6/14/2024 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Disp a atch

Parking perking

Strong May pushes revenue up, but new parking division’s enforcement efforts lead to 277% increase in tickets for the month. Station contract

For Memorial Day weekend, ParkMobile payments grew 56%, kiosk payments went up 10% and total parking receipts were up 28%. Citations for the holiday weekend — up 219%. — Page 3

A construction management contract for OC’s $4 million police substation is OK’d. — Page 14

The Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s parade is more than a show-stopper, it’s a traffic-stopper. — Page 12

May parking revenue up 14%, citations jump 277%

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) Officials say parking revenues and citations are up as a result of increased visitors and the implementation of a new parking division.

Transit Manager Rob Shearman told members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee Tuesday that parking payments and citations increased during the month of May. In a month-over-month report, nonticket revenues, or revenues generated from parking fees, increased 14%, while parking tickets increased 277%.

“When we talked last month about how April was slightly down year over year, we can now say May was up year over year,” he said. “And overall, it was basically a break even. So, so far so good. We’re on track to bring in at least the revenue we brought in last year. I think we’re going to see increases in those numbers as the summer progresses.”

The town’s new parking division

reports parking revenues were down $45,500 in April and up $45,821 dollars in May. When compared to last May, revenues from Flowbird remained steady at $209,100, while revenues from ParkMobile increased 39%, to $163,064.

“You can see there were pretty good increases year over year,” he told the committee. “We focus on the total non-ticket revenue. That’s counting payments through ParkMobile and payments through the kiosk, which is a 14% increase year over year for the month of May.”

Looking at Memorial Day weekend specifically, ParkMobile payments increased 56%, kiosk payments increased 10% and total parking payments increased 28%. Citations for the holiday weekend went up 219% and invoices issued at the Inlet parking lot went up 6%.

“That is the automated invoices issued by the camera system at the Inlet lot,” Shearman explained. “So those numbers are comparable but again we’re slightly up this year as well. The Inlet lot was pretty full over the weekend. There’s not a lot of room for growth there, but it was up 6%.”

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Officials say new parking fines to be implemented

Continued from Page 3

While parking revenues were largely attributed to a stronger May, Shearman said citations can be attributed to the town’s new parking division. He noted the revenues reported did not yet reflect citation revenue.

“That’s not the focus of what we want to be a revenue stream,” he said. “We want to drive these numbers here.”

In other updates, Shearman thanked councilmembers on the committee for supporting code changes that allow the town to transfer parking enforcement and increase fire hydrant and handicap fines. He said those increases should be reflected on parking signs in the coming weeks.

“We’re still in the process of updating the signs, and we’re not enforcing anything that the signs haven’t been updated for,” he said.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca asked if the revenues reflected in the parking report accounted for the new positions within the division. City Manager Terry McGean said that was something staff needed to look at.

“We haven’t done it yet because we’ve only been in it two months …,” he said. “This year it was a breakeven, basically. We’re also paying for additional equipment. And then moving forward, we look to see additional revenue.”

Ocean City’s growth visionary talks continue

“What I’ve been working on is how to describe growth for Ocean City … ,” he told the commission. “We have to tackle the measuring of redevelopment.”

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) How Ocean City identifies its growth goals in the coming 10 years will be explored as resort planners continue to update the comprehensive plan.

City Planner Bill Neville told members of the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission last Tuesday he will continue to identify growth indicators to include in Ocean City’s comprehensive plan update. While officials have noted that the city is mostly built out, he said consideration should be given to redevelopment.

In recent months, city staff and members of the planning commission have been reviewing the town’s comprehensive plan as part of a 10year update. This week, officials sat down to review the plan’s implementation and municipal growth chapters.

Neville noted that the town could continue to describe Ocean City as a built-out community, with stable populations and residential housing units, or it could demonstrate its continued growth through various indicators. For example, he noted that in the last year the value of construction in town totaled $100 mil-

lion.

“That’s significant,” he said. “Ten years ago, it was $253,000.”

Neville said there were other ways to measure growth moving forward. He said the town could also include the number of business and rental licenses and building permits issued.

“I’m not ready to amend this chapter yet because I’m looking for those indicators that show what we see and feel in the community,” he said.

Neville also told the commission that the town could also touch on the success of Ocean City’s business community. While he noted that the town was not adding commercial space, existing business owners were finding ways to layer new businesses within their existing locations.

wanted to encourage mixed-use development.

“How do we encourage at least mixed-use – 50% residential and 50% commercial, or 25-75 – and weaving in open space?” he asked. “How do we weave that into a recommendation that is acceptable?”

Neville said it was something that staff could explore. Commission Chair Joe Wilson said he would like to see the city encourage rather than penalize.

“Encouraging or providing an incentive to get somebody to do something, I’m on board with,” he said. “I don’t want to punish people that have an LC-1 property.”

“We have a stable business community for major employers, and we want to describe that we have a vibrant small business community,” he said. “I would love for this chapter to talk about that because it sends a nice, positive message to the town and describes how different Ocean City is …”

As part of their review of the comprehensive plan, commissioners this week also touched on residential development in commercial districts. Commissioner Palmer Gillis said he

Wilson said he also liked the idea of keeping pyramidal zoning – allowing more restrictive uses in less restrictive areas – as it gave developers an opportunity to adjust to market demands. Neville said he would accept any ideas that address the town’s vision for growth and redevelopment.

“Do we want the town to grow in a particular way?” he asked. “Or we can describe ourselves as a stable community that has reached a plateau of mixed-use and economic benefit for all … That’s not a bad scenario. But do we want to accommodate additional growth or not?”

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Ocean City issues traffic changes for annual parade

(June 14, 2024) Ocean City’s pbiulci works department is instating a travel advisory on June 19 for the Maryland State Firefighter’s parade. The parade is expected to start at 1 p.m. and will establish a new traffic pattern beginning around 11 a.m. Staging for the parade participants will take place in the inlet lot. The route will travel in the north lanes of Baltimore Ave from 14th to 30th streets. Traffic driving north on Baltimore Ave will be restricted to parade participants only. Other motorists will be will be re-routed west on 15th Street.

Parking will be restricted in the following areas starting at 8:30 a.m. on June 19:

• Baltimore Avenue between 12th and 31st streets

• 15th Street between Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues

• 12th Street between Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues

Delays can be expected near the parade route. For motorists not attending the parade and traveling north, use Philadelphia Avenue starting at 9th Street to avoid congestion. Pedestrian traffic is expected along the parade route. Pedestrians are reminded to cross at and within marked crosswalks, follow all traffic signals, and use the sidewalks, and bikers are asked to use designated bike lanes, follow all traffic signals, and ride with traffic.

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OC commission discusses removing two parking spots

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) Officials are exploring the elimination of short-term parking spaces near 17th Street.

City Manager Terry McGean told members of the Ocean City Police Commission this week he was presenting a request from Public Works Director Hal Adkins to eliminate two, 20-minute parking spaces in front of Anthony’s Carryout. He said their removal would allow for a clear bus lane.

“At Anthony’s roast beef, for years and years, there were two, 20-minute parking spaces, essentially in the bus lane there,” he said. “Really, since it’s been sold, neither Hal nor I have seen anybody parking in those spaces. He would like to know if there is any objection to getting rid of those two, 20minute spaces there so the bus lane is clear from 9th up.”

For his part, Councilman Peter Buas said he supported the request, so long as staff sought input from the property owner.

“I don’t have a problem with it as

long as there’s no objection,” Buas said.

McGean said he would have Adkins contact the property owner. He reiterated the two spaces were never in use.

“They may object, just because we are taking something away,” he said of the property owner. “But I have not seen a soul. Since Hal pointed it out to me, I’ve been keeping an eye on it. And I have not seen anybody park there.”

Commission members, however, questioned existing street parking to the south of Anthony’s. Mayor Rick Meehan said a closer look at shortterm parking was warranted.

“We should probably take a look at a lot of the parking, those 20-minute spots that are now permanent parking,” he said. “I see there are some on 14th Street, five of them, and they are just permanent parking spots … I think we should take a look at all of those, at some point in time.”

After a brief discussion, McGean agreed to have Adkins contact the neighboring property owner.

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‘Uptick’ in behaviors seen from non-Cruisin’ motorists

Officials seek to address unwanted, illegal activities ahead of fall car event

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) A discussion on enforcement during Cruisin’ events highlighted a May report on police activity.

On Monday, Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with a report on police activity for the month of May. While service calls remained steady in most categories, officials say they wanted to see some of the unwanted or illegal activities associated with the spring Cruisin’

event be addressed ahead of the fall car event.

“We had Cruisin’ in May, and I know there was an increase in some of the activities during Cruisin. Some of it is due to – which we discussed –the old H20i participants,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “We’ve talked about it, but I think we really need to ramp up enforcement for fall Cruisin’. We really just have to keep the consistency to our enforcement and to letting all of those participants and those that come outside of the event that we’re going to enforce the laws during that event.”

Buzzuro told commission members Monday that officer calls for service increased by 65 calls and cit-

See SHERIFF’S Page 16

Officials approve downtown police substation contract

Gillis Gilkerson to handle construction of new resort facility on Somerset Street

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) The Ocean City Council this week approved a construction management contract with Gillis Gilkerson for the new police substation in downtown Ocean City.

station in downtown Ocean City. The three-story facility, to be built on Somerset Street, will feature offices and interview rooms, bike storage and employee housing, to name a few.

Since that time, officials have been working through the design process. Those plans, Adkins said, were recently finalized, reviewed and approved by various stakeholders, including representatives with the Ocean City Police Department and Ocean City Development Corporation.

The Mayor and Council on Tuesday voted 6-1, with Council President Matt James opposed, to approve a construction management contract with GGI Builders Inc. for a planned police substation in downtown Ocean City. The contract’s guaranteed maximum price of $4,078,138 comes in under the current project budget of $4.3 million.

“I think we have an excellent project here, and I look forward to its completion …,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins told the council this week. “So I’m asking for the council to award the CM contract guaranteed maximum price to Gillis Gilkerson in the amount of $4,078,138.”

Earlier this year, the council voted to sell general obligation bonds for the construction of a new police sub-

“You went to the bond market for this project many months ago,” he said. “The design was then advanced with the assistance of Becker Morgan. Taylor [Hershey, project manager] was involved along with numerous other individuals representing OCPD, OCDC and others that are stakeholders in the project.”

Adkins said construction was expected to last roughly a year, but that the project as presented was within budget and competitively priced. With no discussion the council voted 6-1 to approve the contract with Gillis Gilkerson. James, the lone dissenter, has been a vocal opponent of the project and its price tag.

Continued from Page 14

Sheriff’s office working with city Juvenile charged following threat of gun at motel

izen calls for service decreased by 288 calls, when compared to May of 2023. In the top 25 calls for service, the Ocean City Police Department recorded 1,247 traffic stops, 415 citizen assists and 318 city ordinance violations. He also noted increases in collisions, parking violations, noise complaints and alcohol violations from 2023 to 2024.

“Alcohol violations are consistent with where they were two years ago, but they are up from last year,” he added. “That’s part of our proactive enforcement, starting in the summer with proactive enforcement in May.”

However, Buzzuro said the department recorded improvements in some categories.

He noted that 911 hang-ups decreased from 423 to 210, suspicious activity decreased from 117 to 98 and disorderly calls decreased from 238 to 205.

“Disorderly calls are down once again over a three-year period,” he said. “That’s pretty good news as well. It’s 33 less this year and about 58 off from where we were the year before.”

Under May enforcement, custodial arrests decreased from 187 to 149, criminal citations decreased from 11 to five, DUI arrests de-

creased from 42 to 37, and weapons arrests decreased from 19 to 12.

For his part, Meehan encouraged the department to continue with its enforcement efforts, particularly during the spring and fall car events.

Capt. James Grady said the department works with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in preparation for Cruisin’ events. He noted that both the Ocean City Police Department and the sheriff’s office observed an uptick in activity.

“My personal observation, being on the road this past spring car cruise, was there was an uptick,” he said. “The other thing is although we did see more H20i cars, the modern Mustangs, Cameros and Vets are the ones that need attention. That’s not to say we didn’t tow some of the H20i cars because of their violations, for safety reasons. But the behavior I saw, and I think a lot of officers saw, were directed at the modern cars.”

Grady said Lt. Earl Starner with the sheriff’s office was aware of the situation and was working with the Ocean City Police Department.

“His observations were kind of on par with what you and I saw,” he told the commission. “I think he knows we’re probably going to request a little bit more help from them for the fall and next spring.”

By Anna Williams Staff Writer

(June 14, 2024) Ocean City Police charged a juvenile male with multiple violations following a gun threat incident at a local motel.

On June 5, around 9:23pm., Ocean City police were notified of a weapons violation at a motel near 20th Street. A juvenile male, 17, of Stevensville, had pointed a gun at the complainant in a motel room after a verbal argument between him and a female. The suspect threatened both the complainant and the female victim with a revolverstyle handgun. The two victims locked themselves in the motel room, where they called 911, while the suspect repeatedly banged on the door and threatened them. The suspect left right after the police were called.

Shortly after, a police officer noticed the suspect’s vehicle driving without headlights on near Dolphin Street and Philadelphia Avenue. Officers stopped the vehicle with a high-risk traffic stop, where officers learned that the driver was the same suspect from the offense at the motel. Upon investigation, the officers discovered a pellet gun inside the car that matched that of the de-

Case against former band teacher dismissed

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(June 14, 2024) A plea agreement that would have ended the case of a former Stephen Decatur High School music teacher who admitted 33 years ago to having a sexual relationship with one of his students came to an altogether different end in circuit court in Snow Hill on Tuesday.

The case, which has been working its way through the courts since last fall, was dismissed after a motion by Assistant State’s Attorney Pamela Correa to reduce the charges against Ronald Davis, 64, was denied by Circuit Court Judge Beau Oglesby because of a conflict with the statute of limitations.

Davis, who left Worcester schools for a similar job in Somerset County after confessing to his supervisor late in the 1991-92 school year that he had an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old female student, was initially charged with felony child abuse.

In court on Tuesday, Correa said Davis was prepared to plead guilty if the state could amend the charges to a misdemeanor violation of the state education law regarding school security and sex offenses.

Oglesby, noting that he had considered that possibility over the weekend, said he could not do for the prosecu-

tion and defense what they could not do themselves — lower the charges to a misdemeanor offense without triggering a conflict with the statute of limitations.

“You’re asking me to grant a motion to do something that can’t be done,” the judge said.

Oglesby said the state’s judicial proceedings code makes clear that misdemeanors must be prosecuted within a year of the offense having occurred, while this series of incidents took place more than 30 years ago. That circumstance rendered the motion unworkable, he said.

Although Correa, with the support of defense attorney John Phoebus, countered that the defendant would waive the protections the statute of limitations afforded him, Oglesby said the law was clear on its face and denied the motion.

A subsequent closed-door conference between the prosecution and defense produced no way around that decision, leading the state to dismiss the criminal indictment against Davis.

Phoebus said Tuesday that the state’s attorney’s office has said it intends to recharge Davis and will now have to decide whether to seek a grand jury indictment or to file its own formal charges via what’s known as a “criminal information.”

The circuitous route to the case’s dismissal reflects the indirect route that led it to the circuit court docket this year.

According to the charging documents, consensual sexual activity between the defendant and victim began when the latter was a high school senior and a student of Davis, even though both later admitted knowing it was wrong.

Davis eventually confessed his involvement in an inappropriate relationship to his supervisor, telling then-Vice Principal Lou Taylor, “He couldn’t live with himself” because of it, investigators reported.

Taylor relayed the substance of that conversation up the school system chain of command. Davis then resigned and took a similar job in the Somerset County school system, the charging documents reported.

The student-teacher affair led to victim to three rounds of therapy over the years because of depression and nightmares about Davis, she told investigators, until she realized that consensual or not, the relationship constituted abuse.

The charging documents state that she revealed the situation to an individual in the office of Child and Youth Protection of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which then alerted the Worces-

ter County Sheriff’s Office. Its investigation began last October.

Davis was formally charged with assault and child abuse by a person in a custodial role in November, with the case placed on the circuit court docket in December.

The state’s attorney’s office could not comment on its plans or how it might proceed, because even though the case was dismissed, it is still technically pending.

Police

Continued from Page 16

scription from the two victims. Additionally, the suspect also appeared to be intoxicated.

The male was charged with first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, concealed deadly weapon, gun replica-wear, carry, conceal, and multiple traffic citations including driving under the influence. He was transferred to adult status and faces charges in alignment with this change. The juvenile was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and held without bond. He was later transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

Another woman connected to local child abuse probe

Ward, 40, of Berlin, who was indicted in late March by a county grand jury on 90 charges, including 10 felony child abuse charges related to nine children under her supervision.

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(July 14, 2024) A second arrest has been made as part of an ongoing child abuse investigation at a local day care.

A former employee of the Berlin Activities Depot, Catherine Deutsch, 32, of Ocean Pines, was arrested Tuesday on 15 charges – 11 charges of failure to report child abuse/neglect and four charges of neglect of a minor.

Deutsch reportedly worked in the same infant classroom as Heather

The charges were filed earlier this year after the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Child Protective Services were informed last November an eight-month-old had been admitted to Atlantic General Hospital with a broken tibia.

“During the investigation, it was determined that the injured child was an attendee of the Berlin Education Station Childcare Center,” a release from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Investigation read in March. “Video surveillance footage from the child’s classroom revealed actions by an employee identified as Heather Ward that appeared to cause the injuries to the child. The video footage additionally revealed other concerning interactions with several other children under her care.”

In a statement issued in response to a request for comment after Deutsch’s arrest, Berlin Activities Depot owner/operator Carmella Solito continued to express her disgust over the events that allegedly transpired inside her facility. Solito has been blunt in her responses to Ward’s charges and this week issued a similar comment about Deutsch’s charges.

“I am outraged by the allegations against this former employee,” the statement read. “Neglect of a minor and failing to report suspected child abuse are unacceptable and go against everything Berlin Activities Depot stands for. We have zero tolerance for any action that jeopardizes the safety and wellbeing of children in our care. Protecting children must be our highest calling as childcare providers and as members of this community. I am devastated that an employee may have violated the sacred trust families place in us. We are committed to upholding the highest standards to ensure parents feel completely confident their children are in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment at all times.”

Solito said her business remains committed to assisting police investigating the case, saying, “I commend the tireless efforts of law enforcement in investigating these disturbing allegations. We will continue to fully assist their ongoing investigation in any way we can.”

An initial appearance for Deutsch in Worcester County Circuit Court is scheduled for July 3.

Prostitution sting in Ocean City leads to gun and drugs

(June 14, 2024) A Washington, D.C. woman is facing prostitution, drug and other charges after working out terms and exchanging money for sex acts with an undercover Ocean City Police detective last weekend.

Newsome, agreed to terms, and exchanged money. From there, the detective arrested Newsome and took her into custody.

According to a news release from the police department, Katherine Newsome, 33, is behind bars after members of the vice and narcotics unit received a complaint of prostitution last Saturday, June 1, from management of a midtown hotel.

Detectives initiated an investigation and learned that Newsome “was actively posting online ads in Ocean City offering ‘services’ for a predetermined fee.”

The release said hotel staff told detectives they saw Newsome meet multiple men in the lobby area and take them up to her room for short periods of time. Detectives found an online ad Newsome posted offering “sex acts for a set fee” and a detective with the vice and narcotics unit contacted her and arranged to meet up at a bar. The release said the detective had a “prostitution-related conversation,” with

Detectives also learned during the investigation that Newsome has a history of prostitution and had been arrested multiple times in various states.

During a search, officers found a controlled dangerous substance on Newsome. They also found substances such as MDMA, oxycodone, and amphetamine pills during a search of her hotel, as well as two fake driver’s licenses with Newsome’s photos, a loaded handgun magazine and ammunition. Newsome is a convicted felon, which prohibits her from possessing the firearm and ammunition in the state.

The release said Newsome faces charges of procuring/soliciting prostitution, four counts of CDS-possessionnot marijuana, two counts of possession of CDS with intent to distribute OCP or LSD, illegal possession of ammunition, and two counts of possessing/using fake government identification documents.

Newsome appeared before a Maryland District Court Commissioner, and was held without bond. She has since been taken to the Worcester County Jail.

K. Newsome

Safety Expo next Friday at Northside Park

(June 14, 2024) The Ocean City Fire Department’s 3rd Annual Public Safety Expo is scheduled from 1-4 p.m., June 21, at Northside Park on 125th Street.

The Maryland State Police’s Trooper 4 helicopter will headline the event, offering attendees an opportunity to watch operations up close as it lands and takes off.

The expo is family-friendly and will showcase a variety of activities and demonstrations, including:

• K9 Demonstrations: Experience the precision of the Maryland

State Police Office of the Fire Marshal Accelerant Detection Dogs

• Emergency Vehicle Tours: Get an up-close look at fire trucks, ambulances, and a state-of-the-art mobile command center

• Health and Safety Demonstrations: Free blood pressure checks and hands-on CPR lessons to improve community health awareness.

• Interactive Activities: Meet the dedicated first responders who serve the community and enjoy numerous giveaways.

“Come out and get a close-up look at the tools and vehicles we use every day,” Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers said of the event in a news release. “It’s a great opportunity to meet our first responders and learn more about public safety in a fun, engaging environment.”

The Ocean City Public Safety Expo aims to strengthen community ties and foster a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of emergency services personnel.

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It’s HAMMER TIME!

Illegal Guns are being seized in cars and on the person of visitors inside Ocean City. Gun arrests are steady so far this spring and summer and may increase.

If you feel you NEED TO BRING an unlicensed, unregistered illegal gun or a ghost gun on vacation to Ocean City;.... then you are vacationing in the wrong place......

Police, Prosecutors and Elected Officials will not tolerate it.

Berlin adding a year to tattoo moratorium

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 14, 2024) Berlin’s tattoo moratorium was extended for another year Monday with the town needing more time to iron out health and safety details for any potential skin art parlors.

In 2017, the town was approached by an individual wanting to open in Berlin a microblading service, a semi-permanent form of cosmetic tattooing. Because the municipality does not have regulations regarding these types of shops, a moratorium, or temporary stall, was established so that officials may seek addi-

tional health and safety information.

“Our view is that we are in an arts and entertainment area,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “If somebody chooses to make their canvas their skin, that’s up to them.”

However, the elected official maintained that tattoo parlors would need to be set up in acceptable zoning, and health and safety inspections would be required to guarantee quality service. The moratorium was established to prevent any entity from opening body design businesses before further information could be secured.

Berlin has been in contact with the University of Maryland School of Law

and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health to help determine the safest way to allow tattoo parlors in town.

“We have never had UMD from a legal perspective looking into this,” Tyndall said. “We have never had Johns Hopkins School of Public Health looking into this from a health standpoint. We have some more tools at our disposal to have that conversation, but it’s a year out at least.”

of municipality-incorporated areas, and therefore, Berlin does not apply. Town officials have struggled to find a clear path forward without a written procedure.

Since the first attempt at an ink shop, Berlin has formed a tattoo advisory committee to facilitate the possibility of responsibly allowing individuals who are not licensed doctors to run parlors.

Tyndall also noted that there are Maryland entities that can legally provide tattoo services, but safety evaluations are not encouraged.

While the state of Maryland does not have tattoo regulations, unlike its neighboring states, Virginia and Delaware, Worcester County does have the policy that a physician is present at any business that offers skin art. After Worcester passed its ordinance, Ocean City soon followed suit after it was learned there was an interest in opening a tattoo parlor on the Boardwalk.

However, the mayor said the county’s ordinance only applies to entities outside

“The health department is not coming in and doing proactive health and safety inspections, which is what we want,” he said.

At the June 10 meeting, the tattoo moratorium was extended for another year so that the town could obtain further details. The motion passed unanimously.

Berlin launches new Random Acts of Art program

Wells:

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 14, 2024) As summer officially kicks off, Berlin artists will brighten visitors’ and residents’ walks downtown with the Random Acts of Art initiative.

The project will feature the chalk drawings of local artist Jess Hall of the endeavor Happy Now Creations on pre-approved downtown buildings and sidewalks. The murals will pop up randomly throughout the summer.

Hall studied fine arts in college but took her craft to the next level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her website states that she set up an in-home studio during quarantine and “spent her days exploring new techniques.” The creator then launched Happy Now Creations, inspired by her niece, who “perfectly exemplifies the playfulness of Jess’s artistic style,” the online page continues.

Hall’s work is displayed on the Happy Now Creations website, Instagram, and Facebook. The artist can be contacted through these social media channels for commission inquiries or purchase requests.

Other works by the local artist have already been featured throughout Berlin. In April last year, a Little Free Art Gallery was installed outside the town’s welcome center, where residents can fill the box with creative projects. Hall decorated the structure.

The Happy Now Creations founder also painted Berlin’s Pollinator Way mural between Gilbert’s Provisions and Island Creamery. The project was completed in the summer of 2022.

Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said that her administrative assistant, Allison Early, and Hall conceived the idea for Random Acts of Art. Wells applied for a Worcester County Arts Council grant and was awarded $500 for the project.

“The Random Acts of Art brings a sense of spontaneity to Berlin and engages the community to walk downtown and explore,” Wells said.

While Hall is set to complete most of the artwork, the economic and community development director maintains that any resident inspired to create temporary chalk drawings throughout the Town of Berlin can do so.

“Art is everything,” Wells said. “Without it, what are we?”

‘Master teacher’ surprised with retirement celebration

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

CA SWIM

(June 14, 2024) Current and former Stephen Decatur High School faculty, staff and students honored the retirement of beloved music and band director J.D. Foell on Friday, June 7, with a surprise celebration.

The teacher spent his entire 32-year career at SDHS. He taught marching band, symphonic band, string orchestra, jazz combo, and music theory.

University with a bachelor’s degree in music education and received his Masters of Education from Salisbury University.

Fellow educators shared their appreciation for the music enthusiast at the retirement celebration, which was held at Decatur on the lawn by Seahawk Road.

Foell has displayed a deep commitment to fostering a passion for music in his students. Throughout his time in education, the director was an active member of the Eastern Shore Band Directors Association and the Eastern Shore Orchestra Directors Association. He hosted the District V middle school band festival held at Decatur each spring and has aided in the implementation of Maryland’s All Shore Orchestra Festival.

“He made it over the bridge to the Eastern Shore, took on the position as the music director here at Decatur, and for the last 32 years, has given the program and its students everything he was capable of giving,” SDHS theater director and event organizer Brandon Cater said.

Foell graduated from West Virginia

“You set an example for your colleagues, for how to comport themselves with professionalism in the workplace, and you provided guidance and acted as the metronome that kept our corner of the building running on course,” Cater said, addressing Foell.

“… I cannot count how many Saturdays or Sundays JD and I would cross paths in the parking lot to pick up where we left off on a Friday with the students to prep for next week. I cannot quantify the respect I have for this man.”

Cater graduated from Stephen Decatur and shares that while he did not have the chance to take Foell’s class, his presence cultivated a positive school environment. The theater director maintained that the band teacher provided him with a “roadmap” to navigating arts education even as a student.

“There are those of you here who

J.D. Foell leaves lasting legacy

had the privilege of sitting across from this man, counting time, bars, and measures, keeping you all on course,” Cater said. “There are those of you who are parents of those students, lending a hand and steering the ship. And for those of you like me who have never had the pleasure, you can all agree that what we saw was a strong leader.”

Choral department member John Gross, finishing his second year at Stephen Decatur, expressed his gratitude to Foell for showing him the ropes in Worcester County. The educator said he was “deeply entrenched” in his office when he first met the retiring educator, riffing through music scores.

“I have come to learn that not only is JD one of the best directors around, but he is also a master teacher, a phenomenal colleague, and a friend,” Gross said. “Over the last two years, this man has taught me what it means to be a music teacher.”

In 2018, Foell and his students won first-place awards in orchestra, marching band, and concert band at the Music in the Park Festival in Loveland, Ohio.

The chorus instructor said that while those in the arts have a reputation for being dramatic and “divas,” Foell, despite his achievements, remains humble. Gross also credited the

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

During a ceremony last week, long-time Decatur teacher J.D. Foell, center, was feted for his service to the school and community.

band director’s rapport with his students and his relationship with his wife Monica, who has lent a hand to SDHS’s musical department for his exceptional legacy.

“Your students, past and present, will miss seeing you here; we’ll miss your sarcastic wit, musical prowess, wisdom, sense of ease, and friendship,” Gross told Foell. “Thank you for the time, energy, and effort spent over the last 32 years doing this job. There are a lot of people whose lives are richer because of you and Monica.”

Cater and fellow educators provided Foell with a cell phone and wireless headphones to send the band director into retirement, encouraging the previously off-the-grid teacher to keep in touch.

Berlin’s electric meter process continues

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 14, 2024) The effort to bring electric meters to Berlin continued to move forward this week.

At the Monday, June 10 meeting of the Berlin Mayor and Council, Electric Utility Director Tim Lawrence outlined the draft for the town’s request for a proposal for vendors to handle the design, supply, installation, and implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).

The utility director notes he has experience in AMI metering infrastructure for electric systems in a previous position he held with Manassas, Va.

An AMI system consists of smart meters, such as digital gas meters, electric meters, and water meters, that record energy consumption and send data back to the utility company throughout the

day. The town recently installed water meters on all users and next up will be the electric metering project, which will be funded through a bond.

As outlined by Lawrence, Berlin’s AMI system will perform “fixed-based automatic meter readings and two-way communication with electric meters; allow access to collected data at any time to support daily operations, provide customer support, and monitor system performances; advanced data analytics through a Meter Data Management System (MDMS); voltage monitoring and outage notification for the electric system; remote connect and disconnect for electric meters; prepayment services’ customer portal; and system integration with the Town’s existing billing system.”

Lawrence emphasized that keeping utilities reliable and up-to-date is imper-

ative because Berlin provides electric and water services to approximately 2,700 and 2,900 customers, respectively.

“The expandability of a potential AMI solution is an essential concern,” the drafted request for proposals reads.

Lawrence maintained that control monitoring and outage detection are vital, which AMI will provide. “Just take Decatur Farms,” he said. “If the right side of Dueling Way is out, it will show up that all those meters are down, and that gives us a focal point of where to go look at the problem because we know where it’s fed from. We will be able to see that in real-time as it occurs, so we don’t have to go hunting for the problem; it will take us to it, which will cut down the amount of time the power is out.”

The system will have temperature

readings, so if a meter becomes too hot, it will warn of a potential fire hazard. Also included in the AMI is a security feature to alert operators if an individual attempts to tinker with the devices.

Berlin intends to enter into an agreement with one vendor to provide a “turn-key” AMI solution, but the town may award separate contracts for any portion of the project.

The request for proposals notes that the scope of the work to be contracted will include the installation of the AMI system, Meter Data Management System (MDMS), a customer portal, the system’s integration with Berlin’s current billing systems, AMI testing and training, and annual maintenance and support.

Proposals, which must be submitted in a hard copy and an electronic format, are due by Wednesday, Sept. 11.

City eyes major sports conference

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) Officials say $35,000 in tourism development grant funding will allow the town to submit a proposal to host a large-scale sports industry event next year.

On Monday, Kim Mueller, director of sales for the convention center, came before the Ocean City Tourism Commission seeking $35,000 in tourism development grant funding to submit a proposal to the US Sports Congress. She said if the resort is selected, the organization will bring its annual conference, along with hundreds of sports industry promoters, to Ocean City.

“We’d like to propose that we get out there and host that event, which would bring hundreds of promoters here to see us in 2026,” she told the commission. “We need to have this in within the next few weeks.”

Mueller told commission members this week that a bid fee of $35,000 was needed to submit a proposal to US Sports Congress. She said she was seeking a tourism development grant to do so.

“We’ve already reached out to our hotel partners, and we’re offering great rates for hosting these promoters,” she added. “When these promoters come in, they do not pay for their rooms, they don’t pay for anything. So you really need partners in town to support us. So, we’ve got the hotel side worked out.”

Mueller also told commission members the timing was ideal, as the conference would be held in December of 2026. She said it could align with the town’s timeline for the sports complex it looks to build.

“We’re looking at 2026, possibly 2027, completion of the sports complex,” she said. “To have over 100 promoters out here, to be able to take them on tours and see what we have to offer … We can have them come in, look at the site, look at the space. It would be such a win for us.”

When asked what would happen should the town’s proposal not be accepted, Mueller said it would not have

to pay the bid fee. If it is accepted, she said the town would be on the hook for the $35,000, as well as any costs associated with closing and opening receptions.

“If we win it, then we host the closing reception in 2025 … which is probably about $15,000,” she explained. “Then if we win it, we host the welcome reception here. There’s publicity from all of this, and it will probably be another $10,000 or $15,000 for that. Of course those costs are split up. But I still think if we get one great event, then we’ve got a return on our investment. I still think the value is there.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said the opportunity to secure business for the town was worth the $35,000 fee. He then made a motion to approve the grant request.

“That’s really what this money is set aside for …,” he said. “This is something we need to do.”

After further discussion, the commission voted unanimously to utilize $35,000 in tourism development funding for the proposal.

“I think getting these promoters here will really make a difference,” Mueller said.

The commission on Monday also agreed to provide $5,000 in tourism development grant funds to USAngling Kayak Saltwater Fishing, which

will bring a new event to the resort June 22-23, as well as an additional $3,000 to War on the Shore. In April, the commission agreed to provide a $2,000 grant to help the wrestling event move from Stephen Decatur High School to the convention center.

“We had some changes from the last time we presented it,” Mueller said. “They actually added another day to War on the Shore. Instead of it just being Saturday and Sunday, now it is Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He was still kind of nervous and challenged with the cost of making a change out of Decatur. And then he did review the food and beverage that he used to get donated from local restaurants. Now, he’s going to be purchasing through us. So I have another request for an additional $3,000 to support him. It’s a total of $5,000 in support.”

Mueller said the January event is expected to bring more than 1,600 wrestlers to Ocean City and generate roughly 500 room stays. She said the event would give Ocean City a financial boost during the offseason. Councilman John Gehrig said he supported the request.

“This is the Worcester County sport,” he said. “It’s kind of our thing. We need to own it, and $5,000 is a bargain.”

SCHOOL DONATION

Worcester Preparatory School third graders recently presented Atlantic General Hospital with a donation of $388 from the annual third grade bread sale. Pictured is the third grade class with teachers Annie Seipp (third row, far left), Alexis Absher (fourth row far left) and Hannah Purnell (first row, far right) and Head of Lower School Sara Timmons (fourth row, far right). Accepting the check, back from left, were AGH Foundation Assistant Hillary Mozek, AGH Vice President Public Relations Toni Keiser, Foundation Past Chair Steve Green, Foundation Community Relations Officer Laura Powell and Foundation Donor Relations Officer Jessica Jersey.

Downtown traffic patterns will be altered for parade

(June 14, 2024) Ocean City’s public works department is instating a travel advisory on June 19 for the Maryland State Firefighter’s parade.

The parade is expected to start at 1 p.m. and will establish a new traffic pattern beginning around 11 a.m. Staging for the parade participants will take place in the inlet lot. The route will travel in the north lanes of Baltimore Avenue from 14th to 30th streets.

Traffic driving north on Baltimore Ave will be restricted to parade participants only. Other motorists will be re-routed west on 15th Street.

Parking will be restricted in the following areas starting at 8:30 a.m. on June 19:

• Baltimore Avenue between 12th and 31st streets

• 15th Street between Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues

• 12th Street between Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues

Delays can be expected near the parade route.

For motorists not attending the parade and traveling north, use Philadelphia Avenue starting at 9th Street to avoid congestion. Pedestrian traffic is expected along the parade route.

Pedestrians are reminded to cross at and within marked crosswalks, follow all traffic signals, and use the sidewalks, and bikers are asked to use designated bike lanes, follow all traffic signals, and ride with traffic.

Fire Company, Berlin talk potential parking lot lease

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) A proposed annual lease amount of $150,000 for a parking area on Berlin Fire Company property was frowned on by town officials.

During the recent quarterly work session with the Berlin Fire Company (BFC), town officials reviewed a proposed commercial lease agreement for the vacant property along Harrison Avenue owned by the BFC. At previous meetings, it has been discussed the possibility of the town leasing the property to allow for a new parking lot to be built to address the ongoing shortage of available spaces in Berlin.

In a draft of a lease agreement, the BFC proposed an annual lease amount of $150,000 with 50% of any revenue

from paid parking being given to the BFC from the town for future capital expenditures. Mayor Zack Tyndall remarked the town would not accept that offer, suggesting a $1 lease per year for the property with all the revenue obtained from the parking lot being directed to the Berlin Fire Company’s capital costs.

“What we are proposing is that the town make a very small payment to the fire company to lease the site, make the improvements so we can park there … bring on the payment system and then any revenue that comes in would go to cover the capital expenses we know you all need,” Tyndall said. “We don’t really want to keep the money, we just want to be able to solve the parking problem and pass the revenue on in the form of capital. That’s our goal but I don’t think a huge payment for the lease is going to work.”

Green agreed with the mayor and questioned the exorbitant lease price proposed.

“The town does have options, and this is not the only site, just to be clear … $150,000 is a lot more than other option that is closer. I find it insulting, frankly,” Green said. “I think it was a good faith gesture to try and address the capital needs of the fire company and find this offer to be insulting given everything we have been trying to do. With our improvement costs, this is not remotely possible.”

Green also took issue with a stipulation in the proposed lease contract the fire company could restrict parking on the leased lot if there’s a special event at the fire hall, referring to a possible wedding on Berlin Fiddlers Convention resulting in the parking not being able to be accessed. Councilman Jay Knerr agreed if the town paid for the improvements it should have full access to the site.

Moore apologized if the offer was viewed as offensive but asked Green and town officials to realize, “we are not going to bid against ourselves.”

“I am not going to draft a lease that

Proposal called ‘unreasonable’

does not benefit my client in the way they have asked me to,” Moore said. “These folks have their directive from their company, and it is our ask. We believe we are giving you a benefit as you all are giving us benefit. … I say, respectfully, I think you would rather give what you get off this parking lot to the fire company rather than to a private owner in the town of Berlin.”

Council Vice President Dean Burrell agreed with Green and Tyndall the proposed annual fee is not acceptable for the town.

“With the improvements that will be needed on the property to allow parking, I think the $150,000 is unreasonable. If we had $150,000, we would not be doing this with a parking lot, we would be funding what you need for capital,” Burrell said. “To put that number out there at this time in the negotiation, I really do believe is unreasonable and if we are going to be in this thing together to try and facilitate additional funding for the fire company … I think what the mayor has suggested as an initial lease price is not unreasonable.”

Town Attorney David Gaskill suggested the council members review the proposed lease privately and return for future discussions. Tyndall asked the fire company to reconsider the lease amount and return with a different number by the end of June.

“I hope we can soften this a bit and

try to make it work for both sides,” Tyndall said.

Fitzgerald suggested as a first step before the BFC counter offers for the town to do due diligence on its own as far as estimated parking spaces and cost to construct the parking lot.

“I think there needs to be some sort of review on the town’s side to figure out a rough cost of those improvements. … if we can get that number, then I can get with Mr. Moore and report back to the membership the lease amount, but we are going to get ‘x’ number in improvements,” Fitzgerald said.

The town plans to seek guidance from its consultant DBF to explore the number of parking spots on the property along Harrison Avenue and to determine an estimate to improve the grass area into a parking lot. A previous study calculated about 80 to 100 spots on the grass area.

Villani Jr. another legacy member of OCVFC

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(June 14, 2024) This week the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company is proud to recognize Associate Member Anthony “Tony” Villani Jr.

Tony grew up in the Ocean City community. He served as a seasonal cadet and summer officer for the Ocean City Police Department from 1976-80. He then joined the U.S. Capitol Police from 1980-91. He is a distinguished graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.

Tony held various specialty assignments and attained the rank of sergeant/field supervisor with the Capitol Police prior to leaving the agency for a full-time career in real estate. He is currently the broker/owner of Villani Real

Estate in Richmond, Virginia.

Tony served in the OCVFC Cadet Program from May 1972 through May 1976. He was the cadet secretary-treasurer from ’73-’76. He is beginning his 15th year as an associate member of the OCVFC after joining May 25, 2010. Firefighter Villani represents yet another “legacy family” that for generations has provided service to our community.

When asked why he returned to serve with the OCVFC, Tony said, “I do it to honor my Dad and my Uncles who were extremely active in building the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company! I did not get to do it as a young adult – so

I’m making up for lost time.”

Tony remembers as a child going to fires and riding in the cab of “Old Engine #6” with his father, Anthony “Tony” Villani Sr. Tony Sr. was a 55-year member of the OCVFC and served as captain on Engine #6, fire company treasurer, one of the original members of the OCVFC Rescue Squad, and a member of the Fire Police.

(NOTE: Tony Villani, Sr. was this writer’s first captain in the OCVFC on Engine #6.)

Additional members of the Villani family who have served in the OCVFC include:

Sam Villani Sr. (uncle) – one of the first OCVFC firefighters to become skillful in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus for interior firefighting and

recipient of the Colburn Award from the MSFA for his heroic efforts to rescue two young men from a burning vehicle in West Ocean City.

Angelo Villani (uncle and godfather) – was actively involved in the OCVFC, was also involved in the early years of the OCVFC Rescue Squad and served as past president of the OCVFC.

Frank Villani (uncle) – was actively involved in the Berlin Fire Company and served as past president of the Berlin Fire Company.

Sam Villani Jr. (cousin) – past president of the OCVFC; past volunteer assistant chief, and retired career deputy chief / fire marshal for the Town of Ocean City.

Sam Villani III – career battalion chief with the Montgomery County Fire Department.

Mike LeCompte (brother-in-law) –44 years of service-plus with the OCVFC.

Firefighter Villani currently serves as an apparatus chauffer and fire apparatus driver/operator instructor for the OCVFC. He is also a member of the OCFD Peer Support Team. He was recognized as the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year in 2013 and was the recipient of the Alfred Harmon Training Award in 2018 and the Chief’s Award in 2022. Additionally, Tony is extremely active with the volunteer fire company in the community where he lives. As a member of the Gloucester (Virginia) Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad since 2008, Tony served as company treasurer from 2009 through 2018 and currently serves as the fire company secretary. He has been the GVFRS fire prevention officer / lieutenant since 2022, and is a Virginia Fire Programs Instructor II specializing in EVOC, basic pumps, rural water supply, driver pump operator, and aerial driver operator training.

Tony cites his greatest accomplishment in the fire service as being uniquely blessed to actively serve in two volunteer fire companies 200 miles apart – “the community I grew up in and the community I live in,” he said. He treasurers the opportunity to pass his knowledge and skills on to the next generation of driver/operators so that they will operate fire apparatus in a safe and efficient manner.

Villani offered the following advice to those in our cadet program and other young men and women with an interest in the fire service: “Learn and train all that you can so you can perform safely, effectively and competently in whatever you do. Treat everyone respectfully - the way you would want to be treated.”

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

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

Tony Villani Jr.

JUNE 14, 2024 OC Today-Dispatch

MARKETPLACE

TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND WATER/WASTEWATER OPERATOR

The Town of Snow Hill is accepting applications for the position of Water/Wastewater Operator. Responsibilities include but not limited to: maintenance on pumps, valves, motors, etc.; troubleshoot operational problems; performs laboratory analysis; collects samples and mixes chemicals; water meter readings, testing and repairs; sewer service connections and sewer line maintenance. Preferred candidate has Class 2 Water Treatment Operator license and/or 5A Wastewater Treatment license, and certification to collect drinking water samples; has good organizational skills and excellent communication skills.

Salary commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with Town benefits, health insurance and Maryland State Retirement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

IES Residential, Inc.

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

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

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

SEEKING WORK

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

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

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

Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com

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

SEEKING RENTAL

Active, Retired Couple

Married 50 yrs.! Seeking to Rent ~ YEAR ROUND ~ OCEANFRONT CONDO to enjoy our last years together. 1 level preferred. OC/Lewes/Bethany. Call Steve or Pat, 717-969-2401

AFFORDABLE

TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS

Low and Moderate Income

~ Accessible Units and Facilities Available

~ Air Conditioning

~ Kitchen-Furnished w/Range & Refrigerator

~ Wall-to-Wall Carpet

~ On-Site Laundry Facilities

~ One Year Lease

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

TTY users via MRS Dial 711

REEDY COVE APARTMENTS

Germantown Rd., Berlin, MD 21811

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Roommate Wanted 2BR, 1.5 BA, Furn. Townhouse. 2 mi. from beach. $800 incl. utils. & amenities. Mallard Lakes Community, Rt. 54. No smoking/pets. 302-727-9199

COMMERCIAL

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

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

PETS

Curly Coated

Retriever Puppies

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

MISC./OTHER

Path dark and puddles, How will I cross when it comes, The river of time? The chart tells me there’s a bridge, Of wooden pews and hymn books.

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

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

WHISPERING WOODS COMMUNITY WIDE

YARD SALE

(WOC, off Rt. 611) Saturday, June 22nd, 8am-noon. Items for the whole family!! YARD SALE

Indoor, downsizing ESTATE SALE. 8-1pm, Sat., 6/15. Furniture, pottery, art, books, clothing, jewelry, kitchen. Rain or shine. 42 Fort Sumter, S. Ocean Pines.

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

Classified Deadline is Monday @ 5pm

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2023 Town Of Berlin Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

PWSID # 0230001

IS MY WATER SAFE?

We are pleased to present this year's Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This report is designed to provide details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by reg ulatory agencies. This report is a snapshot of last year's water quality. We are committed to providing you with information because informed cus tomers are our best allies

DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have under gone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infec tions. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drink ing Hotline (800 426 4791).

WHERE DOES MY WATER COME FROM?

The Town of Berlin pumps your drinking water from three separate wells in town, the source of this water is the Pocomoke aquifer, which is ground water drawn from about 125 feet below the earth's surface. An aquifer is some what like an underground sponge composed of rocks, sand and of course water. The area between the surface and the water helps to filter and purify the water before it actually reaches the aquifer and pumped into our system.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT AND ITS AVAILABILITY

The Town of Berlin has completed its well head protection report and passed an ordinance establishing protection areas and criteria. A copy of the well head protection program and ordinance is available at town hall. Results of the assessment can be found on the MDE website: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/water_supply/Source_Wat er_Assessment_Program/Pages/by_county.aspx

WHY ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN MY DRINKING WATER?

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800 426 4791).

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) in clude rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves nat urally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity: microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife; inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, min

ing, or farming; pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses; organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile or ganic chemicals, which are by products of industrial processes and petro leum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems; and radioactive contaminants, which can be nat urally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining ac tivities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please feel free to contact Jamie Latchum, Super intendent of Water at 410 641 3845 or email him at jlatchum@berlinmd.gov.

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION TIPS

Protection of drinking water is everyone’s responsibility. You can help protect your community’s drinking water source in several ways:

•Eliminate excess use of lawn and garden fertilizers and pesticides –they contain hazardous chemicals that can reach your drinking water source.

•Pick up after your pets.

•If you have your own septic system, properly maintain your system to reduce leaching to water sources or consider connecting to a public water system.

•Dispose of chemicals properly; take used motor oil to a recycling cen ter.

•Volunteer in your community. Find a watershed or wellhead protec tion organization in your community and volunteer to help. If there are no active groups, consider starting one. Use EPA’s Adopt Your Watershed to locate groups in your community, or visit the Watershed Information Net work’s How to Start a Watershed Team.

•Organize a storm drain stenciling project with your local government or water supplier.

Stencil a message next to the street drain reminding people “Dump No Waste Drains to River” or “Protect Your Water.” Produce and distribute a flyer for households to remind residents that storm drains dump directly into your local water body.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR LEAD

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Berlin is re sponsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing compo nents in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsi bility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumb ing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead

in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact Berlin at 410 641 3845. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR NITRATE

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for in fants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short pe riods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider. PFAS – or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances – refers to a large group of more than 4,000 human made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in a range of products, including stain and water resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints, cookware, food packaging and fire fighting foams. These uses of PFAS have led to PFAS entering our en vironment, where they have been measured by several states in soil, surface water, groundwater, and seafood. Some PFAS can last a long time in the en vironment and in the human body and can accumulate in the food chain. Beginning in 2020, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) initiated a PFAS monitoring program. PFOA and PFOS are two of the most prevalent PFAS compounds. PFOA concentrations from samples taken from our water system in 2022 ranged from 1.98 2.74 parts per trillion (ppt); PFOS concentrations from samples taken from our water system in 2022 ranged from 1.25 1.89 ppt. In March 2023, EPA announced proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for PFOA and 4 ppt for PFOS, and a Group Hazard Index for four additional PFAS compounds. Fu ture regulations would require additional monitoring as well as certain ac tions for systems above the MCLs. EPA will publish the final MCLs and requirements by the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024. Additional informa tion about PFAS can be found on the MDE website: mde.maryland.gov/Pub licHealth/Pages/PFAS Landing Page.aspx

The Maryland Rural Water Association’s State Circuit Rider assisted with the completion of this report.

WATER QUALITY DATA TABLE

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regu lations which limit the amount of contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The table below lists all of the drinking water contaminants that we detected during the calendar year of this report. Although many more contaminants were tested, only those substances listed below were found in your water. All sources of drinking water contain some naturally occurring contaminants. At low levels, these substances are generally not harmful in our drinking water. Removing all contaminants would be ex tremely expensive, and in most cases, would not provide increased protec tion of public health. A few naturally occurring minerals may actually improve the taste of drinking water and have nutritional value at low levels. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in this table is from testing done in the calendar year of the report. The EPA or the State requires us to mon itor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentra tions of these contaminants do not vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. As such, some of our data, though representative, may be more than one year old. In this table you will find terms and abbreviations that might not be fa miliar to you. To help you better understand these terms, we have provided the definitions next to the table.

ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A.

128 East Main Street

Salisbury, Maryland 2l801

ASSIGNEES’ SALE OF RESIDENTIAL DWELLING

146 Pine Tree Road, Ocean City, MD 21842

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

842 COLONA ROAD POCOMOKE, MD 21851

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

June 24, 2024 AT 11:00 AM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling.

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

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

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

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

PUBLIC AUCTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This sale is governed by the Offer for Purchase of Fee Simple Property. Any questions regarding the Auction may be directed to: Ms. Mashel Wakil

Team Leader, Real Estate Services Office of Real Estate and Economic Development

Maryland Department of Transportation

7201 Corporate Center Drive

Hanover MD 21076

Phone: 410-865-1270

Toll-free: 1-866-242-9405

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

KELLY R GILLETT ESQ

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20211

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of

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

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

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NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

For: T. & T. Russo Realty Corporation

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Tony's Pizza

3 Atlantic Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842

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

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

OCD-6/6/2t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

For the premises known as and located at:

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

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 18, 2024 @ 1:10 P.M.

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

OCD-6/6/2t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "D" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Jessmin

William Duryea, 12 Front Street, Pocomoke, Maryland 21851; Warren Keith Willey, II, 279 Somerset Avenue, Crisfield, Maryland 21817; and John Duryea, 34027 Clearfield Drive, Pocomoke, Maryland 21851

For: Cypress Roots Brewing Company, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Cypress Roots Brewing Company 148 Market Street Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851

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

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

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

For: Spectrum Concessions, LLC

T/A: Spectrum Concessions

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

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

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

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

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

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NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

For: Spectrum Concessions, LLC

T/A: Spectrum Concessions

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

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

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

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

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing

from any interested party.

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BROOK-LYN CORP., LLC

Plaintiff, 4 North Park Drive, Suite 510 Hunt Valley, MD 21030 v. STACY L. STOTLER

Defendant, 352 Nottingham Road Hagerstown MD 21740 Baltimore MD 21215 and

THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER Defendant, Serve on: Roscoe Leslie, County Attorney 1 West Market Street, Rm 1103 Snow Hill, MD 21863 and )

ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY described as: Item 62 10-098521 and 142265-12988: Described as The Chateau Condominium Unit 104B, Assessed to Stacy L. Stotler, Assessed Value $185,667, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,117.51. In the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, MD, Sub District 10. Defendants, In the CIRCUIT COURT for WORCESTER County, Maryland Civil No. C-23-CV-24-000104

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

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

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

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

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

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

It is thereupon this 24th of May, 2024 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in WORCESTER County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, waming all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 27th of July, 2024 and redeem the property referenced herein and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley

JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County MD

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOBIN, O’CONNOR, CONCINO P.C.

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

NOTICE

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

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the District Court of Clark County, Nevada appointed Robert Louis Bender Jr., 719 Quayside Ct., Las Vegas, NV 89178-1250 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert

Louis Bender who died on February 02, 2024 domiciled in Nevada, America.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: June 6, 2024

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

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

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the

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

Marie B. Reilly

Barbara Griffen

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

June 06, 2024

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NOTICE ON HEARING ON PETITION TO INVOLUNTARY TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS

IN RE: Adoption of Jayden David Lundberg, a/k/a Baby Boy Lundberg; Case No 53 of 2024 in the Orphan’s Court Division of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Notice To: UNKNOWN BIRTH

FATHER of the Adoptee, Jayden David Lundberg, a/k/a Baby Boy Lundberg, born on February 25, 2024, at UPMC Magge Women’s Hospital, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, to the Birth Mother, Alexis Lundberg, and conceived in the Town of Ocean City, Worcester County, State of Maryland. The Court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to your child. That hearing will be held before the Honorable Jim Silvis, in Courtroom No. 10, Westmoreland County Courthouse, 2 North Main Street, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601, on July 17, 2024, at 9:30 A.M. You are warned that if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing will go on without you and your rights to your child may be ended by the Court without you being present.

You are also notified of Act 101 of 2010 which allows for an enforceable voluntary agreement for continuing contact or communication following an adoption between an adoptive parent, a child, a birth parent and/or a birth relative of the child, if all parties agree and the written voluntary agreement is approved by the court. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE REPRESENTED AT THE HEARING BY A LAWYER. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.

IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU

WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

WESTMORELAND BAR ASSOCIATION. P.O. BOX 565; GREENSBURG, PA 15601; (724) 834-8490; http://lrs.westbar.org.

JEFFREY J. LOCHNER, ESQUIRE, Attorney at Law, 4232 Brownsville Road, Suite 45; Pittsburgh, PA 15227; (412) 881-4380. OCD-6/13/1t

DIANE S. KOTKIN ESQ. RKW LAW GROUP, LLC 10 N. JEFFERSON ST., STE. 200 FREDERICK, MD 21701-3500

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO 20216

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO 20225

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHANS' court of LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed WANDA MARIE MARTIN

whose address is 1241 PRECAST RD EAST EARL, PA 17519-9607 as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of FLOYD G MARTIN who died on FEBRUARY 24, 2024 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D COATES, JR whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/13/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum Elevator Addition

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide for the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum Elevator Addition and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

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

A Pre-Bid meeting will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 10 AM, lo-

cated at 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 (City Hall –Community Room), for any questions concerning the Proposals Documents. A site walkthrough will immediately follow. The last day for questions will be on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 3 PM. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, July 29, 2024, by 3:00 PM. and will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the Mayor and City Council Work Session held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 1 PM Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: City Manager; Room 230, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and must note the name of the solicitation (Ocean City LifeSaving Museum Elevator Addition) on the outside of the package.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

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BROOK-LYN CORP., LLC

Plaintiff, 4 North Park Drive, Suite 510 Hunt Valley, MD 21030 v. CRAIG L. GARFIELD, JR. Defendant, 14305 Unit B, Lighthouse Avenue Ocean City MD 21842 - 4329 and BRYAN D. LESLEE, Trustee Defendant, P.O. Box 1290 Whiteville, NC 28472 and TRUIST BANK Defendant, Serve on: CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820 Baltimore MD 21202 and THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER Defendant, Serve on: Roscoe Leslie, County Attomey 1 West Market Street, Rm 1103 Snow Hill, MD 21863 and ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY described as: Item 22 10-327431 and 5250351086: Described as Lighthouse Cove Condominium, Unit B, Assessed to Craig L. Garfield, Jr., Assessed Value $165,600, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,744.95. In the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, MD, Sub District 10, Defendants, In the CIRCUIT COURT for WORCESTER County, Maryland Civil No. C-23-CV-24-000103

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property located in WORCESTER County, Maryland, described by the certifi-

cate of sale below, and more fully described in a Deed cited below, among the Land Records for WORCESTER County, Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Ocean City, Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding: Item 22 10-327431 and 5250351086: Described as Lighthouse Cove Condominium, Unit B, Assessed to Craig L. Garfield, Jr., Assessed Value $165,600, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $1,744.95. In the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, MD, Sub District 10.

Deed reference: Liber 1725, folio 362, in Land Records of WORCESTER County Address: 14305 Unit B, Lighthouse Avenue, Ocean City MD 21842 -4329

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

It is thereupon this 20th of May, 2024 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in WORCESTER County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 20th Day of July, 2024, and redeem the property referenced herein and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Senior Judge Brett W. Wilson JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-6/13/3t

REENA J PATEL ESQ

LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

SMALL ESTATE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of BILLY E VINSON Estate No. 20227 Notice is given that URSULA VICTORIA STAINES whose address is 1307 MCHENRY CT BERLIN, MD 21811-9483 was on JUNE 06, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of BILLY E VINSON who died on FEBRUARY 02, 2023 with a will.

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

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

of this Notice.

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/13/1t

MICHAEL S WOLL ESQ

13207 HATCHERY ROAD SUITE B BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of SHARON S DAVIDSON Estate No. 20229 Notice is given that RICHARD C DAVIDSON SR whose address is 10817 BISHOPVILLE RD BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813-1201 was on JUNE 06, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SHARON S DAVIDSON who died on APRIL 08, 2024 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of DECEMBER, 2024

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

KRISTINA L WATKOWSKI BOOTH, CROPPER & MARRINER, P C 9927 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY STE F12 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9349

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JANINE A JANVIER Estate No. 20212 Notice is given that RAYMOND W JANVIER JR whose address is 12249 MEADOW DR BERLIN, MD 21811-2536 was on JUNE 07, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JANINE A JANVIER who died on APRIL 23, 2024 without a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/13/1t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 24-05

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-05 (Natural Resources – Critical Area Law) was introduced by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on May 21, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§NR 3-101: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations.

§NR 3-102: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations (i.e. provide definition for lot coverage which took the place of the term impervious surface).

§NR 3-103: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations.

§NR 3-104: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations.

§NR 3-105: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections.

§NR 3-106: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations, including updating adjacency regulations.

§NR 3-107: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations. Some language changes made to reflect new terminology (i.e. lot coverage verse impervious surface).

§NR 3-108: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections. Special Event Language added, as previously adopted locally by the County Commissioners on May 19, 2020 with passage of Bill # 20-3.

§NR 3-109: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations.

§NR 3-110: Changes made to update current State regulations.

§NR 3-111: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations, including After the Fact variance requests and Administrative variances.

§NR 3-112: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations. Updates growth allocation acreage based on comments from the Critical Area Commission.

§NR 3-113: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections.

§NR 3-114: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations. Unauthorized clearing section originally from §NR 3-116(g) moved to this section.

§NR 3-115: This section was entirely placed within §NR 3-114, then the Lot Consolidation and Reconfiguration section (from COMAR) was added to the Worcester County Code; therefore, the language in this section is completely new and added to update to current State regulations.

§NR 3-116: Parts of this section were deleted because they are not in COMAR. Other parts of this section (g-Enforcement) were placed in §NR 3-114.

§NR 3-117: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations.

§NR 3-118: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations.

§NR 3-119: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections.

§NR 3-120: Adds clarifying language for the usage of the DNR Wildlife and Hertiage Service resource inventory based on comments from the Critical Area Commission.

§NR 3-121: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections. Removed section on Bald Eagles as they are no longer considered an endangered species.

§NR 3-122: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections. Removed “wetlands” from section.

§NR 3-123: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations.

§NR 3-124: Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. Adds language from the Critical Area model ordinance based on comments from the Critical Area Commission.

§NR 3-125: No changes.

§NR 3-126: This is a completely new section, taken from COMAR/State regulations.

§NR 3-127: This section was renumbered from §NR 3-126. Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coast Bays sections and to update current State regulations.

§NR 3-127 (original code): This section was removed because Maryland Department of Environment oversees wetlands.

§NR 3-127: This section was renumbered from §NR 3-126. Changes made to combine the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays sections and to update to current State regulations.

§NR 3-128: This is a new section based on recent regulations passed by the Critical Area Commission on April 1, 2021.

A Public Hearing

will be held on Bill 24-xx at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. A full copy of the bill with an option to submit comments will also be available by a link provided on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE

Self-storage Cube contents will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for the Owner of 11750 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842 to satisfy a lien for rental on Tuesday June 18, 2024 at approximately 1:00 PM at www.storagetreasures.com

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NOTICE

OF

APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20224 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CYNTHIA MERICINE KIRKWOOD

Notice is given that Cynthia Louise Ramos, 916 Acorn Cir., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-9591, was on June 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cynthia Mericine Kirkwood who died on May 26, 2024, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Cynthia Louise Ramos 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 13, 2024

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MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD STE B

SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20231

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAY WALTER PERSKIE

Notice is given that Marjorie Beth Perskie, 1461 Ocean Pkwy., Berlin,

MD 21811-1634, was on June 10, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Jay Walter Perskie who died on April 12, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment 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.

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: June 13, 2024

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REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20232 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SHEILA KATHLEEN FOTHERINGILL

AKA: SHEILA K. FOTHERINGILL Notice is given that James B. Rothgeb, 6 126th St., Unit 103S / PO Box 3430, Ocean City, MD 218422254, was on June 10, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sheila Kathleen Fotheringill who died on May 05, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection

to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of December, 2024.

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

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

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

James B. Rothgeb 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 13, 2024

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REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA ANN ANTHONY Estate No. 20217 Notice is given that RONALD D ANTHONY whose address is 522 BAY AVE MILFORD, DE 19963-4914, BYRON A ANTHONY whose address is 13003 OLD BRIDGE RD OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9272 were on JUNE 10, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA ANN ANTHONY who died on MAY 04, 2024 with a will.

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

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

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal

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

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

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/13/3t

QUINN W MCGINNES ESQ

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of LOUIS E. SCHNEIDER Estate No. 20226 Notice is given that DIANA KELLY whose address is 2719 SUPERIOR AVE., PARKVILLE, MD 21234-1159 was on JUNE 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LOUIS E. SCHNEIDER who died on APRIL 18, 2024 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of DECEMBER, 2024

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/13/3t

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY A. FINK

Notice is given that Darlene Michelle Ruggiero, 702 Mason Rd., Stevensville, MD 21666-2318, was on June 03, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shirley A. Fink who died on February 08, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3rd day of December, 2024.

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

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

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

Darlene Michelle Ruggiero 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 13, 2024

OCD-6/13/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES JOHN KINELSKI JR Estate No. 20222 Notice is given that MARY PATRICIA CONNELL whose address is 12300 JAMAICA AVE UNIT 104 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-4746 was on JUNE 03, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHARLES JOHN KINELSKI JR who died on MAY 13, 2024 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3rd day of DECEMBER, 2024

Any person having a claim

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/13/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ADOLPH J SIEDLECKI JR Estate No. 20215 Notice is given that SHIRLEY C SIEDLECKI whose address is 14107 CAINE STABLE RD OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-7341 was on JUNE 07, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ADOLPH J SIEDLECKI JR who died on APRIL 26, 2024 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024

At 7:00 pm AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 110, ENTITLED ZONING OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLANDARTICLE I, ENTITLED IN GENERAL, SECTION 110-2, ENTITLED DEFINITIONS; AND ARTICLE V ENTITLED SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS, DIVISION 1, ENTITLED GENERALLY, SECTION 110-884 OUTDOOR DISPLAY OF MERCHANDISE STANDARDS FOR PROPERTIES FRONTING ON ATLANTIC AVENUE (BOARDWALK AND SECTION 110-885 ENTI-

TLED OUTDOOR DISPLAY OF MERCHANDISE STANDARDS FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED IN THE DOWNTOWN DESIGN OVERLAY AND THE UPPER DOWNTOWN DESIGN OVERLAY ZONE DISTRICTS (R-3, R-3A, LC1, DM, B-1, BC-2, DMX, M AND I-1 DISTRICTS, EXCLUDING THE BOARDWALK FRONTAGES OF PROPERTIES IN THE R-3, B-1 AND BC-2 DISTRICTS) ARE AMENDED AND SECTION 110887, ENTITLED CANNABIS DISPENSARIES TO ADD DEFINITIONS RELATED TO CANNABIS AND DISPENSARIES; REGULATE OUTDOOR DISPLAYS OF MERCHANDISE; AND TO ADOPT SUPPLEMENTAL ZONING REGULATIONS RELATED TO CANNABIS.

APPLICANT: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL (FILE #24-14100003)

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

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

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

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

JOSEPH P. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON

REEN HOWARTH, ESQ., ATTORNEY OCD-6/13/3t

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

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

Thursday, June 27, 2024 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-94(5) has been filed to request a special outdoor display of merchandise exception for clothing racks and shelves to

be located on the exterior of the business that is locally known as Greene Turtle Apparel. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 187, Units 116-25 and 116-27, of the plat entitled “Oyster Bay Condominium.” It is further described as being located on the southwest corner of Coastal Highway and Newport Bay Drive and is locally known as Greene Turtle Apparel located at 11625 Coastal Highway, Unit 27, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: TURTLE NORTH,

LLC (BZA 2694, #24-09400016) AT 6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request a special parking exception from design standards set forth in Section 110-935(a) to allow for 1 garaged space in 8 out of 14 townhome units to be in a tandem (stacked) configuration. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, Block 108, of the plat entitled “Oceanbay City.” It is further described as being located on the north side of the 75th Street and is locally known as 110 75th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BAYSIDE 75, LLC (BZA 2695, #24-09400017)

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

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-6/13/1t

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

FIRST ROPER ROMP HELD

The first-ever Roper Romp was held in downtown Ocean City last Saturday, raising more than $860 for Town Cats and several cases of food. The Roper Romp began in New Orleans and has grown in recent years, including Ocean City this year under a chapter created by Robyn Baker of Berlin. The Ropers were a lovable couple on the long-running television show “Three’s Company” with a spinoff called “The Ropers” for two seasons. More than 100 male and female attendees dressed as Helen Roper for the bar crawl event that included The Bar, The Cork Bar, The Bearded Clam and Crawl St. Tavern. This will be an annual event on the second Saturday of June.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

Worshipful Master Doug Trimper, right, of Evergreen Lodge #153 in Berlin, recently presented 2024 Masonic Charities of Maryland scholarships to Daniel Karcheuski, left, and Matthew Beck, center, both recent graduates of Stephen Decatur High School.

BOOK PUBLISHED

Students in Julie Vorsteg’s second grade class at Ocean

researched,

and illustrated a book, “Amazing Animals,” and had it published.

are students Ellie Smith, Mack Ashton and Zoie Zupon.

PRESENTS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH SCHOLARSHIP CREATED

Cate Nellans presented the $1,000 Macon Katherine Chandler Art Scholarship, as well as one of Chandler’s prints, to Jessica Beck, a 2023 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School. Beck is pursuing an architecture degree at Catholic University. The scholarship was created with donations in Chandler’s memory after her death earlier this year and will be awarded an-

to

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

nually

an art student through the Art League of Ocean City.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

City Elementary

wrote

Pictured with copies of the book

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

TECH SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS HONORED

At a ceremony at the

OCES RAISES $30K

This year's annual American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge at Ocean City Elementary School raised $30,775. The contribution makes the total donated by OCES students and their families throughout the years to over $535,000. Pictured, top fundraisers throw slime and ice water all over the PE teacher and a custodian.

Local beekeepers visited Ocean City Elementary School's third graders on June 3 to teach the students all about why bees are critical pollinators and about their life cycles. They also brought two sets of live bees so that the children could see them working in the hive.

COMMENDATIONS ISSUED

At a ceremony at the Worcester County Fire Training Center June 10, Worcester County Commissioner Ted Elder presented commendations to 11 individuals, the majority of them Worcester Technical High School students, for completing fire and EMS training through WTHS.

OC LIONS SUPPORT COASTAL HOSPICE

Hospice Community Relations and Development

the OC Lions about services offered.

CELEBRATING Q AND U

Students in Worcester Preparatory School pre-kindergarten teacher Kim Zaccagnini’s class recently participated in a wedding for Q and U as part of an interactive grammar lesson reminding students that the two letters work together in words such as quandary and quarrel, but that U can stand alone for words such as unity. Pictured, a group of students celebrate during a reception after the ceremony.

PHOTO

Worcester County Fire Training Center June 10, Worcester County Commissioner Ted Elder recognized instructors of the fire and EMS training program through Worcester Technical High School.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY

PHOTO COURTESY

PHOTOS COURTESY OCEAN CITY LIONS CLUB

Coastal

Manager Lauren Blair recently spoke to

Blair is pictured receiving a $2,000 donation from Ocean City Lions President Greg Cathell.

by Steve Green

TThe Adventures of Fatherhood

he last week of school is something altogether different today than it was a few years ago.

What was once a celebration during elementary school years is now more like a relief to greet the finish line. As Beckett, 16, said Tuesday as I picked him up after taking two finals, “I just want to go home and do nothing for a couple days.” I cautiously reminded him he had two more exams on Wednesday, and he clarified he meant after those were over.

I tend to sympathize a bit with the approach to finals because in many ways the students are already on summer vacation. Beckett has been to the beach multiple times already. It’s hot outside and the beach, ocean and pools are more front of mind than studying for Geometry or Spanish.

For Beckett, it’s not like when he was younger when the last couple weeks of school were festive and capped off with field day on the last day. Nowadays, it’s turning in final assignments and reviewing for final exams while trying to tune out the inevitable distractions that come with living around the beach.

The final stretch of school this year has been even more unique. Last weekend he attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program after he was chosen with a handful of other classmates through an application process at his school. He stayed three nights on Towson University’s campus and took part in four days of featured speakers, presentations and activities all geared toward leadership and learning. On the way home last Sunday, he said the event changed him, and he was sincerely grateful for the experience. Days later, he was sharing with us new things he had not previously dived into about himself and how he needs to approach some aspects in new ways. It was clearly a tremendous experience for him.

After that momentous weekend, our 16-year-old struggled a bit getting focused on wrapping up his sophomore year. Pam, me and the school understood it would be draining and the school, therefore, was flexible with him with his exam schedule. Yet, there’s only so much that can be done. The exams must still be taken by a certain time.

It was funny talking to him about the exams after he finished. I know he cares about his grades, but I don’t sense he’s going to lose any sleep out of curiosity.

“When do we find out our grades anyway?,” he asked me. I reminded in the past he approached his teachers to see how he did. Since he seemed reluctant (not the best sign), I told him we will have to wait until the report card comes. He seemed a bit nervous how he did on a couple finals, but happy to be done. He said he just wanted to relax. He has earned that as he has done well in a challenging school year. It’s impossible for me to accept he will be junior in high school next year.

For our Carson, 14, I tend to overthink everything. Nonetheless, I am certain Carson approaches the end of school different than his big brother. For him, I sense he is fearing the change coming even if it’s a couple months away. Over the last couple weeks, he has been bringing home personal things from his “office” at school and I don’t see excitement. I see apprehension.

Kids on the spectrum crave structure and routine. There have been several indications he has anxiety about leaving the middle school for the high school next year. As he wraps up his eighth year, I believe the thought of changing schools next year is tempering his enthusiasm for summer. Carson is nonverbal, shy and loathes deep conversations (a distaste he shares with Beckett, by the way). I can tell he has mixed emotions just through observing him going into school over the last week and being fully aware Carson does not miss a thing. While he may seem aloof

and distant outwardly, this teen is taking everything in. He hears everything and has feelings and thoughts just like everyone else. He may process things differently, but Carson is sharp and aware.

There was a time when he was anxious all hell would break lose. Behavior outbursts would be erratic and numerous. Now, it’s different. He is internalizing more things. It’s a sign of maturity while also a reason for pause and concern for his parents. Since our parental insights are honed by all these years raising him and learning, we are especially keen to observing him intently. My hope was to encourage him to celebrate the end of a great school year full of many successes for him and not look too far ahead. We have time and we will do everything we can to ease his transition.

Throughout the week on the way to school, I have tried to keep things light with him, while also acknowledging what I believe to be on his mind. It’s clear he is concerned about the routine change in the summer as well as moving over to the bigger school. He is also aware his “one on one” – his education assistant –and his special ed team of familiar faces will not be moving on to the high school with him. I am sure he’s sad about this fact.

Pam and I understand these feelings because we share them. We, too, are nervous what lies ahead and the massive changes to come. However, we can’t worry today about tomorrow’s problems. Instead, we must celebrate the great wins Carson has at school and enjoy some downtime even if it involves schedule changes.

In the meantime, we thank all our kids’ dedicated teachers and staff for their efforts over the last nine months.

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

Ocean City Film Festival presents Pride night event

(June 14, 2024) The Ocean City Film Festival will present “Pride Film Night” this Saturday, June 15, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and films begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation at the door.

The following seven films will screen:

“Of One’s Own” by Jack Calvin Girod — A young man participates in his first gay speed dating event.

“Intrusive” by Jacob Greene — A young man faces his own anxiety in preparing to go on a date.

“Chasing Justice” by Drew Petrimoulx — A law student works with a transgender inmate.

“Taylor: A Portrait of Becoming” by Sean Frost — Being gender non-conforming in the Midwest.

“Cleveland” by Lily Daroff — Uncle Rob during the AIDs epidemic in 1980s.

“First You, Then I” by Ashleigh Coffelt — A woman caught in a toxic relationship struggles.

“Dreaming of …” by Adrián De Jesús — Maya struggles to come to terms with her girlfriend Ana’s death.

The screenings will conclude with a Q&A with attending filmmakers. Total run time is about 90 minutes. Films are not rated and viewer discretion is advised.

The Ocean City Film Festival is a program of the Art League of Ocean City.

Resort offering weekly events

By Anna Williams Staff Writer

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Seeing my teenager inspired

People watching from a beach chair

Writing this column for 25 years this week

The Netflix series, “Eric”

Exhausted kids after a beach day

Stopping for crossing Assateague horses

Mornings with no rushing around

Catching dinner on a fishing trip

Monitoring a bird’s nest

The career of Simone Biles

A creative repurposing project

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

WITH BUNK MANN

The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1905 with two hand-drawn hose reels. Harry J. Cropper was the first chief. Although fires were scarce in the early years, a blaze that began in the town’s power plant on December 29, 1925 destroyed several blocks of the Boardwalk including two hotels and the Pier and Pier Building. It still remains the biggest fire in Ocean City’s history.

In addition to fighting fires, the firefighters have served with distinction during natural disasters. In March 1962 the fire company received statewide acclaim for their rescue of dozens of local residents during the worst storm that has ever flooded Ocean City. Today a well-trained and equipped career/volunteer fire department provides both fire and emergency medical services to the Town of Ocean City. They are recognized as one of the best in the entire State of Maryland. To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Photo

Range of events planned in OC

Arts Center Shows

For those interested in more performance-style shows, the Ocean City Performing Arts Center will have two shows this summer.

On July 26, Taylor Swift fans of all ages can watch the Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience. This is a musical theater style performance with a concert feel as Kanin Wren covers many of Taylor Swift’s famous songs. The show will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. and tickets will be available soon.

On Aug. 28, the Ocean City Performing Arts Center will hostSlippery When Wet-The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute & Light Up The Moon. Tickets will range from $30 to $40, and they will grant access to both performances. The classic rock and pop performances will begin at 6:00pm. Light Up The Moon will play their pop-rock show first, and Slippery When Wet will follow with their Bon Jovi Tribute.

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

Northside Park hosts the weekly Sundaes in the Park on Sundays through the summer.

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Friday, June 14:

Aaron Howell Duo

Every Sunday Locals Party w/ DJ Deogee

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays:

Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Friday, June 14:

Darin Engh & Monkee Paw

Saturday, June 15:

The Everafter & Lime Green Band

Sunday, June 16:

Coastal Cats & On The Edge Band

Monday, June 17:

Nate Clendenen & Fil Rhythm Duo

Tuesday, June 18:

The Jamn Brothers & True Country

Wednesday, June 19:

Darren O’Neill

& Doug Kaetz Band

Thursday, June 20:

Kevin Poole Solo & Full Circle

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, June 14:

The Rockoholics

Saturday, June 15:

Jim Long & Shortcut Sunny

Every Sunday: DJ Wax

CRABCAKE FACTORY

BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Sunday, June 16:

Unlce Ward

Wednesday, June 19: Aaron Howell

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, June 14:

Black Dog Alley

Saturday, June 15: Rogue Citizens

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, June 14:

DJ RobCee, Great Train Robbery & Shake The Room

Saturday, June 15:

The Woo Hoo, DJ Groove & Shake The Room

Sunday, June 16:

DJ Mary Jane

Monday, June 17:

Animal House, DJ RobCee, Lower Case Blues

& The Fitzkee Brothers

Wednesday, June 19:

DJ Wax

Best Beats On The Beach

s Island: Friday & Saturday, June 14 & 15

FULL CIRCLE

Seacrets: Friday, June 14

Coconuts Beach Bar: Thursday, June 20

LITHIUM & CANDY Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, June 14 & 15

SHAKE THE ROOM

FITZKEE BROTHERS

Fager s Island Monday Deck Party: Monday, June 17

AARON HOWELL DUO

Dry Dock 28: Friday, June 14

Crab Cake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, June 19

STRATUS FEAR

Pickles Pub: Saturday, June 15

ROCKOHOLICS

Coins Pub: Friday, June 14

LOWER CASE BLUES

Fager s Island Monday Deck Party: Monday, June 17

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, June 16

Seacrets: Tuesday, June 18

BLACK DOG ALLEY

Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, June 14

OLD SCHOOL OC

Harborside: Saturday, June 15

Bar: Sunday, June 16

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Saturday, June 15:

TBA

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Friday, June 14:

DJ Billy T

Saturday, June 15:

Old School OC & DJ Biggler

Sunday, June 16:

Opposite Directions & Wayne Blake

Wednesdays: DJ Billy T

Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, June 15:

Stratus Fear

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wood

Wednesdays: Beats By Styler

Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE

SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, June 14 & June 15:

Lithium & Candy

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, June 14:

Full Circle, DJ Connair, Jah Works, DJ E-State & Turning The Tide

Saturday, June 15: DJ Cruz, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, DJ Davie, Turning The Tide, Jah Works & Garden State Radio

Sunday, June 16:

Triple Rail Turn, DJ Mary Jane, DJ Davie, DJ Connair, DJ Flight, Yawd Lynk & Eclipse Journey Tribute

Monday, June 17: DJ Wax, Blake Haley, DJ Mary Jane, DJ Davie & The Wayouts

Tuesday, June 18: DJ Wax, Opposite Directions, DJ Mary Jane & Turning The Tide

Wednesday, June 19: DJ E-State, Full Circle Duo, DJ Mary Jane & The Benderz

Thursday, June 20:

John McNutt Duo, DJ Cruz, DJ Connair & DJ E-State, I &I Riddim

Reggae & Lost In Paris

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Friday, June 14:

Lime Green

Saturday, June 15:

Ryan MacCubbin & Joe Esham

Sunday, June 16:

Shorebreak & Wayne Blake

Tuesday, June 17:

Steve Bowers & Brian Bishop

Wedenesday, June 18: Wes Davis & Troy Mawyer

VISTA ROOFTOP

410-390-7905

13801 Coastal Hwy.

Friday, June 14: Steve Kuhn

Saturday, June 15:

Dave Grundman

Sunday, June 16: Bethany Vollaro

JOLLY ROGER MARKS 60 YEARS

A special celebration was held last week to observe and celebrate 60 years of Jolly Roger Amusement Parks in Ocean City. The celebration featured speeches, special giveaways throughout the evening, free kids activities and performances, unlimited rides and various food offerings from Pier businesses. A moving video was shown at the conclusion of the event and throughout the evening including interviews with founder Buddy Jenkins, long-time employees and local officials. Above, Jolly Roger Amusement Parks Vice President Steve Pastusak welcomes attendees to the celebratory event. Above right, Jenkins gives the amusement park mascot a pat before delivering remarks. Below right, a special cake was created by Charm City.

Umbrella placement key for beach safety

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(June 14, 2024) Beachgoers need to always be on the lookout for flying umbrellas.

Umbrellas swept by wind gusts often barrel down the beach at speeds of up to 20 mph. High winds and gusts are common on the shoreline, and these conditions which often change rapidly, mixed with an improperly set umbrella, can mean trouble. Unfortunately, every summer beach patrols along the east coast respond to medical emergencies caused by flying umbrellas. These accidents can often be prevented and are basically caused by an

umbrella that was not set properly in the sand. Not only does a flying umbrella often result in some type of injury, but it can also have legal ramifications. The owner of the flying umbrella can be held responsible for any injury caused to another person. Here are a few important tips to follow when setting up a beach umbrella.

If you rent an umbrella, make sure the beach stand operator is the person that sets it in the sand for you. If you want to relocate ask the beach stand operator to more the umbrella for you. If you move or reset the umbrella on your own, you are responsible.

When setting the umbrella, you must jab and then rock the whole umbrella pole back and forth until about 18 inches (a cubit or length of an adult forearm) of the

pole are beneath the sand.

Make sure the umbrella is tilted into the wind. This will prevent a gust from getting up under the umbrella.

Use common sense. If winds are high or gusting and you are using a low-quality plastic or light metal umbrella or your umbrella setting skills are poor, do not set your umbrella up.

If you leave the beach for any reason, close it up and take it down until you return.

Part of a Surf Rescue Technician’s

CROSSWORD

training is how to properly place an umbrella in the sand, so that they may instruct you, if you do not know how to do it safely. Lifeguards will also try to warn people of high winds, although a gust of wind may dislodge an improperly installed umbrella while other surrounding umbrellas may remain secure.

Happy shading under your properly set umbrella and remember “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguards in the stand.” Always locate the nearest stand with a guard and swim on that beach.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you may have to shuffle your schedule a bit this week to accommodate some interesting ideas that you have come up with on the fly. It’s a good thing you’re adaptable.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, think about where you want to go in the upcoming weeks, because you have some pretty influential supporters who can help propel you in that very direction.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, you may be involved in a few different projects right now, but often you start things and do not finish them, which can be frustrating to others. Do not take on any additional tasks.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You have some high hopes regarding something that has been taking up your time for quite a while, Cancer. Although you’re getting good feedback, don’t count your chickens just yet.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, if you haven’t been doing so already, it is important to set aside some savings so that you’ll have a safety net in the future. It’s essential that you are not just living for today.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, get together with your significant other or another partner and figure out how to divide the workload that has been bogging you down. It’s alright to admit that you need help.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, if you think about it, you have been procrastinating a bit more than usual. It might be because your tasks are not interesting you much. That could mean finding new hobbies.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, get essential tasks out of the way early this week, because it’s likely you will not be enthusiastic about mundane jobs later on. Save plenty of time for fun and entertaining.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Emotions are roiling right now, Sagittarius. Perhaps it is not the best time to reach out to an estranged friend or family member. Instead, wait things out a little longer.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

It is time to disconnect from all of the gadgets and feeds that are constantly drawing your attention, Capricorn. Enjoy a technological detox and reconnect with friends.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you are a major force to reckon with when you pair your creative visions with solid, grounded plans. Things will start falling into place soon enough.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

This week you get a free pass to put yourself first and foremost for a change, Pisces. Go to the head of the line, because it’s all about you for the next few days.

Rain garden installed at Burbage

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 13, 2024) The Berlin Horticulture Advisory Committee recently installed a rain garden at Burbage Park to restore wildlife habitats and offset stormwater-related issues. The initial planting took place on Thursday, June 6.

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, rain gardens are “shallow, constructed depressions planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses.”

After a storm, rather than an rain accumulating on the street or damaging flora, the garden fills with a few inches of water that filters into the surrounding soil. The plantings can reduce mosquito breeding, create bird and butterfly habitats, and filter runoff pollutants.

Horticulture Advisory Committee

See BERLIN Page 77

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Berlin volunteers worked with town staff recently to create a rain garden at Burbage Park near the ping pong tables.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

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

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

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRAWL STREET

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

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

■ DISTRICT 24

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

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

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

■ FISH TALES

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

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

■ HARBOR WATCH

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

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

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

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving

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

■ PIT & PUB

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

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

■ THE WEDGE BAR

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

$-$$ | Full bar

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

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

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

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

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

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

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

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

Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1.

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

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

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

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

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

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

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

■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

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

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

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

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

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

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

dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

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

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

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

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

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

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

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

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

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

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ SHRIMP BOAT

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

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

Berlin adds rain garden to park

Chair Andrea Weeg said that the garden in Burbage Park was created to modify the surface where water does not penetrate. Rain would collect and form a large pool, displacing the mulch and killing the plants. The group hopes that the structure will alleviate these issues and inform town residents about protecting individual property from flooding, as the vegetation can help remove standing water in yards, a problem that plagues Berlin homeowners.

The Berlin committee’s project began a few months ago when they applied for and were awarded approximately $3,200 from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. The funds went towards all the trees and plants required for the initiative.

Additionally, Weeg said that $1,000 has been allotted for an interpretative sign, which committee member Victoria Spice will design.

“The sign is to teach the community,” the chairperson said. “A lot of people walk through the park and play table tennis, so it will teach them about rain gardens, how they work, and what plants they can use in their own gardens.”

Weeg maintained the rain garden is pollinator-friendly. Butterfly milkweed, a houseplant for the dwindling monarch butterfly, is included in the vegetation.

“Whatever we can do as a city to provide more habitats is our core focus,” she said.

The Town of Berlin will cut the ribbon on the new rain garden on Thursday, June 20.

Part of Berlin’s commitment to wildlife preservation is its status as a Bee City.

Bee City USA is a “program that recognizes, supports, and encourages pollinator conservation in cities, towns, and counties.” According to the organization’s website, the United States is home to over 3,600 native bee species. This includes bumble bees, leafcutter bees, sweat bees, mason bees, longhorn bees, and mining bees.

These insects are vital in assisting plant reproduction, supporting wildlife, and are responsible for roughly one-third of the country’s food and drink consumption. The environmental group emphasizes that preserving bees is necessary now more than ever, as research shows that up to 40% of pollinator species are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

“The steps that affiliates take to conserve our native bees, including creating safe habitats and hosting community events, will also help other pollinators, including butterflies and moths as well as the non-native honeybee,” Bee City USA’s website states. “One of the most impactful actions any affiliate can take is to encourage others to think beyond the honeybee and recognize the true diversity of bees that sustain our communities.”

There are currently 213 Bee City USA affiliates. Berlin has been a member since 2016 and must apply yearly to maintain its involvement.

Asparagus with Dijon vinaigrette

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(June 14, 2024) As the sun dictates a more commanding presence, the season of sun and fun is just ahead.

June not only symbolizes the beginning of summer, but June 16 is also Father’s Day. This holiday honors fathers, as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

This worldwide celebration deserves a special menu. Personal preference is always one’s guide, but consider asparagus, the king of vegetables, as a possible option. The impressive stalk, majestic tip, and unique flavor are impressive indeed.

Thick or thin, chefs have delighted asparagus connoisseurs with amazing offerings. But before we delve into specifics, a quick quiz takes us on the path of asparagus trivia. The following facts are taken from 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Asparagus.

How long does it take to grow asparagus? If you are hoping for immediate results, you might want to reconsider. It takes three years before they can be harvested.

Does one know that white asparagus are green asparagus that are grown in the dark? When the spears emerge from the ground, the sunlight turns the stalks green. As a result, white asparagus are grown completely in the ground or covered with plastic so the sunlight never reaches the asparagus.

The world record for eating fried asparagus is held by Joey Chestnut. He took top honors in April 2014 at the Stockton Asparagus Festival by eating 12 pounds, 8.75 ounces of deep-fried asparagus in 10 minutes.

Helpful hints for preparation and presentation follows. Slightly al dente is the desired texture for asparagus. Obtaining this consistency can be a challenge if the asparagus are thick. The skins are tough, and by the time the skins are cooked, the flesh is mushy.

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the skin from the bottom half of the spear. This way one can control the temperature of the asparagus and it also highlights the beautification of the vegetable.

Cooking asparagus on the grill adds a whole new dimension and gives the as-

paragus a slightly smokey flavor. The blackened grill marks are also a feast for the eyes.

Generously brush asparagus with olive oil: this keeps the spears from sticking to the grill rack. Place the asparagus directly on the rack, and cook uncovered until crisp, turning occasionally. If the asparagus are thick, cover while grilling.

The key to roasting asparagus is a high oven temperature. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place asparagus on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Season asparagus with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast until asparagus are cooked but retain firmness.

The best way to cook asparagus without adding fat is steaming. They cook very quickly, so it is important to constantly check on them.

No matter how you prepare asparagus, they will continue to cook after they have been removed from the source of heat. Place the cooked asparagus on a cooling rack for 1 minute.

In closing, asparagus are the piece de resistance of vegetables. What better dish to honor dads than gorgeous asparagus topped with a drizzle of honey Dijon vinaigrette.

Happy Father’s Day!

Asparagus with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

Honey, Dijon Vinaigrette

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons honey

½ teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)

kosher salt to taste freshly ground black pepper

1. Measure out all of the ingredients except for the thyme. Combine in a medium bowl and whisk the ingredients until fully incorporated. If you have a hand-held immersion blender, this is the time to use it. The immersion blender emulsifies the ingredients to perfection. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Asparagus

One bunch thick asparagus

1. Cut the tough ends off of each asparagus. If the asparagus are thick, peel the bottom half. If the asparagus are thin, omit the step and rinse well with cold water.

2. Prepare the asparagus according to your cooking method of choice.

3. Allow asparagus to cool.

Presentation

1. Place asparagus on the serving plate. Make sure the asparagus are facing the same direction. Drizzle honey, Dijon vinaigrette on the asparagus and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Garnish with fresh, chopped thyme.

*Asparagus with honey Dijon vinaigrette can be served hot or cold.

Secret Ingredient – Father

“When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.” — Linda Poindexter

Fri., June 14

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, rhymes and finger plays. For ages 0-2 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MAHJONG CLUB

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

STEAM SOCIAL

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

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. One crab cake sandwich platter for $14; two crab cake sandwich platter for $24; and crab cake sandwiches for $10. Platters include green beans, baked potato and Cole slaw. Carry out, dessert available.

Sat., June 15

WALK WITH A DOC

South Gate Pond, Ocean Pines, 9-10 a.m.

Join Dr. Ellen Rowe as she discusses weight loss, dieting and maintaining a healthy weight. Follow will be a walk around the park’s trail. Alyce Marzola, 410-641-9268, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org

FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND SCAVENGER HUNT

Jolly Roger Amusement Park, 2901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit each participating location for discounts and chances to win prizes. https://chamber.oceancity.org/events/details/father-sday-weekend-scavenger-hunt-40441, 443-664-3052

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURES

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

FREE KIDS CRAFT

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring the kids and do something creative with them and for them. Proj-

ects change each week. No reservations needed. Free and open to all. www.artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-5249433

ANNUAL SUMMER FUN KICK OFF

Germantown School Community Heritage Center, 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Boxing demos, Assateague National Seashore, Worcester Health Dept. and more. Games, moon bounce, fire truck, art activity and free food. 410-641-0638

POTTERY DEMOS

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 2-4 p.m. Watch and learn as professional ceramic artists, Ernie Satchell, Patricia Rose and Sarah Halcott show off their skills with live demos. 410-524-9433, www.artleagueofoceancity.org

FURNACE TOWN SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

Furnace Town Historic Site (Nassawango Iron Furnace), 3816 Old Furnace Road, Snow Hill, 5-8 p.m. Music by Heinz and the Red Bird. Beer, wine, burgers and dogs available. Admission cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 5-15 years. www.furnacetown.org/events

SCHOOL’S OUT SPLASH PARTY

Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool, 11144 Cathell Road, 5-8 p.m. Music, food and games. Cost

is $8 for non-resident, $6 for resident, $4 for swim member and $2 for non-swimmer. Bring a towel. OceanPines.org, 410641-5255

PRIDE FILM NIGHT

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 7-9 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. A special Film Night featuring films celebrating Pride month. 410-524-9433, www.artleagueofoceancity.org

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Sun., June 16

SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Live music by “8 Ohms Band” (horn heavy funky & soul), kid-friendly entertainment, ice cream and fireworks. https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/sundaes-in-the-park/

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET

Sundays through Sept. 8 - Pitts Street,

Continued on Page 80

Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring more than 35 farmers, food cultivators, bakers, distillers, seafood, meat, eggs and more.

https://berlinmainstreet.com/farmersmarket/

RESERVATION DEADLINE FOR FATHER’S DAY LUNCHEON

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Takes place June 23 from noon to 2 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork and all the fixins. Donation of $20 for adults, $10 for children 5-10 years. Reservations: 410-524-7474 by June 16.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., June 17

STORY TIME: JUNETEENTH

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIBER ARTS GROUP

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 11 a.m. Bring your own fiber art project (crochet, knitting, etc.), and join in for a casual meet up to work on projects. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HOLIDAY HISTORY TRIVIA

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Trivia program on various summer holidays (Flag Day, Pride Month, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, etc.). 410-6323495, 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

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 78 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

Tues., June 18

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research, followed by Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information, if you can. Register: 410-2084014.

STORY TIME: PIRATES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, stories and crafts all about pirates. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

JUNETEENTH

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Celebrate and learn the history behind Juneteenth and get creative making a Juneteenth flag. For ages 0-5 years and 6-11 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages birth to 2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

TAYLOR SWIFT PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Join in for a Taylor Swift themed party with bracelet making, trivia, Swifty themed Bingo and more. For ages 6-11 years and 1218 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St.,

Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-6414882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., June 19

MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION 2024 PARADE & AWARDS

The parade will travel along Baltimore Avenue from 16th Street to 30th Street beginning at 1 p.m. Awarding of parade prizes and trophies will be held at the Convention Center Dockside Hall at 5 p.m. https://convention.msfa.org/calendar/

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-548-7880

FAMILY RAINBOW CRAFTS

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

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Berlin, 3-4 p.m. For stroke survivors, family and friends. 410-641-4765, bglime@atlanticgeneral.org

STRANDED AT SEA: OC BAY HOPPER PROGRAM

OC Bay Hopper, 11703 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:15-7:45 p.m. Professionals share true accounts of shipwrecks and rescues dating back to 1880. Cost is $50 with half of proceeds benefit Ocean City LifeSaving Station Museum. 410-289-4991, https://book.ocbayhopper.com/Experience

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

Thurs., June 20

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. A free, mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their

CPAP equipment. Appointment required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

STORY TIME AT THE PARK

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 10:30 a.m. Wiggle, sing and read interactive stories together at the picnic pavilion by the playground. Bring a blanket or sit at a picnic table. Rain location is the OC Library. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818

STORY TIME: SUMMER

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Join in to share ideas and make a bucket list on things you want to do this summer. 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. A variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a relaxing game of chess every Thursday at the library. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TRIVIA: TAYLOR SWIFT

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Test your Swifty knowledge. For all ages. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

T(W)EEN PRIDE CRAFTERNOON

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3 p.m. Tweens and families can join in for an extra special rainbow afternoon. Hang out, do crafts, play the Nintendo Switch and spend time with friends. For ages 12-18 years. 410524-1818

SPOOKY SUMMER BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 4:30 p.m. Choose a title from the master of horror Stephen King to read and discuss. Refreshments provided. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET Thursdays - Nick’s Kitchen + Bar, 14410 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 4-6 p.m. 215385-4993, BeachSingles.org

Crossword answers from page 74

New bills impacting renter rights

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(June 14, 2024) The 2024 Maryland General Assembly convened on Jan. 10 and adjourned on April 8. Maryland Realtors issues a recap of all of the pertinent legislation affecting the real estate industry. This week’s summary is covering the “Property Management” related legislation that passed.

The first piece of legislation is significant in that it requires landlords to offer their renters first right of refusal to purchase the home they are renting

and limits security deposits to one month’s rent.

HB 693 Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 — This bill establishes an exclusive negotiation period for tenants to develop an offer to purchase their rental property of one to three units when it is listed for sale. Tenants will have 30 days from the landlord notice to submit a contract offer, with subsequent fiveday periods for counter offers. Exceptions to this process occur if a landlord subsequently contracts with a third party for a price 10% less than the tenant’s offer, or, if an unsolicited offer to purchase is received, the tenant is given the opportunity to match it.

In addition, this bill increases court surcharges for eviction proceedings, which are recoverable from the tenant’s security deposit for judgements in favor of the landlord. Security deposits are limited to one month’s rent, and publication on tenant’s rights will be included with the lease. Evictions of tenants will be stayed during the duration of an extreme weather event.

HB 93/SB 162 Termination of Residential Lease - Limitation of Liability for Rent – A tenant’s liability may not exceed two months’ rent if the tenant vacates the premises due to certain qualifying medical conditions certified in writing by a physician.

HB 139/SB 171 Notice of Util-

See LEGISLATIVE Page 82

Legislative changes impacting renter rights

ity Bills in Residential LeasesGas and Electric Services — The current notice requirements for tenant water and sewer charges paid to the landlord are expanded to also include gas and electric utilities unless the tenant directly pays the bill.

HB 428/SB 370 Rental Assistance for Community School Families Program and Fund (Effective July 1) — This program will provide rental assistance to eligible

student households within community schools that have designated concentrations of poverty and where residents are at risk of homelessness.

HB 498/SB 147 Access to Counsel in Evictions ProgramMandated Reports — The program must annually report on the number and types of cases handled, the number of individuals served, the case outcomes, and the cost and location of each case.

HB 1117 Landlord and Tenant

- Failure to Repair Serious and Dangerous Defects — Landlords are deemed to warrant that a rental dwelling unit is fit for human habitation. A court may order certain relief in a civil action or actions relating to the breach of warranty of habitability, including actual damages, abatement of rent, and lease termination. Tenant complaints made in bad faith can result in payment of costs and fees to the landlord.

SB 19/HB 181 Failure to Pay

Rent Proceedings - Shielding of Court Records — Within 60 days after the final resolution of a failure to pay rent proceeding that did not result in a judgment of possession, the district county is required to shield from public inspection all related court records. The judiciary will develop implementation procedures by Aug. 1.

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

Buas questions if buskers can sell wares on boards

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) While reaching a consensus that buskers are allowed to sell their creations on the Boardwalk, members of a resort commission say they will seek clarification from a court opinion issued more than a decade ago.

During Monday’s Ocean City Police Commission meeting, Councilman Peter Buas said he wanted

clarification on what, or if, buskers were allowed to sell on the Boardwalk. Officials ultimately agreed to consult the city attorney, and a years-old court opinion, as to what was allowed.

“We can find out,” City Manager Terry McGean told the commission. In 2011, a U.S. District Court judge issued a preliminary injunction, ruling in favor of a group of street per-

See CITY Page 83

Ocean City slow to move on eliminating senior bus card

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) A proposal that changes the procedure for receiving half-priced bus fare failed to receive any traction at the Ocean City Council level this week.

On Tuesday, Transit Manager Rob Shearman presented the council with a proposal to amend the city’s policy on senior bus passes. While staff want to continue to provide half-priced bus fare to nonresidents ages 60 and older, they recommended eliminating the need to administer a physical pass to do so.

“We have already implemented half-price boarding for anyone who is 65 and older and is or is not a resident because federal stipulations tell us we have to do that,” he told the council this week. “It would be very easy for us to do away with the need of issuing a separate card for anyone who is 60 to 64 years of age, that we can offer that half-price boarding on our buses as well.”

Shearman noted the town’s policies and procedures manual lays out certain provisions for senior bus passes. First, it provides Ocean City residents and property owners ages 60 and older with free bus fare. Second, it provides nonresidents ages 60 and older with half-priced bus fare. Both require those eligible to obtain a bus pass.

“One additional piece of background information that I believe is

relevant, is that if you are 65 or older, it is a stipulation of federal transit funding that if you get on a bus in the United States, and that municipal system accepts federal funding, and you say you’re 65 or older, they’re required to give you half price in that situation as well without the need for any kind of a special card,” he added.

Shearman said staff began looking at the town policy a few weeks ago and began questioning the need to issue cards essentially for those ages 60 to 64. He said staff recommends doing away with the bus passes for nonresident, half-priced bus fare.

Mayor Rick Meehan said the transportation committee took no action when the proposal was brought to them earlier that day. For his part, the mayor said the elimination of bus passes put an extra burden on bus drivers to check identification.

“I also think we’re going above and beyond what the state requires to accommodate our guests and give them something additional, which is those that are between 60 and 64 the right to ride the bus for half price …,” he said. “To require that they get a pass in order to do that, I think, is a small ask.”

Councilmen Tony DeLuca and Frank Knight – both members of the transportation committee – echoed Meehan’s concerns.

“Just to be clear, there’s no change in any fares, no change in residence, no change in nonresidence. This is just a

City will ‘double check’ sales

Continued from Page 82

formers claiming that a town ordinance had violated their First Amendment rights. The emergency ordinance, passed in June of that year, required all street performers to register at city hall each day and pay a small registration fee. It also prohibited street performers and artists from selling their wares on the Boardwalk, among other things.

A consent decree signed the following year essentially formalized the terms of the injunction. Simply put, it allowed street performers and vendors to sell their creations and eliminated registration requirements. However, it prohibited them from setting up at North Division Street.

Buas told commission members this week he was seeking information on the topic after witnessing sales on the Boardwalk. He said he wanted specifics of the court opinion issued more than a decade ago.

“Reading it, I thought you could suggest a tip,” he said, “you can’t sell.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said that buskers could sell items on the Boardwalk, so long as they were their own creations. He noted, however, that it

procedure change,” DeLuca said. “So after giving this some considerable thought, I’m against this. I think it complicates the driver of the bus, the last person we want to complicate. It adds a little bit of burden, so I’m against this.”

Councilman Peter Buas, however, said he saw some merit in eliminating the need for the bus pass.

“I think it’s a way to get people to use the bus without having to go to city hall to get a pass,” he said. “The whole purpose is to get ridership up. I think this can be a valuable tool to do it.”

After further discussion, the council took no action on the proposed policy change. Meehan said he would add the topic to the next transportation committee meeting agenda.

was worth a second look.

“We can have Heather [Stansbury, city solicitor] double check it,” he said. “Now, it does make you curious sometimes when there’s a hundred things out there …”

McGean agreed to have the city solicitor review the issue.

“You have to make it, and it has to be artistic …,” he opined.

Buas on Monday also questioned if solicitation was allowed along the Boardwalk. He said he had witnessed people coming out of Boardwalk stores and encouraging people to enter.

“Do we have any rules on that?” he asked.

Councilman Frank Knight said it was allowed, so long as they don’t enter the Boardwalk.

“As soon as you step onto the Boardwalk, it’s a violation,” he said.

Officials noted it was also a condition of outdoor display permits issued to Boardwalk businesses.

“So if they are in an outdoor display area, they are not supposed to be soliciting to begin with because that’s a violation of the outdoor display,” Meehan added.

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Elected members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee recently discussed with city staff the possibility of changes to senior bus passes.

WELCOME

Worcester court dismisses hotel site plan challenge

Judge says case should first go before Ocean City’s zoning appeals board

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) An administrative appeal challenging site plan approval for a Boardwalk hotel has been dismissed in Worcester County Circuit Court.

Last fall, shortly after developer MHROC Property Owner LLC gained site plan approval for a 230-room hotel between 13th and 14th streets, Harrison Hall Hotel Inc. and several nearby property owners filed a petition in Worcester County Circuit Court seeking a judicial review of the Ocean City Planning Commission’s decision. On June 7, Judge Leah Seaton granted motions to dismiss the case, opining the petitioners should have first appealed the decision to the city’s board of zoning appeals.

“Only once those administrative remedies have been exhausted may an aggrieved party seek judicial review,” the opinion reads.

On Sept. 19, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted to approve the site plan for a proposed Boardwalk hotel between 13th and 14th

streets. The project includes the same number of rooms as previously proposed for a Margaritaville development in 2021, but with less square footage and fewer amenities.

During a council meeting two weeks later, however, Harrison Hotel’s G. Hale Harrison and his attorney, G. Macy Nelson, shared their concerns about the development’s parking nonconformity and accessory uses. Later that month, Harrison Hall Hotel and nearby property owners filed an administrative appeal in circuit court.

In a court hearing held March 21, Nelson challenged the project’s site plan approval, arguing a 45-room parking nonconformity that allowed the developer to build a 230-room hotel had lapsed months before the site plan was approved. He also took issue with the developer’s use of the nonconformity, as well as Boardwalk access to retail shops on the hotel’s ground floor – something he said did not meet the city’s access requirements.

However, the developer’s attorney, Kurt Fisher, said the zoning administrator had the authority to determine the existence and extent of a nonconformity, a decision which the peti-

OC council advances building code revisions

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) The Ocean City Council this week agreed to advance revisions to the city’s building code to a first reading.

On Tuesday, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler came before the Mayor and Council with a request to amend the town’s building code in order to adopt the newest edition of International Code Council (ICC) building codes. He said state law required local jurisdictions to start implementing the new requirements by May 29, 2024.

“We are a little late on this, but we’ll get this adopted here soon, hopefully,” he told the council this week.

Bendler said the ICC updates its

model building codes every three years. While the town currently operates under the 2018 regulations, he said he was presenting the 2021 edition for adoption into the town’s building code. When the state adopted the new regulations last May, it gave jurisdictions an additional 12 months to make local amendments and enforce the most current version.

“So the code before you is a cleanup of the code,” he explained.

“You’ll see some stuff in here that may already exist in the code … So it’s not bringing in anything that’s going to be wildly new or anything that’s a major change.”

Councilman Peter Buas, however, said he had a concern about one of the amendments that set fines for violations of the building code. He

questioned if it was needed.

“Is that necessary, or would this fall into a violation of the underlying rental license, which would require it to be compliant with the property maintenance code?” he asked. “Does it need its own violation section?”

Buas said he didn’t want there to be a separate way to penalize property owners who do not abide by the regulations. He noted that the town’s rental license ordinance incorporates a warning system and property improvement plans, giving owners time to improve.

“I guess what I don’t want to see is an inspector be able to issue two different citations for two different ordinances and basically choose the path that doesn’t have the property improvement plan we’ve codified,” he said.

DREAM HOMES on

Bendler, however, said the fines were simply a tool the building department could use within the scope of the permitting process. He said the fines weren’t specific to rentals.

“If I have a brand-new building permit and the contractor has multiple violations and continues to have those violations for the building, this would apply,” he said.

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said staff would consider Buas’ comments.

“We can look into it further,” she said. “But I agree, it wouldn’t just be about rental properties, it could be about just building.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-1, with Buas opposed, to move the code amendments to a first reading.

“I think we’ve got time, I don’t think it’s necessary, and I want to get the fines worked out,” Buas said.

Petitioners will appeal decision

Continued from Page 84

tioner could have appealed to the zoning appeals board. He also noted that Boardwalk access was not determined during the site plan phase, but rather during the permitting stage, when more detailed drawings are presented to the town. Attorney Bruce Bright also spoke on behalf of Ocean City.

The opinion issued last week argues that both the city code and state law require all administrative remedies be exhausted before seeking a judicial review. In her ruling, Seaton noted that the petitioners can have their case heard before the city’s board of zoning appeals.

“The Court notes that, in addition to seeking Petitioners judicial review by this Court, Petitioners simultaneously appealed the Commission’s decision to the BZA,” the opinion reads. “The BZA stayed the appeal, pending a decision by this Court. As the Court has rendered its decision in dismissing this case with the issuance of this Opinion and Order, the parties may seek to have the stay lifted to proceed before the BZA.”

When reached for comment this week, Nelson said his clients have directed him to appeal the case. He maintained that a judicial review was the appropriate course of action.

“We’ve been instructed to appeal it to the Appellate Court of Maryland … ,” he said. “Our bottom line is we’re going forward. It wasn’t a ruling on the merits but where the court thinks the appeal should proceed.”

Attorneys for both the Town of Ocean City and MHROC did not respond to requests for comment this week.

Ribbon cutting postponed

The ribbon cutting for the new basketball courts and park at Pocomoke Middle School, previously scheduled for June 12, was postponed due to contractor delays.

The dedication will be rescheduled after the court striping can be completed.

To learn more about WCRP parks, visit worcesterrecandparks.org, and find them on social media at #PlayMDsCoast.

Summer programs

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is once again hosting free, 30-minute daily programs Monday through Saturday this summer.

The programs are scheduled for 10 a.m., July 1 through Aug. 23, at the museum and cover the following topics:

Mondays — History of Our Surfmen: Learn about the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the heroic men who rescued ships in distress off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland.

Tuesdays — Beach Safety: Learn to be safe in the surf and spell your name using semaphores. The OC Beach Patrol will tell attendees everything they need to know.

Wednesdays — Knot Tying: Become adept at nautical knots with

help from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Thursdays — All About Sharks: Discover what types of sharks are found off the coast of Ocean City.

Fridays-Land, Sky, and Sea: Learn how the island was formed, what birds fly overhead, and what creatures inhabit the ocean and coastal bays.

Saturdays — Aquarium Feeding: Discover the wildlife that inhabit the ocean and coastal bays and watch the aquarium animals eat their morning meal.

Pocomoke 4th Friday

The Fourth Friday Street Festival season continues from 5-8 p.m., Friday, June 28, in downtown Pocomoke.

The block party-style event will take place within the two blocks of Market Street between Front and Second streets.

Local artists and vendors will fill the sidewalks of Market Street to sell their work, including paintings, photography, jewelry, bath and body products, home decor, fashion, plants, and more. Participating businesses and restaurants will stay open during the event hours.

An Enchanted Carnival, sponsored by the Enchanted Florist, Downtown Pocomoke Association, and the City of Pocomoke, will be offered. Guests can

Continued on Page 88

Bathtub races set for Friday night in Berlin

Featured event to attract hundreds to Main Street with bragging rights on line

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 13, 2024) Local businesses will once again compete for the trophy, and bragging rights, in the 34th installment of the Berlin Bathtub Races.

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

“We are thrilled to host the Bath-

tub Race’s 34th year,” said Ryan Nellans, the chamber’s executive director. “It has already been the most exciting build-up to any race we’ve had yet with 16 teams and two reserve teams registered. The competition will be tight as two-time champion Derek Jarmon of Maryland’s Coast is stepping back and making room for new faces and new names on the Turner Cup.”

Nellans added, “While the Chamber runs a lot of events like Jazz & Blues and the Fiddler’s Convention, those help bring new folks to Berlin. The Bathtub Race is something we do for ourselves. It’s a little weird, it’s a little silly, but it’s ours, and that’s why it’s my favorite.”

Each year, participating businesses show off their speed and pageantry by racing their modified

bathtubs in a series of heats, with the final two teams left competing for the trophy. The bathtubs themselves must be authentic and homemade and capable of holding at least two gallons of water. Wheels can be no bigger than 26 inches, and bathtubs must have breaks and steering.

The winning team will have their name added to the Turner Cup, which will return from its winterlong display at the Worcester County Recreation and Parks facility in Snow Hill. The trophy pays homage to Jesse Turner, a longtime Berlin business owner who helped start the races and went on to win them several times.

Nellans added the Berlin Bathtub Races will feature an opening parade, as well as carnival snack vendors onsite. For the third year in a row,

WBOC’s Delmarva Sports Network will be broadcasting the event live for those who cannot attend.

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

“Personally, I’m pumped to see a previously unheard of level of support from racers, residents and local businesses like our Spring Season Sponsor Bradley Atlantic, as well as Taylor Bank, Coastal Baths and our Hula Hoop Heroes, Pohanka of Salisbury,” he said.

For more information on the Berlin Bathtub Races, visit the events page on the Berlin Chamber of Commerce website, berlinchamber.org.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Continued from Page 87

enjoy carnival games, a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, a petting farm, dunking booth, and more.

Guests may also buy food, including sweet treats and snow cones, and drinks from a cash bar featuring brews from Cypress Roots Brewing Company.

Live music will be provided by Going Costal.

A special firework display will take place at dark over the Pocomoke River to end the night.

In the event of rain, the street festival will be canceled and the fireworks will be postponed to the following day, June 29, at dark.

For more information, visit the Downtown Pocomoke Association Facebook page, downtownpocomoke.com, or call Pocomoke City Hall at 410-957-1333 x111.

Praise in the Park

Pocomoke City’s Concerts in the Park Summer Series returns at 7 p.m., June 20, with a special Praise in the Park.

Local churches will perform worship music during the concert collaboration. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring a lawn chair to enjoy this free concert with a beautiful view of the scenic Pocomoke River. Boaters are also welcome.

For more information or for the summer concert listings, visit downtownpocomoke.com or call 410-9571333 x111.

A Maryland State Police trooper looks down on Northside Park from Trooper 4 during a previous Ocean City Fire Department Public Safety Expo. This year’s event is set for June 21.

Public Safety Expo next Friday

(June 14, 2024) The Ocean City Fire Department’s 3rd Annual Public Safety Expo is scheduled from 1-4 p.m., June 21, at Northside Park on 125th Street.

The Maryland State Police’s Trooper 4 helicopter will headline the event, offering attendees an opportunity to watch operations up close as it lands and takes off.

The expo is family-friendly and will showcase a variety of activities and demonstrations, including:

• K9 Demonstrations: Experience the precision of the Maryland State Police Office of the Fire Marshal Accelerant Detection Dogs

• Emergency Vehicle Tours: Get an up-close look at fire trucks, ambulances, and a state-of-the-art mobile command center

• Health and Safety Demonstrations: Free blood pressure checks and hands-on CPR lessons to improve community health awareness.

• Interactive Activities: Meet the dedicated first responders who serve the community and enjoy numerous giveaways.

"Come out and get a close-up look at the tools and vehicles we use every day,” Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers said of the event in a news release. “It's a great opportunity to meet our first responders and learn more about public safety in a fun, engaging environment."

The Ocean City Public Safety Expo aims to strengthen community ties and foster a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of emergency services personnel.

“VANISHING OCEAN CITY”

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

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

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

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

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

All Three Of Bunk Mann’s Books A “Must Have” For All Who Love Ocean City!

Homeless surge raises concerns in West OC

Population continuing to grow, could get worse with affordable housing issues

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 14, 2024) Resort officials say they continue to monitor homeless activity near the West Ocean City Park and Ride.

At the end of Monday’s Ocean City Police Commission meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan said he and City Manager Terry McGean had received emails from the connections of Bad Monkey regarding homeless individuals migrating from the West Ocean City Park and Ride to their property. McGean this week said efforts are being made to mitigate issues in the area.

“We are in the process of installing additional video cameras and we have disabled the exterior outlets at the bus station,” he said. “We have added exterior lighting in the past and eliminated benches as well. Although the Park and Ride is in the county, we do have police powers there, but we do not have police powers at the Bad Monkey property.”

Representatives with Bad Monkey declined to comment this week, but McGean said the operators had shared instances of individuals trespassing, using their bathrooms and electrical outlets, being rude to employees and customers, and openly using drugs.

Ken Argot, executive director of Diakonia, said he was also aware of complaints being made about homeless individuals at the West Ocean City Park and Ride and surrounding estab-

lishments.

“Yes, we have heard these complaints and are doing everything we can do to minimize the impact of those who are homeless in our area,” he said. “There are so many variety of levels to this issue, there are no cookie-cutter solutions that will satisfy everyone. A couple of weeks ago, Diakonia invited local residents to a meeting in order to help mitigate community concerns. Those who attended were able to understand the challenges Diakonia faces, as well as enlisting support to help curb the issue.”

Argot noted that a recent survey showed the area’s homeless population doubles in the summer months, placing a strain on local shelters, pantries and support services. Adding to the issue, he said, is the lack of af-

fordable housing.

“Over the past couple of years, the Lower Shore’s unsheltered homeless population has continued to grow,” he said. “The housing crisis, that became inflated through the pandemic, is now reaching critical levels. Unfortunately, with no affordable housing being built in our area, it will only get worse.”

The Worcester County Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) – comprised of representatives from the health department, Local Behavioral Health Authority, law enforcement agencies, faith-based organizations and Atlantic General Hospital, to name a few –agreed. Members said ongoing issues continue to hinder efforts to house the unsheltered population.

“The lack of supportive housing is a noticeable trend on the Lower Eastern Shore, making it difficult to accommo-

Resort officials react to issues at

date individuals due to limited housing and increased prices,” officials said this week.

Argot, however, noted that Diakonia last year secured housing for 250 individuals utilizing its emergency shelter. He added that the nonprofit also continues to work with the street homeless during the summer months. Last year, the nonprofit launched its Rapid Response Team (RRT) in coordination with Ocean City and Worcester County agencies. The team responds to calls and complaints of homeless individuals in the area.

“RRT works with street homeless clients (and those in tent encampments) on an ongoing basis, as well as collaborating with the County Homeless Outreach Team for further help,” he explained. “And, so, while those persons identified as vagrants in the immediate vicinity of our shelter may, or may not be residents at the shelter, Diakonia still sees them as those it was created to serve.”

HOT members say they are also working to connect homeless individuals with services and resources. While the team covers all of Worcester County, it focuses its outreach efforts to the Ocean City Boardwalk, transit station and surrounding areas.

“Each month, our team interacts with about five to 10 people during these street outreach days,” they said. “We provide a range of services, including mental health support, crisis intervention, assistance with food stamps, provision of bus tickets, help with insurance matters, and access to shelter resources for those in need. It’s crucial for us to respect the autonomy of the individuals we encounter, as they may not always be in a position to accept or make use of our services. We understand and acknowledge their choices and remain committed to supporting unsheltered individuals no matter what.”

Ashley Miller, deputy communications manager for the Ocean City Police Department, said the agency is working alongside HOT and the Rapid Response Team in communicating with the resort’s homeless population. The department identified 33 individuals in 2022, 20 individuals in 2023 and 10 individuals so far in 2024.

“As of June 10, the Ocean City Police Department has handled 12 incidents involving our unhoused population,” she said. “The majority of those incidents involved assaulting each other and trespassing. They tend to gravitate to the Caroline Street and Atlantic Avenue (Boardwalk) area during summer. This is mainly due to the Caroline Comfort Street Station and ample sitting benches. During the winter, they tend to move around

and utilize the cold weather

up north when available.”

A homeless man is pictured Wednesday afternoon sleeping near the West Ocean City Park

‘The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot’ recalled

By Dr. Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer

This week, 80 years ago, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the fifth and the last great carrier vs. carrier battle between the U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy, ocurred.

The other four battles were all fought in 1942 in the Coral Sea, Midway, the Eastern Solomons, and Santa Cruz, near Guadalcanal. This great carrier battle was fought by nine Japanese carriers of the Japanese Combined Fleet against the 15 US carriers in Task Force 58 of the Fifth Fleet. This battle was the largest carrier battle ever fought in history.

The Mariana Islands is a group of 14 islands stretching more than 460 miles in the western Pacific that were

under Japanese control. They were vital to Japan because of their close proximity to the Philippines, Formosa and Japan itself.

Because of their importance as a defensive barrier to Japan, the Mariana Islands were heavily garrisoned by Japanese Army troops, and had air bases on the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam which are part of the Mariana chain. Any occupation by the U.S. of these islands would leave the Philippine islands, and Japan itself, vulnerable to U.S. attacks, especially if airbases were established on these islands, because U.S. bombers could fly to Japan and bomb their industrial centers and cities to ruins. This is precisely what Japan feared most.

The Japanese had planned for an

attack on the Mariana Islands by the U.S. The code name for their plan was “Operation A-Go.” Under the command of Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa, the Imperial Japanese Navy assembled a powerful fleet, which included nine carriers with 450 planes, five battleships, 13 cruisers, and 28 destroyers.

Japanese pilots flying from their carriers were full of determination, as usual, but they had only a fourth as much training and experience as the U.S. Navy pilots. This left the Japanese aircraft vulnerable to U.S. Navy fighters. Most of the experienced

Japanese pilots and air crews were lost in the previous carrier battles in 1942.

Ozawa also counted heavily on the 500 or so ground-based planes that had been flown ahead to Guam and other islands in the area. He hoped that a few “lucky” hits on the U.S. carriers would do the job.

The U.S. force that was sent to invade the Mariana Islands on 15 June was protected by the Fifth Fleet, commanded by Admiral Raymond Spruance. The tactical commander of the carrier task force was Admiral Marc Mitscher. His carriers were grouped

USS South Dakota in Ulithi in December 1944

into Task Force 58. The overall strength of Task Force 58 was 15 carriers, seven battleships, 21 cruisers, and 69 destroyers. The carriers had, between them, more than 900 aircraft of all types. This was a truly powerful strike force.

On June 19, 1944, the Japanese were first to strike. Their scouting seaplanes gave Ozawa the information he needed. Orders were given to launch a full strike. It included 45 fighterbombers, eight torpedo bombers and 16 Zero fighters. These were followed by a force of 128 planes, and then another 47 planes. In just an hour, the Japanese sent out 244 planes.

The Japanese first strike was immediately picked up on U.S. radars 150 miles away. Mitscher responded by launching the famous and highly capable Grumman F6F Hellcat fighters. The Japanese pilots had no chance against the experienced U.S. Navy pilots. The Japanese force was repelled with heavy losses. However, they did manage to land one bomb on the battleship USS South Dakota, while losing 41 aircraft. By the end of the day the Japanese had lost 315 planes.

On June 20, U.S. scout planes finally located the Japanese fleet. Mitscher gave the order to launch 230 torpedo planes and dive bombers to attack immediately. He then discovered that the enemy was actually another 60 miles further out.

Unless he recalled his planes, it was unlikely that his pilots would make it back. He did not recall the planes. The attack was successful, sinking the light carrier Hiyo and two oilers, and damaging three other carriers and a battleship. Escorting Hellcat fighters also shot down more Japanese planes. The Japanese lost a further 65 planes, to only 20 American planes.

As the planes were flying back to the carriers, night was approaching and they were running out of fuel. Mitscher decided to fully illuminate the carriers, despite the risk of attack from submarines. All ships of the task force turned on their lights, and the screening destroyers fired starshells throughout the recovery, which lasted for two hours.

Despite these measures, more than 100 of the returning aircraft, with pilots neither trained nor equipped for

night landing, were lost. Some of these planes crashed on flight decks, and the majority ditched into the sea. One hundred and sixty of their crews were rescued in the following few days.

By the end of the second day, Ozawa had only 35 planes left. He realized that he had no hope of continuing the fight and signaled Admiral Soemu Toyoda, Commander-in-Chief of Combined Fleet, that he was retreating toward Okinawa.

During two days of intensive strikes, Ozawa had lost 375 planes in total.

In the end, Task Force 58 lost 120 aircraft, while the Japanese fleet suffered heavy losses. Three of Ozawa’s carriers were sunk, two of them by submarines, including the Shokaku, a veteran of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Japanese naval air power basically ceased to exist after the battle.

Almost 600 Japanese aircraft were destroyed in the air, or on the ground on the island of Guam. The strike from Guam, which Ozawa hoped would aid his effort, never materialized.

Never in the history of modern naval warfare was there such a lopsided victory. The Battle of the Philippine Sea was a decisive U.S. Naval victory. As one pilot, from the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, remarked, it was, “... just like an old-time turkey shoot,” and the name stuck. *

Prior the publication of this article, Dr. Ghaleb passed away. At the time of his passing, he was retired from the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, in Ridgecrest, California. He was also an adjunct professor at Cerro Coso Community College, teaching physics.

Next week: Operation Bagration

OCEAN CITY DISCOVER DOWNTOWN July SECTION

Opinions

Good, even great summer ahead

Now that Ocean City is a couple of weeks into its summer busy season, business people are asking each other how things are going and whether a good or bad year lies ahead.

The answer to that question was provided many years ago by the long-time proprietor of a local shop as he responded to a relative newcomer who opined that the situation looked bad.

That could not be true, the business veteran countered, because Ocean City only has two kinds of summers — good ones and great ones.

When asked how that could be, the older gentleman replied, “Well, for one, you’re in Ocean City instead of someplace else, and that’s good.”

It’s a fact, of course, that businesses come and go in Ocean City, generally because of individual circumstances rather than resortwide woe. Besides, as the business elder statesmen pointed out, he would rather be working to make ends meet here, because he would have a better chance of pulling it off than he would in some other community where the opportunity to achieve success wasn’t that good to begin with.

That’s why, as the early mix of good, not so good and indifferent reviews of business activity come in, the thing to remember is that none of these individual reports are representative of the whole of Ocean City.

An informal survey of businesses will show that some are absolutely killing it during these first couple of weeks while some are still waiting for the summer to get fully in gear. That’s just the way it is in an industry that can suddenly soar or level off without explanation or notice.

Right now, as business operators begin to exchange notes, it’s important to realize that the one thing this resort has over other of this state’s locations or attractions is unparalleled economic resilience.

And that’s why the summer ahead is destined to be good or even great as compared to just about anywhere else.

It’s been a while since we checked in with the “Department of What Could Possibly Go Wrong?” so it was with great anticipation this week that we examined its files for recent entries. As it happens, we came up with some solid examples good clear thinking.

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR BETHANY HOOPER

DIGITAL EDITOR MALLORY PANUSKA AMES

STAFF WRITERS TARA FISCHER, ANNA WILLIAMS

Contact News Room: editor@oceancitytoday.net SALES

ACCOUNT MANAGERS MARY COOPER, TERRI FRENCH, RENEE KELLY

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS PAMELA GREEN

Contact Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net

PRODUCTION

ART DIRECTOR COLE GIBSON; SENIOR PAGE DESIGNER SUSAN PARKS

SENIOR AD DESIGNER KELLY BROWN

ADMINISTRATION

PUBLISHER/CONTROLLER CHRISTINE BROWN

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GINI TUFTS web: oceancitytoday.com Facebook: facebook/mdcoastdispatch.com

By Stewart Dobson

Here’s one of them:

“Lawmakers expensed millions in 2023 under new program that doesn’t require receipts.”

That’s a real headline for a story about an expense report program developed for members of Congress last year by a bipartisan panel.

It has plenty of fans because it cuts down on paperwork. Specifically, no receipts are required to back up requests for reimbursement because ...it’s all based on ... haha ...um ... hahahahahaha ... wheeze, whew boy! ... an Honor System!

What could possibly go wrong?

“So, congressman, I see you’re requesting a reimbursement of $2,187.57 for dinners at White Coffee Pot, which went out of business 31 years ago. Is that correct?

“I’m sorry, I was confused. It was Lone Star Steakhouse.”

“Out of business three years ago.”

“Really? Hmmm. I know, I know. It was for dinners I bought out of the trunk of a passing car. Seriously. It was a gray sedan. On my honor.”

“OK then. That sounds plausible. Besides, your word is good enough for me.”

***

Reporters over at the Baltimore Sun, which is not having a Baltimore Banner year, are upset because its new owners, who are connected to the conservative Sinclair Broadcast Group, have been slipping copy from Fox45 reports into the reporters’ bylined stories.

What could possibly go wrong?

They say some of the inserted copy looked a little out of place:

“News filtering out of the White House this week indicates that President Biden [who’s been shooting up Ensure Protein Vanilla for the past six months] is frustrated with the results of his Green Initiative.

“Biden [who is actually a 675-year-old sock puppet manipulated by lefties from Sesame Street] is demanding action.”

The reporters might have a point, but as a purely objective observer, I couldn’t say.

***

At a Taylor Swift concert in Edinburgh, Scotland this week the crowd danced and jumped with such abandon when she sang “Ready For It?” that it registered as an earthquake on instruments six kilometers away.

So, what could possibly go wrong with that? Nothing at all except that some governments down south that eliminated all their climate change laws would appear to be wrong when they say humans have no impact on the planet.

They absolutely do, although it may depend on the song they’re hearing.

PUBLIC EYE

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Over the winter, Ocean City government officials realized they were leaving money on the table when it came to parking revenue. As a result, last November, the city invested and created a new parking authority to oversee the entire $6 million operation, beefing up enforcement and ensuring the paid parking spots were actually being paid for in the first place. The city hired a full-time parking manager and multiple parking enforcement officers, who have been highly visible in city lots and streets in recent weeks.

During this week’s transportation committee meeting, the return on investment was discussed for the month of May. Parking revenue in May increased 14% compared to last May. Pulling out Memorial Day weekend, which was largely forgettable according to most businesses, parking revenue jumped 56% over last year and citations soared 219%.

It’s going to be interesting to track this as the season continues. Once visitors understand there is now enforcement of parking violations – which there really had not been in the past – the parking revenue should continue to increase substantially with citations hopefully decreasing. A parking ticket is not a great vacation souvenir but the message needs to be sent.

It’s still early in the season, but after a few visits to the Boardwalk there seems to be an increase in street performers, which is used to describe all the folks who set up along the Boardwalk working for tips. There are singers, artists, magicians, dancers, costume characters and disc jockeys. The acts are more diverse than ever, and the number of buskers seems to be on the rise this season.

For the last 13 years, the topic of street performers on the Boardwalk has been largely off limits. Ocean City spent hundreds of thousands of dollars defending its ordinance and general approach to street performers in court and lost due to First Amendment rights. The 2011 court order says street performers are free to do their thing, including selling their own creations, wherever they want on the Boardwalk (save North Division Street). The order found the city’s registration process created to limit the numbers on the boards was illegal.

Since it was such a costly loss for the resort in court, street performers have essentially had immunity for the last decade. Nonetheless, Councilman Peter Buas, an attorney himself, asked this week for a clarification on what specifically buskers are allowed to sell on the Boardwalk. The rule is the performers are allowed to sell whatever they create. The fact is there are performers selling other products, competing directly with brick-and-mortar Boardwalk merchants paying top-dollar rents.

Ocean City will need to tread lightly here, but the point brought up by Buas deserves a look.

There are times when perception is not always the reality. In the case of the May Cruisin’ event weekend, there were many observations shared about an increase in non-event participants in Ocean City. For many years, especially during the spring edition of this annual event, there were “hangers on” – a term used by officials to describe the nonclassic car types – coming to Ocean City with different intentions. A special event zone designation was created in a way to address these folks, but it’s worth nothing the major changes driven by this legislation were a direct result of the more disruptive H2Oi gatherings specifically. The legislation, heightened enforcement and Ocean City essentially telling people not to come to the resort on the specific H2Oi weekends combined to essentially end the disturbing “non-event” weekend. Over Cruisin’ weekend last month, it was easy to observe an increase in non-classic vehicles and participants who were here for different reasons than the Boardwalk parades and daily car shows. At Monday’s police commission meeting, officials confirmed there was a concerning “uptick” seen over the classic car weekend. Mayor Rick Meehan said. “… I know there was an increase in some of the activities during Cruisin’. Some of it is due to – which we discussed – the old H20i participants. We’ve talked about it, but I think we really need to ramp up enforcement for fall Cruisin’. We really just have to keep the consistency to our enforcement and to letting all of those participants and those that come outside of the event that we’re going to enforce the laws during that event.” Ocean City Police Capt. James Grady said he was on the road during the weekend and confirmed, “there was an uptick.” He added, “The other thing is although we did see more H20i cars, the modern Mustangs, Cameros and Vets are the ones that need attention. That’s not to say we didn’t tow some of the H20i cars because of their violations, for safety reasons. But the behavior I saw, and I think a lot of officers saw, were directed at the modern cars.” Grady mentioned law enforcement will be tweaking its approach moving forward given what was seen this year.

Donation drive sponsors recognized

Editor,

A community is not just defined by its geographic proximity; it is defined by its willingness to work together for the betterment of the whole. This past spring, I had the wonderful opportunity to witness the compassion of our community during a Stephen Decatur High School sponsored beach supply drive benefiting Believe in Tomorrow.

Our Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation – Ocean City Chapter is truly a magical place where families with children suffering from life-threatening illnesses can enjoy a stress-free vacation in our beautiful area. At the conclusion of our drive, we were able to fill two large SUVs with toiletries, beach towels, buckets and shovels, beach toys, games, cards, books, sunscreen, and other goodies for our visiting families to enjoy.

I would like to especially thank the following people and organizations for their help in sponsoring this drive

and for their extraordinary kindness:

Mary Brown and Amanda Koontz, Believe in Tomorrow Program Managers

Home Depot, Berlin location

Debbie Donahue, Ocean Pines Recreation & Parks Director

Ocean Pines Recreation Center

Ocean Pines families and surrounding community

Walmart, Berlin location

Jamie Thompson, Stephen Decatur High School Volunteerism Coordinator

Mandi Wells, Stephen Decatur High School Testing Coordinator

Thomas Sites, Stephen Decatur High School Principal

Breandan Foley, Stephen Decatur High School student

SDHS Mu Alpha Theta

SDHS National English Honor Society

SDHS National Honor Society

SDHS student body & staff

Brooke Berquist Stephen Decatur High School junior Believe in Tomorrow student advocate

Film Challenge submissions accepted through Aug. 1

(June 7, 2024) Registration is now open for the Ocean City Film Festival’s 7th Annual Ocean City Film Challenge.

Filmmakers and aspiring filmmakers across the region and beyond can register for free to submit films, which will premiere in August and also screened at the March film festival, at OCMDFilmFestival.com.

The challenge is for filmmakers to produce original short films about Ocean City that are no longer than 15 minutes and made between July 1 and 31. Any filmmaker who wants to tell a story about the resort, prefer-

ably suitable for viewing by all ages, may enter. Films must be shot in Ocean City or be about Ocean City and follow a cinematic narrative. Films also must include a secret line of dialogue and a prop that will be emailed to registrants on July 1. The deadline to register for the challenge is July 21.

“A film can be produced in Ocean City, in a way that is visible within the film,” B.L. Strang-Moya, creative director of the OC Film Festival, said in a news release. “Or the film can be shot outside of Ocean City, but Ocean See WINNING Page 96

QUALITY MEANS DOING

OBITUARIES

BUCKY GRAY

Bishopville

Harold J. "Bucky" Gray Jr., 56, of Bishopville, died Sunday, May 26, 2024.

He was born in Salisbury and was the son of Carol E. (Eskridge) Gray of Bishopville and the late Harold J. "Buck" Gray Sr.

Bucky was a harness racehorse trainer and a member of Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Assoc.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a daughter, Cameron E. Gray and her mother, Jill Gray, of Berlin; a sister, Susan Gray of Longneck, Delaware; his fiancé, Angie Scarborough of Bishopville; stepdaughters Samantha Bynum and husband Logan of Delmar and Kayla Thornton and companion Devin

Thornton of Salisbury; his aunt, Jean Wertz and husband Greg of Seaford; and many cousins and great-cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold J. "Buck" Gray Sr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on June 24 at the Cork Bar and Grill, 3 Wicomico St. in Ocean City.

EVA LOUISE ELLIOTT HALL

Ocean City

Eva Louise Elliott Hall left this world and into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, after a fight with cancer, and with both her loving sisters by her side.

Louise was born on November 13, 1957, and grew up on Golf Course Road in Ocean City by Elliott’s pond. Louise leaves behind her two sisters, whom she loved very much, Patsy Adkins (J. Paul) and Sally McCabe (Gary Sr.); as well as her longtime roommate and good friend Wayne Hudson. She also leaves

behind one niece; several nephews; great nieces and great nephews.

Preceding her in death was her beloved mother, Amanda Hastings King, with whom she shared a special bond; her father, William Thomas Elliott Jr.; a brother, Aubrey Bishop Jr.; a nephew, John Paul Adkins II; and stepfather Aubrey Bishop, Sr. Louise was employed 22 years at the Francis Scott Key Motel in Ocean City. They were a second family to her. She will be dearly missed by her many lifelong friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15, at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Coastal Hospice or The Worcester County Humane Society.

ROBERT SCOTT MILLER JR. (SCOTT) Ocean City

Robert Scott Miller Jr. (Scott) passed away peacefully on May 11, 2024, due to long-time health complications.

He was the loving son of Robert S. Miller Sr. (pre-deceased) and Virginia (Ginny) Weimer; devoted fiancé of Mary Stalnaker; loyal brother to Diane Baxter (Tom) and Glenn Miller (Ginger); loving uncle to nephews Bran-

Continued on Page 97

Winning films to premiere Aug. 10

Continued from Page 95

City has to be central to the premise of the film. The film must tell an actual story in the form of a fictional narrative. We cannot accept any vacation footage, music videos, or any such media that would not be considered traditional cinema.”

Final cuts are due Aug. 1, and submitted online along with other deliverables. The winning films will premiere at 7 p.m., Aug. 10, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts and will also be screened at the Ocean City Film Festival in March.

The first-place prize consists of a Film Fest swag bag and an Ocean City hotel stay for the duration of the 2025 Ocean City Film Festival. The secondplace prize is a swag bag and $50 cash, and third-place is a swag bag.

“Ocean City is a beautiful landscape, and there’s so much that artists can take advantage of right here in town,” Strang-Moya said. “There are many ways to tell a story through motion picture, and our Film Challenge pushes filmmakers to explore these boundaries.”

Contact the film festival at OceanCityFilmFest@gmail.com with questions.

The Ocean City Film Festival is a production of the Art League of Ocean City.

Robert Miller Jr.

Bucky Gray

OBITUARIES

Continued from Page 96

don and Patrick, and niece, Shelby Miller.

Scott grew up in Landover Hills on Cooper Lane, where he was active in Boys Club, Cub Scouts and church. He had many fond memories of growing up there and still has childhood friends. In his teen years, the family moved to New Carrollton, where he graduated from Parkdale High School and earned his associate’s degree from Prince George’s Community College.

He was a wonderful friend to many and still had friends from childhood and high school. Scott was kind, thoughtful and had a big heart to help others. He was an avid Redskins fan, in addition to being a fan of the former Washington Senators and now, Nationals baseball. Scott loved to make people laugh and was always joking or talking about his favorite movies and TV shows. He was very good with dates and knowledgeable of all sports. After working 30 years in the computer field, he retired to Ocean City to help take care of his mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are as follows: A viewing will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, May 17, at Mayo United Methodist Church, Edgewater MD, with service immediately following at Noon. Interment to follow at Lakemont Cemetery in Davidsonville.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

THOMAS (TOM) MARTIN ETTZ Ocean City

Thomas M. Ettz, 84, died on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Holy Cross Hospital Center in Pompano Beach, Florida. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Thomas Ettz and Genevieve (Swed) Ettz.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Cookie (Krowska) Ettz, who died in 2001; and his son, Thomas Brian Ettz, who died in 2020; as well as his significant other of many years, Gloria Ann Ford, who passed away in 2023. His brother Michael was killed in Vietnam at the age of 20.

He is survived by his son, Glenn Henry Ettz of Ocean City. There are three grandchildren, Kevin Ettz, Zachary Ettz and Joseph Ettz. Also surviving are his brothers, John Ettz of Saddle Brook, New Jersey, and Robert Ettz of Lodi, New Jersey; and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was raised in Lodi, New Jersey, and graduated from Lodi High School in 1957. He received a BS degree in business management from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey, and a MBA degree in quantita-

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Thomas Ettz

Y Yoour Countertop Speccialists

OBITUARIES

Continued from Page 97

tive analysis from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, where he subsequently served for several years as a business school assessor of students in the undergraduate business program. He also served as an instructor of business management courses for the University of Phoenix.

their vacation home of three years in Pompano Beach, Florida in 2008. He continued his real estate career in Southeast Florida until 2023.

Following high school, Tom entered the Navy and was proud to serve for more than two years of his total service aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-60) out of Mayport, Florida, as a Radioman 2nd Class. After being honorably discharged, he began his first career path working in corporate life for 25 years at several manufacturing companies in Northern New Jersey.

Tom was a life member of the USS Saratoga Association and he and Gloria attended several annual reunions in cities across the country. He was also a member of the National Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, and local Realtor association Realtors Broward | Palm Beach | St Lucie. Tom held the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation as a member of the Residential Real Estate Council and the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) designation as a member of the Real Estate Business Institute.

Following his last assignment as vice president at a large ballast manufacturing company headquartered in Paramus, New Jersey, Tom moved to Ocean City. He began his 30-year career in real estate with Moore, Warfield & Glick, Inc. in 1991 and was licensed in Maryland and Delaware. Tom was an active member of local and state Realtor Associations in Maryland. In 2004 he was named Realtor of the Year for the state of Maryland and the following year was inducted into the prestigious National Association of Realtors Omega Tau Rho honor fraternity as a life member.

Tom managed two real estate offices in Ocean City before he and Gloria moved to reside permanently in

Tom was an avid Nascar fan and he and Gloria were fans of the Baltimore Ravens. But his all-time favorite team since 1948 was the New York Yankees.

Family and friends may call between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m. and 6 and 8 p.m. at a viewing on Friday, June 14, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A celebration of life will be held at noon on Saturday, June 15, at The Burbage Funeral Home, followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin. A memorial service will be held at St. Gabriel's Church in Pompano Beach at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family at burbagefuneralhome.com.

LOUIS EDWARD SCHNEIDER

Ocean City

Louis Edward Schneider, 72, died on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Earl Schneider and Mary Schneider Kyrous. He was a long term resident of Ocean City and Berlin. He is survived by his sister, Diane Kelly. Cremation followed his death. Loved ones are planning a celebration of life. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

DOROTHY BERNADETT WILLIAMS

Berlin

Dorothy Bernadett Williams passed away on May 31, 2024, after a long illness. She was 86.

The daughter of Dorothy and Reginald Creighton, she grew up in Chatham, New Jersey, along with older brothers John, Ray, Pete and Reggie. She graduated from Caldwell University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in early education. She worked as an elementary school teacher for 15 years. An active member in her church, she served as a Eucharistic minister for many years. She volunteered at a hos-

pital and nursing home. Locally, she was a member of the Saint John Neumann Roman Catholic Church, Ocean Pines Craft club, gardening club and birthday club. She was a proud member of the Red Hats club. She loved travel, gardening, Broadway musicals, reading, crafts and holiday celebrations. She is survived by Robert Williams, of Ocean Pines, her loving husband of

63 years; her children, Dr. Lori Williams (Kevin Carlile), Valerie Peerenboom (Michael Peerenboom) and Robert Williams Jr. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Taylor Rothbell, Spencer Rothbell, (Lauren Kim), Theo Williams (Erin Williams), and Eloise Pike (Jon Dykes). She is also survived by her sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; and her lifelong best

friend, Margaret Mitchell. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and her love and devotion to her family and friends.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue in Berlin.

To send condolences to the family, visit easternshorecremation.com.

Louis Schneider

Sports & Recreation

Surfing, boarding camps available during summer

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 13, 2024) Local and visiting kids interested in surfing and bodyboarding this summer will have the opportunity to learn the necessary skills, tips, and tricks from professional instructor Brian Stoehr.

Stoehr and his team of coaches are slated to oversee both the Big Wave Beginner’s Surf Camp and the Beach Body Boarding Camp. The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department sponsors the programs.

The Big Wave Surf Camp is a singleday lesson with four Friday dates throughout the summer. Interested individuals can attend on July 12, July 26, Aug. 9 or Aug. 23. Each session begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.

“Brian and coaches have perfected a system of beginner surf instruction by combining the correct equipment and wave knowledge to make the experience second to none for the participant and guarantee that students will ride a wave on a surfboard as long as they give it a try,” the Ocean Pines website reads.

The lessons will occur on 36th Street in Ocean City, at the K-Coast Beach. The camp costs $90 for Ocean Pines residents and $95 for non-residents. The organizers will provide surfboards. The camp is open to boys and girls, ages six to 15.

Stoehr and his instructors are also expected to coach the Beach Body Boarding Camp. Sessions are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on four Tuesdays throughout the summer. Participants can attend on July 16, July 30, Aug. 13, or Aug. 27.

The professionals will teach the beginners basic and advanced bodyboarding skills. They will also share information on surf awareness, water safety, wet suits, and wave reading.

The camp is open to boys and girls ages seven to 15. Attendance costs $75 for Ocean Pines residents and $80 for non-residents.

Stoehr bodyboarded professionally for over two decades, winning two U.S. National Pro Tour Bodyboard titles and an East Coast Pro Tour title.

In addition to the Ocean Pines camps, Stoehr is the head instructor at K-Coast Surf Shop’s Wave Riding School. Lessons are available every day of the week. Anyone of any ageis welcome to sign up.

Those interested in the year-round lessons can sign up on the K-Coast Surf Shop’s Wave Riding School’s website, while Ocean Pines campers can register by calling 410-641-7052.

LOCALS WIN BLUEFISH TOURNEY

SURF REPORT

Wave size talk can be complicated

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(June 14, 2024) When it comes to wave size there can be quite a bit of controversy. Come to think of it there can be a lot of controversy. Many factors can come into the discussion.

Before the internet and cell phones I did some work for an “eight-hundred” telephone subscription service. Anyone interested in the surf conditions for the day could subscribe to this phone number and receive a report. I was the reporter for our local Delmarva area. The criteria included pertinent factors such as wind speed and direction, times of low and high tides, and, oh yes, wave size. As to wave size there was effort to set a standard. The standard was to estimate the face of the wave, before it broke or spilled over, and compare it

to a six-foot tall person. Thus, a knee high wave would have an estimate of two feet, waist high would be 3 feet, chest high 4 feet, etcetera. If it got overhead a size number could be placed and I would be free to give it my best reading. This standard seemed to be pretty good. At least an effort was made to make the report empirical or scientific.

Unfortunately a lot of the above won’t hold much water, no pun intended, if you talk to a Hawaiian or someone who has had experience in larger and/or more consistent waves. These folks seem to downplay wave size.

On Oahu, the Honolulu area will be referred to as “town” and the North Shore referred to as “country. I’ve heard stories that if a call was made from “town” to “country” regarding wave size it would be a report much less than the actual wave size. Apparently this would be done in an effort to lessen the crowds at the better spots. I

imagine that a bit of machismo could also enter into this scenario.

A good friend of mine moved to Oahu and lives close to the water. He’s a good surfer and it’s part of his routine to get a frequent look at the waves. He’s a plumber and if he shows up at a job site with other like-minded guys, and is asked what the waves are like, he never, ever, calls it more than 5 feet.

At any rate, this is a situation that could always be problematic. In talking to others a suggestion was put forth to leave the numbers to those that insist on them and instead use a criteria of reporting as knee to waist or waist to shoulder, etcetera.

Yes , the “six-foot standard” comes into play but this idea could maybe be more reasonable. There are other factors that can be considered when talking about waves but we’ll leave that for another time. When it comes to wave size there can be quite a lot of controversy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FISH IN OC

For the 2nd year in a row, the team of Big Bird Cropper and Shawn Flaherty hooked top prize honors in the Blues for D.U. Bluefish Tournament out of Bahia Marina. At the awards banquet Sunday, the winners were awarded $3,984 for their first-place finish by tournament officials David Peterson and Shawn Harman. The third annual event benefits Ducks Unlimited.

FISH IN OC WITH SCOTT LENOX

Devon Martin and his crew caught the first bigeye tuna of the season, above left, with this beautiful 100-pound-plus fish. Tom Nock caught a huge 5-pound sea bass on a jig while fishing with Captain Monty Hawkins on the Morning Star. To view daily reports about local fishing, click online to fishinoc.com.

Above left, Big Bird Cropper caught his personal best 55-inch rockfish at the north jetty using his Roy Rig creation. Above middle, the crew of Boss Hogg had one of the best tuna days so far this year when the team boxed 10 nice yellowfins. Above right, Captain Kevin Twilley of the Fish Bound caught this 7-pound doormat flounder with Captain Kane Bounds at the helm. Below left, J.D. Eddy of Reel Steel Charters caught the first bay sheepshead of the season last month when he landed this 6.5 pounder. Below middle, I caught the biggest sea bass of my life on the Angler with this nice 3-pound, 13-ounce fish, but Wayne got me by 2 ounces so he won the fish pool. Below right, Wayne Hartman caught this nice 21-inch flounder fishing with Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters.