6/07/2024 OC Today-Dispatch

School bd. contracts busted

A budget that came up $1.6 million less than what the board of education asked for next year has left the board unable to honor its agreements with teachers and support staff. So it’s back to the negotiating table. — Page 80

Logistics problem blamed for event’s cancellation, so now a Bronco car rally will move into its slot on the calendar — Page 15

Ocean City Council extends primary residence program

Two-year trial project leads to 24 properties

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) The council voted this week to extend an incentive program that encourage homeownership in Ocean City.

On Monday, the council voted unanimously to extend the town’s Primary Residence Incentive Program, which is set to expire on June 30. During its May 28 work session, the council agreed to make the pilot program a permanent fixture.

“This is extending the primary residence incentive program that was previously established by Resolution 2020-09, and this was presented to you at the last work session,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said.

Last week, staff came before the Mayor and Council with a request to extend the Primary Residence Incentive Program, a pilot program to encourage full-time homeownership in Ocean City. Simply put, the program lowers

the cost of a new primary residence by waiving certain building permit fees up to $7,500 and refunding certain local property taxes up to $2,500.

In 2022, the pilot program was renewed for another two years. With that extension set to expire in June, staff came before the Mayor and Council last week with a request to extend the program once again.

Neville noted that since its inception, the incentive program has resulted in more than 70 applications and 24 new or substantially improved homes, along with property tax rebates once primary residency is confirmed. While implementing the program has cost nearly $300,000, Neville said it had resulted in a new or improved residential construction value of more than $8 million.

After a lengthy discussion about the success of the program and the current discounts offered, the council last week voted to make the incentive program permanent and to have the council evaluate incentives on a yearly basis.

This week’s resolution was a result of that vote.

NANCY REITHER-SMITH

Luxurious custom coastal home with boat slip, boat lift and jet ski lift, and beautiful views of the Ocean City inlet and marina has just been listed. This is a very unique opportunity to own this 3,069 sq.ft. townhome, with elevator, in sought after Inlet Isle in West Ocean City. This beautiful townhome would make a perfect second home or primary residence. This home was completed in 2019 and has ALL the latest finishes and upgrades. MDWO2020438

Stunning coastal custom home

3BR/2.5 BA just blocks from the beach in Caine Woods has just been listed. This spacious home built by Piney Island Builders has an open floor plan, an abundance of natural light and upgrades throughout.

MLS MDWO2020518

Stunning 2BR/2BA ocean block condo steps from the beach in North Ocean City with upgrades throughout, shows beautifully! This condo has had many upgrades and is being sold completely furnished turn key. The unit has an open floor plan and you will immediately fall in love with the layout and natural light it offers. MDWO2019238

Recently remodeled 5BR/4.5BA waterfront estate on 2+ acres with boat slip hits the market! If you are looking for an incredible home on a beautiful piece of property with breathtaking views overlooking Assateague Island, look no further. This home boasts 6,482 sq. ft. of luxury and comes with boat slip #3. Upgrades recently completed: Outside exterior painted, interior painted, complete remodel of all bathrooms throughout the home, new kitchen floor, upgraded lighting, new refrigerators, landscaping, HVAC system are newer as well. You could not build this home for the asking price. MDWO2020966 11602

This single-family 4BR/4.5BA home with deeded boat slip is in the soughtafter Heron Harbour Isle community. This beautiful home has an open floor plan with a spacious family room with a 2-story stone fireplace. The family room flows into the kitchen which has plenty of cabinet space, a center island, breakfast bar and additional storage.

MLS MDWO2020204

This is a prime location in soughtafter Fenwick Island! This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase C-1 commercial land in Fenwick Island DE close to the beach and Atlantic Ocean. A salty breeze carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on these 4 commercially zoned C-1 parcels in Fenwick Island. DESU2059932 DESU2059922 DESU2059926 DESU2059940

DIRECT BAYFRONT OCEAN 733 BRADLEY ROAD

Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market! This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant foyer with marble flooring greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard.

MDWO2014714

NORTH OC CONDO with DEEDED BOAT SLIP

204 N HERON DR #2048C OCEAN CITY • $405,000

This beautiful 2BR/2BA condo with deeded boat slip #23 is in Seascape in the fabulous community of Heron Harbour. This larger corner model is rarely available for sale. It has two primary bedrooms each with its own full bath. This condo comes furnished ready for your immediate enjoyment.

MDWO2018196

MID-TOWN 3BR/3.5 BA RIVENDELL CONDOMINIUM with WATER VIEWS!

121 81ST ST UNIT 706 OCEAN CITY • $780,000

Stunning three-bedroom 3.5 bath condo at the Rivendell hits the market! This beautiful condo is being sold furnished and it's ready for your immediate enjoyment. You’ll be mesmerized by the waterfront views. You can actually watch both the sunrise and the sunset without ever leaving this condo.

MDWO2017698

2BR/1BA condo is currently being used as an Airbnb and the rental income is amazing. The condo is being sold furnished and is in move in ready condition. It is close to restaurants, shops, Jolly Roger, the

OCEAN BLOCK CONDO

NEW LISTING WEST OC with 36 FT SLIP!

13000 MARINA VIEW LN #23 OCEAN CITY • $1,399,900

S HILLS DRIVE BERLIN, MD • $1,849,900

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) Code amendments that set stronger citations for noncompliant outdoor Boardwalk displays and eliminate a sunset provision for nonconforming signs received the support of a resort commission this week.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission held public hearings on two ordinances that address signage and displays. The first ordinance Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler introduced sets new enforcement procedures for Boardwalk business owners who do not comply with regulations for outdoor displays.

“This year we worked with OCDC, Ocean City Development Corporation, and their Boardwalk Committee, to find ways to improve compliance on the Boardwalk and make sure these Boardwalk merchants are becoming compliant with our ordinance …,” he told the commission. “What we have before you is now a six-step approach that results in fines and infractions for the merchants.”

Bendler said the town offers Boardwalk merchants a permit to disNew procedures eyed for Boardwalk noncompliance

Code changes for downtown signs advance

play their wares outside and in front of their stores, so long as it is within a certain area. However, he said the town has struggled to get some merchants to comply.

“Throughout the years, we’ve had to draft multiple letters to the merchants to get compliance,” he said. “They are mainly just general warnings. Year after year, the warnings accumulate but we never got compliance. We have been struggling trying to find avenues to get the merchants to get compliant with the regulations. What we’ve decided is we’ve given enough warnings.”

To that end, town staff have drafted a code amendment that allows a municipal infraction with a fine of $500 for the first violation and a municipal infraction with a fine of

$1,000 for the second violation. From there, the penalties increase to include suspensions and revocations of outdoor display permits and, ultimately, the suspension or revocation of a violator’s business license.

“This gives us an opportunity to take it out of town hall and into the courts now,” Bendler said.

When asked about the appeals process, solicitor Maureen Howarth said citations could be challenged in district court. Bendler added that inspectors would be out on the Boardwalk several times throughout the week.

“Also, OCDC is out there voicing the change and trying to get compliance from Boardwalk vendors,” he said.

During public comments, OCDC Executive Director Zach Bankert said

the changes should not be a surprise to Boardwalk merchants as OCDC representatives have been canvassing the area in recent weeks and sharing information. He said the revisions were the first step in improving the image of the Boardwalk.

“OCDC, as well as a number of preceding organizations, have tried to clean up the Boardwalk and Boardwalk displays,” he told the commission. “We feel like there’s issue with content, there’s issue with quantity, there’s issue with quality, when you look at the Boardwalk displays, and we feel increasing this fine structure and adding real teeth to this is a move in the right direction. I’d like to see more in the future, but this is a good step one.”

A motion to approve the changes passed unanimously.

replaced or made to conform when they are changed, structurally altered, enlarged, relocated or repaired.

“It allows us to work on them one by one within 90 days of written notice,” she said.

Gordy said the amendment also eliminates an opportunity to seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

“I believe that it may be one of those things the Board of Zoning Appeals would be overwhelmed with applications for this kind of thing,” she said when asked about the reasoning behind the change. “If you truly want things to be more conforming, maybe this is the way to go.”

Howarth agreed

“It’s a way to make signs more conforming as they change and allow legal nonconforming ones to stay until that point,” she said.

The commission on Tuesday also agreed to accept changes to the town’s code regarding signage in the downtown and upper downtown overlay districts. Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy said the amendment would eliminate the sunset provision for nonconforming signs.

“It gives us the ability to not have to worry about that subset date and be able to go on and work towards conformity with things that are not legally conforming,” she said.

On April 30, the Mayor and Council voted to remove a sunset provision that required noncompliant signs in the downtown area to meet the town code by Nov. 18, 2023. With that date come and gone, and staff not yet finished with its signage inventory, officials agreed to remove the deadline from its code and allow staff to address noncompliant signs in their own way.

“The way it has been proposed, and that this hearing is being held, is to make these changes,” Gordy told the commission this week.

As proposed, the code would be amended to eliminate the sunset provision and, instead, set a 90-day deadline to remove prohibited signs or bring nonconforming signs into compliance. Gordy noted that nonconforming signs should be removed,

When asked how town staff would identify nonconforming signs and enforce the regulations, Howarth said it was not yet clear what the town’s enforcement policy would be. Officials, however, noted the revisions would give staff the tools needed to enforce the code moving forward.

For his part, Commissioner Joel Brous noted that the changes presented must go through a first and second reading before they are adopted. However, he said he didn’t want to see businesses receive written violations during the summer season.

“I would like to not see the violations happen now and then you are in mid-summer trying to run your business and by Labor Day you have to have a new sign or something,” Brous said. “I think it’s a huge burden.”

After further discussion, the commission voted unanimously to accept the code changes.

“We know there are nonconforming signs out there, we recognize that,” Bendler said. “But we’re not going to do a campaign and go and enforce every sign out there and have them removed … The goal of the department is to get the nonconforming signs to a point where they are conforming.”

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Meeting set to discuss Caine Woods parking

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) A discussion on overflow parking in the Caine Woods community will be included in an upcoming work session of the Mayor and Council.

At the request of residents in the Caine Woods community, the Mayor and Council on Monday agreed to include a discussion on parking in the uptown neighborhood to its June 11 work session agenda. Officials say the work session will give Caine Woods residents an opportunity to share their thoughts on a growing parking issue uptown.

“We do have some issues we need to discuss,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

During the public comments portion of Monday’s meeting, Caine Woods resident Dennis Dare, the city’s long-time city manager and former councilman, came before the Mayor and Council to

share his community’s concerns about parking. He said the impact of new townhouses between 142nd and 145th streets was a discussion point at the May 22 association board meeting.

“Of course, the initial discussion centered on how the town could have allowed the flawed townhouse development in our neighborhood,” he said. “And then discussion turned to the fear of it happening again in other commercial properties adjacent to Caine Woods. After much discussion, the focus moved on to what can be done now to lessen the pending impact of overflow parking from the townhouse developments and the ever-increasing impact of day-tripper beachgoers from the Route 54 corridor.”

In recent meetings, Dare has asked the Mayor and Council to address

what he called a “glaring deficiency” in the design of new townhouse developments in uptown Ocean City. He argued, among other things, that garage parking for those units was inadequate, an issue he said would contribute to more on-street parking in surrounding neighborhoods.

Dare continued to reiterate his concerns this week. He said if overflow parking from the nearby townhouses moves into his neighborhood, it would push day-trippers who currently park uptown further into Caine Woods.

“This situation is going to be compounded by all the development in southeast Sussex County that's underway and permitted by zoning regulations. All Delaware public beach access from Lewes to Fenwick Island is either permitted or there are park-

ing fees, and those numbers are limited. The number of day-tripper beachgoers for Ocean City’s free parking and free beach access will grow immensely over the coming years.”

Dare said attendees at last month’s association board meeting expressed a desire for the town to address overflow parking in the Caine Woods community from nearby townhouses and short-term rentals. He said community members also favored restricting parking during overnight hours and beach patrol hours in the summer season.

“How to affect parking permits was reviewed,” he added. “Hang tags had support but the use of license plate enforcement appeared to be the most popular.”

Dare said the final topic discussed was where permit parking should be designated. He said community members ultimately agreed it should encompass the entire Caine Woods neighborhood.

“I would suggest this issue be placed on an upcoming work session agenda to allow Caine Woods residents and non-residents who are more likely to be present during the summer season come in front of you and express their thoughts,” he said.

Caine Woods resident Brad Hoffman said he supported the request for a work session. He noted that parking in his neighborhood was exacerbated by Sussex County’s growth and the nearby development of 131 townhouse units.

“It's definitely going to be a change to our neighborhood and it's a quick change,” he said. “These units all came together over the past, I say, 16 to 18 months. So as a resident of north Ocean City and Caine Woods specifically, I appreciate the Mayor and Council's attention to those details.”

In response to residents’ concerns at Monday’s meeting, the Mayor and Council agreed to add the parking topic to its June 11 work session.

“I think there’s a consensus that we know it’s a serious issue,” Councilman John Gehrig said.

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Ocean City overtime costs jump 52% in first quarter

Police, fire, public works departments recorded most hours so far in 2024

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) An increase in overtime for the first quarter of 2024 highlighted a recent internal audit report.

Last week, Internal Auditor Karin Scott presented the Mayor and Council with the town’s audit report for the quarter ending March 31, 2024. In addition to reports on procurement cards, Verizon phone policies and Delmarva Power billing, she also presented officials with a summary of first quarter overtime, which jumped from $13,562 in 2023 to $20,632 in 2024, a 52% increase.

“It’s up a lot,” said Councilman John Gehrig.

Scott told councilmembers last week the fire, police and public works departments recorded the most overtime hours in the first quarter of 2024. In a graph presented to council, fire had 8,767 overtime hours, police had 5,221 overtime hours and public works had 3,709 overtime hours.

“The main drivers of overtime this

quarter were the fire union negotiated overtime, fire and EMS increased calls for service in West Ocean City, court appearance for police, spring cleanup, training for police and fire, holiday overtime for New Year’s, and then the two-man paramedic units,” she said.

Scott said those drivers were similar to the ones reported in 2023. When asked about service calls to West Ocean City, she said they were tracked separately from service calls within the town’s corporate limits.

“We get paid for that,” she said.

“So we will be reimbursed.”

City Manager Terry McGean noted that long-term absences within the fire department also contributed to the increase in overtime hours this year. He also highlighted overtime related to St. Patrick’s Day in March.

“So that accounts for public works overtime as well,” he said.

When asked about overtime within the police department, McGean said more full-time officers could help drive down that number in the offseason. However, he said night shift officers who need to make court appearances are being paid overtime.

“Typically what happens is if you

See COUNCILMAN Page 14

Battery power system project finally starting

Zach Chizar said in an email last week. “This project will support the local energy grid, enhancing reliability and grid resiliency for all customers and seasonal visitors.”

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) Delmarva Power will begin preparing for the construction of a battery energy storage system in Ocean City.

This week, Delmarva Power will begin preparation work for a new battery energy storage system, or BESS, at 100th Street. The company reports the project will support the city’s energy needs.

“This project will improve the reliability and quality of energy service in the Town of Ocean City during times when energy demand is highest,” Senior Communications Specialist

In 2022, the Mayor and Council approved a conditional use permit allowing Delmarva Power to build a substation at 100th Street, contingent upon completion of a land swap agreement with the Town of Ocean City. Simply put, the utility company owned the northerly lot at 100th Street, while Ocean City owned the adjacent lot of a similar size immediately to the south. As part of the land swap, the town would acquire the northerly parcel – which is contiguous with other town-owned property – while Delmarva Power would acquire the southerly parcel for the installation of the BESS.

As a result of delays regarding the land swap, the council last October agreed to extend the conditional use agreement with Delmarva Power. And in March, following completion of the land swap, the Ocean City Planning Commission approved the site plan for the substation.

“Staff recommends approval of the site plan as presented, subject to the conditions of the conditional use permit,” Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy said at the time.

Delmarva Power reports the storage system will act as a backup when an issue arises with critical infrastructure. The system will also provide capacity for when energy use is low and support the power grid when demand is high.

“The project also reduces the need for additional infrastructure projects

in the area,” Chizar said.

Construction of the battery system is expected to begin the week of June 17 and finish before the end of the year. The company said customers will not see any impact to their service during the construction phase. Additional information can be found at delmarva.com/EnergyStorage.

Councilman voices concern regarding ‘substantial’ jump

Continued from Page 13

have a guy that works night shift, we’re paying overtime when he comes in for a court appearance during regular hours,” he said.

Gehrig, however, noted the activities that resulted in overtime this year were the same activities that resulted in overtime last year. Despite that, overtime has continued to rise.

“We had all these things last year, so none of it’s new,” he said. “I understand what was new with the fire department with people being out. But it’s just a big jump. We had St. Patrick’s Day last year … We had twoman paramedic units, West OC calls for service, spring cleanup. We had all of this. Contracted overtime.”

Scott noted that those were just the main drivers of overtime.

“There’s a laundry list of different codes,” she replied. “I’m trying to pick the largest ones to share with you.”

Gehrig thanked Scott for providing an update on overtime.

“It’s up substantially,” he said. “But we’re not going to solve that today.”

Fall monster truck event canceled

City officials working with organizers to reschedule Monsters of Metal in ‘25

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) Citing logistical issues, officials say Monsters of Metal Beach Brawl will not be held in Ocean City this fall.

City Manager Terry McGean con-

firmed Monday that the monster truck event, previously scheduled for Oct. 18-20, will no longer take place this fall. He said the town and the promoter are currently working on dates for the event’s return next year.

“The Monster Truck event is not occurring this year,” he said. “They had some logistic issues. It is now tentatively planned for 2025.”

In December, representatives with The Metal Shop, a Delmar-based busi-

ness, came before the council with a proposal to hold a monster truck event that would fill a vacant weekend on the fall special events calendar. Using a portion of the inlet parking lot, as well as the downtown beach just north of the pier, the Monsters of Metal Beach Brawl would feature a pit area and arena, grandstands and more.

At that time, council members agreed to move forward with a partner-

BRONCO Page 16

The Bronco Beach Bash will replace the Monsters of Metal Beach Brawl during its originally scheduled weekend in October. Above, a diagram shows a beach obstacle course planned for the event.

LIONS WELCOME NEW MEMBER

Mike Stone, left, was recently inducted

Bronco Beach Bash to fill void in fall events calendar

Continued from Page 15

ship with The Metal Shop and have staff draft a term sheet outlining the responsibilities of each party. And in February, the Mayor and Council voted unanimously to approve the event.

“Our intention in bringing this event isn’t just to benefit us as a company, but we also want to benefit the town,” The Metal Shop’s Jaclyn Disharoon Cooper said at the time. “So everything that we’re going to be doing, we will have the town’s best interest in mind because this is our hometown too. I mean, we’re right outside of it in Delmar. I used to live here. Everything that we do, we’re going to be trying to push revenue your way as well.”

The Metal Shop did not return requests for comment this week, and officials did not elaborate any further when another event scheduled for the

same weekend this fall was brought before the Mayor and Council for approval at Monday’s meeting. The Bronco Beach Bash, produced by Live Wire Media, will replace the Monsters of Metal Beach Brawl, with events taking place on the Inlet lot and beach Oct. 19-20.

“This event will hold daily Bronco parades on the beach, a vehicular beach obstacle course and a vendor village in the Inlet Lot,” a memo in the council’s agenda packet reads.

Last fall, Bronco Beach Bash held its first-ever event in Ocean City. Celebrating Ford’s six generations of Broncos, the event featured beach cruises, sand courses, vendors and celebrity appearances.

This year, daily beach parades will take place from the Inlet to 30th Street, and beach courses and vendor booths will operate throughout the day.

City pension plan brought in line with federal rules

New standards encourage more employees to begin saving for their retirements

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) Ocean City officials this week approved several amendments to the city’s pension plans to better align with federal legislation.

On Monday, the Mayor and Council took action on three ordinances that amend the deferred compensation plan, general employees’ pension plan and public safety pension plan. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the changes reflect federal legislation aimed at encouraging more employees to save for retirement.

“These are mandatory changes based upon the SECURE 2.0 Act that was viewed at the February 21 pension committee meeting,” she said.

The first ordinance passed on first reading this week amended the town’s deferred compensation plan to include certain provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act. The second and third ordinances amended the town’s two pension plans to raise the minimum distribution age and set a timetable for beneficiary payouts.

“This is the SECURE 2.0 Act as well, and it amends the spousal death benefit as reviewed at the May 22 pension committee meeting,” Stansbury added.

With no discussion this week, the council voted 7-0 to approve the ordinances on first reading. The council this week also voted unanimously to approve a fiscal year 2024 budget amendment on second reading, as well as an amendment to the town’s parking code.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City’s mayor and City Council contemplate the amendments they are about to make to the resort government’s pension plans. The amendments are required by new federal standards that aim to make saving for retirement an even more attractive option for employees.

Weekend fire at OC midtown business under investigation

(June 7, 2024) Local emergency officials are investigating the cause of a fire that broke out last weekend inside a midtown shopping center.

Around 9:45 p.m., last Saturday, the Ocean City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a nail salon at 7209 Coastal Highway.

According to a news release, upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke coming from the building. Crews quickly made access to the business and discovered an active fire. A search of the building determined no one was

inside, and no injuries were reported. Crews extinguished the flames and completed salvage and overhaul of the area. Firefighters then initiated smoke removal operations.

Investigators from the Ocean City Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office are currently conducting an investigation to determine the origin and cause of the blaze.

The release said the Ocean City Fire Department extends its gratitude to all mutual aid companies who responded to assist and filled in at our stations.

Pipe replacement on Old OC Road slated to begin

(June 7, 2024) The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin to replace an underground pipe on Route 346 (Old Ocean City Road) in Whaleyville on Monday, June 10. Weather permitting, the project is anticipated to be finished by September.

To complete the pipe replacement, crews will need to close Route 346 from east of Route 610 (Whaleyville Road) to west of Hall Road. Local traffic will be permitted in the area.

SHA’s contractor, ANA General Contractors LLC of Laurel, will use reflective barrels, temporary traffic signs and VMS boards to detour traffic around the project limits.

Motorists will be directed to the following detour routes:

Route 346 east traffic: Turn right onto Route 610, left onto Route 50 East (Ocean Gateway), and then turn left onto Route 346 West Route 346 west traffic: Drive on Route 50, then turn right onto Route 610

State Highway Administration officials understand detours and roadwork can inconvenience some motorists but the work is necessary to maintain a safe and reliable transportation system. Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, visit the Project Portal or the homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, visit md511.maryland.gov.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

A fire hydrant is hooked up outside of a nail salon that caught fire last Saturday on 72nd Street.

(June 7, 2024) Selbyville Police Department issued a call for the public’s help last weekend in locating a woman wanted on theft charges involving a local business.

On May 28, the department was alerted to Kendall Furniture in Selbyville for an internal theft. Interviews with management revealed Betheny Bruning, 38, had allegedly falsified payroll records and subsequently obtained approximately $42,000 in funds relating to work hours she not earn. Bruning has been charged with three counts of theft over $1,500 and three counts of falsifying business records.

Anyone with information on the suspect’s location should call 911 or contact PFC Liana Dodson at Liana.Dodson@cj.state.de.us or 302604-3308

OP woman headed back to Florida on fugitive warrant

(June 7, 2024) An Ocean Pines woman was apprehended Monday on a felony warrant from Florida.

On June 3, according to a press release, the Ocean Pines Police Department located and arrested Stacy L. Schaffer, 53, at her local residence on an arrest warrant filed in the state of Florida. The Tampa Police Department communicated with the local police department after the felony warrant was issued for Schaffer due to a court order issued as an injunction against stalking being violated. Schaffer was detained without incident at her Ocean Pines residence. Following an initial appearance before a District Court Commission, Schaffer was detained without bond in the Worcester County Detention and will be extradited to Florida.

Betheny Bruning

Stacy Schaffer

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) City officials gathered recently to cut the ribbon on the new Bayside Park at 3rd Street.

On May 30, elected leaders, city employees and community partners gathered at the Bayside Park on 3rd Street in downtown Ocean City for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event marked the official opening of the redeveloped recreational facility.

“Thank you all for joining us on this beautiful day to cut the ribbon and officially open our newly reimagined Bayside Park at 3rd Street,” Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito told the crowd.

Located along the bay between 3rd and 4th streets, the recreation complex has served as a recreational hub for residents and visitors alike for decades. Bounded by Philadelphia Avenue to the east and the bayside boardwalk to the west, the park has been home to a multipurpose ballfield, a playground, basketball courts and the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.

Last April, however, officials broke ground on a project to redevelop the downtown property. The results of that effort were celebrated during Thursday’s ceremony.

“This has been a priority project for the Mayor and City Council for a number of years, and it’s taken some time,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “Sometimes I get criticized when I make the remark that good things take time, and I think this is certainly a result of that. And I think this is a park that we will enjoy for many, many years to come.”

For the past year, crews have been hard at work bringing new and redeveloped amenities to the four-acre park. At the west section of the complex, a bulk of the property has been dedicated to a raised, grassy area surrounded by a walking path. The area also includes access to the bayside boardwalk and an inclusive playground area, complete with ADA-ac-

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Officials celebrated the transformation of the Bayside Park at 3rd Street last Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

DiBuo family recognized for inclusive elements in park

cessible ramps, a communication board and a “quiet grove.”

While the west section of the park will provide an open area for community members to walk, relax, throw a frisbee or hold concerts, the east section will feature spaces dedicated to certain recreational activities. The redeveloped area includes new basketball courts, shared-use tennis and pickleball courts and new street skate opportunities at the skate park.

“I hope you will love it and embrace it as a focal point in the downtown area,” Petito said. “But we’re not finished. We’re also hoping to add, with the support of our partners at Maryland Coastal Bays, a storywalk along the pier, which will be an inclusive opportunity. We’re also hoping to break ground this fall on the construction of a support building for this park area, which will have some restrooms available for park users. And we’re hoping to add some future outdoor exercise equipment and who knows what’s next. We’ll wait to see how you all use the park and then we will try to adapt from there.”

Petito said the redevelopment of the bayside park has been decades in the making. She recognized elected leaders, city employees, workgroup members, community partners and project contractors for bringing the project to fruition.

Petito also recognized the funding commitments from the Mayor and City Council, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. She also applauded the support of the Ocean City Development Corporation.

“They said this was a must-do project,” she said. “They funded the initial concept design, they have continued to seek grant funding for some

future art installations in the park, and together the OCDC, their art committee and wonderful members of the community – Wendy and Tony DiBuo – got together and funded two really wonderful elements around our park and inclusive playground. One is the communication board and one is a quiet zone, or quiet grove area.”

For his part, Meehan recognized the recreation and parks committee and Petito for getting the project across the finish line. He said that while the park has a rich history, he is eager to see it play a role in the lives of future generations.

“The history of families enjoying this beautiful space will continue,” he said. “Future generations will build their own memories right here.”

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Some local students were given the opportunity to try out the new inclusive playground set during the grand opening festivities.

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Season’s first white released

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(June 7, 2024) The season’s first white marlin was hooked and released offshore last Saturday, one day earlier than last year.

According to Fish In OC, Captain Andrew Dotterweich of the Fish On and his crew were fishing east of the Baltimore Canyon when mate/angler Jake Emche hooked and then caught and released the first white marlin of the season. The angler will be

awarded $5,000 from City for his first white marlin of the season catch.

Last year, the first white marlin was caught on June 2, 2023. In 2022, the water warmed earlier than usual with the first white marlin caught and released on May 23, the earliest date on record. According to data maintained by the Ocean City Marlin Club, the latest the first white marlin has been caught off the coast of Ocean City was on July 20 in 1936.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FISH IN OC

The captain and crew of the Fish On are pictured Saturday at Sunset Marina after catching and releasing Ocean City’s first white marlin of the season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHEN DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL

Bathtub races eye Berlin return next Friday

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) Local businesses will once again compete for the trophy, and bragging rights, in the 34th installment of the Berlin Bathtub Races.

On Friday, June 14, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce will host its 34th annual Berlin Bathtub Races. Starting at 6 p.m., competitors will race their modified bathtubs down Main Street as onlookers cheer from the sidelines in what has become the town’s most beloved summer sporting event.

“We are thrilled to host the Bathtub

Race’s 34th year,” said Ryan Nellans, the chamber’s executive director. “It has already been the most exciting build-up to any race we’ve had yet with sixteen teams and two reserve teams registered. The competition will be tight as two-time champion Derek Jarmon of Maryland’s Coast is stepping back and making room for new faces and new names on the Turner Cup. While the Chamber runs a lot of events like Jazz & Blues and the Fiddler’s Convention, those help bring new folks to Berlin. The Bathtub Race is something we do for ourselves. It’s a little weird, it’s a little silly, but it’s ours, and

that’s why it’s my favorite.”

Each year, participating businesses show off their speed and pageantry by racing their modified bathtubs in a series of heats, with the final two teams left competing for the trophy. The bathtubs themselves must be authentic and homemade and capable of holding at least two gallons of water. Wheels can be no bigger than 26 inches, and bathtubs must have breaks and steering.

The winning team will have their name added to the Turner Cup, which will return from its winterlong display at the Worcester County Recreation and

Parks facility in Snow Hill. The trophy pays homage to Jesse Turner, a longtime Berlin business owner who helped start the races and went on to win them several times.

Nellans added that the Berlin Bathtub Races will feature an opening parade, as well as carnival snack vendors onsite. For the third year in a row, WBOC’s Delmarva Sports Network will be broadcasting the event live for those who cannot attend.

He said the event would not be possible without the support of community members, volunteers and sponsors.

OCEAN PINES HOME with IN-LAW

County supporting AGH grant

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(June 7, 2024) The Worcester County Commissioners agreed Tuesday to unanimously send a letter of support for a local hospital’s request to purchase new infrastructure.

Atlantic General Hospital is planning to seek a grant through the Maryland Hospital Association’s FY 2025 Hospital Bond Project Review Program for the expansion and renovation of the hospital’s Central Sterile Processing Department. The hospital has asked for $1,576,877 through the program to help fund the project.

Hospital asked the Worcester County Commissioners, among other officials, to send a letter of support for the project, which will reportedly allow for a separate space for contamination, instrument assembly and sterile storage, resulting in the creation of a sustainable central processing environment that will boost patient safety while limiting infections.

On Tuesday, as part of its meeting consent agenda, the commissioners voted unanimously to support the request with a letter signed by Commission President Chip Bertino.

“Our growing resident population and booming visitor population place ever greater demands on our health-

care system, and for those reasons Worcester County has been federally designated as a medically underserved area,” Bertino’s letter read. “Through the expansion and renovation of the Central Sterile Processing Department to create a separate space for decontamination, instrument assembly and sterile storage, the hospital will be equipped with a sustainable central processing environment that allows for increased surgical cases and promotes infection prevention and patient safety. This will increase efficiency and allow staff to perform more procedures, giving patients more access to the care that they need.”

In other hospital news, the Worcester County Commissioners included $115,259 in its next fiscal year’s budget for Atlantic General for an antibiotic stewardship program. The line item – a result of a grant requested by the hospital -- was voted on in a work session last month with Commissioners Bertino, Eric Fiori, Caryn Abbott and Diana Purnell in favor and Joe Mitrecic, Ted Elder and Jim Bunting opposed. The antibiotic stewardship program is expected to increase organizational efficiency, decreasing hospital costs by reducing lengths of stays for patients as well as lowering readmission rates from infections.

Powerboat races set for Saturday, Sunday in resort

By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor

(June 7, 2024) In place of zooming airplanes in the sky this weekend, speed boats will be racing through the waves during Race World Offshore’s Ocean City Grand Prix.

The powerboat event, similar to races held in the resort in the past, is set to kick off today with registration and last through Sunday, with races on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Competitors will race counterclockwise around a four-mile loop in the ocean off the coast of downtown. Different classes of boats will run different laps, with smaller boats completing less laps than the larger ones. Registration was set to open at 9 a.m., today, at the convention center, with the races to begin at 1 p.m. Saturday. For a full schedule, visit raceworldoffshore.com/ocean-city/.

Special Events Director Frank Miller reminded members of the public this week that while the beach will be open in the course area, the water will be closed to swimmers from 4th to 37th streets for the duration of the event. Mayor Rick Meehan also said earlier this week that setup was set to begin Wednesday.

Similar to the PBR Ocean City Classic bull riding competition this past weekend, the event, called the North American Championship Race, is part of a larger circuit that, according to the RWO website, is a qualifier for the National Championship Title. The site said the Ocean City race offers competitors the opportunity to win twice the number of points as any of the seven others in the series.

The city is set to serve as a producer for the spectator side by providing a dry pit at the convention center on 40th Street, and hosting people in town. RWO Offshore will manage the participants and the water-based race course. The event will feature not only the races, but also parties and other festivities throughout the weekend.

The finish line will be at 16th Street, with primary viewing from 14th to 18th streets. According to the website, VIP viewing is available on the deck at the Quality Inn on 16th Street.

City Council members approved a term sheet for the races in January that outlined the details of this year’s event and also included date holds for the following two years.

This weekend has historically been set aside for the Ocean City Air Show, which moved this year to August due to scheduling of the acts and paved the way for RWO to take over the time slot.

MAP COURTESY RACE WORLD OFFSHORE

A map shows the 4-mile course that will be set up for the RWO Ocean City Grand Prix powerboat races this weekend in the ocean off the coast of downtown.

Grand concepts pitched for OC’s 150th birthday

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) Officials continue to explore ways to celebrate Ocean City’s 150th anniversary.

Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo told members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission that his team continues to explore creative ways to commemorate the city’s 150th anniversary, which will take place in 2025. He said series of celebrations at existing events in Ocean City could culminate in a black tie gala to be held next November.

“The concept is to take 150 existing celebrations and/or events leading up to the main event,” he said.

Special Events Director Frank Miller said the idea is to have 150 days of celebration in 2025. He noted that the town, and private sector partners, could incorporate the 150th anniversary into their existing events. Those events, for example, include Springfest, Sunfest, and free summer fun events.

“There are opportunities to modify an event and to be a part of it,” he said.

Communications and Marketing Director Jessica Waters said the goal was to encourage the community to join in on the celebration.

“The idea is to have the whole community wrap their arms around this celebration …,” she explained. “From a marketing standpoint and a community standpoint, there’s a lot we can do while focusing our resources on a main event.”

Perlozzo said the multitude of anniversary events would lead up to a black tie gala, tentatively scheduled for Nov. 21, 2025. He said the event could include dinner and a concert, with 1,500 guests for the VIP ballroom event and 3,500 guests for the show. He said offers have been made to artists such as John Legend, Maggie Rogers, Post Malone and Chris Stapleton, to name a few.

“These are just ideas,” he said. “Nothing is set in stone.”

Perlozzo also pitched a host of “activation” ideas for 2025. He said the town could offer a smile booth at various events, with 150th anniversary logos on the printed pictures. He also suggested $1.50 promotionals and a Coin Hunt, during which 150 coins would be dropped at destinations throughout town and in feeder markets.

“If you find one, it’s worth $150 in prizes,” he said.

Perlozzo said the ideas presented to the commission were just that –ideas – and that things could be changed or added as planning continues. Officials said they were excited to work with private-sector partners to promote the milestone anniversary.

“Just keep growing it,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “If we’re going to do it, let’s do it big.”

Black history commemorated with new sign

(June 7, 2024) The Beach to Bay Heritage Area, a nonprofit organization spanning the lower shore, recently erected two new interpretive signs at Germantown School and New Bethel United Methodist Church, both in the Germantown Community, southeast of Berlin. The installation was a cooperative effort with Worcester County Public Works.

Built in 1922, the single-story Germantown Schoolhouse was financed through the Rosenwald rural school program and the community. Germantown School is one of two surviving Rosenwald Schools in Worcester County and the only open to the public. The new interpretive signs detail the history of the building operating as a school until the 1950s and its renovation plans starting in the 1990s.

New Bethel Church is distinguished as one of the oldest Black church congregations in the county. The church was also home to the Rev. Charles Albert Tindley. The interpretive sign displays Tindley’s history and roots in the Germantown community.

County Commissioner Diana Purnell, Germantown School officials and members of the New Bethel Church attended the dedication,

along with county staff.

The two interpretive signs are part of a series of 12, all funded through the Maryland Office of Tourism Development and the Rural Maryland

Council, with assistance from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. To view those sites, and other African American Heritage sites, visit the Beach to Bay Heritage Area website at beachesbayswaterways.org, or download the self-guided driving tour: “Storyways: A Journey of Faith and Freedom on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, from left, are William Clarke, County Commissioner Diana Purnell, Kevin Lynch, Barbara Purnell, Keith Berdan, Karen Prengaman, Lisa Challenger and Andre Nieto Jaime at recent dedication ceremony for new interpretive signs erected at Germantown School and New Bethel United Methodist Church in Berlin.

Mike Todd recalls two memorable local incidents

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(June 7, 2024) The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company is proud to recognize Mike Todd, a dedicated member who has been serving the community for 12 years.

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy

Todd, currently an employee of Worcester County Public Schools, joined the OCVFC as a cadet in October 2011 and became a fireman in June 2015, following in the footsteps of his parents and grandfather, who all served as firefighters in the company. His grandfather Bill and father Mike both held the rank of captain.

Throughout his years of service, Todd has held various positions within the OCVFC, including board of director, lieutenant, captain, 3rd assistant chief, and 2nd assistant chief. His commitment to the fire service is evident in his dedication to helping others in their time of need.

When asked about the most significant events he has experienced during his time with the OCVFC, Todd recalled two incidents that stand out. The first was a fatal vehicle accident involving a drunk driver, where Todd was in charge as the captain on Engine 1. The incident occurred on a summer duty crew, where a vehicle crashed into the Satellite Café while on fire. Tragically, the other party involved did not survive due to the fault of the drunk driver. The second incident was a house fire on Harbor Road, where Todd and a battalion chief rescued a downed firefighter who had fallen through a weak floor into a deep hole.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Todd considers his greatest accomplishment in the fire service to be the ability to aid others during their worst days. He emphasizes the importance of asking questions and training at every opportunity and encourages upcoming volunteers to embrace the lifelong friendships they will make within the department.

The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company is grateful for the service and dedication of members such as Mike Todd, who continue to make a positive impact on the community through their selfless actions.

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

Mike Todd

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL EVENT

The Worcester County NAACP sponsored a Negro League Baseball event on May 25 at Stephen Decatur Middle School to keep alive the story of William “Judy” Johnson, a native of Snow Hill, and educate the community about the history of the league. Visitors were greeted by Worcester County NAACP Executive Board members and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza. Pictured, are Ernest Leatherbury, Carozza, Linda Hilliard, President Ivory Smith and Christine Clark.

FLOORING DONATION

LeClaire Flooring and Design recently donated flooring to the Hope4Recovery Treatment facility in Berlin. Pictured, from left, are H4R Board members Sarah Hooper and Tracy Simpson with LeClaire Flooring & Design owner Scott LeClaire, H4R Executive Director Brandon O’Brien, Founder Tish Ottey and board member Terri Bradford. Hope4Recovery, a nonprofit organization, provides residential treatment for men with substance use disorders.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

The all-new Outten’s Delights on North Main Street in Berlin celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting last Thursday. Joining in the event were officials from the Town of Berlin, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza’s office, and the Berlin and Greater Ocean City chambers of commerce. Formerly Town Center Antiques for many years, and previously Farlow’s Pharmacy, the new business offers home décor and gifts, souvenirs, local apparel, handbags, jewelry, vintage vinyl, and more. Owners Kathy and Bill Outten are pictured cutting the ribbon.

MEMORIAL DAY WREATH

The Worcester County Garden Club recently placed a wreath during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial. The wreath, which was designed by Veterans Affairs Committee cochairs Karen Trigger and Susan Fletcher, was placed at the site of a Gold Star Memorial Garden as a tribute to families who lost loved ones in service to the country through the United States Armed Forces. Trigger is pictured placing the wreath at the garden.

GARDEN CLUB DONATIONS

The Worcester County Garden Club is promoting National Garden Week, which began last Sunday and lasts through Saturday, with members placing floral arrangements in branches of the Worcester County Library. Members displaying arrangements are Suzy Young, Berlin branch; Joan LaHayne, Ocean City branch, Sandy Gaffigan, Ocean Pines branch; Sandy Buchanan, Pocomoke branch; and Karen Trigger, Snow Hill branch. Trigger is pictured with her floral arrangement at the Snow Hill branch library

DAWG TEAM

many years the

of

are

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.

AT

AGAIN

some of the members of the Dawg Team at Bay Day on May 19 in Whitehorse Park.

ART CONTEST WINNERS

The Ocean City Lions sponsor a Peace Poster contest each year at Berlin Intermediate School. The contest is an outreach program sponsored by Lions Clubs across the country and gives young people the opportunity to share their vision of peace. Pictured, from left, are contest winners Becket Bailey and Karen Miranda-Martinez.

LOCAL SCOUT DONATIONS

The Ocean City Lions recently donated $500 each to three local scout troops. Pictured,

Lions President Greg Cathell, Troop 261 Scoutmaster James

261 Cubmaster Joe Coleman. Each of the Scout Troops meet

AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUB

of the After School Art Club at Berlin Intermediate School recently used Kawaii,

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY LIONS CLUB

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY LIONS CLUB

from left, are Ocean City

Smith, Bella Smith from Scout Troop 621, and Pack

weekly at the Ocean City Lions Club.

PHOTOS COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

Students

Japanese style drawing, to make art with pencil, ink pen, watercolor, and pencils. The club is an outreach program of the nonprofit Art League of Ocean City, funded by community donations and a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council. [Above] Lillian Belmont, Jameson Guard, Calleigha Aston, Maleah Maness, Brityn Gulyas display their drawings.

Zoe Martin and Kaylie Anderson display their drawings.

Matthew Chavarri-Agular displays his drawing.

Lillian Bellmo takes a break from working on her photo to smile for a photo.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

The last week of school

Enjoying a movie I have never heard of

Saying ‘this is my first rodeo’ at the rodeo

When I get my teenager to share

Straight talk

Fishing tournament season

Dinner on the Boardwalk

Larry Hogan’s graduation speech at Decatur

Following local athletes’ careers in college

Eating out on Friday nights

The first week of school

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

WITH BUNK MANN

Fager’s Island was the first bar and restaurant on the bayside in what was then the growing midtown area of Ocean City in 1975. John Fager changed the look of the typical local bar scene by adding large glass windows and a magnificent view of the Assawoman Bay at sunset. He combined good music and fine food with a relaxed Key Weststyle atmosphere and the rest was history.

Over the next several decades, the midtown bayside would grow to host several popular bars and restaurants, but Fager’s was the first.

Fager would later add two hotels to his operations as well as launch another successful brand in the Bad Monkey Bar and Grill in Ocean City and West Ocean City.

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

Photo courtesy of John Fager

Commissioners approve new list of open space projects

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(June 7, 2024) The Worcester County Commissioners have approved a slate of projects for the next round of funding through the state’s Program Open Space.

Last month, Worcester County Recreation and Parks Director Kelly Rados learned from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources the county would be receiving $450,209 in additional funds in the next fiscal year beginning July 1. The new funds will be added to the current Program Open Space balance of $1.11 million, which includes $441,810 designated for acquisition only. The county’s stated acquisition goal is acquiring the Berlin Lions Club property to further develop and grow the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex.

Before the commissioners this week, Rados was seeking a motion to approve the fiscal year 2025 proposed projects. In a memo included in the meeting packet, Rados said the Worcester County Recreation and Parks Advisory Board on May 24 recommended replacing a playground at Showell Park off Route 589 for $500,000, upgrades to restrooms and concessions at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex at a cost of about $200,000 and repair and replacement of rip rap at Homer Gudelsky

Park in West Ocean City for $50,000.

With no discussion, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic motioned to approve the events with a second by Caryn Abbott. The vote was unanimous.

According to Rados, there are about $111,000 in projects expected to be completed in the near future with remainder funds available, bringing the total available funding through local Program Open Space funds to $1.22 million. When the three projects approved this week are completed and paid for, Rados said there will be about $477,000 in funding available.

At Showell Park, there are currently two playgrounds that are approximately 20 years old and in need of significant repairs. The proposed project will replace the aging equipment with one expansive, inclusive playground with modern surfacing.

For the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex, repairs to the restroom and concession buildings are needed including replacement of the roof for the concession stand and pavilion and bathroom and concessions upgrades.

At Homer Gudelsky Park, known to locals as Stinky Beach, the east side of the beach needs restoration through sand replacement and the existing filter cloth and rip rap needs repairing.

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Nominations extended

The Worcester County Commissioners have extended the deadline for members of the public to nominate individuals, organizations, and businesses for the Volunteer Spirit of Worcester County awards until 4:30 p.m., July 3.

Nominations will be accepted for each of the following eight categories, with one winner to be chosen from each: individual, group/team, emerging leader, faith-based, nonprofit volunteer program, local business, veteran, and lifetime achievement.

Nominees must reside in and represent the volunteer spirit of Worcester County. Nomination forms are accessible online at worcestervolunteer.org, under “News.” Completed forms may be submitted to the Human Resources Office, Room 1301 in the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill, or by calling 410632-0090 or emailing kbrinkley@co.worcester.md.us.

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

New ribbon cutting date

The ribbon cutting for the new basketball courts and park at Pocomoke Middle School has been rescheduled for 1:30 p.m., June 12.

The change was made to provide the contractor more time to stripe the courts.

Worcester County Recreation and Parks professionals contracted with Surface Solutions, LongFence, and Musco to install new fencing, a basketball court and associated components, and a “mini pitch” with lights. The basketball court and mini pitch are comprised of two basketball courts that can also be used as one court and one soccer pitch. The park is recommended for children and adults and is open to the public outside of school hours and when organized programming is not taking place.

To learn more about Worcester

Continued on Page 44

by Steve Green

AThe Adventures of Fatherhood

friend sent me his daughter Rylie’s submission last week in a national essay contest, “Speaking Up About Mental Health.” She won $1,000 in the contest for her brave reflections of her quiet battle during her young life.

A lot of parents these days share concerns about their teen’s mental health in this different world they are living in. Many of the worries start simply with a fundamental question: “Is everything okay?” Things are not always as they appear, I have learned from my own experiences as well as speaking with other parents. The reflective essay was titled, “Drowning In Plain Sight.”

Mental health, a topic typically whispered about behind closed doors, has become a crucial conversation in our society. From the importance of mental health awareness to the harmful impact of stigmas, my journey through understanding mental health has been both personal and profound.

‘What if’ thoughts controlled my mind from a very young age. What if my parents died in a car crash and that’s why they are not home yet? What if they die before I tell them how much I love them? All day I would hyper fixate on something bad happening to my parents because I forgot to tell them I love them when I left for school. If something bad happened, I swore it would be my fault because I did not tell them I loved them in the morning. What if my house burns down overnight because I did not ensure everything was turned off before I went to bed? What if someone breaks into my house because I forgot to lock the door? Did I lock the door? Am I sure I locked the door? I had more nightmares than I did dreams for a long span of my life, I would wake up paralyzed in a panic unable to do anything except allow my mind to play out all the horrible things that could happen me and the people I love. My negative thoughts have con-

trolled me for as long as I can remember, sending me into horrific states of panic, anger and confusion. My thoughts have left me curled up in the corner of my room, my car, my bathroom hyperventilating waiting and hoping for someone to come find me and help me because I am paralyzed by my own thoughts.

Around my sophomore year of high school, my parents recognized these problems I was having because they were not subtle, and I could not hide them anymore as they had spiraled out of control. Someone had to sit in the bathroom while I showered because I was convinced someone was going to kill me and my family. This along with other ridiculous thoughts controlled my life and my parents decided it would be in my best interest to try therapy in attempt to relieve these thoughts.

This was when I realized how difficult it is to receive mental health treatment. My dad tried to get me into therapy anywhere he could, everywhere had at least a six-month waitlist just to be seen and evaluated. Trying to get into therapy was discouraging and frustrating because I did not understand why everyone who needs help can’t receive it in a timely manner. Why did I have to wait at least six months to talk to someone about my thoughts? As my thoughts progressed, I could not even imagine waiting longer to receive help. Every time I was having horrible thoughts all I tried to remind myself that they would be over soon and that maybe I would be better soon if therapy helps me.

I had finally worked up the courage to open up to my dad about my mental health and how I was feeling, just to be put on a waitlist. It was one of the most frustrating and discouraging feelings I had felt. I was embarrassed and realized I had to just live the next six months of my life without help, feeling hopeful for help but the hopelessness of waiting. Once I finally got a therapist, I often had to come to school late or leave school early for my appointments. I had one

teacher that would make remarks in front of the class about me leaving every couple weeks. I would be called for an early dismissal, and she would make a remark, “I wish I could just leave school early all the time like you do, it must be nice.” After faking a laugh during a few of those remarks, I finally replied, “I go to therapy every time I leave, every dismissal is excused.” The whole class went silent, students were looking at each other whispering and a feeling of shock filled the room.

… Some people treated me differently in class from that point on as if I was fragile and had something wrong with me because I was going to therapy. The lack of mental health education in schools is astonishing, especially with the rise of social media and emergence of public figures speaking out about mental health issues. Going to therapy is considered weird rather than helpful. People believe that everyone with depression or anxiety wants to kill themselves because there is such a stigma around talking about it in school. I am very open with my friends and other people in my life about my mental health because I believe that until people open up about mental health, the stigma around it will continue to exist and it will always remain an uncomfortable topic that is skimmed over in health class. By speaking up about mental health and talking openly about experiences, it normalizes the conversation and makes those who struggle with mental health issues realize they are not alone, and hopefully encourages them to speak up about their struggles too. Mental health issues do not discriminate between age, race, or popularity. Everyone struggles and it is important to speak up about it for everyone to feel validated.

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

COMMUNITY

County Recreation and Parks and programs, visit worcesterrecandparks.org, or find #PlayMDsCoast on social media.

Pine Tones concert

At 3 p.m., June 9, the Pine Tones Chorus will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a spring concert at the Community Church at Ocean Pines at Route 589 and Beauchamp Road.

Admission is $20 and payable at the door, cash or check.

The concert, “Gershwin and Friends,” will features several medleys of Gershwin songs, with each segment reflecting its own musical theme. For more information, call Chorus President Dave Holloway at 410641-5672, or Jenny Anderson at 443-655-5636

Funding for Pine Tones Chorus ac-

tivities comes from admissions, sponsorships and grants, from organizations such as the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts.

Artist entries wanted

The Worcester County Arts Council is inviting artists to participate in a juried competition and exhibit set for display during July and August at the WCAC gallery.

The exhibition is open to all artists (18 years old and older), with work in all media.

The subject, "Vacation Memories,” is open to the artist's expression and interpretation. All entries must be original and completed within the last three years.

Entries must be delivered between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., June 25-27, to

the arts council’s gallery. Artwork will be judged for the competition.

Monetary prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place during a public reception set 4-6 p.m., July 12.

Stranded at Sea event

Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum officials invite the public to join them on the high seas and learn about local shipwrecks as part of a new program, Stranded at Sea, aboard the OC Bay Hopper.

June 5, with the next installments scheduled June 19, July 17 and 24, and Aug. 7 and 21. Each program begins at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets are available at book.ocbayhopper.com/Experience.

Teach a Kid to Fish Day

The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will host the annual Teach A Kid To Fish Day from 9-11 a.m., June 15, at the South Gate Pond near the Sports Core Pool in Ocean Pines.

Kids of all ages are invited to “test the waters” and learn fishing skills and techniques with the members of the anglers club. The event provides an opportunity for parents and grandparents to introduce a new generation to the sport of fishing.

On the hour and a half boat ride, participants can step back in time and embark on a riveting maritime experience as museum professionals share true accounts of shipwrecks and rescues. The tour includes details of three 1880 shipwrecks off the coast of Ocean City and Assateague. With each shipwreck lies a rescue story. Discover how seamen were pulled from high seas and brought to dry land. Passengers will also get an up-close look at several authentic maritime artifacts from the museum’s collection.

Tickets are $50 per person with half of the proceeds donated to the museum from the OC Bay Hopper.

The first program was this week, on

The pond is stocked with several species of fish and participants will have the opportunity to try out their newly learned skills. Participants are encouraged to bring insect repellent and a bottle of water, as well as their own rods. Bait will be provided.

There will be a drawing for a free rod and reel and the event is free. No pre-registration is required. For questions, call Jerry Leuters at 240-4278929.

Beach Patrol reminds grads to Play it Safe

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(June 7, 2024) Did you know that one of the most important skills a lifeguard uses is the scan?

It is a skill they are taught, practice and use all day long. It literally becomes a part of who they are. Many guards say they cannot go on a beach, even on a day off, without scanning. During the workday the Surf Rescue Technicians (SRTs) are constantly scanning their area and the water in front of them for signs of danger. Their area includes a 360-degree range around their stand, referred to as the primary and secondary scans which includes, not only in the front but also in the back to the dune line. This is the time of the year when a dangerous situation or trouble could be developing behind their stands. It is what some fondly refer to as the “June Bugs”. The trip to Ocean City to enjoy their new-found freedom is a tradition thousands of graduates participate in each year. Traditions have not changed. There is reason to celebrate, and you can be sure the newly graduated seniors have arrived and will continue to arrive well into June. Typical graduates are full of confidence and feel immune to

any dangers. They sometimes allow the excitement of the atmosphere to impede their judgment just enough to get them into trouble. When we get a warm sunny day, the water temperatures are inviting. If you add a town full of celebrating graduates to the mix, the lifeguards have their work cut out for them.

At no other time of year do we see more teenagers chase each other down the beach and into the ocean only to end up diving into shallow water. The more experienced among them dive shallowly and usually do not suffer any consequences of this risky behavior. The less fortunate will spend the rest of their vacation trying to explain the scabs on their forehead and nose. The extremely unfortunate will not be able to run or dive, ever again. This reality has occurred too many times. While Beach Patrol members respond to spinal injuries every year, none are more tragic than those that occur when young people are injured from diving into shallow water. It is not their age so much, but the fact that these injuries are so preventable that makes them particularly tragic.

Beach Patrol "Rule Number One" is: "Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard is in the stand." Rule Number Two is: “Feet First, First Time" which is a reminder to, check the water depth with your feet, not your head. Our ocean water

is not as clear as pool water, and we don't have the depth printed along the edge in big black numbers like it is at the local swim club.

While lifeguards try to stop accidents before they happen, even whistle blasts sometimes don't catch the attention of those who are playing around and chasing each other. Surf Rescue Technicians are often left cringing in their stands, hoping that those who just dove into the foot-deep water will pop up unscathed. This is usually followed by what we call an impromptu beach safety presentation (EDU – the semaphore abbreviation for education) as the closest lifeguard explains the dangers of their actions. While 40 percent of spinal injuries occurring in the surf are caused by people diving into shallow water, the majority result from body surfers and body boarders riding waves that are breaking too close to shore. We encourage people to keep their arms stretched out in front of them when body surfing, and to avoid riding waves that are breaking close to the sandbar or beach.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol has worked with trauma doctors to develop a specialized technique to manage suspected head, neck, and back injuries. Although every surf rescue technician is trained and skilled in the use of these techniques, it is far better for our beach

patrons to have injuries prevented rather than treated. Taking responsibility for your own actions and spreading the caution about spinal cord injuries is the greatest form of prevention we have. Many people do not realize that wet sand is just as un-yielding as concrete and that it is the bones of the spinal column that cause the damage and possible paralysis that results from the impact of your head, neck or back with the beach.

An additional factor that has a major influence on risky behavior both on the beach and throughout Ocean City is the addition of alcohol to celebrating teenagers. Not only is this an illegal activity that could follow someone for many years, but it is also a contributing factor for most of the risky and poor behavior exhibited by a small minority of these youthful visitors each season. These recent graduates have worked their entire school careers to achieve this newfound freedom, and we do not want that freedom to end in Ocean City. Graduates, remember to have fun but please, “Play it Safe!” We hope that everyone who visits our beach will enjoy many happy, healthy returns.

Remember our saying: “Keep Your Feet in the Sand until the Lifeguard’s in the Stand.” This is a reminder to never go in the ocean when the Beach Patrol is not on duty.

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Every Sunday Locals Party w/ DJ Deogee

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays:

Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Friday, June 7:

Darin Engh

& The Royal Flush Band

Saturday, June 8:

Rick & Regina & Fil Rhythm Band

Sunday, June 9:

Margot & Valerie & Lauren Glick Band

Monday, June 10:

Sean Loomis & Whisky Train

Tuesday, June 11:

Lauren & Sarah & Cup Of Joe

Wednesday, June 12:

Ben Davis & The Dunehounds

Thursday, June 13:

Jack Bannon & Shortcut Sunny

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, June 7:

Tear The Roof Off

Saturday, June 8:

Jim Long & Mercury Agenda

Every Sunday: DJ Wax

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Sunday, June 9:

Hurricane Kevin

Wednesday, June 12: Endless Ember

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, June 7:

Schizophrenic Boogiemen

Saturday, June 8:

Dust N Bones

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, June 7:

DJ RobCee, Making Waves & Radio Hero

Saturday, June 8:

The 8-Trax, DJ Stinson & Radio Hero

Monday, June 10:

Josh Christina & The Rogue Citizens

Tuesday, June 11:

Bryan Clark

& Latin Night w/ DJ Patana

Wednesday, June 12: DJ Wax

Best Beats On The Beach

Coconuts

THE ROGUE CITIZENS

Pickles Pub: Saturday, June 8

Fager s Island: Monday, June 10

CECILIA S FALL

Harborside: Saturday, June 8

MARGOT & VALERIE

Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday, June 9

MERCURY AGENDA

Coins Pub: Saturday, June 8

FEEL FREE

Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, June 7 & 8

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, June 9

Seacrets: Tuesday, June 11

SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN

Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, June 7

NAKED NATION DUO

The Wedge: Sunday, June 9

West: Saturday, June 8

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Saturday, June 8:

Milesbandana Duo

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd.,

West End O.C.

Friday, June 7:

DJ Billy T

Saturday, June 8:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Harvey Cinco

Sunday, June 9:

Opposite Directions & Wayne Blake

Wednesdays: DJ Billy T

Thursdays: DJ Billy T

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, June 8:

The Rogue Citizens

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wood

Wednesdays: Beats By Styler

Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE

SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, June 7 & June 8: Awaken

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, June 7:

Full Circle, DJ Connair, Feel Free, DJ Mary Jane & Keno Nation

Saturday, June 8: DJ Cruz, DJ Connair, DJ E-State, DJ Ernesto, DJ Bobby O, Feel Free, Dear Zoe & Cherry Crush Band

Sunday, June 9: Triple Rail Turn, DJ Mary Jane, DJ Davie, DJ Connair & Amish Outlaws

Monday, June 10: DJ Wax, Blake Haley & Dear Zoe

Tuesday, June 11: DJ Wax, Opposite Directions, & Kono Nation

Wednesday, June 12: DJ E-State, Full Circle Duo, & Jimmie’s Chicken Shack

Thursday, June 13: John McNutt Duo, Go Go Gadjet, DJ Cruz, DJ Connair & Jah Works

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Friday, June 7: Steven O’Boyle

Saturday, June 8: Ry Mac

Sunday, June 9: Jason Lee & Naked Nation

Tuesday, June 11:

Wes Davis & Troy Mawyer

Wedenesday, June 12: Bryan Dorsey

Thursday, June 13: Kasey Briggs

VISTA ROOFTOP

410-390-7905

13801 Coastal Hwy.

Friday, June 7: TBA

Red Bull Foam Wreckers contest returns on Saturday

(June 7, 2024) Male and female surfers and enthusiasts of all skill levels will come together on Saturday on in the water off 40th Street to compete for the most “unique” soft-board surfer title at the Red Bull Foam Wreckers contest.

For the past two years, freesurfer Jamie O’Brien’s world-renowned soft top surfing competition series, produced by Red Bull and Catch Surf, has made stops in Ocean City among other locations in North Carolina Florida, Hawaii, Australia, and more.

The event is marketed as an antisurf, surf contest, as it does follow the rules and regulations of a typical surf competition. The boards are all foam, or soft top, and competitors decide

which model they will use by spinning the Wheel of Shred before their heats.

The heats, made up of six to 10 surfers each, then paddle out on different boards and proceed to showcase their skills for 15 minutes.

Up for grabs are prizes that showcase the most creative, sportive moves displayed while out in the waves.

The event, set from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 40th Street, will also feature surf stars Ben Gravy and Rob Kelly. The public is welcome to watch the shows, and as of earlier this week sign ups were still open to participate at participate.redbull.com/en/events/r ed-bull-foam-wreckers-mid-atlantic/2024.

PHOTO COURTESY ADAM ROTH

Star surfer Ben Gravy surfs at the Red Bull Foam Wreckers contest in Ocean City in July 2022.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Family obligations are swimming through your mind, Aries. It is time to sit down and hammer out a resolution that will appeal to everyone and lighten your load.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

A special person in your life is getting closer and closer to you every day, Taurus. This may be the companion that you have been hoping for. Continue to take things slowly.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, sometimes you have a tendency to make things more difficult than they need to be. Stop obsessing over every little detail this week. Things have a way of working out.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, if someone accuses you of being too emotional this week, do not take it personally. This person may be projecting his or her experiences on you. Continue what you’re doing.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, could you be holding yourself to unreasonably high standards? If you’re getting frustrated by not meeting your goals, ease up on yourself for the time being.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, it is your mission to change the minds of some people at work this week, as it will bode well for you down the road. Just don’t make too many extravagant requests.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Recently people have been directing accolades in your direction, Libra. This is the boost you have needed to propel yourself to do more of the things that have been your goals.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, someone simply isn’t bringing his or her A-game to a work project, and it shows. It’s frustrating and you want to take over, but this is supposed to be a team effort.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Simple things used to bring you pleasure and now it seems a bit of a gray cloud has descended. Don’t start to fret you’re getting jaded, Sagittarius. This is just a little rough patch.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, as a finish line approaches, it can be tempting to get very excited. Hold off on that elation until everything is done. You never know what can crop up in between.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

It doesn’t need to be New Year’s to make a resolution, Aquarius. You can aspire to change an aspect of your life anytime you want. Perhaps this is the week to embrace change?

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Have you been putting all of your focus on only one part of your life, Pisces? Take a more balanced approach; otherwise, burnout may soon set in.

PLAYFUL COLT

PHOTO COURTESY ANN RICHARDSON

Susi Solé (N2BHS-M b. 2013) and her sons putting up with youthful exuberance from her 2024 colt (N2BHS-MW) who wanted to play with his brother.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

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

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

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRAWL STREET

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

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

■ DISTRICT 24

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

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

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

■ FISH TALES

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

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

■ HARBOR WATCH

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

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

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

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving

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

■ PIT & PUB

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

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

■ THE WEDGE BAR

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

$-$$ | Full bar

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

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

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

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

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

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

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

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

Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1.

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

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

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

Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 49 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

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

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

■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com

Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Established 25 years ago but recently under new ownership. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and

dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, www.OPYachtclub.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500

Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

■ SHRIMP BOAT

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

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

Local student wins District’s ‘If I Were Mayor’ contest

(May 31, 2024) Three Worcester

Preparatory School fourth grade students recently placed in the “If I Were Mayor, I Would…” essay contest sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League.

This year over 1,300 essays were submitted to the contest. Bianca Prosekova was the essay winner for District 1, which covers Somerset, Worcester, Wicomico and Dorchester counties. Tobi Blaska and Grace Tunnell placed as semi-finalists.

Each year, fourth grade students enter into the “If I Were Mayor, I Would…” essay contest, and this year’s theme was “Inspiring Leadership in Your City/Town/Community.” Students were asked to write an essay of no more than 275 words about what they would do to inspire leadership in their city, town or community, and describe a project they would undertake to make others want to help make their city, town, or community better.

Bianca’s essay focused on her belief that a good mayor needs to ensure the safety of the community. Among her ideas was to construct a pedestrian bridge across Route 113 and increase stoplights and stop signs. As Mayor, Bianca felt that to

I Would… ” essay contest, is pictured at the Maryland State House with her fourth grade teacher, Erin Shimko, and Sara Gorfinkel, executive assistant to the mayor of the Town of Berlin, after receiving her award.

encourage leadership and participation it was best to listen to all residents and make volunteering enjoyable.

The essay contest has educated over 50,000 students about municipal government and the role of the mayor over its 24 years. The contest remains digital to ensure one of the longest-running programs is accessible to any classroom environment.

Fourth grader Bianca Prosekova, the District 1 winner of the MML’s “If I Were Mayor,

‘Seasons’ juried art show entrants remain on display

(May 17, 2024) The Worcester County Arts Council recently announced winners in the juried art competition, “Seasons.”

Entries in the competition are on display in the exhibit at the arts council’s gallery in Berlin. The show features 32 pieces of artwork submitted by 22 established and emerging artists with work in all media.

Entries were judged by artist and Salisbury University art Professor Jinchul Kim.

The awards are as follows:

First Place — “Dune Fence” (pas-

Second Place — “Apple

(mixed media) by Kathy Gibson

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

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

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

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

tel) by Gail Stern

Harvest”

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

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

Fried whole fish with thai chili sauce, herbs

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(June 7, 2024) No matter the level of one’s proficiency, the desire to learn and stand out is a spice that differentiates chefs from all walks of life.

That being said, the Eastern Shore is known for its abundance of fresh seafood, and fried fish has topped the menus for generations.

Inquisition and research lead one to the subject of variation which includes whole fried fish. This simple style of cooking has humble roots but the results are mouthwatering. Following are tips on how to fry a whole fish.

The first subject at hand is what type of whole fish are good for frying. Firm and meaty varieties like pompano, branzino, snapper, tilapia, and catfish hold up well during the frying process.

Breading is optional, but if you choose to bread your fish, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and rice flour are your best options. Simply rub a light coating onto the fish, and shake to remove any excess.

If you do not coat the fish, the skin will dissolve in the hot oil which shows off the gorgeous flesh. The choice is up to the individual chef.

Only use a neutral with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil. Oils that do not have a high smoking point will turn brown and the fish will have a burnt taste.

White fish has a delicate flavor so any type of sauce that tickles your fancy will work. Chili garlic oil, sweet chili sauce, and lechon sauce are just the beginning of a rainbow of possibilities.

Preparation of the fish is important, and should be done with the most utmost care. Next, make shallow diagonal cuts using a sharp knife on both sides. The cuts should be about 1 to 2 inches apart depending on the size of the fish. This technique helps cook it more evenly, faster, and prevents the fish from curling. Sprinkle salt inside the cavity and on the outside of the fish, rubbing it gently to distribute it evenly.

Dust the fish with your breading of choice. Allow the fish to rest for about 10 minutes before frying.

Pour enough oil into a wok or large frying pan to partially submerge the fish. Heat the oil to medium-high. Once the oil reaches a temperature of 350 degrees, hold the fish by its tail and gently place it in the hot oil. Watch out for oil splashes. Fry it on one side for a few minutes. Then carefully turn and fry it on the other side. Cooking time depends on the size of the fish. The sauce can be served directly on the fish or on the side. The sauce and fresh herbs placed directly on the fish makes for a more stunning presentation. If you are in the mood to try something different, fried whole fish with Thai chili sauce and fresh herbs are packed with flavor and a great way to wow your guests.

Fried Whole Fish with Thai Chili Sauce and Fresh Herbs

Whole Fish

1 whole fish, gutted and scaled oil for frying

kosher salt to taste rice flour for dredging (optional)

Fresh Herbs

½ cup assorted fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, basil and oregano, chopped

Thai Chii Sauce

1 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

splash rice vinegar

1 teaspoon ground ginger

¾ teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish scallions, chopped

black sesame seeds

1. Rinse your fish to remove any loose scales that may be clinging to its body. Using paper towels, pat dry your fish. Water left on the fish will cause your oil to spit.

2. With a sharp knife, make a couple of diagonal slits into the flesh of the fish on both sides. Salt, then dredge the fish in rice flour. Allow fish to rest for 10 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat until the temperature

reaches 350 degrees.

4. While the fish is resting, chop the herbs and mix well. Set aside.

5. Combine Thai chili sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside

6. Holding the tail, carefully lower the fish into the hot oil. Fry for a few minutes on one side and carefully turn the fish to fry the other side.

7. Remove fish and place on a cooling rack underlined with paper towels for 1 minute.

8. Plate fish on a platter and using the tip of a spoon, drizzle Thai chili sauce on the fish and platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, scallions, and black sesame seeds.

Secret Ingredient – Food

“You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food.”

— Paul Prudhomme

Calendar

Fri., June 7

RWO OCEAN CITY GRAND PRIX

The Wedge Bar, 806 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 9 a.m. Featuring top-tier offshore powerboat racing. Registration and inspections at the Convention Center and Welcome Party Racers & Fans at The Wedge Bar, 6 p.m. https://raceworldoffshore.com/ocean-city/

MAHJONG CLUB

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

3RD ANNUAL BLUES FOR D.U. BLUEFISH TOURNAMENT

Bahia Marina at Fish Tales, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City. Three-day tournament benefiting Ducks Unlimited. Kayaks welcome. Scales open from 3:30-7:30 p.m. There will be raffles for artwork, hunting supplies & more. bahiamarina.com/tournament/blues-for-du/

2ND ANNUAL ‘DANCE ON THE SHORE’ FESTIVAL

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. The dancers of Saltare in Elementis Dance Collective will perform during the First Friday Reception. All activities are free and open to the public. artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433

ART LEAGUE OPENING RECEPTION & MARKETPLACE

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. See the new exhibit, meet the artists, enjoy complimentary refreshments and shop a one-night-only vendor marketplace. 410-524-9433, www.artleagueofoceancity.org

Sat., June 8

CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE

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

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FLEA MARKET & BREAKFAST

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 8 a.m.-noon. Breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, yard sale, gift and craft items for sale. Vendors, to make reservations: 443-614-2261, fcbumc21811@gmail.com.

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. Budd Heim, one of the top flounder fisherman in the area, will share his knowledge of catching this much sought after and elusive fish. Also updates on fishing regulations and more. All welcome. 410641-7662

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. 410-641-0650

RED BULL FOAM WRECKERS

40th Street beach, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Red Bull Foam Wreckers offers a refreshing alternative to traditional surf contests. Only soft boards are allowed in this contest, and anyone can win. Minimal rules, maximum fun! http://redbull.com

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. A different adventure each week. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE KIDS CRAFT

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring the kids and do something creative with them. The summer Saturday projects will change every week. Free and open to all. No reservations needed. artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433

RWO OCEAN CITY GRAND PRIX

Quality Inn Boardwalk, 1601 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 12-3 p.m. VIP Viewing Deck Experience held at the Quality Inn Boardwalk. Two-day VIP tickets: https://raceworldoffshore.com/oceancity/. Racers party held at Skye Bar from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

PERLER BEAD FUN

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Explore your creativity by making Perler bead creations using patterns – or design your own. All materials provided. For ages 611 years. Registration required: 410-6410650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

THE ART OF AUTISM

Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery, 11206 Worcester Highway, Berlin, 3-8 p.m. Live music, local vendors, art auction, create station, sensory-friendly hours (3-5 p.m.) and food and drinks available. Outdoor event held rain or shine. 443-783-6180, melissaesham@yahoo.com

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.

3RD ANNUAL BLUES FOR D.U. BLUEFISH TOURNAMENT

Bahia Marina at Fish Tales, 2107 Herring

Way, Ocean City. Three-day tournament benefiting Ducks Unlimited. Kayaks welcome. Scales open from 3:30-7:30 p.m. There will be raffles for artwork, hunting supplies & more. bahiamarina.com/tournament/blues-for-du/

2ND ANNUAL ‘DANCE ON THE SHORE’ FESTIVAL

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Saturday Kids Crafts, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; “Mat to Movement” Workshop, 1:15-2:15 p.m.; and Community Improv Dance Party, 2:30-3 p.m. Free and open to the public. artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433

DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

US 13 Dragway & Delaware Int’l Speedway, 37854 Sussex Highway, Delmar, 611 p.m. Tickets $25. Dirt track racing featuring Millman’s Auto Parts Big Block Modified, Blue Hen Disposal 602 Sportsman, Elliott Farms Crate 604s, Delaware Super Trucks, little Lincoln and Street Stock. 302-846-3911

Sun., June 9

RWO OCEAN CITY GRAND PRIX

Quality Inn Boardwalk, 1601 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. VIP Viewing Deck Experience held at the Quality Inn Boardwalk. VIP tickets: https://raceworldoffshore.com/oceancity/. Awards Ceremony and After Party at Seacrets, 117 49th St., 6-7:30 p.m.

BOOK SIGNING

The Greyhound - An Indie Bookstore, 9 S. Main St., Berlin, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Author Garry Cosnett will sign copies of his new book, “Everything Slows Down: My Hidden Life with Depression.” www.greyhoundbookstore.com, 410-641-0291

3RD ANNUAL BLUES FOR D.U. BLUEFISH TOURNAMENT

Bahia Marina at Fish Tales, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City. Three-day tournament benefiting Ducks Unlimited. Kayaks welcome. Scales open from 3:30-7:30 p.m. There will be raffles for artwork, hunting supplies & more. bahiamarina.com/tournament/blues-for-du/

SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy live music by Bob Lougheed & The Memphis Mafia (Tribute to Elvis), kid-friendly entertainment, ice cream and fireworks. Free admission. Entertainment Lineup: www.ococean.com/things-to-do.

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET

Sundays through Sept. 8 - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring more than 35 farmers, food cultivators, bakers, distillers, seafood, meat, eggs and more. https://berlinmainstreet.com/farmersmarket/

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., June 10

FRIENDS OF THE OCEAN PINES LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP MEETING & DELMARVA AUTHOR PANEL

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road. All FOPL members are invited to refreshments at 9:30 a.m., followed by an open membership meeting at 10 a.m. The Delmarva Author Panel starts at 11 a.m., everyone is welcome. 410-208-4014

STORY TIME: PETS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Songs, stories and a craft all about pets. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. The group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TRUE CRIME BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Featuring “Indecent Advances: A Hidden History of True Crime and Prejudice before Stonewall.” 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY RESEARCH

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3-6 p.m. Need help finding your roots? Come by the second Monday of each month and the local history librarian can help navigate the library’s print and online sources. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., June 11

ADVENTURES IN GARDENING

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Help plant a flower garden. Create a garden marker, plant a seed and come back throughout the summer to watch your flower grow. A family adventure. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

KINETIC SAND STATION ROTATION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Create a building, whip up some dessert and uncover dinosaur bones with kinetic sand stations. For ages 6-11 years and 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. Group provides discussions, support and education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. Kay Kinnikin, 410-641-4765, kkinnikin@atlanticgeneral.org

TAPE AND MAKE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Duct tape is everything. Create rings, wallets and phone cases completely from duct tape. For ages 12-18 years. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK CLUB: ‘THE POET X’ BY ELIZABETH ACEVEDO

Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 5:30 p.m. Join Snow Hill library and Tides & Vine for an evening of books and wine. Stop by the Snow Hill library to pic up a book anytime before the event. Must be 21 years or older. 410-632-3495

SONG CELEBRATION

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. Bring a song to share with other players and writers. Originals encouraged. Listeners welcome. Hosted by Mikel Campbell. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

ATLANTIC COAST SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION MEETING

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7 p.m. Barry Brittingham, A.M.S.A. affili-

ate, to talk about competitive surf-fishing methods and tactics. Food and refreshments available beginning at 6:15 p.m. The public is invited.

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.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

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

Wed., June 12

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Online Zoom call on the first and second Wednesday of each month. For non-surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568

FANDOM WEDNESDAY: ANIME/MANGA

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.6 p.m. Drop in for crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 12-17 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for imaginative play and social interaction. For ages 0-5 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

Thursdays - Nick’s Kitchen + Bar, 14410 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 4-6 p.m. 215385-4993, BeachSingles.org

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Pro-

mote the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SENSORY STAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK CLUB: ‘A WRINKLE IN TIME’ BY MADELEINE L’ENGLE

Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. Stop by Snow Hill Library or the 50+ Center to pick up your book. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PREVENTING COGNITIVE DECLINE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Boost brain health with this cooking demo inspired by the local community garden. Learn how gardening is good for your body and your brain. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FAMILY RAINBOW CRAFTS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3 p.m. Show your support during Pride Month by making a flag, button or sticker. Families and teens may drop in any Wednesday in June from 3-5 p.m. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TABLE TOP ROLE PLAYING GAME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Come play selected role playing games for adults and teens. Registration required: 410-632-3495. Limit 10. www.worcesterlibrary.org

MOVIES ON THE BEACH

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m. Free movie on the beach every Wednesday, weather permitting. This week features “Space Jam: New Legacy.” Bring chairs, snacks, warm clothing. Schedule: www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun.

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

Thurs., June 13

STORY TIME: FATHER’S DAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Celebrate dads and make a fun craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PRESCHOOL PROM

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30

a.m. Calling all babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Dress up in your finest. Dance, play and pose for photos. For ages birth through 5 years. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a relaxing game of chess every Thursday at the library. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 11 a.m. Connect with local Worcester County resources, agencies and nonprofits. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KID’S CARNIVAL

Fish Tales Bar and Grill, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 12-4 p.m. Featuring moon bounces, big slides, dunk tank, carnival games, pony rides and special character appearances. Ticket proceeds go to Maryland Special Olympics. www.ocfishtales.com, 410-430-1157

WORCESTER YOUTH AND FAMILY’S SHINE ON THE SHORE LUAU!

Sunset Grille, 12933 Sunset Ave., Ocean City, 5-8 p.m. Tickets $35. Come celebrate the sun with Worcester Youth and Family at the fundraising event of the summer. Enjoy food, music, games, and more for a good cause! Tickets: https://gowoyo.org. 410-641-4598.

ONGOING EVENTS

CERAMICS EXHIBIT

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., June 7-29. Shop handcrafted pottery in Studio E, featuring members of the Clay Guild of the Eastern Shore. 410-5249433, www.artleagueofoceancity.org

JUNETEENTH MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE

Pocomoke library, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City, June 10-21. Help create a collaborative collage that represents freedom. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

2025 KIWANIS LOTTERY TICKETS ON SALE

On sale every Saturday morning at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. One $20 ticket is good for all 365 drawings in 2025. Benefits the youth of the community.

Crossword answers from page 52

Worcester Prep graduates 37, presents annual awards

(June 7, 2024) On May 24, 37 Worcester Preparatory School graduates officially became alumni.

According to a news release, the class received over $7.2 million in merit scholarship offers and will go on to attend 28 colleges and universities this fall.

During the ceremony, Head of School John McDonald announced the Top Senior Award recipients as Valedictorian Vanessa Hall; Salutatorian Isabella Huber; and Best AllRound Student Claire Windrow.

Hall, who is a member of the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, and the Spanish National Honor Society, attend Stanford University and plans to study aerospace engineering.

Huber, who is a member of the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Art Honor Society, will attend Johns Hopkins University and plans to study neuroscience.

Windrow is the 023-24 SGA president, is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, and editor of the yearbook and newspaper. She will attend the University of Georgia and plans to study biology.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38C), presented Koda Bauer and Ava Conaway with Maryland Senatorial Scholarships, and, on behalf of Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38), presented Ava Conaway with a Maryland House of Delegates Scholarship.

The Class of 2024 had a total of 37 seniors, 11 of whom entered the class in either pre-k or kindergarten. There were seven legacy students, defined as children of WPS alumni, and graduates will attend 28 colleges and universities in the fall.

Some of the colleges the graduates will attend include Carnegie Mellon University, College of Charleston, Georgetown University, the University of Georgia, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, Miami University Ohio, Northeastern University, Sewanee: The University of the South, Stanford University, the United States Naval Academy, Vanderbilt University, and Virginia Tech.

PHOTOS COURTESY WORCESTER PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Members of Worcester Preparatory School’s Class of 2024 are pictured above. At right, top, Senior Vanessa Hall is named valedictorian by Head of School John McDonald.  At right middle, Senior Isabella Huber is named salutatorian. And bottom, Claire Windrow receives the award for best allround student.

62 OC Today-Dispatch JUNE 7, 2024

MARKETPLACE

Night Floor Manager 6:00-midnight. Must be available for weekends. Must be able to lift 40 lbs. or more. Apply in person, American Legion Post 166. 410-289-3166

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

Aviation Flight Academy seeks Office Assistant

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

Please forward resume to mfreed@flyoceanaviation.com

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

IES Residential, Inc.

Licensed Electricians & Subcontractors Needed ASAP! Full Benefits for Employees. Please call or text 302-614-6944.

Kitchen Manager/Cook postion w/salary to commensurate w/exp. OC ELKS LODGE Contact Vivian Merritt to apply, 410-299-1336

SEAHAWK MOTEL EXP DAYTIME SEASONAL LAUNDRY PERSON

Apply in Person, 124th St. & Coastal Hwy. 410-250-3191

Help Wanted: FT, Seasonal, Front Desk, Housekeeping, Laundry. Walk in to fill out application. Safari Hotel, 13th Street and Boardwalk. 410-289-6411

2 Professional CooksExperience. Night shift 3:309:30. Flexible weekdays and weekends. Must be available for weekends. Must be able to lift 40 lbs. or more. Apply in person, American Legion Post 166. 410-289-3166

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

32nd St., Baltimore Ave. Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm.

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

appear in OC Today-Dispatch & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

Cleaners Wanted for Ocean City, MD

If you are a conscientious individual or team looking for great pay and minimal hours on summer Saturdays in OC, then we are the cleaning company for you. Exp. Preferred. Cell phone and vehicle required. 443-880-0525

Pool -

General Maintenance. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne.

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

o Experience preferred.

o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus.

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

OF PLANNING AND ZONING POLICE OFFICER

We are looking for motivated individuals to come to work for the Town of Berlin. We are currently seeking a Planning Director and a Police Officer.

Overview of employee benefits: Members of the Maryland State Retirement System (LEOPS for Police Officers), a competitive health benefits package including a health reimbursement account, employer-paid life insurance, 100% tuition reimbursement, vacation accruals based on tenure, 12 sick days per year, 16 paid holidays per year, two personal days per year, and much more!

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

WOC, YR RENTAL Newly remodeled. 3BR, 2BA, $1,950 per mo. No smoking, no pets. 410-251-6497

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

We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555. SUMMER SEASONAL RENTAL 2BR, 2BA Bayfront, Quiet 94th St. area. $13,000 for season. Call Beach Real Estate, 410-629-0224.

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

SEEKING RENTAL

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE/FURNITURE

New white leather sofa and loveseat. Asking $800. Call 757-678-2566.

BOATS/PWC

FREE SAILBOAT 1976, 27’ Catalina Yachts. Call for details, 443-880-7453.

PETS

Curly Coated Retriever Puppies

Pup show Sunday, 6/9 from 2 to 5 p.m. near Girdletree. Ready 8 wks., 6/15. AKC championship lines. Vet cert. & MicroChip. Litter of six; 1 M, 1 F still available. Super sweet dispositions; kid proofed! $1,500. Info 717-385-5808.

AFFORDABLE

Income

~ Accessible Units and Facilities Available

~ Air Conditioning

~ Kitchen-Furnished w/Range & Refrigerator

~ Wall-to-Wall Carpet

~ On-Site Laundry Facilities

~ One Year Lease

Call Us Now To See If You Qualify! 410-641-0830

TTY users via MRS Dial 711

REEDY COVE APARTMENTS

Germantown Rd., Berlin, MD 21811

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® & Southern States® FOR SALE

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

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

MISC. FOR SALE

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Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855407-6870

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

ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A.

128 East Main Street

Salisbury, Maryland 2l801

ASSIGNEES’ SALE OF RESIDENTIAL DWELLING

146 Pine Tree Road, Ocean City, MD 21842

Pursuant to power of sale contained in a Mortgage filed for foreclosure in Case No. C-23-CV-24-000085 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, the undersigned Assignees will offer the following described property for sale to the highest bidder at public auction to be held at the front steps of the Worcester County Circuit Courthouse, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, on

MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024, at the HOUR OF 10:00 A.M.

ALL that lot or parcel of land situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, being described and known as Lot No. 1349 in "MONTEGO BAY MOBILE HOME PARK – SECTION ONE” as recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, at Liber F.W.H. No. 11, Folio 32, et seq. IMPROVEMENTS: The property is improved by a manufactured home which was converted to real property pursuant to certification dated July 16, 2021, and recorded among the Land Records for Worcester County, Maryland, at Book 8119, Page 270, and is identified by Tax Account Number 10-193125.

TERMS OF SALE: The property will be sold to the highest bidder at public auction. The purchaser will be required to tender on account of the bid price at the time and place of sale cash, certified funds, or check acceptable to the undersigned, in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00). If the party secured by the Mortgage is the successful bidder, no deposit will be required, and the cash deposit or price shall be credited against the obligation. The deferred portion of the bid price shall be evidenced by the Promissory Note of the Buyer, bearing no interest provided settlement is made and the full price tendered on or before fifteen days after the date of ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland; otherwise, the deferred portion of the bid price shall bear interest from the date of sale at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum. Neither the Assignees nor the auctioneer make any representation or warranty concerning the property, the same being sold “as is”; and, if for any reason the Assignees are unable to deliver good and marketable title to the real estate, subject only to easements, rights of way, and use restrictions of record, the sole and exclusive remedy of the Buyer shall be a refund of the deposit money. Neither the Assignees, auctioneer or note holder are aware of any violation of any federal, state or municipal environmental law or regulation; however, in the event any such violations exist, they

are not responsible for same. All settlement costs, including, but not limited to, document preparation, recordation and transfer taxes, recording costs, and title examination, if any, shall be the obligation of the Buyer. State, County, and municipal property taxes and assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale. Buyer shall be entitled to possession upon final settlement and payment of the purchase price in full, which shall occur not later than fifteen days after final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact the undersigned Assignees or Auctioneer.

John B. Robins, IV Christopher S. Robins Assignees 410-749-3791

Pete Richardson Auction Sales, Inc. 410-546-2425

OCD-6/6/3t

COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 www.cgd-law.com/sales

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

842 COLONA ROAD POCOMOKE, MD 21851

By authority contained in a Deed of Trust dated December 31, 1997 and recorded in Liber 2471, Folio 058, , among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $35,057.34, and an interest rate of 7.421%, default having occurred thereunder, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

June 24, 2024 AT 11:00 AM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling. Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” subject to any conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $5,000.00 by certified funds only (no cash accepted) required at time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within 10 days of ratification of sale by the Court, with interest at the note rate from date of sale to settlement. If settlement is delayed for ANY reason, there shall be no abatement of interest or taxes. All private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, front foot benefit payments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale are payable by purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes

and all other public charges, or assessments, to be adjusted as of date of sale. Transfer and recordation taxes, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If purchaser fails to go to settlement within ten days of ratification, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of sale, the Trustee may declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and expense of defaulting purchaser, who agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if a motion to resell the property has been filed, purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such motion, and agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail to the address provided at time of sale. If the Trustee cannot convey insurable title, or the loan servicer determines that the sale should not have occurred, the sale shall be null and void, and purchaser's sole remedy shall be the return of deposit without interest.

Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.comy OCD-6/6/3t

PUBLIC AUCTION

OF FEE SIMPLE PROPERTY BY THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

OFFICE OF REAL ESTATE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN COOPERATION WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

Under the provisions of Section § 8-309 of the Transportation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. AUCTION TO BE CONDUCTED: Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 11:30am on the premises. The Auction will commence with registration beginning at 11:00am. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

SUBJECT: The former Robinson, Et Ux property. Auction to be held for ± 1.003 acres, located at 7575 Worcester Highway, Newark, Worchester County. The apparent zoning is Agricultural. For further information on any zoning matters, please contact Worchester County Planning Dept at 410-632-1200. In responding to this ad or for the purpose of any questions, please refer to MC# 231127.

TERMS OF SALE: A deposit in the form of a certified or cashier’s check in the amount of $12,500 shall be required from the successful bidder at the time of the Auction and shall be made payable to MDOT State Highway Administration. The balance of the purchase price is to be paid at the time of settlement or the deposit may be forfeited to MDOT SHA, and the property disposed of in whatever manner MDOT may determine, without any further obligation or liability to the buyer.

Settlement must occur within 90 days of “Notice of Approval of

Sale” by MDOT. Any request for extension must be submitted, in writing, within 60 days of “Notice of Approval of Sale,” to the Chief, Office of Real Estate and Economic Development (ORED). An extension may be granted at the sole discretion of the ORED Chief and may require an additional deposit from the buyer. MDOT reserves the right to reject any and all bid offers.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: All property information contained herein is subject to independent verification by any and all interested parties; whereas it is believed to be accurate it is in no way warranted. A requested bid offer is only a starting point for the Auction and may not be accepted by MDOT if it is not commensurate with the appraised value of the property, or there could be other reasons for the rejection of bid offers.

This sale is governed by the Offer for Purchase of Fee Simple Property. Any questions regarding the Auction may be directed to: Ms. Mashel Wakil Team Leader, Real Estate Services Office of Real Estate and Economic Development

Maryland Department of Transportation

7201 Corporate Center Drive

Hanover MD 21076

Phone: 410-865-1270

Toll-free: 1-866-242-9405

Email: mwakil@mdot.maryland.gov OCD-6/6/2t

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. TRUSTEE

COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS OF BOARDWALK ONE, INC. P.O. BOX 762 Ocean City, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND C-23-CV-24-000014

COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS OF BOARDWALK ONE, INC. P.O. BOX 762 Ocean City, MD 21842

Plaintiff v.

High Hopes Inc, et al. Defendants

TRUSTEE’S SALE

OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN

Boardwalk One Condominium OCEAN CITY, MD

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

Maryland, on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM the following timeshare intervals:

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

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

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

16 BLDG F PH II SUNSET AVE & RT 611 PL MEYER'S SIDING CONDO IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY Case Number: C-23-CV-24-000083

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

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

OCD-5/23/3t

Town of Ocean City, Maryland municipal taxes and assessments under levies of the tax years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 on the properties hereinafter described being due and in arrears and unpaid; and in order to compel the payment of the same, together with interest thereon, Attorney and Advertising Fees of $258, and the costs of attending the proceeding, as provided by law, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as the City Manager and Collector of municipal taxes in the Tenth Election District, Worcester County, Ocean City, Maryland as provided by the Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland (Tax-Property Article Section 14-808 et seq. of the Annotated Code of Maryland), the undersigned City Manager and Collector of Taxes, will sell at public auction, at City Hall, 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2024 AT THE HOUR OF 10:00 A.M.

the below described properties:

Item 1 10-247772 and 15638338252: Described as Holiday Plaza Condominium, Unit 307, 2801 Baltimore Avenue, Assessed to Alyas Abady and Ayesha Abady, Assessed Value $168,400, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $596.01.

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

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

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

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

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

Item 12 10-085659 and 10666710866: Described as Beachcrest Condominium, Unit 21, 7601 Atlantic Avenue, Assessed to Kenneth B. Maher and Jennifer Maher, Assessed Value $214,500, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $823.59.

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

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

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

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

Item 19 10-221595 and 14216133724: Described as Crab Cove Condominium, Unit 6, 607 Osprey Road, Assessed to Shawn D. Spurry and Kim M. Spurry, Assessed Value $195,700, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $962.38. OCD-5/16/4t _________________________________

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

Plaintiff v.

Amith Sethi

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

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 12507 Sunset Avenue, Unit 16F, Ocean City, MD 21842, 10th (Tenth) Election District, described as All that lot of land and imps UNIT

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

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

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

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

Beau H. Oglesby JUDGE

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

OCD-5/23/3t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

Notice is given that Kevin D. Patrick, 1106 Euclid Ave., Apt 324, Charlotte, NC 28203-6597, was on May 13, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eileen Meehan Patrick who died on April 24, 2024, without a will.

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

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

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

lier of the following dates:

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

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

Kevin D. Patrick Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: May 23, 2024

OCD-5/23/3t

KELLY R GILLETT ESQ

LAW OFFICE OF DAWN A NEE, LLC PO BOX 791 3179 MAIN STREET MANCHESTER, MD 21102-0791

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO 20211

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SUPERIOR COURT - CHANCERY DIVISION court of BURLINGTON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY appointed JEANNE D ASHMORE whose address is 83 BORDENTOWN CROSSWICKS RD CROSSWICKS, NJ 08515-9709, WILLIAM C ASHMORE JR whose address is 83 BORDENTOWN CROSSWICKS RD CROSSWICKS, NJ 08515 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES of the Estate of SANDRA P ANDERSON who died on MARCH 10, 2024 domiciled in NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is KELLY R GILLETT, ESQ whose address is P O BOX 791 / 3179 MAIN STREET MANCHESTER, MD 21102. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY

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

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

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

date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-5/30/3t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING

WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY JUNE 13, 2024

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

6:30 p.m. Case No. 24-43, on the lands of Robert Smith, on the application of Omar Kassen, requesting a variance to a left side yard setback from 8 feet to 4.42 feet (to encroach 3.58 feet) for a proposed garage in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1305, located at 19 Dove Lane, Tax Map 16, Parcel 42, Section 5, Lot 159, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 24-44, on the lands of Glen Dubois, requesting a variance to a left side yard setback from 20 feet to 10 feet (to encroach 10 feet) for a proposed garage in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-201(b)(5) and ZS 1-305, located at 7322 Libertytown Road, Tax Map 30, Parcel 78, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 24-42, on the lands of Patrick St. Dennis, on the application of Ryan McManus, requesting a variance to the left side yard setback from 6 feet to 2.5 feet (to encroach 3.5 feet) and a variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 26.4 feet (to encroach 3.6 feet) for proposed steps from a second floor deck in the R-3 Multi-family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code§§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-207(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 187 Teal Circle, Tax Map 16, Parcel 41, Section 4, Lot 280, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 24-38, on the lands of Monica Foell, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the left yard setback from 6 feet for an accessory structure to 3.09 feet (encroaches 2.91 feet) and an after-the-fact rear yard setback from 6 feet for an accessory structure to 3.56 feet (encroaches 2.44 feet), for an existing shed in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 10314 Bristol Road, Tax Map 21, Parcel 8, Section A, Block 3, Lot 15, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 24-39, on the lands of Matthew Pyles, on the ap-

plication of Mark Cropper, requesting a variance to reduce the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Buffer from 100 feet to 35 feet (to encroach 65 feet) associated with the installation of a proposed driveway, pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 3-104(c)(4), NR 3-111, and Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(m)(1), located on Marshall Creek Road approximately 517 feet west of the terminus of Marshall Creek Road, Tax Map 49, Parcel 139, Lot 3, Tax District 4, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:55 p.m. Case No. 24-40, on the lands of John Talbott, on the application of Ray Patel, requesting a special exception to allow multi-family dwelling units contained in, as a part of or attached to a principal commercial structure in the C-2 General Commercial District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections §§ ZS 1116(c)(3), ZS 1-210(c)(5) and ZS 1325, located at 11006 & 11008 Manklin Meadows Lane, Tax Map 21, Parcel 266, Phases 3 & 4, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

7:00 p.m. Case No. 24-45, on the lands of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a special exception to allow a single family dwelling in the RP Resource Protection District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3) and ZS 1-215(c)(1), located on the north east corner of Boxiron Road and Truitt’s Landing Road, Tax Map 80, Parcel 1, Lot 1, Tax District 2, Worcester County, Maryland.

7:05 p.m. Case No. 24-32, on the lands of Build Pines, LLC, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a special exception to allow contractor shops, a variance to the right side yard setback from 50 feet to 44 feet(to encroach 6 feet) for a proposed contractor shop building, a variance to the right side yard setback from 50 feet to 45.5 feet and a variance to the left side yard setback from 50 feet to 36.5 feet for the conversion of an existing building to a contractor shop, in the A-2 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1-116(c)(4) and ZS 1-202(c)(13), located at 10529 Flower Street, Tax Map 25, Parcel 275, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

7:10 p.m. Case No. 24-21, on the lands of Cellar House Farm, LLC, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a special exception to allow an Agritourism facility and the use of not more than thirty percent of the gross acreage of a lot or parcel, for the agritourism uses and structures, also requesting a special exception to allow the accessory use of a principal agricultural structure or use of land for the commercial hosting of non-agricultural functions and events in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1-209(c)(9), ZS 1-201(c)(32), ZS 1322, ZS 1-323 and ZS 1-325, located at 2634 Cellar House Road, Tax Map 69, Parcel 25, Tax District 7, Worcester County, Maryland.

7:15 p.m. Case No. 24-46, on the lands of Frederick Eisenbrandt, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a special exception to allow the accessory use of a principal

agricultural structure or use of land for the commercial hosting of nonagricultural functions and events in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1-201(c)(32) and ZS 1325, located at 11930 Ocean Gateway, Tax Map 26, Parcel 260, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

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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 13, 2024 At 2:00 p.m.

PW 24-027 A request has been submitted to construct a 6’ x 40’ parallel platform and a 4’ x 6’ pier over rip-rap; to install one boat lift with associated pilings. All construction maximum channelward distance of 14’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 314 S HERON GULL CT Parcel # 6069A-91 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Keith Coffin APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 24-028 A request has been submitted to remove existing pier and install a new 5’ x 50’ pier; to install one boatlift & one double PWC lift with associated pilings not to exceed maximum channelward extension of 50’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 808 32ND ST Parcel # 4481 -24 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Jacqueline Pester Babcock

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 24-029 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with associated pilings maximum channelward extension of 26’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2109 HERRING WAY Parcel # 3266134in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Bahia Hermosa, Inc

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc.

PW 24-030 A request has been submitted to install 96’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead (not to exceed 18” channelward), relocate an existing boatlift, install one new boatlift and one PWC lift with associated pil-

All work maximum channelward extension of 24’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 404 BERING RD Parcel # 9984 -22 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Frank Lanigan

APPLICANT: Hidden Oak Farm, LLC

PW 24-032 A request has been submitted to install a 12’ x 12’ floating platform secured by one 3” diameter pipe. The maximum channelward extension is 718’ behind the Ropewalk Restaurant in Assawoman Bay. The coordinates are: 38.24953N/75.352.97W. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 8203 COASTAL HWY Parcel # 0128A-6 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: RWOC Properties, LLC APPLICANT: Image Engineering OCD-5/30/2t

BROOK-LYN CORP., LLC Plaintiff, 4 North Park Drive, Suite 510 Hunt Valley, MD 21030 v.

STACY L. STOTLER Defendant, 352 Nottingham Road Hagerstown MD 21740 Baltimore MD 21215 and THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER Defendant, Serve on: Roscoe Leslie, County Attorney 1 West Market Street, Rm 1103 Snow Hill, MD 21863 and ) ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY described as: Item 62 10-098521 and 142265-12988: Described as The Chateau Condominium Unit 104B, Assessed to Stacy L. Stotler, Assessed Value $185,667, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,117.51. In the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, MD, Sub District 10. Defendants, In the CIRCUIT COURT for WORCESTER County, Maryland Civil No. C-23-CV-24-000104

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property located in WORCESTER County, Maryland, described by the certificate of sale below, and more fully described in a Deed cited below, among the Land Records for WORCESTER County, Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Ocean City, Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding:

Item 62 10-098521 and 14226512988: Described as The Chateau Condominium Unit 104B, Assessed to Stacy L. Stotler, Assessed Value $185,667, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,117.51. In the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, MD, Sub District 10.

(deed reference: Liber 7013, folio 446 Worcester County land records)

Address: 718 Mooring Road, Unit B104, Ocean City, MD 21842

The complaint states, among

other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. It is thereupon this 24th of May, 2024 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in WORCESTER County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, waming all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 27th of July, 2024 and redeem the property referenced herein and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-5/30/3t

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 13, 2024 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request (1) a variance of 5.2 feet from the 10-foot separation distance requirement for a 6’ X 12’ proposed addition to be 4.8’ from a neighboring unit; (2) a variance of 0.2 feet from the 5-foot side yard setback for a 6’ X 12’ proposed addition to be 4.8 feet from the side property site line; and (3) a variance of 4.8 feet from the 10-foot separation distance requirement for a proposed covered deck to be 5.2’ from a neighboring unit. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 110 of Sundowner Mobile Home Park Plat It is further described as being located on the south side of Denny Lane and is locally known as 111 Denny Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JOHN L. STANTON (BZA 2690 #24-09400012)

AT 6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Sections 110-94(3)(a) has been filed to request a special yard exception from the front yard

setback to allow for the screened enclosure of an existing covered patio. The site of the appeal is described as Unit #5 of Lot 7 of the plat entitled “33rd Street Shopping Plaza Condominium.” It is further described as being located on the east side of Coastal Highway and is locally known as 3316 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: OC WASABI (BZA 2692 #24-09400014)

AT 6:20 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal regarding Sections 110-99 has been filed to request an amendment to BZA Case 2581 #2109400003 to allow for a pergola to be constructed over a portion of the 6 parking spaces that were waived as part of that application. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, for Building 1 and Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 for Building 2, Block 87, of the Fenwick Plat. It is further described as being located on the west side of Coastal Highway and is locally known as Beach Barrels at 13207 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: RAYMOND MCGRATH (BZA 2693 #2409400015)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall. Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-5/30/2t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

Inspection, Testing, Maintenance and Repair of Elevator, Escalator & Platform Lift Systems

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide for the : Inspection, Testing, Maintenance and Repair of Elevator, Escalator & Platform Lift Systems and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

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

pleteness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Bid meeting will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 1 PM, at the Procurement Conference room 214 65th street, Ocean City, MD, for any questions concerning the Proposals Documents. The last day for questions will be on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 3 PM. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Friday, June 28, 2024

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Thursday, July 18, 2024, by 3:00 PM. and will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the Procurement Office Conference room, on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 10 AM. Bids are to be submitted to the Procurement Office 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the solicitation (: Inspection, Testing, Maintenance and Repair of Elevator, Escalator & Platform Lift Systems) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Tranfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Giovanni G. Tomasello, 10423 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; and Estate of Antonio B. Russo By: Giovanni Pino Tomasello, Personal Rep.

For: T. & T. Russo Realty Corporation

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Tony's Pizza 3 Atlantic Avenue

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 18, 2024 @ 1:00 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Yancey Eugene Carapico, 37285 Luff Court, Greenbackville, Virginia 23356; and Benjamin Dennis Smith, 407 Broad Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: The Cap'ns Slice, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Cap'ns Slice 8 Pitts Street Berlin, Maryland 21811

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on:

June 18, 2024 @ 1:10 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "D" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Jessmin William Duryea, 12 Front Street, Pocomoke, Maryland 21851; Warren Keith Willey, II, 279 Somerset Avenue, Crisfield, Maryland 21817; and John Duryea, 34027 Clearfield Drive, Pocomoke, Maryland 21851

For: Cypress Roots Brewing Company, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Cypress Roots Brewing Company 148 Market Street

Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 18, 2024 @ 1:25 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Promoter's License

For: Spectrum Concessions, LLC

T/A: Spectrum Concessions

Ocean Calling Events - September 27, 2024 through September 29, 2024

Hours of Alcoholic Beverage Sales - Begins 12 Noon and ends 10:30 p.m. each day

Ocean City Inlet to North Division Street, including the inlet parking lot, the beach, the boardwalk, Ocean City pier, and portions of business adjacent to the boardwalk/ Ocean City

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 18, 2024 @ 1:40 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Promoter's License

For: Spectrum Concessions, LLC

T/A: Spectrum Concessions

Country Calling Events - October 4, 2024 and October 5, 2024

Hours of Alcoholic Beverage Sales - Begins 12 Noon and ends 10:30 p.m. each day

Ocean City Inlet to North Division Street, including the inlet parking lot, the beach, the boardwalk, Ocean City pier, and portions of business adjacent to the boardwalk/ Ocean City

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 18, 2024 @ 1:55 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

For: Production/Stage Management and Stage Labor Event Stages Audio –Lighting & Video Services

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Production/Stage Management and Stage Labor; Event Stages; and Audio – Lighting & Video Services and for said work to be in conformity with the Proposal Documents. Bid Documents for the Production/Stage Management and Stage Labor; Event Stages; and Audio –Lighting & Video Services may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Scott Wagner, at swagner@oceancitymd.gov or Procurement Associate, Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov by calling 410-723-6643 during normal business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Proposal meeting will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 10 am, at City Hall Community Room, located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD, for any questions concerning the Proposals Documents. The last day for questions will be on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 3 pm. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Monday, July 15, 2024 by 3:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud at the Procurement Department located at 214A 65th Street on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Proposal are to be submitted to the Procurement Department, 214A 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842 and must note the name

of the solicitation (Production/Stage Management and Stage Labor; Event Stages; and Audio –Lighting & Video Services) on the outside of the package.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DORIS E TRADER AKA: DORIS ELIZABETH TRADER Estate No. 20181 Notice is given that GARY LEE TRADER whose address is 30506 CANNON DR SALISBURY, MD 21804-8067 was on MAY 30, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DORIS E TRADER who died on APRIL 15, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of NOVEMBER, 2024

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

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

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

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

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TOBIN, O’CONNOR, CONCINO P.C.

JEFFREY K. GORDON ESQ. 5335 WISCONSIN AVE., NW STE. 400 WASHINGTON, DC 20015-2077

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20219

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the District Court of Clark County, Nevada

appointed Robert Louis Bender Jr., 719 Quayside Ct., Las Vegas, NV 89178-1250 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert Louis Bender who died on February 02, 2024 domiciled in Nevada, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Stephen J. O’Connor Esq. whose address is 9321 Watkins Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20882.

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

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

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

Robert Louis Bender Jr. Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: June 6, 2024

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20214 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN V. SHANNON AKA: JOHN VINCENT SHANNON

Notice is given that Marie B. Reilly, 83 Tail Of The Fox Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-1911 and Barbara Griffen, 65 Cresthaven Dr., Berlin, MD 21911-1903, were on May 28, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John V. Shannon who died on April 05, 2024, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise

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

Marie B. Reilly

Barbara Griffen

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: June 06, 2024

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DIANE S. KOTKIN ESQ.

RKW LAW GROUP, LLC

10 N. JEFFERSON ST., STE. 200 FREDERICK, MD 21701-3500

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES

ESTATE NO 20216

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHAN’S court of PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed KEISHA V. MAJOR whose address is 4544 N CARLISLE ST., PHILADELPHIA, PA 19140-1119 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of WILLIE F. SMALLWOOD JR. who died on OCTOBER 16, 2023 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is DIANE S. KOTKIN, ESQ. whose address is 10 N. JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 200, FREDERICK, MD 21701. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY

All persons having claims against

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2024-12

RE: Commercial Use of Houseboats

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-12 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of June 3, 2024. Second reading is scheduled June 17, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the June 3, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance prohibits the commercial use of houseboats within the Town of Ocean City.

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2024-13

RE: Offenses and Penalties, Houseboats

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-13 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of June 3, 2024. Second reading is scheduled June 17, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the June 3, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance is a companion bill to Ordinance 202412, adding Article XI of Chapter 14 to Section 1.8 to ensure offenses associated with commercial use of houseboats are correctly assigned to a penalty.

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2024-14

RE: 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Amendment

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-14 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of June 3, 2024. Second reading is scheduled June 17, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of

the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the June 3, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts certain changes under the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (the SECURE Act), and the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2024-15

RE: General Employees’ Pension Plan and Trust Amendment

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-15 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of June 3, 2024. Second reading is scheduled June 17, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the June 3, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts certain changes under the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (the SECURE Act), the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, and adds a new surviving spouse benefit for certain participants who work past their Normal Retirement Date.

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2024-16

RE: Public Safety Employees’ Pension Plan and Trust Amendment

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-16 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of June 3, 2024. Second reading is scheduled June 17, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the June 3, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts certain changes under the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (the SECURE Act), the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, and adds a new surviving spouse benefit for certain participants who work past their Normal Retirement Date.

Sea Rocket houseboat rentals proceeding

Company celebrates new location as city’s efforts to ban operation continue

By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor

(June 7, 2024) Sea Rocket Ocean City CEO and General Manager Will Wangel said this week that he was not letting a pending city ordinance stop him from renting out a houseboat in the marina at the company’s new Dorchester Street location — despite threats of fines from officials.

“We approached the city because we want to work collaboratively on everything,” Wangel said Monday of Sea Rocket’s houseboat-renting plans after a ribbon cutting for the new location. “We told them this is the houseboat, this is how it works. It’s a registered commercial passenger vessel in the state, on the navigable waters of Maryland.”

Wangel believes the designation legally allows for the rental of the Aqua Lodge houseboat, which is one

of several company officials are ultimately planning to dock and rent out in the shallow water at the downtown marina. And as of Monday, his first guests were scheduled to arrive this week.

“Everything is the same as compared to our parasail boats. There’s absolutely no difference,” Wangel added later during a Mayor and Council meeting.

Council members voted at the meeting to pass the first reading of an ordinance that will prohibit the commercial use of occupancy of houseboats, as well as a companion ordinance assigning violations of the offense to $25 to $1,000 fines. While the votes were unanimous among all seven council members, Councilman John Gehrig commented before the first one that he was voting in favor “for now.” Second and final readings on the ordinances are set for a future meeting.

The ordinances were drafted after city staff members learned that Sea Rocket Ocean City, which runs para-

sailing trips, speed boat, dolphin, sunset and sunrise cruises, and banana boats from its location in the downtown marine district, planned to add houseboat rentals to their offerings. A listing for the boats was discovered on a short-term rental site, prompting staff to seek advice from the Mayor and Council.

Deputy City Manager JR Harmon explained at a meeting in early May that the town views the houseboats as floating structures, which are prohibited by the code. However, Sea Rocket officials claim they are vessels consistent with marina use, and thus legally allowed to be docked, with no regulations on rentals.

The attorney for the company, Demetrios Kaouris, said during the early May meeting that his clients wished to work with city officials to come to a compromise to allow the rental operations. He contended that

June 6 - 13

the houseboats are classified as vessels and registered with the Department of Natural Resources, which makes them legal.

Harmon said staff had determined the houseboats were prohibited, but City Manager Terry McGean said that if they are registered with the DNR as vessels, then a code change may be needed to prohibit them.

There was a consensus at the meeting that council members are against Sea Rocket’s houseboat rental plans because they want to preserve the marina for marine-related recreational activities, and do not want to see a rapid increase in short-term houseboat rentals across the resort.

From there, staff drafted the ordinances making their way through the ranks now, which were introduced at a work session last week before passing first reading Monday.

Old Bridge Rd, West OC2BR/1BA

Wilson/Salt Life 05 Lighthouse Avenue, Ocean City 3BR/2.5BA

Nancy Reither/Coldwell B 905 Lighthouse Avenue, Ocean City3BR/2.5BASingle

Reither/Coldwell B 81st St. #706 Rivendell, Ocean City3BR/3.5BA

Reither/Coldwell B 00 Marina View Lane #23, Ocean City4BR/4BA T Toownhome

Reither/Coldwell B 11602 S. Hills Drive, Berlin 5BR/4.5BASingle Family$1,849,900Nancy Reither/Coldwell B Mumforrdds

MALLORY PANUSKA AMES/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Sea Rocket Ocean City’s Aqua Lodge houseboat is pictured docked in a private slip in a marina at the company’s new location on Dorchester Street downtown.

Company leaders seek compromise

Wangel and Kaouris attended both meetings and expressed a desire to work with council members through various compromise suggestions. However Kaouris said last week that if a compromise cannot be reached and the council members approve the ban, that he and his client are prepared to take the matter to court.

Wangel expressed frustration Monday afternoon with city officials’ efforts to ban the houseboat rentals, stating that he has attempted to talk it through with them, to no avail.

He also pointed out that houseboat rentals exist in places all over Maryland and nationwide, including Dewey Beach, Delaware; Chincoteague, Virginia; the Florida Keys; the Ozarks; Baltimore and Annapolis.

“They’re all over the place,” he said.

Wangel added that Sea Rocket’s operation is simple and unassuming, with just one small houseboat that sleeps up to six people in a private slip in 12 to 16 inches of water, which he said is too shallow for anything else.

“We’re not trying to put a marina full of them here and have some giant project with sewer and everything,” he said. “We’re trying to have a couple of houseboats that people can enjoy their vacation in.”

Wangel also admitted that he was not able to obtain a city business license to rent out the houseboat, but that it did not stop him from listing it for rent. He said the first guests were set to arrive Thursday, and he was not concerned about threats from the city that he could not proceed with the rentals.

McGean said during last week’s meeting, in response to a request from Council President Matt James

for staff to look into the existing operation, that the company did not have a business license to rent out the houseboat, and if they were caught doing it they would be fined for violating a city ordinance.

McGean reiterated that point Wednesday and said staff were checking the boat every day for occupancy and that once they observe people occupying it that they will fine the owners.

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

MALLORY PANUSKA AMES/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Representatives with Sea Rocket Ocean City recently celebrated the company’s new location at Dorchester Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Best architectural firm

Becker Morgan Group has been voted the Best Architectural Firm on the Eastern Shore by the readers of Metropolitan Magazine.

Vice President Jack E. Mumford III was also recognized as Best Architect by the public.

With over 40 years of experience providing professional architecture and engineering services, Becker Morgan Group is deeply grateful for the continued trust and confidence of its clients, community partners, and staff. A news release said staff members and officials are honored to be known for delivering elevated designs that create enduring value, significant returns, and lasting relationships.

New legislative analyst

The Worcester County Commissioners have appointed Charlene Sharpe to the newly-created position of legislative analyst. She stepped into the role last Friday.

“Charlene has earned the community’s respect for her professionalism and her fair and accurate news coverage,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said in a news release.

“She can hit the ground running covering Worcester County. Her strong oral and written communications skills make her the solid choice to

represent the county’s legislative interests.”

Sharpe brings nearly two decades covering Worcester County as a journalist to her new position.

In 2007, she earned a degree in journalism from the University of Richmond. From 2014 to 2024 she worked as a reporter for the Maryland Coast Dispatch. Prior to that, she worked in the news industry as a reporter for the Delmarva Media Group.

For her feature story writing, the MDDC Press Association has awarded her first place for excellence in news reporting.

“I’m honored to be working with local, state, and federal representatives to further the interest of Worcester County Government and its residents,” Sharpe said in the release. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community in this new role.”

Sharpe is a Worcester County native and Stephen Decatur High School graduate who is active in the community. She has previously served as a member of the Lower Shore Land Trust Board of Directors, and she volunteers for the Great Pocomoke Fair.

Continued on Page 79

Charlene Sharpe

Effect of land use, property rights bills on real estate

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(June 7, 2024) The 2024 Maryland General Assembly convened on Jan. 10 and adjourned on April 8. Maryland Realtors has issued recaps of all of the pertinent legislation affecting the real estate industry. This week’s summary is covering the “Land Use, Property Rights and the Environment” related legislation that passed.

ronmental Protection Proceedings (Effective Oct. 1): A person with standing may bring or intervene in a civil action against a party who has made unauthorized discharges into non-tidal wetlands or ephemeral and intermittent streams.

HB 449/SB 148 Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program –Funding (Effective July 1): At least 40% of the comprehensive flood management grant program will be used for projects located in or directly benefiting underserved or overburdened communities.

HB 992/SB 835 Environment - Delegated Authorities — Well and Septic Program Permits (Effective June 1): Local health departments or county governments are required to submit a schedule of review times for well and septic program permits to the Department of the Environment for approval.

HB 1101/SB 653 Standing - Envi-

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from Page 78

New EMS specialist

The Worcester County Commissioners recently named Maurice “Moe” VanDemark as the new emergency management specialist within the Worcester County Department of Emergency Services.

VanDemark stepped into his new role on April 15.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Moe as part of our team,” Fire Marshal Matt Owens said in a news release. “Moe brings a trove of knowledge and experience with him, and we are looking forward to what he will add to an already great team.”

VanDemark has 12 years of experience in law enforcement, fire safety, and emergency management. Prior to joining Worcester County Government, he served as a deputy at the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Office in Vermont from 2016 to 2023, while concurrently serving within the State of Vermont Division of Fire Safety as an

HB 1165/SB 969 Coastal Bays Restoration and Stream and Floodplain Restoration – Funding (Effective July 1, 2025): The Whole Watershed Restoration Partnership will accelerate restoration of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and their watersheds by funding projects shown to be cost-effective.

HB 1511 Forest Conservation Act –Modifications (Effective July 1): This bill delays effective dates and adjusts implementation procedures for the 2023 Forest Conservation Act, while allowing forest mitigation banking provisions to go into effect in 2024.

HB 1512 Bay Restoration Fund — Municipal Wastewater Facilities (Effective June 1): Bay Restoration Funds may continue to be used to connect properties to existing municipal wastewater facilities.

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

assistant state fire marshal.

“I’m excited to bring my extensive skillset to the county and bring in fresh new ideas to help with emergency management,” VanDemark said. “I’ve dedicated my life to protecting the communities I serve, and I will continue to do so while working here. I’m also excited to be a part of the local community and look forward to meeting the community members.”

VanDemark has a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Western New England University and a master of science in fire science, with concentration in emergency management, from the University of New Haven. He is an FAA certified drone pilot, National Fire Prevention Association fire inspector II, and hazardous materials technician. He has served as a member of Urban Search and Rescue in Vermont’s Division of Fire Safety and also on the state’s hazardous response team.

VanDemark enjoys going to the beach and spending time with family. He has coached middle school basketball and softball, and each fall he can be found rooting for his favorite NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

M. VanDemark

Teachers, staff will renegotiate contracts

Adopted budget prevents school board from honoring agreements on 6% raises

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(June 7, 2024) Worcester County’s public school teachers and the board of education will return to the negotiating table in the next week or so, following the Worcester County Commissioners’ approval Tuesday of a school system budget that won’t cover the 6% pay increase the school board and teachers agreed on in April.

The $105.4 million package passed by the four-member majority of Commissioners Chip Bertino, Caryn Abbott, Jim Bunting and Ted Elder should allow for a 4% boost in salaries for teachers and other school

personnel, according to the commissioners’ calculations.

Although the school budget approved by the commissioners’ same 43 vote on May 21 was also said to deliver a 4% raise, Commissioner Ted Elder led a successful push to add $413,000 to the total by reallocating money that had been set aside for other purposes.

That addition, county officials later explained, gave the schools almost $5.4 million more than the current year’s funding and put it almost $5.9 million above the state-enforced per pupil spending minimum known as “Maintenance of Effort.”

Even so, the total county contribution to schools for the year ahead will still be roughly $1.6 million less than the $107 million the school board had requested.

That disparity did not sit well with

the three commissioners on the losing end of the vote — Joe Mitrecic, Diana Purnell and Eric Fiori — nor with Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor.

“Today’s decision by the commissioner majority underfunds the salary increases negotiated with our associations (teachers and staff) and removes the ability to restore any of the cuts made as a result of Maintenance of Effort funding last year (FY24),” Taylor said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon. “Now that the board of education’s level of funding has been decided, the school system will enter renegotiations with our associations as well as identifying programs and/or personnel reductions to close the budget deficit.”

Even though the commissioner majority repeatedly cited the 4% raise for teachers in the new budget, county government has no authority to set salaries for school system employees.

“The commissioners cannot determine what salary increases employees receive, only the funding the board receives to implement any negotiated increases,” school officials said, adding that salaries are determined by collective bargaining with the Worcester County Teachers Association and the Worcester County Education Support Personnel Association.

The board of education was scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss how it might proceed, while the teachers association leadership will be talking to its membership to establish the negotiating stance it will take.

Association President Beth Shockley-Lynch said she was disheartened by the commissioners’ decision but added that the big spring push by the association, the school board, parents and citizen groups for full funding did bear fruit.

“The good thing ... we got them off maintenance of effort,” ShockleyLynch said, referring to the commissioners’ $5 million shift away from the current year’s budgetary minimum of about $100 million.

Even so, she, along with Commissioners Mitrecic, Purnell and Fiori, lamented the dozens of teacher resignations turned in this year, a circumstance they attributed to Worcester’s low pay scale as compared to wage schedules in other school districts.

“I never thought I’d see Worcester County like this,” Shockley-Lynch

said of this county’s standing as having the lowest starting salary for teachers in the state.

The current starting salary in Worcester for a step one teacher (bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate is $50,275, according to the state department of education, which also lists Wicomico’s starting pay as $54,094. Even with a 4% increase, teachers’ salaries in Worcester will remain among the lowest in the state.

That pay level, along with the uncertainty of what lies ahead financially for the county’s public schools, is why 51 teachers have resigned this year, according to Shockley-Lynch and others, including Mitrecic and school officials.

Another concern expressed by Mitrecic, Purnell and Fiori at Tuesday’s meeting is that the new budget, and the teacher salaries therein, could leave the county financially vulnerable when the pay scales mandated by the state department of education’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future kick in two years from now. As of July 2026, pay for a starting teacher in all counties must be at least $60,000.

The commissioner majority did little arguing in defense of its decision, with the entire process of formally adopting the budget taking no more than a half-hour.

In the meantime, school system officials will sit down this month with teachers and support personnel and try to forge new agreements that fit the money they have. Looming over these talks are the contracts’ binding arbitration clauses that, in the worst case, could require the school board to honor its commitments regardless of the financial ramifications they could have elsewhere in the budget.

The total funding for the county public school system for FY25 is $132.9 million, which includes approximately $27 million in state aid. Because of Worcester County high tax base per capita and the state formula for distributing aid to the public school systems is based on that, Worcester receives the lowest amount per pupil in Maryland.

That puts the county government in the position of shouldering between 75-80% percent of the cost of public education in the county, whereas the numbers are almost reversed for Wicomico.

Awarding scholarship priority for Carozza

State senator says keeping state’s talent in Maryland driving purpose of program

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 7, 2024) Since the 90-day legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly ended on April 8, Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) has focused on the talented students, residents, and businesses in Worcester County.

“The legislative part of serving as a representative of your district is just one aspect,” Carozza said. “There is the 90day session, then a period leading up to going back into session where there are all these opportunities to interact with constituents. This is where ideas come from, being on the front lines.”

The Maryland Senatorial Scholarship has been a priority for the senator during graduation season. The award is set up through the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The aid is specifically for students accepted into a public or private Maryland institution, as the goal is to “keep our state’s talent here.”

Carozza represents the counties of Worcester, Somerset, and half of Wicomico. Graduating seniors from these areas’ public and private high

schools are eligible. The senator’s hope with the scholarship program is that it encourages students to stay or return to the Eastern Shore. Of the 68 college-bounds kids she has awarded this year, 33 plan to enroll in the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, Wor-Wic Community College, or Salisbury University.

Carozza said that she was present at every school’s scholarship presentation to personally award the financial aid to the students.

“That is my way of having the opportunity to send a public message to the students, the parents, and the school community that we are encouraging our talent to stay here in Maryland,” the legislator said. “I highlight the severe workforce shortages in public safety, hospitality, teaching, construction, and healthcare and ask them to consider developing those skills and making their lives on the shore … I have been impressed with the number of students committing to stay on the shore and their commitment to community service.”

Each recipient is given between $500 and $1,000 a year, which automatically renews, granted they remain in good academic standing throughout their college careers. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate high school volunteer

experience to be considered. Carozza said that involvement with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, the Ocean City Fire Department, and Diakonia are a few of the standouts.

The Maryland Senator has also had the chance to be a storyteller for each fifth-grade class’s field trip to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines. This year, Carozza participated in the Patriot’s Pathway, the semi-circle that showcased each engagement in which the United States has been involved, starting with the American Revolution.

“When we take the students to the Vietnam War section, there’s a piece of the healing wall that Ocean Pines has on site,” Carozza said. “It’s an opportunity to explain that when Vietnam veterans came back, they weren’t welcome the same way other vets were. We are still trying to make sure these Vietnam veterans are appreciated today. It’s fascinating to watch the student’s reaction. They engage and ask good questions.”

Pocomoke Elementary, Most Blessed Sacrament, Snow Hill Elementary, and Berlin Intermediate School attend the memorial in the spring, while Worcester Preparatory School’s field strip is scheduled in the fall. BIS will take the final slot this

year on Friday, June 7. Carozza said part of the presentation is focused on local history. The teachers and legislators who attend explain to the elementary students Ocean City’s role in World War II and the history behind Stephen Decatur, a naval war hero during the War of 1812 from Worcester County.

“It’s very uplifting,” the senator said. “You can see that they aren’t going to remember every fact or story, but they will remember being there, which makes an impression for the future… It is very localized, and you believe you are planting seeds for appreciation.”

Carozza has also given legislative wrap-up sessions to organizations like the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and attended opening days and ribbon cuttings for businesses like Atlantic General Hospital’s new pharmacy and the West Ocean City Tide Together Boutique.

“I tend to look at my overall position as a state senator as very much representational,” Carozza said. “Once the 90-day legislative session has ended, there is a period that goes right up until schools let out that it is an opportunity to be involved with students and families… and plant some seeds for the future.”

County drops opposition to solar project

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) Worcester County has agreed to rescind a denial letter for a solar project in Snow Hill, officially settling an administrative appeal Chaberton Snow Solar LLC filed in circuit court late last year.

Following an administrative appeal hearing on May 23, attorneys for both Worcester County and Chaberton reached a resolution regarding the review of a proposed solar project on Timmons Road. While the Worcester County Commissioners voted last year to not support the project, the county has since agreed to rescind its denial letter and issue no recommendation.

“One, we are very pleased that we were able to resolve this matter by the rescission of the prior denial letter

dated November 21, 2023,” Mark Cropper, Chaberton’s attorney, said last week. “This will enable the application for a CPCN with the Public Service Commission to proceed without a procedural defect being reflected in the record. As such, to my knowledge, there is nothing negative in the record for the Public Service Commission to consider.”

In November, staff presented the commissioners with plans for a utility scale solar project on Timmons Road.

The 7.54-megawatt project, developed by Chaberton, would occupy roughly a quarter of the 100-plusacre farm owned by Charles Waite III.

While the project received a favorable recommendation from staff and the Worcester County Planning Commission, the commissioners voted 4-

3 against it, and a subsequent letter was issued on Nov. 21.

To that end, Cropper filed an administrative appeal in Worcester County Circuit Court in December. Although the Maryland Public Service Commission has the ultimate authority over the project, Cropper said the commissioners’ opposition to the project had a negative effect on his client’s ability to secure a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).

“My client and I were surprised, especially considering the extensive record that had been created through the CPCN process,” he said. “And at the public hearing, nobody testified in opposition to the project nor was any evidence introduced detrimental to the project.”

At the commissioner level, however, several officials expressed their concerns regarding the proposed project, with those in opposition questioning its decommissioning and disposal processes. While a new letter issued by the county last week offers no formal recommendation on the project, it reiterates the commissioners’ concerns.

“Subsequent to a public hearing held on November 7, 2023, and after a review of the entire record, all pertinent plans and all testimony, the

Worcester County Commissioners expressed concern regarding the low estimated costs associated with the decommissioning bond, as well as the extent to which materials would be sent to the county’s landfill upon decommissioning due to the limited salvaging and recycling efforts in place,” the letter reads. “Ultimately, the County Commissioners give no recommendation related to this project.”

Worcester County Public Information Officer Kim Moses reiterated the county’s position this week.

“The commissioners took no action, meaning they did not give a recommendation,” she said. “The transmittal letter from staff, not the commissioners, clarifies what occurred at the public hearing.”

With the matter now settled, Cropper said his client will continue to work through the state’s approval process. The Public Service Commission held a virtual public hearing in April, during which no members of the public commented. A second, inperson hearing will be held in August.

“They will continue to complete the CPCN application process with the Public Service Commission and hopefully receive approval, which will then allow the project to come to fruition,” Cropper said.

Commissioners approve county budget 4-3

Officials this week adopted a $261M spending plan for the coming fiscal year ‘25

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(June 7, 2024) Without fanfare or much comment, the Worcester County Commissioners adopted their $261.9 million FY25 budget Tuesday, after spending most of May digging the county out of an $8 million hole between departmental spending requests of $270 million and projected revenue.

The quick handling of the final stage of producing a balanced budget for the fiscal year beginning in July belied the rough-and-tumble battle between the Worcester County Board of Education and the commissioners

that preceded it, as the school board’s desire for full funding ran up against the commissioners’ need to narrow the gap between spending and income.

The continued disagreement on that score resulted in a 4-3 split on adopting the budget, with Commissioners Chip Bertino, the body’s president, and Caryn Abbott, Jim Bunting and Ted Elder prevailing over dissenting Commissioners Joe Mitrecic, Diana Purnell and Eric Fiori.

During the pre-vote comments, Mitrecic reiterated his continuing call for better pay for employees.

“I’m going to throw this out there again — the cost of living is not going down,” he said, adding that the county’s employees experience the effects of inflation every day, whereas the county budgeting process consid-

Sunset Seabird Safaris to be offered through September

(June 7, 2024) Delmarva Birding Weekends is teaming up with the OC Bay Hopper to run Sunset Seabird Safaris through September.

The cost for the two-hour cruise is $55/person and guests can register individually or in groups. Each tour needs a minimum of four participants to run and the maximum number of participants is 14. Tours are mostly offered on Tuesday evenings, but new dates may be added during the summer.

The tours will cover the bayside docks in Ocean City from M.R. Duck’s south to the inlet, and cruise by the Assateague jetty. From there, they will explore the bayside of Assateague Island south toward Castaways campground, then back to the harbor. The cruise will feature a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and a

ers rising costs only periodically.

Acknowledging that employees would receive a 4% pay increase in this budget, he said he believed that a 6% boost was needed for them and school personnel.

The only response to Mitrecic’s call for increased wages was the assertion by Abbott that the county did spend $2.1 million to stabilize insurance rates so employees would not have to bear the cost of rising premiums.

The final package adopted by the county increases total spending by $26 million above the current year’s budget. More than half that amount —$14.6 million — comes from a spike in property tax revenues produced by this year’s reassessment of real property, including increasingly pricey Ocean City, and by maintaining the current tax rate of 84.5 cents per

$100 of assessed value.

Another $7 million will come from an expected increase in income tax receipts even though the county’s local income tax, generally referred to as the piggyback tax, will remain the same at 2.25%, the lowest local income tax rate in the state.

The additional income is not necessarily new, since it reflects a changing practice among local governments to budget less conservatively in this category, as actual income from this source usually exceeds the cautious estimates that governments have long employed.

One area of the budget that could lead members of the public to make some false assumptions is the end of the county’s benefits department and the practice of accounting for all em-

DBW Guide.

The OC Bay Hopper has a liquor license and cold adult beverages are available for purchase. Cold water is also available.

The pickup location is Pier 23, located at 12817 Harbor Road in Ocean City. Those taking the tour are asked to park in the Pier 23 parking lot and should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled trip departs.

Trips may be canceled in the event of strong, gusting winds or dangerous weather. If a trip is canceled, participants will be notified via email 24 hours prior to the trip departure. Full refunds will be provided within 15 days.

For more information, visit https://delmarvabirding.com/2024sunset-seabird-safaris/.

PHOTO COURTESY RUSS KOVACH

Participants of a Sunset Seabird Safari from May 18 are pictured shooting photos. The bird and wildlife tours around the coastal bays will be offered via a partnership between Delmarva Birding Weekend and the OC Bay Hooper through September.

Private lane in South Point gets new name

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(June 7, 2024) A private road in South Point will be named after all.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Worcester County Development Review and Permitting Deputy Director Matthew Laick came before the commissioners to discuss a private lane name in the South Point area. Before Laick could present the matter to the board, Com-

missioner Jim Bunting motioned to approve the new name of Heron Lane with a second by Commissioner Eric Fiori. The motion passed unanimously.

Two months ago, it was a different story as the concept was tabled after concerns were aired by commissioners with instructions for staff to review potential options to accommodate property owners along the road.

According to Worcester County code, all lanes home to three or more residences must be named. The unnamed private lane in South Point features nine residential lots. According to Laick’s memo in the county meeting packet, the county does not know why the lane was never named and was unaware until it was learned the Berlin Fire Company had a challenging time finding the home during

a recent fire call.

In his memo, Laick noted property owners along the lane prefer to keep their current addresses, but exceptions are not permitted in the code.

Laick presented two options for the new name — Osprey Lane or Heron Lane. Residents of the Bay Shores subdivision supported the Heron Lane name and the commissioners agreed

SUBMITTED

An unnamed road in the South Point community will now be called Heron Lane officially.

State board approves funds for new library

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 7, 2024) A $3.99 million grant will allow the construction of a new library to move forward in Worcester County.

On Wednesday, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved $15.16 million in grant funding to seven public library systems across the state. As one of the recipients, Worcester County will utilize its $3.99 million to construct a new library branch in Pocomoke.

“Our public libraries are vital hubs that cater to individuals of all ages,

backgrounds and capabilities, offering invaluable resources necessary for daily life, education, civic engagement and professional development too,” Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller said. “Libraries provide so many valuable services for Maryland communities. Therefore, our commitment in investing in libraries is paramount. That is why we are proud to advance this item today and ensure public libraries in seven jurisdictions have the best amenities, technology and space.”

Of the seven recipients, Worcester County is one of three jurisdictions to receive grant funds for the construction

of a new library. The Pocomoke branch, which opened in 1970, will be replaced with a 12,000-square-foot facility at its current location on Market Street.

“The library’s facility plan identified many necessary infrastructure replacements including the need for a new roof, new HVAC equipment, and increased electrical service,” a project description reads. “Additional space is needed to support current and future functions. A new library will support active learning and expand the library’s ability to offer programming.”

Officials last month reported the total cost of the project is estimated at

$8.1 million, which includes $400,000 to $500,000 in value engineering. The grant funding approved at the state level requires a 100% match from Worcester County.

As proposed, the new library will feature gallery space, rain gardens, a children’s porch and dedicated reading areas. The design will also allow for multipurpose meeting space that will be accessible to the community when the library is otherwise closed.

Worcester County is expected to bid out the project later this year. The goal is to open the new library branch in late 2025 or early 2026.

Pay, grant increases highlight FY25 budget

ployee benefits under that single budget category.

In the new budget, that money will be accounted for where it is actually spent.

A case in point is the sheriff’s department, which shows a 50 percent increase in funding to $17 million even though it will only receive $95,807 in actual new dollars, according to the county.

The appearance of great leap in

sheriff’s department funding is the result of moving approximately $4.7 million in insurance costs, retirement benefits and other related categories from the benefits department column in the current budget to the sheriff’s department in the fiscal year 2025 package.

Other county departments will show similar results as some $26.6 million in benefits listed under the benefits department’s FY24 budget are being allocated instead to the op-

erations directly responsible for them, Budget Officer Kim Reynolds said.

Other budget highlights listed in a county press release issued Wednesday are:

• $2.67 million in grants to county fire companies and $8.7 million in ambulance grants. That represents an increase of $1.5 million and includes supplemental funding for 10 EMS companies to assist with run and personnel costs.

• Grants to towns increased by $200,253, including unrestricted grant increases of $35,000 each to the Towns of Berlin and Pocomoke, a recreation grant increase of $20,000 to the Ocean Pines Association, and increases to the Town of Ocean City of $76,037 in unrestricted grant funds and $32,500 or 50% of the cost of the OC Bomb Squad digital x-ray system.

• An increase of $2.7 million to maintain a 15% Reserve Fund.

Opinions

School budget hardly a failure

Worcester County Public Schools personnel at all levels should feel good about their semi-victory this week, having concluded their budget business with the county commissioners by gaining something rather than nothing.

Although no one on the school system’s payroll will feel like breaking out the balloons to mark the commissioners’ adoption of a budget that falls short of the school board’s request, it is much better than what school officials expected last fall. Their prevailing belief at that time was that the schools would see a second year of Maintenance of Effort budgeting, as in the state-mandated minimum allowed.

That didn’t happen for a variety of reasons, the most notable of which was the ferocious campaign mounted by parents, school staff, education advocates and teachers for a fully funded budget. Although that goal was not realized, the difference between a “maintenance” budget of between $99$100 million and the $105.4 million the school system will receive in FY25 is still worthy of a toast with a half-full glass.

As county teachers association President Beth ShockleyLynch pointed out, eliminating the Maintenance of Effort threat the commissioners had been using to insert themselves deeper into the school board’s budgeting process is a significant achievement itself. It has raised the bar on per-pupil spending so that the next round of budgeting will benefit from a much-improved starting point.

In addition, the improvement in teachers’ pay, albeit less than agreed upon by the school board and the teachers association, helps close the salary gap between now and July 2026, when all school systems must implement a minimum starting teacher salary of $60,000.

In that vein, the schools’ FY25 budget is neither bad nor good, but falls somewhere between the two. After a year when the relationship between county government and the school board reached new lows, something in between is a deal worth taking.

It’s always good to learn new things. For instance, I learned this week that ants move at multiple speeds rather than always running or not running, that orcas are actually playing when they sink boats over in the Mediterranean, and that an engaged steering-assist feature on your vehicle will scare the you-know-what out of you when it sees a non-existent curve in the road.

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By Stewart Dobson

The latter has happened to me more than once, leading me to believe initially that some unseen and perhaps supernatural force decided to take me in a new direction. Not that I haven’t needed that sort of intervention at certain points in life, like when you find yourself at the intersection of “That sounds like fun,” and “Are you crazy?”

In this latest instance, I was moving right along the highway when the car said, more or less, “Turn right! Turn right! Let’s go that way!”

Let me tell you, after decades of driving non-computerized, no-frills, purely mechanical vehicles that assume you know what you’re doing, it’s a jolt when the car (or truck) you’re steering suddenly says, “Hey! Let’s go this way!”

It’s a fact. The car manual and the dealer will advise you of this feature as if it’s the coolest thing since King Oscar said, “Isn’t it

convenient that sardines come in the same size as the can?”

What neither the manual nor the dealer will tell you, however, is that you and this feature will at some point have a disagreement while doing 65 mph.

“Holy you-know-what! What’s going on?” you say as the steering wheel abruptly turns right and then immediately back again, as if it is avoiding an invisible dead skunk in the middle of the road.

“Trust me,” the car says, “I know what’s best.”

But it doesn’t. Just like when you’re sitting at the light, it changes, and the car in front of you begins to move.

“The car in front of you is pulling away,” the read-out on the screen says.

“I know that,” you respond. “I prefer not to tailgate, if it’s all the same to you.”

“The car in front of you is pulling away,” it repeats.

“I don’t care if it’s headed for Highway A1 on the coast of Morocco! I’m staying put, even if I back up traffic for miles and the read-outs on those cars say, “The car in front of you is being driven by an idiot. Proceed with caution.”

As a result of these recent experiences when civil war breaks out in the cockpit of my car, I turned off steering-assist and will never use it again. Besides, it’s not a good thing when you get pulled over by the police for erratic driving and explain, “Tell it to the car, because it wasn’t me, it was steering-assist.”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

It could have been worse is my reaction to the Worcester County Commissioners’ vote this week on the budget. In the end, the school system received over $5 million more than last year but about $1.6 million less than requested from the county originally. The reality is a fully funded school system budget – as in the one approved by the school board and proposed to the commissioners – never had a chance with the current commissioners in place. My prediction heading into the budget work session was the commissioners would split the difference between Maintenance of Effort and the school system’s full request. In the end, the schools got significantly more than I predicted but not what they say is needed. Over the weeks ahead, clarity will come to the ramifications of this week’s decision.

Much has been said in recent weeks about the public school system’s budget by all the commissioners. At this week’s meeting, the majority who carried the vote were largely silent save Commissioner Ted Elder, citing “discrepancies,” motioning to add $413,000 to the approved school system allocation two weeks ago. This week, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic was the most outspoken but Commissioners Eric Fiori and Diana Purnell each remarked how the county is going to be facing a serious problem next year trying to meet the state mandates outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland reform program. Fiori predicted, “To meet the Blueprint we are going to have to do 8% (COLA) next year,” adding, “I am all about saving money, but this is not the time nor the place. I completely disagree with this. Cutting it by one million dollars was as far as I am willing to go.”

Mitrecic was blunt as usual, returning to a mantra he has stated for many years – the county must reconsider its compensation packages if it wants to retain employees, especially teachers. He said, “This is a top school system in Maryland. We lead in many of the test scores. We have a great formula working here for our children … I am not here to micromanage the Board of Education budget. We need to support it for the good of our children … it costs over $4,000 more for a family of four today than it did a year ago. Everybody knows what it costs …. Our employees are going backwards. There’s no reason for us to go backwards. We don’t have to raise taxes. We have the money and it’s unacceptable for us to start to ruin our school system. … You can’t get $14 million from one 10 mile of stretch of land and not give the raises that are asked for. … I can’t support this budget … this budget needs to be fully funded with a 6% raise for our children and our teachers and start to meet the Blueprint that we are staring down the gun in two years.”

When the former Sun and Surf movie theater announced it would be closing in 2022, there were concerns about what would replace it in north Ocean City. The suspicion all along was residential would be replacing the commercial use because of the current demand and Ocean City’s trend toward becoming a huge housing community. All of us need to be weary and worried about residential uses constantly being built on properties once home to thriving business uses. It’s something Ocean City officials have been talking about during the ongoing comprehensive plan update process. The market is driving the trend away from commercial to residential because the units sell at high prices.

On the site of the former movie theater will be a 56-unit townhouse project featuring eight separate buildings across an entire city block. Construction of the project has been difficult on the Caine Woods community and current and future parking fears continue to be aired. Dennis Dare, who spent almost 40 years with the city as city engineer then city manager then city council member, approached the city council this week to ask for a work session to discuss the community’s concerns, which were discussed during the Caine Woods Community Association recent meeting. Dare shared the disdain many residents have for the city decision makers before looking to be constructive with parking concerns. “Of course, the initial discussion centered on how the town could have allowed the flawed townhouse development in our neighborhood,” he said. “And then discussion turned to the fear of it happening again in other commercial properties adjacent to Caine Woods. After much discussion, the focus moved on to what can be done now to lessen the pending impact of overflow parking from the townhouse developments and the ever-increasing impact of day-tripper beachgoers from the Route 54 corridor.”

The topic is expected to come up at a work session at City Hall soon.

Planning for Blueprint needed Editor,

Residents should know that the Worcester County Commissioners are being incredibly short-sighted and setting up our schools for future failures if they continue down this path of politicizing education in our county. It isn’t (just) that Worcester County teachers are paid the lowest in the state(marylandpublicschools.org), or that our teachers deserve a raise because they work hard for our students, or even that the commissioners are considering using budget numbers from three years ago (MOE from FY23 school year) to get through fiscal year 2025. (How many of us can personally afford to live on the same budget we did in 2022?) It’s all of these things and so much more. A major issue that our County Commissioners appear either unaware of, or unconcerned about, is the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which is coming our way – ready or not. The Blueprint calls for all teachers in the state of Maryland to be at a starting salary of $60,000 annually by July 2026. Currently that number is about $50,000 in Worcester County.

Most other counties and districts in the state have been taking this into consideration when planning budgets to slowly move teacher’s salaries up so that there will not be a seismic shock to the budget in FY27 to make the leap upward for starting teachers, as well as an appropriate adjustment for all teachers relative to the starting salary. (If a starting salary is increased, clearly a seasoned teacher should make more!)

Are the County Commissioners up for reelection in 2026 planning not to run, and to leave this as a problem for another group to handle, just passing the issue down the line to look good for their constituents? Or are they setting us all up for future tax increases to blame it on the State or Maryland? Hoping the tax base will increase dramatically? Or are they just looking at what is right in front of them and not taking the time to plan ahead?

Regardless of the reason, choosing to not fully fund the Worcester County Board of Education budget and give cost of living increases to their employees and teachers will hurt the county finances in just a few short years. Stretching out the increases over the maximum number of years makes the most fiscal sense versus kicking the can forward and setting us all up for sticker shock sometime in the near future.

If you are a tax-paying citizen of Worcester County, I would humbly ask that you also support this posi-

tion – or plan to move in the next few years.

Alissa A. Carr-Phebus Berlin

Wind hearing attendance encouraged

Editor,

Have you ever read something that just made your jaw drop at the sheer idiocy of the writer? Loaded question, I know - I’m sure there are quite a few readers who believe that about my writing. However, I am utterly confident that I and others who are opposed to offshore wind will be proven correct.

The latest jaw-dropper comes from the Maryland Department of the Environment informing us of a Public Information Meeting concerning US Wind’s application for the construction of the wind farm(s) off our coast. Apparently, US Wind needs an air-quality permit-to-construct since air quality is an “Environmental Justice” (EJ) issue, and the EJ score in the census tract impacted by the OSW Farm has been shown to be 17.29 (whatever the heck that means - something about poverty rate and minority population rate and percentage of limited English proficiency). The notice doesn’t tell us the area comprising the “census tract” but I’m guessing Worcester? I’m sorry, but air quality is an “Environmental Justice” issue? Did the State of Maryland employee who typed that notice do so with a straight face?

Speaking of Environmental Justice - have you heard of the lithiumion battery storage facility near San Diego that caught fire on May 15, and as of May 24 was still burning? Firefighters have used, as of May 24, 5 million gallons of water attempting to control the blaze. Since California is drought stricken, and the fire itself emits dangerous levels of chemicals into the atmosphere, what do you think this fire and the attempts to extinguish it will do to the “EJ Score” of that area?

I wonder where the energy storage facility for the hundreds of turbines planned for our coast will be constructed? Will we be allowed to ask about that at the “public information meeting” which is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, from 5:30-8 p.m., at the Ocean City Convention Center (at least it’s not in Salisbury).

I hope at this meeting citizens are allowed to ask about the wind turbines that have been destroyed by tornadoes in the midwest. The wind industry has repeatedly assured us that the turbines can withstand tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. Hurricane force winds can exceed the speed of winds from an F2 or F3 tornado, and Continued on Page 88

usually are sustained over hours if not days.

I also hope we are allowed to point out that parts of Europe are backing away from wind (and solar) energyboth land based and offshore. Finland is turning to nuclear power and it appears Sweden is following. Finland has discovered that the power generated by nuclear is much less expensive and complicated than either wind or solar. In addition, England’s Prime Minister is now allowing oil and gas exploration/development in the already developed offshore Wind Farms.

Can we also point out the absolute inefficiency of our government in handling all things green? Remember the $7.5 billion allocated over two years ago by the Biden Admin for building tens of thousands of EV charging stations along US Highways by 2030? Did you know that, to date, only eight have been installed?

Remember the March 25 public information session held by MDE (in Salisbury) regarding US Wind’s application for use of our harbor in Ocean City? Remember how suddenly, right before the meeting, with-

out notice, US Wind changed its plans to cut in half the number of boats, etc. and the size of the pier by about half, thereby rendering the prepared comments of attendees useless? Did you know that on May 2, US Wind again revised its plans to restore the pier and the rest of the plans to pretty much its original size? How can they do this? Why on Earth is that allowed? Can we ask at the June 13 meeting, since, to date, the Maryland Department of the Environment is refusing requests from our mayor and our state senator and our state delegate, as well as our congressman, to hold a hearing on the changes?

Did you know that many communities on the East Coast are fighting offshore wind - basically the “little guy” vs. Big Green and our own governments, state, federal and in some instances local. I am grateful that our governments (both Ocean City and Worcester County) and our congressman are dead set against offshore wind and are in the fight with us.

Please join us on June 13 at 5:30 pm at Ocean City Convention Center with your questions and comments. Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

We invite you to share your opinion, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410-723-6397.

Seven shows opening at art league First Friday tonight

(June 7, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to attend the opening night party of seven new art shows on First Friday, set 5-7 p.m., June 7, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street.

Admission is free with complimentary beverages and live music by Party Shaker Billy Zee.

Saltare in Elementis Dance Collective will perform “Intertidal” and “Global Water Dances” to kick off the Dance on the Shore Festival. Guests can meet the dancers and learn about the upcoming festival activities.

The Thaler Gallery will host an exhibition of paintings of beach landscapes, both real and imagined, by Michelle Marshall of Rehoboth Beach, called “Where the Sand Meets the Sea: Contemporary Beachscapes.”

A group show called “Skate/Surf” will fill the walls of the Sisson Galleria in June. The all-media group show explores surf and skate culture, inspired by the people, language, fashion, and lifestyle. The exhibit judge is Kathleen Hayes, an artist, photographer, silkscreen printer, mermaid-parader, surfer, and skateboarder from Long Island, N.Y., who will judge the show and award cash prizes to the winners.

Studio E will feature the annual Claya-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 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind ceramics made by local potters. A Clay Guild marketplace will also be open during First Friday featuring vendors offering their original clay creations.

The Spotlight Gallery will showcase the paintings, collages, and assemblages of Jack Knight of Long Neck, Del., in an exhibition called “Various Visuals.” Knight received his MFA in painting from SUNY at Buffalo, N.Y., has received numerous awards and has exhibited in over 200 exhibits in cities across the East Coast and Canada, including 20 solo shows.

Joan Danoff will be featured in the Artisan Showcase in June. The Washington, D.C.-based artist is a metalsmith

PHOTO COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

Artist Michelle Marshall, of Rehoboth Beach, poses with her exhibition of beach landscape paintings, “Where the Sand Meets the Sea: Contemporary Beachscapes,” which will be on display this month in the Thaler Gallery at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street.

Ocean City church offering free community Italian meal

(June 7, 2024) The Outreach Ministries of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church has announced the return of its monthly Free Community Italian Meal event, dedicated to nourishing not only the bodies but also the spirits of our community.

From noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, June 9, a community meal will be served in the church hall on 3rd Street in Ocean City. All are welcome to partake in the tradition.

New exhibits on display at center

Continued from Page 88

and enamelist who creates modern, affordable sterling silver and copper jewelry.

The Staircase Gallery will open a new show that will be on display through the end of the year called “Different Imagination,” made up of graphite and ink drawings by Elizabeth Grey of Salisbury. Grey attends Wor-Wic Community College, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in the arts.

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 this weekend only, and will be up from June 7-9.

In conjunction with the show, the art league’s “Stigma Highlighted: Portraits of Recovery” exhibition will hang during the weekend featuring 12 portraits created by 12 local artists of individuals in recovery from Worcester, Wicomico, Talbot and Somerset counties. The exhibit challenges misconceptions and negativity toward individuals battling addiction and has traveled to local schools, Wor-Wic Community College, Salisbury University, and most recently to the National Institute of Drug Abuse in Baltimore.

Worcester Goes Purple, an awareness project to engage the community in preventing substance abuse and promote healthy life choices, will also staff a table on First Friday.

The art league will announce its 2024 scholarship winners Friday as well, continuing support of local students who are seeking a higher education in the arts. Since the art league began granting scholarships in 1991, the nonprofit has awarded 83 to date.

The Princess Royale satellite gallery at 9100 Coastal Hwy., will continue hosting the artwork of Jennifer Carter of Bethany Beach. The Coffee Beanery satellite gallery at 94th Street and Coastal Highway will continue to display the collages and paintings of Gail Wynn of Pittsville.

According to a news release, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea officials believe in the importance of giving back to the community that has supported the church, which is why they offer the meal each month to those in need to foster a sense of belonging for attendees.

“We’re not just serving food; we’re building connections and strengthening the bonds that hold our community together as neighbors and friends,” Pastor Jill Williams said in the release.

Along with providing nourishment for those facing food insecurity, the event benefits the entire community, including visitors to the town, by offering a space for people from all walks of life to come together and share a meal. It’s an opportunity to break bread with neighbors, make new friends, and celebrate the rich tapestry of diversity that makes Ocean City so special.

“We believe that by coming together over a shared meal, we can create positive change and build a stronger, more resilient community,” Williams said. “Everyone is welcome at our table, and we look forward to serving you with love and hospitality.”

Oradour-sur-Glane massacre recalled many years later

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(June 7, 2024) This week marks the 80th Anniversary of the massacre at the French village of Oradour-surGlane. The village is located in the administrative region of New Aquitaine, in west-central France. At the time of this event it had a population of approximately 1,500.

The perpetrators of the atrocity were soldiers of the 2 SS Panzerdivision “Das Reich,” commanded by Heinz Lammerding, in particular, and the 1st Battalion of the “Der Führer”regiment, commanded by Adolf Diekmann.

The “Das Reich” was one of the most elite, and feared, Panzer Divisions in the Wehrmacht. It had engaged in hard fighting against the Red Army on the Eastern Front. In April 1944, it was relocated to the small city of Montauban in southern France, located 31 miles north of Toulouse. Today, the 800-year-old city has a population of 62,000.

The “Das Reich” was located there to rest, refit and replace its fallen soldiers, as well as to prepare to repel the anticipated invasion of the Western Allies.

The day after Allied soldiers landed on the beaches at Normandy, the Das Reich Panzerdivision was ordered to respond. The beaches were

430 miles from Montauban. The Germans had planned to move to the beaches by rail, but the French resistance had sabotaged the railroads.

Finally, on June 8, 1944, Das Reich began its journey to confront the Allied liberators. Without the French trains, the equipment sustained more wear, and the troops were more fatigued. This was compounded because the Allies controlled the skies, so that movement

Sequence of events during the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre on June 10, 1944.

WORLD WAR II

had to be made at night.

Upon leaving Montabaun, the division first traveled 112 miles to the town of Tulle. Tulle is a manufacturing town, and today has a population of 14,000. During the war, the town had been the site of a weapons factory.

As the Allied invasion neared, the intensity of the French Resistance increased. Because of the weapons factory, the Germans had stationed there a 700-man security battalion, which was reinforced by an equal number of Vichy French.

At 5 a.m. on June 7, 1944, the French Resistance attacked the Germans. The Das Reich began entering Tulle at 9 p.m. on June 8. With the arrival of the heavily armed Das Reich, the Resistance was vastly outnumbered and outgunned, and fled for the hills. In the meantime, several members of the garrison had been killed fighting the Resistance. As a reprisal, on the morning of June 9, the Germans hung 99 Frenchmen.

The Das Reich continued its journey, arriving at the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, which was 73 miles from Tulle. When the Panzerdivision’s Der Führer regiment arrived at the village on June 10, it learned that SS Sturmbannführer Helmut Kämpfe had been captured by the French Resistance and had been burned alive.

SS Sturmbannführer Kämpfe was a Knight’s Cross holder and commander of the Das Reich ‘s reconnaissance Battalion of the Der Führer Regiment. When his fellow officers learned of SS Sturmbannführer Kämpfe’s fate, they became enraged. Der Führer ‘s 3rd Company,1st Battalion, commanded by Adolf Diekmann, sealed the village and ordered the residents to assemble in the center.

The women and children were locked in the church, while the men were forced into six barns and sheds. The men were then machine-gunned in the legs. They were then covered with fuel, and the buildings set afire. Next, the church was set ablaze. As the women and children attempted to escape, they, too, were machinegunned. The Germans killed 190 men, three of whom were priests, 247 women, and 205 children.

One woman, 47-year-old Marguerite Rouffanche, survived. About 20 villagers, who fled when the Germans first arrived, also survived. In addition to the French, the victims included 17 Spaniards, eight Italians, and three Poles.

On learning of the brutal massacre, Der Führer commander, SSStandartenführer Sylvester Stadler and division commander Lammerding ordered the court-martial of Diekmann. But before the order could be implemented, Diekmann

was killed near Noyers-Bocage, Normandy, on June 29, 1944.

A military tribunal was convened in Bordeaux, France, on Jan. 12, 1953, to hear charges against 65 of those involved. However, only 21 were present, of which only seven were German citizens. The rest were Alsatians.

Alsace-Lorraine became a part of France in the Seventeenth Century. It was occupied by Prussia after its victory over France in 1870. It reverted back to France after Germany’s defeat in WWI, and again after WWII.

All but one of the Alsatians claimed to be malgré-nous - “against our will.” On Feb. 11, 19 of the defendants were convicted. Two received the death penalty and were hung, while five received prison terms.

Division commander Lammerding was convicted, in absentia, and sentenced to death. However, he was a resident of West Germany, had already been tried, convicted, sentenced to prison and released.

According to West German law, under those circumstances, he could not be extradited to France. The French threatened to send a commando unit to return him to France, as the Israelis had done with Adolf Eichman. But, before they could bring it off, he died, on Jan. 13, 1971, from cancer.

Meanwhile, the “Bordeaux” pro-

ceedings had caused an uproar in Alsace-Lorraine. As a result, the French Parliament, on Feb. 19, 1953, granted amnesty to the Alsatian malgré-nous, resulting in their release. To every action there is a reaction, and this was no different. The citizens of New Aquitaine were furious.

Another Der Führer officer who was also tried in absentia, convicted, and sentenced to death in the Bordeaux proceedings was Heinz Barth. Eventually, he was located, arrested, tried, and convicted by the East German authorities. He was given a life sentence in 1983. He was spared the death penalty because of his cooperation, and was released in 1997, and lived another 10 years.

After the war, Gen. Charles de Gaulle decreed that the village of Oradour-sur-Glane not be rebuilt. Instead, it remains as a memorial. A new village was built northwest of the memorial. The last survivor of the massacre, Robert Hébras, died last year. He was 97.

Next week: Battle of the Phillipine Sea

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

PATRICIA M. JOHNSTONE (WISNIEWSKI)

Ocean City

Patricia M. Johnstone (Wisniewski), of Ocean City, passed away on Friday May 24, 2024 at Commonwealth Assisted Living in Salisbury. She was 86.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David K. Johnstone; her daughter, Janet P. Karick; and her brother and sister Stanley and Janet Wisniewski. Born in 1937 in Wilmington, Delaware, to Stanley and Aurelia Wisniewski, she attended St. Hedwig’s Catholic School and graduated in 1955 from Wilmington High School. She raised four children on the Eastern Shore and retired from the Worcester County Library System in 2000 after serving at the Snow Hill Branch and Ocean City Branch. She spent much of her younger years along the Atlantic shoreline from Dewey Beach to Ocean City. In the 1960s, she was a librarian for the University of Maryland at Baltimore. When she came to the Eastern Shore she was employed at the Green Giant Company in Fruitland, eventually becoming a librarian at the Snow Hill Branch of the Worcester County Library in 1985.

She moved to Ocean City in 1996 and became involved in many church and civic activities. She was a proud member of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and deeply involved in their Open-Door Feeding Ministry program. Always involved in the library even after her retirement she spent several years as the president of the Friends of the Ocean City Library. For many years she was involved in outreach to foreign students who came to the resort to work for the summer, as well as graduating from the Ocean City University municipal government education program. She was a voracious reader, from the local papers, every catalog that could be delivered to her home, and every book at the library and ones delivered through inter-library loan.

She is survived by her daughters, Ruth Benzin (Mark) and Anne Benedict (Glenn); her son, James Ireton Hughes (Ryan); a son-in-law, Bob Karick; four grandchildren, Mary Karick, Robert Karick, Matthew Benzin and Cate Benzin’ one great-grandchild, Bradly Lowe; many nieces and nephews; and two sisters, Dorothy Edwards (David) and Marian Argentino (Harry).

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., June 22, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at 10301 Coastal Highway in Ocean City.

Donations in Pat’s memory can be

made to St. Peter’s Open-Door Feeding Ministry at 10301 Coastal Highway in Ocean City.

BETTY MAE MAJORS

Berlin

Betty Mae Majors, 80, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Austin Shiflett and Janette Mocello Shiflett.

Betty, or as her husband would say, “Mae do this do that,” was the greatest woman to walk this planet with a heart of gold. She always knew how to make people smile. All she did was help anyone anywhere at any time no matter what. Betty was our therapist, mentor, comedian and friend. Betty always thought she was right about everything as well, there wasn’t anything we could say or do that she couldn’t get done herself. Anyone who knew her would agree she was the world’s longest talker, set the world record for 80 years. She always told us we would be lost without her. She was right, we are not only lost but we are devastated. She was the glue to everyone and everything keeping us together,

and we don’t have that mend anymore. She is now in a better place with her daughter, whom she missed dearly.

We all love and dearly miss you. Rest in peace Betty Mae Majors, the most loyal and trustworthy person we have ever known!

She is survived by her husband, Earl T. Majors; a son-in-law, Richard Thomas Sr.; three brothers, Buddy Shiflett, Donnie Fink and Terry Shiflett; three sisters, Bonnie Lewis, Dot Anderson and Janet Anderson; a sister-in-law, Karen Stockman; and three grandchildren, Richard Thomas Jr., Michael Staubs and Brandon Majors.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Majors; three brothers, Vernon Shiflett, Will Shiflett and David Shiflett; a sister, Mary Liberto; a sister-in-law, Pat Gajwski; and a brother-in-law, Dennis Majors.

Cremation followed her death. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m., June 1, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

GARY GERMAN

Ocean City

$1,595.

Gary German, 76, of Ocean City, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, married 55 years; his daughter, Jennifer, and her family (spouse Angela and children Erin and Trevor); and his son, Gregory, and family. Gary previously lived in York, Pennsylvania, before retiring to Ocean City, in 2010. He worked as a training director for the US Food and Drug Administration in Rockville. In retirement, he was active at the Atlantic United Methodist Church, where he was the cashier at the church thrift shop. In his spare time, Gary also enjoyed flounder fishing and spending time with his grand-dog, Rudy.

There will be no public viewing or memorial service. Instead, Gary asks you, “To walk on the beach, in the park, or wherever you find peace, say a prayer, and then do a good deed for someone.”

In lieu of flowers, donate in Gary’s memory to the Macky and Pam Stansell House of Coastal Hospice at 1500 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811 or at coastalhospice.org. Condolences may be sent to the family via easternshorecremation.com.

P. Johnstone

Betty Majors

Gary German

FISHING TOURNEY PAYS OUT $76,000

Twenty boats participated in the 2nd Annual Battle for the Buckle Fishing Tournament last weekend with more than $76,000 in possible cash payouts at the event hosted by Sunset Marina. Taking home the top prize of $31,329 as the Heaviest Fish Buckle Winner was the Relentless with a 125-pound swordfish, at right, caught last Friday. The team on the 30 Deep won the Junior Angler Buckle title with this dolphin,above, worth $9,189. Below left, the Talkin’ Trash took home $21,969 as the Stringer Buckle winner for the 32-pound tuna. Below middle, the crew on the All In won $3,879 for this 30 pounder. Below right, the All Bodes Well is pictured with its 30-pound tuna worth $9,684.

Club planning for annual Surf Fest Weekend

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(June 7, 2024) Coming up is the Ocean City Surf Club’s, “Ocean City Surf Fest Weekend.”

It will feature a legends induction, scholarship event “party” at Barn 34 restaurant, on 34th Street and Coastal Highway, from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, June 14. Surf club paraphernalia and food and drink will be available. A raffle will be

held as well and everyone is invited.

The Anything Goes Team Challenge contest will be held at 37th Street on the beach, Saturday, June 15. Teams generally consist of five members and any wave-riding vehicle can be used. These would include long or short “hard” surfboards, long or short “soft” surfboards, and even body boards. As the title says, anything goes! This is an annual event with “fun” being the operative word. Anyone can form or build a team and call it whatever they’d like. The teams can center around a business or family or a group of like-minded

friends.

As much as this is a contest, the competitive aspect is certainly in the background with the fun aspect in the forefront. Even though the fun element is emphasized there will be judging and each ridden wave will be scored. It’s easy for controversy to creep into a contest atmosphere, especially when scores are assigned to each ridden wave. But, as previously mentioned, the fun part will prevail.

On a more somber note there will be a memorial paddle out for the deceased Shelly Dawson on Sunday, June 16.

Shelly departed this world this past winter. He was very instrumental in surfing, lifeguarding, and as a founding member of the Ocean City Chapter of Surfrider and the Ocean City Surf Club. Shelly was also captain of the Assateague State Park Beach Patrol and a member of the United States Lifesaving Association. There’s no doubt that Shelly Dawson was a large part of the surfing and lifeguarding community. For more information on this grand event, visit oceancitysurfclub.org, or call Tommy Vach, president of the Ocean City Surf Club, at 443-366-5885.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FISH IN OC