dragon. Lyla’s picture “Aqua” appears in the Spider’s Corner section of the May/June 2023 issue.

A magazine for kids ages 6 to 9, SPIDER features short stories, poems, articles and activities by the best children’s authors and artists from around the world. In each issue readers are invited to submit their original artwork or writing on a specific theme to Spider’s Corner, with hundreds of entries pouring from enthusiastic SPIDER readers. The editors select their favorites to be published in the magazine.

SPIDER is published by Cricket Media, also publisher of BABYBUG® magazine for infants and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years; LADYBUG® for children ages 3 to 6;

CRICKET® for ages 9 to 14; the kids’ science and discovery magazines

CLICK®, ASK® and MUSE®; and the COBBLESTONE® line of kids’ history and world culture magazines. The magazines are available in both print and digital editions. For more information visit cricketmedia.com.

Submit

Fri., May 26

HOBBIES CLUB: CREATIVE COOKING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. The group will use various snacks and foods to create some incredible things. For ages 6 years and older. Registration required: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

4TH FRIDAY STREET FESTIVAL

Market & Front streets, Pocomoke City, 5-8 p.m. Local artists and vendors fill the sidewalks. There will be children’s activities, live music by Laidbaxx and a cash bar. Fireworks display at dark. www.downtownpocomoke.com, 410957-1333, Ext. 111

Sat., May 27

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville 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 $8 for adults and $4 for children.

OCEAN PINES RACQUET SPORTS OPEN HOUSE

Ocean Pines Racquet Center, 11443 Manklin Creek Road, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Showcasing the various sports available at the Ocean Pines facility. There will be activities for all levels, all players and all sports. https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /racquet-sports, 410-641-7228

TINKER TIME: SPRING FLOWERS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime, use the library’s supplies and your imagination to create. This month, make a variety of May flowers. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

LATE SPRING MEADOW TOUR

Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek, 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, 2 p.m. Balance native gardens with essential pollinators. Members: free admission and tour. Non-members: admission $15, tour $10. Kids 16 years and younger: free admission. Tickets: delawaregardens.org.

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239

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

Sun., May 28

BOOK SIGNING WITH AUTHOR BUNK MANN

Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring his newest book “Ocean City Chronicles: Reminiscing Maryland’s Beach Resort,” which includes more than 10 years of Bunk Mann’s historical articles printed in “The Dispatch” from 2012-2022.

WORCESTER COUNTY NAACP HOSTS

NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS

Perdue Stadium, 6400 Hobbs Road, Salisbury, 2:05 p.m. Negro League baseball players, including a Negro League exhibit and merchandise sale. Purchase tickets at Shorebird’s Will Call window. 443-944-6701

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., May 29

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Duncan Showell Post 231 Color Guard Salute at local cemeteries starting at 8 a.m. The parade begins at Stephen Decatur Middle School, 9815 Seahawk Road, Berlin and will proceed to Henry Park at 11 a.m. Food and craft vendors, entertainment and activities for kids.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Hilton Garden Inn, 28th Street, Ocean City, 8 a.m. The U.S. Coast Guard will be dropping a wreath in the ocean to the sound of Taps. The wreath honors the service men and women who lost their lives at sea.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Veterans Memorial Park, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 11 a.m.-noon. Music, demonstrations and public speakers honoring U.S. Military men and women who gave their lives in service. Keynote speaker is retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Al Soto. Bring seating. www.opvets.org

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166,

PHOTO COURTESY MARY MCCRACKEN GRAVES

Lyla Mae Graves, 7, of Ocean City shows off her music-loving dragon, Aqua. Her art was published in SPIDER magazine’s May/June issue.

CALENDAR

2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 1 p.m. The American Legion will honor veterans with guest speakers, including members of the community who have lost loved ones in the war or since passed away. A commemoration for those missing in action.

WORCESTER COUNTY NAACP HOSTS OLD TIMERS SOFTBALL DOUBLEHEADER

Stephen Decatur High School, 9913 Seahawk Road, Berlin, 2 p.m. Hubert V. Simmons Negro League Baseball Museum Senior Mens Softball team will play the Worcester County NAACP in an Old Timers Softball Doubleheader game. 443-944-6701

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

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREASTER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., May 30

STORY TIME ‘TIME’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and finger plays. Takehome activity included. For ages 2-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OUTSIDE PLAY: SIDEWALK CHALK

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Outdoor story time and play. For ages 2-5 years. If there is inclement weather, the event will be held inside the library. Dress to get dirty. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WHAT ARE YOUR MONEY HABITUDES?

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 2 p.m. Learn to analyze and reflect on money habits and attitudes. Receive gardening tips to save money and a free crockpot. Register all least 2 days prior: 410-6321972, scooke14@umd.edu.

OIL PASTEL ART

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3:30 p.m. Ex-

periment with oil pastels as we create spring inspired art pieces. For ages 12-15 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725

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.

Wed., May 31

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. A time just for you and your teeny tiny. Stay after to socialize with other families. For children younger than 2 years and their caregivers. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 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., June 1

RAVENS BEACH BASH

Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City. Featuring Cheerleaders, mascot Poe, Baltimore Marching Ravens and Ravens Legends. Schedule of activities: https://www.baltimoreravens.com/fans/beach-bash/. Text BEACH to 728367 for updates. Held June 1-3.

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. For patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Free service, but requires an

GUEST SPEAKER

appointment: Robin Rohlfing, 410-6419726.

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OUTDOOR STORY TIME: POOL PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Story time in the garden. Stick around after to use the sidewalk chalk. For ages 2-5 years. If inclement weather, the event will move indoors. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MERRY MAKERS: DIY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Diakonia donated flip-flops to the library. Get creative and use them to make a summer craft. All materials provided. Registration required: 410-2084014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Quiet place to meet new friends and play some chess. Bring your boards. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Registration required: 410-6410650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLES-55 PLUS

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

ONGOING EVENTS

BOOKOPOLY

Held all summer, all day at every Worcester County library branch. Let the game choose your next read. Play a round or a few to try a different genre than you normally read. Book selections for adults and teens. www.worcesterlibrary.org

CREATIVE KIDS CORNER

Held all day, every day in June at the Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway. Come grab an art fit to create at the library or take it with you. Most supplies are included. For all ages. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BUS TRIP TO THE HIRSHHORN MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART IN WASHINGTON, DC

The Hirshhorn is featuring an installation exhibit by artist Yayoi Kusama entitled “One With Energy.” Cost is $75 for Art League of Ocean City members and $85 for non-members. The bus will depart from Acme parking lot on 94th Street in Ocean City on June 14 at 8 a.m. and do a second pick-up at the Lowes parking lot in Lewes, Delaware. The bus will return at approximately 8 p.m. Registration: OCart.org, 410-5249433.

Crossword answers from page

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS, SR.

Diakonia Thrift Store Coordinator Dawn Wise was the guest speaker at the Ocean Pines-Ocean City Kiwanis Club’s April 26 weekly meeting. She is pictured with Kiwanis President Bob Wolfing. The thrift store, which supports Diakonia shelter, is on Route 611 and Sunset Avenue in West Ocean City.

Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

CAPTAIN wanted for Back Bay Fishing Guide Service out of Ocean City. Expect 150+ charters from June through October. Must have experience, Captain’s license and Maryland Guide’s license. Call 443-944-5484 or 443-669-6214.

NOW HIRING!

CERTIFIED LIFEGUARDS

Ocean Pines Aquatics

Call 443-299-9949 or apply in person at the Sports Core Pool on Cathell Road

PT Graphic Artist

for newspaper production. Familiar with Adobe Suite. Ability to learn Quark Xpress. Variable hours. Newspaper pagination a plus.

Hiring immediately

Email resume to: sdobson@oceancitytoday.net

Agent Associate (Position 122201)

University of Maryland Extension College of Agriculture and Natural Resources seeks

SNAP-Ed Project Leader and Nutrition

Educator - Wicomico County

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

This position is a 12-month, term appointment. The full-time position is part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (SNAP-Ed) conducted by the University of Maryland Extension. The educator will deliver nutrition education programs to low-income residents in Wicomico County with emphasis on reaching food supplement (stamp) recipients.

The position will be housed in the Wicomico County Extension office in Salisbury, MD. Bachelor's Degree in nutrition, health education, or a related field preferred. Salary will be commensurate with experience with a base salary of $58,226. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package, which can be found by visiting: https://uhr.umd.edu/benefits.

All candidates must apply online at: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/105906

When applying, please submit application letter, resume, copy of transcripts and names/contact information of 3 professional references.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a Criminal History Record Check. EEO/ AA

Closing Date: Until filled

North Bay Marina looking for Exp. Boat Washer

Full time, year round work. Start right away. Call for interview 302-436-4211.

Thunderbird Beach Motel

NOW HIRING

PM FRONT DESK & NIGHT AUDIT

Apply in person MondayFriday, 9am-2pm. 32nd Street & Baltimore Ave., Thunderbird Beach Motel.

Bartender, Cooks and Cleaning Help Wanted Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment. Weekly paychecks. Friendly work environment. If interested apply in person. Open daily, 12:00 p.m.

American Legion Post #166 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, MD

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

Office Clerical Position Full Time Small local established company seeking motivated person to assist our growing office. Salary with benefits. General office skills required. Call 410-641-4411.

Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round. Competitive wages. 443-754-1047 PoolGeneral 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

Worcester County Health Department

FISCAL SERVICES CHIEF I - Full Time, State Benefits. This position is responsible for the oversight of all fiscal services for the Worcester County Health Department. Duties include but are not limited to the preparation & management of the operating budget, management of accounting, financial & statistical data for presentation of budgets to Management and management & performance of all accounting functions in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies & procedures. This position creates, monitors and manages internal controls for the department. Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by May 30, 2023.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.

Nutrient Management Advisor

needed for Worcester office of University of Maryland Extension. Individual will develop nutrient management plans for agricultural producers; BS in an agricultural, environmental or natural resource science or an equivalent combination of education & experience required along with knowledge of agricultural production practices and cropping systems. Other basic knowledge and skills required include the ability to use personal computers, ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, ability to use simple analytical equipment, ability to perform basic mathematical and algebraic calculations, and ability to complete reports and records correctly. Individual must pass nutrient management certification exam within one year of employment. Preference given to certified nutrient management consultants. Background check required. This is a contractual position which includes benefits. For a detailed position announcement and to apply, go to: https://ejobs.umd.edu, position number is 127964.

Position opened until filled.

Please apply ASAP for best consideration. EEO/AA

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $20/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

Hiring Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Housekeeper, Boat Mates

Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

Now Hiring!

Bartenders, Servers, Kitchen Staff & Hostess

Fun atmosphere.

PT and FT available.

$200 signing bonus!

Open interviews

Tues. & Thurs., 11am-3pm or call 410-405-7573

118th Street, OCMD

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

Seeking (2) full time FIELD AGENTS for full service landscaping & property maintenance company in Frankford & Delaware beach resort areas. Salary position, benefits include partial health, Simple IRA, holidays & vacation.

(2) OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Customer Service, MS Word & Excel, knowledge of Basic Office Procedures; Strong Math Skills are a plus. WE OFFER: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, competitive pay, great benefits, paid holidays and vacation.

Email resume to Gherker@comcast.net or call 610-459-5857

PT Front Desk

Highly organized individual for front desk to handle reception, public notices, classifieds, and other various clerical duties.

Good phone skills required. Must be detail oriented and have computer skills.

Hiring immediately

Email resume to: cbrown@oceancitytoday.net

Now Hiring for Seasonal

Certified Pool Operator

Apply within Comfort Suites, 12718 Ocean Gateway (Rte. 50), Ocean City, MD (WOC). 410-213-7171.

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

Industrial Warehouse Spaces: 2100 sq. ft., 1867 sq. ft. and 1500 sq. ft. Masonry construction, 18 ft. high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom. Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

WE BUY CARS Running or not. 302-732-3529

Jet Skis. Two Seadoo jet skis with trailer for sale. Only been on the water 3 times 2021.

$15000 443-764-7590

The contents of mini storage units will be sold online at Lockerfox.com. Ocean City Mini Storage.

Help Wanted

Full or Pt. Cashier

Flexible hours. Apply in person, Berlin Pizza, Old Ocean City Blvd. 443-944-7479, berlinpizza@hotmail.com

Building Attendant PT/FT summer season. Monitor pool, parking lot and buildings. Report to property manager. Good pay. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com or call 410-250-1111.

Barn 34

Hiring Line Cooks, Dishwashers, Food Runners & Bussers.

Apply in person any day 3400 Coastal Hwy.

Office Clerical Position Part

Time Small Local Established Company looking for person to assist our office staff. Flexible schedule and hours, no weekends. General office skills required.

Great for retirees. Call 410-641-4411.

PGN Crab House 29th Street & Coastal Hwy.

Now Hiring for • Waitstaff

• Kitchen Help

Apply within in person after 11:00 am

RENTALS

12300 Jamaica Avenue, Ocean City. Jamaica 2 building. 1ba, 1ba. 550 sq. feet w/NEW TERRACE. 2 queen size beds w/pull out couch. 2 blocks from beach.

Available weekly $1100; monthly $5000; 3 months at $13,000 for June, July, August, September. Also available year-round at $1,300/month. Security deposit and references a must. Electric included. No pets. Fully furnished. 570269-0595, 570-269-1155

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

Yearly

ROOMMATES

Extra-Large Room For Rent in fine home in Ocean City. J1 VISAS welcomed. Only $2500 for the season. 3 spots available. No smoking. Call 443-880-2486.

Room For Rent in clean, quiet, luxury home in Ocean Pines. Full house privileges, all utilities included. Only $700/month, $300 security deposit. No smoking, no pets. Call 443-880-2317.

Seeking RoommateBayview Estates, Selbyville 5.7 miles to beach. Includes utilities & Internet. Shared kitchen, W/D, living room, outdoor space, POOL. VERY CLEAN. $850/month 302-386-7818

COMMERCIAL

600 & 800 sq. ft.

Commercial Warehouses for Lease. West Ocean City & Bishopville. Yearly lease. Call 646-812-1212.

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

Classifieds

Self-Storage Units on Route 50 on Grays Corner Rd.

100 sq. ft., 200 sq. ft. & 250 sq. ft.

Units to be auctioned; B28B45-B58-B63-O164-S35.

SERVICES

100 sq. ft. $125/mo.

200 sq. ft. $185/mo. & 250 sq. ft. $200/mo. Call Bill 301-537-5391

BUDGET MOVERS

443-664-5797

LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING

Full Packing Service

Piano Movers - Full Service

www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

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 26th, 2023

Time: 10:00 am

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.

DONATIONS

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

410-723-6397 DONATIONS YARD

YARD SALE

Multi Family Yard Sale Sat., May 27, 8am. 10831 Griffin Road, Berlin. Main Street Storage, LLC Community Yard Sale Located 9842 Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Sat., 05/27/23, 8am to 1pm.

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

MISC. FOR SALE

DISH Network. $64.99 for 190

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-855993-0969

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 877-738-0991.

Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855407-6870

MISC. SERVICES

Pedal Boat, Sun Dolphin w/canopy & cover, $100. Ocean Pines. 610-368-9298 RENTALS

FREE high-speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-888-592-5957

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-888-928-1656 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/mddc SERVICES

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

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

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

(301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

12906

CENTER DR. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated May 4, 2007, recorded in Liber 4943, Folio 5 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $221,250.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

JUNE 13, 2023 AT 4:05 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

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

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

of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 357853-1)

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

America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Andrew G. Hosse whose address is 420 Joyce Drive, Glen Burnie, MD 21061.

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 other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Colleen F. Briggs

Andrew Hosse

Foreign Personal Representatives

Terri Westcott

Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: May 11, 2023

OCD-5/11/3t _________________________________

GINA D. SHAFFER SHAFFER LAW OFFICE

836 S. MAIN STREET, SUITE 101 BEL AIR, MD 21014

NOTICE

OCD-5/25/3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the following vessel has apparently been abandoned for more than 180 days on the property of Trudy Stock, 10504 Sussex Road, Ocean City MD 21842, Phone 443-880-7453. The vessel is described as a 1976 Catalina Yachts 27' O" white hulled fiberglass sailboat with Hull ID # CTYL2592M76G, Vessel number MD 4985 DB. Application for title will be made in accordance with Section 8-722 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article if this vessel is not claimed and removed from the above property within 30 days of this notice.

OCD-5/11/4t

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 19706

Notice is given that the Chancery Court of Sussex County, Delaware appointed Colleen F. Briggs, 2116 Greenway Place, Georgetown, DE 19947; and Andrew Hosse, 600 Crain Highway South, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 as the Executors of the Estate of Frances Nelsa Hosse who died on May 24, 2022 domiciled in Delaware,

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19714

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DENNIS BRIAN DEVLIN

Notice is given that Frank Devlin, 4 Coachman Drive, Egg Harbor TWP, NJ 08234, was on May 08, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dennis Brian Devlin who died on September 8, 2022, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of November, 2023.

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.

Frank Devlin

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 11, 2023

OCD-5/11/3t _________________________________

RICHARD J. ROGERS COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC 1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301 LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 rrogers@cgd-law.com

Edward S. Cohn

Stephen N. Goldberg

Richard E. Solomon

Richard J. Rogers

Michael McKeefery

Christianna Kersey

David W. Simpson, Jr. 1099 Winterson Road, Suite 301 Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs v.

Katie Lee Douglas AND Duncan Douglas

8 Shore Point Drive Ocean City, MD 21842

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. 23-C-16-000736 NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 10th day of May, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 12th day of June, 2023, provided a copy of this notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 5th day of June, 2023.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price

to be $1,781,539.07. The property sold herein is known as 8 Shore Point Drive, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-5/18/3t

JOEL J. TODD, ESQ.

P.O. BOX 188

BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DENNIS WAYNE WELSH Estate No. 19707 Notice is given that WILLIAM MASON SHEHAN III whose address is 57 PARK LANE EASTON, MD 21601 was on MAY 10, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DENNIS WAYNE WELSH who died on MAY 2, 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 10th day of NOVEMBER, 2023

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

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

OCD-5/18/3t

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

6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, Maryland 21842

under levies of the tax years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 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 16, 2023

AT THE HOUR OF 10:00 A.M. the below described properties:

Item 1 10-140137 and 13237720180: Described as Sea Watch Condominium, Unit 804, Assessed to Tracy Field Adler and Robert Adler, Assessed Value $340,633, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,156.46.

Item 4 10-131588 and 2685318780: Described as Balmoral Cove V Condominium, Unit A, Bldg. 2, Assessed to Thomas R. Bender and Lynn C. Bender, Assessed Value $205,900, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,160.81.

Item 5 10-428440 and 10078566505: Described as Avalon Condominium, Unit 204, Assessed to Raymond H. Burrows, III and Katherine E. Wyatt-Burrows, Assessed Value $371,000, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,399.64.

Item 7 10-050340 and 119049-

5032: Described as Sea Gate Condominium, Unit G-1, Assessed to Jacquelyn Evans Cook, Assessed Value $243,200, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $812.39.

Item 8 10-130158 and 15272518546: Described as Seaward 7 & Seaward 11 Condominium, Unit A, Assessed to Jeffrey L. Disney and Kathryn R. Brillion, Assessed Value $175,000, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,028.81.

Item 9 10-317185 and 51401-

49798: Described as Bay Cove Condominium, Unit 29, Phase III, Assessed to William S. Flynn and Dolores Flynn, Assessed Value $190,700, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,476.34.

Item 10 10-082684 and 13475510354: Described as Atlantic Court Condominium, Unit 204, Assessed to Jeffrey Eric Gore, Assessed Value $147,300, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,641.86.

Item 15 10-207436 and 1355931392: Described as Constellation House Condominium, Unit 201, Assessed to Benjamin C. Ogle and Holly B. Ogle, Assessed Value $211,600, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,073.75.

Item 16 10-070244 and 185538312: Described as Wight Bay Condominium, Unit 349, Assessed to Lawrence E. Parr and Dawn L. Porter, Assessed Value $184,800, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $992.19.

Item 18 10-248701 and 11595538408: Described as Pier Seven Condominium, Unit 711, Assessed to Aubrey E. Rose and Darlene B. Rose, Assessed Value $147,300, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $819.64.

OCD-5/18/4t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 23-04

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 23-04 was introduced by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Fiori and Abbott on May 2, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

A legislative bill amending Section 3-203 of the Public Safety Article of the Worcester County Code to allow paid parking on county public property.

A Public Hearing

will be held on Bill 23-04 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, June 6th at 10:40 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, and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-5/18/2t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of NOVEMBER, 2023

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-5/18/3t

Town of Ocean City, Maryland municipal taxes and assessments

Item 12 10-113679 and 23765-

15594: Described as Pyramid Condominium, Unit 6F, Assessed to John D. Hicks, Assessed Value $191,733, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,186.80.

Item 13 10-741823 and 11407168315: Described as Casa Del Mare Condominium, Unit 203, Assessed to Donald Holmes and Nancy A. Holmes, Assessed Value $315,100, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $3,972.83.

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES E. BRADY, JR. Estate No. 19690 Notice is given that JOSEPH P. BRADY whose address is 1135 GREENWAY ROAD, OCEANSIDE, CA 92057 was on MAY 09, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES E. BRADY, JR. who died on APRIL 9, 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

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 6, 2023

At 7:00 pm

Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 5, Conditional Uses, a request has been filed under the provisions of Section 110-514, Uses permitted by Conditional Use in the LC-1, Local Commercial, District, to permit water-related recreational activity with one (1) parasail boat and three (3) reserved parking spaces as required by Section 110-932(b)(30)a. The site of the request is described as Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and the northerly ½ of Lots 18 and 19, Block 120 of the Isle of Wight Land Company Plat, further described as located on the southerly side of 64th Street and the west side of Coastal Highway, on the property known as Dead Freddie’s Restaurant, 105-64th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: PARASAIL

SARASOTA, LLC C/O BRAD

DONAHUE – DBA OCEAN CITY

PARASAIL ADVENTURES (FILE #23-12100002)

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

JOE WILSON, CHAIRPERSON MAREEN HOWARTH, ATTORNEY

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NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 23-03

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 23-03 (Zoning – Separation Distances for Commercial Non-Agricultural Functions in Agricultural Structures and Lands in the A-2 Agricultural District) was introduced by Commissioners Mitrecic and Purnell on May 2, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1 202(c)(42). (Amends the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to establish a special exception provision to the separation distance between commercial non-agricultural events and any residential structure on an adjacent property or public road.)

A Public Hearing

will be held on Bill 23-03 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, June 6th 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, and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-5/18/2t

JOSHUA WINGER ESQ.

BYRD & BYRD, LLC

14300 GALLANT FOX LANE SUITE 120

BOWIE, MD 20715

SMALL

JASON LOUIS FISHER whose address is 16301 OXFORD CT BOWIE, MD 20715 was on MAY 16, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JANET LUCILLE FISHER who died on JANUARY 25, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-5/25/1t

NOTICE TO HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS INVITATION TO BID

Housing Rehabilitation

Worcester County, Maryland

The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting bids for rehabilitation work to be performed on single-family homes located in Worcester County. Bid specification packages and bid forms are available to licensed Maryland Home Improvement Contractors. Packages may be picked up from the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street- Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, obtained online at www.co.worcester.md.us under the "Bids" dropdown menu in the lower right hand side of the home page, or by calling the Commissioners' Office at 410632-1194 to request a package by mail.

opened and publicly read aloud. Envelopes shall be marked:

Housing Rehabilitation Bid –Pocomoke #1 – June 12, 2023

Housing Rehabilitation Bid –Pocomoke #2 – June 12, 2023

Housing Rehabilitation Bid –Snow Hill #1 – June 12, 2023

Housing Rehabilitation Bid –Snow Hill #2 – June 12, 2023

Housing Rehabilitation Bid –Berlin – June 12, 2023

Bids will be reviewed by staff and awarded by the County Commissioners at a future meeting. In awarding the bids, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever bids they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate.

All inquiries regarding the bid specifications shall be directed to the Housing Program Inspector, Dave Walter, at 410-603-4096. All other inquiries shall be directed to Davida Washington, at 410-632-1200, ext. 1171.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-5/25/2t

NOTICE of Proposal Solicitation

Trail & Greenways Master Plan

Worcester County, Maryland

Worcester County is seeking Proposals from qualified Vendors to create a master plan to enhance transportation infrastructure to provide economic, health, and community benefits by improving access to recreational and natural resources, preserving and using existing transportation and utility corridors in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Envelopes shall be marked “Trail & Greenways Master Plan”, in the lower left-hand corner. Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

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

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-5/25/1t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF

PORT WARDENS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106, ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Thursday, June 8, 2023

At 2:00 p.m.

PW 23-055 A request has been submitted to remove existing deteriorated pilings; construct a 6’ x 40’ pier with a 5’ x 40’ “L” end and install two boat lifts and two PWC lifts with associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 45’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 1530 TEAL DR Parcel # 3429 -27 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Harbour Island Bar LLC, c/o Robert Gothier, Jr.

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JANET LUCILLE FISHER Estate

19724

is given that

The projects are proposed to be funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and are thus subject to all applicable Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights guidelines. Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2023, in the Office of the County Commissioners at the above address at which time they will be

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their Proposals. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

The last day for questions will be noon on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room

PW 23-056 A request has been submitted to install one elevator type boat lift with associated pilings a maximum of 8.5’ channelward of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 132 WINTER HARBOR DR Parcel # 1582A-50 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Joseph Federline

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart

PW 23-057 A request has been submitted to install 60’ of replacement bulkhead, a 3.5’ x 48’ parallel platform, a 5’ x 12’ perpendicular pier with a 3’ x 4’ staircase into the water and one 4’ x 5’ float, maximum channelward extension 17’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 10609 SHIFTING SANDS DR Parcel # 1687A-78 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Jason Miller

APPLICANT: Hidden Oak Farm, LLC

PW 23-058 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift

with all associated poles a maximum channelward extension of 25’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 909

EDGEWATER AVE UNIT 5 Parcel # 3739 -5 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Dawn Maus/Brad Shaw

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 23-059 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift on four existing pilings a maximum channelward extension of 19’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 709 94TH ST UNIT 9 Parcel # 9574 -B9 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Griffith Jones

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 23-060 A request has been submitted to dredge a 22’ x 60’ area in an existing slip bringing depth to a 6’ dredge to remain 5’ from bulkhead and not to exceed 65’ channelward; to install one mooring piling maximum channelward 52.5’ not to exceed past existing pilings. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 1103

EDGEWATER AVE Parcel # 3690 -2 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Bill Timme

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

OCD-5/25/2t

COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090

410-296-2550

File #: 459381

Richard E. Solomon

Richard J. Rogers

Michael McKeefery

Christianna Kersey

Kevin Hildebeidel

Kyle Blackstone

Kathleen Young

1099 Winterson Road, Suite 301

Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs

v. Clifton Henry Dennis Jr.

8634 Langmaid Road

Newark, MD 21841

Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-23-000022

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 17th day of May, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 19th day of June, 2023, provided a copy of this notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 12th day of June, 2023.

herein is known as 8634 Langmaid Road, Newark, MD 21841. Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County MD OCD-5/25/3t

The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $67,000.00. The property sold

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

At 3:00 PM

BAAV 23-062 Submitting a request for a variance for two (2) 8’ x 20’ accessory structures under Section 38-63 to allow lowest floor elevation to be below the BFE with conditions. Locally known as 115 75TH ST parcel number 0210A-26 in the Town of Ocean City, MD.

Applicant: 75 OC MD LLC C/O

Chris Reda

BAAV 23-063 Submitting a request for a variance from the strict application of Town of Ocean City Code Section 38-71(a)(5). Minimum elevation requirements to allow a reduction of 1.0 foot from the required 3.0 foot freeboard design flood elevation for a proposed residential addition. Locally known as 104 CHANNEL BUOY RD parcel number 1438A-64 in the Town of Ocean City, MD.

Applicant: Michelle & John Conrad OCD-5/25/2t

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, June 8, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-95(1)(a) requesting a variance to the required 20’ front yard where decks and porches can be built, reduced to zero (0’) at the boardwalk, Atlantic Avenue. This will allow the front deck and stairs approved with PZC #2318100003 dated March 21, 2023, to form an area elevated above the Boardwalk for the outdoor dining area as well as provide access to the hotel and commercial units facing the boardwalk. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and east ½ of Lot 5, Block 9N of the Sinepuxent Beach Company Plat; all lands further described as located on the northwest corner of 8th Street and Atlantic Avenue, east and west sides of Washington Lane, and east side of Baltimore Avenue, and locally known as The Lankford Hotel, 801 Atlantic Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JOSEPH E. MOORE, ESQ. FOR 8TH STREET PROPERTIES LLC – (BZA 2656 #23-09500008)

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, Esq., Attorney OCD-5/25/2t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY JUNE 8, 2023

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

Natural Resources Code §§ NR 2102(e)(1) and Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(n)(2), located at 11321 Newport Bay Drive, Tax Map 50, Parcel 50, Lot 13, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland. OCD-5/25/2t

James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. 108 N. 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842 410-289-2323

jay@jayclubblaw.com

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR. Plaintiff vs. ELAINE EVANS, et al. Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-23-000025

NOTICE

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County this May 22, 2023, that the foreclosure sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 11 43rd Street, Unit No. 1, Unit No. 2 and Unit No. 3, Ocean City, MD 21842, made and reported by James E. Clubb, Jr., Substitute Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before June 26, 2023, provided a copy of this order be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks, before June 19, 2023.

The Report states the amount of the sale to be $655,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-5/25/3t

CHARLES T. CAPUTE ESQ MCALLISTER, DE TAR, SHOWALTER & WALKER LLC 100 N. WEST STREET EASTON, MD 21601-2710

SMALL

ESTATE

NOTICE OF

APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19733

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

6:30 p.m. Case No. 23-48, on the lands of Tyler Aydelotte, requesting a variance to the right side yard setback from 20 feet to 6.57 feet (to encroach 13.43 feet) for a proposed pole barn in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-201(b)(5) & ZS 1-305 located at 2913 Brantley Road, Tax Map 92, Parcel 223, Lot 1, Tax District 1, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 23-49, on the lands of Roberta L. Tourgee Revocable Trust, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a modification to extend a waterfront structure in excess of 125 feet by 125 feet for the installation of a proposed pier extension, platform, and boatlift with associated pilings extending a total of 250 feet channelward, pursuant to

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN L. BROSCHARD JR. AKA: JOHN LAWRENCE BROSCHARD JR.

Notice is given that John L. Broschard III, 1601 CEDAR STREET, LEWES, DE 19958, was on May 22, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of John L. Broschard Jr. who died on February 16, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of

the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

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

John L. Broschard III

Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County

Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

May 25, 2023

OCD-5/25/1t

JAMES E. CLUBB JR., ESQ.

108 N. 8TH ST. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19734

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SHARON A. FERGUSON

Notice is given that Morgan Ferguson Myers, 5712 Colorado Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was on May 22, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Sharon A. Ferguson who died on August 23, 2021, with a will.

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

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

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise

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

Morgan Ferguson Myers

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

One W. Market Street

Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

May 25, 2023

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, Esq., Attorney OCD-5/25/2t

JOEL J. TODD, ESQ.

P.O. BOX 188

BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19738 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LORRAINE ELIZABETH WELSH

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

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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, June 8, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-95(1)(a) requesting a variance to the required 20’ front yard where decks and porches can be built, reduced to zero (0’) at the boardwalk, Atlantic Avenue. This will allow the front deck and stairs approved with PZC #2318100003 dated March 21, 2023, to form an area elevated above the Boardwalk for the outdoor dining area as well as provide access to the hotel and commercial units facing the boardwalk. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and east ½ of Lot 5, Block 9N of the Sinepuxent Beach Company Plat; all lands further described as located on the northwest corner of 8th Street and Atlantic Avenue, east and west sides of Washington Lane, and east side of Baltimore Avenue, and locally known as The Lankford Hotel, 801 Atlantic Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JOSEPH E. MOORE, ESQ. FOR 8TH STREET PROPERTIES LLC – (BZA 2656 #2309500008)

Further information concerning

Notice is given that William Mason Shehan III, 57 Park Lane, Easton, MD 21601, was on May 23, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lorraine Elizabeth Welsh who died on June 21, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of November, 2023.

(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.

William Mason Shehan III 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 25, 2023

OCD-5/25/3t

Bunk Mann releasing third book

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Hunter “Bunk” Mann professes that he was not a born writer. Although he’s well-known for his historical books about Ocean City, his freshman year English professor at University of Maryland gave him a D.

It wasn’t until Mann graduated, became a volunteer firefighter and began writing articles for a firefighter focused newspaper that he started to hone his literary craft.

“Then I had a couple (articles) published in a national magazine called Firehouse magazine, so that just sort of prompted me to think well, I can do this,” Mann said.

He went on to write “Vanishing Ocean City” in 2014 and then “Ghosts in the Surf” in 2019.

On Sunday, Mann is having a book signing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ocean City Life Saving Museum for his third and most recent book, “Ocean City Chronicles.”

Mann considers the signing to be the official release day. However, copies are now on shelves in 20 locations across Ocean City, Berlin, Salisbury and Fruitland.

All three books are also available on Mann’s website.

“Ocean City Chronicles” stands apart from Mann’s first two books in how it was prepared. He wrote “Van-

ishing Ocean City” about seven years before retiring from his insurance broker job at Mann & Gray Insurance Associates, and wrote “Ghosts in the Surf” in two-and-a-half-years after retiring.

Rather than consist of new research and documentation, like Mann’s first two books, “Ocean City Chronicles” is a collection of 285 articles out of about 400 that he has written, published and re-published in the Maryland Coast Dispatch over the last decade.

“I’ve learned a lot. There has been probably close to 400 interviews, 400 different people over the course of the

Bunk Mann and his granddaughter Julia with “OC Chronicles” - Mann’s newest book.

“Ocean City Chronicles,” is his third book in his series about Ocean City’s history, and features 285 articles that he has written over the past 11 years.

time that I’ve been writing these books, and I have to say, I’ve learned something from every one of them,” Mann said.

That is not to say there is nothing new in the book. Mann interviewed about 50 people to include a few sentences of their thoughts on some of the stories, and the book also includes some never-before published photos. Some pictures even feature his granddaughter Julia.

The book begins in 1868, and goes decade-by-decade with stories describing all of Ocean City’s most no-

PHOTO COURTESY BUNK MANN

Camp fee increase proposed for Assateague

(May 26, 2023) Assateague Island National Seashore is proposing to increase fees for camping for implementation at the close of the summer season.

According to a news release, Superintendent Hugh Hawthorne recently announced the proposal, which aims to raise the cost for regular camp sites by $10 and and group and horse camp sites by $30 on both the ocean and bay sides of the island. If approved, the new rates will go into effect Oct. 1.

The proposed changes would only

apply to front country camping fees, with backcountry camping rates set to remain the same.

The release said one of the main reasons for the proposed increase is the growing gap between Assateague’s camping fees and other campgrounds in the local area.

“Required Comparability Reviews and anticipated campground improvements indicate the need for an increase,” Hawthorne said in the release. “It’s important to note that 80% of the fees collected come back to the park to fund projects such as

the recent improvements to the nature trails, the Old Ferry Landing bulkhead, and the Assateague Island Visitor Center boardwalk and overlook.”

The proposed changes would raise front country camp site fees from $30 to $40 a site per night; group camp sites for seven to 25 people from $50 to $80 a night per site; and horse camp sites for a maximum of six people and six horses from $50 to $80 a sight per night.

The authority to charge recreational fees at state national parks

stems from the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. The law requires that recreational fees are appropriate to the benefits and services provided, and comparable to fees charged by others in the local area for similar benefits and services.

To voice opinions or comment on the proposed camping fee changes, use the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment web site at parkplanning.nps.gov/camping_fee_ increase_2023. Public comments will be accepted until June 17.

‘Ocean City Chronicles’ book signing Sunday

table landmarks, people and events up through recent years.

In order to decide which of the 400 stories to choose for the book, Mann kept track of the stories that had the most likes, shares and comments on Facebook.

Some stories like Mann’s short histories on Thrashers Fries and Boardwalk Elvis, received up to 2,000 comments, likes or shares on Facebook.

“It wasn’t any kind of public poll or anything scientific,” Mann said. “In a sense it was the ones I felt that the public liked, and the ones that I just personally liked that maybe didn’t get as much acclaim from the public, but I just liked them and thought they were good historic items that people would want to know about.”

Mann said his favorite story, which is also featured in his other books, describes the creation of the Ocean City inlet in the Great Hurricane of 1933, which miraculously caused no deaths in town, and transformed the resort

forever.

“I interviewed 24 people, none of whom are still alive today, so those stories, their memories and the stories of the storm of ‘33 could not be recreated today because people that actually were eye witnesses are no longer alive,” Mann said.

Mann said that he doesn’t have any more book-writing plans on the horizon, already having covered many of the stories and available pictures that could be published from Ocean City’s past, but given another 10 years and more events to write about, he wouldn’t discount the possibility of another project.

“I don’t pretend to know everything there is about Ocean City by any means. I mean, I know a lot but I certainly don’t know everything there is, and I just enjoyed learning about what I have heard,” Mann said.

Growing up in Salisbury, Mann began visiting Ocean City two weeks out of every summer with his family starting in the 1950s.

In the summers between high school and college from 1962-1969, Mann

worked various jobs around Ocean City, including as a beach boy for four years vending umbrellas and surf matts. Mann remembers running umbrellas across a much narrower beach, before the replenishment program.

He then worked at English’s Chicken House, a 15th Street restaurant which is now gone, and Embers restaurant on Philadelphia Avenue for three years.

During his first summer of work in ’62, Mann recalled debris floating in the surf from the major March storm of that year.

“It (Ocean City) changes. I mean every season it changes. There’s something new and there’s something, ‘oh it’s not there anymore.’ It makes memories,” Mann said.

Mann first dove into Ocean City history when he decided to take pictures of new hotels and compare them to pictures and postcards of old buildings that used to stand in the same place. After the late George Hurley, a former Ocean City Council President, urged Mann to start interviewing the

people who used to work in the old hotels, the beginnings of “Vanishing Ocean City” were born.

“I didn’t find it too difficult. It really was fun. It was one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done in my life were to write these books,” Mann said.

Mann said that he learned early in his documentation that the story of Ocean City doesn’t lie in the by-gone buildings, but in the people.

“I just want to thank the people that over the last number of years, this all started back around 2008, for the people who have shared their memories, shared their photos and shared their time. The encouragement I’ve gotten from the general population to write more books,” Mann said. “The ones that tell me they enjoy my work that they can’t wait for the next one to come out. I want to thank them because really that’s what makes it go is the fact that people enjoy reading about Ocean City. That people enjoy sharing their memories.”

To buy a book or learn more about Mann, visit vanishingoc.com/.

Continued from Page 23

Condo common areas studies required now

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(May 26, 2023) The Maryland General Assembly has passed new legislation, effective Oct.1, requiring all condominiums, homeowner associations, and housing cooperatives to undertake regular reserve studies of common area components.

Under House Bill 107, the reserve study requirement is now applicable statewide, whereas previously it was only applicable to Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

A community that has not had a reserve study on or after Oct. 1, 2018, must undertake one no later than Oct. 1, and the study must also be updated every five years after. The Oct. 1 deadline is fast approaching, as most re-

LIQUOR BOARD BRIEFS

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners reviewed the following applications during its meeting on May 17:

Fish Tales

The liquor board approve an application for an off-sale modification for Bahia Marina at Fish Tales, located at 2107 Herring Way. Patrons can now bring their alcoholic beverages onto westerly portions of the property, excluding the parking lot. The owners said this will allow boaters to take their drinks with them. Fish Tales recently hit 40 years as an Ocean City dining establishment.

Mother’s Tortilla

The liquor board approved an application to upgrade the liquor license for Mother’s Tortilla, located at 2816 Philadelphia Avenue, to include liquor.

serve studies take two to four months to complete.

A community that has had a reserve study conducted on or after Oct. 1, 2018, must have the study updated within five years from the date it was conducted, and every five years thereafter.

A “reserve study” is study of the reserves required for future major repairs and replacement of the common elements of a cooperative or condominium, or the common areas of an HOA, that identifies each structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing component of the common elements or common areas, as well as any other components that are the responsibility of the cooperative, condominium, or HOA to repair and replace.

The study states the normal useful life (for cooperatives and condominiums) and the estimated remaining useful life of each identified compo-

The owners of the establishment said that patrons often come to the restaurant and leave when they realize that a popular cocktail served at another one of their properties, Mother’s Cantina at 2810 Philadelphia Avenue, isn’t served there.

Taylor’s Taphouse

The liquor board approved a request to modify the application of Taylor’s Taphouse, located at 11021 Nicholas Lane in Ocean Pines, to a multiple licenses establishment.

The modification allows the owner to install a pool table, book inside entertainment five nights per week from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and acoustic-only music on the outside deck from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The applicant had originally asked for seven nights per week for music, but after adding that he didn’t think he’d ever actually make it to a full week, agreed to amend his request to five days.

nent; the estimated cost of repair or replacement of each identified component; and the estimated annual reserve amount necessary to accomplish any identified future repair or replacement.

The new law requires associations to annually fund the reserve account consistent with the estimated reserve amount called for in the reserve study and to make the study available for inspection to any unit owner. The bill requires the governing body of a

cooperative, condominium or HOA, if the most recent reserve study was an initial reserve study, to attain the annual reserve funding level recommended by the study within three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the initial reserve study was completed.

There are no exemptions based on size of association or number of units.

— Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City

OCVFD commissions two paramedic engines

(May 5, 2023) Ocean City Fire Department will enhance its service delivery to the community by staffing two paramedic engines, according to a statement released by this department this week.

As of May 1, city residents and visitors began seeing a fire truck that reads, “Paramedic Engine.”

These paramedic engines will be staffed 24 hours a day with three firefighter/EMS providers, with at least

one crew member being a paramedic.

The paramedic engines will be stationed at the Montego Bay Firehouse at 12925 Coastal Highway and Fire Headquarters at 1409 Philadelphia Ave.

According to Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers, the direction to add additional paramedic engines is based on providing an enhanced service to the department’s customers.

“We are entering a new era of service delivery, and we want to provide the best care possible to those in need,” Bowers said. “Staffing two fire trucks with a paramedic that are located throughout the city will allow us to get ALS (Advanced Life Support) care to patients more quickly should the primary ambulance be on a call.”

All fire stations in town will be staffed with Advanced Life Support Ambulances.

The equipment to supply the paramedic engines was a minimal cost because of support over the years from the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation, the chief said.

The foundation has assisted with the purchase of items such as the cardiac monitor. This new staffing model will enable the department to provide faster response times to critical emergencies.

In addition to its regular response, the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company will begin staffing an additional nightly duty crew on Friday, May 26, and continue until Labor Day and as

See OCVFD Page 61

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BRIEFS

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners discussed the following during their May 16 meeting:

Letter of support

The commissioners approved the drafting of a letter of support for the nonprofit Vehicles for Change Delmarva, which just expanded to the Eastern Shore with a “Full Circle Automotive” training program, a workforce development program. No fiscal request was included in the request.

Speed reduction

The commissioners approved reducing the speed limit on Mason Road south of Berlin. According to a memo from Public Works Director Dallas Baker, the road is not posted and thus a 50 miles-per-hour speed limit is applied to it. The study found that the average speed on the road was 32.4 MPH. The new speed limit is 40 mph.

Heavy equipment

The commissioners agreed to allow public works to overspend its budget by $120,000 for repairs on heavy equipment.

Storage design

The commissioners approved a request from the Fire Marshal’s Office to design a new storage facility in Newark. Design will be provided by the firm Davis, Bowen and Friedel for $251,500.

Street naming

The commissioners approved re-

Continued on Page 62

OCVFD adds two unique engines

Continued from Page 60

needed for special events.

The Ocean City Fire Department operates out of five fire stations, four stations within city limits that are staffed by career Firefighter and EMS Clinicians and volunteer firefighter duty crews.

The West Ocean City Station, Fire Station 5, houses equipment for the volunteer company’s response.

When some experiences a lifethreatening emergency, the goal is for an EMS clinician to arrive at their emergency quickly and provide emergency medical care.

Ocean City Fire Department is confident this new model will provide enhanced EMS services and fire protection to those in need.

BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) The Worcester County Board of Education reviewed the following matters during its meeting on May 17:

SDMS requisition

The board approved a construction requisition for the Stephen Decatur Middle School addition project, which included three progress payments and a closeout payment to WhitingTurner Contracting. The requisition amounted to roughly $101,000, leaving a remaining balance of about $814,000.

HVAC upgrades

The board voted 6-1 to approve a request to upgrade the building HVAC controls and gym HVAC equipment at Stephen Decatur High School, with board member Katie Addis opposed. The upgrades will help WCPS reduce reactive expenditures and extend the service life of the facility, according to a memo from Sam Slacum, schools

maintenance and operations manager.

Pricing estimates put the cost for the total project at roughly $4.3 million, which will come from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III (ESSER III) grant funding.

Replacement units

The board voted unanimously to approve a request to replace seven ductless split units and six rooftop units on the Board of Education building, work that was needed after a hail storm with high winds in October damaged the building. Funds from the insurance claim on the hail damage will cover costs, roughly $147,000.

Financial report

The board unanimously approved the April monthly financial report, which totaled roughly $11.7 million dollars spent, broken down as $7.3 million in salaries and $4.4 million in other expenditures. The biggest single line item is “other charges” under “total fixed charges,” at $3.3 million.

The Worcester County Commissioners approved request for proposal documents for a master plan for its Greenways program. The initiative intends to make accessibility easier to recreational and natural resources throughout the county.

Worcester County approves greenways master plan doc

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners last Tuesday agreed to contract with a firm to create a “Trail and Greenways” master plan.

The plan would apply to projects throughout the county that will enhance accessibility to recreational and natural resources, such as the “Rails to Trails” program, which

would install a shared-use path along the railroad tracks from Berlin to Snow Hill.

Funding for the master plan amounts to $100,000 and was approved in a grant from the State of Maryland to the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore, according to a memo from county procurement officer Nicholas Rice. The Department of Commerce had already approved transferring the grant to Worcester County.

Over in Berlin, the town is preparing to make moves on “Rails to Trails” after discussing construction funding in March.

(May 26, 2023) Worcester County Government offices, including all five branch libraries and recreation and parks, will be closed Monday, May 29, for the Memorial Day holiday. The central landfill and homeowner convenience centers will also be closed.

Offices will resume standard operating hours on Tuesday, May 30. Staff members wish one and all a happy and safe holiday weekend.

The project in Berlin is expected to cost $1.26 million. Previously received funding from the MDOT Bikeway Program in FY17 will be used toward that end.

At that meeting, Berlin Planning Director Dave Engelhart said he hoped to see a draft for total funding completed this month, though it has not yet reappeared on the Berlin Mayor and Town Council agenda.

Salisbury-based Davis, Bowen and Friedel is the firm handling that project.

Worcester County will send out proposals on June 14.

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BRIEFS

Continued from Page 61

naming roadways within the new Shore Point Cottage Court hotel-motel development. Three streets were named: Adrift Lane, Ashore Lane and Shore Point Cottage Court.

Public hearing

The commissioners agreed to hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning code amendment that would add a principal permitted use to the C-3 Highway Commercial District.

The change would allow multi-family homes as an accessory use to commercial development.

The public hearing date will be determined.

Annexation

The commissioners approved the annexation and zoning classification of 35,000 square feet on the west side of Ocean Highway, which will allow the single-family homes on the property to be connected to the town’s public sewer system.

ARPA request

The commissioners approved the use of $80,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding for the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company to purchase a new utility/command truck. The purchase will replace the current command truck, a 2008 Chevrolet.

Debt battle not Worcester’s problem? Better think again

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(May 26, 2023) Worcester County residents might feel detached from the debt ceiling standoff between House Republicans and President Joe Biden, but the reality is the people of this county are at least $100 million short of this being someone else’s problem.

Although more complete numbers would likely head toward the $150 million range, it remains that tens of millions of dollars coming from the federal government to this county are in jeopardy unless the two sides make a deal in the next few days.

If that fails to happen, some of this money could be suspended while the debate drags on or even cut off completely, depending on the terms of the agreement the parties reach to prevent the nation from defaulting on its debt.

The impasse between the White House and Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is not a disagreement over whether to raise the debt ceiling — the total amount of money Congress has authorized the federal government to borrow to pay its bills. This is a political argument over how to restore equilibrium be-

tween spending and revenue, with raising the debt ceiling being used by the House Republican majority to get concessions on budget cuts from Democrats.

In the current budget, for instance, the Congressional Budget Office projects that the federal government will spend $1.4 trillion more this year than it will bring in. To put it another way, the U.S. will have to borrow roughly the gross national product of Spain to cover this year’s budgeted overdraft.

Overall, the U.S. owes its creditors close to $32 trillion, with about a quarter of that debt held by foreign investors, such as Japan ($1.1 trillion) and China ($855 billion), according to the online publisher Visual Capitalist. Most of this debt, however, is owned by this government and public investors.

How bad this debt problem is or is not is a matter of opinion. As some lower tier loan companies used to say, you’ll be fine as long as you can pay the monthly. So far, the U.S. has been able to do that, allowing the country to remain the world’s go-to source for safe, dependable investing.

The real question is how long the federal government can continue to

What officials had to say about the federal debt:

Congressman Andy Harris (R-1st)

America is not in danger of defaulting on our debt because that arbitrary timeline is completely up to the Treasury Secretary who has discretion to prioritize payments.

Our national debt is more than 31 trillion and counting, and it’s irresponsible for the leader of our country to continue his tactics of fear instead of negotiating a reasonable solution to save our American economy.

House Republicans recently passed the Limit, Save, and Grow Act, which responsibly raises the debt ceiling while cutting nearly $5 trillion in wasteful Washington spending. I urge the Senate to pass this bill to set our county back on a sane fiscal track.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland)

Defaulting on our debt is not an option and even risking it is extremely reckless. If the House Republicans press the default detonator, no Marylander would be shielded from the large-scale economic harm that could include a deep recession just as summer travel season to Ocean City is about to start, disrupted Social Security checks for millions of seniors, skyrocketing mortgage rates, hard-earned retirement savings decimated, and the loss of up to 120,000 jobs in Maryland alone – just to name a few potential consequences.

The stakes are too high here and we need Speaker McCarthy to take the threat of default off the table so we can discuss the budget and responsible deficit reduction through the appropriate process –not by taking our entire economy hostage.

make its monthlies, given how rapidly the debt has increased in the last two decades because of recession-fighting stimulus money, a couple of tax cuts and covid-19 economic relief.

But as alarming as owing that much money might be, the political parties’ debt-reduction proposals say little about the amount of debt itself, and instead play to the perceptions of their constituents by arguing that this financial imbalance is caused by — depending on the politics of the messenger — either social program freeloaders or lightly taxed rich people and corporations.

Neither of those assertions is true, according to multiple studies by think tanks across the political spectrum. The biggest drivers of federal government spending are the entitlement programs Medicare and inflation-indexed Social Security, which were implemented more than 50 years ago by the administrations of Lyndon Johnson — Medicare — and Richard Nixon — inflation-indexed Social Security.

Besides, the cause of this mess and who’s to blame for it is irrelevant to the many recipients of federal money in Worcester County. Their concern is that the flow of federal money might be suspended if a deal isn’t worked out soon.

Also cause for worry is whether money they depend on will be cut in the agreement House Republicans and the White House reach to avoid default, which would be a calamity of unknown proportions.

Nevermind Assateague National Seashore and the personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Station Ocean City, who had their paychecks withheld during the 2019 government shutdown, if government’s borrowing authority is not increased by June 2 when Social Security checks go out, there may not be enough money to cover that expense, National Public Radio reported this week. Also at risk are federal tax refunds, veterans benefits and Medicare payments to providers.

No one knows more about the latter than the people in the finance office at Atlantic General Hospital.

“In the hospital, Medicare makes

up 49 percent of our outstanding accounts receivable or $8,046,122 of our $16,432,849 of accounts receivable and Medicaid makes up $2,709,433 or 16.5 percent,” Toni Keiser, the hospital’s vice-president of public relations, said this week.

Citing numbers provided by AGH Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Nottingham, Keiser said of the hospital’s healthcare system — its non-hospital offices and clinics — Medicare makes up 48.2 percent of the outstanding receivables ($3.4 million of the $7 million owed) while Medicaid reimbursements owed are 16.7 percent or almost $1.2 million.

There would also be no way to recover that lost income by charging health care consumers more. The hospital’s rates are set by the state’s Health Services Cost Review Commission and can’t be adjusted, Keiser said.

Consequently, if the federal government were to default on its debt and the hospital was forced to go without the two programs, Atlantic General Hospital would lose more than $98 million of its total $158 million budgeted net patient service revenue, Keiser said. That, she added, would be catastrophic.

The local public school system has less at risk than the hospital, but it’s hardly in the comfort zone.

“Yes, we are concerned about the current debt ceiling issue at the federal level,” said Worcester County Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert.

“Like all public school systems, we rely on federal funding for a portion of our budget (approximately 13.7 percent) in FY23. This includes approximately $2,100,000 in funding to provide services to our special education students and approximately $1,800,000 in Title I funding for our economically disadvantaged students. In addition, our Food Services receives approximately $2,200,000 in funding through the National School Lunch Program.”

Tolbert said school officials are also concerned about possible delays

STEWART DOBSON/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Continued from Page 63

in funding should debt limit discussions drag on, and the possibility of sharp reductions in federal aid to education that might be part of a new debt ceiling agreement.

If that’s not confusing enough, the focus on the “debt ceiling” as the critical factor in this crisis is misleading.

The U.S. reached its debt ceiling in January. That was when spending ran right up to the level Congress set on allowable borrowing this year.

Since then, the U.S. Treasury has been moving budget allocations around to prevent the government from crossing that line.

Further, this district’s congressman, Rep. Andy Harris (R), said this week that reaching the so-called debt limit doesn’t mean default. As he pointed out, the Treasury Secretary has the discretion to authorize payments long after the debt limit has been reached.

The greater fear is what’s known as the “X-date.” That’s when the U.S. runs out of cash on hand to cover all its obligations and will be forced to decide who will get paid and who won’t. That is where the Treasury Secretary’s discretion, as Harris said, will come into play.

Most financial professionals say that X-date will arrive sometime be-

tween early June and the fall, depending on the tax revenue the government receives.

That is also when Atlantic General, the school system, the National Park Service, the Department of Human Services, which distributes food stamps and directs other social programs, and Social Security recipients will learn where they stand in line as the treasury decides who must be paid, who should be paid and who can be paid later, if that’s possible.

As isolated from this national drama as coastal residents might think they are, they are affected by the local economy, which has somewhere between $100 million to $150 million riding on the outcome of events in the next few weeks.

As Shore United Bank Market Executive Tom Mears said this week, “The debt ceiling’s impact on the local economy can include reduced government spending, disrupted government programs, lower consumer and business confidence, and increased borrowing costs. These factors can collectively contribute to economic uncertainty and potentially hinder growth in the local economy.”

And it’s tourist season, which means what happens elsewhere can have an impact on everyone who lives here ... whether they know it or not.

For his 97th birthday on June 1, Morris Semiatin’s son Ben will take him to visit the 100th restaurant they’ve visited together in the Ocean City area. On June 3, Ben is organizing a parade at Berlin Intermediate school in honor of Morris. Pictured and Ben and Morris in Morris’s residence at Gull Creek Senior Living Home.

Parade for local veteran at Berlin Intermediate Saturday

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(May 25, 2023) At age 96, Morris Semiatin still wears his Purple Heart medal on a chain around his neck.

He earned it in World War II after a hand grenade went off in his foxhole while fighting on Iwo Jima. There he served as a rocketeer in the 20th Regiment of the 5th Marine Division.

For the past few years, Morris’ son Ben has put on several major celebrations for his father’s birthday, and this year he has planned two events that stand to top the rest.

Morris’ 97th birthday is on June 1,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed FY 2023/2024 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Operating Budget as requested by the Worcester County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division on:

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 Government Center, One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

The Proposed Budget maintains the current solid waste tipping fee of $75 per ton for municipal waste and $80 per ton for construction and demolition debris. Copies of the detailed budget are available for public inspection at the County Commissioners’ Office in Room 1103 of the County Government Center in Snow Hill or online at www.co.worcester.md.us.

and on that day he and Ben will attend dinner at a yet-to-be-revealed fine dining restaurant in downtown Ocean City. This will mark the 100th restaurant in the area where the two have dined since they started the tradition back in November 2020.

“They’re going to have a big welcoming for us at the front with balloons and singing, and then we’re going to have a big dinner. The mayor might be there,” Ben said.

The name of the restaurant won’t be announced until Ben posts the signature picture of his father eating, which commemorates all of their restaurant exploits on the 28,400 member Facebook group called Ocean City COOLEST! Ben documents all their shared meals on the page.

To follow it up, a parade honoring Morris will be held in the parking lot of Berlin Intermediate School on June 3. Participants begin lining up at 11 a.m. and start moving through the lot at 11:30 a.m.

Groups set to show out in the parade include the Color Guard, American Legion Post #166 riders, Hogs and Heroes and a special group of Marines from all across the East Coast who will come walk past Morris and salute him in uniform as he sits and watches the parade.

“There’s a half circle in front of the school. Everyone’s going to line up in the half circle, then they’re going to come out of the half circle going on Franklin Avenue for about 10 feet and then go into the parking lot, and then once they go to the parking lot they’re going to go straight up the parking lot,” Ben said. “He’ll (Morris) be on the right-hand side sitting under one of the tents that the Marines will supply.”

A group of resident’s from Morris’ senior living home will also be bussed to the parade.

There may be a visit from a special well-known guest, but Ben can’t release their name because the guest isn’t sure whether or not they can make it.

For additional

contact the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office at 410-632-9309.

All are welcome to come see the parade, and Ben encourages anyone at-

‘These factors can collectively contribute to economic uncertainty and potentially hinder growth in the local economy.’

It’s Memorial Day, the game’s afoot

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more...”

That’s the first line in a speech by King Henry in Shakespeare’s play, “Henry V,” and although the play dramatizes the English assault on a French town in Normandy more than 600 years ago, that first line seems to work whenever people are called on to give their best effort one more time.

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,” because it’s Memorial Day weekend, and it’s time to gird ourselves for what everyone hopes will be one of the busiest summers in years.

As many people know, the next 15 or 16 weeks will make or break the year for most businesses in town, particularly the hotels, motels, restaurants, beach gear retailers and amusements.

Further, the money they spend on supplies and payroll will flow through to other businesses and services that are less dependent of tourism as a direct source of income but are nevertheless tied to the tourism-based economy.

Undoubtedly, some residents will be gritting their teeth, longing for the quieter fall and wishing these visitors would go somewhere else to enjoy themselves. And — boy! — would they be sorry if that happened. The very places they like to go for breakfast, lunch or dinner probably wouldn’t exist, the parks would likely fall into a state of disrepair and, most importantly, their taxes would go up ... way up.

The city expects to collect more than $25 million in room taxes in the budget year ahead, and were that to vanish and the city continued to maintain the same level of services residents expect, the real estate tax bill on a $400,000 home would increase somewhere between $900-$1,000. And that assumes the real estate tax base didn’t tank because of the thousands of rental properties that sat empty and lost value.

There’s no way around it. Tourism makes the world go ‘round on this coast, and Memorial Day is when it really starts to happen. With good weather, a decent economy and more and more people anxious to get out of the house and have some fun, the summer of 2023 ought to be a good one.

As Henry V said, “The game’s afoot.”

No one really cares

It takes a while, once you reach a certain point in life, to realize that no one cares what you look like when you’re at the beach. Were that not so, this beach could be guarded by a pair of Chesapeake Bay retrievers, since everyone who wasn’t buff or beautiful would confine themselves to their rooms or otherwise cover up completely as a favor to society.

For instance, it took me 30 years to accept

that I could wear shorts in public without having people ask me, “Hey, buddy, how do you walk on those legs? They’re so skinny you could shoot pool with ‘em.”

As it turned out, I finally did give shorts a try a few years ago and discovered that not only did no one care, I was invisible.

Besides, as our longtime cartoonist extraordinaire Marc Emond made clear in a recent offering, I still look pretty good for my age.

Semiatin to visit hundredth restaurant June 1

Continued from Page 64

tending to bring an American flag or a Marine flag to wave. He asked that people don’t bring balloons so they are not lost and cause pollution.

Members of the Berlin Police Department are helping control traffic for the event.

“I’m fascinated with what’s going on,” Morris said through chuckles.

Morris grew up in Baltimore City and moved to Silver Spring with his family in 1951 where he worked as a commercial photographer taking pictures of White House visitors. His career spanned from 1958 to 1985, photographing all the presidential administrations during that period, Ben said.

Along the way, Morris made some notable friends, including Muhammad Ali, and appeared in photographs with the Kennedys, Lyndon B. Johnson and Star Trek lead William Shatner. He even took personal portraits of Ronald and Nancy Reagan.

Ben moved to Ocean City in 2016 for retirement, while Morris continued living alone at his house in Kensington, but Ben kept up with weekly

visits.

“Every week was a 300-mile round trip which was pretty far to see him every week,” Ben said.

As Morris grew older and required closer care, Ben decided to move him to Gull Creek Senior Living Community in Berlin in 2020, where he now resides.

On the first Thanksgiving of covid, Ben ordered two take-out turkey dinners from Denny’s so he and Morris could share a socially-distant Thanksgiving meal. Ben sat and ate from the sidewalk while Morris sat and ate from his balcony.

“We were in the middle covid and he could not leave the retirement home. He was restricted to his room. It was getting really bad then, and I didn’t want him to spend Thanksgiving by himself,” Ben said “We’ve never been apart on Thanksgiving.”

A passer-by took their picture, and they went viral online, Ben said.

As covid restrictions in the retirement home relaxed, Ben continued taking his father to different restaurants around town, and thus began the

Rejected budget will affect teachers

Editor,

It is very concerning that the Worcester County Commissioners rejected the school board’s budget. Lack of transparency was sited as the reason.

Does that mean that in the past their budgets had clarity but this year’s doesn’t?

As a resident and taxpayer, I

would like to know the specifics.

The net result is that teachers and supporting staff will not get raises but county employees will.

This decision disrespects teachers who are the cornerstone of a good school system.

What were Bertino, Abbott, Bunting and Fiori thinking? I can’t believe there wasn’t a way to work this out.

Lynne McAllorum Ocean Pines

mission to try as many different places as they could.

“What I do every week is on our Facebook page, or Ocean City COOLEST, I post a picture of him eating the meal. Then I post a picture of the meals and then the menu and we put them on our page and people in town love it,” Ben said. “They say they plan their entire week’s vacation around our postings.”

Since then Morris has become something of a local celebrity, recently being featured in a segment on WBOC’s DelmarvaLife.

The first time Ben held a parade for his father, Morris still lived in Kensington. Ben organized for firetrucks and police cars to drive by Morris’ house, and all the neighbors came out to watch.

The next year Ben had a parade drive by the retirement home, but covid restrictions kept participants low.

Last year Ben went to the Boardwalk and invited people to come see Morris, but only about 10 people showed up, Ben said.

“But this year they said there’s no covid restrictions. Go crazy. Have all the spectators you want, all the groups you want, but make sure you get a big enough space that can accommodate it,” Ben said.

Ben noticed that the Berlin Intermediate parking lot would serve as a perfect venue, and it’s just across Route 113 from the senior home.

As for inviting groups to be in the parade, Ben sent out emails and phone calls, Google searching for every Marine Chapter up and down the East Coast.

With Morris having lived three years at Gull Creek, Ben is beginning to run out of funds to keep him there, so two months ago he started an Instagram for Morris with a Go Fund Me page linked to it. He hopes to crowd source funding in order to continue housing Morris at Gull Creek.

“Please donate to keep this World War II veteran living comfortably in Gull Creek Senior Living home. If you can do it,” Ben said.

To keep up with the Semiatins’ restaurant adventures, visit www.facebook.com/groups/499413634930610 . To see his Instagram visit www.instagram.com/awesomedad_ocmd/. The Go Fund Me page is linked in the bio, and can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/5th-marinesdivision-iwo-jima-purple-hearthero?member=23788359&sharetype =teams&utm_campaign=p_na+sharesheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm _source=customer.

NOTICE TO MERCHANTS

Have you forgotten to renew your State of Maryland business license? In order to avoid paying the mandatory penalty, please renew your license by May 31, 2023. Note: The office will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day under State Law.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland

Japanese Invasion of Aleutians Islands, Ala.

By Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer

(May 26, 2023) This week 80 years ago, American Forces completed the recapture of Attu Island from the Japanese. Attu and Kiska islands lie at the tip of the Aleutians Islands chain, which extends for 1,200 miles southwest of Alaska, and were occupied by the Japanese in 1942 following the Battle of Midway. After the occupation, the Japanese tried to keep these isolated island garrisons supplied. This process was difficult and dangerous.

The U.S. heavy cruiser Indianapolis caught and sank the Akagane Maru, an unescorted cargo ship bound for Attu Island on Feb. 18, 1943. The Japanese then determined their next reinforcements to the Aleutians would get through. For a convoy of only three vessels, they assembled an escort consisting of practically the entire Fifth Fleet, Northern Force — two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers and five destroyers.

In March 1943, the U.S. Naval

POLICE/COURTS

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Police followed with their lights flashing and siren activated, but White turned into a parking lot of a nearby hotel and then drove on to another, according to the charging documents.

When police confronted White, he allegedly claimed he had been going fast because he was looking for his friend and said he did not see the police car with its lights on.

The officer arrested White.

Handgun

OCPD charged Alex Richard Williamson, 39, of Cambridge, with trespassing, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and having a loaded handgun in his car, according to a police report.

On May 21, around 8 p.m., officers responded to a downtown call about

Forces in the area received radio intelligence indicating the Japanese would be pushing more cargo ships through to Attu. They established a scouting line of one heavy cruiser, one light cruiser and four destroyers west of Attu.

This force, commanded by RearAdm. Charles H. McMorris, found and engaged the Japanese force on the morning of March 26, 180 miles west of Attu, and a hundred miles south of the Russian Komandorski Islands.

Known as the Battle of Komandorski Islands, the two forces opened fire at long range. The battle lasted for several hours. The U.S. heavy cruiser Salt Lake City was heavily damaged, but was able to withdraw at slow speed guarded by the accompanying destroyers.

Instead of pressing his advantage in firepower, and fearing that he might lose his supply ships, ViceAdm. Boshir Hosogaya decided to disengage and went back to Japan.

Continued on Page 70

suspicious circumstances.

A man had been sitting in an apartment in the area when he heard his door open. He realized it wasn’t his friend coming to visit and when he went outside to look he saw Williamson, who was a stranger to him, walking away.

The witness told police he had seen Williamson trespassing on other nearby properties and recorded it on video.

Police found and detained Williamson at a nearby establishment on Philadelphia Avenue, the witness went with police to identify him, and stated that he was sure Williamson was the man who opened his door.

Officers arrested Williamson, searched him, found he was carrying cocaine and took him to the booking facility. A search of the suspect’s car revealed a revolver under the driver’s seat.

American troops endure snow and ice during the Battle of Attu in May 1943.

OBITUARIES

TOBIAS NIQUIL MCCARGO

Tucson, Arizona

It is with heavy hearts the family of Tobias Niquil McCargo, 29, have confirmed his death.

Tobias Niquil is the son of Tobias Lowe and (the late) Paulette McCargo. Tobias began his brief life’s journey October 19, 1993 in Springfield, Massachusetts and passed from this life May 11, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona.

Tobias attended the Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin, and continued on to graduate from the Stephen Decatur High School, also in Berlin.

Shortly after graduating from High School, Tobias relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where he acquired gainful employment and created a very creative and fruitful life for himself.

Tobias is preceded in death by his

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 69

His superiors in Tokyo would not take any of this. With such overwhelming firepower, he should have prevailed easily, but he did not. For his failure, Vice-Adm. Hosogaya would never command a naval force again.

The goal of the American operation was to reestablish full control over the Aleutians and expel the Japanese from North American territory. The U.S. war strategy in the Pacific, at the time, was based on a thrust into Japanese held islands in the Central Pacific and advance along the shortest route to the Japanese Home Islands.

To guarantee success for such a gigantic drive, the northern flank had to be secured. Thus, the full control of the Aleutians chain by the U.S. forces was considered a prerequisite before any advance into the Central Pacific.

On May 11, 1943, U.S. forces under Adm. Thomas Kinkaid began their invasion of Attu Island. Adm. Kinkaid, commander of Northern Pacific Force, assembled an imposing armada to support the invasion.

In addition to a bombardment force of three old battleships, an escort aircraft carrier, and seven destroyers for escorting and providing fire support for the Army landing force, he had two covering groups, composed of several cruisers, destroyers, and submarines, to guard against any possible challenge by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Reinforcing the naval support, the Eleventh Air Force was to provide 54 bombers and 128 fighters for the operation, holding back a third of the bomber force for use against ships of the Japanese fleet.

The landings on Attu were tough.

mother, Paulette McCargo. He leaves to mourn his passing a sister, Selina N’Kole McCargo, of Salisbury; brothers Aaron Jeffrey McCargo and Justin Carl McCargo, both of Berlin; uncle, Kelly McCargo of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandfather Carl Winston McCargo, Springfield, Massachusetts; grandmother Jessyca Stansbury-McCargo, Columbia; and great aunt Paulette N. Primas, Salisbury.

Tobias’ sister, Selina McCargo, issued the following message to her brother:

Growing up, with having an absent father. You did your best to make sure I had a father figure present at all times. Taking on the role of being an older brother also. Whether it was showing up to my schools “Donuts with Dad”, my elementary school plays and making sure we had our playtime/ bonding. You always told me to prioritize school and get all required degrees. And to be sure to move out of Berlin but most impor-

Continued on Page 71

Troops of the 7th Infantry Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Albert E. Brown, were hampered by cold winds and fanatic Japanese resistance, led by Col. Yasuyo Yamasaki. The end came on the night of May 29, when most of the surviving Japanese, about 700 to 1,000 strong, charged madly through American lines, screaming, killing, and being killed.

The next day the enemy announced the loss of Attu, as American units cleared out surviving enemy pockets. Although mopping-up operations continued for several days, organized resistance ended with the wild charge of May 29, and Attu was once more in American hands.

The capture of Attu did not end the Aleutian Islands Campaign, because the Japanese still controlled Kiska Island. For the invasion of Kiska, Adm. Kinkaid sought to ensure that the final assault in the Aleutians would be made with better-equipped and more seasoned soldiers.

His assault troops would wear clothing and footwear better suited for the cold weather, and the landing force would consist of the veterans of the Attu invasion.

A U.S. intelligence estimate of enemy strength on Kiska was about 10,000 men. Adm. Kinkaid arranged for his ground commander, Maj. Gen. Charles H. Corlett, U.S. Army, to receive 34,426 troops, including 5,500 Canadians and elements of the “Devil’s Brigade.”

Unlike Attu, Kiska was subjected to a heavy pre-invasion bombardment. But in the end, the Allies had attacked an uninhabited island. The entire enemy garrison of 5,183 men had slipped away unseen.

To make the embarrassment com-

Continued on Page 71

Tobias McCargo

Continued from Page 70

tantly Maryland. To start fresh , make a strong positive impact in the world and to always remember where we came from. I will keep all our memories in my heart. I am so blessed to had a brother like you. No one on this earth is like you. One core memory of you I smile about is your signature pose for pictures, the thumbs up and your bright beautiful smile. My heart is completely shattered. I try to pick up the pieces but they just keep falling. I am unsure if I will ever feel the same again. I often blame myself for not seeing any signs and even communicating with you. You will always be my shining light. I thank you and will always love you! The family added that they will always remember Tobias for his good looks, infectious smile, compassionate nature, warm and magnetic disposition. May God grant peace and rest to his eternal soul.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying will be no more, for the former things….have passed away.”

A “Service of Celebration” for Tobias, aka Toby, is planned by the family and will be accessible by ZOOM.

Details will be posted once they have been completed.

The family extends their gratitude to the Tucson Police Department and the Pima County office of the Medical Examiner.

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 70

plete, the Kiska evacuation had been carried out on July 28, almost three weeks before the Allied landing. On Aug. 24, 1943, Gen. Corlett declared the island secure, marking the end of the Aleutian Islands Campaign.

In the end the, Japanese lost 4,350 killed, 28 captured, seven warships and nine cargo transports sunk. For the Allies, 1,481 were killed, 640 missing, 3,416 wounded, and eight captured. In addition, 225 aircraft were destroyed, and one destroyer and two submarines were sunk.

The centerpiece of the campaign was the battle for Attu. In terms of numbers engaged, Attu ranks as one of the most costly assaults in the Pacific. For every 100 enemy soldiers found on the island, about 71 Americans were killed or wounded. The relative cost of taking Attu was thus second only to Iwo Jima.

In one sense, the departure of the Japanese from Kiska without a fight was unfortunate. It gave U.S. commanders a false picture of what might be expected from the enemy when the odds were hopelessly against him. Instead of fighting to the death, as in Attu, he had faded into the fog without a struggle. But Attu, not Kiska, was to provide the pattern of future battles against the Japanese.

Next week: Battle of Exi

“Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

STEPHANIE KARAT AMICK Ocean City

Stephanie Karat Amick, 41, was born in Baltimore on Aug. 15 1981, and passed away on Dec. 30 2022, while visiting San Diego, California.

Stephanie grew up in Millsboro, Delaware, where she attended school and excelled at art and math. Later she lived in Frankford, Delaware, where she helped her mother, Nancy Karat May (who died in 2013) run a thrift store for the Presbyterian Church. Twenty years ago, Stephanie moved to Ocean City where she managed motels and the front desk and worked as a housekeeper at establishments that included MR Ducks, A Clean Haven and Misty Harbor Motel. She loved cars and knew how to rebuild a transmission and fix a brake line.

Her sudden passing was an accident and occurred while she was walking on a sidewalk in San Diego toward the beach. The driver of a Ford pickup

truck had a seizure, lost control of his vehicle and veered off the roadway and knocked her down. She immediately went into a coma and did not regain consciousness.’

Her organs were donated to charity. Stephanie’s remains were cremated and her ashes returned to the family.

There will be a private service on May 28.

RONALD WARD

Bishopville

Ronald Ward, 81, passed away on May 15, 2023, at his home in Bishopville after a long illness that he fought with great dignity, with his loving wife, Sidney, by his side.

Ron was born in Williamson, West Virginia, to Golda Butler Burchett and Claude H. Ward. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles L. Ward.

Ron graduated from Brooklyn Park High School and attended Morehead State College in Kentucky.

He is survived by his wife, Sidney; his son and best friend Brian Ward (Lisa); his beloved daughter, Ann Nilsen (Steve); and his two special grandchildren, Jordan and Lukas Nilsen, whom he was so proud of.

He grew up working in the roofing

business in Baltimore alongside his cherished stepfather, Charles E. Butler, the founder of M.D. Home Improvement Assn. (MICA) in 1961. Ron was honored to be a part of this association from the beginning.

Ron opened Ward Roofing Company in Ocean City in the late 1970s. Being self-employed most of his life, he often joked about having hundreds of bosses.

He was recognized recently for 50 years with the Masonic Grand Lodge of Maryland (Corinthian Lodge 93), the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, and the Boumi Shriners. The latter supports the Shriners Hospital for Children. He was also one of the founders of the Ocean City Shrine Club.

Ron was a fun-loving guy who loved sharing his life stories. He will always be remembered as a kind and generous man. He will be greatly missed. His interment will be private at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Reisterstown, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Coastal Hospice at Coastalhospice.org or P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit easternshorecremation.com.

$1,445.

Stephanie Amick

Ronald Ward

Janney and Beck to compete in state tennis championship

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(May 26, 2023) Stephen Decatur juniors Matt Beck and David Janney won their second tennis regional title, and now the duo is chasing a state championship.

“I am very excited for them this year. They seem super motivated,” said Decatur Coach Steve Berquist.

The doubles teammates captured their second consecutive award during the 2A East Region II tournament in Cambridge, May 16-17, to advance to the state meet.

The 2022 regional champs were seeded No. 1 and received a firstround bye. They topped their first opponents, 6-3, 6-3, on day one. The next day in the finals, the duo won, 75, 6-3.

“We won the first match straight sets, which is really good, and a big confidence booster too going into the second match,” Janney said. “The second match I think was a little tougher, but we actually played really well together. I think it’s easy to build on when you play good the last match to fix kind of the little things. A lot of it was fixing the small mistakes we made in the first match. The second match we fixed those – for the most part –and we just played good team tennis.”

Beck thought the pair could have played better overall during the regional tournament.

“There’s stuff we have to clean up for the state tournament,” he said. “We played better in the second match. We fixed what we did earlier and from last season we were there.

“We definitely improved and I think that’s confidence building up,”

he continued. “In the first match we weren’t playing that well and we ended up winning and that probably helped our confidence going into the second match too.”

Both boys said they were excited to be crowned back-to-back regional champs.

“My coach was telling me we’re not defending anything, we’re going out to get it again and that was my mindset going through it,” Beck said.

“We expected to win it twice,” Janney said. “Our big goal is to win states and I think that’s something that’s in our favor. I think that’s something we are very able to do.”

Beck and Janney said on Tuesday that they are confident going into the 2A MPSSAA state tournament, held at Baker Park and Frederick High School. The boys won their first match last year and are looking to go further this season.

“I think a lot of it is being in a good mental state, because mentality is huge in tennis and keeping a cool head and not letting your emotions get to you is really big, and playing constantly and making the right decisions in whatever situation you’re in,”

Janney said. “Competing last year helps. We played two matches at states last year, so we’ve been there and we won a match … I think we’re just playing very well together and I think we have a lot of momentum going right now and we don’t want to let that drop.”

The quarterfinals and semifinals will take place Thursday, May 25. The finals are scheduled for Saturday.

“We’ve been playing together for a while. I feel like we can definitely per-

form well and do better than last year where we made it to the semifinals,” Beck said. “My hope for this year to get to the championship Saturday … I do feel much more confident than last year because last year we were just happy to be there and it was all new and amazing. This year we’re going out to win.”

The eight 2A regional champions were seeded randomly for states.

Janney and Beck received the sixth seed and will face third-seeded Nadav Weisberg and William Cogan of Hereford High School in the quarterfinal round.

“I think we both have to be on our

‘A’ games and definitely using our IQ and our brain to our advantage because we’re two really smart people and the game of tennis, it’s not all physicality and technique it’s a lot of mental ability too,” Beck said.

“Matt and David need to stay relaxed and play their aggressive style on the court to be successful this year at states. Last year’s experience should help them accomplish that,” Berquist said. “Teams at states keep the ball in play, so you have to play points out and hit winners. David and Matt do that very well together. They set each other up at the net very nicely for opportunities to hit winners.”

Justice to compete in 3,200m race at states

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(May 26, 2023) Ethan Justice will represent Stephen Decatur during the MPSSAA 3A track and field state championship meet, held May 25-27 at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover.

Justice, a junior, qualified for the state meet for finishing fourth in the 3,200-meter race in a personalrecord time of 10 minutes, during the 3A South Regional championship, which took place May 17 and 20 at Reservoir High School in Fulton,

Maryland.

“I thought the first day was pretty good,” Justice said. “I did pretty well in the 4x8 [relay race] and two mile. I qualified for states so that was good. Second day I didn’t run my best.”

Justice was happy with his time –he dropped 37 seconds off his previous best finish – and thought he ran well overall in the two-mile event.

“I’m just so happy that he made it to states because he needed that confidence,” said Decatur Coach Brenda Hommel. “After he qualified he was

more relaxed for the rest of that day on Wednesday than I’ve seen him in a long time.”

This will be Justice’s first state appearance and he said he is both nervous and excited. His race is scheduled for Friday evening.

“I’m trying not to come in last, but I’m also looking toward the school record,” Justice said. “I need to shave like seven or eighth seconds off what I ran at regionals to break it.”

The current 3,200-meter school record is 9:53.6, set in 1995 by Joe Troutman.

“Running a smart, tactical race, not going out really hard and burning myself out,” will be the key to success for Justice at states he said.

Justice is ranked 14th in the 3A state division for the 3,200.

“I’m super proud of him. He has earned this,” Hommel said. “For distance, you have to be mentally prepared to run your best race. You have to mentally say, ‘I’m just gonna go.’

“I think he’s got a shot,” Hommel continued. “He’s probably, by far, the most talented runner I’ve ever

PHOTO COURTESY JAMIE GREENWOOD

Stephen Decatur juniors Matt Beck, left, and David Janney won their second tennis regional title last week, and now the doubles team is chasing a state championship. They are pictured with Decatur Coach Steve Berquist during the 2A East Region II tournament in Cambridge, May 16-17.

Seahawks ‘leave it all on the field’ in state quarters

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(May 26, 2023) The Stephen Decatur girls’ lacrosse team chipped away at C. Milton Wright’s lead in the second half of last Wednesday’s 2A MPSSAA state quarterfinals, but the Lady Seahawks came up short, falling to the Mustangs, 9-6, in Berlin.

“I think we started the game out rough against CMW due to nerves,” said Decatur Coach Lindsay Owens. “We were sloppy with passing and catching as well as late slides and dug ourselves a hole down by four going into halftime.”

Fifth-seeded C. Milton Wright led 7-3 at halftime.

“The second half I thought we picked it up and played well,” Owens said. “We started playing together and supporting each other all over the field. We had momentum with three minutes left down by two, but couldn’t capitalize on shots and their goalie made some clutch saves.”

Junior Sadie Kauffman scored three of Decatur’s goals. She also won five draws. Senior Audrey Mumford netted two, and sophomore Lily Carson tallied one.

Junior Addison McDaniel stopped 15 C. Milton Wright shots in goal for fourth-seeded Decatur.

“Overall, the girls played their hardest and gave 100-percent effort,” Owens said. “We told them to leave it all on the field and they did. So while it wasn’t the ending we wanted, we are so proud of how far we’ve come this year.”

Decatur finished the season with a 10-6 overall record. The Seahawks advanced to the state quarterfinals after defeating the Parkside Rams, 19-6, in the 2A East Region II championship.

“This season was a dream season. Our No. 1 goal was to become a family and the girls made it happen naturally,” Owens said. “It was incredible to see the support on the field, off the field, on the sidelines, in the classroom, you name it.”

The girls had each other’s backs from day one, which is why the team was successful this year, Owens said.

“We knew we had to improve on our lacrosse skills, but what really carried us this year was our love for one another and not wanting the season to end,” Owens said. “I admire and am proud of every single one of these girls, because each girl had a tremendous part in making the team what it was – from the seniors and juniors being leaders and role models to the underclassmen pulling their weight, listening, and making the

Justice hopes to break school record

Continued from Page 72

coached. He’s got so much potential. He just has to get a little more grit and get that killer instinct and be willing to run up there with the top kids and he could do so much better. To be competitive, you’ve got to be willing to get in there in the mess.”

Several other Decatur athletes earned points for the boys’ and girls’ teams and ribbons for placing eighth or better in their individual or relay races.

“I was happy with how our athletes did at regionals,” Hommel said.

Justice was part of the 3,200meter relay team with senior Nick Moreno, sophomore Ethan Cowder and freshman Collin Pennington. They finished in seventh place with a PR time of 8:42.82.

Sophomores Donovan Henry and Amarian Manuel and seniors Logan Bradshaw and Jaden Holland took seventh in the 800-meter relay race (1:37.54).

The 1,600-meter relay team of Cowder and sophomores James Uebel, Alex Ward and Brandon Fitzgerald placed eighth (PR

group competitive.

Winning or losing aside, this season was a great success,” she added. “Not only did they grow as a family, but they grew the lacrosse community and a whole lot of fans.”

Several players received All-Bayside South recognition for their performance during the season.

Mumford was named Player of the Year. She scored 36 goals and had 12 assists this season. She also won 25 draws, scooped up 10 ground balls and caused four turnovers.

See GIRLS’ Page 74

3:47.48).

On the girls’ side, freshman Lotus Wise came in sixth place in the 200meter dash (26.82 seconds) and the long jump (14 feet 9.5 inches).

Junior Macy Woroniecki took third in the 1,600-meter race (PR

5:26.50) and sixth in the 3,200-meter event (PR 12:35.61).

Woroniecki, junior Tiara McDonald, sophomore Amber Marshall and freshman Ellie Cheynet placed sixth in the 3,200-meter relay race (10:58.16).

Lindsay Owens

PHOTO COURTESY BRENDA HOMMEL

Several Stephen Decatur track and field athletes earned ribbons for placing eighth or better in their individual and/or relay races during the MPSSAA 3A South Regional championship, which took place May 17 and 20 at Reservoir High School in Fulton. Some of the athletes who received ribbons, pictured, from left, are sophomores James Uebel, Brandon Fitzgerald, Ethan Cowder and Alex Ward, juniors Ethan Justice, Tiara M cDonald and Macy Woroniecki, and freshmen Ellie Cheynet and Lotus Wise.

‘Future looks very bright’ for Decatur boys’ lacrosse team

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(May 26, 2023) The Stephen Decatur and Easton boys’ lacrosse teams meet for the third time this season in the MPSSAA 2A East Region II finals last Monday.

Decatur lost the first matchup on April 3, on the road, 15-8, and the second competition – the Bayside Conference championship – 15-9 on May 8 in Berlin.

The third game on May 15 was closer, with Easton edging out Decatur, 108, on its field.

“We’re a run-and-gun team. We’re fast and talented and if we keep pace we can usually tire a team out. We came out and scored two,” said Decatur Coach “Hoffy” Hoffman. “It was a back-and-forth game. Our game plan was to try to beat them at their own game, and it worked for a while. Small mistakes turned into turnovers and goals.”

Second-seeded Decatur led 2-0, but Easton tied it up before the end of the first quarter. The top-seeded Warriors added three in the second quarter to hold a 5-2 advantage at halftime.

After three quarters, Easton was ahead 8-6.

“We were down four in the fourth. We tied it up with about two minutes left,” Hoffman said. “We had momentum, just a couple little mistakes turned into goals … [Easton winning face-offs and] them having possession over and over helped out.”

Freshman John Fohner was Decatur’s top producer with three goals. Senior captain Gabe Geiser chipped in with two goals and one assist.

Sophomore Luke Popielaski, junior Evan Oglesby and freshman Gunnar Ketner scored one goal each.

Freshman Declan Horan recorded seven saves in goal for Decatur.

“We just made too many little mistakes, and that will happen with a young team. That just comes with experience,” Hoffman said. “We were hustling on every ground ball. We left everything out on the field.”

Decatur advanced to the regional finals with a 14-4 victory over the third-seeded James M. Bennett Clippers on May 12 in Berlin.

“We had a great game plan going in,” Hoffman said. “It was our best defensive game all year. [Defense] finally started clicking [and] we were patient on offense. It came down to we just have so much more young talent.”

Sophomore Graham Geiser led Decatur with four goals. Fohner chipped in with three goals and one assist. Gabe Geiser tallied two goals

and two assists. Popielaski contributed two, and Oglesby (two assists) and freshmen Ashton March (three assists) and Parker Mason scored one each.

Horan stopped four Bennett shots.

Several players earned All-Bayside South Conference awards for their performance this season.

Gabe Geiser, who has been on the team since he was a freshman, was named Offense Player of the Year. Sophomore captain Owen Sperry was presented Defense Player of the Year. Geiser had 24 goals, 23 assists and 14 ground balls this season.

“Losing the leadership on the field and in the locker room will be tough next year without Gabe,” Hoffman said. “He is a great player, but an even better teammate and friend. It’s going to be a hole in the program that won’t easily be filled.”

Sperry had one goal, one assist, and 36 caused turnovers.

“Owen being a two-year starter for varsity and winning DPOTY as a sophomore is a huge honor,” Hoffman said. “I’m very excited for him and also to have him for two more years as he continues to grow as a player and young man.”

First Team awards went to: attack: March and Fohner; midfield: Gabe Geiser; defense: Sperry and freshman Tre Strickler; and defensive midfield: sophomore Ashton Clarke.

Second Team honors were given to: attack: Graham Geiser; midfield: Popielaski; defense: sophomore Frankie Buxbaum; defensive midfield: Mason; and goalie: Horan.

Honorable mention accolades were presented to Oglesby.

Hoffman was named Bayside South Coach of the Year, but he said all his assistants deserve the recognition as well.

“They all have their own responsibilities and I can rely on them and trust them,” he said. “Every one of them earned their right to have their own opinion and I count on them. It was nice to be the head coach and just run the program.”

Hoffman’s coaching staff this season included: Offensive Coordinator Gunnar Reynolds, Defensive Coordinator Tyler Workman, Offensive Assistant Coach Mike Popielaski, and Face-off/Goalie Coach Jeremy Johnson.

Decatur finished the season with a 10-5 overall record.

“It went great. We got to the Bayside championship, but we didn’t win it, we got to the region championship, we didn’t win it, but the fact that we’re getting there as young as we are, we’re going to win it,” Hoffman said. “And as long as they stay humble, they have the drive and are focused and committed, we’ll win states.”

Girls’ lax squad to graduate 12 ‘irreplaceable’ seniors

“I’m so proud of Audrey and all that she has accomplished this year. She has really broken out of her shell and grown in confidence,” Owens said. “She became a leader for her team where her actions spoke for themselves on and off the field. The team really looked to her when we needed big plays on attack and Audrey pulled through time and time again. I can’t wait to see the successful lacrosse career she will have at Salisbury next year.”

First Team honorees for attack: Kauffman, Mumford and senior Kayla Brady; midfield: senior captains Mia Kemp and Alina BernalClark, and senior Shelby Rosemond; and defense: juniors Abby Melito and Reagan Sterrs.

McDaniel was presented First Team for goalie.

Second Team accolades went to: attack: Carson and senior Kora Ketner; midfield: sophomore Mariabella Morse; and defense: seniors Sophia Krasner and Renee Fohner.

Senior Tatum Vorsteg earned honorable mention distinction.

Owens was named Coach of the Year.

She said she is honored for the recognition and shares it with many.

“Coach Shannon Bone, the play-

Hoffman said the team’s motto this year was “Trust the Process.”

“And they did a great job,” he added.

The team will lose three players to graduation – Geiser, Brant Skipper and Eden McMullen.

On the bright side, the starting lineup consisted of seven freshmen and three sophomores. Then after the first face-off, Gabe Geiser, Oglesby and Popielaski would come in.

ers, and our parents have all played a major role in helping to achieve the goal of making this team a family,” she said. “It’s very easy to coach when I come to practice/games every day and see how much fun they have with each other. Once the family was built, everything else fell into place. These girls, the coaching staff, and the parental support made this the best and most memorable season yet.”

The team will be graduating 12 “irreplaceable” seniors, seven of whom were starters.

“We will be losing our entire midfield (Mia Kemp, Shelby Rosemond and Alina Bernal-Clark) and one of our top attackers (Audrey Mumford),” Owens said. “While we will be graduating a lot of talented seniors, we knew that going into this year, so we took a larger team than usual.”

Owens said the younger girls developed fast and improved greatly under the guidance of the seniors.

“We are extremely excited and confident that they will not only continue to grow and improve, but carry on the lessons they’ve learned from this year to future teams,” she said. “We will be strong, if not stronger next year. Our seniors can not be replaced, but our younger girls will make a name for themselves.”

“The future looks very bright,” Hoffman said. “We have areas we need to improve on, but the numbers the freshmen were able to provide this year was big.”

Hoffman said he is already looking forward to next season.

“I’m excited to get back to it and to get them back on the field and keep working toward a state championship,” he said. “We know the talent we have.”

Hoffy Hoffman

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Stephen Decatur freshman Ava Konyar scoops up a ball and heads upfield during last Monday’s MPSSAA 2A East Region II championship game against Parkside in Berlin. Decatur won, 19-6.

Continued from Page 73

Surf Column: Restrictions coming

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(May 26, 2023) As winter has turned to spring these last few months, surfers have been able to enjoy the offseason in relatively more mild conditions.

By this I mean water temperatures in the 50s and air temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

Make no mistake, these are still cold conditions, just not as cold as the winter months when water and air are generally in the 40s.

Thus, some of the thicker, heavier wetsuit gear can be shed in favor of lighter gear and assuming that ridable surf is present, some fun can be had.

The town is still generally “open” with minimal traffic, available parking and no restrictions.

Restrictions?!?! Whadaya mean?

Well, boys and girls, surfing restrictions will come into force on the fast approaching Memorial Day Weekend.

At that time, surfing will not be allowed after 10 a.m. and before 5:30 p.m. in the town of Ocean City.

There are some exceptions to these restrictions.

Beaches are available everyday that are set aside for surfing, one in the north part of town and one in the south part of town. These rotate everyday.

In addition to these two beaches, a significant portion of the beach area between the inlet and the pier is available for surfing on weekdays.

The enforcement for these restrictions has traditionally been the Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP).

Many of the OCBP are surfers themselves and if you find yourself being called out of the water it’s best to obey the signals which will be blasts of a whistle and flag signals alerting the surfer in the water that the 10 a.m. hour has arrived.

For many surfers, the first reaction is one of resentment and disdain for the lifeguard or Surf Rescue Technician (SRT) as they are known.

Basically, they are just doing their job and none of their signals or commands are personal or mean spirited.

In truth, the SRTs most probably have just as much regard and attraction to the ocean as surfers do.

As an addition to the relatively small one block surf beaches that the town allows, the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) has been successful in an appeal to widen these surf

beaches when the surf is good and demand is high.

This is a good step toward a goal of less restriction for surfing during daytime in OCMD’s most populated season.

Slowly but surely the town of OCMD is realizing that surfing brings people to the area and is just as important to the economy as any other group of people.

As an aside, though one of great significance, we have Assateague Island to the south and Indian River Inlet to the north.

These areas have little or no restriction and we are quite blessed to have them.

Assateague Island especially is wide open with miles and miles of beaches with no development aside from showers, toilet facilities and a concession in the State Park.

The Island does have a State section and a Federal section and yes there are admission fees, but well worth the price. Camping facilities are also available.

So there you have it. Another phase, another season in the ongoing, everyday activities of OCMD.

—

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.

Worcester Prep junior Caitlin Williams was named co-Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference Player of the Year with Saints Peter and Paul’s Morgan Quade. Williams recorded 123 saves during the 2023 season. She has tied the school record for career saves with 425, and the junior still has one season left. Williams shares the school record with Sophie Bandorick, who went on to play at East Carolina.

Second annual Bahia Marina bluefish opener

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) Bahia Marina on bayside 22nd Street, is hosting the second annual Blues for DU, a bluefish tournament to benefit Ducks Unlimited, from June 2-4.

“It’s not a tournament that’s trying to make money for us, it’s to try and have a tournament to donate money to our cause,” said Shawn Harman, the co-owner of Bahia Marina with his brother, Stacy.

“Money goes to DU, which goes to the habitat, which is habitat for ducks and geese, and habitat in the marsh basically, for fish,” Harman added.

Interested participants can register in advance on the Bahia Marina website.

Boats of up to four anglers have a $200 entry fee, and additional anglers cost $50, with a maximum of six. There are no extra fees for anglers under 16 years old.

Kayakers can enter the tournament for $75.

Final entry sign up is at the marina at 4 p.m. Thursday and the captain’s meeting is at the same location that day at 7 p.m.

At least one person from each team must be present at the captain’s meeting, where organizers will present rules and information on the

tournament.

There are four bluefish calcuttas, including a $50 entry level, a $100 level and a $150 level. These first three will have first, second and third place prizes for the heaviest bluefish, with each winner earning 50 percent, 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

A fourth bonus calcutta has a $200 entry and a pot that’s winner-takesall.

All fish will be weighed at Bahia Marina, where scales are open from 3:30-7:30 p.m.

The awards banquet is on June 4 after the scales close, and will be in the Fish Tales parking lot under tents, Harman said.

Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third places for overall heaviest bluefish winners, along with extra prize money. There will also be prize packs for the top junior anglers.

The tournament boundaries fall within local Ocean City waters from the Route 54 Fenwick Ditch to the Verrazano Bridge, and out through the Ocean City inlet to three nautical miles away. Boats can’t pass the sea buoy before 5 a.m.

Rules state lines in after 7 a.m. and lines out by 3 p.m.

For about 20 years, Bahia’s opening tournament targeted mako

sharks, but due to stricker mako fishing laws, the marina changed it to bluefish starting last year.

The idea of targeting bluefish was actually a revival of an old tournament the marina held before moving to makos.

Harman said the bluefish catch

has been really good so far this year.

“This time of year is the perfect time,” Harman said.

For more information, visit bahiamarina.com/tournament/blues-fordu/, and to register go to bahiamarina.com/tournament/blues -for-du/register/.

OC Marlin Club’s Memorial Day tournament canceled

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(May 26, 2023) The Ocean City Marlin Club has canceled its 14th annual Franky Pettolina Memorial Day fishing tournament due to an unsafe offshore weather forecast for the weekend.

“We don’t want to put our members or anybody else in any danger just to catch a fish,” said Boz Jefferson, secretary and past president of the Marlin Club, who is also co-chair of the tournament. “It originally started as a bluefishonly tournament for just something different. Franky added the tuna to it to get more folks to fish in it. Bluefish are generally an inshore category fish. The tuna people are going offshore to the canyons and stuff like that.”

It was supposed to run Saturday and Sunday as the club’s first tournament of the summer.

Last year the tournament was also canceled due to poor weather.

“For more than a decade he (Pettolina) was the president, he had been a fisherman in his community for his entire life – here and around the world

– and he spearheaded this tournament,” Jefferson said.

A portion of the proceeds of the tournament were meant to benefit the Catherine & Charles Kratz Memorial Foundation & Scholarship Fund, which provides gravesites and columbarium spaces at the Catherine and Charles Kratz Memorial Park in the historic Druid Ridge Cemetery, Baltimore, according to its website.

Kratz was a longtime member and strong supporter of the club. Although the tournament won’t go on, reports of tuna fishing are positive so far this year.

“Charters are starting to get ready to go do the offshore tuna charters. Most people are catching a couple of them a day when they go, so it’s promising,” Jefferson said.

The next OC Marlin Club tournament is the 44th annual Small Boat Tournament, scheduled for June 24-25. Registration is June 23. For more information, visit https://ocmarlinclub.com/tournaments.

PHOTO COURTESY TERRY UNDERKOFFLER

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Worcester Prep sophomore captain Aleksey Klimins earned his second consecutive Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference Player of the Year Award.

SDH athletes plan to play for college teams

(May 26, 2023) Twenty-two Stephen Decatur athletes signing their National Letter of Intent to play their respective sport at the college level during a ceremony at the Berlin school on May 10.

The athletes are as follows:

Mayah Garner - Bowie State University, basketball

Brant Skipper - Hiram College, lacrosse

Gavin Stearn - Catholic University, swimming

Logan Intrieri - Frostburg State University, wrestling

Ridgley Lake - Salisbury University, tennis

Shelby Rosemond - Coastal Carolina, lacrosse

Audrey Mumford - Salisbury University, lacrosse

Renee Fohner - St. Mary’s, lacrosse

Hailey McBride - Carthage College, lacrosse

Kora Ketner - Stevenson Univer-

sity, lacrosse

Brooks Kendall - Delaware State University, baseball

Adam Gardner - RandolphMacon, baseball

Owen Knerr - Goldey-Beacom College, baseball

Gus Croll - Christopher Newport University, baseball

James Watkins - Gallaudet University, football

A’zavion Manuel - Eastern University, football

Daegan Risser - Salisbury University, football

Da’Martae Purnell - Eastern University, football

Logan Bradshaw - Stevenson University, football

Kenny Spates - Hudson Valley Community College, football

Jake Mongelli - Eastern University, football

Justin Bailey - Salisbury University, football

Twenty-two Stephen Decatur athletes signed their National Letter of Intent to play their respective sport at the college level during a ceremony at the Berlin school on May 10.