6/9/2023 Ocean City Today

HOLD ON THERE

Schools receive ultimate ‘no’

County commissioners not persuaded by large crowd to increase WCPS funding

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) The county public schools budget is officially set, and it’s exactly what the new Worcester County Commissioners majority has said for months it could be — flat.

The commissioners passed the Worcester Board of Education’s

BATHTUB RACES

Competators will race down streets of Berlin in annual competition Friday evening – Page 26

ANNUAL AIR SHOW FLIES INTO TOWN

budget on a 5-to-2 vote at roughly $100 million in maintenance-of-effort funding and $759,000 for the county’s required share of teacher pensions on Tuesday.

Commissioners Diana Purnell and Joe Mitrecic opposed the measure.

The approved framework is not a penny more than what the county is legally obligated by the state Department of Education to provide to its school system. That means it is now on the school board to determine how to come up with the roughly $4.5 mil-

lion it asked for to pay for staff and contractor salary increases, among other things.

At the core of the budget discussion was a dispute over the accessibility of specific expenses in the school system’s annual budget.

While repeated assurances from both sides that the relationship is still healthy, or that everyone is cooperating as best as possible, they have exchanged many pointed words. One side harped on the unprecedented

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Thunderbirds, more will dominate resort sky in weekend event — p. 3

NEW, MORE SIGNS ON

BOARDWALK

Ocean City council seeks uniformity, opportunity to advertise events — p. 6

TODAY

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY

Ocean City’s second annual PBR Challenge Series finished up in the inlet parking lot last Sunday with the third round of bull riders, followed by the championship round. Pictured is rider Elizimar Souza Jeremias on the second-to-last ride of the championship round. He earned third place overall.

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Air Show flies into Ocean City with military might and stunts

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) The 16th annual OC Air Show will be soaring into the resort’s air space Saturday and Sunday (with some practice runs likely on Friday) with squadrons of advanced aircraft, vintage planes and aerial stunt teams.

“We have a heavy military flavor with the USAF Thunderbirds, F-35 Lightning II Demo Team, F-18 Rhino Demo Team and the A-10 Thunderbolt II,” said Chris Dirato, director of public relations for the air show.

Along with those shows, there is the Air Force Heritage Flight, where modern and historic military aircrafts fly in close formation, and the Navy Legacy Flight, which follows the same premise.

Also on the schedule this year is the E-2C Hawkeye, a communications plane that carries a large rotating radar dome, and the cold-war era L-39 jet.

Viewers can also expect to see a

UH-72A Lakota helicopter, a C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane, the West Point Parachute Team and Red Bull Air Force’s wingsuit-wearing adrenaline junkies.

“It’s a patriotic and family-friendly event. There’s no better combination,” Dirato said.

On both days, opening ceremonies will run from 11:30 a.m. to noon, the bulk of flight performances run from noon to 2:30 p.m., and the headlining Air Force Thunderbirds run from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

With all the skyward commotion, the air show has an official “Air Boss” who controls whatever planes are in the sky at any given time.

“The military teams will be based at NASA Wallops for the weekend, while the rest of the performers will be based at Ocean City Airport,” Dirato said.

Although the show can be seen around Ocean City, especially on the Boardwalk, the beach and any high

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The C17 Globemaster III flies through the sky over Ocean City during the 2022 air show. This year’s event is set June 10 and 11.

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County officially rejects school budget increase

Continued from Page

nature of the request for a line-item level spending breakdown — and making that request late in the budget process — and the other reminded county residents and the board that it was asking for transparency in the use of taxpayer money, not private money.

“I have been against this motion since day one. It does not look at the future of our education system properly,” Mitrecic said.

“We have state mandates coming down, the Blueprint for Maryland’s future in four years. It’ll be two years after this budget is over. It’s almost like they hope this would go away by ignoring it. I don’t think that will hap-pen. The governor made it clear that it’s atop his agenda.”

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Mitrecic said that the budget gives him concerns about the future of Worcester’s children, adding that “irreparable damage” has already been done, because of this process.

Commissioner President Chip Bertino disagreed.

“I don’t believe the relationship between the county commissioners and board of education is irreparably harmed. It’s a good relationship. We just don’t see eye-to-eye this time,” he

said. “I do believe moving forward that the efforts made this year will put us in a better (position) when it comes time to handle (issues like the Blueprint).”

“Moving forward, as difficult as this process has been, I believe the relationship is just as strong as it has been. Like families, sometimes you have quarrels, situations where you don’t see eye-to-eye. (But this is in the) best interest of not just our county but the board of education and taxpayers.

It was standing room only at the Worcester County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, with the vast majority of the crowd comprised of teachers, bus contractors and school staff who came to watch as the commissioners voted 5-2 to fund the school system at the legal minimum, dashing school officials’ hopes to use a budget increase to raise salaries.

JACK

If the commissioners were hoping the board of education would absorb the judgment of the court of public opinion, the initial response from social media may disabuse them of that notion.

“Very disappointing day from the group that calls themselves our County Commissioners!” one Facebook user said, with a picture of a pin that read “SUPPORT OUR FACULTY & STAFF”.

“Caryn says no to schools. Let Them Eat Cake,” wrote another over a picture of County Commissioner Caryn Abbott.

The new commissioners in particular bore the brunt of a lot of the public discourse, with the second Facebook user also saying, “If we’re prepared to witness a decline in property values and put an undue strain on our burgeoning population, then we should follow the precedent laid out by Caryn Abbot (sic) and Mr. Eric Fiori.”

For her part, Abbott chided board members for not listening to Katie Addis, their lone dissenter during budget talks, saying, “Instead of agreeing with Ms. Addis months ago, I’ve instead watched as she’s been berated and told she’s wasting her time. Do you feel that way now? I certainly hope not.”

Commissioner Diana Purnell did not back away from her opposing vote but did take the position afterward that the budget disagreement needs to be put in the rearview mirror.

“I guess it’s going to be difficult for the board, for us, but I pray that we won’t be in this position next year,” she said. “We don’t need to be. We have a hard road ahead of us. Get me there. I don’t like the blame game.”

“We can’t change Annapolis but we do have the ability to stay of one accord in this county … Let’s make the best of this decision.”

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Ocean City Boardwalk set to

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) The days are numbered for the hodgepodge of variable message signs along the Ocean City Boardwalk as local officials prepare to switch them out to add more, newer models.

“This give us the opportunity to improve the signage, improve our marketing of the events that we propose, the events that are going on in town,” Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said Monday of the 14 double-sided, fullcolor signs set for installation across the length of the Boardwalk.

“Plus, as we enter into the world of sponsorships as we move forward as well, it gives us the opportunity to get

some eyeballs on the things that we’re doing,” Perlozzo added.

Council members voted 6-1, with Councilman Peter Buas opposed, to grant Perlozzo’s request to spend nearly $550,000 in advertising funds to buy the new 75-inch television signs. The signs will display a total of 28 messages from 14 locations set up roughly every two-and-a-half blocks. Perlozzo said he and City Manager Terry McGean had been researching ways to improve signage along the Boardwalk for some time.

“There’s all different sizes,” Perlozzo said of the existing signs. “There’s no uniformity, you don’t know where to look, what to do. This is possibly an opportunity to revisit what we have and clean it up.

Both Perlozzo and McGean said the new signs are the first step in a complete makeover of the Boardwalk displays. They plan to allocate money in next year’s budget to hire a consultant to look at the entire system and make recommendations to consolidate the signs.

“We have a lot of different styles with a lot of different messages,” McGean explained. “I think going forward we need to really just take a full holistic look at all the regulatory signs and information signs and try and come up with a cleaner, more consistent way to do it.”

The plans to clean up and improve the whole system quelled concerns from Councilman Frank Knight, who initially commented that he thought the 28 signs would bring too much visual clutter.

The explanation was not enough for Buas, though.

“You know I appreciate the idea and the research. I’ve been to Atlantic City, I’ve seen them, I think it’s too much visual stimulation out there,” he said of the reason for his opposition vote. “… I am in favor of replacing them, I’m OK with replacing with them. I just don’t want to clutter the Boardwalk with 14 more locations.”

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MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A message sign on the Boardwalk at North Division Street informs patrons that there is no smoking or vaping permitted. The sign is one of four that will be replaced with 14 double-sided, upgraded, uniform video screens set to be erected across the length of the Boardwalk.

Travel Advisory: Ocean City Air Show

(June 9, 2023) The Town of Ocean City will be hosting the OC Air Show this weekend, which means large crowds, traffic delays (both vehicle and pedestrians), restricted parking, and road closures in the downtown areas.

Street Closures

The displays, ground exhibits, and reserved parking will start to be set up on June 9 from 12th Street to 20th Street. All, or portions of these streets, will be closed and barricaded from June 9 -11 except for 15th Street to 17th Street which will remain closed until approximately noon on June 12.

Starting at 5 p.m. on June 9, the City Hall parking lot located at 301 Baltimore Ave will be closed to the public.

Parking

Many private lots will be offering parking at a demand-based rate if public parking is hard to find. The Town of Ocean City offers paid parking at the inlet lot and the following municipal lots:

• Worcester St., between Baltimore Ave. & Philadelphia Ave.

• Somerset St. & Baltimore Ave.

• Dorchester St. & Baltimore Ave.

• N. Division St. & Baltimore Ave.

• N. Division St. & St. Louis Ave. (small lot)

• 4th St. & Baltimore Ave.

• 61st St. & Coastal Hwy., (bayside)

On-street parking is expected to be limited due to the road closures near the event site. If you would like to learn more about parking in the Town of Ocean City, visit our website at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/oceancity- parking/.

Public Transportation

Ride Ocean City’s municipal buses, which travel along Coastal Highway. A $4 Ride-All-Day pass allows you to ride from 6 a.m.- 3 a.m. the next morning.

City bus drivers can take you down to the South Division Street Transit Center or the North End Transit Center or anywhere in between. The $4 pass can be transferred to one of the Park & Ride buses at the West Ocean City Park & Ride facility no additional cost. The West Ocean City Park & Ride located at 12848 Ocean Gateway also offers free parking.

On June 10-11, the Express Beach Bus Shuttle for special events will be operating. The express shuttle will

transport you to and from the following two locations.

• West Ocean City Park N Ride to/from 17th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 mins from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• 40th Street- South Convention Center parking to/from 18th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 mins from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Following the conclusion of the air show, bus riders should anticipate heavy vehicular congestion that could delay bus services. To learn more about local public transportation options or to follow along on the interactive bus stop map, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public- works/transportation/

Delays, congestion expected

The Town of Ocean City recommends arriving before 9 a.m. to get ahead of the traffic. You can make a day of it and enjoy everything the boardwalk has to offer and along with exploring the Air Show exhibits. Exhibits will be set up in the Inlet Parking Lot and from 12th Street to 20th Street along the Boardwalk.

Premium Air Show seating between 14th-17th Streets

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vantage points, spectators can get a better vantage point by purchasing tickets that range from $35 to $279 for five different VIP and premium viewing areas.

No tickets are sold in-person and must be bought online in advance, and tickets are for single days.

Dirato said he expects tickets to sell out, as long as the weather cooperates.

“It’s hard to get an accurate count given the people on the beach and Boardwalk, as well as the hotel guests and condo residents, but we typically draw tens of thousands each day,” Dirato said.

Ticketed seating is located on the beach in the area of 14th to 17th Street, including the Flight Line Club VIP zone, the Sand Boxes and the Drop Zone Beach. Depending on which option spectators choose, they can take advantage of tented tables, music, show narration, catered lunch, drinks and nearby parking.

At Quality Inn Boardwalk Hotel on 16th Street, audience members can watch from on top of the hotel in the VIP Penthouse and from a secondfloor balcony in the VIP Skybox.

“One can’t beat the backdrop – the beautiful Ocean City beach and Boardwalk,” Dirato said.

Last year, the first day drew large crowds to the premium seating areas and the Boardwalk, but inclement weather on the second day made for smaller crowds.

As of Monday, the weekend’s forecast looks promising, Dirato said.

“One year, we had to cancel the Sunday show, but for the most part Mother Nature has attended the planning meetings and been cooperative,” Dirato said.

For more information visit ocairshow.com.

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First reading of cannabis license ban passes

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) A push to ensure cannabis products cannot be sold or

consumed in establishments across Ocean City is on track for approval before the statewide legalization of recreational marijuana on July 1.

At a meeting Monday, City Council members unanimously passed the first reading of an ordinance that will effectively ban on-premises cannabis consumption licenses. The council also voted to establish penalties — fines of $25 to $1,000 — for violation of the future ordinance.

Council members discussed the measure at a work session last week and agreed they wanted to ensure resort businesses will not be allowed to sell cannabis products, or allow them on their properties.

The Cannabis Reform Bill passed by the General Assembly last session legalizes recreational marijuana statewide. However, municipalities, such as Ocean City, can enact laws to regulate use and consumption. Along with the ordinance headed toward approval, officials can enact changes to the zoning code that would control

how far away from places such as schools, parks and churches people can use cannabis products.

Mayor Rick Meehan clarified during Monday’s meeting that the effort to ban on-premises cannabis licenses has no bearing on existing laws against smoking on the Boardwalk and other places in city limits where all types of smoking are prohibited.

“This is prohibiting [licensing] of on-premises consumption,” Meehan explained. “I think some took it as … we were then going to be allowing it in other public areas such as the beach and the Boardwalk … That’s not true. None of our policies on the beach and Boardwalk have changed.”

The ordinance will move now to a second reading and, presumably, final approval.

Continued

McGean also clarified that the overhaul of the entire sign system will be separate from the signs approved Monday. The incoming signs will be used for emergency messaging, event promotion and local advertising.

Before the vote, several council members also questioned the placement of the signs, and expressed a

desire to ensure they do not create a lot of interruption for residents, especially on the quieter, northern parts of the Boardwalk.

Perlozzo assured that they will be angled away from windows and timed to not run all night. He also agreed to have staff look into spacing the signs out more along the higher numbered streets.

A rendering shows plans for an alley that runs through the Majestic Hotel on the Boardwalk. City Council members have approved the first reading of a request from the new owner to abandon air rights over a portion of the throughway as part of plans to redevelop the property.

Air rights abandonment advances

City Council approves first reading of request made by new Majestic Hotel owner

By Mallory Panuska

Staff

Writer

(June 9, 2023) A request to relinquish air rights over the former Majestic Hotel for renovation are just one City Council vote away from final approval.

On Monday, the majority of council members approved the first reading of a request to abandon claim to undeveloped space over a portion of a 16-foot alley known as Washington Lane at the site of the historic property at 613 Atlantic Ave. between Sixth and Seventh streets.

Resort business owner Avraham

Sibony bought the property in March 2022 from the local Savage family, who owned and operated it for most of its nearly 100 years of existence.

Since the purchase, Sibony has floated plans to spruce up the property and add a fitness center hospitality suite.

Ocean City attorney Joe Moore, who represents Sibony in the deal, said during a hearing in March that abandoning the air rights makes the property better, as it allows for connection between the buildings. He also contended that it does not increase the density of the project, and pointed out several other properties in town that were granted air rights for redevelopment, such as Bonita Beach on 81st Street and Breakers

Hotel on Third.

Council members approved the first reading of the ordinance, which moves now to a second and final reading, in a 5-2 majority with Councilmen Will Savage and Peter Buas abstaining.

OC City Council approves upcoming events

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) From surfing and beach swim games, to emergency equipment displays and an annual religious celebration, an array of events were added to Ocean City’s summer calendar this week.

At a meeting Monday, council members approved the requests — with a few minor adjustments – and the details are as follows:

OC Surf Fest

A longtime surf event is set to return June 17 to Ocean City between 36th and 37th streets.

According to a staff report, members of the OC Surf Cub have hosted OC Surf Fest the third weekend in June for the past 22 years. The organizers requested approval to hold the amateur surf contest from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. on June 17, provided another Eastern Surfing Association event is moved.

The organizer requested permission to sell event-related merchandise inside the footprint, use vehicles on the beach, set up portable restrooms at the end of 37th Street, have access to two parking spaces, and use a PA system and a judge’s stand.

Beach Patrol members said any vehicles on the beach must exit by 8 a.m.

and not return until 7 p.m., or remain idle in the footprint between those times. They also set regulations for surfing in case of an emergency, stated that the event cannot interferer with normal patrolling of the beach, and requested help from the organizer to separate swimmers and surfers and make boundaries, among several other rules.

The staff report said public works staff members will provide requested assets and support, and on-duty police officers will monitor for safety or parking concerns in the area during the event.

The organizer will pay the city 676.50 in private event, and asset and support fees.

Equipment displays

Emergency equipment will be on display along 37th Street on June 19 for this year’s firemen’s convention.

The DPC Emergency Equipment Hospitality Event is set from 5-8 p.m. between the alley and dune line along the midtown Street.

A staff report said organizers with DPC Emergency Equipment requested closure of the area to traffic, and public works staff agreed to post “No Parking” signs from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Fire department staff said, however, that only the parking areas can be

closed off to display fire apparatus, as the driving lanes need to remain open for emergency access.

The staff report said the event is sponsored by a local hotel and restaurant to benefit the 127th Maryland State Firemen’s Association convention, which runs June 20-25.

The organizer will pay the town $455 is private event, and asset and support fees.

Ocean Games

On July 15, swimmers will come to Ocean City to participate in the Ocean Games/Swim OC event on the beach at 146th and Caroline streets.

Organizers from Swim Ocean City requested approval of the event, which is set from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will consist of a solo 9-mile swim, a solo 3mile swim and a three-person, 9-mile relay swim.

A staff report said the swim direction will depend on the ocean current, with the 9-mile start/finish points at Caroline and 146th streets; the 9-mile relay start/finish points at Caroline, 146th and 94th streets; and the 3-mile start/finish points at 94th and 146th streets.

The organizer requested some city support, including vehicular access to the beach, use of parking spaces, and permission to erect an inflatable arch

at the finish line.

The staff report said members of the Beach Patrol will assist with safety, and public works staff will post parking spaces at the requested locations. The organizer is also tasked with monitoring the participants to ensure they can compete in the races, clear the beach in case of an emergency, and connect with nearby businesses to ensure the event will not negatively affect them.

The organizer also asked to allow a professional skydive team to land on the beach at Caroline Street carrying the American Flag while the National Anthem plays during the event’s opening ceremony. Staff members said they had no issues with the request, but pointed out that if the president is at his beach house in Delaware during that time then Ocean City will be a no-fly zone and skydivers will not be able to perform.

The organizer will pay the city $324.50 in private event, and asset and support fees.

USSSA Opening Ceremony

The United States Specialty Sport Association, or USSSA, Eastern National Opening Ceremony is tentatively set for 3-5 p.m., July 18.

The event, hosted by members of the Wicomico County Recreation,

Beach Patrol to go on early for ‘Daycation’

Parks & Tourism, will be on the beach north of the pier, the Boardwalk from the pier to Caroline Street, and on the Caroline Street Stage and surrounding beach area.

According to a staff report, the event is a parade of teams and opening ceremonies for the three-week 14U leg of the USSSA Eastern World Series.

Parade staging will begin at 3 p.m. on the beach, north of the pier. At 3:40 p.m., the teams will parade across the tram lane and onto the Boardwalk heading north, and continue to Caroline Street, where they will again cross the tram lane to access the stage. At 4:30 p.m., dignitaries will welcome the teams to the world series. Low-impact beach games will be available for participant and spectator play from 5-5:30 p.m.

The organizer asked for use of the Caroline Street Stage, two blocks of beach, parade staging on the beach north of the pier, use of city electricity at the stage, lifeguard coverage during the event, trash cans, equipment unloading at the stage, and parking spaces.

Staff contended in the report that it is important that the event does not interfere with the normal patrolling of the beach for safety. The organizer was also asked to establish east/west lanes within the event footprint so Beach Patrol members can move from the back of the beach to the water’s edge, and take responsibility to keep the areas open and ensure spectators do not set up in them.

Other details, such as ensuring the event does not interfere with normal tram operations, were also included in the staff report.

All private event, and asset and support fees were waived for the event, as it is part of a youth sports event the town supports through a partnership with Wicomico and Worcester counties as part of the MidAtlantic Amateur Sports Alliance agreement.

Jesus at the Beach Music and ministry are coming together once again for three nights in late July and early August on the beach at Caroline Street Stage downtown.

According to a staff report, the annual Jesus at the Beach festival is tentatively set for 7-10 p.m. nightly, July 31-Aug. 2. The organizer also requested date holds for July 29-31, 2024, and July 28-30, 2025.

The evening, family-oriented events, complete with worship music, drama, art and speeches, will run in conjunction with daily events at the Ocean City convention center.

The organizer requested use of the Caroline Street Stage, two stage wings, trash cans, three stage platforms, six parking spaces, and permission to sell event-related merchandise.

Boardwalk patrol officers agreed to make periodic checks while the activities are going on, and Beach Patrol staff called it “a great event that reinforces our family atmosphere.” Public works staff also agreed to provide the requested assets.

The organizer will pay the city $1,078.50 in private event, and asset and support fees.

Daycation 5

With a tweak to ensure Beach Patrol staff will be on duty for the duration of the event, council members approved a “daycation getaway” for Aug. 12 on the beach south of the pier. Daycation 5 is set to take place from 9 a.m.-noon and consist of about 200 people, ranging in age from 35 to 65 years, traveling from Fort Washington to enjoy a day in Ocean City.

According to a staff report, the event will consist of a DJ on the beach at the inlet playing music, which was the primary reason for the council approval, as well as canopy tents, a table, PA system, coolers and beach chairs. After noon, the group is set to head to Seacrets until 2:30 p.m., travel to the Old Mill Crab House in Delmar, and leave for home at 6:30 p.m.

The staff report said the organizer has held the event for several years but did not add music until 2019. He took a hiatus the past two years because of covid and plans to return this year.

The organizer will have a generator to power the PA system, and assured members of the fire department that he will not store the gasoline tank or fill the generator on the beach.

Mayor Rick Meehan expressed a concern during Monday’s meeting

about the event beginning at 9 a.m., which is an hour before surf rescue technicians take the stands each day throughout the summer. City Manager Terry McGean pointed out that the only reason they needed council approval to be on the beach was because of the DJ, thus they could still gather in the area whether Beach Patrol is on duty or not.

McGean agreed, upon request from council members, to check on whether Beach Patrol officials can have staff on duty a little earlier the day of the event.

The organizer was also informed that August typically brings larger, more dangerous surf and rip currents and to plan accordingly.

The town charged the organizer a total $350 in private event fees to host the beach event.

County wants change enterprise tax payment

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) With an eye on curbing costs for rural residents, the Worcester County Commissioners are preparing to vote next meeting on the FY23-24 enterprise fund budgets for the water, wastewater and solid-waste divisions of the Department of Public Works.

As explained by county enterprise fund controller Barb Hitch at Tuesday’s commissioners’ meeting, enterprise funds are used to account for functions of the government in which user charges pay the cost of the service provided. The county uses enterprise funds solely to account for its water, wastewater and solid-waste operations.

The water and wastewater enterprise funds included Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) cost increases for nearly the entire county, including $12.85 for Edgewater Acres, $12 for Lighthouse Sound, $14.20 for Mystic Harbour, $12 for Ocean Pines, and $20 for Riddle Farm.

West Ocean City was the only service area to not have an increase.

Pat Barbley, a resident of Newark, where the cost is increasing by $8, spoke during the public hearing portion about the increases and unequal cost-sharing around the county.

“We’re a tiny little town — not even an incorporated town, a tiny village,” Barbley said. “We’ve got some pretty high rates on here compared to the rest of these. We’re the highest of all. Why is there such disparity between all of the people?”

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young explained that, at present, the three divisions are separate accounts, unlike how many governments do it with water, wastewater and solid waste under one account. Thus, if a service area has fewer people — Newark being smaller than West Ocean City for ex-

ample — capital increases are spread over fewer people.

“That tends to be why rates go higher,” Young said. “We are looking at trying to find an equitable way and it would be a whole lot easier if personnel was split up among these proportionately (and) under one account. “

“We hope to present (something) at a future date (which) would help Newark — a way that helps everybody.”

Commissioner Ted Elder wants to see those costs come down as soon as possible.

“Sooner we do that, the better,” he

Worcester County’s split of enterprise fund tax payments currently leaves some residents paying more than others, depending on how many other people share their service area.

said. “I’ve been fighting to get this Newark area bills down to a manageable level for the people who live there. I think that’s one good idea.

“(There’s) an issue with running some line into Newark which would help also to build a landfill (there). That’s also something we’ve been working on to try to bring some of the costs down.”

The other major fund, solid waste, was better news for the county as it decreased in the FY24 budget by $110,000, or around 2 percent less than the prior year.

Commissioners sign off on LPPRP update

Five-year plan prerequisite for receiving Project Open Space funding from state

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners accepted the updated Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) with a unanimous vote on Tuesday.

The plan is revisited every five years as necessary to remain eligible for state Project Open Space grant funding. It is prepared by the Recreation and Parks and Environmental Program departments.

“(The LPPRP serves as) the basis for acquisition and development and the best return on (taxpayer) investment,” Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell said.

With tourism and agriculture being the top industries in Worcester County, the LPPRP is one of the most vital documents to local governance.

The LPPRP highlighted accomplishments in the county since 2018,

including park enhancements at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex and 30 boat slips installed at county boat ramps, but it also highlighted goals such as acquiring more land for further park development.

Currently, Worcester County features about 100,000 acres of farmland and 150,000 acres of forested land. It is third in the state in poultry production and 23rd in the United States.

Roughly 31 percent of Worcester County is protected land right now.

“How high or low are we with (that number)?” Commissioner President Chip Bertino asked during the presentation.

Mitchell responded that it is a large proportion, relatively, but pointed out that a much of that land is federally owned.

Also, he said, it helps preserve farms.

“You start fragmenting farms and eating them up, cul-de-sacs and whatnot, subdividing (you’ll lose farms),” he said. “It’s just maintaining critical mass for the viability of

agriculture.”

The plan states that the county will focus on shorelines, headwater areas, contiguous preserved land swaths and “prime farmland” in future conservation efforts.

A longtime goal that will still be part of future planning is saving 1,000 acres a year to eventually have 100,000 acres of farmland.

Commissioner Ted Elder praised the thoroughness of the plan and simply having one in the first place.

“I think I’ve been asking for years what the goal is and haven’t had an answer and you’ve already put it up here on the board,” Elder said to Mitchell. “The goal is 100,000 acres (of farmland) … I’ve been against a lot of stuff because I never knew what the overall goal, what you’re planning and doing and all that and we keep throwing money, which I understand comes from the state, to preserve not just agriculture but the other stuff too. “

Commissioner Caryn Abbott asked about the difference between farmland and wetland, and the prece-

dence for that difference.

“What if one map shows prime farmland and agencies (are) saying the same farmland is wetland)?” she asked.

Mitchell pointed out that farmers have farmed wetlands, too.

“There are unproductive corners of your field,” he said. “You have opportunities where you can take (federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program funding) where you can take that out of production and get paid for that, to take it out of production and create a wetland on your property.”

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young added that it depends on funding.

“(It depends on) what they’re trying to protect there — if contiguous wetland … if agriculture-specific land is to protect farms and keep their farms instead of subdivisions,” Young said.

The LPPRP’s purview included recreational activities, county parks, natural resources and preservation and agricultural land preservation.

County closer to paid parking at boat ramps

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners passed legislation that will allow the county to charge for parking on county-owned property on Tuesday.

In a 6-to-1 vote with Commissioner Ted Elder opposed, the commissioners laid the groundwork for what some on the board of commissioners hope will be a viable revenue stream, especially during the busy summer months.

“(This is) simply adding the word ‘paid’ to our parking provisions to make expressly clear that the county commissioners can designate certain areas of county property for paid parking,” county attorney Roscoe Leslie said in introducing the legislation.

The county hopes to have some-

thing in place by the end of the summer.

“If it gets voted favorably today, it can go into effect in 45 days,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said. “I think the steps on any boat landing would be adequately striping and then choosing a (paid parking app) like ParkMobile or one of those to go through those contract negations. There are a few steps to try to get in place but looking at end of summer, probably.”

One of the goals of the new commissioner majority — a more fiscally conservative bloc that has thus far removed the county from sports complex talks, curbed school spending and put up the county’s portable ice rink for auction — is saving money to keep up with rising costs overall.

The move to monetize parking is

one of the few ways thus far that the new majority has presented to generate money.

After the vote, county officials introduced a bill that clarifies the code on boat landings.

“There are three main (emphases) of this change, to clarify what commercial uses are and to allow them at boat ramps to the extent that they don’t interfere with recreational use … restrict parking for commercial users and their guests to one space and … requiring heavy-equipment operators to register and be adequately insured if they’re using the boat ramps,” Leslie said.

He added that they may have “beefed up language” on commercial user parking to present at the next meeting.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic asked if funding mechanisms could be affected by the legislation, to which Leslie said that language is tailored to use the criteria of state grant distrib-

utors.

Deciding what constitutes interference with recreational use will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, Leslie added, but it will consider the potential for damage.

Commissioner President Chip Bertino cautioned that commissioners will need to be mindful of boat dealers, who often use boat ramps and have a customer and more than one vehicle with them.

“I think we need to be sensitive to that,” he said. “I don’t know how we do it, other than maybe change the number of parking spaces. I don’t know but that would fall in violation as currently written.”

Previously, county officials have said that sheriff’s deputies could police the boat ramps and enforce the new legislation.

Bertino and Commissioners Jim Bunting, Eric Fiori, Diana Purnell and Caryn Abbott signed on to the bill.

Ocean Pines Police chief resigns amid investigation

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola released a statement Wednesday announcing the retirement of Police Chief Leo Ehrisman, who was placed on administrative leave in January.

bers of the state’s attorney’s office began an investigation of a possible burglary at a department storage shed on Dec. 17.

According to a statement the Ocean Pines Association released at the time, Viola was notified on Dec. 31 of a burglary reported at the shed on Dec. 17. He, in turn, consulted with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Office of the State’s Attorney to set up an independent investigation.

Leo Ehrisman

“Chief Leo Ehrisman gave notice of his retirement today,” the statement said. “We thank him for his years of service to Ocean Pines and wish him well. A search to find his replacement is commencing immediately.”

Ehrisman was put on paid administrative leave Jan. 1 after county law enforcement authorities and mem-

The effort resulted in putting Ehrisman on leave as of Jan. 1 and bringing in a commander from the sheriff’s office to oversee the department and “a complete audit and inventory of the contents of the storage shed and the property room.”

No information has been released from the audit or inventory at this time.

finished in 2020 by Basements Unlimited and offers large secondary family room space, kitchenette, full bath, and flex room currently used as an office. Basement also offers a large unfinished area great for storage. Two car attached garage. American Standard HVAC unit with gas backup is approximately 2-years old. Most kitchen appliances replaced in 2019. New carpet in primary bedroom. HOA fees just $225/yr. Low DE taxes! Sq. footage total is an estimation, buyers to verify independently. Occupied, but easy to see--schedule

Berlin road dedication for Corp. Hilliard set June 12

(June 9, 2023) A portion of Stephen Decatur Highway will be dedicated to the memory of Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard on June 12, a year after he was killed in the line of duty.

Hilliard, a former Ocean City Police officer, was murdered by then20-year-old Austin Jacob Allen Davidson, of Delmar, during a foot chase near the Talbot Street Apartments on Gumboro Road in Pittsville. Davidson was wanted for outstanding arrest warrants and led Hilliard on a brief chase before shooting and killing him.

According to a news release, Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C) has worked closely with members of the Maryland State Highway Administration to dedicate a significant portion of Stephen Decatur Highway to Hilliard, which will be dedicated at 11 a.m., June 12, at the Bethany United Methodist Church.

The boundaries of the dedication contain a four-mile stretch from the Route 611 at the Route 50 intersec-

tion to the Route 611 at Route 376. The southern dedication sign will be 640 feet south of Marajan Lane, and the northern dedication sign will be 200 feet north of Assateague Way.

Members of the Bethany United Methodist Church are allowing the use of the church property on Stephen Decatur Highway for the dedication ceremony. The ceremony will include remarks from local law enforcement leaders and the unveiling of the highway dedication signs. The church is close to the northern dedication sign and offers available parking. Members of the public are invited to attend the dedication. Hilliard was killed in the line of duty while working for the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office. The release said Hilliard risked his life daily throughout his career to protect the citizens of Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties. He is remembered as a man of outstanding character and someone who exemplified heroism. Hilliard was posthumously promoted to Corporal by Wicomico County’s Sheriff Mike Lewis.

Wicomico Sheriff’s Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard was shot and killed in the line of duty one year ago. A portion of Stephen Decatur Highway will be dedicated to him on June 12.

Armed robbery suspect still at large after incident on 133rd

(June 9, 2023) Members of the Ocean City Police Department are investigating an armed robbery reported just before 3:30 p.m., June 3, on Constitutional Avenue.

According to a new release, a man reported that three Black men approached him while he was outside and pointed a handgun at him. The man told police he gave them several personal items. The men were described as wearing dark colored hoodies with ski masks, with one possibly wearing a purple hoodie. The

trio was reportedly last seen leaving the area of 133rd Street in a beige SUV.

The release said the vehicle was possibly a Nissan with a missing front passenger-side fender. The license plate was described as a white tag with red and blue writing, possibly from North Carolina.

To report information on the case, contact the Ocean City Police on the Tip Line at 410-520-5136, by email at crimetips@oceancitymd.gov or directly by phone at 410-723-6610. Callers are asked to reference CC# 2023-00-1556.

OC Police investigating death of man in vehicle

(June 9, 2023) Members of the Ocean City Police Department are investigating the death of a man found in a parked vehicle on Sunday, June 4, on 116th Street.

A news release the department released Monday said officers responded just after 11 p.m., June 4, to a shopping center at 11601 Costal Highway for report of an unconscious male.

Officers initiated lifesaving efforts until Ocean City Emer-

gency Services personnel arrived, but they were unable to revive him and pronounced the man dead on scene.

The man, who was not identified pending notification of next of kin, was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

At the time of the release, officers believed there was no foul play suspected, and no threat to the community.

BOOK SIGNING

and Meet & Greet Just Released

“Ocean City Chronicles” by Bunk Mann

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 • 11am-1pm

Ocean City Chamber of Commerce

12320 Ocean Gateway

West Ocean City, MD 21842

Police investigate a ‘serious assault’ from Wednesday

(June 9, 2023) Members of the Ocean City Police Department are investigating a “serious assault” that occurred around midnight Wednesday in the area of 79th Street.

According to a release from the department, Ocean City emergency medical personnel took the victim of the assault to Tidal Heath Peninsula Regional.

The suspect is described as a white male, slim build, with a large tattoo on his right peck and a tattoo on his right bicep. He was last seen wearing black shorts with a white strip, long black socks, and black and white sneakers.

Ocean City Chronicles

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

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS:

OC Lifesaving Museum

Fager’s Island

Donaway Furniture

Mann Properties

Seacrets

Crabs to Go

Wockenfuss Candies

Berlin Auto Wash

M.R. Ducks

The Buzzed Word

OC Chamber of Commerce

Malibu’s Surf Shop

OC Art League

Caprichos Books

Kitty’s Flowers

Victorian Charm

Park Place Jewelers

Copy Central

Toy Town/Snow Hill

Ocean Gallery

Mann & Gray Insurance

The Bay Country Shop, Cambridge, MD

Surveillance photos were released of the alleged suspect, and asked that anyone who can identify him to contact the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610. Anonymous tips can also be left by phone to 410-520-5136 or by email at oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/po lice/crime-tips.

GENERAL DENTISTRY

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENTY

A surveillance photo shows the alleged suspect in an assault that reportedly occurred after midnight Wednesday near 79th Street.

Reminiscing Maryland’s Beach Resort BY HUNTER “BUNK MANN

Dance on the Shore Festival set June 9-11

(June 9, 2023) Saltare in Elementis Dance Collective will present a free Dance on the Shore Festival June 911 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street.

The festival will include arts and movement workshops for children, an original dance film showcase, adult workshops from world-class dance instructors, and a new live performance.

Saltare in Elementis Dance Collective was founded during an undergraduate study abroad trip in 2018 by Zoe Couloumbis, Fiona O’Brien, and Sebrena Williamson. Aside from connecting with each other through dance, each founder possesses their own separate passions that contribute to the company’s success.

O’Brien, Director of Music and an Eastern Shore native, is well-versed in music business and leads the company in music collaboration.

Couloumbis, Director of Education, is an accredited and licensed teacher.

Williamson, Director of Research, is an established researcher and writer, and leads the company in research-based choreographic theory and written collaboration.

Dance movie night at the is set from From 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 9, at the arts center, screening three origi-

nal movies featuring SIE dancers.

“Terra” and “Hurricane 6,” movies about dance in the environment that were original presented at the Ocean City Film Festival, will be shown as well as the world premiere “Intertidal,” an original piece by the dance collective with original music by Will Rothermel. The movies will be accompanied by a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, live musicians, and vendors.

Saturday, June 10, is the “Day of Dance” at the Arts Center with a daylong menu of activities. From 10 a.m.-noon, SIE leads attendees

through a beach-themed, environmentally-friendly Crafts & Composition class where students will find shapes within their craft and translate them into movement.

From 1-2:30 p.m., SIE will lead a flow cardio class, a follow-along Zumba-like cardio dance workshop that’s water inspired. No dance experience is required, and all ages are welcome.

From 2:30-3:30 p.m., SIE will lead attendees in the worldwide Global Water Dances event including discussions about water issues and personal actions people can take to support

clean water. The workshop will end by attendees learning the four movements of the Global Water Dance and performing in solidarity with Global Water Dance sites around the world fighting for clean water. Attendees may be filmed to capture the Ocean City site of this global event.

From 10 to 11 a.m., Sunday, June 11, the co-founders of SIE will hold a Coffee & Conversation with the Choreographers.

All classes and events are walk-in only, and registration is not required. More information is available at OCart.org.

Members of the Saltare in Elementis Dance Collective perform on a beach.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, things may not progress the way you want them to unless you become a little more persistent. Figure out how to walk the line to achieve your goals.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, many things are going right with your life. But now it’s time to get a handle on your love life. You may have to put in some extra effort, especially this week.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, keep things on the lighter side when conversing with coworkers this week. Now is not the time to delve into controversial discussions in the workplace.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, as you try to become more organized, try not to get too overwhelmed by the scope of the task at hand. Tackle one thing at a time and keep making progress.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, situations may seem like they are a matter of life or death this week, but there’s a good chance you’re just being overly dramatic. Try to go with the flow.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Emotions are running wild and you’re worried about what others think of you, Virgo. Embrace a point of view that relies more on the rational than the emotional.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, after a few stops and starts, you and your romantic partner are on quite a roll. Enjoy that you both are in tune and aspiring toward shared goals.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, it’s possible you feel blocked on all sides regarding your employment. While you can’t get ahead right now, there are some opportunities coming.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Be careful about speaking before thinking through your words, Sagittarius. Knee-jerk responses can have unexpected consequences. Take time to form your opinion.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

This week is bound to be pretty intense, Capricorn. But you’ll find a way to skirt through it relatively unscathed. Rely on a few friends as sounding boards.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, try not to cut off channels of communication with loved ones as you deal with a few difficult issues. Others are willing to step up and help as needed.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, others will not always see the world the way you do. Interactions this week can be a little stilted or even frustrating.

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(June 9, 2023) The process of making a decision is based on calculated choices and personal preference. This progression is the foundation and criteria that determines one’s level of success.

Chefs are no exception to the rule; they must question and examine each and every component of their work. This detailed and intellectual interest is what supports and defines creativity.

The art of entertaining encompasses the same scrutiny if perfection is to be achieved. Particulars are a key factor, and it is these intricate touches that ultimately distinguishes one host from another.

Appetizers, main courses, side dishes and desserts are part of the equation for a fabulous occasion. But let us not forget the almighty amuse bouche and all its splendor.

An amuse bouche is a bite-sized hors d’oeuvre which translates to “to please the mouth.” It is a tempting appetizer that a chef presents at the beginning of a meal. This dish symbolizes a greeting from the chef, an acknowledgement of the diner’s patronage, and is also a way for a chef to show off their ingenuity. However, an amuse bouche should not be limited to professional chefs; it can also be a host’s best friend. Home cooks should follow suite and become acquainted with these tempting little bites.

An amuse bouche came into being around the time when French chefs de-

veloped “nouvelle-cuisine,” an era where fine dining became infamous for its smaller portions and whimsical presentations. The focus was on tasting the natural flavors while moving away from the traditional heavy sauces and marinades.

It was also a time where chefs started being competitive, striving to outdo each other in originality. The simplest form of food was deconstructed and reconstructed to new heights never believed possible.

However, amuse bouches became unfashionable during the 80s and were almost forgotten. But over the years, the tasty morsels have come back into the limelight and for good reason. They are a great way to incorporate an expensive item into your menu at an affordable price.

Their infamous small portions, literally are small enough to pop in your mouth. In fact, an amuse bouche can be small enough to be served on a spoon.

When preparing an amuse bouche, remember presentation is a vital part of the experience. Allow your imagination to guide you to the level of artistry where your plate is your canvass.

It is also a good idea to keep in mind the rules for plating. Height is the first thing your eyes notice when a course is being served. Color also stands out and should be a major consideration. Fi-

nally, incorporate texture into your offering. No matter how small your portions are, you want them to stimulate your palette and evoke wonderment.

A smoked salmon amuse bouche layered with smoked salmon tartar, smoked salmon mousse, and salmon caviar presented on a slice of cucumber is a delectable, sophisticated bite.

English cucumbers are preferred over the garden cucumbers because their skins are softer and the flesh has more moisture. One may ask, why is this important? The salmon is the star and you do not want the tough skins to take away from it.

Also, the moist flesh of the English cucumber is a more inviting foundation for the smoked salmon.

Summer is here and entertaining is in full swing. The first course sets the tone for the entire event. A smoked salmon amuse bouche is as impressive as it gets. Enjoy!

* It is difficult to pipe the salmon mousse on the salmon tartare. As a result, pipe the mouse on the cucumber and then place the tartar around the piped mousse. Kitchen tweezers facilitates this process.

Smoked Salmon Tartare

4 ounces smoked salmon, finely

Presentation key to salmon mousse

spring appetizer

Continued from Page 25

chopped (make sure the salmon is chopped evenly for presentation purposes)

1 teaspoon freshly chopped dill

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 splashes fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

kosher salt to taste

1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to plate.

Smoked Salmon Mousse

6 ounces smoked salmon

2 tablespoons heavy cream

8 ounces whipped cream cheese

½ teaspoon prepared horseradish

½ teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoons fresh dill

kosher salt to taste

1 English cucumber

1 piping bag with piping tip

fresh dill, capers, and/or salmon caviar as a garnish

1. Using a handheld immersion blender, blend the ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl. Refrigerate

Berlin Bathtub Races set Friday

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath.

Sixteen teams will be rockin’ and rollin’ down Main Street for the 33rd annual Berlin Bathtub Races starting at 6 p.m. Friday.

“The whole event is off the wall this year,” said Ryan Nellans, the executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. “We have 19 teams that want to race. That is not the final number, though. The roster is filled up, but there is always a chance we lose one or two.”

until ready to use.

Presentation

1. Place smoked salmon mousse in the freezer for 10 minutes before piping. This produces a more successful and a more defined piping.

2. Using a piping bag, pipe salmon mousse on the slice of cucumber.

3. Very carefully, place smoked salmon tartare around the mousse.

4. Garnish with salmon caviar, capers, and/or fresh dill.

5. Repeat this process for the remaining smoke salmon amuse bouches.

Secret Ingredient – Dreams

“Dreams don’t work unless you do.”

John C Maxwell

Any extra teams beyond the 16 spots will be on standby in case someone cannot race. And all will participate in the parade, which starts at 6 pm, with races starting at 6:15 p.m.

Last year, Nellans was scrambling to get enough contestants. This year, he said it’s like herding cats.

“They are coming out of the woodwork. We have a stellar lineup this year.”

Returning favorites include Seaside Plumbing and Camp Coast. Ocean 98 radio won in 2022, but they are not competing this year.

“Camp Coast is trying to take their title back,” Nellans said. “They are really feeling their oats.”

The new trophy is the Turner Cup in honor of the late Jesse Turner, the Bathtub Races founder, its most successful entrant and whose Shoe Box shoe repair shop was a Main Street fixture for decades. Jeff Auxer of Jeff Auxer Designs in Berlin has donated the blown glass and steel trophy he designed specifically for the race.

“It’s nice and overdue to recognize the event founder,” Nellans said.

See SERIOUS Page 27

CROSSWORD

Serious competition in this year’s Berlin bathtub races

Continued from Page 26

Main Street will be closed to traffic starting at 2 p.m. to set up the track. The tubs will be at the Welcome Center at 14th and Main Street between noon and 2 p.m. to register.

“The track is 100-foot sprint, drag race-style,” Nellans said of the competition, which features a bathtub-inspired cart, its driver and a pusher.

Nellans also encouraged people to come out early to visit the stores and restaurants.

There will be a half-time hula hoop contest for kids, with prizes from Island Creamery. Spectators can purchase chances for the 50/50 rubber duck raffle. If all the ducks are bought, the winner could receive $1,500.

Delmarva Sports Network will be broadcasting LIVE from the Atlantic Hotel balcony.

Nellans said volunteers are still needed and they can sign up at signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4fa9aa2a a2f9c70-bathtub#/

Sheppard Realty’s Gussie Sholtis and Kyle Hill leave Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall and Councilman Jack Orris in their dust during last year’s Berlin Bathtub Races. This year’s event will take place Friday.

Beach Patrol advises grads to play it safe during vacay

(June 9, 2023) 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.

I have heard many guards say they cannot go on a beach even on a day off without scanning. During the day the surf rescue technicians, or 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 not only in the front but also in the back to the dune line.

This is the time of the year when trouble could be buzzing behind their stands. It is what some fondly refer to as the “June Bugs”.

The trek 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 adolescents

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

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer See ALWAYS Page 30

NOW PLAYING

DUST N BONES

Carribbean Pool Bar: Sat., June 10, 7-11 p.m.

CHINO RANKIN

The Angler: Wed., June 14, 5 p.m.

KRISTEN & THE NOISE

Seacrets: Sat., June 10, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

THE ANGLER RESTAURANT

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

June 9: Chris English, 5 p.m.

June 10: WACK!, 5 p.m.

June 11: Rogue Duo, 5 p.m.

June 14: Chino Rankin, 5 p.m.

June 15: Full Circle Duo, 5 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in

The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com

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

CARRIBBEAN POOL BAR

In the Plim Plaza Hotel

109 N. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-289-6181 / www.plimplazaoc.com

June 9: Family Tradition 1-5 p.m.;

Full Disclosure, 7-11 p.m.

June 10: Royal Flush, 1-5 p.m.; Dust N Bones, 7-11 p.m.

June 11: The Quartermen, 1-5 p.m.

June 12: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.

June 13: Ray Holiday, 1-5 p.m.

June 14: Fil Rhythm, 1-5 p.m.

June 15: Mike Mead & Eric Wolf, 1-5 p.m.

COCONUT’S BAR & GRILLE

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

June 9: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.;

No Clue Trio, 5-9 p.m.

June 10: The Everafter, noon to 4 p.m.;

Full Disclosure, 5-9 p.m.

June 11: Endless Ember, noon to 3 p.m.;

Rick & Regina, 4-8 p.m.

June 12: Sean Loomis, noon to 3 p.m.;

Fil Rhythm Duo, 4-8 p.m.

June 13: Chris Thomas, noon to 3 p.m.; Bell Bottom

Blues, 4-8 p.m.

June 14: Chris Diller Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Whiskey Train, 4-8 p.m.

June 15: Jack Bannon, noon to 3 p.m.; One Night Stand, 4-8 p.m.

COINS

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

June 9: Marco of the Surf Pistols, 7 p.m.

June 10: Jim Long “Get off the Beach Party, 3-6:30 p.m.;

Billy Zee’s Dueling Piano Show, 8 p.m.

Every Tuesday – DJ Jeremy Karaoke Party, 8 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

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

June 10: Rogue Citizens, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 11: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 12: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 13: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 14: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 15: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

SEACRETS

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

June 9: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Storm, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 10: Bobby-O on De Bay, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Storm, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Kono Nation, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Kristen & the Noise, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 11: DJ Connair on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 4-8 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Amish Outlaws, 10:15 p.m. to 1 a.m.

June 12: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Blake Haley, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; The Way Outs, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 13: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Artikal Sound System, 9 p.m. to midnight

June 14: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle Duo; DJ Connair, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Stealing Savanah, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 15: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Go Go Gadjet, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

PIZZA TUGOS

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

June 9: Rogue Citizens, 9 p.m. to midnight

June 10: Colossal Fossil Sauce Duo, 8-11 p.m. Every Wednesday: Karaoke w/DJ Chuck, 9 p.m.

Always know where guards are

Continued from Page 28

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: “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 just do not realize that wet sand is just as unyielding 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.

Most people would never think of attempting a flip in the middle of a parking lot for fear of striking the ground. However, many of these same individuals will attempt aerial maneuvers on the beach or into a few inches of ocean water, with all too often the result, witnessing our spinal injury management technique firsthand. Please, use your head to protect your spine and think before diving or riding breaking waves on to the beach. Have fun but remain safe! We hope that everyone who visits our beach will enjoy many happy, healthy returns.

Another 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!”

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

Rookies during paid ($18.44) surf rescue training practice how to care for an individual with a head, neck or back injury. Guards don’t want to try it on swimmers, so they advise everyone to avoid diving into shallow water or riding waves that are breaking on the shoreline (shore-break). Another factor that contributes to severe injuries is the use of alcohol.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ ANGLER RESTAURANT

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

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

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

■ ANTHONY’S CARRYOUT

1608 N Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, (corner of 17th and Coastal Hwy) 410213-4803, anthonyscarryoutoc.com

$$ | Sandwich shop

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

■ CABANAS BEACH BAR & GRILLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open to the public. A full-service restaurant serves lunch and dinner inside and Signature smash burgers, fresh cut fries, handhelds, signature salads, and much more. Indoor and outdoor bar. Fresh squeezed crushes, frozen drinks, tropical libations. Dine in or carry out. Open 7 days a week.

Saturday & Sunday, serving breakfast 811ish a.m.; Weekdays, Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6ish p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8ish p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9ish p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11ish p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6ish p.m.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Visit Captain’s Table for seafood, steaks, lobster specials and martinis; Open for breakfast and dinner everyday; Breakfast, Monday and Friday, 7:30-10:30am, Saturday and Sunday, 7:30-11:30am; Dinner, Monday through Thursday, 4-9pm, Friday through Sunday 4-10pm. Come hear Phil Perdue live on piano, Friday and Saturday nights from 59pm.

■ CARUSO’S PIZZA & SUBS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ FISHTALES BAR & GRILL

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

$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ HAMMERHEADS RAW BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ HARBOR WATCH

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

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

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

■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Authentic Jamaican Food in Ocean City.

From the authentic jerk chicken to the mouth-watering oxtail, your taste buds are sure to thank you. Serving lunch and dinner.

Two born and raised in Jamaica island boys decided they would bring the true Jamaican food experience – spices and all, that millions enjoy every year when they visit the island of Jamaica. Starter with Yaries jerk wings, soups, salads, chicken, seafood, beef, oxtails to curry goat and coco breads. Finish off a delicious meal with Jamaican rum cake and fried sweet plantains. Also, available are vegan options. The combina-

tion of a great beach town and authentic Jamaican food will definitely give you that true island feeling. Open Wednesday – Thursday, 12 AM – 8 PM, Friday – Saturday, 12 AM – 9 PM, Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PM. Carry Out – Dine In – Delivery.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIZZA MAMBO

710 Philadelphia Ave., between 7th and 8th Streets, Ocean City 410-289-1200; 7205 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5240090, ocpizzamambo.com

$$ | Kids’ menu

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

■ TOAST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

221 Wicomico St, Downtown Ocean City, Inside Emerson Towers on the Bay, 410237-7070, www.toastocmd.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE WEDGE

806 South Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

South end of the Boardwalk overlooking the Inlet. Waterfront bar and grill, open every day, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the summer. Opening menu – small plates, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and signature cocktails. Full menu coming soon!

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON

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

Eat where the locals eat! Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon delivers the culinary combinations you’re craving and uses only locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables. Open all year round daily featuring a great selection of entrees, small plates, appetizers, and creatively crafted cocktails. Breakfast, 7:30-11am; Lite Fare, 11am to 10pm; Dinner, 4-10pm.

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & Wine

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

■ SEACRETS

49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900,

www.seacrets.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ BAHAMA’S CRAB SHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET

Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Hwy, Fenwick

302-537-5882,

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

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

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

■ SQUARZ PIZZA & RESTAURANT

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

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

Located on the 8th Floor of the Fenwick Inn, 13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City VISTAROOFTOPOC.COM / @VISTAROOFTOPOC

$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Check out this beautiful restaurant overlooking the ocean, bayside view and looking down Coastal Highway. Now open. Serving lunch and dinner with a Happy Hour menu. Soups, salads, house specials, starters, fork & knife specials to fabulous deserts. The drink menu is a must including specialty cocktails, martini list to crushes. Check out the menu online for more information.

OCEAN CITY

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro

12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

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

■ PIZZA TUGOS

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

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

OCES celebrates fundraising goal with slime and ice

(June 9, 2023) Ocean City Elementary School students celebrated a record fundraising year for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge program by sliming and icing their teachers on May 23.

According to a news release from the American Heart Association, students who raised money for the cause poured bright green slime and buckets of icy cold water on physical education teachers Tracy Drocella and Mark Engle.

This year, Ocean City Elementary raised more than $31,670 for Kids Heart Challenge, an activity-based program that inspires youth to stay active. Kids Heart Challenge was formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart.

A total of 56 students also completed Finn’s Mission, a program designed to teach youth the life-saving skill of hands-only CPR, and the warning signs of stroke.

Over the course of more than 30 years, Ocean City Elementary has

raised more than $509,000 for the American Heart Association.

“Mrs. Drocella and the entire OCES staff have been incredible supporters of Kids Heart Challenge over the years, encouraging students to be more active and to be advocates for better heart health for families and

friends, in addition to raising lifesaving funds for the mission,” Sheri Olsen, the vice president of the American Heart Association’s Youth Market for Maryland, said in the release.

For more information about Kids Heart Challenge, visit heart.org/khc.

Ocean City Elementary School physical education teachers Mark Engle and Tracy Drocella smile for the camera after getting slimed on May 23 in celebration of students raising a record amount of money for the American Heart Association through the American Heart Challenge and Finn’s Challenge.

a graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 in Louis H. Taylor Stadium on May 31. Pictured are seniors walking to accept their diplomas and shake the hands of school administrators. (Left) Class of 2023 graduate James Weber returns to his seat with diploma in hand after walking the stage. He was the first to walk from the final row of seniors called to the stage.

Stephen Decatur High School held

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

FDI-1867K-A © 2023 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SDHS Class of ’23 breaks grant and scholarship record

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) On the evening of May 31, families filled the audience at Stephen Decatur High School’s Louis H. Taylor Stadium to watch seniors walk the stage and accept diplomas at the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony.

During a speech, Principal Thomas Sites announced that this graduating class broke a SDHS record by earning $18 million in scholarships and grants.

“I’ve been waiting all week to make this announcement,” Sites said.

Of the 363 students in the Class of 2023, 159 are going to four-year colleges or universities, 73 are going to two-year colleges and 9 are going to technical or trade schools. Also, 16 graduates are joining the military and 106 are entering the work-force.

In-state schools were shown favor among the graduating class, with 42 headed to nearby Salisbury University, 11 going to University of Maryland, College Park and another 11 moving on to Towson University.

The greatest plurality of students, 71, are taking their next educational steps at Wor-Wic Community College.

As people filed into bleachers and folding chairs before the ceremony began, baby pictures of each senior played on two screens beside the stage. The montage featured interjecting video clips of students in Decatur hallways recalling their favorite parts of high school and teachers saying goodbye to the graduates.

To begin the ceremony, 2023 graduate Jessica Beck gave an invocation, asking for a moment of silence for senior Joshua Alton, who died Nov. 29, 2022, after a battle with cancer.

“We thank the Lord for equipping these graduates with numerous and diverse gifts,” Beck said.

Following Beck, Senior Class President Stephen Wade gave the student address as rows of seniors sat facing him at the forefront of the stage.

The class dawned blue and white regalia, many with decorated graduation caps that bore DIY college emblems, flowers or poetic messages.

Wade praised the class as one of the best to walk the halls in recent years, and emphasized the old adage, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”

“Today would not mean anything without the journey it took to be here,” Wade said.

“We are all united by one thing,” Wade later said. “We are all Seahawks, and we’ll always continue to be Seahawks.”

Superintendent Louis Taylor, for whom the stadium was named and an alumni of SDHS, told the students, “I do bleed blue.”

Taylor highlighted the qualities of

See SPEECH Page 36

PHOTOS COURTESY JAMES GREENWOOD

An aerial shot shows the Stephen Decatur High School Class of 2023 grads and an audience of family, friends, staff and others at the school’s Louis H. Taylor Stadium during the seniors’ graduation ceremony May 31.

Speech from pro-soccer alumni

Continued from Page 35

perseverance, courage and empathy, which he said is exemplified in the senior class.

“You have immeasurable opportunity before you, and as someone who has had his fair share of years to make my own mark on this world, I am so looking forward to see what you will do in the years to come,” Taylor said.

Sites said he spoke as both a parent and a principal, since his son was part of the graduating class. Then he recognized students who earned cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude, and recipients of the Governor’s Top Five Percent Award, just before introducing the commencement speaker, SDHS alumni Dr. Stephen Fell.

Fell graduated in 2001 with academic and athletic accolades, played soccer at Towson and was later drafted by the Baltimore Blast, a professional soccer team. He went on to coach at the professional level and earned a doctorate in physical therapy in 2012.

Now he owns Performance Science & Rehab and works as the physical coach of the senior men’s national soccer team, which brought him to the recent World Cup in Qatar.

Fell spoke about the value of persevering through uncertainty and finding growth in failure. He emphasized to the students that life is hard, and the reality of that cannot be changed. But,

he said, every person has control over how they view challenges and how they allow circumstances to affect them.

“Will is our internal power that can never be affected by the outside world. It is the stubbornness we develop to not succumb to unhealthy perceptions and actions,” Fell said. “Where others give in, you continue. In fact, we need these challenges for the opportunity to build and reinforce it through life.”

After a performance of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and the school’s “Alma Mater,” from the SDHS Chorus, Sites began the presentation of the diplomas.

Despite the request to hold cheers and applause until all the diplomas were handed out, many families succumbed to excitement and shouted praise from the crowd as they heard the name of their child, sibling or friend spoken into the microphone.

“May your lives be long, happy, healthy, productive,” Sites said after all diplomas were handed out. “No matter where life will take you, may there always be a little bit of sand in your shoes and a little bit of Decatur in your hearts.”

Sites told the students to turn their tassels. With a burst of fireworks from behind the stage, students threw their caps in the air, cheered, hugged each other and ran to their families.

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Graduate Faiden Monroe poses with a peace sign as seniors file into their seats for the beginning of the ceremony.

OCDC given grant from arts council for complex mural

(June 9, 2023) The Ocean City Development Corporation was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Maryland State Arts Council to plan and design a mural at the Downtown Recreation Complex.

A news release said the money came from the council’s Public Art Across Maryland Program and the mural will be painted on “a prominent wall at Ocean Bowl Skate Park.”

“We think the updated park is going to be a great resource for Downtown OC and we are excited to have an opportunity to further enhance the space,” OCDC Executive Director Zach Bankert said in the release. “The goal for the mural is the celebrate Ocean City’s strong skate and surf culture, while providing a piece of modern art for the public to enjoy.”

Maryland-based artists will be involved in the design and painting of the mural. They will be asked to submit a portfolio of work that aligns with the scope of the project. Three will be commissioned to design a mural concept for the skate park, with one selected for the final project.

The selection committee charged with managing the project, will consist of representatives from the OCDC, the DTA Public Art Committee, the Art League of Ocean City, Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department, and professional artists.

A Call to Artists will be released with details on artist commission, project details, and a request for portfolios. Members of the public will also be surveyed to ensure support for the project. The commissioned designs will also be made available for public feedback.

Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., June 9

ART SUPPLY SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3-5 p.m. Visit the Art Supply Swap to trade in new to gently used supplies and get something new to you. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. Cost is $14 for single crab cake platter, $24 for double crab cake platter and $10 for crab cake sandwich only. Platters include green beans, baked potato and Cole slaw. Bake sale. Eat-in or carryout.

DANCE ON THE SHORE FESTIVAL

Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Dance movie night, screening three original movies featuring SIE dancers. Accompanied by a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, live musicians and vendors. Free and open to the public. OCart.org

JUNE FEATURED ARTISTS’ RECEPTION

Worcester County Arts Council, 6 Jefferson St., Berlin, 5-7 p.m. Featuring Joanne Guilfoil, Rudelle Hall and Larry Wisniewski. Complimentary refreshments. Visit the gallery to view the exhibits and place a bid on the scholarship silent auction items.

Sat., June 10

OC AIR SHOW

14th Street & Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City. Gates open at 9 a.m. Featuring U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Tickets for Drop Zone, Flight Line Club Reserved Boxes, Flight Line Club, Sand Boxes, VIP Penthouse and VIP Skybox: https://ocairshow.com.

TINKER TIME: LOVE BUGS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime. Use the library’s supplies and your imagination to create. This month, create a love bug for someone special. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STEM SATURDAYS

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

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. Tom Ottenwaelder will give a presentation on marine surveys and advice on how to inspect and value a boat before purchase and when to call a professional. Fishing trip updates and more. All welcome. 410-641-7662

DANCE ON THE SHORE FESTIVAL

Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St., 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Crafts & Composition class from 10 a.m. to noon, Flow Cardio class from 1-2:30 p.m., Global Water Dances from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. OCart.org

OUTDOOR CRAFTY SATURDAY: KINDNESS ROCK GARDEN

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Use provided materials to create a kindness rock. Place in the library’s garden or around the community. Dress for a mess. For ages 6 years and older. Inclement weather, moved indoors. 410208-4014

FAMILY LIBRARY DAY - RIGAMAJIG NEW!

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10 a.m.-noon. Design, build and play with the new Rigamajig, a large building kit made up of wooden planks, ropes, pulleys, nuts and bolts that allow building 3-dimensionally. For all ages. 410-957-0878

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURES

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

SUMMER MUSIC @ FURNACE TOWN: VINTAGE BLUE BLUEGRASS BAND

Furnace Town Historic Site (Nassawango Iron Furnace), 3816 Old Furnace Road, Snow Hill, 5-8 p.m. Tickets Free-$10. Get ready to groove this summer at Furnace Town! Join us as we showcase a lineup of talented musicians and artists from around the Shore. Enjoy live performances in a stunning outdoor venue. 410-632-2032

UNSTOPPABLE JOY GALA

Wicomico Civic Center, Midway Room, 500 Glen Ave., Salisbury, 6-11 p.m. Black tie event featuring cocktail hour, silent auction, buffet dinner and per-

formance by the Jimmy Charles Band. Several ticket packages to choose from: www.unstoppablejoyco.org. Info: 410422-6322.

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Sun., June 11

OC AIR SHOW

14th Street & Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City. Gates open at 9 a.m. Featuring U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Tickets for Drop Zone, Flight Line Club Reserved Boxes, Flight Line Club, Sand Boxes, VIP Penthouse and VIP Skybox: https://ocairshow.com.

DANCE ON THE SHORE FESTIVAL

Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St., 10-11 a.m. The co-founders of SIE will hold a Coffee and Conversation with the Choreographers. Free and open to the public. OCart.org

SUNDAES IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Music by Jesse Garron “The Closest thing to the King,” activities for children and fireworks. Ice cream and beverages for sale. Free event. Bring your picnic basket and beach chairs.

BROADWAY’S ROCK OF AGES BAND®

‘Roland E. Powell Convention CenterOcean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. The Electrifying Band from the original Broadway smash hit. Tickets cost $40 and $35. https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/8877091 /broadways-rock-of-ages-band-oceancity-oc-performing-arts-center

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., June 12

STORY TIME: JUNETEENTH

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts about Juneteenth. For ages 2-5 years. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CALENDAR

Continued from Page 37

SUMMER SUN CATCHERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. The beautiful sun catchers will brighten any window and are fun and easy to make. Materials provided. Registration required: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

SEASHELL PAINTING

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3:30 p.m. All materials provided and registration required: 410-632-3495. For all ages. www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

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 13

STORY TIME: FAIRIES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. Take-home activity included. For ages 2-5 years. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m.noon. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

KID’S CARNIVAL AT FISH TALES

Fish Tales Bar and Grill, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 12-3 p.m. Carnival games, face painting, inflatables, children’s vendors, kid’s crafts, pony rides, food and drinks. A commemorative Tshirts available for purchase. Vendors: 410-289-0990, india@ocfishtales.com.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Suite 104, Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. Discussions and mutual support, along with education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. Kay

Kinnikin, 410-641-4765, kkinnikin@atlanticgeneral.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 5:306:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Free event. Registration required: 410-524-1818. www.worcesterlibrary.org

SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. All genres welcome. Present works in progress or talk through composition issues with other songwriters. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ATLANTIC COAST SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION MEETING

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7 p.m. Eric Mihaly of “Keep Our Oceans, Oceans” will discuss the impact of offshore wind generation on our local environment. Food and refreshments available. 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.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., June 14

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

COMMUNITY ART KICKOFF

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10 a.m. Visit your local library to register for Summer Reading and participate in a unique collaborative art project to earn your first

badges for the summer. 410-957-0878

OCEAN CITY AARP CHAPTER 1917 MEETING

Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 10 a.m. Refreshments served at 9:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be from the Burble Funeral Home. New members welcome. Bob McCluskey, 410-250-0980

COMMUNITY ART KICKOFF

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Visit your local library to register for Summer Reading and participate in a unique collaborative art project to earn your first badges for the summer. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

POKENO AT THE 50PLUS CENTER

Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. Join in for a game of Poker, a combination of poker and keno, similar to bingo. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

8TH ANNUAL GOLD ON THE GREEN CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Ocean City Golf Club - Newport Bay Course, 11401 Country Club Drive, Berlin, 12 p.m. Four-person teams enjoy lunch, 18 holes of golf with cart, gift bags, side games, a barbecue-style dinner, prizes, drink tickets, mulligans, souvenir team photos and more. Tickets: WorcesterGOLD.org.

COMMUNITY ART KICKOFF

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Visit your local library branch to register for Summer Reading and participate in a unique collaborative art project to earn your first badges for the summer. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COMMUNITY ART KICKOFF

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Visit your local library branch to register for Summer Reading and participate in a unique collaborative art project to earn your first badges for the summer. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COMMUNITY ART KICKOFF

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3 p.m. Visit your local library branch to register for Summer Reading and participate in a unique collaborative art project to earn your first badges for the summer. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Thurs., June 15

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disor-

ders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. For patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Free service, but requires an appointment: Robin Rohlfing, 410-6419726.

SUMMER STORY TIME!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Join info the summer story time to help kick off Summer Reading. Stick around after for a fun craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

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

CHESS CLUB

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

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Beginning with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research followed by a Q&A session. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration requested: 410-208-4014.

SUMMER SEA GLASS ART

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Learn to make summer-themed sea glass art. Materials provided. Registration required: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

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

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS

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

Crossword answers from page 26

Lawn Care and Light Maintenance

Full time, year round for condo in Ocean City.

Good pay w/health insurance.

Call 443-523-5739

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

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

(2) OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Customer Service, MS Word & Excel, knowledge of Basic Office Procedures; Strong Math Skills are a plus.

WE OFFER: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, competitive pay, great benefits, paid holidays and vacation.

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

PT or FT Classifieds/Legals Manager

Individual must be highly organized for front desk to handle reception, public notices, classifieds, and other various clerical duties. Good phone skills required. Must be detail oriented and have computer skills. For full time employment, we offer health insurance, dental insurance, and 401K.

No nights or weekends.

Hiring immediately

Email resume to: cbrown@oceancitytoday.net

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

Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

Nail Technician OC Hair and Nail Studio. Full or part time position available. Located in the Gold Coast Mall. Please call 410-524-7606 for private interview.

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

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

Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round.

Competitive wages. 443-754-1047

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

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

Thunderbird Beach Motel

NOW HIRING

4-Midnight

FRONT DESK CLERK

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

Worcester County Health Department

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST TRAINEE - Full Time, State Benefits. Duties include performing inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with environmental health laws and regulations. Duties are performed in various programs, which include Public Swimming Pool/Spa Compliance, Food Service Facility Compliance, Rabies Prevention & Vector Borne Disease and Nuisance Complaint Investigation and Abatement. At the time of hire, the selected applicant must possess a certificate of eligibility to be licensed as an Environmental Health Specialist from the Maryland Board of Environmental Health Specialists. Valid driver’s license and background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by June 14, 2023.

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

Sales Associates

Carquest Auto Parts & Marine

Now has openings for Full and Part Time Associates.

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

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility

Up to $20/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

Atlantic Dental is hiring a Full-Time Dental Assistant

Work hours are Monday –Friday from 7:30 am-4:00 pm. We are a busy yet fun, family-oriented private dental practice. We are seeking a hard worker who is detail oriented and offers initiative & dependability. Experience not necessary but preferred. Maryland Radiology License strongly preferred. Email resume to: admin@atlanticdental.com

Now Hiring!

Bartenders, Servers, Kitchen Staff & Hostess Fun atmosphere. PT and FT available. $200 signing bonus!

Open interviews

Tues. & Thurs., 11am-3pm or call 410-405-7573 118th Street, OCMD

Mature, Responsible Renter seeking 6-month+ rental house. ASAP in Berlin, MD area. Please call/text 717897-0529.

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

600 & 800 sq. ft.

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

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

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

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

PETS

ROOMMATES

Furnished Room in South Gate, Ocean Pines. Full house privileges. All utilities included. No smoking, no pets. $800/month, $200 security deposit. 443-880-2317

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

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

PRINT WEB

Beautiful Irishdoodles, family raised with lots of love and interaction. Parents are young, healthy, smart and loving. Parents are AKC registered. Mother is an Irish Setter and Father is Silver Standard Poodle. Ready to go to their new home June 9th. Dewormed and vaccinated. $1200/each. Email: jasjas123@gmail.com. Text: 843-455-3517.

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

MISC. SERVICES

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

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

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

SERVICES

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

VEHICLES WANTED

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

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

(301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

204 W. MARTIN ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated April 20, 2018, recorded in Liber 7200, Folio 100 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $102,116.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

JUNE 27, 2023 AT 4:07 PM

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

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $8,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the

loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 342924-2)

Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees OCD-6/8/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

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

chaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 361504-1)

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

OCD-6/8/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

56 COASTAL DR. BERLIN, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated February 28, 2007, recorded in Liber 4907, Folio 71 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $66,400.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

JUNE 27, 2023 AT 4:05 PM

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

The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind. The property will be sold subject to a prior mortgage, the amount to be announced at the time of sale, if made available to the Substitute Trustees.

101

S BAY ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated March 27, 2015, recorded in Liber 6537, Folio 204 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $122,448.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

JUNE 27, 2023 AT 4:09 PM

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $12,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Pur-

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $5,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to

date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 357188-1)

Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees OCD-6/8/3t

ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A.

128 East Main Street Salisbury, Maryland 2l801

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

Unit No. 1, Straney Condominium, 15 43rd Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Pursuant to Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, entered in Case No. C-23-CV22-000199, the undersigned Trustee will offer the following described property for sale to the highest bidder at public auction to be held at the premises, 15 43rd Street, Ocean City, Maryland, on

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023, at the HOUR OF 12:00 NOON.

The real property located in Worcester County, Maryland and described as follows: CONDOMINIUM UNIT NO. 1 in STRANEY CONDOMINIUM [hereinafter “the Condominium”] as shown on the Condominium Plats of the Condominium, recorded among the Plats of Worcester County, Maryland in Plat Book F.W.H. No. 64, Page No. 54, et seq., as amended to date; together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements and in the common expenses and common profits of the Condominium as more particularly referred to and specified with respect to the Unit in the Master Deed or Declaration and as shown on the Condominium Plats as herein described.

BEING one of the Condominium Units mentioned in the Condominium Declaration or Master Deed (including the By-Laws) of The Condominium dated November 29, 1980, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber F.W.H. No. 737, Folio 181, et seq., as amended to date and as shown on the Condominium Plats aforesaid.

The improvements thereon being known as Condo Unit No. 1, 15 43rd Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. [Tax Account Number 10-066204].

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 Trustee, 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, and condominium 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 Trustee or Auctioneer.

John B. Robins, IV Trustee 410-749-3791

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

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BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

12906 CENTER DR. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Call: 410-723-6397

Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net

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 certified funds or cashier’s check payable or endorsed to the undersigned, in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00). 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 Trustee nor the auctioneer make any representation or warranty concerning the property, the same being sold “as is”; and, if for any reason the Trustee is unable to deliver good and marketable title to the real estate,

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

JUNE 13, 2023 AT 4:05 PM

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

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $16,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together

with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter

No. 357853-1)

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

MAUREEN F.L. HOWARTH

AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A.

6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, Maryland 21842

NOTICE

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

Town of Ocean City, Maryland municipal taxes and assessments under levies of the tax years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 on the properties hereinafter described being due and in arrears and unpaid; and in order to compel the payment of the same, together with interest thereon, Attorney and Advertising Fees of $258, and the costs of attending the proceeding, as provided by law, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as the City Manager and Collector of municipal taxes in the Tenth Election District, Worcester County, Ocean City, Maryland as provided by the Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland (Tax-Property Article Section 14-808 et seq. of the Annotated Code of Maryland), the undersigned City Manager and Collector of Taxes, will sell at public auction, at City Hall, 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, on FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023

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

Item 1 10-140137 and 132377-

20180: Described as Sea Watch Condominium, Unit 804, Assessed to Tracy Field Adler and Robert Adler, Assessed Value $340,633, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,156.46.

Item 5 10-428440 and 100785-

66505: Described as Avalon Condominium, Unit 204, Assessed to Raymond H. Burrows, III and Katherine E. Wyatt-Burrows, Assessed Value $371,000, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,399.64.

Item 7 10-050340 and 119049-

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

Item 9 10-317185 and 51401-

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

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

Item 12 10-113679 and 23765-

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

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

Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $3,972.83.

Item 15 10-207436 and 13559-

31392: Described as Constellation House Condominium, Unit 201, Assessed to Benjamin C. Ogle and Holly B. Ogle, Assessed Value $211,600, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,073.75.

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

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

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

jay@jayclubblaw.com

JAMES E CLUBB, JR.

Plaintiff vs. ELAINE EVANS, et al.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND

CASE NO C-23-CV-23-000025

NOTICE

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

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

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk

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

COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090

410-296-2550

File #: 459381

Richard E. Solomon

Richard J. Rogers

Michael McKeefery

Christianna Kersey

Kevin Hildebeidel

Kyle Blackstone

Kathleen Young 1099 Winterson Road, Suite 301

Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs

v. Clifton Henry Dennis Jr. 8634 Langmaid Road Newark, MD 21841

Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-23-000022

NOTICE

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

The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $67,000.00. The property sold herein is known as 8634 Langmaid Road, Newark, MD 21841.

Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy

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

JOEL J. TODD, ESQ. P.O. BOX 188 BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19738

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LORRAINE ELIZABETH WELSH

Notice is given that William Mason Shehan III, 57 Park Lane, Easton, MD 21601, was on May 23, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lorraine Elizabeth Welsh who died on June 21, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of November, 2023.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the cred-

itor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

William Mason Shehan III

Personal Representative

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

May 25, 2023

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NOTICE

OF PROPOSED CHANGE IN ZONING

EASTERLY SIDE OF STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY AND SOUTH OF SUNSET AVENUE

TENTH TAX DISTRICT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

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

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

PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023

AT 10:30 AM IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM

WORCESTER COUNTY

GOVERNMENT CENTER –ROOM 1101

ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863

At said public hearing the County Commissioners will consider the rezoning application, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 441 and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions on the rezoning, other appropriate restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve, or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements

being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance.

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE of Public Hearing

Amendment to Worcester County Water and Sewerage Plan

Ocean Pines Sanitary AreaSt. Martins by the Bay Community Berlin, Maryland

The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider an application filed by the Department of Environmental Programs on behalf of the applicant, the Department of Public Works. This amendment seeks to change the designation of the water system for the St. Martins by the Bay Community from a private community system to a public one with service from the Ocean Pines Water System and addition of the community to the Ocean Pines water planning area. While the community system in The Plan is designated as W-1 (immediate to two years), this amendment seeks to change that designation to be within the Ocean Pines water planning area with a designation of W-1 (immediate to two years), and include a revised Ocean Pines water planning area map that will reflect the entire community as a planned W-1 designation. The community already has an S-1 (immediate to two years) designation in the Ocean Pines sewer planning area The Worcester County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Water and Sewerage Plan amendment at its meeting of May 4, 2023 and found it to be consistent with the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan. The public hearing on this application will be held on:

Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 10:40 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 – Government Center

One West Market Street

Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

For additional information, please

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 23-05

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

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

A Public Hearing

will be held on Bill 23-05 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, June 20th at 10:35 a.m.

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of NOVEMBER, 2023

Any person having a claim

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

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

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

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

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who died on APRIL 27, 2018 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 1st day of DECEMBER, 2023

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

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

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

TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND

NOTICE

OF A PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2023-03

FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND, A MARYLAND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET AS SUBMITTED.

The Ordinance will be introduced for a first reading on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The public hearing on the Ordinance will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Both meetings will be held during Regular Meetings of the Mayor and Council Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, 2nd Floor, Berlin, MD 21811.

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

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JOHN J FERGUSON FERGUSON & WILPON 3406 OLANDWOOD COURT ONLEY, MD 20832

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE

To all persons interested in the estate of LENA EDITH TURNER SPRAGGENS Estate No. 19751 Notice is given that SHARON LEE TURNER JONES whose address is 15 SILVER MOON DRIVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904 was on JUNE 01, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LENA EDITH TURNER SPRAGGENS

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/8/3t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Dallas Chester Harrington, 6951 Hall Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: South Bend, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Wine Rack 85 8501 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: 85th Street Carry Out, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 21, 2023 @ 1:15 P.M.

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

OCD-6/8/2t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: Evan Grier Elliott, 203 2nd Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Tracy Lynn Stitely, 36292 Regnault Street, Willards, Maryland 21874; Gary Mitchell Gibbs, 2130 P. Street, North West

#812, Washington, DC 20037.

For: Dented Can, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Dough Roller

6909 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: AWH 41, LLC

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

June 21, 2023

@ 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 Upgrade in Type from Beer to a Class: "D" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Bryan Brushmiller, 103 South Main Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Burley Oak Brewery

10016 Old Ocean City Boulevard 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 21, 2023

@ 1:35 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 Transfer for a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Jill Richardson Paquette, 8705 Caribbean Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; R. Furman Richardson, Jr., 9559 Ocean View Lane, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Montego Bay Super Thrift, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Montego Bay Super Thrift

12903 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: R. Furman Richardson, Jr. (Individually)

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

June 21, 2023

@ 1:50 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 Request for background music inside from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Request for background music outside from 8 a.m to 11 p.m. Request for amplified live entertainment inside with up to three pieces from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. four days per week, Request amplified live entertainment outside with up to three pieces from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. four days per week, Request piano or keyboard inside seven days a week, Request karaoke inside during business hours and Request for offsale of beer and wine in factory sealed containers. Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Michael Berardinelli, 30225 Green Valley Run, Milton, Delaware 19968; Robert J. Masone, MD, 29471 Eagles Crest Road, Milton Delaware 19968; Brian Shofi, 12508 West Torquay Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Bay Bar, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Toast Café

221 Wicomico Street

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 21, 2023

@ 2:25 P.M.

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

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NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT OF INVITATION TO BID

RFP # 2023-07

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UPGRADES

PHASE 2: PINE ST., FRANKLIN AVE., AND NELSON ST. TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND

Sealed proposals will be received by the Mayor and Council of Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland, at Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811 until 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, for the STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UPGRADES – PHASE 2: PINE ST., FRANKLIN AVE., AND NELSON ST. located within Pine Street, Franklin Avenue, and Nelson Street, at which time the proposals will be opened publicly and read aloud.

Potential bidders are encouraged to attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting which will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, Maryland.

Maryland 21801 (410-749-0122). All inquiries shall be directed to Darl Kolar, P.E., Project Manager, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC at 410-641-5341.

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Bid documents are available from DiCarlo Precision Instruments, Inc., 2006 Northwood Drive, Salisbury,

TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND

NOTICE

OF A PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2023-04

AMENDING CHAPTER 8, ARTICLE II ENTITLED BUSINESS LICENSES

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND, A MARYLAND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, AMENDING CHAPTER 8, ARTICLE II ENTITLED BUSINESS LICENSES, SECTION 8-19 DEFINITIONS AND SECTION 8-22 LICENSE REQUIRED; FEE; TRANSFERABILITY AS SUBMITTED.

The Ordinance will be introduced for a first reading on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The public hearing on the Ordinance will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Both meetings will be held during Regular Meetings of the Mayor and Council Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, 2nd Floor, Berlin, MD 21811.

The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged.

Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call 410-641-2770 for further information.

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Zoning district. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 4-9, Block 79N of the North Ocean City Plat, further described as located on the east side of Baltimore Avenue and the north side of 26th Street, and locally known as the Flagship Hotel, 2600 Baltimore Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BIKE WORLD LLC

C/O JOHN BARRETT (BZA 2657 FILE #23-09400010)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Esq., Attorney OCD-6/8/2t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

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

Thursday, June 22, 2023

at 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(1) requesting a special use exception to allow a leased bicycle rental within the interior of the hotel in the R-3

Mayor & City Council

Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

Bank of OC Building Renovation

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors to provide site construction for the Bank of OC Building Renovation and for said work to be in conformity with the Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the Bank of OC Building Renovation 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 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 Bid Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 10 am, located at City Hall, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 for any questions concerning the Bid Documents The last day for questions will be on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 3pm. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Monday, June 26, 2023

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, July 10, 2023 by 3:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud at the Mayor and City Council Work Session held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: City Manager; Room 230, 301 N Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 and must note the name of the solicitation (Bank of OC Building Renovation) on the outside of the package. Late Bid Document will not be accepted.

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

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19756 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SHAWN PATRICK BERGER

Notice is given that Deidre Carol Berger, 16 Cheetah Drive, Hanover, PA 17331, was on June 02, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Shawn Patrick Berger who died on March 22, 2023, without a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Deidre Carol Berger Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

One W. Market Street

Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2023-09

RE: Conveyance of Certain Air Rights

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2023-09 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of June 5, 2023. Second reading is scheduled for June 20, 2023. 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 5, 2023, agenda packet. This ordinance authorizes the conveyance of certain air rights to 11th Street MD, LC, developer of the proposed Majestic Hotel, commencing fourteen (14) feet above the highest point of the northsouth alley in Block 7N, Plat of the Property of the Sinepuxent Beach Company of Baltimore City, known as Washington Lane, and extending skyward sixty feet (60’) from said point, a distance of 37 feet, between 6th Street and 7th Street. In exchange, 11th Street MD, LC, has agreed to widen the current sixteenfoot (16’) Washington Lane and grant an additional nine foot (9’) wide public easement to the Town of Ocean City.

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Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2023-10 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of June 5, 2023. Second reading is scheduled for June 20, 2023. 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 5, 2023, agenda packet. This ordinance prohibits the operation of on-site cannabis consumption establishments.

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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.

Amanda Brooke Hailey

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2023-11

RE: Violations and Penalties

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2023-07 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of June 5, 2023. Second reading is scheduled for June 20, 2023. 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 5, 2023, agenda packet. This is companion legislation to Ordinance 2023-10, On-Site Consumption Establishments, adding Article X to ensure offenses are correctly assigned to a penalty.

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19687

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DOLORES P. PRITCHETT

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 8, 2023

OCD-6/8/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE

TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19740 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RONALD W. ARMSTRONG

Notice is given that Lisa Joan Armstrong, 2425 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103; and Lori B. Armstrong, 4821 Babylon Road, Taneytown, MD 21787, was on May 30, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald W. Armstrong who died on May 11, 2023, with a will.

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

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2023-10

RE: On-Site Cannabis

Consumption Establishments

Notice is hereby given by the

AKA: DOLORES PINK PRITCHETT

Notice is given that Amanda Brooke Hailey, 10025 Mason Road, Berlin, MD 21811, was on May 30, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dolores P. Pritchett who died on January 7, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of November, 2023.

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

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, 2023.

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

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

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

Lisa Joan Armstrong Lori B. Armstrong

Personal Representatives

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 08, 2023

Reserve studies of common areas

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M. DAVID STALLINGS, ESQ.

NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP

11032 NICHOLAS LANE, SUITE A201 BERLIN, MD 21811

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19752

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY HENSHALL

Notice is given that Deborah J. McKenna-Burns A/K/A Deborah Jackson, 11926 Man O War Lane, Berlin, MD 21811, was on June 01, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Henshall who died on September 23, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of December, 2023.

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

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

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

Deborah J. McKenna-Burns

A/K/A Deborah Jackson

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 08, 2023 OCD-6/8/3t

Additionl

requirements of new Maryland law related to who can conduct review

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(June 9, 2023) In the past two weeks, we reviewed the Maryland General Assembly new legislation requiring all condominiums, homeowner associations, and housing cooperatives to undertake regular reserve studies of common area components, under House Bill 107.

In this week’s article, we will wrap up provisions of the new law as they relate to who can conduct the reserve

study and requirements of associations in providing the reserve study information to owners.

The House Bill 107/Reserve Study law requires a community that has not had a reserve study on or after Oct. 1, 2018, to undertake one no later than Oct.1, 2023, and that study must also be updated every five years thereafter.

Some additional requirements of the law as they relate to having the reserve study conducted are each reserve study must be prepared by an individual who:

• has prepared at least 30 reserve studies for the applicable type of community within the prior three calendar years;

* holds a current license from the State Board of Architects or the State Board for Professional Engineers; or

• is currently designated as a re-

serve specialist by the Community Association Institute or a professional reserve analyst by the Association of Professional Reserve Analysts. Also important to note for association boards is that each reserve study must:

• be available for inspection and copying by any unit owner or lot owner;

• be reviewed by the governing body of the cooperative, condominium, or HOA annually in connectionwith preparing the annual budget; and

• be summarized for submission with the annual proposed budget to the unit or lot owners.

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

Sewer system smoke test schedule

A special, non-toxic smoke will be used in the tests.

It leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plant or animal life.

showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed or missing.

(June 9, 2023) Worcester County Public Works Water and Wastewater Division will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system from June 13-16 between Maid at Arms Lane and Man O War Lane.

A news release said the study will involve opening and entering manholes in the streets and public utility easements to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal where storm and other surface water enters the sewer system.

The smoke is visible and has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor that should last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.

Because the plumbing appliances in homes and buildings are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter these facilities in the following instances:

• Vents connected to a building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.

• Traps under sinks, tubs, basins,

• Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

The smoke test can reveal the presence, if any, of sewer gas, which can be dangerous and a health risk to occupants.

If smoke enters your home or business, please contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in the area or call the county water and wastewater division at 410-641-5251, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Worcester County Public Works will be working in Glen Riddle June 13-16

Dunes Manor reopened as Hilton Garden

Historic 28th Street hotel rebranded and boasts all new, updated amenities

(June 9, 2023) The former, historic Dunes Manor hotel has made its official debut as the Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City Oceanfront on 28th Street.

According to a news release, the 12-story, 170-room property reopened May 26, following an extensive renovation. The release boasts that the newly unveiled property brings an elevated aesthetic, and a new brand identity, to the resort.

The new Hilton Garden Inn is owned and operated by South Carolina-based OTO Development, which is part of The Johnson Group.

“We’re delighted to bring Hilton Garden Inn’s better, brighter experience to Ocean City,” Lorrie Miller, the general manager, in the news release.

Miller heads the hotel’s leadership team alongside Lauri Reynolds, the director of sales, and Gennady Osipov, the director of food and beverage.

“It matters where you stay,” Miller continued. “And staying here means a well-appointed oceanfront room and private balcony, with nothing but sand between you and the water.”

This peaceful setting, though, is anything but secluded.

“We’re only one block from Ocean City’s famed boardwalk — just 175 steps and yes, we counted!” Miller said. “So you’re close to all the action and attractions along what The Travel Channel calls one of the best boardwalks in all of America.”

The Hilton Garden Inn’s 170 rooms have spacious ensuite balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and are all designed with soft furniture and thoughtful conveniences to ensure guests feel right at home. Amenities include an indoor pool, a well-equipped fitness center, an oceanfront rocking chair porch and 3,000 square feet of meeting/event space with a gracious ballroom. The hotel also has two on-site food and beverage venues, Coastline Café & Creamery and Solstice Oceanfront Bar & Grill.

“Coastline is nestled in the hotel lobby for fresh, all-day convenience plus a little sweet fun,” Osipov said oil the release.

She noted the establishment’s menu with artisanal coffee, breakfast bowls and fresh doughnuts in the morning, grab-and-go sandwiches and salads in the afternoon, and hand-dipped local ice cream, sweet treats and boozy milkshakes in the

evening.

“Solstice, meanwhile, makes the most of its on-the- water setting to serve up stunning views with spectacular food,” she said.

The restaurant features a chef-curated menu centered around marketfresh ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“Solstice specializes in coastal-

June 8 - June

American dishes with an emphasis on local seafood and signature crab cakes,” Osipov said. “Our indooroutdoor bar offers a long and merry list of handcrafted drinks: everything from signature cocktails and mocktails to the most delightful dessert concoctions. Our beer and wine lists feature favorites from a local vine-

See NEW Page 53

The Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City Oceanfront – the former Dunes Manor hotel — is seen lit up on 28th Street. The historic hotel was recently reopened after a full renovation and rebranding.

New Reel Inn owners feel welcomed

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) For non-locals, the Reel Inn isn’t easy to find, but when the White Marlin Open comes around, the hidden gem shines bright.

“If you don’t know where it’s at, you’re not finding it,” said Matt Rishkofski, who owns and operates the Reel Inn restaurant with his wife, Julie, and their son, Zack.

Julie handles the kitchen, ordering and cooking, Zack manages the front of the house and Matt takes care of the business end.

This restaurant is tucked away in the Harbour Island community off 14th Street, bayside. Someone who hasn’t visited before might find themselves pulling into well-marked Reel Inn parking spots, then exiting their car and spinning in circles trying to pinpoint its location.

“For the local people, they love that fact. It keeps the tourists away and whatnot, and that’s wonderful, but you still have to sustain a business so you can’t primarily rely on just the local people,” Matt said. “You do need some outside tourists to support you, to make it.”

That’s why the Reel Inn website gives specific directions to walk behind the Holiday Real Estate office

and follow the path that leads behind the community’s pool on the marinaside dock.

At that point, the big red letters over the sliding glass door to the bar can’t be missed.

Although, the Rishkofskis didn’t need to find it on foot. Zack found the restaurant listed for sale online and brought the idea to his parents.

The Rishkofskis hail from the northeast Pennsylvania town of Berwick,

where they owned Bandits Roadhouse Bar and Grill for 18 years. They also owned a home in West Ocean City and frequented the resort, so the family closed the deal on the Reel Inn, sold everything in Pennsylvania and moved to the coast full-time.

Ownership officially transferred April 21, the family said.

“The community’s been very receptive to change of ownership and

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Rishkofskis took ownership of the Reel Inn on April 21 after operating Bandits Roadhouse Bar and Grill in Berwick, Pennsylvania, for 18 years. Pictured, from left, are Zack, Matt and Julie Rishkofski standing at the bar of the Reel Inn.

Lathroums retire, recall memories of Reel Inn

Continued from Page 51

everybody’s been very cordial and very welcoming,” Matt said. “For somebody from out of town coming into town, new, not knowing what to expect, it’s been really great.”

Angie and Scott “Spunk” Lathroum had owned and operated Reel Inn since May 1991.

“When you’ve done it for 31 years and you get a little older, you start to slow down,” Spunk said. “(I) just think it was the right time to do it, because our kids are grown. We want some more of our time.”

Spunk’s first job in Ocean City was serving as a dock boy in 1976 at the marina where the Reel Inn now stands. Back then, the area was just a gazebo nightclub and an open field, Scott said.

The restaurant started as a poolside-dock-side bar without food service in 1983 along with the development of Harbor Island. In the years after buying it, the Lathroums added a small oven to cook pizzas, then a charcoal grill and finally added a full kitchen, they said.

“It was my home away from home. I raised my family there,” Angie said.

Scott said it took them awhile to cultivate a summer-long returning crowd outside of the rush during the White Marlin Open, but now the

restaurant is busy all season long.

“We were kind of like the best kept secret in Ocean City,” Angie said.

The Lathroums said it was an honor to be at the center of the White Marlin Open. Spunk said that especially in the last 10 years, they have seen a huge growth in crowds as the tournament gained worldwide acclaim.

“Over 30 years, we’ve watched three generations come through, and it’s marvelous,” Angie said.

One of Spunk’s favorite memories concerns the late Dennis King, a.k.a. “Denny-O,” who owned Pepper’s Tavern, which no longer exists.

On Tuesdays, Denny-O, who was something of a fixture in Ocean City, would serve drinks during guest bartender night at the Reel Inn.

“I loved those Tuesday nights. They were crazy,” Spunk said.

He also recalled a time when Jim Weaver, owner of Weaver Boatworks, brought in a blue marlin so big it couldn’t be held on a scale rated for 1,200 pounds.

“I’m pretty sure we were the first restaurant to do ‘you catch it, we cook it,’ in Ocean City, so you go out fishing and you fillet your fish and you bring your filleted fish to the Reel Inn,” Angie said. “You got to wait for it, but we cook it.”

The restaurant became known for its tuna after the Lathroum’s friend, Mark “The Hammer” Hill, a charter captain, showed the couple a how to prepare the fish with simple marinade. Tuna took off, and now the Reel Inn recipe is somewhat of an open secret.

As the Rishkofskis take the helm, Reel Inn’s customer-favorite classic tuna dishes, like Reel Tuna Bites and the Reel Tuna sandwich continue unchanged.

“We’ve made some changes to their menus ... and we’re doing a lot of specials and feeling out the community to see what do they really want or don’t want,” Matt said.

Two new menu items that have been a popular choice include the Shrimp Kisses, which are shrimp with jalapeno peppers wrapped in bacon, and the Bay Skins, which are potato skins cooked with shrimp salad and cheddar cheese.

The restaurant also sells packaged liquor, beer and wine, and Julie said they’ll crush oranges for customers that they can take them home to make orange crushes.

Orange crushes became a customer-favorite drink under the Lathroum’s ownership. Angie credits Harborside Bar and Grill in West OC for drumming up the drinks demand. Once the Lathroums gave into cus-

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tomers calling for Reel Inn to serve the drink during a White Marlin Open, bags of oranges became boxes and boxes became pallets.

This upcoming August, the White Marlin Open will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the fish weighins are in Harbor Island Marina just outside the doors to the Reel Inn, per-usual.

Julie said it takes a lot to coordinate with the fishing tournament’s organizers and the residents of Harbor Island, and that the organizing is year-round.

The Rishkofskis have plans for an extra food tent, three outdoor bars and an additional bar on the patio to accommodate the White Marlin crowds.

“It’s basically the restaurant goes on steroids for 10 days and expands out,” Matt said.

The Rishkofskis said they are enjoying the new adventure, and hope to remain as the owners for many years to come.

“Another 30 years from now who knows what it will be. There’s always room for expansion,” Matt said.

Angie said the Lathroums wish the best for the Rishofskis.

“They have just fallen in there and made it their own. They have not changed the atmosphere. They haven’t changed the host, community feeling, and it’s a nice place. It’s a wonderful place,” Angie said.

WC arts council calls for entries in July competition

(June 9, 2023) The Worcester County Arts Council invites all artists to participate in a juried art competition and exhibit for the month of July at the arts council gallery.

A news release said the exhibition is open to all artists (18 years old and older), emerging or established, with work in all media.

The subject: “Summertime” is open to the artist’s individual expression and interpretation. All entries must be original and completed within the last three years.

Entries must be delivered to the arts council’s gallery between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., June 27 - 29, to be accepted. Artwork will be judged for the competition.

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Monetary prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place during an open-to-the-public reception from 5-7 p.m., July 14, at the Worcester County Arts Council’s gallery at 6 Jefferson Street in Berlin.

Visit the Arts Council’s website at worcestercountyartscouncil.org for detailed exhibit guidelines and an

entry form.

Big Brothers Big Sisters need sponsors for ES Golf Classic

(June 9, 2023) Members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore are soliciting donations for the organization’s upcoming Eastern Shore Golf Classic.

Set for Aug. 7, the 14th annual event will be at the River Marsh Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency Golf Resort in Cambridge.

Sponsors can promote their companies by marketing to local business owners, executives, leading employees and organizations on the Eastern Shore through donations to the charity event.

According to a news release, the golf classic offers different levels of sponsorship that assist children facing adversity. Supporters can be the Diamond Presenting Sponsor for $10,000, Ruby Sponsor for $7,500, Emerald Sponsor for $5,000, Sapphire Sponsor for $2,500, Topaz Sponsor for $1,000, Jade Sponsor for $500, or a Tee Sign Sponsor for $250. Proceeds from the tournament will provide children facing adversity with youth enrichment, life changing mentoring relationships, and resources.

The release said Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore gave out nearly 6,300 resources and served

New Hilton Garden now open

yard and several local breweries.”

546 children on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in the past year.

A total of 99 percent of the children enrolled in the agency’s programs have been able to avoid delinquency, substance abuse and gang participation; 93 percent have shown improvement in behavior; 92% have shown improvement in self-confidence; and 86 percent have been able to maintain or improve their grades.

The reported numbers are made possible through sponsorships for fundraising events like the Eastern Shore Golf Classic, the release said.

For questions, call 410-543-2447 or email golf4kids@shorebiglittle.org.

Locally sourced items include seasonal produce from Baywater Farms, Fifer Orchards and Vessey Orchards, wine from Salted Vines Vineyard, craft beer from Dogfish Head Brewery and Big Oyster Brewery, desserts from Smith Island Baking Co., and ice cream from Hopkins Dairy Farm.

The hotel shop carries a variety of Maryland snacks and beverages along with handcrafted items from popular regional artisans.

Local flair is likewise incorporated throughout Hilton Garden Inn’s fresh new look. The custom-built reception desk, for example, is highlighted by an overhead art installation by Jeff Auxer of Berlin, featuring nearly 200 glass plates that portray a school of fish. An intriguing, abstract ceiling

installation resembles the sand dunes of the beach, creating depth and texture while reminding travelers why they’ve come.

“This renovation brings a modern, elevated aesthetic to our property while still paying homage to the iconic Ocean City vibe,” Miller said in the release. “The design exudes a true sense of place via regional artwork and pops of coastal color, texture and style.”

For more information about Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City Oceanfront, or to make reservations, visit HGI.com/OceanCityOceanfront or call 410-289-1100. For more information about Solstice, visit SolsticeOceanCity.com. Connect on social @HiltonGardenInnOceanCityMD and @SolsticeOceanCityMD. Read more about Hilton Garden Inn at Stories.Hilton.com.

Local organizations receive grants from MD Coastal Bays

(June 9, 2023) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program recently announced recipients of the organization’s 2023 mini and research grants.

The funds support education, outreach, resiliency and research projects in Maryland’s Coastal Bays region.

“The goal of the Mini Grant program is to invest in the health and resiliency of our local community by giving diverse organizations access to funding for projects that will enhance communities and, overall, improve natural resources” Education Program Manager Chandler Joiner said in a news release

The mini grant awardees are:

• Spencer Rowe Environmental Consultants, in partnership with Assateague Coastal Trust was awarded $4,999 to support the installation and monitoring of five water level loggers throughout the Coastal Bays and tributaries.

• The Germantown School Community Heritage Center was awarded $4,981.20 to support butterfly garden activities and native medicinal plant garden. The grant also supports the creation of a medicinal plant scavenger hunt and coloring book.

• The Freetown Education, Research, and Cultural Center was awarded $4,977.88 to restore an historical

African American cemetery and preserve the surrounding wooded area.

• Assateague Coastal Trust’s Coast Kids program was awarded $4,911 to fund eight summer camp scholarships, transportation for scholarship recipients and staff time for camp hours.

• Go Green OC was awarded $4,996.60 to buy equipment to support the expansion of operational capacity for the Ocean City composting program.

The scientific research funding was available to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s partners to assist in responding to research needs identified in by the organization’s Science and Technical Advisory Committee. The research grant was awarded to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to test the efficacy of a marsh soil microbial index as an early warning indicator of problems in marsh health due to prolonged flooding.

Maryland Coastal Bays Program Science Coordinator Roman Jesien said in the release that the grants came from the Environmental Protection Agency through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding.

For more information, visit mdcoastalbays.org.

Assateague State Park hosts

(June 9, 2023) Assateague State Park will be holding its annual Youth Fishing Derby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 17.

According to a news release, the event is free for all and participants must be children under 16.

Participants will learn fishing techniques and try their hands at surf fishing alongside Assateague State Park employees. The employees will instruct the young anglers in proper fishing methods for the surf.

Fishing equipment will be provided but is limited, so the release said participants should bring their own equipment if possible.

Those who want to take part in the event must register at the Nature Nook, next to the Day Use parking lot at the park. The release said prizes will be awarded to the winners.

For more information, contact Carly Brukiewa at 443-397-0078, or carly.brukiewa@maryland.gov.

Carly Toulan, an environmental scientist with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, monitors levels in the bay.

Fundraiser Tuesday to help local pay for lung transplant

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) Party for Emily, a fundraiser to help support Ocean City resident Emily Heiner who is in recovery from a double-lung transplant surgery, will be held at Buxy’s Salty Dog on 28th Street on June 13 from 6-10 p.m.

“We are anticipating a massive crowd there to support Emily,” said Sandy Abrams, a friend of Heiner and her husband, Scott, who is helping organize their fundraising.

The party will feature a pig roast, happy hour drink prices, jam sessions from local musicians and an air guitar contest, Abrams said. There will also be silent and Chinese auctions, mystery prize boxes, cupcake raffle tickets and other activities.

Tickets are $25 per person and can be bought at the door. About 200 tickets are available, or as many people as they can fit inside the restaurant.

Fifteen of Heiner’s friends are volunteering to help with the event.

Heiner has been in recovery since she received the surgery on April 12 at Johns Hopkins. She had three previous calls to surgery fall through and waited for about four weeks on the donor’s list.

Heiner recently moved from the ICU to the MICU, and is now living in a standard room for the rest of her time at Hopkins.

“She is breathing on her own for the first time in about 20 years. No air tank, no oxygen generator,” Abrams said. “She still has a long way to go, but everyday sees progress.”

Heiner needed the surgery because of a collapsed right lung, which resulted from cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects many organs, but most prominently the lungs.

A CF patient’s lungs fill with overly sticky mucus that blocks airways and traps infections.

“Basically, CF feels like, the best way I can describe it, is like breathing through a straw all the time,” Heiner said on March 27.

HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Emily Heiner has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the lungs, among other organs, and makes it very difficult to breathe. She shows off a collage of pictures of her family at her home on March 27.

RAVENS PARADE

The Ravens Roost parade traveled north in the south driving lanes of Baltimore Avenue last Saturday as Ravens fan groups from all around the state walked, drove or traveled in floats. Pictured is Mayor Rick Meehan and Katy Durham heading off near the front of the parade.

Although Ravens Roosts are not directly affiliated with the Ravens, the team and organization sent some official members to represent them. Pictured is the Ravens mascot Poe dressed for a swim as he walks the parade path.

BOSS BABY

Christopher Casale Jr., 16 months, barely fills the seat of a giant CocaCola Adirondack chair on a recent trip to Northside Park. Christopher Jr.’s father, Christopher Casale, said his son loved the new play area and seeing all of the visitors walking their dogs.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY

For WWII veteran Morris Semiatin’s 97 birthday on June 1, his son Ben took him to 32 Palms at the 32nd Street Hilton Oceanfront Suites, the 100th local restaurant the two have visited together since fall of 2020. Pictured are Ben and Morris surrounded by 32 Palms staff.

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

PHOTO COURTESY BEN SEMIATIN

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Several former Ravens players joined the parade. Pictured is Daniel Wilcox, a former tight end who played in the NFL from 2001-2008, signing a fan’s jacket.

PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTOPHER CASALE

PHOTO COURTESY BEN SEMIATIN

Pictured is 97-year-old WWII Marine veteran Morris Semiatin posing with Marines who came to walk in a June 3 parade to celebrate Morris’s birthday on June 1.

GUEST SPEAKER

From left, Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Bob Wolfing and Lindsay Richard, the community engagement director for Freeman Arts, pose during a recent Kiwanis Club meeting. Richard was the guest speaker at the meeting, where she shared stats and information about the Selbyville

ART LEAGUE DONATION

Aubrey Sizemore, volunteer and event coordinator for the Art League of Ocean City, left, receives a $1,000 sponsorship check for Arts Day in the Pines from Sharon Sorrentino of the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club. Arts Day in the Pines is a free event hosted by the Art League that will feature more than 50 artisans and art activities. The event is set 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 24, at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocean Pines.

NEW MEMBERS

The William E. Esham, Jr. Chapter of the Cum Laude Society at Worcester Preparatory School welcomed seven new members at a ceremony on April 27. Front from left, are new members Elaina Elrick, Sara Freih, Vanesska Hall and Isabella Huber. From left in back are Assistant Head of School/Head of School Mike Grosso, new members Parker Tingle, Jenna Hess and Lorelei Campbell, and Head of School John McDonald. The Cum Laude Society is a national organization founded in 1906 that honors the world’s academic excellence in secondary schools. Worcester Prep is the only school on the Eastern Shore with an established Cum Laude Chapter.

NEW OFFICERS

The First State Detachment recently held elections for new officers at Ocean City American Legion Post 166. Pictured, from left, are Elected Commandant Al Soto, Senior Vice Commandant Tom Redding, Junior Vice Commandant Milt Warren, Judge Advocate Don Coffin, Paymaster Gene Dankewicz, Adjutant Rhonda Soto, Sgt.-at-Arms Chuck Schaub, Chaplain Vic Freeman, Web Master Rick Schumann, and Quartermaster Lynda Kundrat.

BIKE RODEO

PHOTO COURTESY KIWANIS CLUB

event venue.

(Right)

Worcester

Preparatory School

fourth grade teachers Kim Jankowski,

far

left, and Erin Shimko, far right, take a break from a bike rodeo on May 18 to take a photo with their students and Ocean City Police Cpl. Joe Bushnell. Worcester Prep personnel teamed up with Bushnell to host the outdoor obstacle course for first- and fourth-grade students. Before the event, lower school teachers conducted classroom sessions about bike maintenance and safety. (Left) Worcester Preparatory School First Grader Roshan Chapla, of Salisbury, gives a left-handed turn signal during the bike rodeo safety course.

PHOTO COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

AGH Cancer Care Center gets re-accredited

(June 9, 2023) The Commission on Cancer, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, has granted three-year accreditation to the John H. “Jack” Burbage Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center at Atlantic General Hospital.

To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through an extensive survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care.

Because it is a CoC-accredited cancer center, the Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncolo-

gists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care.

“Seeking cancer treatment locally is typically the best option for patients because it allows them to avoid the physical, emotional and financial hardships that can come with longdistance travel to a cancer center. This re-accreditation shows that our community can trust the care we provide here at the Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center,” center director Chanelle Lake said in a news release.

“And, it’s a testament to the good work that our dedicated staff do every day.”

The Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center has held CoC accreditation since 2018.

The CoC Accreditation Program

provides the framework for the Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center to continuously improve quality of patient care through various cancerrelated programs that focus on the full spectrum of care including prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease, and end-of-life care.

When patients receive care at a CoC facility, they also have access to information on clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling, and patient centered services including psycho-social support, a patient navigation process, and a survivorship care plan that documents the care each patient receives and seeks to improve cancer survivors’ qualities of life.

Like all CoC-accredited facilities, the Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center maintains a cancer registry and contributes data to the National

Cancer Data Base, a joint program of the CoC and American Cancer Society.

This nationwide oncology outcomes database is the largest clinical disease registry in the world. Data on all types of cancer are tracked and analyzed through the NCDB and used to explore trends in cancer care.

CoC-accredited cancer centers, in turn, have access to information derived from this type of data analysis, which is used to create national, regional and state benchmark reports.

These reports help CoC facilities with their quality improvement efforts.

CoC-accredited facilities diagnose and/or treat more than 70 percent of all newly diagnosed patients with cancer. When patients choose to seek care locally at a CoC-accredited cancer center, they are gaining access to comprehensive, state-of-the-art cancer care close to home.

See CENTER Page 59

Heiner in recovery at Hopkins

Continued from Page 55

Insurance will only cover 80 percent of the cost of $1.2 million surgery and the medication that Heiner will need for years post-surgery.

Heiner will need financial aid for at least a decade, Abrams said, so he and his wife, Karen, have been trained by and work with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, or COTA, an organization that provides fundraising assistance to children in need of organ transplants, according to its website.

COTA is running Heiner’s fundraising even though she turned 35 on April 23, because COTA assists people of any age for certain diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

One-hundred percent of every contribution made through COTA goes to the patient’s transplant-related expenses, and money raised goes to pay medical bills directly for the patient, Heiner said.

According to the donation webpage COTA set up for Heiner, more than $29,403 had been raised as of Wednesday towards her $65,000 goal.

A COTA representative met with the Abrams on April 13 for a training session about how to fundraise for Heiner around Ocean City.

“We (the Abrams) raise the money, it goes to COTA. It’s put into her account for her, and as she expends funds the invoices go to COTA, and they write her reimbursement check or they pay the company that gets the money.” Abrams said.

The first fundraising event in Heiner’s honor was Emily’s Paint Night Fundraiser for New Lungs on April 15 at T.C. Studios on 15th Street in Ocean City. The event raised $3,000 with 39 attendees, Abrams said.

To learn more about Heiner, visit cota.org/campaigns/COTAforEmilys Lungs/blog/our-story.

GO O’S

Center offers myriad of services

Continued from Page 58

The Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center, located on Atlantic General Hospital’s campus in Berlin provides one centrally-located, convenient facility for the care and treatment of individuals with cancer and blood disorders.

Along with medical oncology, chemotherapy infusion services and immunotherapy, the center offers the latest in radiation oncology treat-

ment; PET/CT imaging; laboratory services; genetic counseling; community education and support facilities; and telemedicine technology that allow patients and their physicians to consult with other cancer care professionals at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, preventing unnecessary travel for consultation and follow-up care for patients who may require more intensive cancer care services.

STEWART DOBSON/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Maryland’s state bird, the Baltimore oriole, takes a break in an Ocean City backyard before moving on to the more densely wooded interior of the state to the north, where it will likely nest. Orioles are spring and summer visitors, and spend their winters in South America.

Kiwanis recognition

Editor, The community around Ocean Pines is due recognition for their continuing support of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City, Maryland.

The local club is part of an international organization of volunteers in over 80 countries which focuses on “Serving the Children of the World”. The local club has nearly 50 members form Ocean Pines, Ocean City, Berlin and Southern Sussex County who volunteer tirelessly to raise funds in support of local youth and also perform community service, none of which could be accomplished without the support of the community.

Some of the efforts are an annual “Pick 3” Lottery Raffle sold by members and weekly at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market, Springfest beer sales, selling concessions in Ocean Pines for their annual car show, Summer Concerts in the Park, the 4th of July celebration and craft shows, to name a few. A major part of these funds are budgeted for annual scholarships awarded to local graduating senior students. This year $16,000 was awarded.

Local businesses also support the Kiwanis Club, as was the case for the June 3rd Annual Car Show. A big THANK YOU to Red Sun Custom Apparel, The Foard Lund Wilson Group of Merrill Lynch, Danzi Brothers, Dan Franklin Plumbing, The DV

Robertson Group (Seafloor Carpet & Hardwood), Eagle Roofing, Yasmin, LLC (Paradise Grill & Pizzeria), Baby Boomer Insurance, Fenwick Hardware, OC Eyecare, Bank of Ocean City, Sherrie Clifford, JHT, Berlin Autowash, Go Glass of West OC. Rayne’s Reef and the Treasure Chest for sponsoring the event.

Kiwanis is grateful for the community support and will continue to strive to help make a difference.

Kiwanian David J. Landis Sr.

DEI, What Is It?

Editor, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (“DEI”) Is being broadly adopted in our community and nationally. Recently Mayor Rick Meehan hired a “DEI” Officer, why? What does she do?

More concerning, Mr. Lou Taylor, our superintendent of schools, has described his educational approach as “diversity, equity, inclusion” (DEI), a position espoused by many of Lou’s minions in the county education bureaucracy. How does his position change education for the county’s children in K-12? What does Mr. Taylor mean? Across the nation, public educational bureaucracies, politicians and large public companies are embracing DEI, why?

Although not exhaustive, we should take the effort to look at “DEI,” and answer some of these questions. A generation of children are being exposed to DEI in public education and we are paying for it.

Diversity on its face seems fair stating that all human differences should be represented in the workforce. This includes differences such as religion, ethnicity, creed, sex, gender, on and on. Should they be represented equally? Is that practical?

Affirmative action was formed to increase Afro-American representation primarily in education, govern-

ment and the workplace. Historically jobs and academic slots have been assigned on the basis of merit not race. How has that worked? Today the federal government employs 16.6 percent Afro-Americans, while only 12.6 percent are in the population. A 32 percent overrepresentation. Affirmative action prejudices selection against merit. Diversity results in broadening discrimination against merit.

Equity means acknowledging “structural inequality” that advantages some and disadvantages others, and to compensate for this it results in inequality in school and the workplace. Rather than offering classroom equality of opportunity, equity requires ill-defined compensation allocated to those whose “circumstances are not equal.” Once again discriminating against merit.

Inclusion strives to develop an inclusive culture, so that all voices are heard. This is applied to the “LGBT” (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) community which is less than a half percent of the population but growing. By latching on to “inclusion,” this group states they are underrepresented in the workplace particularly at more senior levels. Merit-based selection, in school or on the job should only discriminate on the basis of merit relating to school work or job work.

In America, the pillars of our Judeo-Christian culture rest on selfresponsibility and bearing the consequences of our own decisions. Discrimination based on merit in both jobs and schools, fosters an environment of hope and opportunity, resulting in wealth creation and independence.

Is DEI connected to Wokeness or Critical Race theory? If so, how? How does DEI relate to victimhood and privilege? Both are associated with Critical Theory (“CT”). Are these ele-

Continued on Page 62

Lack of transparency? Politics had role too

A cynical observer might say the Worcester County Commissioners’ vote Tuesday to deny Worcester County Public Schools the additional funding the school board sought for the year ahead had less to do with transparency than it did with politics and the desire to establish more control over the school system.

It’s hardly coincidental that public schools and public school teachers across the country are under attack by politicians who believe these institutions are responsible for producing young citizens who, for a variety of reasons, probably won’t vote for them once they reach the age of majority.

Knowing that makes doubtful the commissioner majority’s constant assertion that the absence of transparency is the only reason for its refusal to fund the school budget as presented. More likely, this last-minute claim of transparency problems is being used as the justification for Tuesday’s vote, rather than the cause.

Were the commissioners’ desire to see all the numbers so urgent this year, they would have advised the board of education in January of this significant deviation from what had been standard budgetary practice for decades.

But no, they waited until the board presented its numbers and then feigned surprise over its lack of detail. That’s difficult to accept considering that the kind of budget breakdown the commissioners received this year is the same as they received last year, the year before that and so on. Why they would expect something different after all this time is a puzzler in its own right.

Considering that virtually all government budgets contain some degree of questionable spending — the county government budget included — there’s nothing wrong with being skeptical, critical or asking for more information. That should be expected or even required.

Still, it is difficult to buy into all the sincere reassurances that a lack of transparency was the only cause of this budgetary failure. A more jaundiced eye would find it equally challenging to feel certain that politics had nothing to do with it.

Ocean City Today

11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842

Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson

MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli

STAFF WRITERS ..............Jack Chavez, Mallory Panuska,

Hoffman, Hunter Hine

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

Kelly

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER ...... Christine Brown

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

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

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

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

Ode to Swift reaction

I like Taylor Swift, not because of her music, which I don’t know much about, or because she’s the kind of person that allows you to use the word “lithe” in a sentence, which I seldom get to do, or because she’s apparently very, very smart.

Being talented, lithe, very, very smart and intriguingly glamourous have nothing to do with my admiration of her. No, it’s because she swallowed a bug on stage recently and didn’t freak out.

By Stewart Dobson

I can tell you that isn’t easy. I know because I had a fly buzz up my nose when I was a kid, and it so unnerved me that I nearly drowned trying to flush it out with the garden hose.

That’s correct, you might have your sinusclearing neti pots, but turn the hose nozzle on “jet” and take 100 PSI up the sniffer, and then come talk to me. It’s not what I call a good time.

In fact, had I ever been taken prisoner by terrorists bent on waterboarding me for all the critical information I carry — my non-traditional shrimp and grits recipe for instance — I’d laugh in their faces.

“You call this torture? Hah! I had a fly go up my nose once and ...”

“Oh. Well, that changes everything,” they’d say. “Cue up the sensitive pop music. An hour 0f listening to that and he’ll break. They all do.”

“Nooooooooo, not that! I’ll talk. First you make a roux...”

The thing is, everyone who’s ever swallowed, inhaled or otherwise ingested a bug of any kind will tell you that it automatically expands on entry to something like 10-times its normal size.

A fly crosses the threshold into your breathing apparatus, and suddenly you’d swear you have just been violated by a hummingbird.

It's the same principle as the tooth-extraction phenomenon, which is that the removal of a molar that’s about the size of a dime leaves a hole you could putt into, if it was more conveniently located, of course.

But that’s just the way it is, so when Taylor Swift sucked in a moth, fly or some other winged insect as she talked to the audience, she was probably thinking, “Great, I’m about to present a concert and I have a bat perched on my tonsils.”

But did she panic, call for a garden hose, or scream for the bat removal team from Bob’s Flying Mammal Rescue Service? No, she did n0t. She maintained her poise, turned away from the audience, coughed a couple of times, and said, “Oh, delicious.”

That’s it. I don’t care what anyone says, a person who can swallow a bug in front of thousands of people and still maintain a stage presence is to be admired.

Were it me, I’d cave, empty my profane tank, if you will, and call out: “Quick, someone, get the ••••••• garden hose!”

Copyright 2023

Gateway Subaru of Delmar donates $30K

Money given to Believe in Tomorrow last three years through Hometown Charity

(June 9, 2023) For the past three years, Gateway Subaru of Delmar has selected the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation as its Hometown Charity during the annual Subaru Share The Love Charity Campaign.

According to a news release, Gateway Subaru raised $30,000 this past year, and the contribution was recently presented to Believe In Tomorrow by Pat Wergin, vice president of Gateway Subaru and Annapolis Cars, and Don Scullen, Gateway Subaru’s sales manager.

The total contributions from Gateway Subaru over the past three years exceeds $90,000.

The Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation is dedicating the funds to the expansion of its Children’s House By The Sea in Ocean City.

When completed in early 2024, the new pediatric respite property will serve children with short life expectancies, and those needing additional medical assistance during their stay.

Adjacent to Believe In Tomorrow’s flagship respite facility on 66th Street, the expansion will include substantial outdoor space for family recreation and relaxation.

“Working with Believe In Tomorrow as our Hometown Charity for the Subaru Share The Love Event for the past three years has been a mutually beneficial experience,” Wergin said. “The support they lend to families and pediatric patients provides a muchneeded pause from the stress induced by the medical and financial challenges they are facing.”

Believe In Tomorrow is credited

with establishing the first pediatric respite program in the United States for children with life-threatening illnesses with the creation of the Ocean City-based beach respite program in 1986.

Today, the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s House By The Sea is the largest pediatric respite facility of its kind, and has served as a worldwide model for pediatric respite housing services.

“The entire Gateway Subaru and Annapolis Cars team have been just extraordinary partners to Believe In Tomorrow and the families that we serve,” said Brian Morrison, Believe In Tomorrow’s founder. “Their philanthropic efforts and support are making a major and very positive difference in the lives of the children and families that we serve.”

The combined contribution of Annapolis Subaru and Gateway Subaru over the past three years exceeds

$145,000.

“This is simply an amazing level of support and dedication to serve our mission, and we are incredibly proud of our partnership with the wonderful team at Annapolis Cars and Gateway Subaru,” said Maryanne Davis, the CEO of Believe In Tomorrow.

The Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation is comprised of eight pediatric hospital and respite properties throughout the Mid-Atlantic area.

Believe In Tomorrow provides hospital and respite housing services to critically ill children and their families, believing that keeping families together during a child’s medical crisis, and the gentle cadence of everyday family life, has a powerful influence on the healing process.

Believe In Tomorrow is also a primary provider of hospital housing to the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

For the past three years, Gateway Subaru of Delmar has selected the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation as its Hometown Charity during the annual Subaru Share The Love Charity Campaign. This past year, Gateway Subaru raised $30,000. Pictured, from left, are Don Scullen, sales manager of Gateway Subaru; Joseph Cascio, Shawn Edler, Brian Kang, Kevin Miller, and Brian Morrison, Believe In Tomorrow’s founder.

As the pioneer of pediatric respite housing, Believe In Tomorrow offers families week-long stays free of charge in the mid-Atlantic’s beautiful beach and mountain settings.

Believe In Tomorrow’s military initiative gives priority to families who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces whose children are receiving treatment for a critical illness.

To learn more about Believe In Tomorrow’s programs and services, go to believeintomorrow.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from Page 60

ments of a new and upcoming national philosophy? If so, will it change our culture, for better or worse?

The heart of our open free enterprise system is merit based on the freedom to choose. DEI at every step attacks this elemental principle and is consistent with both critical theory and wokeness. Both wokeness and critical theory use determinism, and do not believe in freedom of choice or that an individual should accept the consequences of their choices, both good and bad.

Adding DEI further extinguishes hope as well as opportunity by reducing merit-based decisions in school, government and work.

The county commissioners have every reason to be disturbed with Lou Taylor and they should demand from him very specific accountability on how he is implementing DEI? In hiring? Grading? Down to the books in the library.

God can only imagine what the mayor in Ocean City intends to do with the town’s new DEI Officer? We can only hope that it doesn’t result in the same consequence that both Bud Light and Target stores are experiencing!

Tony Christ Ocean City

PHOTO COURTESY BRIAN MORRISON

AGH volunteers get due praise during annual celebration

(June 9, 2023) During the annual celebration in April, the Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary presented a check for $50,000 to the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation’s annual appeal, and honored the continued dedication and volunteer service of its members.

Volunteers support AGH by donating their time and expertise in every aspect of the hospital and health system, as well as in the community, providing more than 40,000 hours of service annually.

From the mail room to the front lobby, these volunteers make an impact on the day-to-day operations of Atlantic General Hospital and Health System.

Volunteers also serve on hospital teams and committees, providing insight and community support to Atlantic General Hospital.

The 2023-2024 Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary officers were sworn in during the celebration. They include President Laura Rohe, Treasurer Richard Buccheri, and Recording and Corresponding Secretary Jackie Choate.

The AGH volunteers’ passion and dedication to serving the Eastern Shore community is unwavering, and they are truly appreciated for everything they do.

For this year’s celebration, volunteers were recognized for their years of dedicated service to Atlantic General Hospital.

Along with honoring the volunteers’ years of service, a special recognition was given to student volunteer Rina Dirickson who has spent years volunteering her time at the thrift shop every weekend.

Mary Lou Jones was also commended by the Worcester County

commissioners’ office for her 30 years of dedicated service to Atlantic General Hospital.

Volunteer years of service:

• One to five years: Eileen Betz, Vera Camillo, Bruce Campbell, Francis Carothers, Diane Cohee, Susan Decker, Debra Doyle, Ronald Engle, Linda Getgen, Margaret Hamilton, Arusa Islam, Patricia Kearney, Janice

Kosesky, Sharron Lewis, Lois May, Jennifer Mays, Kaila McCabe, Pamela McGregor, Carol Miller, Kathleen Myers, Elise Scott, George Shoben, Kim Peters, Lee Peterson, Arthur Thomas, Peter Varghese, Mallie Barnett, Candida Daniele, Corinne Eby, Linda Finocchiaro, Marianna Freeman, Mary Gernhardt, Henrietta Mc-

Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop leaders present a special recognition to student volunteer Rina Dirickson, who is headed to Johns Hopkins University.

Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary presents a donation of $50,000 to AGH’s annual appeal.

During its annual celebration in April, the Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary honored the continued dedication and volunteer service of its members. Pictured, from left, recognized for 21-plus year of service are Jane Bartolomeo, Nicholas Bartolomeo, Mary Lou Jones, and Kathleen Loetz.

Firefighter Ronnie Phillips served 27 years

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(June 9, 2023) This week we recognize Gold Badge Member Ronald “Ronnie” Phillips. Ronnie returned home to Ocean City in 1961 following a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, serving in the Navy Band in Washington, D.C.

Upon his return, he worked at various jobs during his 17-year career with the Eastern Shore Gas Company before being promoted to manager of the utility company serving the Berlin/Ocean City communities.

Ronnie’s Father, Mr. Orlando (Dicky) Phillips, retired from the B.E.S.T. Motels owned and operated by the Wilde Family in 1984 and Ronnie gladly assumed his position as maintenance supervisor for the motels before “retiring” in 2005 but continued to work part-time until 2018.

Influenced by long-time Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Fire Chief Al Harmon, a man with impeccable character and unwavering dedication to the volunteer fire company, Ronnie joined the OCVFC on Jan. 23, 1962.

Firefighter Phillips provided 27 years of active service to the volunteer fire company and was awarded

Gold Badge membership on Nov. 6, 1991.

The Phillips family commitment to “service to the community” continues through his son, Duane Phillips, a 24year career firefighter/paramedic with the Ocean City Fire Department. Ronnie recalls two significant events during his volunteer firefighting career — the “The March Storm of 1962” and the “Plimhimmon Hotel Fire” on Nov. 21, 1962. We will share Phillips’ vivid description of the extreme challenges faced by the OCVFC in its efforts to respond to both the violent and historical storm and the devastating blaze.

This is an opportunity to “Spotlight our Volunteers” and serve as a reminder of the long-standing dedication by the members of the OCVFC to the safety and well-being of our friends and neighbors as well as the visitors to our wonderful community. Below is a description of the two events in the words of Firefighter Phillips.

“On Monday, March 5th, we were warned that two low pressure systems were building – one in West Virginia and another along the coast of the Carolinas. Ultimately, the two lows merged off the Maryland coast. Coincidently, higher than normal

lunar tides increased the impacts of the building storm – a freak wind from the northeast raised the tides seven to nine feet.

On Tuesday night, the weather bureau predicted the wind would shift to the northwest and drive the sea off the Ocean City coast. The wind failed to shift and remained from the Northeast for more than 48 hours. The damage to Ocean City was catastrophic!”

“I stood on the 2nd floor of our home on the corner of North Division Street and Baltimore Avenue and the ocean looked like a mountain. OCVFC Engine #8 was on the street in front of our house with all the tires flat and water over the wheels. I was a rookie firefighter, only being a fireman since January.

“I was stationed on the Route 50 bridge. The U.S. Coast Guard “Duck” along with several firemen were rescuing people from the rising water, bringing them to the bridge, where we helped them onto buses to be transported to Stephen Decatur High School. The water was 12 to 15 feet at the bridge. I could see propane tanks, refrigerators, furniture, lumber and much more floating down Philadelphia Avenue toward the Inlet.”

“On Nov. 21, 1962, “The Plimhimmon Hotel fire at Second Street and the Boardwalk was another significant event in my career. My wife, Frances, and I were married on Oct. 6th 1962 and we were living on North Division Street at the time of the fire.

“The fire siren blew and blew and blew in the middle of the night – from our home it looked like all of Ocean City was on fire! It was one of the biggest fires ever fought by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. The fire was so hot and so intense it melted the paint and cracked the

windshields on many of the fire apparatus. The Town of Ocean City ran short of water, and I remember Mr. Rick Savage and Mr. Wayne Watson bringing their sea clam boats to 3rd Street and the bay to pump water to apparatus at the fire.”

Ronnie cites his greatest accomplishment was becoming a member of the OCVFC and serving our community with the many wonderful men of the OCVFC supported by the hard-working women of the OCVFC Ladies Auxiliary.

We thank Firefighter Phillips for his years of service in the U.S. Navy and for his many years of dedication to the safety and well-being of our neighbors and visitors to our resort community.

For membership information or to learn more visit www.ocvfc.com.

Ronald “Ronnie” Phillips

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Nazis surrender Pantelleria Island to Allies

By Nick Wahoff Contributing Writer

This week, eighty years ago, the Allies captured Pantelleria Island, located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa, clearing the way for the invasion of Sicily.

On Nov. 8, 1942, American and British forces stormed the beaches of North Africa. Since the United States entered the war almost a year earlier, the Soviet Union had pressed the Western Allies to create a second front against Germany and its Axis partners. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower (“Ike”), commander-in-chief of the

Allied Expeditionary Force, sought to destroy the Axis armies in Africa to expose Southern Europe to Allied assault.

Before any assault on Europe could take place, Eisenhower would need to take care of Italian Sicily and the small islands in the middle of the Mediterranean known as “Bomb Alley.” These islands held Axis airfields used to attack Allied ships.

The Italian island of Pantelleria, 9 miles long and 5 miles wide, is strate-

Hospital volunteers recognized

Continued from Page 63

Croskey, William Megary, Dorothy Pinto, Nancy Sullivan, Audrey Vanscoy, Kathleen Willett, Richard Buccheri, Pat Cooke, Joan McLaughlin, Cordelia Whittington, Denise Buccheri, Nancy Cartwright, Granvill Jones, Martha Quinn, Laura Rohe, Christine Bauer, Amelia Bloodsworth, Shirley Deemer, Rob Eckenrode, John Ensor, Jeanne Major, Millie Miller, and Eileen Patterson.

• Six to 10 years: Fran Adelhardt, Carol Applegit, Loretta Kletzli, Charleen Kuhblank, Fred Kuhblank, Jacklyn Mattson, Gerald Niedentohl, Elizabeth Parkin, Joseph Sowinski, Ellen Yannuzzi, Julian Coates, Jr., Dorothy Duvall, Cynthia Roman, Steven Stein, Audrey Wahl, Joan Dempsey, Deborah Staufenberg, Eileen Leonhart, Carole Mankus, Joan Murphy, Karol Salafia, Nick Salafia, Jean Beatty, and Barbara Lischak.

• 11-15 years: Robert Schultz, Ann Hamilton, Bruce Jarvis, Kathleen Tall-

man, Mina Engle, Nancy Jarvis, Hanna Myers, Mary Jo Scarbath, Karen Schultz, Theresa Wallace, Susan Wilson, and Tina Preziotti.

• 16-20 years: Betty Bowers, Eileen Martin, Kathryn Reeves, Kathy Schneider, Jane Wolnik, Nancie Beste, Joyce Brittan, Mary Cetola, MaryAnn Frontera, Joyce Melocik, Sandy Miller, Ellen Morvick, JoAnn Poremski, Beth Riley, Jackie Shockley, Carmen Sowinski, Carolyn Beatty, Jackie Choate, Rita Landis, James Morvick, and Joan Stearn.

• 21-plus years: Lorena Christian (22 years), Kathleen Loetz (22), Jane Bartolomeo (23), Nicholas Bartolomeo (23) and Mary Lou Jones (30). Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Sussex counties since May 1993.

For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit atlanticgeneral.org.

gically located in the Strait of Sicily just 37 miles east of Tunisia. The island was fortified with more than 100 gun emplacements and numerous pillboxes. More than 10,000 Italian soldiers & a small contingent of Germans defended the island. Also, the island had a military airfield with an underground hangar that housed 80 combat aircraft.

By May 1943, the Axis forces in North Africa were overwhelmed by the advancing American and British armies. With their backs against the sea, more than 230,000 German and Italian soldiers surrendered to the Allies in Tunisia. The island of Pantelleria became the frontline in the Axis defense of Southern Europe.

Just a few months earlier, top U.S. Gen. George C. Marshall suggested to Eisenhower that the Allies seize Pantelleria. Marshall thought its airfield could be used to support the upcoming invasion of Sicily. Also, there was a concern about radar installations on the island. After much deliberation, Ike agreed, and on May 13, 1943, plans were approved for the invasion, codenamed “Operation Corkscrew.”

The “Corkscrew” plan was going to be a “rather simple affair” according to Eisenhower. After consulting with the commander of his air forces, Lt.

Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz, it was decided that an overwhelming ground force would not be used to take the island. Instead, the British 1st Infantry Division, commanded by Walter Clutterbuck, would take the island after a massive bombing campaign from the air, supported by a naval bombardment. Three smaller islands nearby would also be bombarded and seized.

The air operation of “Corkscrew” was overseen by Maj. Gen. James “Jimmy” Doolittle. Just a year earlier, Doolittle led a group of 16 bombers in a surprise air raid on Tokyo and other Japanese cities. Now the Medal of Honor winner was tasked with bombing the island of Pantelleria into submission.

In early May, the U.S. Army Air Force, The Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force began flying sorties against Pantelleria. On the 18th, the “Operation Corkscrew” air offensive officially started when nearly 200 Allied aircraft attacked the island.

Seeing combat for the first time, the 99th Fighter Squadron of the Army Air Force was used in “Corkscrew.” Trained in Tuskegee, Alabama, the newly formed African-

Continued on Page 66

Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

LUCILLE L. KOCH

Selbyville, Delaware

The family of Lucille L. Koch, 89, would like to announce her passing at home in Selbyville, Delaware, surrounded by loved ones.

Lucille was born on Feb. 9, 1934, in Philadelphia, to the late Alexander and Hilda Lintz. She moved to the Pasadena-Glen Burnie area where she met a man named Frank Koch Jr., whom she would marry on Jan. 12, 1952. Their marriage of 71 years was filled with love, companionship and creating a beautiful family together.

Lucille is survived by her loving husband Frank; her six children Kathleen (Michael) Gillespie, Frank III (Cecelia) Koch, Brenda (Timothy) Burrell, Mark (Cheryl) Koch, Michael (Mary) Koch, and Lucille (Raymond) Turnage; 18 grandchildren; 30 greatgrandchildren; two great-greatgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 322 8th Ave., 16th Floor, NewYork, NY 10001.

Online condolences can be made by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.

WILMA (PINKY) ELIZABETH BENDER

Ocean Pines

Wilma (Pinky) Elizabeth Bender, 78, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2023, surrounded by her family, following a long journey with Alzheimer’s. She was the loving wife of Mark, who was her primary caregiver until just prior to her death. Wilma is survived by her four children Ronald Hebb, Jr. (Lisa), Elizabeth Danz, Brien Hebb (Stephanie), and Carrie Hill (Gordon); her 13 grandchildren whom she adored: Joshua, Amanda, Caleb, Zachary, Nicholas, Erika, McKenzie, Benjamin, William, Jason, Alexander, Caitlin and Charlotte; and a brother, James O’Brien. Her sister, Jeanne Martin, preceded her in death. Wilma was born in Savanna, Georgia, on July 10, 1944, to the late Wilmer and Henrietta O’Brien. Her pink cheeks became the inspiration for her lifelong nickname, Pinky. She graduated Eastern High in 1962, started nursing school, and later started her career at Martin Marietta. In the late 1980s, Pinky returned to school to follow her true calling of nursing, graduating in 1992 with her RN and enjoying a successful career as a cardiac care nurse.

Pinky loved traveling with Mark (cruises were her favorite) and devoted herself to her grandchildren who lovingly called her Mommom.

Services will be held Saturday, June 24, at the Community Church of Ocean

WORLD WAR II

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American unit flew P-40 Warhawk fighters in the battle.

By late May, much of the island’s defenses were damaged by the everintensifying bombing campaign. The airfield, port, coastal batteries & gun emplacements were continuously targeted by Doolittle’s air group.

Heavy bombers were used, starting on June 1, with an attack by British Wellingtons and American B17s. Every day the number of attacks increased against the island. On June 6, there were more than 200 sorties by the Allied air forces.

Round-the-clock bombing began on June 7, with 600 tons of bombs dropped on Pantelleria. Also that week, the Royal Navy shelled the island’s harbor. The next day, Allied naval forces began a full scale bombardment of the harbor and coastal defenses. Allied bombers dropped 700 tons of bombs on the island on June 8, and on the 9th more than 800 tons were dropped.

Sicilian-based Axis fighters began

$1,445.

Pines. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a service of remembrance at 11:30. Interment will be private.

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

to harass the Allied air assault on Pantelleria, but had little impact on their progress. Nearly 60 Italian and German fighters were shot down during the air battle over the island.

During the intense bombardment, surrender leaflets were dropped. The Axis defenders hunkered down and ignored the Allied demand. On June 10, waves of Allied bombers took off from bases in Tunisia and headed over the Mediterranean to Pantelleria.

More than 1,760 sorties were flown that day, dropping 1,571 tons of bombs on the island’s defenses. During a three-hour lull in the bombardment, the Allies called for the Axis troops to surrender. Again, the call was ignored.

On the night of June 10-11, Gen. Clutterbuck’s 1st Infantry Division set out to capture Pantelleria. As the assault force headed toward the island, American B-17s pounded the island one more time.

Allied airplanes spotted a white cross on the island’s airfield just as the first British troops landed on the beach. The landing force commander was able to contact the island’s military commander, Italian Adm. Gino Pavesi. With the British forces swarming ashore, Adm. Pavesi surrendered the island to the Allies.

The intense bombing campaign devastated the island. The harbor was damaged, the town destroyed, roads badly damaged and the airfield was cratered. The underground hanger took several direct hits, destroying or damaging all but two of the island’s airplanes.

According to US Air Force historian Herman Wouk, “The surrender of the Italian-held islands furnished a spectacular illustration of the intense and violent force that the Allies could bring to bear upon the enemy. The reduction of the islands furnished the first proof of the power of such bombardments to induce surrender.”

The capture of Pantelleria allowed it to be used as a springboard into Sicily and the Italian mainland. Later writing in his memoirs, British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill stated that the invasion was so successful, the only British casualty was a man bitten by a mule.

Next week: Jean Moulin Arrested

Lucille L. Koch

Wilma E. Bender

First white marlin of season caught and released by RLII

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(June 9, 2023) When the group planning to charter the Restless Lady II on June 2 for tuna fishing canceled, boat owners Joe and Chris Huk took the opportunity to head offshore with first mate Tanner Virden and friend Todd Gummersbach. They not only landed nine yellowfin tuna, but they also caught and released the first white marlin of the Ocean City fishing season.

“We were tuna fishing, but we knew there was a chance there would be [a white marlin] around,” Chris Huk, captain of the Restless Lady II, said. “We were pumped. Really excited. After nine tunas, this was the best way to end the day.”

After the group canceled their charter trip, Joe Huk said he called Gummersbach, who lives in Texas, and asked him if he wanted to come to Ocean City and go fishing.

Joe and his son, Chris, Virden and Gummersbach, left the Talbot Street Pier in downtown Ocean City aboard the Restless Lady II at 4 a.m. last Friday and headed toward the Baltimore Canyon.

Chris said they started fishing around 6:30 a.m. and over the course of a few hours the group boated nine yellowfin tuna ranging in weight from 30 to 40 pounds.

After catching their final pair of tuna, they were putting lines – about a dozen of them – back into the water when Chris saw a white marlin charging in from the starboard side about 40 yards out.

“We caught our share of tuna, then Chris said this was an area where some whites were spotted,” Joe said. “About 10 minutes after that, Chris screamed that there was a white marlin.”

“It ended up at the back of the boat looking for something to eat,” Chris added.

It grabbed the spreader bar’s bait, then Joe started reeling it in. Joe fought the fish for about 5-10 minutes before they pulled it on board, snapped a quick photo and released it at 12:43 p.m.

“Most of the time when you hook a marlin on [a spreader bar] you lose it because the spreader bar is heavy and marlin jump a lot,” Chris said. “I backed up on it and we got it quick. It didn’t jump, which is rare.”

Chris said there was a little bit of pressure because he knew how difficult it is to catch a marlin on the spreader bar.

“It would have been really disappointing if we lost it, because we knew it was the first white marlin of the season,” he added.

“I was excited,” Joe said. “I wasn’t

Horse racing back at Ocean Downs for summer season

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) It looks like Memorial Day Weekend horse racing is here to stay at Ocean Downs Casino.

A year after opening a little earlier than usual, the casino did it again this year with plans still to conclude the season the Wednesday after Labor Day, said general manager Bobbi Sample.

Ocean Downs has several promotions planned for this season including its biggest, Quacks on the Racetrack.

“All season long you can buy ducks to benefit local charities,” Sample said in an email. “At the end of the season people can return with their ducks to throw them in the bed of a truck as it rides down the racetrack. We will pick

one duck whose owner will win the Ford Frontier truck.”

The popular Camels & Ostriches promotion return on July 2. Other promotions this year include carriage rides, jugglers, face painting, the Budweiser Clydesdales and a petting zoo, Sample said.

This year horse racing will be featured on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday throughout the season. The first race will begin around 7 p.m. Thursday races will be added in July and early August.

Ocean Downs is one of many popular spots along the East Coast for horses and their trainers during the summer. But, the offseason can be just as busy for them.

Ahead of the season, the prep work

that nervous because I’ve caught marlin before, but I didn’t realize the significance until we tapped the leader and [officially] caught the fish.”

Chris said the marlin was healthy and they wanted to get it back into the water quickly, so they didn’t measure it. He said they estimated it to be about 73 inches and close to 70 pounds.

He knew they had landed the coveted first white marlin of the Ocean City fishing season and the group was ecstatic. The accomplishment was announced over the boat’s radio and immediately the crew started receiving congratulations from others out on the water.

“It’s a cool thing that everyone takes seriously around here,” Chris said.

“It’s a pretty special fish … It was a nice, fun day on the boat for us and good for the business,” Joe said. “The significance of the first white didn’t sink in until there was so much buzz. It’s pretty important for the fishing community and Ocean City, and to be able to do it with my son is pretty special to me.”

Even though it was only about 1 p.m., the foursome had already boated plenty of tuna and released

the white marlin, so they headed back to Talbot Street.

They will receive $5,000 from the Town of Ocean City for the catch, a prize awarded annually.

“We’re proud and honored to reel in the first for Ocean City,” Joe said. “[Chris is] a salty young man. I have faith in him … The respect that he’s getting from his peer group trumps all the money.”

This will be Chris and Joe’s second full season as owners of the Restless Lady II, a 2004 custom sport fisherman built using a 52-foot Henriques Hull.

Chris, 29, an Ocean City resident, runs the boat. He has been fishing professionally since 2011.

Most of the groups that charter his boat fish for tuna, but Chris said he catches and releases about a dozen or more marlin each year.

He plans on competing in several Ocean City tournaments this year, including Tunas and Tiaras, Big Fish Classic, Poor Girl’s Open, Heels and Reels, the MidAtlantic and White Marlin Open.

Joe, 62, who said he has been bay fishing most of his life – but the last few years more offshore – lives in Horntown Virginia, near Chincoteague.

PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS HUK

The coveted first white marlin of the Ocean City fishing season was caught and released by Joe Huk, left, co-owner of the Restless Lady II with his son, Chris, on June 2 in the Baltimore Canyon. He is pictured with first mate Tanner Virden, center, and friend Todd Gummersbach.

Blues for DU doubles attendance

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) Bahia Marina’s second annual Blues for DU fishing tournament drew twice as many vessels as last year, with 13 boats and kayaks from Friday to Sunday last weekend.

In total, 48 anglers fished in the tournament.

Last year about $10,000 was raised for Ducks Unlimited, a wildfowl habitat conservation organization, said Shawn Harman, co-owner of Bahia Marina. This year, the tournament garnered just over $11,000 for DU.

“All the money goes to habitat protection, which is good because that

benefits everything,” Harman said.

The first-place prize went to Shaun Flaherty, who caught a 12.1-pound bluefish. Flaherty won $1,175 for heaviest bluefish, and $1,000 in the winnertakes-all bonus calcutta.

The second-place winner was Rich Daiker, who received $700 for an 11.9pound bluefish.

Third place went to Reece Schindler, who was awarded $470 for a 10.8pound bluefish.

Schindler was also the top junior angler, so he received a new fishing rod, reel and Huk bucket along with the third-place cash prize.

“We had fish in every slot, so every-

body got paid,” Harman said.

Harman said the fishing was also better than last year in general, although Saturday was probably the best day overall.

“They’re (bluefish) migratory fish. When they’re here, they’re here. We got lucky,” Harman said. “[The weather] wasn’t bad. It was just cold.”

Having OC Kayak as an event sponsor helped increase the number of kayakers in the tournament compared to last year, Harman said.

Bahia Marina’s next tournament is the Poor Girl’s Open, a ladies-only catch-and-release billfish fishing tournament, Aug. 17-19, which benefits breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

Horse racing in season at casino

Continued from Page 67

on the track begins in March so that it’s ready for training, which starts in April.

Ocean Downs races standardbred pacer and trotter horses.

Ocean Downs holds 10 to 12 races a night, usually with eight horses per race running twice around the halfmile track.

Each horse races only once per night and steps are taken to ensure the horses and drivers stay heathy and safe.

For more information on horse racing and other casino events, visit https://oceandowns.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY BAHIA MARINA FACEBOOK

Bahia Marina’s Blues for DU tournament included 48 anglers trying to hook the heaviest bluefish last weekend. (Left) First-place winner Shaun Flaherty earned a total of $2,175 for catching the heaviest bluefish – a 12.1 pounder – and for the bonus calcutta. (Right) Reece Schindler’s third-place 10.8-pound bluefish won him $470. He was also the top junior angler.

Tuna and Tiaras tournament June 16-17, ladies only

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) The Ocean City Fishing Center and Micky Fins will host the third annual Tuna and Tiaras fishing tournament, which organizers claim as the only all-women tuna tournament in the world, June 16-17.

“We’re actually, that I know of, one of three women-owned and operated fishing tournaments in the world, and my help is 90 percent women,” said Tournament Director Pam Taylor. “I have a few guys that show up for registration and weigh-in days.”

Teams can register in advance online, or in-person at Micky Fins on June 15 starting at 5 p.m.

The captains meeting starts in the parking lot on the same day at 7 p.m., which at least one person from each team must attend.

There will be a silent auction and tournament bags full of goodies organized by Megan Schulte, director of sponsorship and donations, Taylor said.

There will be vendors set up during registration, and organizers invite people to bring leashed pets.

The entry fee is $400 per boat with a maximum of six ladies on board. Teams can fish only one of the two tournament days.

Each team must enter at least one added entry level calcutta. There are eight calcuttas, which cost $250-$500 to enter and include, heaviest tuna, heaviest wahoo and heaviest mahi.

There are both winner-take-all and split prizes depending on the calcutta. Big eyes, yellow fin, blue fin and long fin are all accepted tunas.

Four calcuttas count tuna stringers, which consists of two to five fish.

Small boats also have two of their own calcuttas for heaviest tuna and heaviest tuna stringer.

Any boats with an outboard motor who bought into the single-heaviest tuna winner-takes-all calcutta are automatically entered in the bonus jackpot, which has a $5,000 payout.

Weigh-ins open at 4 p.m. and close at 7 p.m. each day and are located at Micky Fins, in West Ocean City.

Ten percent of all registration fees will benefit Women Supporting Women, an organization that provides education and awareness for breast cancer and supports women around Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties.

“They keep all their money local right here on the Delmarva Peninsula, which was really important to me,” Taylor said.

There is also an area for additional donations on the registration form, and every dime collected from the silent auction at registration goes to WSW, Taylor said.

“Because our donations, I think our first year they started the survivors program – so kind of like some support after you’re in remission – and year two they made bags that they took to the hospital, so you’re a first-time chemo patient, the bags have things to keep you busy like crossword puzzles,” Taylor said. “They also have anti-nausea candies in there, chapstick and lotion for your dry skin.”

In their first year the tournament raised $7,750 for WSW, and last year it generated $5,500.

“I would like to get it back up to the $7,500 mark, but obviously if we can hit a milestone of a five-figure donation that would be tremendous,” Taylor said.

Anglers can participate in five different categories of the photo contest, like best fish kiss (contact required), best fish-fight photo and best group photo, to win prize bags.

Next Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight will be the first-ever Tuna and Tiaras awards party for tournament participants at Wild Bills on S. Baltimore Ave. in downtown Ocean City. DJ Bigler provide the music.

Passes for the party will be available at registration on June 15.

“We’re super excited to have the party and I think we’re going to have a lot of growth this year. I really do,” Taylor said. “Hearing the boats that we have never had before that are joining us this year … [and] we still have boats that need anglers.”

In 2020, Taylor started a catch and release fishing tournament called Rebels Release, which was successful, but covid made weigh-ins difficult.

“I didn’t think Ocean City needed another female release tournament, so I did some research and found out there had never ever been a ladies tuna tournament, and I confirmed that with NOAA and decided that was what I wanted to do, was be the first to start something new and kind of pioneer my own path,” Taylor said.

Last year, due to a violently windy

offshore weather forecast, Taylor delayed the tournament a week.

“We didn’t want to send the girls out into the perfect storm so we pushed it back an entire weekend,” Taylor said.

The first year, Taylor said the tournament had 36 boats, but since many of the charters had been scheduled for the bad-weather-date in 2022, they lost many anglers and ended up with about 33 boats.

“I’m estimating this year, I’m preparing for 75 and my goal is 50 boats if we can keep it in the same weekend,” Taylor said.

To learn more, register or see the tournament rules, visit tunaandtiaras.com.

“When you first sign into the website, there’s a pop up ad and you click on that and it takes you to our Facebook group to help fill boats or find teammates,” Taylor said.

PHOTO COURTESY PAM TAYLOR

The Game Changer crew caught the heaviest fish of the second annual Tuna and Tiaras tournament held last year – a 54-pound yellowfin tuna. The group won $23,760.

What to do when in a rip current

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(June 9, 2023) This column/article will focus on a very important aspect of the ocean along the shoreline, where the water meets the land.

Not to harp on this subject, but it proves to be an extreme aspect of ocean safety.

Ironically, it’s a boon to the surfer, at least the more experienced ones, but an absolute bane to the swimmer, experienced or not.

What is written about here is known as a rip current.

Often called a rip tide, rip currents are not tides although they can be exacerbated as the tide recedes. In a large way they can be rather sneaky.

One can be playing, messing around out in the ocean, having a good time, cooling off on a hot and humid summer day or simply going for a swim.

Pretty soon, they can find themselves getting pulled out to sea especially when they are unable to touch bottom if only wading close to the shore.

If this frolicking ocean goer finds themselves in this situation, the first thing to do is not panic.

Easy to say, but certainly useful to get

out of the grip of the rip current.

The second thing to do, or really not do, is to try to swim against the rip current.

The water of the rip is moving out to sea too fast to swim against. Even the strongest swimmer is going to have too hard of a time trying to swim against a rip current.

This goes for someone with the caliber and credentials of multi-olympic medal winner Michael Phelps.

The rip current is moving away from the shore too rapidly. The swimmer will tire quickly and make a bad situation even worse.

So what to do?

We would come to the third step at this point. Try to relax, float and swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current.

Even a diagonal tract would be better than trying to swim directly against the rip current.

Rip currents are breaks or valleys in the sandbars which cover most of the ocean bottom close to the shore.

As the water and waves move in they also move out and these breaks, valleys or indentations are created.

Thus, the water moving back out runs faster than the water around the sandbar indentation. This is the rip current.

All of this description is illustrated on the back of lifeguard stands and the guards are generally happy to explain

Seahawk summer basketball camp back in ninth year

this ocean dynamic.

When visitors come to this area they might think of the ocean as another attraction like the Boardwalk, amusement park or miniature golf.

Although the ocean is an attraction it is certainly a force of nature and should be treated with great respect.

As was mentioned before, these rip currents can be a benefit to the surfer, especially when the surf has some size they can help the surfer move out past the breaking waves.

Rip currents can frequently be spotted as a section of water moving more quickly away from the beach than the surrounding water.

Waves can be breaking around the rip current but not so much in the “rip” due to the indentation in the sandbar, which is deeper water.

Often the water of the rip will have a different color, if even slightly.

These are a few tell tale signs of rip currents but are not always easy to detect.

This discussion is not meant to scare or frighten the ocean goer, but a key word to remember is that of respect. Respect this force of nature and it can tend to offer great rewards.

— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

(June 9, 2023) The ninth annual Seahawk Summer Basketball Camp will take place June 20-23 from 9 a.m. to noon at Stephen Decatur High School.

The camp will be led by Bryon “BJ” Johnson, head coach of the Stephen Decatur boys’ basketball team.

Joining Johnson will be assistant varsity coaches Jeff Levan and Ty Northam, JV Coach Adrian Bowen, and Aaron Wyatt, Decatur varsity girls’ team assistant coach.

The camp is open to boys and girls in second through eighth grades.

The camp will include: ball handling; stationary shooting; passing; footwork; offense and defense; individual and team instruction; 2-on-2, 3-on-3 and 5on-five competition; contests and prizes.

The cost of the camp before June 14 is $100. Early registration is recommended.

Make checks payable to Bryon Johnson and send to: 8239 Burnt Branch Dr., Salisbury, Maryland 21801. Registration at the door will cost $125. The camp will take place at Stephen Decatur High School, 9913 Seahawk Road, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For more information, email coachbaj83c@aol.com or call 443-373-9546.