6/2/2023 Ocean City Today

JUNE

BUCKIN’ BULLS

Professional Bull Riding Challenge Series returns to the OC inlet starting today – Page 6

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OC to prohibit ‘weed’ bars

City Council wants legal tools in place to keep cannabis use off streets

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) Come July 1, the recreational use of marijuana will be legal in Maryland, but Ocean City officials are taking steps now to ensure most public places remain cannabisfree zones.

At a work session Tuesday, council members voted to move a ban of onpremise cannabis consumption li-

censes to a first reading. If the ordinance passes, city business owners will not be able to get a license to sell, or allow use of, any cannabis products in their establishments.

“Equate it to a bar,” City Manager Terry McGean explained. “You can have a beer garden, you could smoke pot outside and you could vape it and consume edibles inside … The law allows local jurisdictions to ban that license and council wants to move forward with doing so.”

The statewide legalization of recreational marijuana last legislative session through the Cannabis Reform

Bill introduced a host of new regulatory laws and code changes that Maryland municipalities are maneuvering. In Ocean City, McGean appointed Deputy City Manager JR Harmon, a retired police captain, to lead the effort.

At Tuesday’s work session, Harmon presented details of the proposed city code changes. He also shared staff members’ recommendation to prohibit the operation of onsite consumption establishments and licenses, and establishment of penalties for violations. According to the

Mailloux’s first hearing dropped as unnecessary

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) The initial court appearance for the suspect in the Gavin Knupp hit-and-run case, Tyler Mailloux, had been scheduled for this May 31, but was canceled after the court agreed the reasons for the hearing had already been addressed.

Mailloux, 22, of Berlin has been charged as the driver in the hit-andrun death of the 14-year-old Knupp of

Seniors walked and accepted their diplomas at the Stephen Decatur High School graduation ceremony in the Louis H. Taylor Stadium on Wednesday. The Class of 2023 listened to Principal Tom Sites, Superintendent Lou Taylor and keynote speaker Dr. Stephen P. Fell before turning their tassels, throwing their caps and watching fireworks.

Absolute bans not allowed, controls of pot sales exist

Continued from Page 1

language, if passed, violation of the ordinance is considered a “municipal infraction,” which is punishable by a fine of $25 to $1,000.

McGean explained that cannabis sale and consumption is currently prohibited in all establishments, except through dispensary licenses. The pending ordinance would simply make any other type of recreational marijuana license nonexistent.

“It’s different from dispensaries, where you can buy it and take it home. That we cannot outright ban,” McGean explained. “That’s like the difference between getting your beer at a bar and getting your beer at a 7Eleven. Here, you’re not going to be able to open a business that allows on-premise consumption of cannabis.”

McGean added that while no absolute bans are allowed, there are ways to police recreational sale and use of cannabis in city limits.

“We are allowed to regulate that through zoning and various setbacks from churches and schools and parks and things like that,” McGean said. “We are working on an ordinance that will regulate dispensaries from a zoning standpoint. But that is a more lengthy process.”

No cannabis dispensaries, which right now only allow for medical sales, exist in city limits. There are some in Worcester County, though, and McGean said those business owners will have an easier time if they want to sell recreational cannabis products.

“If you have an existing medical dispensary, you will rather quickly be

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able to get a license from the state to sell it recreationally,” he said. “But if you do not, that is going to be a much longer process.”

McGean added that the same rules will apply for smoking on the Boardwalk, with anyone who is caught smoking marijuana facing the same penalties they would if they were smoking anything else.

Following Tuesday’s approval, the proposed ordinance will move to a first reading, If it passes, it will advance to a second reading and, presumably, final approval.

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A sign on the Boardwalk informs people that smoking and vaping is prohibited. The regulations have been in place for a while and will remain and regulate smoking recreatioal marijuana when it becomes legal in July 1.

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Resort to create task force for sports complex project

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) Ocean City Council members are officially keeping the concept of a county sports complex alive with a decision to take the lead on the project and appoint a task force to pursue plans.

City Manager Terry McGean said council members and Mayor Rick Meehan discussed the project and a recent Maryland Stadium Authority study on the feasibility of building a complex on a roughly 100-acre site near Stephen Decatur High School at a work session Tuesday.

Members of the stadium authority and representatives from consulting firm Crossroad Consultants presented results of the study to elected officials from the city, county and Berlin at a public meeting on April 27. City officials requested the informational meeting — the only one held since the stadium authority released the study in December — and Tuesday was the first time the mayor and council publicly discussed the details.

McGean said Meehan, who has been a vocal advocate for a county sports complex since its inception, will take the reins on heading the task force. Council members also agreed

to direct the new group to look at other options for the project.

“I think the consensus seemed to be to look at other [sites], not just look at this same location but to explore other alternatives as well,” McGean said.

Council members’ decision to take the lead on the project brings new life to it after plans died at the county level in a majority vote by the Worcester County Commissioners.

The 4-3 vote reflected the results of a November referendum in which county voters shot down a request to buy bonds to purchase the land at the proposed site off of Route 50. When the commissioners followed with their vote, the project pretty much died until city officials stepped in.

Members of the future task force will evaluate the scope, location and potential funding sources.

It is unknown at this time how much money would be needed for land for a complex or where the cash would come from. The study, however, said the state could fund 80 percent of the estimated more than $153.5 million cost for construction of both indoor and outdoor sports facilities.

The cost estimate does not include

the land purchase, which city officials have already considered.

In the fiscal 2024 budget, which goes into effect July 1, money was allocated for a land purchase for a sports complex. The line item was ultimately removed, but kept alive with a “placeholder” in fiscal 2025.

According to the study, the proposed Route 50 location could accommodate the complex, and would support about 1,000 jobs, 100,000 new room nights a year in Ocean City and Worcester County, and roughly $10 million in tax revenue — $2 mil-

An aerial view of the proposed site of a Worcester County sports complex is shown. Ocean City Council members decided at a work session May 30 to take the reins on the project, which will include appointing a task force to look into feasibility and costs, and considering other properties.

lion local and $8 million state tax revenue annually.

The site plan for the complex — at the proposed site near SDHS — calls for 10 rectangular outdoor fields, several of which can also be used as baseball or softball diamonds; a 125,000 square-foot indoor fieldhouse with 10 basketball courts or 20 volleyball courts; and 20,000 square feet of indoor expansion space. Plans also call for a tournament central area, parking, a playground, and support spaces. There is also room for future expansion areas.

Mailloux goes to court in Sept.

Continued from Page 1

Ocean Pines last July. Mailloux will be represented by Lutherville attorney George Psoras Jr.

“The whole point of the initial appearance hearing is to advise the defendant of the charges and explain his right to have an attorney.” State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser said in early May. “If he already has an attorney, the court doesn’t need to advise him on those things.”

The court on May 17 set aside four days in the second week of September — Sept. 11-14 — for Mailloux’s trial, which will be preceded by a motions hearing on Aug. 16 in the courtroom of Judge Brian Shockley. Judge Brett W. Wilson of Dorchester County Circuit Court is scheduled to preside

over the first three days of the trial, and Shockley is scheduled to cover the final day.

Heiser filed 17 charges against Mailloux in Worcester County Circuit Court on April 28, about 10 months after the incident that killed 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 of charges includes 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.

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Pro Bull Riders return to inlet for second year starting today

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) For the second year, cowboys and bulls are returning to the resort for the Ocean City Seacrets Classic Professional Bull Rider Challenge Series that starts today at the inlet parking lot.

“To go outside, to buck a bull by the Atlantic Ocean, to have that setting and kind of a kickoff of the summer season. No better place to do it than in Ocean City,” said Robert Simpson, general manager of the Challenge Series.

Three-day ticket packages cost $204, and single-day tickets range from $30-$85 dollars. Spectators can purchase tickets at event.etix.com/ticket/v/28079/. Tickets can be bought at the door, but are expected to sell out beforehand.

Last year, about 7,425 people attended all three days of the bull-riding challenge.

Organizers had to turn people away because it sold out, but this year, the promoters are bringing in another set of bleachers to raise the audience to about 4,800 seats per day, Simpson said.

The event starts today at 3 p.m., with country music performer Jimmy Charles playing from 4-5:30 p.m. by the beer tents at the inlet, and the Endless Ember Duo band playing at the same time. The inlet will also have western-style food vendors around the lot.

At 6 p.m. the first round of riders will compete and that will be followed by an after party headed by the band 6 Pack Rodeo at Teaser’s Dockside Bar in West Ocean City.

Gates will open at 3 p.m. tomorrow and Charles will return for a 4:30-5 p.m. performance before the second round of bull riders gets started at 6 p.m. That, too, will be followed by another after party, this time at Seacrets.

On Sunday, the third and final day, the gates will open at 11 a.m. and Charles will play from noon-2:30 p.m. At 2 p.m. the third round of bull riding will get underway and, which is followed by the championship round. The after party will return to

Seacrets, with the band Triple Rail Turn playing there.

All riders will compete in the first three rounds, then the top 10 riders compete in the final round.

Lightning within 10 miles of the inlet or heavy rain conditions could cause events to be delayed, but Simpson said the forecast as of Tuesday looks good. If there is just slight to normal rain, the event will go on, Simpson said.

“It is literally adrenaline-filled action from start to finish,” Simpson said. “It really is edge-of-your-seat entertainment. I know that’s really worn out by every promoter with every show, but it really is, and so until people see it live, they don’t get it, and then once they see it live, they come back year after year.”

Professional Bull Rider Michael Lane from Virginia rode in the event last year and placed fifth. He’s returning this year.

Lane compared riding a bull to “trying to tame a storm,” and said one of the greatest tools is mental composure.

“That storm’s going to do what it wants to do and that bull’s going to do what he wants to do, but you can just stay with it, and you know it’s a lot like having a dancing partner,” Lane said. “You just have to move with me. Where he goes, you go, and over the years you learn how to control a lot of the nerves, the fear.”

Riders must hold onto the bull one-handed and can’t touch themselves or the bull with their free hand. They must stay on for at least eight seconds, but if they can hold on past that, four judges rate the bull and the rider on a scale of 1-25.

Judges add all four scores together for a single final score.

“Whenever you hit the mid 80s that’s kind of average. Upper 80s, you’re going a little better, and once you break 90s you’re starting to do really well,” Lane said.

Lane said after riding inside coliseums all year, taking on a bull in the open air by the ocean will be a nice break.

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Bull Rider Jake Borneck tries to stay on his animal during the first-ever Professional Bull Riding competition and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo last year in Ocean City. This year’s event is set for June 2-4 in the inlet parking lot.

‘It is literally adrenaline-filled action from start to finish. It really is edge-of-your-seat entertainment.’

Robert Simpson, general manager of the Challenge Series

Ocean City police vehicles sit parked in a town-owned lot on 65th Street. Council members voted on May 30 to create a policy for employees, such as police, who take their vehicles home.

OC creates take-home car policy

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) Following release of the results of an unfavorable audit, Ocean City Council members have approved a formal policy for staff takehome vehicles.

“One of the things that came out is we really didn’t have a formal policy regarding these things,” City Manager Terry McGean said of the recent audit on the city’s take-home and on-call vehicles.

According to a staff report, which was presented to council members at a work session Tuesday, the fleet consists of 58 regular take-home vehicles, 15 rotating on-call vehicles, and three seasonal take-home vehicles.

The staff report said council members requested an audit of the vehicles and the program, and initially received the results in a closed session

because specific personnel were referenced.

The staff report said the audit issued the city a grade of “Needs Improvement” on take-home vehicles for staff because of the lack of a formal policy, absence of a central database of existing vehicle assignments, and lack of formal approvals and written employee acknowledgements of general operation policies and procedures.

In response, staff members developed a policy, which includes a list of employees who can use and operate take-home and on-call vehicles, and details and establishes rules and regulations for the practice.

“The Town of Ocean City provides vehicles for employees to conduct municipal government related business during an employee’s work shift,” the policy states. “On a limited basis, the Town may allow for the use of a per-

manently assigned take-home or a rotational/temporary on-call vehicle by employees. The Town’s intent is to limit the number of take-home vehicle assignments to employees who have a primary responsibility to respond to emergency situations or when there is a demonstrated economic benefit to the Town.”

A form was also created for all employees who use and operate the vehicles to complete. McGean said the employees are required to read the accompanying policy and follow all regulations.

The council’s approval of the policy Tuesday applies to all employees who use and operate take-home and oncall vehicles, except police officers who fall under the city’s collective bargaining agreement, and staff members assigned to vehicles owned by the Ocean City Fire Company.

MALLORY PANUSKA/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

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Memorial Day weather weighs on OC tourism

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) Memorial Day weekend, a weather-dependent holiday, experienced less-than-favorable beach conditions last weekend and business activity seemed to reflect that.

With a sunny Saturday in the low 70s, a cloudy Sunday around the same temperature and a rainy Monday with highs that went just over 70, weather likely deterred some tourists from visiting, said Susan Jones Director of the Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association.

“Even though Friday and Saturday, and even part of Sunday turned out to be decent, it was not 80 degrees and sunny, so I think the weather kept people away,” Jones said.

Based on what Jones saw and heard, restaurant parking lots were full as people likely turned indoors, away from the cool and windy beach.

“The restaurants probably did a little bit better because it wasn’t like people were laying on the beach soaking up the sun because there wasn’t much sun to be soaked up and it was a little windy,” Jones said.

Hotels on the other hand, didn’t report huge turnouts.

As OCHMRA director, Jones cor-

responds with member businesses around Ocean City to get a sense of tourist and consumer behaviors. What she found was that larger hotels didn’t sell out but did do better overall than their smaller counterparts.

This is typical, Jones said, noting that larger hotels, especially ones that are part of a chain, have the advantage of franchise reservation systems. Smaller hotels, which have much less exposure, tend to get booked once the big ones are already full, taking on the overflow, Jones said.

Aside from weather, Jones said the bounce-back from covid travel habits has contributed to the relatively smaller crowds this year.

“We got a lot of business (in the past few years) because people had covid funds,” Jones said. “People were not cruising, they were not flying, so we’ve been kind of spoiled over the last couple of years with that extra push of business, but I think people are now starting to return to cruising and airline travel, so we’re not as busy as we were probably right in 2021.”

On top of that, Jones suspects that the new branding of the resort might have narrowed Ocean City’s tourist market. She said that the new marketing targets a certain type of visitor, rather than calling on hundreds of

thousands of people to visit en masse.

Economic factors also could be playing a part in family decisions to travel, or not, Jones said.

Jones pointed to the March 8 State of the American Traveler Report from Destination Analysts, a tourism market research company.

The report used monthly survey data and analysis to find that 35.2 percent of people currently consider domestic destinations a high or extremely high priority, while 21 percent felt the same for international destinations and 13.9 percent for luxury experiences.

The report also calculated that 58.1 percent of people were being cautious with spending due to recession concerns, which dropped from 65.7 percent in September 2022.

“Just because of the economy or the recession, they’re not going to not travel. They’re just being a little more selective. They’re waiting to see what the weather is like. They’re kind of holding on to their money until the last minute,” Jones said.

Memorial Day however is no indication of the summer to come. Its fickle weather and numerous variables are something that Jones said most local businesses don’t count on.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Crowds of people walk north on Friday, May 29, along the Boardwalk near Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.

O’s roll with new OC logo on T-shirt

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) Anyone who tuned into the Baltimore Orioles game versus the Cleveland Guardians on Memorial Day might have noticed a familiar face on the chest of many fans, smiling and winking back at them.

On Monday, the first 15,000 fans in attendance received a free Oriolesthemed Ocean City T-shirt featuring the Baltimore Oriole mascot holding a surfboard with the sunny Ocean City smiley face looking on from behind.

The T-shirt reads “Birdland Surf Co.”

The promotion is just one of many ways the Ocean City Department of Tourism will collaborate this summer with regional sports franchises.

“We looked at advertising with the Orioles this year and we kind of came out with a bunch of ideas that we brainstormed to do with the Orioles and one happened to be a T-shirt giveaway,” said Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development. “We thought it was really cool and it ended up being really good seeing all the fans with the shirt on — and we will see that beyond that game too.”

It’s a good time to work with the Baltimore Orioles, too, as the franchise experiences a resurgence in the on-field product that has the team sporting the third-best record in Major League Baseball as of Monday. Attendance for the Monday game was 25,249. Saturday, two days before, more than 37,000 attended to see the Orioles take on the Texas Rangers.

“I think we’re a really good place (with our relationship with the Orioles),” Perlozzo said. “They’re doing well. We love that and Baltimore is a great market for us. Not only does it

extend inside the stadium, but there’s also the TV (ads). Our logo frequently appears in our brand tagline in the game. Radio, TV — it’s a great partnership.”

Perlozzo said the T-shirt giveaway was an opportunity to extend the Ocean City brand and the resort’s market value. It’s a great return on their investment, he said. His office has even fielded calls from people wanting to know where they could purchase the T-shirt.

With more than two dozen major sports franchises within a 500-mile radius of Ocean City, tourism officials are capitalizing on having the brand featured for every sports fan regardless of favorite sport or team. The resort is featured in the Washington National’s program yearbooks, for instance. There are first- and third-base wall advertisements at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark, where the Philadelphia Phillies play.

The resort’s logo is featured with other teams too, like the D.C. United, Washington Commanders, Washing-

The first 15,000 fans attending the Baltimore Orioles versus Cleveland Guardians game on Memorial Day received this complimentary T-shirt featuring Ocean City’s new logo. The promotion is one of many ways the town is reaching out to future visitors through the sports market this year.

ton Wizards, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, New York Islanders, New York Jets, New York Giants and all the way up to the Boston Bruins.

They work with the University of Maryland, too, and its Terrapins basketball and football programs.

“It’s that sports market they were trying to reach,” Perlozzo said. “We’re really excited about it. We’re a quite active town and it goes hand-inhand.”

Emergency official: hurricane preparedness vital every year

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) Hurricane season is upon Ocean City at the Atlantic Coast again, beginning yesterday and lasting through Nov. 30.

While direct hits are exceptionally rare for the resort, even near misses can cause massive destruction, and with climate change causing stronger hurricanes seemingly every year, the Ocean City officials are urging every resident and visitor to be prepared at all times.

“Normally, all town departments get ready at the beginning of the season, testing equipment, making sure have what need supply-wise. It’s an annual process,” said Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald. “All the departments will be ready to respond should a hurricane (hit Ocean City).”

Something that Theobald says people can do now to prepare themselves is to have certain supplies on hand — three days’ worth of water, non-perishable food and clothing. Also critical to that preparedness, according to Theobald, is to have a plan on where to go well before ever needing to utilize it.

“Government can only do so much if the population doesn’t assist with having their own plan in place for themselves,” Theobald said. “We utilize education, social media and other platforms. Have a plan in place. Work with us. When everybody works together, things tend to go smoother whether on response, planning, et cetera.”

Typically overlooked details, like medications and pet supplies and accommodations, should also be considered along with a clear exit plan.

It’s also important to carry cash, as

credit cards will not work if the power goes out. Amanda Schwartz with the Department of Emergency Services said carrying between $300 and $500 in small bills is ideal.

And if evacuation is not possible, or takes longer than expected, there are several firm rules that emergency officials say should be followed.

A major one is staying out of flood waters.

Matt Odochowski, the owner of Royal Plus Inc., a disaster response company in Snow Hill, said last year that he and his staff have responded to emergency incidents all over the country. And in nearly every situation, he said people have lost their lives after they were electrocuted in charged water.

It is also important for people to make sure they are not breathing exhaust from generators or vehicles, as officials said carbon monoxide poisoning is also common during emergencies when power is lost.

Knowing where shelters are, and how to get to them is vital as well if people decide to stay and end up having to evacuate their homes to a local place. Officials added that many shelters also do not take pets, which should be considered by animal owners.

The last time the town issued an evacuation order was Hurricane Irene in 2011, 26 after the resort’s first ordered evacuation in 1985, when Hurricane Gloria passed off the coast.

“If we are going to evacuate the town, you have to have a plan in place where you can go,” Theobald said. We certainly have shelters in the county, (but) whether it’s on a limited basis (is another matter). You don’t want to go there if you don’t have to.”

OC police conducting alcohol compliance summer checks

(June 2, 2023) The Ocean City Police Department, in cooperation with the Worcester County Health Department, will be conducting alcohol compliance checks during the summer season. The enforcement effort will take place at area bars, restaurants, and alcohol retailers throughout the resort.

According to a news release, the purpose of the operation is to ensure that employees of businesses that provide alcohol are making a concerted effort to avoid selling to individuals under the age of 21. Personnel under the age of 21, accompanied by plainclothes law enforcement officers, will be visiting bars, restaurants and alcohol retailers attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages.

This year, the Ocean City Police Department will be testing out a BISU ID Scanner. The scanner is intended to give accurate and precise responses to the scanned identification cards. The release said police hope that the scanner will serve as a tool to help keep our community safe. They will offer more training upon request to business establishments.

The Ocean City Police Department is reminding all business owners that serving alcohol to underage patrons is not only illegal but can have a detrimental impact on their business and the underage individual involved. Police encourage everyone to obey all alcohol regulations to ensure a safer resort town.

Beach Patrol still recruiting as lifeguards mount stands

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) With the first week of training academy under their belts, new members of the Beach Patrol took to the shore along with veterans last Saturday as tourists entered town for Memorial Day weekend.

Rookie lifeguards conducted onthe-job-training this weekend shadowing crew chiefs, but as of Monday, they are on schedule to monitor their own sections, Beach Patrol Capt. Butch Arbin said.

“We had less guard stands on the beach this Memorial Day weekend than we had a year ago. That’s the fact even though we have more rookies in the academy, because ... the rookies, they were on the beach, but they were training,” Arbin said.

Despite being stretched a little thin, lifeguards performed 30 rescues Saturday, 15 on Sunday, and Arbin said he couldn’t recall hearing a rescue on the radio Monday.

“In addition to the stands on the

beach, we put every one of our mobile patrols out there. Those are the ATVs, the quads,” Arbin said. “Every one of those was out every day. So, we supplemented our on the beach coverage.”

Beach Patrol monitored the beach on ATVs again after 8 p.m. and made rescues Saturday and Sunday evening when people were night swimming — against the patrol’s advice.

“A lot of rip currents out there. This past winter we didn’t have the big winter storms that changed the topography of the beach, and because of that we have a good sandbar out there, and so when wave action comes across it creates [rip currents],” Arbin said.

For the same reason, ocean temperatures were warmer this weekend despite the cool air, Arbin said.

“We’re not talking about a person .... that we’re pulling up from the bottom of the ocean and doing CPR,” Arbin said, speaking generally about the weekend’s rescues. “We’re talking

See OCPD Page 14

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY BEACH PATROL

New Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards — known as surf rescue technicians – line up on May 24 near the Ocean City Fishing Pier during a rescue academy training exercise.

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OCPD traffic enforcement up from last year’s Memorial Day

Continued from Page 13

about somebody that’s in a rip current being pulled away and the guards will go and get them before they panic.”

EMS was called at least once this weekend for a surfer with a twisted ankle, and there was a rescue for someone whose friends pushed them off the pier, but overall, the smaller crowds led to a pretty average opening weekend for beach patrol, Arbin said.

“People really, really need to look for where the guards are and walk to the nearest guard stand and swim there. That’s the safest thing to do, to take some responsibility for their own safety,” Arbin said.

The new guards will move around patrols with different lifeguard crews, learning different sections of the beach and receiving written evaluations of what they are doing correctly and areas that need work, Arbin said.

While the Beach Patrol has been doing well with recruits leading up to the summer, hiring eligible personnel who can pass the swimming and the running test has been historically difficult.

“We have recruited more people this year than any other year in the past,” Arbin said.

Arbin emphasized that being a recruit does not mean that person has been hired. It only means that individual can try out for the Beach Patrol. Recruits still must pass the tests. But even when someone is offered the job it’s no guarantee.

“Twenty-five percent of people that pass the test and are offered a position don’t end up accepting, and it’s a lot of different reasons,” Arbin said.

Steep housing prices along the coast are among the factors that deter potential lifeguards, Arbin said.

“We had more rookies this year in first academy, which just finished, than we had last year, and we have more people already enrolled in second academy than we did last year,” Arbin said.

Arbin said one of the factors affecting full staffing is a drop in returning

lifeguards. On top of that, while 75 percent of last year’s lifeguards expressed an interest in returning, about a third wanted to work part-time only.

Beach patrol has two tests left, on June 3 and June 10, with 65 recruits already signed up to tryout as of Monday.

“Now whether they show up, whether they can pass, whether they’ll come to the academy, those are all the unknowns,” Arbin said.

Memorial Day marked a beginning for Ocean City Police seasonal officers too, with 21 of them graduating the seasonal academy Saturday and deploying Monday. The department’s public safety aides are also now on patrol.

The weekend to kick off the tourism season was “overall decent” for the OCPD, said department spokesperson Ashley Miller.

Calls to service for police were down this weekend compared to the last two years, with 1,268 officer calls to service this year, compared to 1,425 last year. Citizen calls for service were 472 this year, while there were 531 in 2022 and 537 in 2021.

These police statistics represent all stats from Friday to Monday.

On the other hand, overall traffic enforcement was up from years past. While traffic warnings went slightly down to 208 this year compared to 219 last year, there were only 76 in 2021.

Traffic citations rose, with 337 this year, 197 last year and 225 the year before.

“Our officers conducted an Occupant Protection/District Driving detail in the area of 9th Street on Saturday. This detail was grant-funded through the Maryland Department of Transportation- Border to Border initiatives,” Miller said.

Accidents have trended down, with 11 this year, 13 last year and 22 the year before, and total arrests also went down, with 71 for 2023, 81 for 2022 and 93 for 2021.

From left, Ocean City Surf Club President Tommy Vach, Town of Ocean City Recreation Manager Travis Davey and OC Surf Club Vice-President Rusty Ruszin pose with a $2,000 check the club donated to the town’ recreation and parks department for its 2023 children’s summer cap program.

State Police combats impaired driving in June

A new plan from Maryland State Police places focus

(June 2, 2023) In an ongoing commitment to road safety and protecting the public, the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack is launching a comprehensive initiative targeting impaired driving throughout the month of June.

According to a news release, the

proactive campaign aims to curb the dangerous practice of driving under the influence.

Taking place every Saturday in June, this intensified law enforcement effort will see a heightened presence of troopers in Worcester County. Their primary focus will be to detect and apprehend impaired drivers through increased patrols and targeted enforcement activities.

Impaired driving continues to be a

significant threat to public safety in Maryland, causing preventable accidents and tragic loss of life, the release said. By adopting this aggressive approach, officials with the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack want to send a clear message: driving under the influence will not be tolerated, and those who choose to disregard the law will face the consequences.

The release said members of the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack

are committed to ensuring that roads are safe for all residents and visitors. All drivers are strongly encouraged to take an active role in promoting road safety by reporting suspected impaired drivers and by making responsible choices.

Those who plan to consume alcohol or other substances that may impair driving abilities are encouraged to designate a sober driver, take a taxi or rideshare service, or use public transportation.

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Berlin van fire under investigation

Vehicle blaze in field Wed. deemed intentional by county Fire Marshal’s team

(June 2, 2023) Members of the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a vehicle fire Wednesday morning in Berlin.

According to a news release, members of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company responded to a reported vehicle fire just before 11 a.m. at the intersection of Mary Road and Sinepuxent Road. Deputies saw “significant fire conditions” throughout a Ford Transit cargo van abandoned on the side of the road. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire with minor extension to a farm field nearby.

Deputies from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the cause of the fire and determined it was incendiary, the release said.

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Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 410-6325666 ext. 2 or the Maryland Arson Hotline at 800-492-7529. Callers can remain anonymous.

Directions: Rt. 413 to Crisfield

Homeowners with video cameras facing the roads in this area are asked to check footage around the time of the incident to see if they can identify the van and person or people in-

volved.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Maryland State Police Berlin Barracks, provided assistance. No injuries were reported.

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A charred van sits at the intersection of Mary Road and Sinepuxent Road in Berlin on Wednesday. Just before 11 a.m., members of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company responded to a call that the Ford Transit van was on fire and crews worked to extinguish the flames.

tipsy and showed signs of impairment during a sobriety test.

Police arrested Pfaffenberger.

Once in the back of the police car, she allegedly started smashing her head against the window and screaming.

As police opened the car door to stop her from hurting herself, Pfaffenberger began headbutting the officer’s body while hitting them with her knees. Other officers helped restrain her.

Once at the booking facility, paramedics came to put her in an ambulance because she was unresponsive and asleep. In the ambulance she woke and ultimately decided not to go to the hospital.

Police also found she was carrying an assisted opening knife.

Dangerous substances

Police charged Brandon Michael Buchanan, 30, of Ocean City, with possession of controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute, assault and disorderly conduct, according to a police report.

On May 28, around 1:20 a.m., police were called to a bar about a man causing problems with patrons and flashing drugs at them.

When officers arrived, bar employees told them that Buchanan had been trying to start a fight with an-

other customer who was with Buchanan’s ex-girlfriend. Buchanan left the bar and ran across the street before the police arrived.

Officers said they knew Buchanan from past run-ins.

Police found Buchanan’s address and discovered there was a warrant out for him from Elkton. As they started driving to Buchanan’s house, police said they spotted him on the sidewalk pushing and swinging at the other men.

When officers spoke with the other men they told police that Buchanan approached them while drunk and tried to fight them. One man grabbed Buchanan from behind to try to stop him and Buchanan headbutted him in the mouth.

Police arrested Buchanan and noticed a plastic bag hanging out of his pocket. Officers searched him to find a bag of psilocybin mushrooms and a bag of MDMA.

Dangerous substances

Brian Antonio Galvez, 28, of Silver Spring was charged with third- and fourth-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree assault and resisting arrest, according to a police report.

On May 28, around 2 a.m., police were called to the 14th Street area to investigate suspicious circumstances. Galvez reportedly had broken into a nearby apartment through a back door and now the callers were following him while updating police on his location.

Police met with Galvez and the people who had been residing in the apartment, and who said they did not know Galvez.

Those residents told police Galvez had assaulted them, but Galvez said they beat him up. Officers reported they could see signs that Galvez was drunk.

Police arrested Galvez for burglary, and he allegedly resisted them as they put on the handcuffs.

The victims who had been staying in the apartment told police that Galvez had come through their unlocked back door and sat on their couch. They asked him to leave but

Galvez refused, appearing to videotape the apartment with his phone.

The residents said they had to physically force Galvez out of the unit, and that he struck them a few times on the way out. Then they followed Galvez down the street and directed police towards him.

Indecent exposure

The OCPD charged Joshua Ayoleyi Lawson, 48, of Washington, D.C., with indecent exposure, distributing obscene material and possession of obscene material with intent to distribute, according to a police report.

On May 28, around 7:30 p.m., police were flagged down on the Boardwalk by an employee of a downtown establishment. The employee said a man asked her for directions to a bar, then took out his phone and showed them a picture of his penis. She walked away from the man.

Police got a picture of the man from the establishment’s security footage.

Officers showed the picture to the employee of a nearby bar, who pointed out Lawson inside the bar wearing the exact same outfit as shown in the security footage screenshot.

They asked Lawson what he was up to on the Boardwalk, and he allegedly said that he was just talking to people, and if they didn’t like him he left them alone. They asked him if he showed someone of picture of his genitalia and he said, “No comment.”

The employee who had been shown the picture identified Lawson and he was arrested.

Burglary

Tasia Yvette Montiel, 27, of Fort Washington, faces charges of burglary, second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, according to a police report.

On March 28, around 10:40 p.m., police responded to a disorderly group near First Street. The first responding officers said the group needed to be detained in reference to a burglary.

Montiel was in the group allegedly pushing, yelling profanities and interfering with officers as they tried to arrest some men there, who they thought were the burglary suspects.

Police eventually arrested Montiel for pushing them, and she allegedly resisted the handcuffs.

Police learned that Montiel was actually the burglary suspect.

After her children received poor service at a nearby restaurant, she tried to open the back door but was stopped by people standing outside. Montiel allegedly started throwing punches at the people but missed.

Police took Montiel to the booking facility.

OCPD focuses on worries regarding resort’s homeless

(June 2, 2023) The Ocean City Police Department continues to address community concerns regarding the local homeless population.

According to a news release, for the past five years, the Ocean City Police Department has partnered with the Worcester County Homeless Outreach Team, or HOT.

In 2018, the Worcester County Health Department, local behavioral health authority, Department of Social Services, Ocean City Police Department, Diakonia, Ocean City Crisis Coalition, and Atlantic General Hospital joined to create the outreach team in an effort to connect homeless individuals with local resources. Five years later, that is still the main goal.

A common misconception about homelessness is that it is illegal. Being homeless is not illegal. An individual’s actions such as drinking in public, stealing, or trespassing on private property would require the police to take enforcement action. Members of the department ask community members to be vigilant and if they see suspicious or criminal activity and reach out. That way officials can address the possible criminal behavior and properly identify the individual.

Once an individual is identified as homeless, the members of HOT can offer resources such as health assessments, mental health resources and vital records. Homelessness is a complex issue and is not the same for each individual. HOT members work to get to know each individual and learn their specific needs. In some See OC Page 20

Giardina served 27 active years in OCVFC

By Steve Price

Contributing Writer

(June 2, 2023) This week in the Volunteer Spotlight we recognize Gold Badge member Mike Giardina.

Mike is owner and president of Absolute Demolition LLC. The Ocean City based-company specializes in demolition services for the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware.

The company was involved in the demolition of both Station #4 at 130th Street in Ocean City and Station #5 on Keyser Point Road in West Ocean City prior to the construction of new fire stations at both locations.

Firefighter Giardina’s late father, Harry Giardina, was also a member

Correction

of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and a well-known building contractor in the Ocean City area. Mr. Giardina was actively involved in the construction of the early additions to the 15th Street OCVFC Headquarters, construction of Station #3 Firehouse located at 74th Street and the former OCVFC Bingo Building at Fifth Street and the Boardwalk.

Mike always wanted to be a volunteer fireman to “become a member of the brotherhood and to serve his community.”

He served four years in the OCVFC Cadet Program and has provided 27 years of active service to the volunteer fire company. During those years, Firefighter Giardina served as lieutenant and was later appointed captain on Engine 704 at the 74th Street Station. He currently serves as a Worcester County Fire Police Offi-

In the May 26, print edition of the OC Today, in a story about veteran Morris Semiatin celebrating his 97th birthday, it was incorrectly stated that Semiatin served in the 20th Regiment of the Fifth Marine Division on Iwo Jima. He served in the 28th Regiment of the Fifth Marine Division.

cer.

He calls serving as a member of the board of directors for 18 consecutive years, as well as his long-term involvement in the OCVFC Building Committee, his greatest accomplishment in the fire service.

He recalls the most significant events of his career to be the multialarm building fires on the Boardwalk during the 1970s. He also remembers the “friendly challenge” between himself and Chief “Fish” Powell to be the first to arrive at Station #3 (74th Street) and respond with Engine 704 to the alarm.

We thank Firefighter Giardina for his years of service in the OCVFC and his dedication to the safety and wellbeing of the residents and visitors to

Ocean City.

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

OC has 17 identified homeless

Continued from Page 18

cases, individuals do not want to accept assistance. In those cases, the best sign to do is keep checking in so they know that resources are available when they are ready.

So far in 2023, the Ocean City Police Department has identified 17 in-

dividuals experiencing homelessness in the Town of Ocean City. This number fluctuates throughout the year. In 2022, we identified 33 individuals. The Ocean City Police Department and HOT members keep a vigilant eye on popular areas that homeless individuals like to frequent, such as the tram stations and Caroline Street Comfort Station.

The HOT Team typically visits the Town of Ocean City once a month to meet with the homeless population. Diakonia also has a Rapid Response Team, which is available to come out during the week to meet with a specific individual that may need assistance.

Anyone interested in helping community members in need, reach out to the Worcester County Health Department, local nonprofits, and faithbased organizations to see what assistance is needed, or if volunteer work is available. For those who think someone requires assistance, the Diakonia Rapid Response Team can be reached at 410-213-0923 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Mike Giardina

Businessman worked as lieutenant and Engine 704 captain while with company

OC Art League holding six shows at center for the arts

(June 2, 2023) The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to the opening of six new shows from 5-7 p.m., June 2., at the center for the arts on 94th Street.

Admission is free with complimentary beverages sponsored by PKS Investments. According to a news release, the center will feature the following exhibits and offerings:

“People and Places”

The Thaler Gallery will host an exhibition by Laura Era, the owner and curator of the Troika Gallery in Easton, called “People & Places.” Era is an award-winning, professional portrait and landscape artist and teacher. Basically self-taught, she considers herself an artist since the cradle. Era has painted multitudes of portraits on commission, both formal and informal, in oil and pastel. Her works hang in collections throughout the United States and Europe. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America, the Maryland Society of Portrait Painters, the Maryland Pastel Society, the Working Artist Forum, and the Academy Art Museum. Era will judge the 2023 Artists Paint OC Plein Air Event in August.

“Drawings”

A group show called “Drawings”

will fill the walls of the Sisson Galleria in June. The exhibit celebrates artwork created in graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, crayon, markers, and ink. Edward Brown, associate professor at Salisbury University, will select the winners and award cash

See ART Page 22

Laura Era, the owner and curator of the Troika Gallery in Easton, will showcase her exhibit, “People & Places,” in the Thaler Gallery through the month of June at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

Art league scholarships coming

Continued from Page 21

prizes.

Clay-a-Palooza

Studio E will features the annual Clay-a-Palooza show, displaying fun and functional ceramics created by the Clay Guild of the Eastern Shore. Founded in 2005, the Clay Guild serves the southern part of the Eastern Shore with members in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Work shown includes hand-crafted, one-ofa-kind ceramics made by local potters. A Clay Guild marketplace will also be open during First Friday featuring vendors offering their original clay creations.

Spotlight Gallery artist

Doris Glovier, of Pocomoke City, is the Spotlight Gallery artist for June. Her favorite genres are portraiture and figural works as well as nature studies in oils and watercolor. She teaches oil and watercolor painting in her studio and occasionally holds workshops at the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City. Glovier serves on the board of the Worcester County Arts Council and is a member of The Working Artists Forum, a group for professional artists, in Easton.

Ginny Barney

Ginny Barney, of Lewes, will show

her artwork in the Artisan Showcase in June. A self-taught artist, Barney’s focus is paper in all forms. She turns cigar boxes into objects of art, embellished with knobs and metal feet. She also makes one-of-a-kind art journals as well as collages, acrylic paintings, and all- occasion greeting cards.

The artwork of Emil Markulis will also continue showing in the Staircase Gallery.

A weekend pop-up exhibit will feature artwork by Worcester County middle and high school students for the Lower Shore Addiction Awareness Visual Arts Competition. Sponsored by the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, the show places an emphasis on hope and maintaining recovery. The show is one-weekend only, and will run June 2-4.

Members of the art league will also announce the organization’s 2023 scholarship winners, continuing support of local students who are seeking a higher education in the arts. Since the league began granting scholarships in 1991, a total of 75 have been awarded.

Shows at the art league’s satellite galleries will continue through June.

Karen Hutchison will exhibit her work at the Coffee Beanery on 94th St. and Coastal Highway, and Cindy Beyer’s show of paintings will continue in the Princess Royale lobby on 91 Street.

Ravens Roost Parade and Beach Bash return to resort

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) The Ravens Roost Parade will be flying along Baltimore Avenue on Saturday during the same weekend the Ravens Beach Bash returns to Ocean City.

The Roost Parade will run tomorrow from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. beginning at 19th Street and moving north in the southern lanes of Baltimore Avenue until 26th Street.

Ravens Roosts, which are Ravens fan organization chapters from all around the state, will join the parade. As of Tuesday, 22 Roosts were expected to participate — 11 riding floats and the others marching with banners or riding in cars.

Also set to participate are the Boy Scouts and OC Pipes and Drums, said Nicole Topper, convention chairperson from Roost 118 in Parkton.

Each Roost is dedicated to raising funds for charity. Since 2007, the Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts and it chapters have donated more than $5 million to charities.

The parade coincides with the 59th annual Ravens Roost Convention this weekend at the Castle in the Sand Hotel on 37th Street, Topper said.

“I know back in the day it just used to be a bunch of Roosts and grills in

the convention center parking lot,” Topper said.

The Roosts’ are also expecting six Ravens legends to drop by at the convention, including Brad Jackson, Edwin Mulitalo and Daniel Wilcox, as well as cheerleaders.

As of Tuesday, 620 people had registered for the convention, Topper said.

“We’re trickling back to our precovid numbers. We usually have 650700 people attend,” Topper said.

For the first time ever, a representative from Roost 500 in Frankfurt Germany will attend the convention, Topper said.

Beach Bash, an event run by the Ravens and not affiliated with the Roost convention, is headquartered at the Residence Inn by bayside 61st Street. It started yesterday and continues into tomorrow night with broadcasts from 98 Rock and celebrations at local bars.

The event will also feature many special guests like cheerleaders, Raven’s main mascot Poe, the Baltimore Marching Ravens and Ravens team members.

Baltimore radio team 98 Rock will run all day today, moving across three locations around the resort. The

Former Ravens coming to town

Continued from Page 22

morning show will open with Bacon and Beer at The Greene Turtle on 116th Street from 5-10 a.m. Then 98 Rock will broadcast from the Second Street Caribbean Pool Bar from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and will finish up at the Residence Inn from 2-7 p.m.

A Purple Friday Caravan will run from 8 a.m.- 12 noon.

Also today, attendees can participate in the Walking Pub Tour, where there are fanny pack giveaways and a Pub Tour Scavenger Hunt, in which participants have a chance to win two upper-level tickets to the Nov. 5 Ravens vs Seattle Seahawks game at M&T Bank Stadium and a Ravenized Beach Pack.

Among the many bars on the tour are MR Ducks on Talbot Street, De Lazy Lizard on North 1st Street and the Cork Bar on Wicomico Street. People can sign up online to participate, at baltimoreravens.formstack.com/for ms/beachbash_barcrawl_23.

Tonight, a Flock party at the West Ocean City Greene Turtle will wrap up the day from 7-10 p.m.

Tomorrow, Baltimore news station

WBAL will host its live morning broadcast at the Residence Inn 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

From noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, the Mini Golf Invitational at the 68th Street Old Pro Golf course invites short-game aficionados to compete for prizes.

First place will get two tickets to the Fan Flyaway, a putter and a dozen golf balls, second place will receive two tickets to the Ravens vs. the Seahawks game and third place will get an authentic Marcus Williams football.

There will also be custom Beach Bash golf balls given out. Golfers can sign up at baltimoreravens.formstack.com/forms/beachbash_mini_g olf_23.

To finish the weekend, the Finale Party will be at Fish Tales Bar & Grill on Herring Way from 4-7 p.m. There will be T-shirts that attendees can customize with an airbrush. Yesterday kicked it all off with two broadcasts from 98 Rock and a happy hour at Dead Freddies.

For more information, visit www.baltimoreravens.com/fans/bea ch-bash/.

QUALITY MEANS DOING IT JUST-RITE MARINE CONSTRUCTION

Crowds reach toward several former Baltimore Ravens players riding in last year’s Ravens Roost Parade. This year’s parade is set for Saturday, June 3 in downtown Ocean City.

SDHS CAR PARADE

GRADUATION PARADE

Stephen Decatur High School 2023 graduates rolled down the Boardwalk in decorated cars on the evening of May 24, leaning out of windows, standing through sunroofs and sitting in truck beds while dawning regalia. Onlookers cheered and congratulated them as they drove by. HUNTER

HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ryan McLaughlin

Logan IntrieriMemorial for Joshua Alton, a senior who died on Nov. 29, 2022

Kayla Brady

Rowan ChesterBrock Grosso

Amelia Fleeman, Sophia Reister and Marian Hanna Kai Ross

Bacon lattice embellishes savory breakfast pie crust

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(June 2, 2023) As one partakes of their favorite dish, sensory perception is magnified and satisfaction sets in.

But history must be explored if one desires a complete culinary experience.

The chronicle of pies is fascinating and its transformation is a brilliant bite of progression. With that thought in mind, let us take a peep into the past and delve into one of America’s favorite desserts.

In Medieval England, pie began as a savory affair. Pie likely derived from magpies, the bird known for collecting odds and ends in its nest.

One might wonder what is the correlation? This etymology depicts pie as edible vessel for leftovers. When you think about it, it was a clever way to add variance to one’s daily menu.

Believe it or not but Medieval pies were literally stuffed with chickens, pigeons, crows, rabbits, and just about any other animal that could fit in between perimeters of its notorious crust.

What makes the history of pie even more astonishing is the fact that sometimes the legs of a particular animal were purposely left to hang over the side of the pie to be used as handles.

The crusts of Medieval England pies were anything but flaky and buttery. These pastries were purely functional; a tough shell that literally had to be cracked open to get to the filling.

The early colonists cooked their pies in long narrow pans and called them “coffins.” The notion of a “round pie” simply did not exist.

So, the next logical thought takes us to how did these savory pies become the sweet, delectable treat Americans adore?

According to an article, The History of Pies, the answer is partly due to the peculiar way words evolved as they

crossed the Atlantic and a lot to do with America’s craving for sugar.

When colonists brought recipes to America, translation took a turn of inaccuracy. What the English called a tart, the Colonists called a pie. In other words, in England, a tart was the sweetened version of a pie, and a pie was considered a savory meat pie.

Native Americans were actually responsible for teaching the colonists how to incorporate berries and foraged edibles into their pies. This may seem trivial, but it started a transition in the tradition of pies.

So how did American pies evolve into the iconic dessert of present day? The answer is quite simple. The success of the U.S. sugar industry revolutionized how America ate; sugar became inexpensive and readily available. Homemakers and chefs alike took advantage of their new ingredient and brought new meaning to the word “dessert.”

Sweet or savory – pies are quite popular and can be made ahead of time which is always a good thing.

Following is a recipe for a breakfast pie that is embellished with a bacon lattice. Constructing the weave is quite easy. A few pointers are provided for a fabulous presentation.

Some recipes call for the raw bacon lattice to be placed directly on the pie prior to cooking. I would not recommend this because you will end up with a greasy mess.

Instead, precook the bacon lattice on parchment paper for 12 minutes, allow to cool, and carefully place it on the uncooked pie. Trim the edges so it conforms to the shape of the dish.

One should always learn from mistakes. After I made the bacon lattice, I realized I should have lined all the bacon so the fat is on one side and the meat is on the other side. It is these small details that makes your dish stand out.

In closing, a bacon lattice is not only

See RECIPE Page 27

CROSSWORD

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Being more selective can enhance your life in many different ways, Aries. You often are judged by the company you keep, so think about that when starting new relationships.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Set up camp on the sofa for the next few days, Taurus. Enjoy the rest and relaxation. You don’t have to be productive every minute of the day so don’t feel guilty about your R&R.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Some interesting information could be coming your way, Gemini. You just need to keep your ear to the ground and open to receive it. Others may want to get in on the news.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, this week you may find it easier to cut out superfluous spending or extravagant behavior than at other times. You may need to exert greater control and discipline.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There’s a fresh cosmic wind blowing your sails, Leo. This gives you all the energy you need to tackle projects or get moving in other ways. Embrace all of this energy.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Your romantic life is about to get even more exciting, Virgo. Date nights are happening with greater frequency and you’re likely to enjoy all of the extra attention.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You’ll likely feel more at ease having a big group of people around you during the next few days rather than heading out alone. Put away that lone wolf mentality for now.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Ambitious career goals could have you reevaluating all of the choices you have made thus far, Scorpio. It might be time to venture off on new paths once you figure out the way.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, the call of the wild is quite strong right now. This means you might be right at home on a hiking trip or a rafting trip. Make your plans and bring a friend.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, rather than being lighthearted, conversations could take a turn to the more serious, especially as they pertain to a health condition for someone you love.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, don’t try to take on too many things yourself. You need to know when to ask for help this week, especially as your schedule gets even more filled up.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

This is the perfect time to get more organized, Pisces. Try to fit in time to sort and clean among all the other things on your itinerary.

Recipe adds ‘wow’ factor to meal

Continued from Page 26

delicious but it can add quite a “wow” factor to your breakfast pies. It also adds texture which enhances the overall consistency of your dish.

If one adores the art of entertaining, breakfast pie embellished with a bacon lattice is a must. Enjoy!

Bacon Lattice Crust

1-pound regular cut bacon, plus 2 extra slices parchment paper

1. Preheat oven to 245 degrees.

2. Arrange half of the bacon slices horizontally in tight parallel rows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Begin to build the weave: starting in the center, fold back the evennumbered strips.

3. Lay a slice of bacon perpendicular to the unfolded bacon.

4. Unfold the even-numbered strips over the newly added bacon strip.

5. Fold back the odd-numbered strips.

6. Lay a second perpendicular slice of bacon next to the first; then unfold the odd-numbered strips over it.

7. Continue weaving the bacon, alternating folding and unfolding even and odd-numbered strips of bacon.

8. Cover the weave in plastic wrap and gently roll it with a rolling pin to tighten weave.

9. Cook for 12 minutes, remove from oven, and allow to cool. Using a paper towel, blot any excess grease.

Savory Pie Filling

1 prepared pie dough (homemade or store bought)

4 eggs

2 cups half and half

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

2 large garlic cloves, minced

½ small yellow onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 ½ cups favorite shredded cheese

¼ cup sautéed spinach, drained and chopped

16 ounces frozen shredded potatoes, thawed

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Press prepared pie dough into pie pan.

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Whisk in the cream, parsley, garlic, onions, salt, pepper, cheese, spinach, and potatoes.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.

5. Very carefully place precooked bacon lattice on top. Using a pair of scissors, trim off the square edges so the lattice matches the circumference of the pie.

6. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet and cook 60 to 70 minutes.

7. Allow to rest on a cooling rack for 3 minutes and serve immediately.

*Spinach, onions, and potatoes are optional and can be replaced with other ingredients according to personal preference.

Secret ingredient – Bacon

“Bacon is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

- Benjamin Franklin

OCVFC hosting storytime for kids

(June 2, 2023) The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Stop is hosting storytime for children on Monday, June 5 at the Ocean City Library.

According to a news released, the public event is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. and feature stories, songs, and games teaching attendees about how the fire department serves the local community.

Fire Company President Frederick Senger will be there to pass out goodie

bags and children will be able to see a firetruck up close.

“This partnership was planned for the children in the community to get a better understanding of all the important things our local firefighters do. We also want to help children and families continue learning about the importance of fire safety,” Ocean City Library Branch Manager Alec Staley said in the release.

The Worcester County Library’s

Summer Reading theme is “All Together Now.” Visit the library throughout the summer for fun events and prizes, which is open to all ages.

For more information, contact the Ocean City Library at 410-524-1818, or visit at 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Facebook: Worcester County Maryland Library Instagram: worcesterlibrarymd

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.

Trails now reopened at Assateague Island

(June 2, 2023) 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.

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 expect 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, design 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 Assateague Island National Seashore.

NOW PLAYING

AARON HOWELL

The Angler: Thur., June 8, 5 p.m.

THE ANGLER RESTAURANT

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

June 2: Reform School, 5 p.m.

June 3: Dustin Showers, 5 p.m.

June 4: Kasey Briggs, 5 p.m.

June 8: Aaron Howell, 5 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

June 2: Mercury Agenda, 4-8 p.m.

June 3: Ravens Beach Bash Bull Riding Rodeo, 1-5 p.m.;

Jason Lee, 6-10 p.m.

June 4: Ravens Beach Bash Bull Riding Rodeo, 1-5 p.m.

June 5: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.

June 6: Ray Holiday, 1-5 p.m.

June 7: Ben Davis, 1-5 p.m.

June 8: Air Show and Duels Soccer, 1-5 p.m.

COCONUT’S BAR & GRILLE

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

June 2: Darin Engh, noon to 3 p.m.; Monkee Paw, 4-8 p.m.

June 3: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, noon to 4 p.m.

June 4: Josh Pryor Duo, noon to 3 p.m.; Colossal Fossil Sauce, 4-8 p.m.

June 5: Nate Clendenen, noon to 3 p.m.; Remy & Lyons, 4-8 p.m.

June 6: Heather Vidal, noon to 3 p.m.; Chris Sacks Duo, 4-8 p.m.

June 7: Shortcut Sunny, noon to 3 p.m.; The Beach Bandits, 4-8 p.m.

June 8: Kevin Poole Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Lime Green Band, 4-8 p.m.

COINS

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

June 2: Lennon LaRicci & the Leftovers, 7 p.m.

June 3: Every Saturday, Jim Long, “Get off the beach party”, 3-6:30 p.m.

June 6: Every Tuesday, DJ Jeremy Karaoke Party, 8 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

June 2: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 3: Dunehounds, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 4: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 5: Karaoke with Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 6: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 7: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

PHIL PERDUE

Captain’s Table: Fri. & Sat., 5-9 p.m.

June 8: 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

June 2: 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.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Not Leaving Sober, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Crash the Party, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 3: Bobby-O on De Bay, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Crash the Party, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m; Not Leaving Sober, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Tunnels End, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 4: DJ Connair on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 4-8 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; PBR KICK OFF Party at Seacrets!, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; LUNASEA Full Moon Glow Party, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Steal The Sky, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 5: Dear Zoe, 9-1:50 a.m.; Blake Haley, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Junue 6: Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; Liquid A, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. ; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

June 7: Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; Liquid A, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

June 8: John McNutt Band, 5 p.m. to 9 pm.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Go Go Gadjet, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

PIZZA TUGOS

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

June 2: Drew Cooke Project, 9 p.m. to midnight

June 3: Randy Lee Ashcraft, 8-11 p.m. (upstairs, tiki bar)

June 7: Every Wednesday: Karaoke w/DJ Chuck D, 9 p.m.

RANDY LEE ASHCRAFT

Pizza Tugos: Sat., June 3, 8-11 p.m. (upstairs, tiki bar)

Nominations sought for OC Beauty Spot Award winners

(June 2, 2023) Ocean City’s Beautification Committee is currently seeking nominations for the 2023 Beauty Spot Awards.

According to a news release, the available categories for beauty spot nominations are as follows: residential, condominium, retail, hotel, motel, commercial, restaurant and the Boardwalk.

Only nominated properties will be judged and members of the beautification committee are asking for the public’s help in finding properties that are evidence of civic pride and community beauty.

“A property can be nominated by anyone, including the resident or owner of a residence or business, a relative, neighbor, friend, customer or just a passerby,” Beautification Committee Chairperson Donna Greenwood said. “Once all nominations are in, the Beautification Committee will travel around town to view all the nominated properties and will judge them based on plants, flowers, trees, shrubbery, grasses, design, layout, etc. that complement the property.”

Greenwood said that even properties with little or no ground in which to plant can be nominated. The owners can imaginatively use containers,

Mary Mac donates

planters, window boxes, hanging baskets or something else to improve the “curb-side” appeal.

Also, those who make an effort to beautify unattractive areas such as dumpsters, electric boxes, etc., can be recognized. The winners, with their awards, will be presented in the fall at a City Council meeting.

To nominate a property, call Donna Greenwood at 410-289-7060, mail nominations to OCBC, Department of Recreation and Parks, 200 –125th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, or email to ocbeautification@hotmail.com.

The deadline for submission is Sunday, June 11.

Submissions should include the property owner’s name, street address, and a contact phone number. Nominee are also to include their names and phone numbers so that the locations and information can be verified, as well as a photo of the property.

For information about the Ocean City Beautification Committee as well as last year’s Beauty Spot winners, visit oceancitymd.gov/oc/cityhall/mayor-and-city-council/beautification-committee/beauty-spot-awar ds/.

Fri., June 2

PBR OCEAN CITY SEACRETS CLASSIC

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 6-8 p.m. Featuring pyro, music and an intense bull riding competition including some of the world’s best riders and animal athletes.

https://pbr.com/eventschedule/event/5068/pbr-ocean-cityseacrets-classic

RAVENS BEACH BASH

June 1-3. Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane. Featuring Cheerleaders, mascot Poe, Baltimore Marching Ravens and Ravens Legends. Schedule of activities:

https://www.baltimoreravens.com/fans/b each-bash/. Text BEACH to 728367 for updates.

STEAM SOCIAL

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Join us for an hour of open-ended STEAM activities. Build, experiment and create with a variety of materials. Ages 5 years and older. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRST FRIDAY ART OPENINGS

are noon and 6:30 p.m. Doors open one hour before show time. Cost is $15/$10. Tickets: https://ocmdperformingartscenter.com/upcomingevents/Seaside%20Dance%20Academy‚Ä ôs%20Spring%20Recital.

CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE

First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7 a.m.1 p.m. Church rummage sale.

THE PARKE GARAGE SALE

The Parke at Ocean Pines, 2 Arcadia Court, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Parke residents are selling their treasures in their driveways. Maps available at the main entrance of the Parke, located off of Ocean Parkway at the south entrance. Rain date is June 4. 410208-4994

TINKER TIME: LOVE BUGS

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, create a love bug for someone special. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STEM SATURDAYS

$1,200

to OP rec and parks dept.

(June 2, 2023) Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks recently received a $1,200 donation from the Mary Mac Foundation.

According to a news release, the foundation annually supports local and regional youth programs to honor Mary McMullen (1948-2012), a special education instructor at Severna Park High School and Ruth Eason School in Millersville, Maryland.

In the 1970s, she also helped establish the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department.

Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue said the funds would go toward expenses related to Ocean Pines summer camps.

Mary Mac Foundation cofounder Tim McMullen said the money was raised through a grant from Choptank Electric Cooperative. He credited former Ocean Pines Board member and current Choptank board member Tom Terry with helping to secure the grant.

Coming up, the Mary Mac Foundation will host its annual Family Jam at noon on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Manor Hill Brewery in Ellicott City. Donations are welcome, but the

event is free to attend.

The event will include a cash bar and a food truck vendor. Outside food is welcome. To RSVP, email tim.p.mcmullen@gmail.com or call 410-294-3625.

Tax-deductible donations may be made to the Mary Mac Foundation at paypal.me/marymacfoundation or by sending a check payable to the Mary Mac Foundation, 174 Nottingham Lane, Berlin, MD 21811.

For more information on the Mary Mac Foundation, visit marymac.org.

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy free admission and complimentary beverages. Satellite galleries include the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street and the Princess Royale lobby, 91st Street. 410524-9433

Sat., June 3

PBR OCEAN CITY SEACRETS CLASSIC

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 6-8 p.m. Featuring pyro, music and an intense bull riding competition including some of the world’s best riders and animal athletes. https://pbr.com/eventschedule/event/5068/pbr-ocean-cityseacrets-classic

RAVENS BEACH BASH

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

RAVENS PARADE

The Roost Parade runs Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. beginning at 19th Street and moving north in the southern lanes of Baltimore Avenue until 26th Street.

SEASIDE DANCE ACADEMY SPRING RECITAL

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001

Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Show time

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Join in any time during the day to use your creativity and build using one of the STEM building kits. For all ages. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRST SATURDAY WRITERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their writing projects. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises. Drop ins welcome. 410-6410650

KIWANIS 2023 CAR SHOW

Veterans Memorial Park, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Judged classes, trophies and awards. Food concessions provided. Registration is 9-11 a.m. Registration fee is $15 in advance (KiwanisOfOPOC.org) or $20 day of show. Rain date is May 10.

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. A ranger-led adventure featuring crafts, puppets, stories and cool props from Assateague Island National Seashore. All children and their families are invited. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Continued on Page 32

Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks recently received a $1,200 donation from the Mary Mac Foundation. Mary Mac Foundation Co-founder Tim McMullen presented the check to Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue.

CALENDAR

Continued from Page 31

Sun., June 4

PBR OCEAN CITY SEACRETS CLASSIC

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 2-4 p.m. Featuring pyro, music and an intense bull riding competition including some of the world’s best riders and animal athletes. https://pbr.com/eventschedule/event/5068/pbr-ocean-cityseacrets-classic.

NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY CEREMONY

Healthway Drive Community Garden (across from Atlantic General Hospital), 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 2-3 p.m. All cancer survivors and their families are encouraged to attend. Featuring speaker Dr. Manoj Jain, radiation oncologist. Refreshments provided. RSVP: Jill, 410-629-6313.

PINE TONES CHORUS TO PERFORM “SO HAPPY” TO BRING BACK THE 60S

Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and admission is $20 at the door. Featuring music by Simon and Garfunkel, The Beach Boys and more. The chorus includes more than 40 local singers. Jenny Anderson, 443-655-5636

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., June 5

FRIENDS OF THE OCEAN PINES LIBRARY: MEMBERSHIP MEETING & LOCAL AUTHOR PANEL

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road. Refreshments at 9:30 a.m., followed by an open membership meeting at 10 a.m. and ending with a discussion panel of local authors at 11 a.m. 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORYTIME WITH THE OCEAN CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:3011:30 a.m. Stories, songs and games with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. Goodie bags and an opportunity to see a fire truck up close. oceancity@worcesterlibrary.org, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. Discussion will focus on “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri. The group is currently reading selections in Book 3 of Great Conversations. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIABETES EDUCATION

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 4-6 p.m. Discussion and education on the topic of diabetes, focusing on longterm complications, prevention, screening and

foot/wound care. Alyce Marzola, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org

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

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., June 6

STORY TIME: RAINDROPS TO RAINBOWS

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

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC WITH GINNY ROSENKRANZ

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring questions and feel free to show your plants as well. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 2 years and younger. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 5:306:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Free event. Registration required: 410524-1818. www.worcesterlibrary.org

MARYLAND SAFE BOATING COURSE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-9 p.m. Classes are held June 6, 7 and 8. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for

weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., June 7

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Held via Zoom the first and second Wednesdays of each month. For non-surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatrics Center, 410-641-9568

BABY TIME

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

FAMILY GAME DAY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3:30 p.m. Bring a game from home or play on of the library’s. For all ages. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5-6 p.m. Discussion and education on the topic of diabetes. Darlene Jameson, 410-208-9761, djameson@atlanticgeneral.org

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS NIGHT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. An evening of high adventure, fantasy and magic with the world’s most famous tabletop roleplaying game. All experience levels are welcome. For adults and teens. Registration requested: 410-632-3495.

SING-ALONG WITH SHIRLEY

St. Paul’s by-the Sea Episcopal Church, 302 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, 6-9 p.m. Song books and light refreshments will be available. Open to the public. A free will offering will be collected.

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 8

STORY TIME: OCEAN FRIENDS!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. It’s Oceans Week. Come celebrate with a fun story and craft. Get ready for a mess. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

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

TRIVIA WITH THE LIBRARY

Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 2 p.m. Test your knowledge and win prizes. 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: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

RWWC MEET & GREET HAPPY HOUR

Ocean Pines Yacht Club, 1 Mumford Landing Road, 5-7 p.m. Come meet and socialize with other members and republicans. Bring a friend. All are welcome. Cash bar.

TIDES & VINE BOOK CLUB: ‘JUST MERCY’ BY BRYAN STEVENSON

Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 6 p.m. Stop by the Snow Hill library to pick up your book anytime in May, then meet for an evening of books and wine. Must be 21 years old. Limit 14. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS

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

Crossword answers from page 26

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Thunderbird Beach

Motel

NOW HIRING

4-Midnight

FRONT DESK CLERK

Apply in person

Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm.

32nd Street & Baltimore

Ave., Thunderbird Beach Motel

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

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.

NOW HIRING!!

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

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

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

Lawn Care and Light Maintenance

Full time, year round for condo in Ocean City. Good pay w/health insurance.

Call 443-523-5739

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

Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

Sales Associates

Carquest Auto Parts & Marine

Now has openings for Full and Part Time Associates. Exc. Pay and Benefits including Retirement Plan, Friends & Family Discounts and much More!! Experience a plus but will train the right person! Located in Ocean Pines, MD Call: 302-344-9769

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

Atlantic Dental is hiring a Full-Time Dental Assistant

Work hours are Monday –Friday from 7:30 am-4:00 pm. We are a busy yet fun, family-oriented private dental practice. We are seeking a hard worker who is detail oriented and offers initiative & dependability. Experience not necessary but preferred.

Maryland Radiology

License strongly preferred.

Email resume to: admin@atlanticdental.com

Assateague Pointe Gate Attendant

Part-time and Year-round. Fridays, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. and/or Sundays, 4 p.m.-1a.m. Assateague Pointe, Rt. 611. 410-641-1671

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

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.

North Bay Marina looking for Exp. Boat Driver/Hauler Full time, year round work. Must have experience. Start right away. Call for interview, 302-436-4211.

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

Help Wanted Cashier & Kitchen Line Flexible hours. Apply in person, Berlin Pizza, Old Ocean City Blvd. 443-944-7479, berlinpizza@hotmail.com

Barn 34 Hiring Hostess, Bussers and Food Runners. Apply in person, any day. 3400 Coastal Hwy.

PGN Crab House 29th Street & Coastal Hwy. Now Hiring for • Waitstaff • Kitchen Help Apply within in person after 11:00 am

Advertise in MDDC

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

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

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.

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.

PETS

ROOMMATES

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

Self-Storage Units on Route 50 on Grays Corner Rd. 100 sq. ft., 200 sq. ft. & 250 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft. $125/mo. 200 sq. ft. $185/mo. & 250 sq. ft. $200/mo. Call Bill 301-537-5391

Beautiful Irishdoodles, family raised with lots of love and interaction. Parents are young, healthy, smart and loving. Parents are AKC registered. Mother is an Irish Setter and Father is Silver Standard Poodle. Ready to go to their new home June 9th. Dewormed and vaccinated. Email: jasjas123@gmail.com.

Text: 843-455-3517.

MISC. FOR

DISH Network. $64.99 for 190 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

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

Maryland, Delaware and D.C.: 106 papers with a circulation of 2.3 million and readership of 4.9 million!

For only $495

Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication Call 410-723-6397 for more information

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

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

ported, 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

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

JOEL J. TODD, ESQ.

P.O. BOX 188

OCD-5/25/3t

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 re-

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 no-

tice, 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

NOTICE

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

Town of Ocean City, Maryland municipal taxes and assessments under levies of the tax years 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 1190495032: 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 5140149798: 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 12 10-113679 and 2376515594: 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.

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.

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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 TO HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS INVITATION TO BID Housing Rehabilitation

Worcester County, Maryland

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

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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

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

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.

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 opened and publicly read aloud. Envelopes shall be marked:

Housing Rehabilitation Bid –

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

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

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

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

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

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

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

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

v.

Plaintiffs

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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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

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 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

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.

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.

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

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NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGE IN ZONING

EASTERLY SIDE OF STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY AND SOUTH OF SUNSET AVENUE

TENTH TAX DISTRICT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to Section 1-113 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, Rezoning Case No. 441 has been filed by Hugh Cropper, IV on behalf of Ocean 8 Group, LLC, property owner, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change an approximately 3.29 acres of land located on the easterly side of Stephen Decatur Highway, approximately 450 feet south of Sunset Avenue, in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from C-2 General Commercial District to R-4 General Residential District. The Planning Commission has given a favorable recommendation to the rezoning application.

Pursuant to Sections 1-113 and 1114 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, the County Commissioners will hold a

PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023 AT 10:30 AM IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER –ROOM 1101 ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863

At said public hearing the County Commissioners will consider the rezoning application, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 441 and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions on the rezoning, other appropriate restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve, or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance.

Maps of the petitioned area, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 441 and the Planning Commission’s recommendation, which will be entered into record at the public hearing, are on file and available to view electronically by contacting the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. (except holidays), at (410) 632-1200 as well as at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE of Public Hearing

Amendment to Worcester County Water and Sewerage Plan Ocean Pines Sanitary AreaSt. Martins by the Bay Community Berlin, Maryland

The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider an application filed by the Department of Environmental Programs on behalf of the applicant, the Department of Public Works. This amendment seeks to change the designation of the water system for the St. Martins by the Bay Community from a private community system to a public one with service from the Ocean Pines Water System and addition of the community to the Ocean Pines water planning area. While the community system in The Plan is designated as W-1 (immediate to

two years), this amendment seeks to change that designation to be within the Ocean Pines water planning area with a designation of W-1 (immediate to two years), and include a revised Ocean Pines water planning area map that will reflect the entire community as a planned W-1 designation. The community already has an S-1 (immediate to two years) designation in the Ocean Pines sewer planning area The Worcester County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Water and Sewerage Plan amendment at its meeting of May 4, 2023 and found it to be consistent with the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan.

The public hearing on this application will be held on:

Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 10:40 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 – Government Center One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

For additional information, please contact the County Administration at (410) 632-1220 x 1601 or visit the County website at: online at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 23-05

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 23-05 (Zoning – Multi-family dwelling units in the C-3 Highway Commercial District) was introduced by Commissioners Mitrecic and Purnell on May 16, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1-211(b)(26). (Amends the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to add a principal permitted use to the C-3 Highway Commercial District to allow multi-family dwelling units as an accessory use to a commercial development, provided at least sixty-five percent (65%) or more of the net lot area for a given parcel be developed with a commercial use or structure permitted in the C-3 District.)

A Public Hearing

will be held on Bill 23-05 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, June 20th 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.

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19681 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY A. WEBER

AKA: MARY ANNA WEBER

Notice is given that George A. Weber III, 68 Watertown Road, Berlin, MD 21811, was on May 25, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Mary A. Weber who died on December 9, 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 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.

George A. Weber III Personal Representative

True Test Copy

Register of Wills for Worcester County

Terri Westcott

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

June 01, 2023

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of LAURA LYNN WHITTINGTON Estate No. 19743 Notice is given that ELIZABETH MELISSA WHITTINGTON whose address is 2800 WHITE AVE., BALTIMORE, MD 21214 was on MAY 25, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LAURA LYNN WHITTINGTON who died on MAY 17, 2023 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th 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-6/1/3t

More details on new state HOA law

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(June 2, 2023) In last week’s article, we reviewed the Maryland General Assembly’s new legislation requiring all condominiums, homeowner associations, and housing cooperatives to undertake regular reserve studies of common area components, under House Bill 107. A community that has not had a reserve study on or after Oct. 1, 2018, must undertake one no later than Oct. 1 of this year, and that study must also be updated every five years thereafter.

Some other important information regarding this bill is that the law’s provisions do not apply to an homeowners association that issues bonds to meet capital expenditures and are only applicable to an HOA that has responsibility under its declaration for maintaining and repairing common areas. The bill also specifies that the provisions regarding reserve studies only apply to HOAs for which initial purchase and installation costs for all components identified under existing statutory provisions total at

least $10,000.

Other provisions related to reserve funding are that the governing body of a cooperative housing corporation, condominium, or HOA must provide funds to the reserve in accordance with the most recent reserve study and must review the study annually. The board also has the authority to increase an assessment levied to cover the reserve funding amount required – despite any provision of the articles of incorporation, declaration, bylaws, or proprietary lease, as applicable, restricting assessment in-

BUSINESS BRIEFS New hire

Paradise Properties Inc. is proud to announce the addition of Jennifer Dieste as a property manager.

A graduate of George Mason University with a bachelor of science degree, Jennifer has been involved in various segments of the real estate industry from an office manager for a local construction firm and as a licensed Realtor. She is also a certified group fitness and personal trainer.

In her spare time Jennifer loves to

creases or capping the assessment that may be levied in a fiscal year.

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 reserve study within three fiscal years following the year in which the initial study was completed.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.

fish and volunteer for various organizations including Autism Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and the Board of Directors for her HOA.

HMRA new members

Members of the Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association recently named their 2023-2024 Board of Directors.

According to a news release, thirdgeneration hotelier Ryan Wilde, The Continued on Page 42

Tides Inn (formerly BEST Motels), was installed as the incoming president.

Garvey Heiderman of The Hobbit became first vice president, and second vice president is Dan Jasinski of Real Hospitality Group.

The newly installed Secretary-Treasurer is Mike Gershenfeld with The Taustin Restaurant Group.

Rick Staub of Princess Royale, Lorrie Miller of Hilton Garden Inn and Chad Olenchick of Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille were named three-year directors.

Two-year directors are Ruth Waters of the Harrison Group, Jeremy Brink of Ocean 13/Captain’s Galley Crabcake Shack, and Michael James of James Hospitality Group.

Serving as one-year directors are Dave Robinson of Boardwalk Hotel Group, Keith Whisenant of Residence Inn, and Chris Reda of Ropewalk, Alley Oops and Saltwater 75.

Spiro Buas of OC Rooms serves as the immediate past president.

Also during the evening, Phil Cropper and Caitlin Evans, instructors of the Culinary & Hospitality Programs at Worcester Technical High School, received $5,000 from the association.

Junior Achievement’s Jayme Hayes accepted $25,000 for the OCHMRA Hospitality Hub storefront coming to the JA Center this fall.

Finally, Fish Tales & Bahia Marina owner Shawn Harman was presented with a special thank you for his commitment serving as secretary-treasurer since 2005.

In existence since 1971, the hotelmotel-restaurant association is a private, nonprofit organization, which exists to connect the industry interests through advocacy, education and partnerships with the goal of advancing Ocean City as a leading tourism destination. The organization assists in solving common issues relative to the industry and acts as a clearinghouse for dissemination of information.

WCDC center celebrates 50 years

there really wasn’t anything in Worcester County for individuals with disabilities, and they needed activities for them to do.”

said it was a blessing in disguise that fortunately happened on a day when no clients were in the building.

(June 2, 2023) For 50 years, the Worcester County Developmental Center has helped local people with intellectual disabilities find meaningful employment, gain independence and increase their self-worth.

WCDC’s headquarters is in Newark, Maryland, and the center also operates seven group homes in Ocean Pines.

Executive Director Jack Ferry, an Ocean Pines homeowner, said in a news release that the center first opened in September 1973.

“The center was started by families who saw that there was nothing for their adult children after they got out of school,” Ferry said. “At the time,

Fifty years ago, WCDC had nine clients. Today, it has about 85.

“There also were no residential homes at that time, and now we have 14 operating homes throughout Worcester County, and one more that will be opening within the next couple of months in Ocean Pines,” Ferry said.

Ferry said clients are referred to WCDC by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration, a state agency that oversees and licenses the center, and provides funding.

All the clients have intellectual disabilities, and many also have secondary issues including physical disabilities and other medical issues.

The original WCDC building in Newark burned down in 2007. Ferry

June 1 - June 8

“It was an in-service day, so there were no clients and only a couple of staff there, and luckily nobody got hurt. At that time, it was an 87-yearold single-story schoolhouse that was crumbling,” Ferry said. “So, they were able to build a brand-new center and today we’re able to do so much more because of that.”

Ferry started working for WCDC in 2008 and became the executive director in 2014. He’s aided by a staff of 144 and supported by state and federal Medicaid programs.

He said the clients are so successful “because of our hard-working, dedicated, talented staff.”

Those workers, he added, also help boost the local economy.

See LAST Page 43

The Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association recently installed its 2023-2024 Board of Directors. Pictured, from left, are Rick Staub, Dan Jasinski, Garvey Heiderman, Ryan Wilde, Michael James, Keith Whisenant, Chad Olenchick, Ruth Waters and Lorrie Miller. Not pictured: Dave Robinson, Mike Gershenfeld, Chris Reda and Jeremy Brink.

Newark facility opened in ‘73, operates seven group homes across Ocean Pines

Continued from Page 42

“Last year, our budget was $6.3 million. That’s all-new dollars that we’re bringing into Worcester County, and about 80 percent of our funding goes into staff salaries,” Ferry said. “That’s money that our staff are using to buy groceries and rent homes or pay mortgages and things like that. So, we’re bringing a significant amount of money into the county.”

About a decade ago, the center was a vital part of the resort industry, with clients helping to run a linen laundry service that served many Ocean Pines restaurants and hotels. A lawn-care service was also used by many in the Ocean Pines community, and clients also worked for a catering service through WCDC.

More stringent federal guidelines shuttered those programs around 2016. Ferry admitted it was a difficult transition.

“When we sold our laundry equipment and I watched it going out the building, I had tears in my eyes, because that was such a tremendous program,” he said. “Not only were we able to hire our clients, but we had so much business that we worked with the Worcester County Schools, with their special ed department and their summer school, and we even hired some of their students. We also hired clients from other agencies, so we had a lot of people involved.”

Now, WCDC operates in part as a center for the arts.

“When we found out we weren’t going to be successful in fighting the federal changes, we sat down and we thought about what we were going to do next,” Ferry said. “The work we had been doing was significant, and it was also something that set us apart. We had a variety of jobs where we could train clients to have them work and earn a paycheck.”

He added that they were looking for two things.

“One, what’s going to be best for our clients and, two, what’s going to set us apart and keep us a little bit different, so that we stand out so that we can attract more people and grow,”

Ferry said.

Ferry said almost all clients struggle to communicate in one way or another. Some have physical limitations and others have intellectual difficulties.

“We tried to think about nonverbal ways for our clients to communicate. And we said, through the arts, everybody can do that,” he said. “We looked into it a little bit and decided that’s what we’re going to do. So, we become a center for the arts and the clients are having a great time.”

WCDC partnered with the Art League of Ocean City, with clients able to visit for classes, or attend remotely through online programs like Zoom.

“That’s been a nice relationship,” Ferry said.

While Ferry is unhappy that some of the center’s prior programs are no longer viable, he said the timing was extremely fortuitous.

“I think it was a case of God watching over our clients, but also you kind of make your own luck,” Ferry said. “When covid hit, it was very fortunate that we were becoming a center for the arts. If we had still been doing work at the center, all of that would have been gone.”

He added that the change in focus allowed staff to keep the doors open.

“Our staff would pack up two weeks’ worth of art supplies, drop them off at the client’s houses, and we would do Zoom lessons with them either through the Art League or through our staff here. So, we actually did OK during covid because we were able to keep our clients very active and engaged because we had made those changes,” Ferry said.

Along with helping clients learn how to communicate better through the arts, Ferry said jobs programs continue to be a major focus of the center.

“Our goal is to help everybody get a job in the community who wants a job,” he said. “We have a job coach who will help them find a job, and then follow along with them to make sure they’re able to do that job prop-

erly.”

Ferry said working for WCDC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life, and that feeling is shared by many of his staff.

“When we have an in-service day and the clients aren’t here, everybody just feels like something is missing. You really miss their life and their vitality, their energy, their enthusiasm,” Ferry said.

“I’ve been in this field for 30 years now, and they teach me more every day than I’ve taught any of them in 30 years. They’re just the best people in the world.”

Ferry tells his new staff they have the best job in the world because they get to go home at night and get a god night’s sleep because what they have done has made someone else’s life better.

“I can’t think of a better job than making somebody else’s life better, and helping somebody who appreciates it and somebody who just needs that little bit of help,” he said.

The Worcester County Developmental Center is always in need of financial support, as well as local businesses and nonprofits to partner with.

“If people have businesses that they think can work with us, we’re always looking for new opportunities for our clients,” Ferry said. “Any way that we can get them involved in the community is a plus. We’re also hoping to restart our volunteer programs where our clients would go out and volunteer in the community very soon.”

For more information or to donate, visit wcdcservices.org or email ferry@wcdcservices.org.

Great customer service award to Holiday Inn OC

(June 2, 2023) The Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City was recently recognized for its exemplary performance.

According to a news release, the 17th Street hotel and the team that runs operations were among nearly 300 recipients of the IHG Hotels & Resorts’ 2022 performance awards.

The release said the award is considered the most prestigious internal organizational honor among IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Americas colleagues and properties. It acknowledge hotels for notable achievements among several key customer criteria, including guest service and satisfaction, cleanliness, and adherence to clean energy metrics and other company standards.

The local Holiday Inn was selected for an award among the organization’s more than 4,300 hotels across the United States, Canada, Latin America and South America. The local hotel also received the Spirit of True Hospitality Excellence award, given to IHG hotels open prior to Dec. 31, 2020 that have achieved “elite” status and received cleanliness survey scores of at least 90.

“The definition of modern travel and the demands of our guests continue to evolve, and our hotel teams

remain committed to adapting and delivering the experience travelers have come to expect across IHG’s 18 brands and more than 4,300 Americas properties,” Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said in the release.

“The Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, Maryland and its staff lead by example, and their hard work and dedication to providing True Hospitality for Good are more than deserving of a 2022 Performance Award.”

IHG hotels welcome guests with flexible and comfortable environments that enable travel on their own terms. Specifically, IHG’s clean promise guarantees clean, well maintained and clutter-free rooms that offer guests added peace of mind before and throughout their stay.

To learn more, or book a trip with IHG, visit ihg.com/hotels/us/en/reservation or use the new IHG One Rewards mobile app.

Members of the Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City operations team pose with awards they recently received for exemplary performance from IHG Hotels & Resorts.

MCBP conducts fifth assessment of local wetlands

(June 2, 2023) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is currently planning its fifth year of assessing the health of tidal wetlands in the Coastal Bays watershed.

MCBP conducts wetland assessments throughout Chincoteague, Sinepuxent, Newport, Isle of Wight and Assawoman Bays, and on the St. Martin River.

The goal of the assessments is to determine the current condition of tidal wetlands by looking at the quality of habitat, hydrology and surrounding land use.

Wetlands provide many essential services to both humans and the environment including improving water quality, providing protection from flooding and storm surges, and providing habitat for a variety of wildlife.

These assessments are based on Mid-Atlantic methods and rely on maps and field visits, which take less than a few hours and are a great way to look at marsh health in a rapid, “leave no trace” way.

Data from the assessments are grouped by sub-watershed, so individual properties are not identified in the analysis.

MCBP is reliant on the help and support of private landowners that allow access to their properties to collect this important data. These assessments help MCBP focus on tidal wetlands in need of restoration and resiliency efforts.

Property owners with tidal marsh in the coastal bays watershed that wish to learn more about MCBP’s Wetland Assessment initiative, or to discuss scheduling a tidal wetland assessment should contact Environmental Scientist Billy Weiland at 410-213-2297 ext. 109, or email bweiland@mdcoastalbays.org.

PHOTO COURTESY HARRISON GROUP RESORT HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

WCPS, local officials ring in new SDMS wing

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) The long-awaited new wing at Stephen Decatur Middle School is finally open.

Worcester County Public Schools

Superintendent Lou Taylor, SDMS

Principal Amy Gallagher and various local officials celebrated the completion of the 25,000-square-foot, $11.09 million addition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, less than two years after construction crews broke ground in late 2021.

Before cutting the ribbon in the pristine, shiny new hallways, Taylor and Gallagher remarked from an interior, open-air courtyard on how important the day was and thanked the people who helped see the project to completion.

“It’s a great feeling for many reasons,” Taylor said after the ceremony. “One is it allows us to keep all our kids inside the building. That is very important in today’s world and the area’s safety. The other thing is that we have been able to build state-of-the-art facilities in our county. Research tells us that good facilities allow for great learning. We take pride in the learning environments in our schools and all our classrooms are conducive for it. To see this project come together like that.”

Multiple times, people could be overheard asking where the new addi-

tion began, unable to tell where the old school ended and the new school began, and Taylor pointed out how impressive the attention to detail was.

“The folks who built this building were able to tie in the color scheme,” he said. “You really can’t tell the difference between something built 20 years ago and what was built today. We maintain our buildings, we take care of them, which is why the (original school) is in great shape but with the color scheme of the new building, it just came together extremely well.”

School board member Katie Addis attended the event with a few of her colleagues and afterward said she was im-

pressed with the final product.

“They put in a lot of hard work and they really made it look like the other section of the building,” Addis said. “They did a wonderful job.”

Some people in the community praised the addition while it was under construction but also bemoaned the fact that it should have been in the original construction designs. The original school opened its doors in 1997.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, then president of the commissioners, lamented the cost of the project back in 2021, considering that it would have only cost around $1 million had the addition been a part of the original school

design, and the population demands of today weren’t exactly a surprise.

In 1997, when the school was built, a group of petitioners effectively put the additional square footage on ice.

“So, we can thank that group who petitioned us for adding $10 million to the cost?” Mitrecic asked.

The new wing adds 12 classrooms, four science labs and prep rooms, restrooms, lockers and additional storage space, as well as doing away with nine portable classrooms.

Though the ribbon cutting took place on Tuesday, students and teachers have been using it since returning from winter break.

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The new wing of Stephen Decatur Middle School is officially open and local officials celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The $11 million addition serves the school’s seventh and eight grades.

MEMORIAL DAY

Guests

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Retired Army PFC Mitchell Briddell speaks during the Memorial Day remembrance at the American Legion Synepuxent Post 166 on Philadelphia Avenue, fondley remembering his brother, Charles.

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Post #166’s Color Guard performs “Taps” and retires the colors at the end of the Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at the American Legion.

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

and hosts at the American Legion’s Memorial Day remembrance ceremony salute during the playing of “TAPS” before the colors are retired.

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Some cars and floats in the Berlin Memorial Day parade carried veterans or tributes to locals who served and died in past conflicts. Pictured is a truck carrying several local Vietnam veterans.

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Residents gathered along the sidewalk of Henry Park in Berlin on Monday to see the Memorial Day Parade as cars traveled from Stephen Decatur Middle School carrying veterans, tributes to fallen soldiers and promoted community organizations. Pictured are members of the Duncan - Showell American Legion Post 231 marching with the parade.

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Vendor tents from local organizations filled Henry Park for Berlin’s Memorial Day Parade. Pictured is decorated dune-buggy carrying a banner in tribute to William Whaley, a local who served in Korea.

SCOUT PROJECT

SPRINGFEST CHARITY

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City pose while working a charity beer stand during Springfest the first weekend of May in downtown Ocean City. A total of 11 shifts of members worked the stand, which raised money to help provide scholarships to local graduating high school seniors from Stephen Decatur, Snow Hill and Pocomoke high schools.

FIRST FRIDAY

PATROL GIFT

Beach Patrol Capt. Butch Arbin presents Steve Pastusak, vice-president of Jolly Roger Amusements, with a framed portrait of the 2022 Beach Patrol as a “Thank You for his and the company’s generous support.” Pastusak has provided Beach Patrol employees the opportunity to enjoy an activity at Jolly Roger Amusement Park which helps each crew to build relationships and have some fun away from duty. Beach Patrol leadership believes the experience of living and working in Ocean City

ART CHALLENGE

HISTORY AWARD

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Johnny Malinowski, 15, a ninth grader at Stephen Decatur High School, planted a pollinator garden in White Horse Park in Ocean Pines as part of his Eagle Scout badge. Maryland Coastal Bays Program donated native plants for his project effort.

Olivia Kershaw Smith, left, and Marian Bickerstaff attended the First Friday art opening at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street, May 5.

PHOTO COURTESY KIWANIS CLUB

The Ocean City Surf Club recently announced the winners of its 2023 Expression Session Art Challenge. Pictured, from left, are OC Surf Club Secretary Kevan Thomson; high school winner, senior Luke Loeser, Worcester Preparatory School, $500 prize; OC Surf Club President Tommy Vach; Elementary School winner, fifth grader Noel Winter, Seaside Christian Academy, $100; OC Surf Club Outreach Director Anne Cook; and middle school winner, eighth grader Charley Davis, Seaside Christian Academy, $300.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY LIFESAVING MUSEUM

Newt Weaver, president of the Worcester County Museum Society, presents attorney Joe Moore with the Bob and Kathy Fisher Award for dedication to the Preservation of Local History at the annual Museum Society dinner on May 5 in Pocomoke.

is critical for employee retention.

Worcester Prep Class of ’23 graduates 42 seniors May 26

(June 2, 2023) A total of 42 Worcester Preparatory School seniors officially closed their last chapter of high school on May 26.

According to a news release, the graduating class included 12 “lifers,” or students who have been attending the Berlin private school since prekindergarten.

Members of the Class of 2023 will attend 29 colleges and universities in the fall, with enrollments in 14 states and Washington D.C. The higher education institutions include Clemson University, University of Georgia, University of Maryland, University of Pennsylvania, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas A&M, the United States Air Force Academy, Wake Forest University, and William and Mary.

The release said the students collectively received more than $6 million in scholarships, with several accepting local awards during the commencement on the Worcester Prep lawn last Friday.

The awards included two American

Legion Scholarships to Rory Pugh and Cole Myers, and an Art League of Ocean City Scholarship to Cayden Wallace. The Ocean City Marlin Club awarded three scholarships to Anne Carter, Riley Moyer, and Kathy Zhang, while Franky Pettolina Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Griffin Jones and Parker Tingle.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) was then graduation speaker and presented senior Olivia Mattingly with a Maryland Senatorial Scholarship. Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38) presented Mattingly with a Maryland House of Delegates Scholarship.

The senior class valedictorian was Christopher Todorov, who the release said is part of the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Art National Honor Society, and International Thespian Society.

Anne Carter, who is a member of the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society, was the Class of 2023 salutatorian.

The 2023 graduating class of Worcester Preparatory School pose for a photo in front of the school at their graduation ceremony on May 26.

Valedictorian Christopher Todorov accepts a certificate from Worcester Preparatory Headmaster John McDonald during the school’s graduation ceremony on May 26.

Sports complex housing needs

Ocean City government’s soon-to-be-created sports complex task force will have much more to think about than simply how to pay for it.

Aside from establishing the best location for that facility, acquiring the land and getting it developed, this workgroup also would have to consider who would operate the compound, how they would operate it and, just as importantly, where they would live while doing it.

According to the Maryland Stadium Authority’s commissioned study of this proposal, a fully functioning sports complex of this scope would generate 1,000 jobs.

Obviously, that projection must assume that many of these employees would already be living here, since current high housing costs would preclude recruiting employees from outside the area.

While it is true that sales prices and rents could change over the years leading up to a fully operating facility, the current reality is that while top earners might be able to find something that suits their needs, others would struggle to latch onto any kind of housing that did not involve a lengthy commute to work.

Many resort-area employers are aware that job openings here far outnumber affordable housing opportunities, and that ought to be concerning to anyone with designs on building a job generator as big as this is expected to be.

Even though Ocean City government continues to look for ways to encourage the development of employee housing, these efforts tend to focus on seasonal help, when the need also exists for year-round workforce housing that middle-income earners can buy, lease or rent.

If, as Ocean City officials say, the sports complex is part of the grand plan to make the resort a year-round destination, they must also know that having adequate workforce housing is a critical part of that effort.

While the task force figures out how to bring that facility into existence, it should also think about how to accommodate the requirements of the people needed to make it all work.

Ocean City Today

Graduation memories

All these high school graduations taking place this month make me remember my own. Well, not really.

The truth is I don’t remember anything about the actual ceremony and the only thing I do recall from the entire 24hour period was an incident that occurred at a party afterward.

By Stewart Dobson

Hine

ACCOUNT MANAGERS .......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier

Kelly

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin

SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks

GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown

PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts

That was when one of the quietest students in my class apparently snapped a synapse and inexplicably began to Twist Again Like He Did Last Summer ... in his underwear.

If there was ever a scene that would signify that one part of your life is over and another is about to begin, this would be it.

I mean this was a guy who had spent his entire scholastic life being the politest, most attentive, and best behaved student ever to cross a classroom threshold.

And suddenly, there he is singing, “Let’s dance, let’s dance in our underpants.” And following through with a demonstration.

I never knew exactly what happened to this individual, although I suspect that he became a physicist, many of whom are harmlessly crazy. It’s either that or he became the politest, most attentive, and best behaved label inspector ever to be enshrined in the Fruit of the Loom Hall of Fame.

You just don’t know how people will turn out at that stage in life.

Look at me, for instance. I failed high school senior English, and while I’m sure any number of people will say, “Who’s sur-

prised?” I’m nevertheless employed in a field in which decent (not great) English skills are required.

Of course, I only sort of failed that class. The truth is I had enough points per grading period to pass, but the teacher ... um ... disliked me intensely and left a couple of things out on my side of the ledger.

Again, to the surprise of many people, this was in retaliation for refusing to do as I was told. Specifically, he cast me in a school play in a part I didn’t want.

Monday: “So, Dobson,” he said. “Have you learned your lines yet?”

“No,” I replied. “I’m not doing it.”

Tuesday: “Dobson, have you learned your lines yet?”

“No. I’m not doing it.”

Wednesday: “Dobson, if I assign you to do something, you have no choice. You must do it.”

“No. I’m not doing it.”

Thursday: “I’ll fail your bony ... if you don’t learn your lines.”

So, he failed me, but I lived through it, my parents lived through it and Mr. Polite took the part so the show could go on. It wasn’t a bad play, it was more of a Cracks of Doom, smell-of-burning-Sulphur bad play.

On reflection, the trauma of doing the part that I refused to do may have been the catalyst for Mr. Polite’s out-of-character behavior at the graduation night after-party.

I did say, after all, “Put your pants on, Mr. Polite.”

And he did reply, “No, I’m not doing it.”

As for the question of how I landed in this business without passing high school English? I ain’t got no idea, but so far so good.

American Legion rooftop addition underway

Site plan approved in Feb. for 760-square-foot deck over existing parking lot

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(June 2, 2023) After overcoming some hiccups with design, members of the American Legion in Ocean City are constructing a new deck and patio on their upper downtown building.

In February, members of the Ocean City planning commission approved a site plan for a nearly 760square-foot addition over the existing parking lot at the Legion headquarters on the corner of 24th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. The 1950s-era structure is home to the American Legion Post #166 in Ocean City.

Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy said the plans, which the commissioners praised, went through a full revision before the unanimous approval.

“The plans were totally revised to reflect a different design, a different design professional,” Gordy explained. “… It’s not a revision to an approved site plan, just a total revised design.”

She said the original plans included elements that would have required approval from the Board of

Zoning Appeals. After the revision, those elements were removed, leaving only the site plan for planning commission approval.

Architect Keith Iott, who took over the project in December, submitted the revised plans. He went over some of the details of the project during the planning commission meeting, which include construction of a stairwell and handicap elevator to allow for access to the new upper deck. He displayed renderings, which show a

matching roof over the addition and an overall improved look of the building.

“I think it’s going to be a great location for them, great visibility, great exposure down Coastal Highway,”

Iott said. “… We’re excited about it. We think it’s going to be a really good addition for the American Legion. And hopefully an attractive addition to Ocean City’s new emerging trend for outdoor dining.”

Wor-Wic Community College announces fall dean’s list

(June 2, 2023) A total of 373 WorWic Community College students have been recognized for their performance by being named to the dean’s list for the fall term.

Worcester County students who maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while taking six or more credit hours during the fall term include:

Berlin: Kyra Arnold, Summer Banks, Lauren Bodolus, Rumina Bowers, Cash Cyburt, Sawyer Ellis-Gaal, Breanne Ferguson, Alexis Hudson, Jarrett Humphress, Juliana Jaeger, Mary Jenkins, Ellen Johnson, Amanda Jones, Amelia Kemp, Jessie Lupiwok, Mackensie Martinez, Connor McWilliam, Lauren Melnick, Sean Mills, Jenna Olafsson, Katelyn Pizlo, Connor Plumley, Katherine Rimel, Arlenni Rodriguez-Carpio, Emily Sandt, Sarah Stephan, Taylor Takacs, Stephen Wade, Lauren Ward and Grace Windon

Bishopville: Andrea Cohee, Kaitlyn Custer and Ny’Ashia Harper

Girdletree: Ronnie Lukens

Ocean City: Ella Ames, Lorelei Auker, Miriah Belmaggio, Kayla Brady, Maddox Bunting, Keeley Catrino, Cindy Dennsteadt, Nathaniel Elko, Kathleen Ewing, Renee Fohner, Chelsea Hale, Alexandria Harkness, Kirra Hearn, Connor Herr, Connor Lawrence, Rife Leonard, Tiffany McClain, Jeremy Mitchell, Jean Morales, Calvin Nguyen, Willa Novelli, Rachel Savage, Owen Schardt, Morgan Schroeder, Isabella Vazquez, Matthew Warner, Victor Willowdean and Kelsi Zimmerman

Pocomoke City: Savera Ahsan, Susan Bamonto, Amber Bloomfield, Angel Bolding, Brian Butler, Cameron Lilliston, Nicole Ludwig, Megan Smith, Gavin Taylor and Elizabeth Tull

Showell: Emily Stitely

Snow Hill: Alexis Bowe, Alexia Figgs, Victoria Harper, Raiden Leonard, David Mason, Ryleigh Mauzy, Michael Smith and Samuel St. Pierre

Stockton: Madison Von Graevenitz

Whaleyville: Sarah Burke and Madeline Pusey

OP Players cancel ‘Love Letters’

(June 2, 2023) The Ocean Pines Players production of the Pulitzernominated play, “Love Letters,” has been canceled after changing the dates and venue.

The group sent the notice last week but did not provide an explana-

tion for canceling the performances.

Ticket holders can visit oceanpinesplayers.org/contact for refunds.

For more information, visit oceanpinesplayers.org, Facebook.com/oceanpinesplayers, or email info@oceanpinesplayers.org.

STEWART DOBSON/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Crews work on an outdoor patio addition at the American Legion headquarters on 24th Street.

DAR presents essay contest awards at WPS

(June 2, 2023) Worcester Preparatory School hosted the Daughters of the American Revolution on April 17, to present Good Citizen and essay contest awards during a ceremony in the Guerrieri Library.

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the DAR recently sponsored two American History essay contests in area schools.

The chapter also recognized a senior from each of the four Worcester County high schools as DAR Good Citizens.

The Worcester Prep winners of the American History essay contest, open to grades five through eight, are as follows: Grade 6 – second place, Jack Jarvis; Grade 7 – second place, Elena Gjoni; Grade 8 – second place, Gavin Mann; Grade 6 – first place, Collin Hastings; Grade 7 – first place, Noa Bouzaglo; and Grade 8 – first place, Sophia Poffenberger.

Hastings and Poffenberger went on to win at the state level.

Prep freshman, Jude Damouni, won first place in the Patriots of the American Revolution essay contest, open to grades nine through 12.

The DAR Good Citizens program was initiated by the National Society in 1934 to recognize male and female high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

Senior Riley Moyer was chosen as this year’s Worcester Prep DAR Good Citizen and was awarded a certificate, lapel pin and gift card.

The DAR is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education. For more information, visit www.dar.org or http://GeneralLevinWinder.marylanddar.org.

Students helps others recover through art

(June 2 2023) For Worcester Preparatory School junior Izzy Huber, participation in a local art exhibit focused on those battling the stigma of addiction inspired her to create a program to help others.

In November, Worcester Prep hosted representatives from the Art League of Ocean City and “Stigma Highlighted: Portraits of Recovery,” an art exhibit addressing negativity toward individuals battling addiction.

The “Stigma Highlighted: Portraits of Recovery” project was designed to use artwork and personal stories to challenge misconceptions and negativity toward individuals battling addiction.

The program is sponsored by the Giving Spirit Foundation, Worcester County Health Department, Worcester Goes Purple, Talbot Goes Purple and the ALOC.

Local artists, including Huber, cre-

ated portraits influenced by the stories of survivors from Worcester, Wicomico, Talbot and Somerset counties in various stages of recovery.

The artists personally met with the individuals, listened to their journeys, and interpreted them in hand-painted portraits. The artists also wrote accounts of their interactions with their subjects and how it personally affected them.

At that time, Huber met with Brandon O’Brien, owner of Douglas K. Hamilton House for Recovery.

“His story inspired me in many ways, but one of the most striking things was his determination and ability to face his fears,” Huber said. “Since beginning his journey away from addiction, Brandon has flourished. It was a great honor meeting him, and seeing how his hard work paid off. I was able to visit his very own recovery house, which he opened to serve his community, in the same way, he was given help when he needed it most.”

Once learning that art has a therapeutic effect on those who are healing, Huber reached out to Worcester Goes Purple President Debbie Smullen in hopes of developing a new program where recovering addicts could create powerful art.

Laura Jenkins of The Joan Jenkins Foundation, quickly jumped on board to help support and promote the new project, “The Art of Recovery.”

The Art of Recovery will be a statewide project. Worcester Goes Purple will collect projects created by those in recovery from all Maryland counties and Baltimore City to be displayed in an exhibition held in September (Recovery Month). A public auction will be held and all proceeds will benefit the recovery community.

“Worcester Goes Purple appreciates

Izzy and her interest in the connection between art and recovery,” Smullen said. “The goal of the Stigma Highlighted project was to educate the community about recovery and taking the stigma away. Izzy certainly rose to the occasion and has reached out to do more. Certainly, a stu-

dent Worcester Preparatory School can be proud calling one of their own.” For more information visit www.stigmahighlighted.com, or contact Smullen at wgpwarriors2021@gmail.com or 410-8705161.

Worcester Preparatory School hosted the Daughters of the American Revolution on April 17, to present Good Citizen and essay contest awards during a ceremony in the Guerrieri Library. Worcester students who placed first and second in the annual General Levin Winder Chapter of the DAR American History and Patriots of the American Revolution essay contests, in front, from left, are Noa Bouzaglo, Collin Hastings, Elena Gjoni and Jack Jarvis, and in back, Gavin Mann, Jude Damouni and Sophia Poffenberger. Worcester Prep DAR Good Citizen Riley Moyer is not pictured.

Izzy Huber stands in front of her artwork of Brandon O’Brien exhibited during “Stigma Highlighted: Portraits of Recovery.” Participation in the art exhibit focused on those battling the stigma of addiction and inspired her to create a program to help others.

Beach Patrol tips to keep you safe in ocean

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(June 2, 2023) We all love to see the lifeguards up in the stands and managing their beach. It is a sign that summer is finally here. I think it is safe to say that we are all ready to let those sunny vibes flow.

It seems everyone associates the beach with relaxation and fun. We want everyone to enjoy their time at the beach and stay safe while experiencing their adventures. With the help of Ocean City Today and our weekly series on beach and ocean safety you can be sure to keep your beach trips safe. No matter where you’re headed, we’ve rounded up eight major safety tips.

Only swim when a lifeguard is on duty

We are dedicated to guarding and maintaining safety along Ocean City’s beaches seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. With that being said, let me remind you of one of our

most important messages; “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard is in the stand!”

The ocean is unpredictable, and statistics show that most of the drownings in the world occur during a time when lifeguards are not on duty.

In Ocean City, over 98 percent of all drownings that have occurred in the near 90 years of the Beach Patrol have occurred when guards were not on duty.

Check in with the lifeguard

We also encourage you to say hello to the lifeguard each time you visit and ask about current conditions. Each day they write a beach or ocean tip on the back of their stand.

Be aware that currents will naturally push you down the shore, so make a point to know where you started. Try remembering a stable landmark like the lifeguard’s stand or a particular condo or building on shore.

Take time to notice which way the current is moving. Return to that spot in the water regularly so you’re never far from a lifeguard.

Parents also have had moments of

panic when suddenly their child is no longer where they last saw them, only to see them running back from a block down the beach, due to the long shore current.

Watch for rip currents

Did you know rip currents are the 2nd or 3rd leading cause of weather related death in the U.S. every year? This is an amazing fact considering most states don’t even have ocean beaches or rip currents and only more deaths are heat related.

Waves don’t always break evenly along the shore. And when they don’t — i.e., when they break more strongly in some areas than others — it can cause a circulation in the water that produces a rip current.

They’re the number one hazard for beachgoers and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. If you see a current of choppy, off-colored water extending from the shore, steer clear. If you get pulled out, stay calm, save your energy (let the current carry you for a while), and keep breathing. Don’t try to swim against the current. Gain your composure and start swimming parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current. Then turn and swim diagonally toward the shore. If you can’t make it, wave your arms and make noise so someone can see or hear you and get help.

The best advice, again, is to check in with the lifeguard. They can tell you the best place to swim and they have a nice description of how to spot rip currents on the back of their stand. Remember, if the Beach Patrol is off duty and you get in trouble there is no one to save your life.

Be aware of the waves

They’re much more powerful than you think.

We have found that injuries resulting from strong waves can range from simple sprains, broken collarbones, and dislocated shoulders to more serious injuries including blunt organ trauma and spinal injuries (which can lead to paralysis).

Another culprit to be aware of is shorebreak, or waves that break directly on shore (rather than breaking a few yards out and rolling in more slowly). These waves have the potential to cause serious neck and spinal injuries. Never put your back to the waves (letting large waves impact your back can result in the same type of injury as a rear end auto collision).

Just be sure to check in with the surf rescue technician before hitting the surf to ask about the wave conditions for the day. Your lifeguard is more than happy to point out shore break and let you know when and where there is a safer place to swim.

Sand holes can be dangerous

People love to dig holes at the beach. But it can be dangerous because they can collapse on the people digging them.

Once a person is buried in the sand it is very difficult to dig them out. Even a small hole can trap you. Just as a person can drown in a small amount of water, it doesn’t take a very deep hole to trap a child. The rule followed by the Beach Patrol is that holes may only be as deep as the knee of the smallest person in the group. Lifeguards enforce the knee-deep policy for your safety. In fact, comparing sand hole deaths to fatal shark attacks in the same time period in the US, there were 16 sand hole deaths and 12 fatal shark attacks and just last month a 17-year-old died in North Carolina in a hole he was digging.

Stay sober

Alcohol doesn’t only affect judgment; it can also dehydrate you, increasing the likelihood of heat-related sicknesses.

The beach may seem like a great place to relax and enjoy alcoholic beverages. However, it is both illegal and unsafe to do so. The combination of alcohol’s effects on dehydration and disorientation resulting in impaired judgment creates the rationale on why Ocean City does not allow alcohol on the beach. Alcohol depletes your body of the vital fluids it needs to keep you up and running throughout the day, and it can also give swimmers a false sense of confidence when it comes to ocean swimming.

Almost every guard has a story about rescuing a swimmer who drank too much alcohol. A person who has a healthy understanding of the ocean and their own swimming ability might not usually head out very far, but after a few drinks they might find themselves feeling braver. They take risks they usually would not and can end up hurting themselves in any number of ways.

We know it’s tempting to enjoy a few pina coladas while soaking in the sun, but if you’re going to partake, make sure you are obeying the law, staying off the beach and steer clear of the surf.

Save your skin

Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chance for developing melanoma (skin cancer) later in life. Racking up more than five sunburns at any age also doubles the risk for melanoma.

Keep the burns at bay by slathering on a high quality broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30 or higher (our guards use Panama Jack for sun protection).

Safety tips keep everyone safe

Make sure you have a source of shade like hats, umbrellas, tents that are readily available (especially during the sun’s peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Remember if you are using an umbrella for shade, you are responsible for its safe use, never leave it unattended if you leave the beach and keep an eye on wind direction and changes in weather.

Your eyes can also be damaged by exposure to the sun’s UV rays, so never forget to wear a pair of high quality sun glasses. Ocean City lifeguards wear polarized glasses by Hook Optics to help cut down the glare off the water and so they can see you better.

What to bring and not to bring to the beach

Always bring any medications that you might need in an emergency (epi pen, appropriate snack for diabetics, heart medication, etc.).

Also bring plenty of water because once you are thirsty you are already becoming dehydrated.

Don’t forget footwear, because on a hot day the sand can cause very serious second-degree burns by just crossing the beach to your towel. Never bring valuables to the

beach. Leave them at home, in your condo or in your car and have an extra set of keys with you.

Keep the above tips in mind and have an action plan before hitting the waves. Even if you’re heading to the pool or lake instead of the ocean, heed our warnings — many of the tips above apply to hanging out near any body of water.

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

Let the summer adventures begin in Ocean City, and always remember to “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard is in the stand!” As added protection for you and your family always locate the nearest stand with a guard and swim on that beach.

If you think you would like a position with the Beach Patrol, ask any surf rescue technicians or visit the department’s website at JoinBeachPatrol.com. We are still hiring for this summer with two more tests scheduled for June 3 and June 10. There is no certification required and we pay you $18.44 an hour .during training and certification. As an added incentive the town is offering a $500 signing bonus.

Battle of West Hubei, or Exi, Japan versus China armies

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(June 2, 2023) This week, 80 years ago, The Battle of West Hubei, or Exi, was winding down. As the name implies, the battle was fought between forces of the Imperial Japanese Army and the Chinese National Army in Hubei province.

Hubei is a 71,800-square mile landlocked province in the central part of China. Its name means “north of the lake,” because it is north of Dongting Lake. The capital of Hubei Province is Wuhan, which currently has a population of 11 million and was, by many accounts, the site of the origin of the Covid virus. The province currently has a population of 58.3 million.

After the Japanese captured the Chinese capital of Nanking in December 1937, the Chinese capital was moved to Wuhan, making it a Japanese target. After a months’ long battle, it was captured in October 1938. At that time, it had a population of 1.5 million.

The capture of Wuhan necessitated the removal of the Chinese capital to Chongqing, in Southwest China, where it remained until the

end of the war.

Even though Hubei Province is landlocked, it is served by the great Yangtze River and its tributary, the Hanshui River, together with the Yuehan Railway, which made it very important.

The Yangtze River is the third longest river in the world. At 952 miles, the Hanshui River is the longest tributary of the Yangtze River and joins with the great river at the

Continued on Page 56

Chen Cheng

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 53

city of Wuhan.

Although Wuhan was very important to the Japanese, they were unable to make full use of the Yangtze River, because they didn’t control all of it. In June of 1940, after a battle of six weeks, they occupied the city of Yichang, 198 miles up the Yangtze River, but they were still unable to make full use of the great river because the Chinese remained in control of the river between the two cities.

During the first week of May 1943, Japan’s Eleventh Army, commanded by 54-year-old Isamu Yokoyama, attacked Chinese forces along the Yangtze River, between Wuhan and Yichang.

Beginning on May 6, Gen. Yokoyama’s Eleventh Army occupied parts of Hunan Province, which bordered Hubei Province. The Japanese captured the cities of Zhijiang, Yangxi, and Changjiao, with current populations of 500,000, 71,000, and 38,000, in Hunan Province, on May 9. After the capture of Changjiao, the Japanese soldiers spent the next four days killing most of its citizens.

Following the massacre at Changjiao, on May 13, 1943, Gen. Yokoyama’s Eleventh Army crossed the Yangtze River near Baiyang, in Hubei Province, and attacked and surrounded the Chinese Eighty-Seventh Army, and occupied parts of

OBITUARIES

WILMA (PINKY) ELIZABETH BENDER Savannah, Georgia

Wilma (Pinky) Elizabeth Bender, 78, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2023, surrounded by her family, following a long journey with Alzheimer’s.

She was the loving wife of Mark, who was her primary caregiver until just prior to her death. Wilma is survived by her four children Ronald Hebb, Jr. (Lisa), Elizabeth Danz, Brien Hebb

neighboring Anhui Province.

The next day, the Japanese 3rd Division captured Gong’an, Hunan Province. It then attacked the 1600year-old city of Songzi, on the southern bank of Yangtze River, in Hubei Province, on May 16, 1943. Within three days the city had fallen. Today, the city has a population of almost 900,000.

The commander of the Chinese Sixth War Area, Chen Cheng, returned to the area, and resumed command on May 19. Like many of China’s best military leaders, and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, he was educated at Whampoa Military

(Stephanie), and Carrie Hill (Gordon); her 13 grandchildren whom she adored: Joshua, Amanda, Caleb, Zachary, Nicholas, Erika, McKenzie, Benjamin, William, Jason, Alexander, Caitlin and Charlotte; and a brother, James O’Brien. Her sister, Jeanne Martin, preceded her in death.

Wilma was born in Savannah, Georgia, on July 10, 1944, to the late Wilmer and Henrietta O’Brien. Her pink cheeks became the inspiration for her lifelong nickname, Pinky. She graduated Eastern High in 1962, started nursing school, and later started her career at Martin Marietta. In the late 1980s, Pinky

Academy. After the Nationalists’ relocation to Taiwan, he became premier.

The Japanese launched a twopronged attack on May 21, with the 39th Division crossing the Yangtze River, which was opposed by the Chinese LXXXVI Corps, and the III Corps attacking from Chayuansi toward Changyang in Hubei Province.

Forty-five hundred soldiers from the 39th Division attacked toward Pianyan, Hubei Province. They were repulsed by elements of Chinese 5th and 18th Divisions, after suffering 3,000 casualties, on May 26.

Gen. Cheng ordered a Chinese

$1,445.

returned to school to follow her true calling of nursing, graduating in 1992 with her RN and enjoying a successful career as a cardiac care nurse.

Pinky loved traveling with Mark (cruises were her favorite) and devoted herself to her grandchildren who lovingly called her Mommom. Services will be held Saturday, June 24, at the Community Church of Ocean Pines. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a service of remembrance at 11:30. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pinky’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

counteroffensive on May 30, causing the Japanese to retreat. Two days later U.S. planes attacked Japanese troop transports near Yichang, sinking several vessels and drowning a number of Japanese troops in the Yangtze River.

Elements of the Chinese 23rd, 55th, 98th, and 121st Divisions assaulted the 20,000-man Japanese 13th Division on June 2, and inflicted considerable casualties. Two days later, LXXIX Corps assaulted the border region between Hunan and Hubei Provinces. They were reinforced by LXXIV Division on June 6. By June 11, all territory gained by the Japanese offensive begun on May 3, 1943, had been recovered.

The Japanese had committed 120,000 soldiers to this failed operation. Chinese strength was 280,000. Chinese losses numbered 23,550 killed, 18,295 wounded, and 7,270 missing. The Empire of Japan lost 25,000 killed and wounded, 40 aircraft destroyed, and 122 naval vessels damaged or sunk.

Gen. Yokoyama was arrested in July 1946 and charged with war crimes as a result of medical experiments on downed Allied airmen by troops under his command. He was tried by a military commission of the U.S. Eighth Army in Yokohama, Japan, convicted, and sentenced to death in 1948.

His death sentence was commuted, and he died in Sugamo Prison in Tokyo, on April 21, 1952. He was 63.

Next week: Pantelleria Island

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

Wilma Bender

Beck, Janney finish top 4 in state doubles tennis tourney

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(June 2, 2023) This was the second consecutive year Stephen Decatur juniors Matt Beck and David Janney represented the school in the 2A MPSSAA state tennis tournament, where they again finished in the top four of the doubles competition.

The eight 2A regional champions were seeded randomly for states, held May 25 and 27 at Baker Park and Frederick High School.

The Decatur duo – two-time 2A East Region II champions – received the No. 6 seed and faced No. 3 Nadav Weisberg and William Cogan of Hereford High School in the quarterfinal round last Thursday.

Janney and Beck won, 6-2, 6-1.

They lost to Xavier Moaddel and Deron Zhu of C. Milton Wright in the semifinals, 6-3, 6-0.

“I thought their first match they played really well. They were definitely the better team in the quarterfinals,” said Decatur Coach Jamie Greenwood. “The semifinals the C. Milton Wright team, they were good. They were well disciplined, their one player had a monster serve and that proved to be a little difficult for our boys. They played well, the competition was unfortunately better … I think it was a learning experience. I think it was valuable in that aspect.”

The boys were pleased with their performance overall.

“It was the best competition we faced all season. We played really well. We had a lot of fun,” Beck said. “There were some amazing tennis players from across the state there.”

The C. Milton Wright team was skilled, but Beck said he and Janney hung with them the first set, which could have gone either way, he added.

“Overall, it was a good experience,” he said. “Our level of play was better. We’re more experienced as tennis players going through it the second time … but there’s always room to improve. We’ve got to make it further next year.”

Janney also thought the entire experience was fun, despite the outcome.

“The first match we were really cruising. Our opponent stepped up the skill level the second match,” Janney said. “The whole tournament competition was a lot better compared to last year. There was a lot more talent overall … It was good to be there together. I felt proud of what

me and Matt did the last two years. We left it all out there. We were fourth in the state two years in a row, and I’m still proud of that.”

Janney said he and Beck are looking forward to next season and returning to the tournament.

“Me and Matt have a good connection on and off the court. We have a good bond when we’re on the court, a good, fun synergy,” Janney said.

The boys play not only doubles during the season, but in singles matches as well.

“Our communication is good. I’m looking forward to continue playing with him,” Janney added. “Even though we didn’t go all the way, backto-back regional champs is impressive.”

The two team captains helped lead the boys’ squad to a 9-5 record this season.

Beck said they enjoyed their roles as leaders and helping to mentor the younger players.

“Overall, I was pleased with the season. It got a little rough in the second half, we have a lot of student-athletes that were taking AP classes, so we went into three matches at the end of the season missing top players,” said Decatur boys’ team Coach Steve Berquist. “There were three big matches that we didn’t have our full strength and that definitely showed. We lost those matches. It is what it is, school comes first. A couple games got moved because of rain so we got stuck with the schedule too late in the season with not as many days to play.”

The team will only graduate one player – Joseph Domingo.

“I’m really looking forward to next year. We were very young this year,” Berquist said. “Our top four will be seniors. We’re looking forward to big things, maybe getting another regional championship and send more people to states.

“It’s a great group of guys and they seem to enjoy each other’s company,” Berquist continued. “They all seem to be looking forward to working in the offseason to make a run next season.”

Berquist recognized several players for their performance this season – Janney and Beck (MVP); juniors Briggs Pugner and Jacob Ritz (Coach’s Award); and freshmen Trey Rill and Bo Gehrig and sophomore Geren Palmer (Rookie Award), who Berquist said “all played in matches and contributed to wins during the

season, and as first-year players I thought that was tremendous.”

Domingo received the Sportsmanship Award.

The girls’ team finished with an 87 record. Greenwood thought the season went well overall.

“With random seeding now in the regionals, after you’re out of contention for the Bayside [Conference], it gave me a little more flexibility to play girls at only doubles, at only singles, different combination of girls and I thought it helped us and I think it really helps us for next year,” Greenwood said. “We’ll see what the freshmen coming in have. I was pleased with the way the season went and the growth we made from start to finish.”

The team will graduate three play-

ers – Sarah Tarr, Paula Magathan and Sadie Peters – but several underclassmen got time on the court this season.

“Our No. 1, No. 3, No. 4 are sophomores. We’ve got them for two more solid years, and Emily [Ferguson] and Anika [Karli] are definitely the leaders as far as on the court. Emily made it to the regional finals for the second year in a row – playing two different disciplines (doubles in 2022, singles this year) but still she made it to the regional finals. Emily has really stepped up and she’s got aspirations to make it to states next year.”

Greenwood presented team awards to: Tarr (MVP), Ferguson (Coach’s Award) and sophomore Emeline Weber (Sportsmanship).

Justice represents Decatur at state T&F championship

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(June 2, 2023) Stephen Decatur

Coach Brenda Hommel was pleased with the growth of the athletes during the outdoor track and field season.

“Overall, I am very happy with the work and progress our young team has made over the course of the season,” she said. “Our coaching staff of Coach Billings, Coach Morris, Coach Smith and myself, worked well together to develop the skills of our athletes both on the track and field alike.”

The only athlete to advance to the state championship meet, held May 25-27 at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, was junior Ethan Justice.

He finished the 3,2oo-meter race 16th overall in a time of 11:01.29 in his first state appearance.

“This was definitely not Ethan’s best performance and I know that he was disappointed with himself, but he still has his senior year to meet his goal of breaking 10 minutes for the 3200m,” Hommel said. “You can’t

PHOTO COURTESY JAMIE GREENWOOD

This was the second consecutive year Stephen Decatur juniors David Janney, left, and Matt Beck competed in the 2A MPSSAA state tennis tournament, where they again finished in the top four of the doubles competition.

Hommel: Athletes looking forward to next yr.

Continued from Page 55

have your best race every time and we have not yet seen the best out of Ethan. He is probably the most talented runner I have coached, I just need him to run with the confidence in his own abilities.”

He qualified for the state meet for placing fourth in the 3,200-meter race in a personal-record time of 10 minutes, during the 3A South Regional championship, which took place May 17 and 20 at Reservoir High School in Fulton, Maryland.

Hommel said she is looking forward to next season and the possibil-

ities.

“Our athletes are showing a lot of potential to be very competitive next year,” she said. “I am even more impressed with the level of enthusiasm that our athletes are showing for future seasons.”

Several mid-distance runners have expressed interest in participating in cross country during the fall and some first-time runners are looking to also compete in the indoor season

next winter, she said.

“Kids are wanting to do indoor track based on their outdoor experience,” Hommel added. “As a coach, I am not as interested in what my athletes can do for me, but what I can do for them to help them improve their performance and build confidence as athletes and teenagers. It is a great feeling knowing that our athletes are ending the season feeling proud of their hard work and already looking forward to the next season.”

The track is supposed to be torn up next week, Hommel said, so they are

expecting to have a fresh facility for next spring. Hommel said she has already ordered new high jump and pole vault pits.

“Next year our facility should be much better,” she added.

Hommel recognized several athletes during the team’s banquet last week: MVP Award: junior Macy Woroniecki and Justice; Coach’s Award: junior Tiara McDonald and senior Logan Bradshaw; Newcomer Award: freshmen Lotus Wise and Collin Pennington; Sportsmanship Award: freshman Ellie Cheynet and senior Nick Moreno.

Another successful season for SD softball

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(June 2, 2023) The Stephen Decatur softball team had another successful season, again finishing in the top four in the MPSSAA 3A state tournament.

The Lady Seahawks battled with the Damascus Hornets in the 3A state semifinals, but lost, 52, last Tuesday at Bachman Sports Complex in Glen Burnie.

“On the doorstep two years in a row, we have to remind them no one from Decatur has been here since 1991 and the seniors that are leaving got to do it twice,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz. “They get to hang a banner two years in a row. Nobody else had ever done that. Of course, you want to take that next step, but you don’t want to sell short what they accomplished to get there.”

Damascus scored one run in the bottom of the third and two in the fifth.

Decatur put one run on the board in the top of the sixth.

The Hornets made it 5-1 in the bottom of the sixth.

The Berlin squad tallied one in the top of the seventh, but was unable to score any additional runs.

“We didn’t have a single strikeout or walk the entire game. Every single girl put the ball in play, unfortunately we just kept hitting the ball straight to people,” Kurtz said. “We were expecting this overpowering, Division Icommit pitcher to just mow us down, but every girl was putting bat to the ball, we just weren’t finding spots.

“They were a very good defensive team,” he continued. “A couple of unfortunate base running errors on our part early where we might have been able to keep it to a 2-1, maybe 2-2 game, but they just got some timely hits. We were able to get a few here and there, but it was just too little too

late at the end.”

Junior Kiara Taylor had two of Decatur’s three hits. Sophomore Madison McGinnis had one.

On the mound, McGinnis struck out three, walked two and gave up nine hits in six innings.

Decatur advanced to the state semifinals with a 15-2 victory over the Manchester Valley Mavericks on May 19 in Berlin.

“They were the sixth seed. We were three, so we were expecting it to be a toss-up,” Kurtz said. “We fell behind early, 2-0, and then we just had back-to-back innings of seven and eight runs. We just erupted.

“After that first six or seven runs they pulled their pitcher and we lit up the next pitcher too,” he continued. “We just kind of got the bats really going well. Everybody was hitting. It was just a total team culmination.”

Sophomore Ryleigh Smith had four of Decatur’s 13 hits, with four RBIs. Senior Sarah Smith chipped in with three hits and two RBIs.

McGinnis and freshman Emily Blume tallied one hit and two RBIs each.

McGinnis struck out eight, walked two and gave up three hits in five innings.

Decatur finished the season with a 19-3 overall record. The team also won its second straight regional title.

“This group was just all about the business part and they knew they had to do the work to have the success, and when they were off the field they were just a really good group of girls that kind of get it. They get the idea of your success is our success and I’m doing this as much for you as I am me,” Kurtz said. “When that happens, that’s always such a good outcome for the team no matter if you make it all the way to the end, that you had such a good time on the journey.”

Kurtz said it was an enjoyable season.

His overall record going into the state semifinals game was 64-11. His first year as head coach, the team

went 15-5.

“We only had six losses in last three seasons. We have been very successful,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back to it again.”

The team will only graduate two players – Sarah Smith and Rowan Chester. Eight starters will be returning.

“We told the girls [that will be returning] to remember this feeling and that we want to put ourselves in a position to have a chance to go further next time,” Kurtz said.

He spoke to all of his players individually in the days following the last game and told them, “don’t expect the same result without doing the work.”

“Almost all of my returners are girls who will play all summer, play

travel. They’re always working, I just kind of tell them we have a lot of pieces to the puzzle so don’t sell short the off-the-field stuff because this team did click very well together this year,” Kurtz said. “We very much came together in terms of friendship, camaraderie, I just reminded some of the older girls to really protect that. I reminded them of all the good things they accomplished, what can help them take the next step, and just keep encouraging them.”

Kurtz said he is extremely excited about next season and the years to follow.

“These next two years to who knows, we just keep building,” he said. “We’re really excited with the potential of this group coming back together next year.”

Decatur baseball team falls in 3A state semifinal round

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(June 2, 2023) It was a back-andforth battle until the last inning, but the Stephen Decatur baseball team came up a bit short, losing 5-3, to River Hill in the MPSSAA 3A state semifinals last Tuesday at Joe Cannon Stadium in Hanover.

“We started off well, then we couldn’t piece together a couple of hits when we needed, so we just didn’t get the timely hit,” said Decatur Coach Rich Ferro.

Decatur put two runs on the board in the first inning. River Hill scored one in the third, fifth and sixth innings to take a 3-2 lead.

The Seahawks evened it up in the bottom of the sixth.

The Hawks tallied two runs in the

top of the seventh and held Decatur scoreless in the bottom of the inning to win the game and advance to the state championship.

Junior Ryder Swanson had two hits and an RBI for Decatur. Junior Caden Shockley chipped in with two hits.

Senior Ryan McLaughlin and junior Lukas Loring contributed one hit and one RBI each.

On the mound, Loring struck out five, walked three and allowed three hits in four innings.

Sophomore Nate Berzonski struck out one, walked three and allowed three hits in 2.67 innings.

Junior Matt Wright walked one in .33 of the final innings.

It was Decatur’s first appearance in the state semifinals since 2013, which Ferro said was a big accomplishment.

That same year the Seahawks also

Ethan Justice

Scott Kurtz

Rich Ferro

GOLD on the Green Charity Golf Tournament set June 14

(June 2, 2023) Worcester County GOLD will host its eight annual GOLD on the Green Charity Golf Tournament on June 14 on Ocean City Golf Club’s Newport Bay Course.

An anonymous donor has challenged GOLD with $20,000 in matching funds toward the event proceeds.

“We are so excited about the challenge our anonymous donor has presented us with. This generous donation will help us continue our mission of providing emergency financial assistance right here in Worcester County,” said Executive Director Nicholas Cranford. “With event proceeds matched dollar-fordollar, participants can double their impact and make a real difference right here, right now.”

Four-person teams can enjoy lunch, 18 holes of waterfront golf with cart, gift bags, side games, a summer

WPS sophomore returns to states as soccer champ

(June 2, 2023) Worcester Preparatory School sophomore Ben McGovern recently represented Team ISL U16 in the Mediterranean International Cup (MIC) held in Costa Brava, Spain.

The MIC is an internationally renowned soccer tournament with over 30 countries represented, this year’s competition included: Liverpool FC, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid CF.

Players for this Barcelona-based team were selected from a multitiered nationwide search process.

Team ISL faced some of the most challenging opponents in the tournament, including last year’s champion Olympique de Marseille.

The team’s performance on the pitch was exceptional and Team ISL emerged as the champions of its bracket finishing with a 6-2 record.

McGovern’s selection to Team ISL is a testament to his hard work, ded-

Little bit of luck and hard work key to future success

barbecue-style awards dinner, prizes, drink tickets, mulligans and souvenir team photos.

GOLD is seeking teams of golfers, sponsors and donors to make the fundraiser a success.

Worcester County GOLD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to Worcester County residents living with low income.

Founded in 1997, GOLD is committed to helping individuals and families facing financial crises relieve stress and achieve self-sufficiency.

GOLD on the Green will be held on Wednesday, June 14, at Ocean City Golf Club, 11401 Country Club Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

Tickets for a four-person team start at $800. All event proceeds benefit Worcester County GOLD. To purchase tickets or more information, visit www.WorcesterGOLD.org.

Continued from Page 56

earned the program’s first regional title.

“In the past we’ve had really talented teams, just sometimes you face a guy on the mound that’s really good or you do some things that are uncharacteristic and you lose one,” Ferro said. “It’s kind of hard to do it because it’s a one-and-done scenario. It’s not a series or anything like that. If you play poorly or things happen, you make a couple errors and stuff, you’re done.”

The Berlin squad advanced to this year’s state semifinals with a 9-3 victory over Marriotts Ridge in the quarterfinals on May 19 in Berlin.

“We scored runs when needed, we pitched well, we played defense,” Ferro said. “Being on our home field was nice, a good environment to play in. We jumped on them early and then held them at bay.”

Marriotts Ridge went up 3-0 in the second, but Decatur answered with seven in the bottom of the inning. The Seahawks added two more in the bottom of the sixth.

Loring tallied three hits and two RBIs. Junior Waylon Hobgood chipped in with two hits – one of which was a home run – and four

RBIs.

McLaughlin had two hits and an RBI.

Senior Gus Croll struck out five, walked two, and gave up five hits in three innings.

McLaughlin struck out 10 in four innings.

Decatur finished the season with a 19-3 record.

“It was a very successful season. I was really happy for the seniors to be able to leave with a regional championship and play to the last week of the season, we just didn’t get to the final game,” Ferro said.

“We had a good group of seniors who competed and some younger guys who played big roles for us. You hate to lose, but collectively, I thought the season there were a lot of positives. They outweighed the negatives. It just stinks because when you lose the playoffs you’re done.”

Decatur will graduate eight players, all of whom Ferro said had a role in the team’s success.

“We have a lot of guys coming back,” he added. “We’ve had that in the past, it just comes down to a little bit of luck and guys working to get better.”

ication and talent on the soccer field.

He plays soccer year-round for a prestigious regional soccer team, Maryland United FC ECNL 07.

He is grateful for the opportunities MUFC has provided him and attributes his success to this great program and the coaching he has received.

Worcester Preparatory School sophomore Ben McGovern stands with his championship trophy following the Mediterranean International Cup held in Costa Brava, Spain.

Memorial Day marks start to main season and restrictions

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(June 2, 2023) Well, the main season has started. The Memorial Day weekend is evidence of that.

I’m sure that those of you who were around noticed the difference, and that difference is one of an abundance of people in town. Plenty of people wait for this time of the year. It’s a season of more population, yes, but it’s also the source of the major portion of income for most of those that live here. In a phase, it’s tolerated and welcomed all in the same breath.

For the surfer it’s an adjustment. At least for those that are able to get in the water more in the middle of the day.

As was explained in the most recent column, restrictions are officially in effect.

The two surfing beaches and the area between the pier and jetty will be open to surfing all day. The two surfing beaches, north and south, rotate every day. The area between the pier and jetty is available on weekdays.

Other than that surfing is available all over town before 10 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m. One caveat to the rule is that of modification. More about that later in this column.

In the past there have been differences between surfers and lifeguards when the 10 a.m. “leave-the –water” time comes around.

This can be especially prevalent when the waves are of a good quality. It doesn’t seem to be as much of an issue as of late. So much depends on the conditions of the day both in the water and on the land. Issues such as the temperature of the water and the air. Is it warm? Is it cool or

even cold? Are there swimmers in the water? Is it sunny or cloudy? Is the surf big and/or rough?

All of these factors can come into play to determine what the Ocean City Beach Patrol will decide because they are the enforcement on the beach. Decisions are made by the OCBP captain with advice from his officers.

The reference of this discussion comes to be what is known as “modification.”

Beach Patrol can modify the beaches for surfing depending on conditions. This can possibly happen, and the emphasis is on “possibly” more often at the beginning of the season or toward the end of the season.

My advice is to simply heed the commands of the lifeguards or surf rescue technicians as they are known. They are there for the safety of the public. No one wants to get hurt. It seems as though most people that come here are not that familiar with the vagaries of the ocean and the SRTs can go a long way in assisting. They have good training and are willing to instruct anyone who has an interest, education being a big part of their job.

Through the efforts of the Eastern Surfing Association, surfers gained some extra room on either side of the north and south surfing beaches, depending on conditions.

Michelle Sommers, executive director of the ESA, successfully petitioned the Ocean City Council for this extra area. This was a “feather in the cap” of any surfer that comes to this area.

I think that the town realizes more and more that surfers, as much as any other group, are part of the economy. Keep an eye on the ocean. Enjoy the waves and stay safe.

Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

WPS sixth grader selected for high-end soccer program

(June 2, 2023) Worcester Preparatory School sixth grader Zac McGovern was recently selected for The Southhampton North American Select Tour.

McGovern was selected for The SH North American Select Tour at a regional soccer tournament in December, which he attended with his travel team.

The nomination provided him the opportunity to spend his Easter break training at the Southampton Soccer Academy in England.

“From the moment Zac came out for our team, we felt his personality and play was infectious,” said OC Elevate Coach Dustin Wheelock. “He brings a unique intensity and enjoyment for the game. Zac is always

thinking a play ahead. He’s such an intelligent play maker. It came as no surprise to us when he was selected for this honor. He has such a standout presence on the pitch.”

McGovern spent his time in England learning soccer from the SH development coaches and even trained alongside the first team as they prepared for their match against Man City.

He enjoyed behind-the-scenes access to the St. Mary’s stadium and participated in two international games.

McGovern was the MVP for this year’s Worcester Prep Middle School boys’ soccer team and will be a strong addition to the program in years to come.

Worcester Preparatory School sixth grader Zac McGovern stands on the field in the St. Mary’s stadium while training with the Southampton Soccer Academy in England during Easter break.