7/5/20214 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Disp a atch

After the Washington Post won its suit to obtain Ocean City Police use-offorce records, the city still contends they’re personnel records and asks the state court of appeals to confirm its stance. — Page 22

One year later, what’s buzz on cannabis?

Marijuana became legal last July. Sales are good and getting higher.

— Page 32

PHOTO COURTESY ALEX GRIER

NAO TRINIDAD

A Spanish galleon replica makes her way to port last Friday in Ocean City, where she will be moored at 3rd Street and available for public inspection. See story on page 99.

First

By Stewart Dobson

of all, let’s get this straight: a cheeseburger is not just a cheeseburger anymore

These days, that all-beef patty could be certified black angus, wagyu, ground chuck or some other high-priced grind. And the bun? It’s no longer a slightly flattened round of white bread out of the conveyorbelt oven, but might be baked on premises or is a soft, buttery and expensive brioche.

The toppings too go way beyond that rubbery single square of American cheese that once graced that 4-ounce (or less) disc of beef trimmings.

Years ago, of course, a cheeseburger at Pete’s Paradise Drive-in on the strip was generally the same as any other burger and bun that could be found anywhere in the country.

But now, the kids who once cheerfully gobbled up Happy Meals in the back seat of the family wagon are grown up and they want a grown-up burger from a grown-up restaurant, which is going to charge a grown-up price.

That price, which could range from $14 to $20, might strike some consumers as excessive as they recall their dollar-aburger days. They also might conclude that the restaurants that serve these deluxe versions are making a killing. The fact is they aren’t.

As a rule, restaurant profit margins are thinner than a White Castle slider, and that’s if they make any profit at all on the burger.

The National Restaurant Association estimates that the average pre-tax margin for the typical small business restaurant is 3-5%. It, along with other trackers of restaurant industry data, say the combined cost of food and labor accounts for roughly 66 cents of

This doesn’t leave much to cover rent or lease payments, insurance, kitchen equipment, credit card swipe fees, point-of-sale systems, repairs and utilities, with the latter being on the steep side because of all the gas and electricity restaurants need to cook, clean, heat and

What is left over is minimal. Based on its 2019 industry analysis, the restaurant association found that a typical restaurant had a pre-tax income of about 5%.

This means a restaurant with $1 million in sales would have a pretax net of $50,000. And that was in 2019, before covid and the high See HERE’S Page 10

BREAKFAST

Monday-Thursday

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Zoning appeals board sees no problems with renewal

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) Greene Turtle Apparel will continue to display outdoor merchandise for another five years following approval from the town’s zoning appeals board.

Despite asking for a three-year extension that will allow connections of The Greene Turtle to display outdoor merchandise at its apparel shop, members of the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals last week granted a five-year extension of the business’ special exception.

“So this site has had these special outdoor display of merchandise exceptions before,” Zoning Analyst Chase Phillips told the board. “There have been at least two cycles where they’re approved on a three-year basis. So it could be considered as a renewal.”

Last Thursday, the Greene Turtle’s Dawn Hodge came before the zoning appeals board seeking an extension of the apparel shop’s outdoor display special exception. She said the extension would allow the store – located near the Greene Turtle – to continue using two five-foot hanging racks and a wire shelf rack.

“That’s all we have, and we roll

See BZA Page 10

Here’s why your burger costs what it does

Continued from Page 3

inflation of the past couple of years.

Inflation and changes in the labor laws are the two biggest drivers in the cost of a burger ... or anything else on the menu. Back in 1984, the wholesale price of beef — and that includes all cuts from ribeye to trimmings — was $1.42 a pound, according to the National Chicken Council, which in addition to chicken, follows wholesale beef and pork prices. Last year, the council put the cost of beef at approximately $3.96 a pound.

Then there’s the increase in the minimum wage — $3.35 an hour in 1984 to Maryland’s current rate of $15 an hour. Tipped employees earn $3.63 an hour and if their tips don’t push them to $15, the employer must make up the difference.

As for insurance, it’s a major fi-

nancial headache for restaurants, which buy property (and fire) insurance, liquor liability insurance, general liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, business interruption insurance and flood insurance, among others. What’s more is that insurance premiums have gone up 25 straight quarters, according to Insurance Journal.

Now, about the beef itself, regardless of the grind, it costs much more now than it did pre-covid. Here’s why, according to Performance Foodservice-Virginia:

• Corn and feed prices are higher.

• Beef inventory is down because of a shortage of breeding stock, and packing plants are processing 50,000 fewer cattle a week.

• Recovery of inventory won’t happen until between 2025 and 2026.

• The cost of cattle in 2021 was around $110 a head. It is now over $190.

• As that relates to grinds or burgers, prices have risen 10 to 15 cents a pound.

Futhermore, a good full-service restaurant burger is going to be six to eight ounces (or more), or about twice the size of what your hometown drive-in was selling back in the day.

Considering all these increases in expense and the distinct possibility that producing and selling a deluxe cheeseburger is a break-even proposition at best, the question is why bother?

Because that’s what customers want. As numerous industry studies have shown, the post-covid dining out crowd does not want the sameold, same-old. It wants great food and great service, and in the highly competitive restaurant industry that translates into making the once mundane into the memorable.

Serving anything less would harm the business’s image, thus costing it customers in areas where restaurants

can and do make money, like at the bar.

Moreover, as one local food service supplier pointed out, Ocean City-area restaurants have a peak sales period of four months. They either make their money then or they don’t make it at all ... as a business.

Consequently, when you get that burger, if it’s certified black angus, the wholesale price is up 43% as of 2022. The brioche bun wholesale cost is $1.36 each for small orders. Even lettuce is up 85% percent, so far.

Add pickled or fried onions and cheese (cheddar, bleu, provolone, gorgonzola, Swiss, pepper jack), which is up about 24% since the beginning of the year, and what you have is a burger that should, according to the Colorado Restaurant Association, be priced at $22.

But it isn’t. More likely, the menu price locally will be between $14 and $18, depending on the restaurant’s overhead.

So, stop complaining and get the burger. Given the circumstances, it’s a good deal for a great burger ... and that makes for a truly happy meal.

BZA grants special exception

Continued from Page 6

them in and out every day,” she said.

When asked if the town had received any complaints regarding the outdoor merchandise displays, Phillips said it had not. In his presentation, he said surrounding property owners had been notified of the extension request.

“Because the merchandise could affect adjacent property owners, notices were sent to each individual store owner just because they’re in

that same shopping center,” he explained. “So they were notified.”

Phillips noted that the board can permit the special exception so long as the outdoor display does not adversely impact neighboring properties and complies with the code. Board member Emily Nick then made a motion – seconded by member Brian Shane – to approve the special exception request for five years rather than three. The motion passed in a 5-0 vote.

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First white marlin check presented to Fish On team

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) Resort officials this week recognized the captain and crew of the Fish On for catching the first white marlin of the 2024 season.

On Monday, the Mayor and Council awarded $5,000 to angler Jake Emche, for the first white marlin catch and release of the season. The catch occurred 25 miles east of the Baltimore Canyon on June 1.

“You know, this is a white marlin capital of the world, and to be able to catch that first white marlin, it really means something,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this week.

Each year, the Mayor and Council offers a $5,000 prize to the angler that catches and releases the first official white marlin of the summer season. A few years back during budget deliberations, the town briefly considered eliminating the annual prize. But after outcry from the local fishing community, it was reinstated.

During Monday’s check presentation, Emche recalled the events leading up to the catch. He also recognized Andrew Dotterweich, captain of the Fish On, for leading the charge.

“Every year I’ve kind of been in a position where we hope to catch it,” he said. “We fish for tuna generally. And I don’t know, this year, it’s just we got lucky. The stars aligned. Andrew, the captain, I’m going to give him all the credit. He ran over a stupid hungry one, and I was lucky enough to get it.”

Lastly, Emche thanked the Mayor and Council for offering the annual award.

“I think this thing you guys do every year, it’s super cool,” he said. “I love the tradition of it, and it’s a great way to start the summer really, for the fishing community at least.”

Last year, the first white marlin of the season was caught and released on June 2. And in 2022, the first white marlin was reeled in on June 7. The year prior to that, the town recorded a white marlin catch and release on May 23, the earliest date ever recorded. The latest catch date ever recorded for a white marlin was July 20, 1936.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The team of the Fish On is pictured with their check from the Ocean City Mayor and Council for catching and releasing the first white marlin of the season off the resort’s coast.

Tandem parking exception approved for condo project

75th Street development will move forward following an appeals board decision

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) Members of an appeals board granted a request last week to allow tandem parking at a 75th Street condominium development project in Ocean City.

Last Thursday, the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to grant a special parking exception to allow one garaged space in eight of 14 townhouse units within a 75th Street housing development to be in a tandem, or stacked, configuration. Applicant Joe Moore, attorney for the developer, noted that every other parking element except the tandem parking spots compiled with the city code.

“With this circumstance there’s simply, in our judgment, and we hope the board agrees, absolutely no detrimental effect on the use and enjoyment of the surrounding properties,” he told the board.

In May, the developer came before the appeals board seeking a special parking exception to allow some garage parking spaces at the project

site to be smaller than required by code. However, the board denied the request, and the developer was left to rework the site plan.

“Given the denial from the Board of Zoning Appeals on May 30, 2024, certain redesigns have taken place since then,” Zoning Analyst Chase Phillips told the board last week. “The main modification is that it increased the parking spaces to the full 20 feet of depth by removing the garage doors and creating an open face on the back. So therefore this reduction of the parking space for those eight spaces that were heard on May 30 has been fully corrected.”

Back on the agenda last week, Moore said his client was no longer seeking a reduction in the size of parking spaces, but rather a stacked parking configuration at eight of the 14 units proposed for the project. He said the spaces would be housed inside a carport, rather than an enclosed garage.

“We believe what we have done is respond to the previous concerns of the board,” he said.

Officials noted that the developer’s revised site plan had received approval from the town’s planning commission, so long as the applicant

Board members applaud new parking design

included parking restrictions in the condominium declarations, included screening and storage within the garage areas, and received approval for tandem parking from the board of zoning appeals.

“We talked with the planning commission about this and the planning commission is fully supportive of tandem parking,” said Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler. “We do allow tandem parking in the downtown overlay district – that is 15th Street down to the inlet. We in the department also have had discussions about cleaning up the code and allowing tandem parking in private garage ports that are owned by one owner … But we support this tandem parking to give them the proper amount of parking.”

Board member John Moran questioned why the city, when it recently updated garage parking requirements, did not address tandem parking. Bendler said the focus was essentially put on garage parking itself and not the idea of stacked parking.

“But in speaking with the planning and zoning commission, who did design that ordinance, they were fully supportive of tandem parking,” he replied. “They thought it was a good application of parking for pri-

vate homeowners.”

Board member Brian Shane asked if the tandem parking spaces would have any connection to a neighboring alleyway, located directly to the north. Moore said it would not, as there would be landscaping between the two.

‘It’s not a question for the board because there’s a clear delineation between what’s permissible downtown and what’s permissible outside of the special development district downtown. That’s the issue I have … I don’t know how to get around that.’

John Moran, board member

“We have a landscaping requirement between us and the alley,” he said.

For his part, Moore asked the board to approve the special parking exception. He noted that tandem parking was not only allowed in the

downtown district, but had been approved by the board on four separate occasions in other areas of town.

“In at least four previous cases this board found that under those circumstances the special exception was allowed,” he said.

Moore added that the developer had addressed the board’s concerns by bringing the size of the parking spaces up to code. He said his client had also complied with the planning commission’s conditions for approval. Officials noted that the site plan now included carport screenings and garage storage, and that the condominium documents included parking restrictions.

“The provisions of the condo declarations provide that those spaces will remain free and clear to the property owner of that unit,” Moore said.

Following a public hearing last Thursday, during which a neighboring property owner spoke in support of the project, a motion was made to approve the special parking exception. Moran, however, noted his concerns about the tandem parking request.

“It’s not a question for the board because there’s a clear delineation between what’s permissible downtown and what’s permissible outside of the special development district downtown,” he said. “That’s the issue I have … I don’t know how to get around that.”

Board member Emily Nock disagreed. She noted that the town gave the board of zoning appeals the right to allow a special parking exception.

“They give us the power on a caseby-case basis to grant that exception,” she said.

Shane commended the applicant for coming up with a parking solution. He said he believed tandem parking was appropriate and did not adversely affect any neighboring properties.

“It’s a very clever solution,” he said. “It looks great.”

A motion to accept the special parking exception passed in a 5-0 vote.

Ocean City makes updates to building code

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) City officials this week approved changes to the building code.

The Mayor and Council on Monday had before them the second reading of an ordinance to amend the city’s building regulations. The changes, which were first presented in June, incorporate the newest standards from the International Code Council (ICC).

“This is to incorporate various 2021 International Building Code minimum standards and various 2020 National Electric Code standards as

presented at the June 11 work session,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said.

Last month, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler presented the council with proposed revisions to the building code to reflect the newest updates from the ICC. While the town currently operates under the 2019 regulations, he said he wanted to present the 2021 edition for adoption into the town’s building code. He noted that 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 said at the time. “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.”

After a brief discussion, the council in June voted 6-1 to advance the proposed code amendments to a first reading. Councilman Peter Buas, who cast the dissenting vote, shared concerns regarding a portion of the amendment that set fines for violations of the build-

ing code. He noted that the town’s rental license ordinance already had a process for violations.

However, when the ordinance was brought to a first reading a week later, Buas was one of five councilmembers to support the changes. Two on the council – John Gehrig and Will Savage – were absent at the time of the vote.

Back on the agenda for a second reading on Monday, the council voted 5-0, with Councilman Will Savage and Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to adopt the ordinance on second reading.

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Mayor and Council are pictured during Monday’s regular meeting.

Resort eliminates sunset provision

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) A sunset provision for nonconforming signs is no more, following a city council vote this week.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council approved the second reading of a zoning code amendment that removes the sunset provision for nonconforming signs in the downtown and upper downtown design overlay districts. While zoning regulations were modified two years ago to extend the sunset provision through Nov. 18, 2023, the changes adopted this week remove that provision entirely.

In 2022, the Mayor and Council voted to modify the town’s zoning code to extend the sunset date for nonconforming signs in the two downtown overlay districts to Nov. 18, 2023. On that date, any legal nonconforming signs would become illegal and would have to be removed or made to conform with the town’s zoning requirements.

However, earlier this year, following staff’s completion of a survey on nonconforming signage, officials agreed to remove the deadline from the zoning code entirely and retain the existing nonconformity regulations that typically allow signs to remain under six listed conditions.

That proposed code revision, approved by the Ocean City Planning

Commission on June 4, was brought back to the Mayor and Council this week for a second reading.

The code amendment eliminates the sunset provision and, instead, sets a 90-day deadline upon receipt of a written notice to remove unpermitted or nonconforming signs or bring them into compliance.

It also states that nonconforming signs should be removed, replaced or made to conform when they are changed, structurally altered, enlarged, relocated, repaired or modified in a way that increases the degree of nonconformity. It also eliminates the opportunity to seek a variance from the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals.

“Again, it just gives us the ability to not have to worry about that sunset date to be able to go on and work towards conformity with things that are not legally nonconforming …,”

Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy told the planning commission in June

In recent meetings, however, Mayor Rick Meehan has expressed his opposition to the elimination of the town’s sunset provision. He said downtown businesses were given two decades to address nonconforming signage.

“You know, I think we want everybody to have the same advantages and for those that have nonconform-

ing signs – and there are some that are particularly, you know, different than other signs that would be allowed – doesn't create a level playing field for all of our businesses,” he said last month. “And I think that's what we always strive to do is to create a level playing field.”

Despite the mayor’s objections, the council last month approved the zoning code amendment on first reading. When asked this week what the planning and zoning department would do to address Meehan’s concerns, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said any nonconforming sign would be corrected if it is deemed derelict or is replaced or altered.

“Let's take for instance, the Angler put up a breakfast sign hanging from their banner. We had them remove it,” he replied. “Any sort of thing that is not fitting of the current standards, we're going to have them remove that sign. We're actively pursuing this for code enforcement efforts. But if it's going to remain as is, if it's in good clean shape, it will remain that way until it becomes derelict.”

With no further discussion, the second reading passed this week in a 5-0 vote, with Councilman Will Savage and Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent.

Ocean City seeks appeal of legal ruling over police docs

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) Ocean City will continue its legal fight against The Washington Post as it seeks to appeal a recent circuit court ruling.

On June 21, less than a month after Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Brian Shockley ordered the Mayor and City Council to provide The Washington Post with use of force records and internal reviews it had requested from the Ocean City Police Department back in 2021, the town filed an appeal of the lower court’s judgment. The case will now go before the Appellate Court of Maryland.

“After carefully reviewing the decision, we believe there are grounds for appeal on this very important issue,” City Manager Terry McGean said this week.

In 2021, following two high-profile arrests on the Boardwalk, Post reporter Steve Thompson filed records requests with the OCPD seeking data and internal reviews relating to police officers’ use of force. The complaint, first filed in December of 2022, said the department failed to provide information for three of the requests –one seeking use of force data from

Jan. 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021, one seeking internal reviews of two use of force incidents that occurred on the Boardwalk in June of 2021, and one seeking all reviews and investigations of a lieutenant’s actions on the Boardwalk the night of May 31, 2020.

“At issue here, Mr. Thompson made three requests to the department seeking records related to use of force by Ocean City officers, but he has not received all of the information he seeks and to which he is entitled under the law,” the complaint reads.

During the motions hearing in March, Bruce Bright, attorney for the Mayor and City Council, said two of the records requests were denied as they constituted personnel records. He noted that while Anton’s Law, which was cited in the newspaper’s lawsuit, allows the public access to police misconduct records, he argued the records in question did not involve misconduct. He also argued that any use of force recorded during an arrest or incident is reviewed by the department. He noted, however, that a use of force review does not equate to an investigation of misconduct. To that end, the department de-

Berlin looking for residents to sit on volunteer boards

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 5, 2024) The Town of Berlin is accepting applications for upcoming vacancies in various boards, committees and commissions. The deadline for interested residents is Friday, July 19.

Berlin citizens who wish to serve their community are welcome to apply. There are two vacancies in the Arts and Entertainment Committee, one on the Board of Supervisors of Elections, four on the Board of Zoning Appeals, and three on the Ethics Commission.

There are three vacancies on the Historic District Commission, two on the Housing Board of Review, three on the Horticulture Advisory Committee, and two on the Parks Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission has no currently available positions, but spots are expected to open in November.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said that current seat holders must undergo the same process as new applicants. Candidates will fill out the document, which requests their name, contact information, an indication of which committee they wish to serve and why and a formal resume. They will then be in-

vited to an interview, where they will meet Tyndall, his assistant, Sara Gorfinkel, town administrator Mary Bohlen, and the department chair.

A nomination is presented to the council for approval after the discussions.

“It is very consistent throughout,” Gorfinkel said. “It does not matter how long you have served on the committee. Everyone goes through the same process.”

While the July 19 application deadline is for first consideration and not a hard deadline, the mayor maintains that historically, committees receive more candidates than available positions.

The application can be found on the Town of Berlin’s website under the Government tab on the Boards, Commissions, and Committees page. The same site also contains a meeting schedule and each group’s outlined goals and missions.

“We all have different backgrounds,” Tyndall said. “If people want to serve and are focused on one area, there is a pathway to do that. I am here for the service and enjoy serving my community. It is a nice way to give back.”

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Cozy 2 bedroom 2 bath home with nice open floor plan, large kitchen, separate dining area, three season room, and back deck facing open space. This home was loved by its longtime owner for its great location and space inside. HVAC was replaced in 2015 and roof in 2007. Make this your beach getaway or primary home at the shore!

well-maintained, move-in ready, with plenty of parking, large shed & washer/dryer. Sold mostly furnished & ready to enjoy this summer! Great pool, boat ramp, kayak storage, playground, and boat storage too. Some limited restrictions as to when you can stay in

Berlin store receives small business grant

grant program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach and cultural significance.”

quired to bring their own small fixtures, like side tables, to the workshops. Canon maintained that the grant will enhance these classes.

big way. We moved to Berlin, quit our jobs, and opened our own business, which was something we had always dreamed of.”

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 5, 2024) The Berlin furnishings and decor business, House Berlin, received a $10,000 grant to enhance the store’s offerings and provide an improved shopping experience for town residents and tourists.

The shop’s owners, husband and wife team Andrea and Corey Canon, applied for the Backing Small Businesses Grant presented by American Express in partnership with Main Street America. The group awarded the couple’s business $10,000.

Main Street America’s website states, “The Backing Small Business

The statement continues, emphasizing that eligible business owners could apply for the monetary gift for projects that “grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or bolstering meaningful change.”

Andrea Canon said they plan to use the money to improve their paint classes, enhance the lawn on the storefront’s patio, and bring on new vendors to expand the shop’s offerings.

House Berlin provides interested residents with the chance to learn from the store’s certified Chalk Paint retailers how to properly use the supplies on furniture. Participants are re-

“We wanted a way to re-vamp things a bit, and this grant will allow us to do so without going into debt,” she said.

House Berlin, located on Artisan’s Way, just celebrated its seventh anniversary. Canon said that she and her partner, originally from Baltimore, were inspired to open the shop after they both experienced parental losses.

“My husband and I were both in jobs that didn’t fulfill us, and we wanted to do work that we were passionate about,” the owner said. “We had both lost parents to cancer in 2015, and they were both young. This motivated us to change our lives in a

Canon said they are thankful for the support from the Backing Small Businesses award.

“We are passionate about turning old furniture into beautiful pieces of art, and we love inspiring our customers,” she said. “Making our customers happy with our work is what is most rewarding for us…we are so grateful for the grant. We encourage other small businesses to apply for grants. It’s worth putting in the time and effort. We feel truly blessed to be a recipient.”

House Berlin is open daily. Its hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One year later, cannabis industry in region reviewed

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2025) The state of Maryland this week reached a milestone anniversary for adult-use cannabis legalization.

In the November 2022 election, twothirds of voters supported a statewide referendum to legalize recreational marijuana. And last May, Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed Maryland’s cannabis reform bill into law, paving the way for recreational sales beginning July 1, 2023.

Now, a year later, state officials say they are starting to see what the Cannabis Reform Act had set out to accomplish – equity and economic growth. According to an online dashboard published by the Maryland Cannabis Administration, market sales of adult-use cannabis have exceeded $309 million, which in turn has brought in millions of dollars in tax revenue.

“The growing cannabis industry holds immense potential for economic growth for Maryland.” Comptroller Brooke Lierman said in a news release last week. “Reinvesting the revenue from adult-use cannabis sales into communities that were damaged by misguided policies allows us to further create a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous future for all Marylanders.”

Adult-use cannabis and cannabis products are taxed at a rate of 9%, with revenues distributed into several funds as required by the Cannabis Reform Act. Last week’s quarterly report on adult-use cannabis sales showed that the state of Maryland collected $14.6 million between January and March, representing a slight increase from the previous quarter.

Within the Eastern region – which includes Worcester County – tax revenues increased for the third consecutive quarter, to $1.56 million. At Positive Energy in West Ocean City, owner Lyndsey Odachowski says business has only increased since adult-use cannabis was legalized last July.

“We are seeing an increase in customers, which has fostered the ability for greater product innovation and more variety in Maryland’s cannabis industry,” she said. “This benefits 21-plus customers and medical patients alike.”

Odachowski noted that adult-use cannabis legalization has not only generated new jobs, but a new form of tourism. She noted that Positive Energy is seeing more customers from other states.

“Cannabis-tourism is a growing trend in states that have legalized adult-use cannabis,” she said. “It’s an odd feeling to realize you have traveled somewhere that cannabis is not legal when it’s so normally accessible at home. It would be similar to traveling somewhere to relax and looking forward to a beer or a glass of wine only to realize alcohol is illegal in that state, but not your own.”

Odachowski said legalization has not only made cannabis more acceptable, but safer as well. She said that cannabis products sold in stores must meet strict

Operator reports strong business

testing requirements.

“You know exactly what you are getting, potency, ingredients, etc.,” she said. “We are helping promote conscious consumption so that customers can safely enhance experiences with cannabis.”

At the local level, several jurisdictions are adapting to new cannabis regulations and have even taken measures to tighten cannabis laws.

In Ocean City, for example, officials last summer passed an ordinance prohibiting the issuance of any on-site cannabis consumption business license. That legislation was also mirrored in an ordinance introduced to the Berlin Town Council last July.

The resort has also adopted a moratorium on the acceptance or processing of applications or site plans or the issuance of other zoning approvals or business licenses for businesses that grow, process or sell cannabis. Officials say the temporary ban would give the town additional time to receive guidance from the state clarifying certain provisions of the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023.

Local governments have also brought forth regulations to impose certain distance requirements for cannabis businesses. In Ocean City, officials are cleaning up the town’s cannabis ordinance to include state regulations on the distance of cannabis businesses to other facilities such as schools, childcare centers and places of worship. In Worcester County, however, the commissioners last fall adopted minimum distances greater than what is required by state law.

Law enforcement agencies also launched aggressive educational campaigns regarding cannabis usage. Last July, at the start of recreational cannabis sales, the Ocean City Police Department shared press releases and social media posts about cannabis possession and the penalties for exceeding the legal limit.

“The Ocean City Police Department will continue to strictly enforce cannabis laws in compliance with the law,” Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said at the time. “While Maryland voted to legalize some amounts of cannabis use and possession, the Cannabis Reform Act has left members of our community unsure of what is legal and what is illegal.”

As of July 1, 2023, adults ages 21 and older can legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, cannabis products containing 750 milligrams of delta-9-THC, or two cannabis plants, with civil or criminal penalties applying for possession in excess of those limits. In addition, cannabis smoking is prohibited in any motor vehicle or public place, including outdoor and indoor spaces open to the public, parks, streets and sidewalks, bars and restaurants, public transportation, and indoor places of employment.

State law also changed in 2023 to prohibit a law enforcement officer from initiating a stop or search of a person, vehicle

based solely on specified types of

DNR reminds boaters about marine wildlife

(July 5, 2024) Summer is here and Maryland Department of Natural Resources officials are reminding people that marine wildlife — dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales, and others – are making their seasonal return to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and coastal bays.

According to a news release, anyone who sees a marine mammal or sea turtle in Maryland waters is urged

to report it to the state Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program at 800-628-9944. Anglers, boaters, and beachgoers should especially be on the lookout for stranded, dead, sick, injured, or entangled animals.

Along with calling the program hotline, anyone who encounters a stranded marine mammal, alive or dead, should follow the following steps:

• Do not touch the animal

• Record the location using latitude and longitude, street address, and/or description with landmarks

• Estimate and record the length, size, color, noticeable body parts, and movements (if alive)

• Take photos of the animal

• If possible, remain by the animal at a safe distance until stranding staff arrive

While Maryland’s most common visitors are bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles, more than 25 other marine mammal species, and four species of sea turtles, have been recorded in state waters.

The department’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Re-

sponse program works cooperatively with the National Aquarium in responding to reports of marine animals throughout Maryland’s waters and coastlines.

Marine mammals are specifically protected by federal law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Sea turtles and whales are also both protected under the 1973 Endangered Species Act. It is illegal to harass, touch, feed, capture, or collect the marine species, alive or dead, including any animal parts or skeletal remains or specimens.

Museum of Ocean City eyes opening after restoration

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) Officials say the Museum of Ocean City will be open to the public in the coming weeks.

Christine Okerblom, curator with the Life-Saving Station Museum, said restoration work at the old Bank of Ocean City building will be completed in the coming weeks. When doors open in July, the public can catch a glimpse of what will be the new Museum of Ocean City.

“People can come, look at the project, and see what is to come,” she said.

In 2019, the Bank of Ocean City closed its downtown branch at the corner of Baltimore Avenue and Dorchester Street. But instead of selling the property, it was donated to the Town of Ocean City for the creation of a new museum.

Since that time, crews have been at work restoring the circa 1910 building to its former glory. The results of that effort will be showcased next month when the museum opens to the public.

“It was a labor of love,” said Project Manager Joe Kurtz.

Officials say construction has been no easy feat, as crews have had to contend with project delays, funding snags and design dilemmas. Kurtz said one of the hardest aspects was deciding which time period would be reflected in the renovated facility.

“It appears there were five main renovations in this building …,” he said, noting that the building held a general store prior to it being a bank. “Early on in the process, we had to figure out what period are we going to bring it back to. Are we going to bring it back to the general store, and put a tin roof on the side of this building? Do we bring it back somewhere about 10 years after that when they added the second-floor balcony and started renting rooms out to make extra money? That was the hardest thing.”

Once that was decided, restoration both inside and outside the building began. Okerblom noted that many of the building’s original features, including hardwood floors and old bank vaults, remained while those that could not be salvaged were replicated – from the penny tile in the foyer to the trim work on the walls.

“How they approached this building is they wanted to save as much as they could,” she said.

Officials say the renovation also unearthed some unique discoveries, including baby shoes from the 1800s. They say the items will be placed within an exhibit.

“Our assistant curator did some research, and this was fairly common in businesses and in homes

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The exterior of the new Museum of Ocean City is pictured on Baltimore Avenue last week.

Major renovation of former bank called ‘a labor of love’

forth good luck,” Okerblom explained.

While interior cosmetic work is ongoing now, Okerblom said the museum will be open in the coming weeks. In January, permanent exhibits – including those on Black business owners, Ocean City hotels and restaurants, and indigenous people and wildlife – will be installed. She added that a walk-in safe on the building’s first floor will also be turned into exhibit space.

“This will all be exhibit space once it’s all said and done, including the safe,” she said. “It will function as an exhibit hall to tell the history of the building.”

The museum will also feature offices, an archival room and a research library on the second floor. By appointment only, community members can come in, sit down and look at old books, photographs, maps and artifacts.

“So it’s really going to accommodate the public in a way that we haven’t been able to do in the past,” she said.

Okerblom shared her excitement for the museum’s opening. She said the additional space will allow the museum to incorporate programs it

couldn’t previously accommodate at the Life-Saving Station Museum. She said there are plans to hold film screenings in the off-season, workshops, speakers and events.

“This space, we designed it to be open, so when the full exhibit installment takes place the only thing that will be on the first floor is two cases you can push to the side …,” she explained. “We are hoping to lend the space to nonprofits and rent the space to for-profits. So we really want this to be a community space, outside of what we offer during hours of operation.”

Okerblom said the museum will be open on Monday and Tuesday from July to January, and admission will be free. Once exhibits are installed next year, an admission fee will be implemented.

Officials recognized the project’s architect, George, Miles & Buhr, its contractor, Oak Contracting, the Town of Ocean City, and the community for bringing the museum to fruition. They noted that grants and community donations funded the project.

“When we say it was a community effort, it was a community effort,” Kurtz said.

Prevention tips issued as vehicle theft month begins

(July 5, 2024) The Maryland State Police and Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council are urging motorists to take precautions against vehicle thefts as part of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month in July.

Nationally, vehicle thefts have increased 25% from 2019 to 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A news release said Maryland experienced a significant increase in vehicle thefts from 2022 to 2023 due in large part to the national trend of Kia and Hyundai thefts on the rise. Overall, a car is stolen 32 seconds in the United States and every 47 minutes in Maryland, according to the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

Leaving vehicles unlocked, or with

keys or the fob inside, are the primary causes of vehicle thefts. The stolen vehicles are then sold for parts or used to commit other crimes. Citizens must remain vigilant in safeguarding themselves and their property.

The following are some simple, effective methods to prevent vehicle theft:

• Use an anti-theft device

• Park in well-lit areas

• Close and lock all windows and doors when parked

• Put away valuables

• Do not leave keys or fob in vehicle

• Do not leave the area while vehicle is running

Collaborative outreach efforts continue to take place throughout the year to address vehicle theft.

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Berlin Legion post donates funding for new flag poles

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 5, 2024) The Berlin American Legion Post #123 provided the town with funding to replace three flag poles at the Main and West streets memorial sites.

The group presented ‘We Heart Berlin’ with $7,500 for the initiative on Wednesday, June 26, at the site. The nonprofit defines itself as an organization dedicated to promoting “healthy and sustainable activities and to support the creation of and maintenance of recreational opportunities for the benefit of Berlin and its residents.”

Public Works Director Jimmy Charles said the poles will extend 30 feet out of the ground, a 10-foot increase from the current posts. A bigger flag will also be added to the memorial.

Charles maintained the structures will be heavy-duty and made for wind near a coastline. Additionally, the poles’ satin finish will be rust preventative.

“I know you all have been integral in the establishment of the memorial,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said, addressing members of the legion on hand at last week’s presentation. “You have been integral in helping us along the way to make sure we get it right and represent what we should represent. You have been partners since day one, so we cannot thank you enough.” Since the memorial’s creation, officials have added the Town of Berlin and the Prisoner of War/ Missing in Action flags. The POW/MIA banner,

TARA FISCHER/OC

Representatives of American Legion Post #123 presented We Heart Berlin with a donation of $7,500 last week to fund replacement flag poles at the town’s memorial plaza at the corner of Main and West streets.

Donation will replace old poles

adopted by the National League of Families in 1972, was unveiled in Berlin on Veteran’s Day in 2021 and carries the phrase, “You Are Not Forgotten.” The saying is dedicated to the more than 1,500 American soldiers who have still not been found.

Thanks to the additional funding, the new and improved flag structures will now be added to the remembrance area. Charles said that they also intend to add fresh lighting.

“Our goal is to help embellish all the parks in town and this is a park to us,” We Heart Berlin Executive Director Tony Weeg said. “We are beyond excited.”

Recently, the memorial added a wheelchair-accessible entrance to the site. The amendment is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Weeg said that local veteran Mark

Bunting, who is in a wheelchair, contacted him and inquired about a ramp so that he and other disabled individuals could fully enjoy the area.

Weeg first proposed the idea four years ago. However, the company Cox Masonry installed the opening earlier this month.

In addition to the memorial’s structural modifications, town officials are overjoyed by its overall appearance and the future. The Berlin Horticulture Advisory Committee has been partnering with the town’s public works department on a multitude of beautification projects at town parks and along Main Street.

“The garden has never looked better,” Tyndall said. “You see the bees, the butterflies. Aesthetically, it looks great, but these flag poles will make a difference in the look and feel of the entry point to Berlin.”

New education director

Mary Anne Cooper, a long-time resident of West Ocean City, has joined the team at the Art League of Ocean City as education director.

Cooper brings 32 years of experience in education to the art league’s multitude of classes.

Cooper served in education in Worcester County from 19982023 and prior to that in Baltimore City Public Schools. She was principal at Snow Hill Elementary School and Snow Hill Middle School for the last 10 years of her tenure in Worcester County. Prior to being a principal, she was an assistant principal, curriculum planner, math resource teacher, and math teacher.

Cooper holds a doctorate of education in innovation and leadership from Wilmington University. She has a passion for the arts and expresses her creativity through gardening, flower arranging and baking. The love of art runs deep through multiple generations in Cooper’s family.

Cooper can be reached at Education@artleagueofoceancity.org.

Former director honored

The Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra recently congratulated Julien Benichou, former music director of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, and music director of the Washington Opera Society and the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, was recently awarded a prestigious honor within the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters).

He was honored by His Excellency Ambassador Laurent Bili on June 20, during a ceremony at the residence of the Ambassador of France.

The Order of Arts and Letters, established in 1957 by the French Ministry of Culture, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the enrichment of the arts and literature in France and around the world. Julien Benichou’s knighthood is a testament to his exceptional influence and dedication to the field of music, both as a conductor and educator.

The ceremony was attended by guests from the arts and diplomatic communities, including fellow musicians, cultural advocates, and representatives from various artistic institutions. Bili, in his address, praised Benichou’s contributions to the arts and his role in fostering cultural exchange between France and the United States.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of

Mary Cooper

Julien Benichou

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, DE Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

Book signing

Local author Albin ‘Hondo’ Handy will be signing copies of his book, “Defying Expectations” at 5 p.m., Friday, July 5 at Bishop’s Stock Fine Art, Craft & Wine in Snow Hill.

The book traces Handy’s life, from playing sandlot baseball to working as a recreational specialist in Ocean City with many stops and experiences along the way. His mentors and lifelong friends have made him an inspiration to many young people.

Chorus performance

The Delmarva Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, Inc., will be hosting its annual entertainment show at 7 p.m., July 13, in the Ocean Pines Community Center.

Donations are $15 and there will be free coffee, tea and homemade desserts, as well as door prizes and a 50/50 drawing.

Crab cake fundraiser

St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Ocean City is selling crabcake sandwiches at a fundraiser set from noon to 7 p.m., July 13, in the parish hall.

The carry-out only event promises to delight seafood lovers while supporting the church’s ongoing mission and outreach efforts.

Crab cake sandwiches, complete with lettuce, tomato, and sauce, will be accompanied by chips, for $12. For those looking to enjoy crab cakes at home, uncooked crabcakes will also be available to buy at the same price, ideal for freezing and eating at a later date.

St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church is at 302 North Baltimore Ave. in Ocean City. Walk-in service will be accessible through the 3rd Street entrance, providing convenient access for patrons on foot. A drive-thru pick-up option will also be available in the alley on the north side of the church building.

For more information or to place an order, contact the church office at office@stpaulsbythesea.org.

Registration open for OC Film Challenge

Registration is open now through July 21 to enter the 2025 Ocean City Film Challenge.

Filmmakers must feature a prop and designated line of dialogue (a neon sign and “Don’t pick at it, you’ll only make it worse”) and turn in their finished short films by Aug. 1.

Screenings are set for Aug. 10 at the Art League of Ocean City’s Center for the Arts. All participating filmmakers will receive an all-access pass to the festival for themselves and

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County signs off on official naming of private road

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) A private lane off Sinepuxent Road will be named Autumn Grove Lane following county approval this week.

With little discussion Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners voted to name a private road near Berlin as Autumn Grove Lane. The new moniker came at the suggestion of homeowners in the Autumn Grove Estates community, located off Sinepuxent Road.

“We have received a request to name a private lane that serves four lots on the south side of Sinepuxent Road,” Matthew Laick, deputy director of development review and permitting, wrote in a memo to the commissioners. “All the lot owners, including the existing homeowner have agreed and submitted Autumn Grove Lane as their road name choice.”

According to Worcester County’s code, all lanes that are home to three or more residences must be named. Staff noted that efforts to name the private lane began as early as 2020, when the county received its first building permit application for a lot in the Autumn Grove Estates subdivision. Due to an existing policy at that time, nothing came of it.

“However, in 2023 the Public Safety Article 6-101(e) was amended to include ‘... or 3 or more buildable lots …’” Technical Services Manager Kelly Henry wrote in his memo to the commissioners. “Now the Department is in receipt of the second building permit application.”

Henry noted that all property owners were notified of the naming in June. The owners, in turn, suggested Autumn Grove Lane.

“This name is not in conflict with nor a duplicate of an existing road name in the County, and therefore acceptable,” he wrote.

Staff reported that the county would work to assign addresses in the four-lot subdivision and communicate with the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx.

While nothing was said this week of the name change at the public meeting, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he had fielded one concern from a South Point resident regarding a road that was recently named Heron Lane. He said residents had received a letter, supposedly from the county, that the road would be widened.

“We’re making them move their wells so we can widen the road down there?” he asked.

Public Works Director Dallas Baker said the roads department did not send out any letters.

“It’s private,” he said. “I don’t know why we would be widening it.”

YOUNG HERON

A juvenile green heron stands perched on a branch near its nest in an Ocean City canal. It may look like it’s having a bad hair day, but that fuzzy down from its time as a chick will soon give way to black feathers.

officially presents $3.8M in bonds to Berlin

(July 5, 2024) The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced last week it has issued $3.8 million in bonds through the Local Government Infrastructure Financing (LGIF) Program to support infrastructure improvement efforts in Berlin.

“Berlin is a special, lovable and growing place. Our Local Government Infrastructure Financing program is an important tool for local governments to help fund projects to enhance the lives of its residents such as those planned in Berlin,” said DHCD Secretary Jake Day.

“We’re also grateful for partners such as McKennon, Shelton & Henn, People First, Caine Mitter, and Wilmington Trust for their hard work and diligence to make this happen.”

The money for these two projects are part of an overall $34.8 million in bonds that will be issued in support of local jurisdictions across Maryland. DHCD’s Community Development Administration administers the bonds on behalf of counties, municipalities and/or their instrumentalities to finance projects that serve the community at large, such as streetscape improvements, transportation enhancements or water and sewer treatment facilities.

For Berlin, the financing through the department, which includes a bond premium generated from the sale of the bonds, will help bring the electrical system meter replacement and a new public works facility.

The town will utilize $1 million in bonds to upgrade its water meter system to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, which will provide voltage monitoring and outage notifications for the electric system and system integration with the town’s existing billing system.

The town will utilize $2.8 million in bonds to construct a new public works facility. The current facility was erected decades ago as a temporary structure and no longer suits the needs of the town. The new facility will improve employees’ wellbeing and retention, contribute to efficient public services and accommodate evolving technology and safety standards.

“The Town of Berlin is excited to receive $3.8 million in Local Government Infrastructure Fund financing through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. This funding, which includes $2.8 million for a new Public Works Facility and $1 million for an AMI system for the town’s electric utility, will significantly enhance our town’s infrastructure,” said Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall. “These projects are pivotal for improving our public services and ensuring our community’s sustainable and efficient future. We are grateful for this support, which empowers us to serve our residents better and continue building a stronger Berlin.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured during the recent official presentation of bond financing for the Town of Berlin are DHCD Manager Charlie Day, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall and DHCD Secretary Jake Day.

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SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

12212 Cygnet Lane Bishopville, MD 21813

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Kathleen J. Tamalavicz, dated October 31, 2013, and recorded in Liber 6275, Folio 098, and re-recorded in Liber 7333, Folio 413, and rerecorded in Liber 8424, Folio 300 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Substitute Trustee will sell at public auction at Circuit Court for Worcester County, Courthouse Door for Worcester County, Snow Hill, MD on

July 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND KNOWN

AS Lots 5, 6 and 7, Subdivision of a portion of lands of Frank L. Savage, St. Martin’s District, situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust, carrying Tax ID No. 05009812.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, agreements, easements, covenants and rights of way of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $22,000.00 will be required at the time of sale in the form of cash, certified check, or other form as the Substitute Trustees determine acceptable. No deposit shall be required of the noteholder where the noteholder bids in the property at auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, time being of the essence for purchaser. In the event that settlement does not occur within the said ten days, the purchaser shall be in default. Upon such default the Trustees may file a Motion and Order to Resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, and purchaser(s) hereby consent to entry of such resale order without further notice, in which case the deposit shall be forfeited and all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustees may then readvertise and resell the property at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser; or, without reselling the property, the Trustees may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting

purchaser. Interest to be paid on the purchase money less the stated deposit called for herein, at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of auction to the date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustee. There shall be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason, including but not limited to exceptions to sale, bankruptcy filings by interested parties, Court administration of the foreclosure or unknown title defects. All taxes, ground rent, water rent, condominium fees and/or homeowner association dues, all public charges/assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, if applicable, are to be adjusted to the date of auction and thereafter are to be assumed by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, agricultural transfer tax, if any and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of damage to the property from the date of auction forward. If the Substitute Trustee does not convey title for any reason, including but not limited to the Secured Party executing a forbearance agreement with the borrower(s) described in the above-mentioned Deed of Trust, or allowing the borrower(s) to execute their right to reinstate or payoff the subject loan, prior to the sale, with or without the Substitute Trustee’s prior knowledge, or if the sale is not ratified for any reason including errors made by the Substitute Trustees, the foreclosure sale shall be null and void and of no effect, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy in law or in equity shall be the return of the deposit without interest. Further terms and particulars may be announced at time of sale, and purchaser may be required to execute a Memorandum of Sale at the time of auction. (Matter #301081)

Jeffrey Nadel, Scott Nadel and Daniel Menchel, Substitute Trustees

Tidewater Auctions, LLC 305 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 105, Towson, Maryland 21204

410-825-2900

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VICTOR A. LEMBO

SIMS & CAMPBELL, LLC

181 HARRY S. TRUMAN PKWY., STE. 150 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-7565

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20238

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN C. NORD JR.

AKA: JOHN CARL NORD JR.

Notice is given that Maria Do Rosario De Moura Lima, 10281 Broken Sound Blvd., Ocean City, MD 21842-8842, was on June 12, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John C. Nord Jr. who

died on May 16, 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 12th 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.

Maria Do Rosario De Moura Lima 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 20, 2024

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NOTICE

Disposal of Surplus Vehicles and Equipment to be Auctioned on GovDeals.com

"Disposition of County Personal Property no longer used by the County"

The following described personal property, including vehicles, furniture and equipment, have been determined to be no longer required for County use by the County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland and deemed to be surplus property:

SURPLUS VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

Surplus vehicles, listed by make and model (with model year), as follows: Ford Crown Victoria (2009); Ford Crown Victoria (2007); Ford Crown Victoria (2010); Ford Expedition (2014); Jeep Cherokee (2000); International Roll Off (1998); Chevrolet Colardo 2WD (2005); Ram 1500 2WD (2006); Ram 1500 2WD (2006); Chevrolet 5 Ton Dump Truck (1990); Ford F150 2WD (2008).

Surplus equipment, including: Solar Tech Silent Messenger Sign Boards (2); Case 70XT Skid Steer;

John Deere 6410 Tractor; AC 2660 Loader; Trackmaster Radar Trailer; Premier LT-121 Utility Trailer; Kruger Utility Trailer; Toro ZMaster 7429; Wells Cargo Enclosed 20FT Trailer; 15KW Trailer/Generator; Kohler 30 KW Generator; Onan 7.5JB-3CR/11783AD; Mobark 1100 Tub Grinder.

Surplus furniture and miscellaneous equipment, including: Video System; Computers and Laptops; Desktop Printers; Industrial Printer; Smart Boards; Metal Lockers; Round Tables (4); Pallet Jacks (2); Volleyball Net System; Gym Floor Industrial Vacuum; Filing Cabinets; Tractor 3 Point Hitch/Post Hole Digger; Push Lawnmowers (4); Push Lawn Vac; HVAC Unit.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE AND CONVEYANCE: The County Commissioners propose to solicit competitive bids via an Internet-based auction system operated by GovDeals, Inc. for which the winning bidder pays a buyer's premium of twelve and one-half percent (12.5%) of the winning bid for each transaction so that there is no net cost to the County. All of the above referenced surplus property will be offered for sale "AS IS, WHERE IS." The County Commissioners make no warranty, guaranty or representation of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the merchantability or fitness for any purpose of the property offered for sale. The County Commissioners warrant to the buyer that the property offered for sale will conform to it description. The County Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids as they see fit and to withdraw from sale any of the items listed. Payment in full by successful bidders shall be made to Worcester County Commissioners.

OPPORTUNITY FOR OBJECTIONS: Anyone objecting to the proposed conveyance of the above surplus vehicles and equipment shall do so in writing prior to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, or in person at the regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commissioners to be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 16, 2024 in the County Commissioners Meeting Room, Room 1101 - Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20191 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DONNA M. MOYER

Notice is given that Victoria L. O’Neill Esq., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 200, Ocean City, MD 21842-6697, was on June 12, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Donna M. Moyer who died on May

16, 2022, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th 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.

Victoria L. O’Neill Esq. 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 20, 2024

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ROBERT A EATON ESQ

ROBERT A EATON, PA 121 E MARKET ST SALISBURY, MD 21801-4926

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES R DERRICKSON JR Estate No. 20240 Notice is given that PAUL R DERRICKSON whose address is 21585 AVENS CT BROADLANDS, VA 20148-5019 was on JUNE 14, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHARLES R DERRICKSON JR who died on JUNE 6, 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 14th 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

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VICTORIA L. O'NEILL ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P A 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO

CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of TAMMY W BALSTER AKA: TAMMY LYNN BALSTER Estate No. 20241 Notice is given that DONALD H WOOTEN whose address is 22 WESTMINSTER DR BERLIN, MD 21811-2970 was on JUNE 17, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of TAMMY W BALSTER who died on MAY 15, 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 17th 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,

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20235

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EILEEN MICHELLE PITCHER

Notice is given that Dennis Riordan, 1308 Dartford Dr., Tarpon Spgs., FL 34688-7649, was on June 10, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eileen Michele Pitcher who died on May 16, 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 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.

Dennis Riordan 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 21, 2024

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CARL WARD

LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN GORMLEY, LLC 10605 CONCORD ST STE 420 KENSINGTON, MD 20895-2519

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ELEANOR R WATSON Estate No. 20242 Notice is given that ROBERT MICHAEL WATSON whose address is 4552 PENNEWELL RD SNOW HILL, MD 21863-3652 was on JUNE 17, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELEANOR R WATSON who died on MARCH 16, 2015 without a will. Further information can be ob-

tained 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 17th 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

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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 ROBERTA MAE WEBB Estate No. 20209 Notice is given that DWIGHT D CHERRIX whose address is 17546 S CRATER RD S PRINCE GEO, VA 23805-8519 was on JUNE 20, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERTA MAE WEBB who died on SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20th 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

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS

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

Thursday, July 11, 2024 2:00 p.m.

PW 24-035 A request has been submitted to install a new 3’ x 8’ finger pier and one boatlift with four associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 20’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 300 17TH ST UNIT 204 -Pier A/B, Parcel # 3341 -204 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Kevin McNulty

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 24-036 A request has been submitted to install one 11’ x .14’6” floating dock maximum channelward extension of 18’ not to exceed past existing pier. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2815 TERN DR UNIT 114 Parcel # 4755 -114 -2 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Brian Blickenstaff

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 24-037 A request has been submitted to install one elevator style boat lift on existing pilings a maximum channelward extension of 11’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 301 14TH ST UNIT 408 –Slip 2. Parcel # 3487 -408 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Walter Messick

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 24-038 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift on existing pilings, maximum channelward extension of 15’6”. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 10607 PINE NEEDLE RD Parcel # 1716A49 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.

The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 06/21/2024

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police

OWNER: Ronald Chesney

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

Carried Over from June 13, 2024

Meeting:

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

OWNER: RWOC Properties, LLC

APPLICANT: Image Engineering

OCD-6/27/2t

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 16, 2024

At 7:00 pm

Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 5, Conditional Uses, a request has been filed under the provisions of Section 110-604(9), Uses permitted by Conditional Use in the B-1, Boardwalk Commercial Zoning District to permit employee housing, accessory and non-accessory housing greater than 60 residents per building or property, subject to the provisions of Code Section 110-886. The site of the proposed use is described as Lots 2, 3, 10, 11 and 12 and part of Lots 1, 4 and 9, Block 2N of the Sinepuxent Beach Company Plat; further described as located in the existing hotel situated on the east side of Baltimore Avenue, the south side of 2nd Street, and the west side of Atlantic Avenue (boardwalk), and locally known as the Plim Plaza Hotel, 109 North Atlantic Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: PLIM PLAZA, LLC (FILE #24-12100001)

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 con-

tact 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 MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ., ATTORNEY OCD-6/27/3t

NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF BILL 24-03 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-03 (Zoning – Farm-based slaughterhouses) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, and Purnell on June 18, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1-201(c)(34). (Adds a special exception use for the use of a structure for the slaughtering and processing of livestock raised or maintained on the farm, excluding rendering plants or facilities, not to exceed six hundred square feet in gross floor area.)

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 once County Government Offices are

opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20244 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JEAN CHARLES

AKA: JEAN CARLYN CHARLES, JEAN C. CHARLES

Notice is given that Deborah Sanders, 8137 Windmill Ct., Severn, MD 21144-2309, was on June 20, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jean Charles who died on May 29, 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 20th 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.

Deborah Sanders 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 27, 2024

RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20252 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EVA LOUISE ELLIOTT HALL

Notice is given that Gary Alvin McCabe, 11014 W. Line Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813-1168, was on June 25, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eva Louise Elliott Hall who died on June 09, 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 25th 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.

Gary Alvin McCabe 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: July 4, 2024

JOHN B. ROBINS IV, ESQ

ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A.

128 EAST MAIN STREET PO BOX 506

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0506

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GERALDINE B TOWNSEND Estate No. 20248 Notice is given that MICHAEL W HARRINGTON whose address is 8154 SCOTTSWOOD DRIVE EXT N CHARLESTON, SC 29418-2038 was on JUNE 25, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of GERALDINE B TOWNSEND who died on OCTOBER 21, 2022 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment 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

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ELIZABETH A. GREEN ESQ. BREZA & ASSOCIATES, LLC 11019 MCCORMICK RD STE 400 HUNT VALLEY, MD 21031-1407

tained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of 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-7/4/3t _________________________________

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20249 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF TIMOTHY A. BOHMS AKA: TIMOTHY ALLEN BOHMS Notice is given that Susan Witchey, 808 Saint Louis Ave., Unit 4, Ocean City, MD 21842-7479, was on June 25, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Timothy A. Bohms who died on May 18, 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.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT PATRICK RIORDAN Estate No. 20250 Notice is given that CHRISTOPHER RIORDAN whose address is 2234 LOUIS KOSSUTH AVE RONKONKOMA, NY 11779-6323 was on JUNE 25, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT PATRICK RIORDAN who died on APRIL 17, 2024 with a will. Further information can be ob-

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.

Susan Witchey

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: July 11, 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

To all persons interested in the estate of P PHILIP FENTON EPPARD Estate No. 2 20253 Notice is given that KENNETH MARK TOMASELLI whose address is 59 GRAND PORT RD BERLIN, MD 21811-1520 was on J JUNE 28, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of P PHILIP FENTON EPPARD who died on M 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 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

Sandulli enjoys serving, learning

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(July 5, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Active Firefighter Anthony “Tony” James Sandulli.

Tony’s initial involvement with volunteering to serve his community began in Pennsylvania in 1993. He served alongside his mother as a member of a local organized group called Professional Search and Rescue, Inc. This group provided for the organization and coordination of highly skilled individuals and assets (K9 units, boats, helicopters, etc.) to aid people in distress or imminent danger in the local and surrounding areas.

He later joined the Mt. Oliver Volunteer Fire Department in 2000, completing his Pennsylvania Fire Essentials class, and was then designated as a member of the Rapid Intervention Team for service to his department and the surrounding departments.

Firefighter Sandulli is currently employed by Braniff Property Management, LLC, a locally owned, full-service property management firm providing condominium and homeowners association management services throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.

After moving to Ocean City in 2007, Firefighter Sandulli wanted to continue his service to his community as he had done in his hometown in Pennsylvania.

When asked his reason for joining the OCVFC, Tony said: “I wanted to honor my mother as she has always been so giving and never asked for anything in return but a smile and the joy of being able to help someone.”

Tony has completed 10 years of active service after joining the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company in 2014. During his years of service, Tony has served as a fire apparatus driver/operator, as

well as an emergency medical responder.

He holds several certifications including hazmat awareness and operations, technical rescue and rescue tech, emergency vehicle operator, pump operator, aerial apparatus operator, truck company operations, and firefighter 1. He has also served as a support instructor for our OCVFC Cadet Program.

Tony resides with his wife, Beverly, in Powellville, (Wicomico County), where he also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Powellville Volunteer Fire Company. Beverly serves as a member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Firefighter Sandulli cites the fatal motor vehicle accident involving a motorcyclist that occurred on May 19, 2016, at 28th Street and Philadelphia Avenue as the most significant event of his career in the fire service. He recalls the collaboration of Ocean City fire and EMS, the Ocean City Police Department, and numerous other Town of Ocean City resources required to mitigate the horrific scene.

Sandulli was truly humbled to be the recipient of the 2016 Training Award as presented by the OCVFC chief officers. Tony believes there is no greater accomplishment or honor than serving alongside his fellow brother and sister firefighters in protecting the communities we love and cherish.

Given the opportunity to pass on

advice to members of our cadet program, or to other young men and women with an interest in joining the fire service, Firefighter Sandulli said, “Never stop learning, growing and improving. The Fire Service is a constantly evolving field, and it is crucial to stay curious and open to new knowledge, skills, and perspectives. Embrace challenges, ask questions, and seek mentorship. Remember that your education and training are lifelong processes, and the moment you think you know it all is the moment you become less effective. Stay humble, stay hungry, and always prioritize safety, teamwork, and compassion. Lead by example and never forget why you started to serve and make a positive impact within your community.”

We thank Firefighter Sandulli for his many years of service and commitment to protecting the lives and property of his friends and neighbors in Pennsylvania, Powellville and Ocean City, as well as the many visitors to our resort community.

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

Anthony “Tony” James Sandulli

Ever wonder where you can surf in resort?

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(July 5, 2024) Due to large beach crowds from Memorial Day through Sunfest, surfing is only permitted in designated areas during the beach patrol’s operating hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Seven days a week there are two rotating surfing beaches. On weekdays there is also a third surfing beach set up in the inlet area. No activity other than surfing is allowed in the surf beach area which prohibits Body Boards, Paddle Boards, and Beater Boards. However, we still staff the area with Surf Rescue Technicians (lifeguards) so that in the event no one is surfing we can open the area of beach to normal swimming activities until someone wants to surf.

during a different time of the season. This really isn’t too much to ask to share this wonderful resource with the surfing community. After all, there are 154 guarded blocks of Ocean City beaches and on any given day no more than 3 areas may be used for surfing. We need to share this amazing resource.

The third surfing beach operates Monday through Friday and is always in the same location starting at the south rock jetty at the end of Ocean City and extending 150 yards north. This area was picked because it is usually not crowded on weekdays Furthermore, it is not safe to swim close to a rock jetty and often has a wave break surfers like.

tification service which allows you to receive alerts when the surfing rules have been temporarily changed allowing surfing on all beaches. If you are interested in receiving this service, please visit our website to sign up. Local surf shops may also know when the surfing ordinance has been modified. Even during these conditions swimmers always have the right of way and surfers must be at least 50 yards away from any swimmers and wear a leash at all times (Ocean City ordinance). On these special days, we still staff our surfing beaches to make sure that surfers have an area that is not being shared with swimmers.

The two rotating surf beaches move two blocks south each day. Based on the scheduled rotation, a specific street block would not have the surfing beach on the same date for over 20 years. If your family stays on 10th Street the second week in July every year, and the surfing beach were to be on 10th street this year during that week, it would not happen again for the next 20 years. It will be on every beach a couple of times every season but

On certain days when inclement weather affects Ocean City, the Beach Patrol may allow surfing. This decision is made daily with the input of supervisors on the beach. If there are low numbers of people on the beach, and the weather is poor and not predicted to improve, the surfing ordinance may be “modified” as long as there is no electrical activity (lightning/thunderstorms in the area). There are also other factors taken into consideration when making this decision.

On days of inclement weather, you can ask any SRT on the beach if the surfing ordinance has been modified, or call beach patrol headquarters at 410-2897556. The Beach Patrol has a surfing no-

Surf beach areas are marked by smaller yellow stands on the beach, one at the north end of the area and the other at the south end, signs at the north and south entrances to that beach, as well as large flags marking the boundaries. Members of the beach patrol called Surf Beach Facilitators (SBFs) are assigned to work at the surfing beaches and wear green or yellow uniforms so that they are not confused with the Surf Rescue Technicians (lifeguards). The SBF makes sure the operation of the surf beach runs smoothly. They make sure surfers stay within the designated area, while also educating the public and making sure they do not swim or wade in the surf area.

The SBF begins their work day at 9:30

a.m., a half hour earlier than the rest of the patrol. During that time they talk to beach patrons who are not planning to surf, making sure they understand how the surfing beach operates. To further facilitate the smooth operation of the surfing beaches the SBF will go to the next day’s surfing beach (2 blocks south) to inform the beach patrons that the following day their beach will be the surfing beach. Just added in 2020, are new signs that are placed on the beach at the stairs or beach access, explaining the rules of the surf beach. If there are no surfers and the beach is “OPEN” to swimming, the SBF’s

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Surf beach areas are marked by smaller yellow stands on the beach, one at the north end of the area and the other at the south end as well as large flags marking the boundaries. Surf Beach Facilitator Elijah Payne is pictured conducting a scan.

Rotation used for surf beaches

will assist the surrounding SRT’s with ordinance enforcement, until one or more surfers arrive and the beach becomes an exclusive surfing area again.

The basic concept and bottom line behind the rotating surf beach and Town ordinance is safety. Keeping surfers separate from swimmers and waders is a proactive way to keep everyone safe and happy with the way they choose to enjoy the ocean. Rules and ordinances similar to this are in effect in many jurisdictions throughout the country. I have heard many young surfers say something to the effect that the surfing beach rules are dumb and only exist in Ocean City. However, several other beach resort areas like Pacific Beach in San Diego, Calif., run its surf beach similarly to ours, as does Del Mar, California during its busy season. Occasionally, during each summer, special event permits will be issued by the Mayor and City Council to hold a surfing event at a section of beach other than the rotating surfing area. These events are usually surfing contests and are attended by hundreds of spectators and competitors and are enjoyable to watch. During these events swimming and wading is prohibited for your safety and the beach patrol will be on the beach making sure the event runs smoothly. Although this may cause you to walk half a block to enter the water, remember that surfing is important to the whole beach experience

and although it may tie up a few blocks, swimmers still have over 150 blocks to enjoy.

In recent years the beach patrol and City Council have attempted to update the city code to make allowances for newer water sports and give more access to the waves for the newer style body boards and Stand Up Paddle boards (SUP). By enactment of section 106-94 (11), the City Council allows the use of Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP’s) beginning on the Monday following Labor Day, on any day that surfing is modified (never on a Surfing Beach). There are specific requirements included in the ordinance and can be accessed on the Towns website.

Have fun, ride safely, and look out for others.

To get the daily surfing beach rotation, visit any local surf shop or the beach patrol website at www.ococean.com/ocbp and don’t forget to sign up for the surfing notification service. For more information about surfing beaches or to apply for one of the Surfing Beach Facilitator positions, contact beach patrol headquarters, 410-289-7556 or check out JoinBeachPatrol.com. The beach patrol’s number one priority is your safety, so please keep our slogan in mind and, “Keep your feet in the sand, until the lifeguards in the stand!” This simple tip could save a life.

“OCEAN

CITY CHRONICLES”

OCEAN CITY CHRONICLES

“Ocean City Chronicles” is the final book in Bunk Mann’s 3 volume historical series which began with “Vanishing Ocean City’ in 2014 and continued with ‘Ghosts In The Surf” in 2019. Centered around his articles in Ocean city’s award-winnning newspaper the Maryland Coast Dispatch , his latest book features 285 of the most popular ones over the past 12 years. It includes hundreds of photos of long vanished hotels & restaurants, the great storms & fires, deep sea fishing, boardwalk attractions & amusements, and stories of the people who turned a small 19th-century fishing village into a modern, yearround destination. “Ocean City Chronicles” is a comprehensive history of Maryland’s famous oceanfront resort in a hardbound coffee table book featuring cover art by noted artist, Paul McGehee. Supplies are limited so order your copy today!

Ocean City Chronicles can be ordered online at vanishingoceancity.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

“Ocean City Chronicles” will be available at select location in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and online. If you liked “Vanishing Ocean City,” & Ghosts In The Surf’ then you will love Bunk Mann’s third book of photos and OC history.

OC Lifesaving Museum

Fager’s Island

Donaway Furniture

Mann Properties

Seacrets

Crabs To Go

Wockenfuss Candies

Berlin Auto Wash

Toy Town

The Buzzed Word

OC Chamber Of Commerce

M.R. Ducks

Skipjack

Malibu’s Surf Shop

OC Art League

Caprichos Books

Kitty’s Flowers

Victorian Charm

Park Place Jewelers

Copy Central

Framing Corner

Ocean Gallery

Mann & Gray Insurance

Shrimp Boat

My Place in Sea Watch Condo

Museum, Chance, MD

by Steve Green

IThe Adventures of Fatherhood

think laughter is essential to life, and fortunately I have two teenagers in the house who keep us giggling often. We laugh with them, about them and, sometimes, right at them.

When it comes to raising kids, a sense of humor is a must. Laughing through the trials and tribulations helps the journey, which can be a roller coaster ride of emotions at times.

The unique absurdities that come with raising these boys is most often the subject of our laughter. For instance, upon walking in the house every single time, Carson, 14, must shed all clothes except his shorts. Because we have gotten on him about leaving the clothes he sheds all over the place, he often will hunt me down in the house to give me the shirt he has taken off. On this particular day, when I refused to take it, he dropped it at my feet. I then stepped over it. When I told him to just put the shirt in his laundry basket, he grabbed it and took it upstairs. While walking to the kitchen, that same shirt landed on my head, as Carson had dropped it on my head from upstairs.

Another example, this time for Beckett, involves some significant road work taking place around our house lately. One day the water was cut off for a while. I called Beckett, 16, to let him there would be no water for a bit. He immediately wondered how the pool would be impacted. When I asked why the water being shut off would affect the pool, he said, “because it needs water, duh?” I went about explaining how the pool works, adding in a “duh” myself, and he agreed he was having a lamebrain moment there. He said something along the lines, of, “It’s summer, I’m trying really hard not to think too much.” This does seem clear.

Some other examples on why laughter is a must in life:

• On the way to Summer Academy this

week, Carson was looking at my phone. This is a bit of habit for the drive to school. He likes to look at silly memes or show me something he thinks I should buy for myself or his mom. After dropping him off to school, I checked my phone and on the screen was a roll of toilet paper with a black-and-white portrait of Donald Trump blowing a kiss. Because I am an immature juvenile myself at times,

I screenshot it to his mom.

• Sometimes the 16-year-old in the house is unapproachable. During a conversation about beginning to tackle the summer work associated with an Advanced Placement U.S. History class he was taking in the fall, it was evident the kid’s brain has been turned off.

In trying to discuss a plan of action to get all the work done without a late August panic attack, Pam and I strategized on how best to discuss the topic with him. We knew it would be met with eye rolls and opposition, although Beckett is fully aware he has to spend some time on school this summer. Along with the history work, he also has to read two books – John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men and Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and The Sea.

During Sunday night dinner, we reminded Beckett of the work ahead and how we all agreed he would start in July working on some elements of what’s due in late August. After we all agreed on everything, he said he understood before reminding us, “It was not July yet.” It was, however, June 30 at 8 p.m.

When I reminded him when we were going to bed, we expected the three-inch thick book on his desk to be cracked open tomorrow, he used a line I have used with him before. He said, “I am thinking don’t worry today about tomorrow’s problems.” I had a good giggle on that.

• Beckett and a buddy went to play soccer recently. It was in the mid-90s and I thought they were crazy. I watched as Beckett and his friend left on their bikes

without the bag of balls I set out for them. An hour later, he comes back sweaty but as much as I would have thought. I asked him how soccer was, and he acknowledged it was too hot at the park. I mentioned something about how it’s tough in heat like this in the middle of the day and threw in the no ball part. He said, “truth,” and went upstairs. I resisted the urge to dive deeper and instead tried to show him some trust. It was learned days later there were girls involved. It all made sense then.

• A friend walked into a jewelry store recently with her 15-year-old to buy him a nice watch. She later learned after spending a few hundred bucks on the watch her son cannot read an analog watch.

Oddly enough, I had a similar conversation with a teacher a year or so ago who remarked how she has a digital clock in her room along with the standard clock with hands. Her rationale was she had more important things to teach in her class if a kid by the ninth grade had not learned how to read a clock.

• I came across a handwritten letter recently I wanted to show my own kids. Beckett immediately opened it and said I can’t read that, as if it was in a foreign language. The conversation went something like this:

Me: What do you mean?

Beckett: I just can’t. Me: It’s English.

Beckett: But it’s in cursive, I don’t remember the letters from elementary school. Me: Oh right.

Beckett: Yeah I have not read cursive in years, I only read typed things now. Me: What about regular print handwriting?

Beckett: Oh yeah, well that too, if it’s neat and looks like type.

(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.)

Fireworks set to follow Pocomoke River Raft Race

(July 5, 2024) The inaugural Pocomoke River Raft Race is set for next Friday at Sturgis Park in Snow Hill and according to organizers, promises to be “a spectacular day filled with creativity, competition, and community spirit.”

According to a news release, participants from across the region will showcase their ingenuity by constructing homemade rafts and racing them on the Pocomoke River. The race start time is at noon, July 5 and people of all ages are welcome to watch from the sidelines, and attend the festivities, for free.

Highlights of the all-day event include innovative raft designs featuring the creativity and craftsmanship of participants; family-friendly activities such as Yacht Rock music, food and drinks available for spectators to purchase and Plinko games hosted by the chamber with cash prizes at stake; community engagement with local business owners, community leaders and residents; and awards and prizes.

Competitors will vie for titles, such as Best Dressed, and one team will earn the Broken Paddle Award for their struggles in not giving up. Prizes will also be awarded to the first, second and third finishers.

For more information about the raft race, visit Pocomoke River Raft Race on the Snow Hill Area Chamber website at snowhillchamber.com.

After the event, the town’s First Friday Independence Day Celebration will commence with festivities and fireworks slated to take place from 5-9 p.m. at Sturgis Park in Snow Hill.

Event highlights include beverages from a variety of local vendors and the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce, live music provided by DJ Smack, and the chamber’s Plinko game with chances to win a variety of prizes.

The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. over the Pocomoke River.

Arts center set to unveil five new shows, exhibits tonight

(July 5, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to five new art shows opening on First Friday, set 5-7 p.m., July 5, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street bayside.

Admission is free with complimentary beverages sponsored by Montgomery Financial. Jon Pheasant will provide live music. Clare Shockley of Clare’s Nutty Concoctions will be giving out toffee samples.

The Thaler Gallery is hosting an exhibition by Randy Hofman, of Ocean Pines, called “Tides of Life in OC.”

According to a news release, Hofman, a D.C. native, felt called to the “dreamy and beautiful” allure of the ocean” after attending the Pratt Institute where he studied advertising design and visual communication.

Hofman is renowned for his art on the beach, where he carves sand into intricate sculptures. He is also a prolific painter, creating large scale acrylic paintings.

“My paintings focus on the life that exists in the space between the land and the sea,” Hofman said in the release.

The annual Beverly Bassford Memorial Juried Group Show will fill the walls of the Sisson Galleria in July.

After Bassford’s death in 1999, her family honored her love of art by establishing a prize in her name that grew into the annual show, with continued sponsorship by the family. Jinchul Kim, professor of art at Salisbury University, juried the show and selected the winners, along with Yumi Hogan, former First Lady of Maryland.

Studio E will feature painter Mason D’Aleo, who was born and raised in Ocean City and currently attends the Savannah College of Art and Design.

“I’ve lived on the water my whole life; it is something I appreciate being close to or making art about,” D’Aleo said in the release. “I see beauty in everything; it’s a priority to recreate concepts into lasting memories.”

Painter Joanne Guilfoil is the Spotlight Gallery artist for July.

A frequent teacher at the art league, she is exhibiting two series: Pollinator and Pelagic Species.

“Two species that help define our coastal environment and provide residents and guests endless pleasure are the pollinators and the pelagic fish, which visit for a brief exciting season,” she said in the release.

Her paintings include depictions

See WHITE Page 71

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

The March Storm of 1962 was one of the most important events in Ocean City’s history. It destroyed more property than any storm before or since, caused the death of two local citizens, leveled the Boardwalk, and led to the biggest public works projects ever undertaken by the town.

This storm was also the turning point in the development of modern Ocean City. It briefly brought down the price of real estate and developers stepped in to buy oceanside property at a low cost. Development in the unincorporated northern sections led to the construction of water and sewer lines and annexation by the Town of Ocean City to the Delaware line in 1965.

Another legacy of the ’62 storm was the end of development on Assateague Island. The destruction of the planned community of Ocean Beach — over 30 houses and an asphalt road were consumed by the storm surge — paved the way for today’s popular federal and state parks. Without the Storm of ’62, there would be no Assateague Island National Seashore or Assateague State Park.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo by Floyd “Doc” Turner

WITH BUNK MANN

By Steve Green

Short

The huge flag flying over the Route 50 car wash

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla’s faith

Conversations that stick for a while

Multiple days of fireworks for the 4th

Post-debate commentaries

The sound of flip flops doing their thing

Eating a light lunch but a big dinner

The temperature drop entering OC

Learning from those with special needs Friday night dinners out

White Marlin Open founder to sign new book

Continued from Page 69

of white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, bumblebees, hornets, butterflies and hummingbirds.

In conjunction with the Spotlight Gallery show, Jim Motsko, the founder of the White Marlin Open, will be signing his new book, “The Making of the World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament,” co-written by his daughter, Sasha Motsko, Sandy Phillips, and Guilfoil.

Jeweler Dee Dobson will exhibit in the Artisan Showcase in July.

She continues to use the traditional gold and silversmithing methods with metals of choice, such as sterling and fine silver, varying carats of gold, and copper.

“Precious and semiprecious stones are chosen to represent the brilliant colors of the southwest desert to the dazzling display of light on the oceans,” Dobson said.

The artwork of Elizabeth Grey, “Different Impressions,” will continue showing in the Staircase Gallery.

Art shows at the Art League’s satellite galleries are all new in July.

Joel Trotta will exhibit his work at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street and Coastal Highway. His years of experience in creating award-winning signs, brochures, and displays for the State of Maryland led to his retirement on the Eastern Shore where he works as a freelance artist.

Siobhan Duggan will open a show of paintings in the Princess Royale lobby at 9100 Coastal Highway. Duggan taught in New York City public schools before moving to Delaware with her family to enjoy the beach. She is currently a middle school art teacher in the Indian River School District.

“The gorgeous color palette of pastels and their immediacy and directness constantly inspires and motivates me to create,” she said in the release.

Trees and shrubs represent a long-term investment. Our primary focus is maintaining their size, appearance, and overall health. Led by certified arborists, our team has crafted specialized, effective plant health care programs. Our Turf team recognizes the significance of a dense, vibrant green lawn in enhancing your home's value. Following an initial soil analysis, AC Plant and Turf can tailor a personalized seven-step fertilizer program to ensure your lawn remains healthy and free from weeds.

FIELD OF FLAGS

Well over 100 flags have been on display for the last six weeks off Route 589 at the field next to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial. Through the “Flags for Heroes” initiative, sponsored by the Worcester County Veterans Memorial and the Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club, the flags were purchased by businesses and residents to recognize individuals with lasting impacts. The flags were sponsored for $50 with proceeds going to local scholarships and charities.

STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Saturday, July 6: Bond & Bentley

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, July 5:

Opposite Directions & Monkee Paw

Saturday, July 6:

Chris Diller Duo & Sister Midnight

Sunday, July 7:

Matt Tichon & Colossal Fossil Sauce

Monday, July 8:

Sean Loomis & The Rogue Citizens

Tuesday, July 9: The Jamn Brothers & Matt Tichon & Joe Mama

Wednesday, July 10:

Jack Bannon & Cup Of Joe

Thursday, July 11: Shortcut Sunny & Nola

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, July 5:

First Class Trio

Saturday, July 6:

Jim Long & On The Edge

Thursdays: DJ Giddy Up

Every Sunday: DJ Wax

CRABCAKE FACTORY

BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd.,

Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Friday, July 5: Jason Lee

Sunday, July 7:Uncle Ward

Wednesday, July 10: The Everafter

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, July 5: Ashley LaRue Band

Saturday, July 6: The Big Happy

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, July 5: John Frase Project, DJ RobCee & Here’s To The Night

Saturday, July 6:

Big Machine, DJ Dnial & It’s All Good

Sunday, July 7:

DJ Mary Jane

Monday, July 8: Animal House, Fitzkee Brothers & DJ Hector

Tuesday, July 9:

Bryan Clark & Latin Night

Wednesday, July 10:

DJ Wax & DJ Hector

Thursday, July 11: DJ Groove

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Saturday, July 6:

Schizophrenic Boogiemen

Best Beats On The Beach

BOND & BENTLEY

Pickles Pub: Friday, July 5

Buxy s Salty Dog: Saturday, July 6

HAIR FORCE 1

Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, July 5 & 6

CHESAPEAKE SONS

Purple Moose: Sunday & Monday, July 7 & 8

ASHLEY LARUE BAND

Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, July 5

THE DUNEHOUNDS

Pickles Pub: Saturday, July 6

ON THE EDGE

Coins Pub: Saturday, July 6

Pickles Pub: Sunday, July 7

HERE S TO THE NIGHT

Fager s Island: Friday, July 5

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Coconuts: Friday, July 5

Harborside: Sunday, July 7

Seacrets: Tuesday, July 9

COLOSSAL FOSSIL SAUCE

Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday, July 7

THE EVERAFTER

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, July 10

Greene Turtle West: Saturday, July 6

Wedge: Thursday, July 11

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Friday, July 5: DJ Billy T

Saturday, July 6:

Side Project & DJ Bigler

Sunday, July 7:

Opposite Directions & Wayne Blake

Wednesdays: DJ Billy T

Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Friday, July 5:

Bond & Bentley

Saturday, July 6:

Dunehounds

Sunday, July 7: On The Edge

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, July 5 & 6: Hairforce 1

Sunday & Monday, July 7 & 8: Chesapeake Sons

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, July 5:

Full Circle, DJ Connair, DJ Flight, DJ Bobby O, DJ E-State, Anthem & Kristen & The Noise

Saturday, July 6: DJ Cruz, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, DJ Davie, Dear Zoe, Anthem, My Hero Zero & Lost In Paris

Sunday, July 7:

Triple Rail Turn, DJ Mary Jane, DJ Davie, DJ E-State, DJ C-Miller, I&I Riddim Reggae & Gypsy Wisdom

Monday, July 8: Blake Haley, DJ Mary Jane, DJ Christauff, DJ C-Miller & Light Up The Moon

Tuesday, July 9: DJ Wax, Opposite Directions, DJ Mary Jane, DJ Flight & Kono Nation

Wednesday, July 10: DJ E-State, Full Circle Duo, DJ Mary Jane, DJ Cruz, Stealing Savana & Long Beach Dub Allstars (Ticket Event)

Thursday, July 11: John McNutt Duo, DJ Cruz, DJ Connair, DJ Mary Jane, Jah Works & Go Go Gadget

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Friday, July 5: Lime Green & True Country

Saturday, July 6: Rymac

Sunday, July 7: Jason Lee & Naked Nation

Monday, July 8: Steve Bowers

Tuesday, July 9: Troy Mawyer

Wedenesday, July 10: Brian Dorsey & Jess Arms

Thursday, July 11:

Kasey Briggs & Schizophrenic Boogiemen

VISTA ROOFTOP

410-390-7905

13801 Coastal Hwy.

Friday, July 5: Steve Kuhn

Charity hosts successful event

(July 5, 2024) Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore, Inc. held its 17th Annual Eastern Shore Golf Classic on June 17 at the River Marsh Golf Club in the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina.

Major sponsors included Presenting Sponsor Delmarva Power, the Hole in One Sponsor Pohanka of Salisbury, and drink sponsor Pepsi. Co-chairs for the event were John Petito of Delmarva Power and Terry Smith and Jimmy Sweet of the Delmarva Shorebirds.

Forty-seven golfers teed off to raise money for mentoring, enrichment and resources for youth and their families. Upon registration, each golfer received an engraved bottle of Woodford Reserve whiskey from West-O Bottle Shop thanking them for their contributions to the charity tournament. Golfers played 18 holes and enjoyed breakfast prepared by the Hyatt Regency’s catering staff, as

well as a post-event reception in their Eagle’s Nest dining area.

Immediately following the tournament, organization representatives presented golfer awards to the tournament winners, including Shattered Glass (first place gross), Eastern Shore Smile Solutions (first place net), Avery Hall (second place gross) and the Delmarva Shorebirds (second place net). They also presented the prize for the 50/50 raffle where the winner donated the money back to the agency .

Big Brother Big Sisters also announced its next big event, Santa’s Open Charity Golf Tournament, scheduled for Dec. 4th, at the Ocean City Golf Course. There are a variety of options for sponsors to support the nonprofit, while promoting their companies on the Eastern Shore, including various levels of team registration, sponsoring tees with company logos and in-kind donations.

Former pitcher Gooden set for memorabilia show stop

(July 5, 2024) Berlin Sports Cards will presents a Sports Cards and Memorabilia Show on July 13 on the rear deck of Hooper’s Crab House in West Ocean City.

The event will feature an appearance by former Major League Baseball pitcher Dwight “Doc” Gooden from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be a $30 charge for an autograph and $30 for a photo op. Both an autograph and photo op

CROSSWORD

are available for a combo price of $50.

“Berlin Sports Cards has a family friendly day planned with Hoopers Crab House and baseball legend Dwight “Doc” Gooden,” said Berlin Sports Cards owner Loren Hershberger. “Raffles, giveaways, sports cards, memorabilia and more. We can’t wait to see you.”

Admission will be $5 and the event will be held from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

After some time, a difficult situation is beginning to settle down, Aries. Enjoy this well-earned peace and consider how a new perspective can help going forward.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, a new plan can be just what you need to make notable progress. Finding a mentor or someone who has forged a path already can be a useful step.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, you have a lot going on in your life right now to keep you busy. With so much going on, try not to worry about what is going on with others. Stay in your lane.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

It is a fine week to really think about your future, Cancer. If you have goals to start a business, start hashing out plans and give thought to seeking a partner.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, this week you start out with a lot of energy, but likely will burn through it early on. If you want to reach your goal, you are going to have to learn how to pace yourself.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

A lot of emotions are running through your mind, Virgo. They may be very confusing. It is alright to feel out of sorts. Perhaps talking to someone can offer you perspective.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you may be feeling introspective and philosophical, so much so that people may catch you staring into space and lost in thought. Now is not the time to make heavy decisions.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, this might not be the week for parties or large social events. You are experiencing some introverted feelings right now and are best in situations that have only a few people.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Life isn’t always fair, Sagittarius. Recognize that sometimes things won’t go your way. Your resolve could be tested this week so be aware.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, it may be tempting to let someone else take over when the going gets tough. That likely will not be best for you, so continue to make decisions and let things play out.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you are due for a big break after going through a lot of emotional ups and downs. Your positive attitude has paved the way for some brighter skies ahead.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

No one else is going to do a tough job for you, Pisces. You have to dig in your heels and make a plan. You are ready for this kind of assignment and the pressure that comes with it.

ISLAND FOG

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 everyday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. 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. Nightly Ice Shows starting June 24.

■ 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. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nan-

tucketsrestaurant.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.

■ OC DINER

12744 Ocean Gateway, Rt 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-390-5112

Kids’ Menu

Best homemade breakfast and lunch. Local’s favorite breakfast served all day. Dine-in and carryout. Open 7 a.m. to 3 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.

The Ocean City Fire Department’s annual public safety expo did not disappoint June 21 with local and state first responders and other staff and personnel showing off the amenities and equipment they use daily to keep the community safe. The event consisted of K9 demonstrations featuring the Maryland State Police Office of the Fire Marshal Accelerant Detection Dogs, emergency vehicle tours, health and safety demonstrations, interactions with first responders, and more at Northside Park on 125th Street. Pictured are some scenes from the event.

PHOTOS

HOME GARDEN TOUR

JUN & JUICE POPSICLE TREATS

KIWANIANS OF MONTH

At

26 meeting

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY GARDEN CLUB

Worcester County Garden Club member Glenda Clarke recently hosted a pop-up tour of her home garden in Snow Hill for members of District 1 Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, including President Susie Middleton, who are pictured.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR. GUEST SPEAKER

From left, Andrea Brassard, an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and Kiwanis Club President-Elect Candy Foreman are pictured at a recent club meeting where Brassard was the guest speaker. Brassard spoke about the ongoing nursing shortage.

PHOTOS COURTESY OCEAN CITY-BERLIN ROTARY CLUB

Margaret Mudron of the Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club finished out the school year with visits to the club’s adopted kindergarten and pre-K classes at Ocean City and Showell Elementary schools. Students enjoyed popsicles from Jun & Juice during the visit.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY-BERLIN OPTIMIST CLUB

BASKETBALL TEAM APPRECIATION

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recently donated $2,500 to the Pocomoke High School basketball team. Pictured, from left, are players Jeremiah Walker, Jymir Schoolfield, Deshour Pritchett, Zymiere Walker, Jayden Mason, Michael Ames and Jordan Ames.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.

the June

of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City, five members were recognized as Kiwanians of the Month for contributions made within the last several months. Pictured, from left, are President Bob Wolfing, and Kiwanis members Skip Flanagan, Doug Ege, Terri Ulman, Ron Kline and Lyle Dillon.

Maryland blue crab sauce over pasta a summer treat

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

This is a reprint of a column that ran several years ago.

(July 5, 2024) Mutual correlations in human perceptions and sensory receptiveness are key components in the acknowledgment of “taste.”

The theory of colloidal chemistry is an intricate part in the art of sauce making.

A colloid is the presence of a small article in another substance. Fusion keeps menus interesting, which keeps guests coming back for more.

Crisfield is long known as the “crab capital of the world.” Maryland blue crabs are a delicacy and a tradition on the Eastern Shore.

Maryland blue crab sauce over pasta is such a delightful dish and yet you do not see it on many menus. What one will find is marinara sauce embellished with crab. Locals know this is not a true crab sauce.

Making tomato sauce from fresh summer tomatoes is not only time consuming but is a very detailed process where knowl-

edge and understanding is imperative. The sauce should have a bright, fruity aroma and a flavor of barely cooked tomatoes.

The sauce should also have a concentrated consistency and deep, sweet notes which can only be achieved by cooking off much of the natural water that caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars.

Good quality canned tomatoes are the preferred choice. I find that crushed tomatoes yield a consistency that is conducive for a Maryland blue crab sauce.

The tomato sauce has to be able to support the hard-shell crabs and yet not overpower the delicate crab meat.

A few pinches of baking soda will help alleviate the acidity of the tomatoes. The sauce will start to foam, which is normal. Too much baking soda will turn the sauce bitter.

A splash of heavy cream and a touch of chicken stock will give the sauce more

Sauce served with hard shell

depth of flavor. One might be surprised what goes into a “tomato” sauce.

Cooking live blue crabs in the sauce is the secret. The juices of the crabs will add a natural flavor that cannot be replaced with any type of seasoning.

Once the crabs are cooked, remove them from the sauce to cool. Remove the outer hard shell, lungs and gills. Break the crabs in half and place them back into the sauce with the claws.

A few tablespoons of Zatarain’s Crawfish, Shrimp and Crab Boil in a Bag and seafood stock take the sauce to another level. The piece de resistance is to garnish the dish with jumbo lump crab.

Maryland Blue Crab Sauce Over Pasta

Ingredients

2 dozen live crabs

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 head of garlic, minced

1 large yellow onion, finely diced

2 (1 pt. 8 oz.) favorite non dark beer

3 rounded teaspoons chicken base

3 rounded teaspoons seafood base

6 (28 oz.) cans of good quality crushed tomatoes

1 (12 oz.) can of good quality tomato paste

2 tablespoons of Zatarain’s Crawfish, Shrimp, and Crab Boil in a Bag

4 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning

3 tablespoons dried oregano

3 tablespoons dried basil

1 ½ tablespoons dried thyme

2 teaspoons crushed pepper flakes

1 cup parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnishing

3 bay leaves few pinches of baking soda splash of heavy cream

1 pound jumbo lump crab meat favorite pasta

1. In a large Dutch oven or pressure cooker, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over medium-low heat until vegetables become translucent, about 7 minutes.

2. Add the remaining ingredients except for the live crabs, crab meat, pasta and cheese for garnishing. Turn the heat to medium high. When the sauce is very hot, add the live crabs and cook until the shells turn orange.

3. Remove crabs and allow to cool. Remove the outer shell, lungs, and gills. This should be done over a bowl with a mesh strainer. Any juices that escaped should be added back to the sauce.

4. Prepare your favorite pasta.

5. Serve sauce with hard shell crabs over pasta.

Secret Ingredient – Hard Work.

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell

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Calendar

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

Fri., July 5

RED, WHITE, AND ROO

Coastal Wilds at Barn Hill Preserve, 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Self-guided tour, kangaroo walkabout, special animal encounters, live music, outdoor yard games and kid’s crafts. Cost is $25. Tickets: https://book.singenuity.com/469/activity/details/2292/n/start. 302-829-1549

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

ARTISTIC ARENA: FAIRY OR GNOME GARDEN

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Assemble and create your own fairy or gnome garden. All material provided. For ages 6-11 years and 12-18 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION FOR JULY EXHIBITS

502 94th St., Ocean City, 5-7 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see the new exhibits by a variety of local artists. Plus live music by Jon Pheasant! Free. All are welcome. 410-524-9433

Sat., July 6

SATURDAY WRITERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their writing projects. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises. Drop in welcome. 410-641-0650

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. For all ages. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE KIDS CRAFT

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring the kids and do something creative with them and for them. Projects change each week. No

reservations needed. Free and open to all. www.artleagueofoceancity.org, 410524-9433

FAMILY SPLASH NIGHT

Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool, 11144 Cathell Road, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of water-themed activities. All ages welcome. Cost is $8 for non-resident, $6 for resident, $4 for swim member and $2 for non-swimmer. 410-641-5255, oceanpines.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., July 7

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 8-11 a.m. Menu includes eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, chipped beef gravy, biscuits, coffee, tea and juice.

SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Live music by “Radio Tokyo” (hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock, country), kid-friendly entertainment, ice cream and fireworks. https://www.ococean.com/things-to-do/free-familyfun/sundaes-in-the-park/

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., July 8

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014

STORY TIME: OCEAN

Worcester County Library - Ocean City

Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and activities all about ocean animals. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

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

TRUE CRIME BOOK CLUB: “CHASING ALICE: HOW THE LIFE, MURDER, AND LEGACY OF AN ENGLISH TEACHER…”

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m.

True Crime Book Club discusses “Chasing Alice: How the Life, Murder, and Legacy of an English Teacher Changed a Delmarva Community.” 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME AT THE OCEAN CITY AIRPORT

Ocean City Muni Airport-Oxb, 12724 Airport Road, Berlin, 2 p.m. Special story time will include a tour and walk around an airplane. For ages 2-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY RESEARCH

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

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169 Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157

OC BEACH DANCE PARTY WITH FIREWORKS

Caroline St. Stage, 2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Beachside dance party featuring “Ocean 98 Night.” Free fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. All ages welcome. https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/oc-beach-danceparty/

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., July 9

STORY TIME: “WORMS”

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

OMAZING YOGA ADVENTURE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. The group will stretch and move their bodies, learn breathing techniques and relax together, while having fun and being silly. For ages 6-11 years. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OMAZING YOGA ADVENTURE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. The group will stretch and move their bodies, learn breathing techniques and relax together, while having fun and being silly. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

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

GHOST HUNTING IN THE LIBRARY Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 5 p.m. Listen to local ghost stories and help investigate. For ages 12-17 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

JR. LIFEGUARD CAMP

Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool, 11144 Cathell Road, 5:30-7 p.m., July 9-11. Must be a strong swimmer. For ages 7 years and older. Cost is $75 for residents, $80 for non-residents. Jr. Lifeguards receive T-shirt and whistle. Register: 410-641-5255, oceanpines.org.

BOOK CLUB: ‘NORMAL PEOPLE’ BY SALLY ROONEY

Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 5:30 p.m. Join Snow Hill Library and Tides & Vine for an evening of books and wine. Must be at lease 21 years of age. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

J1 STUDENT WELCOME TO THE WILD SIDE EVENT

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

Coastal Wilds, 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, 6-8 p.m. Self-guided

tour, games and raffle prizes. Free shuttle service. Only $10. Book now at www.CoastalWilds.org/j1.

SONG CELEBRATION

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

SAFE BOATING COURSE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-9 p.m. Takes place July 9-11. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

ATLANTIC COAST SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION MEETING

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7 p.m. A representative from the U.S. Coast Guard, Ocean City Station will speak on a variety of issues of interest to local fishing and boating. Food and beverages available by 6:20 p.m. Open to the public.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

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

Wed., July 10

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

OMAZING YOGA ADVENTURE

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. The group will stretch and move their bodies, learn breathing techniques and relax together, while having fun and being silly. For ages 6-11 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FANCY NANCY PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12 p.m. Bonjour! That’s fancy for hello. Join in for “tea,” tattoos and tutus. For all ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ADULT CRAFTERNOON: WATERCOLORS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Bring the colors to life on the page. Limit 30. First come, first served. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TABLETOP ROLE PLAYING GAME

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

ADVENTURE BACK TO TIN PAN ALLEY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5:15 p.m. Notes on the Beach performs music from Tin Pan Alley and some songs inspired by the Great Gatsby. Mocktails of the era and light snacks served. Registration required: 410-641-0650.

KIDS PAINT NIGHT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 5:30-6:30 p.m. For ages 8-17 years. Cost is $22. All materials and instructions provided. Pre-registration required: 410-641-7052. oceanpines.org

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Ocean Pines Yacht Club Pool, 1 Mumfords Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. Featuring swimming, DJ, games and prizes. Cost is $3 for swim members; $5 for residents and $7 for non-resident. No cost if not swimming. Food available. Wednesdays through Aug. 21. 410-641-7052

MOVIES ON THE BEACH

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m. Featuring “Paw Patrol: Mighty Movie.” Enjoy free movies on the beach every Wednesday through the summer. Movie lineup: https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/.

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING Wednesdays through Aug. 26 - Worces-

ter County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and information can be found on www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Thurs., July 11

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

STORY TIME AT THE PARK

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 10:30 a.m. Join in and wiggle, sing and read interactive stories together. Story time will be at the picnic pavilion by the playground. Rain location is inside the Ocean City Library. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818

STORY TIME: THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond your world? Beekle is off on an adventure to discover it. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OMAZING YOGA ADVENTURE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. The group will stretch and move their bodies, learn breathing techniques and relax together, while having fun and being silly. For ages 6-11 years. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC CHESS CLUB

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

LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12:30 p.m.

Join in for a LEGO challenge event. All materials provided. For ages 6-12 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TRIVIA: THE 90S

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m.

Test your knowledge and luck with our monthly trivia. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OMAZING YOGA ADVENTURE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2-3 p.m. The group will stretch and move their bodies, learn breathing techniques and relax together, while having fun and being silly. For ages 6-11 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHT Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave.,

Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy a free concert and sunset views over the Isle of Wight Bay. Featuring “Chris English Band” (traditional and original blues). http://www.ococean.com/things-to-do/

CONCERT IN THE PARK

White Horse Park Pavilion, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “Uptown Band.” Free family-friendly entertainment. Bring chairs and blankets. BYOB permitted, concessions for sale. Held Thursdays through Aug. 22. 410-641-7052

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

ONGOING EVENTS

NAO TRINIDAD IN OCEAN CITY

Chicago Avenue and 3rd Street, bayside, Ocean City, June 28 through Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Nao Trinidad was the flagship of the Magellan-Elcano expedition, leading the first sailing around the world between 1519 and 1522. Tickets: https://tickets.naotrinidad.org/content

ARTISAN DAYS

Furnace Town, 3816 Old Furnace Road, Snow Hill, on the first Saturdays from April to September. There will be volunteers showcasing their unique historical talents.

OCEAN PINES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RAFFLE

Win a 2024 F-150 4X4 Supercrew 5.0L V8. Tickets cost $100. All registration, sale, etc. expenses covered by O.P.V.F.D. Drawing will take place when all of the tickets have been sold. For more information: www.opvfd.com/f-150.

QUEEN OF HEARTS

Weekly virtual drawings on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Winner receives 60 percent of jackpot. www.opvfd.com/queen-ofhearts. Sponsored by the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

2025 KIWANIS LOTTERY TICKETS ON SALE

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

Crossword answers from page 76

Doctor recognized

Dr. Jason Scopp, Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates (POA), was nominated and elected to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Council of Delegates for the State of Maryland.

Scopp has been with POA since 2003 and is a pioneer in the field of cartilage restoration, a procedure for joint pain available in only a handful of medical centers across the country. In addition to his biotechnology research on joint preservation, Scopp specializes in the treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries. He is an internationally featured speaker on the topics of joint preservation, cartilage defects and restorative treatment options. Fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and a lifelong athlete himself, Scopp has been team physician for the United States Soccer Team, University of Maryland East-

ern Shore, Salisbury University and the Delmarva Shorebirds (a Baltimore Orioles organization), among others.

“I am honored to represent the State of Maryland for the Council of Delegates for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine,” Scopp said. “As a sports medicine surgeon, my goals are injury prevention and safe return to play. This position will allow me to contribute to the policies and procedures unique to our State and our athletes.”

New mobile sports app

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission has issued a mobile sports wagering license to Veterans Services Corporation and its operator partner Bee-Fee LLC.

On May 23, VSC and Bee-Fee successfully completed a controlled demonstration of a mobile wagering app (LetsBetMD) and website (letsbetmd.com). Customers participated in live wagering as Maryland Lottery

and Gaming staff ensured that the sportsbook complied with all required procedures and that its systems functioned properly. With the launch of LetsBetMD, Maryland has 12 mobile sportsbooks and 12 retail sportsbook facilities currently operating, including one at Ocean Downs off of Route 589.

Through the first 11 months of Fiscal Year 2024 (July 2023 through May 2024), sports wagering contributed more than $54.58 million to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs across the state.

Another $913,263 in expired sports wagering prizes have been paid to the Maryland Problem Gambling Fund, which supports responsible gambling programs, including no-cost counseling for Maryland residents.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming reports sports wagering revenue figures on 10th of each month. The reports are available online at mdgaming.com.

Harrison Group buys new resort in Virginia Beach

Property marks co.’s third hotel in neighbor state

(July 5, 2024) The Harrison Group recently announce the acquisition of the Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach – North Beach, an oceanfront resort on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The acquisition marks a significant expansion for the Ocean City-based business, enhancing offerings for families, business travelers, and conference attendees.

Situated along a prime stretch of the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, the Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach –North Beach consists of 238 oceanfront rooms and suites. Each room features a private balcony or patio, providing guests with views and beachfront access. The resort is designed to cater to all guests.

Amenities include four pools, a lazy river, and a hot tub, as well as a Splash Kamp for children, and complimentary family-friendly movies in the 48-seat theater.

The resort offers three on-site dining options: The Greenery, The Square Whale, and the Isle of Capri. Each restaurant serves seafood and Italian cuisine with ocean views. The Isle of Capri, a historic restaurant opened in 1952 and led by Chef Pasquale Arcese, is top-rated among locals and visitors alike for its authentic Italian dishes and panoramic views of the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

The resort also offers a full-service event space for meetings, celebra-

tions, and weddings, all with the Virginia Beach oceanfront as a backdrop.

“We are excited to add this outstanding resort to our portfolio,” Jason Gulsen, chief operating officer at Harrison Group, said in a news release. “This marks our third hotel in the Virginia Beach market, and we look forward to bringing the Harrison Group’s renowned hospitality to even more guests.”

To learn more about the Harrison Group’s new property, visit vboceanfrontnorth.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Harrison Group’s newest expansive resort, the Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach – North Beach, is pictured.

Property Value Certificate helpful process for buyers

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(July 5, 2024) We are all familiar with appraisals being needed to certify the value of a property sale is adequate for the amount of money being loaned to a buyer, but there is a new method lenders are using to help homebuyers maintain buying power — a Property Value Certificate (PVC).

This process allows a buyer to give assurance to a seller that the value on the purchase offer is certified —and the buyer could even choose to waive an appraisal contingency, making their offer even stronger. An example of how PVC’s are used is below: A home is listed at $800,000, but the buyer wants to offer $825,000. The buyer is approved for a loan with a 20% down payment. The lender provides an underwritten approval loan amount of $660,000, with a PVC approval at the purchase price of

$825,000. The appraisal comes in at the original list price of $800,000.

A typical lender would lower the loan amount to 80% of the appraised value, but with a PVC, the lender commits to lend at the amount shown on the PVC. And, no additional down payment or borrower-paid mortgage insurance would be required even if the appraisal came in short.

Jason Cook, the Eastern Shore manager of Embrace Home Loans, whose company offers PVC’s to buyers, remarked, “In an extremely competitive purchase environment, consumers should not only compare rate and cost of mortgage financing, but also the programs available giving them the most competitive position possible. Programs like the Property Value Certificate have the potential of making buyers offers who utilize them stand apart from others by eliminating appraisal and financing contingencies found in most offers”.

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

County okays pilot program for ‘snipe signs’ crackdown

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) Worcester County will start a pilot program to remove illegal signs from state rights-of-way.

On Tuesday, Public Works Director Dallas Baker came before the Worcester County Commissioners with a request to start a pilot program to remove “snipe signs,” or offpremises signs posted by members of the public. He said the program is an effort to assist the State Highway Administration clean up the state rightsof-way.

“So, we’re asking for commissioner approval to start a pilot program to remove snipe signs,” he said. “Those are the small roadside signs typically seen advertising services or sales of homes, that kind of thing, that have been illegally placed within state right-of-way. The state has the ability to delegate that authority to remove the signs to the counties. They’re understaffed.”

Baker said the public works department has received complaints re-

garding snipe signs along major roadways, including routes 50, 113, 611 and 589. He said creating a pilot program would allow roads crews to remove the signs and, eventually, charge a fine of $25 for each sign disposed of by the crew.

“Prior to starting the program, a public advertising notice regarding the removal of signs in SHA ROW would be posted,” he wrote in a memo to the commissioners “After advertising, the first three months of the program would involve the removal and disposal of the signs. After the initial three months, a $25 per sign fine would be charged for each sign removed.”

Commissioner Ted Elder asked how far back the state right-of-way extended. Baker said the size of the right-of-way varied, and that public works would have to obtain right-ofway drawings from the State Highway Administration.

“The easy determination is when you’re on a state road, if you see a

Illegal signs on county agenda

Continued from Page 91

utility pole, that’s where the state right-of-way ends,” he said. “Utility poles are typically located just on the outside.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino also asked how the public works department would determine who placed the sign.

“What happens when someone says, ‘I didn’t put that sign out there, someone else did.’” he asked.

Baker said the details would need to be worked out with the county attorney. He noted, however, that Worcester County would keep any revenues generated from the cita-

tions.

“The county gets the money,” he said.

When asked if the county had a similar sign policy for its right-ofway, Baker said it didn’t. He noted that public works crews hadn’t received any complaints of signs within the county right-of-way.

“It’s something we can look into and develop a policy for,” he said.

With no further discussion, the commissioners voted 7-0 to proceed with the pilot program, but to have the public works department develop a policy for county roads in the meantime.

Legal battle over docs persists

Continued from Page 22

nied Thompson’s requests for documentation regarding three Boardwalk incidents.

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A court order issued on May 24, however, sided with The Washington Post as it relates to their request for use of force records and internal reviews. Eric Feder, the newspaper’s attorney, told the court in March that no exemptions under the Maryland Public Information Act applied in the case and that the Post had a right to access the requested records. He noted that even without Anton’s Law, use of force reports generated by officers are not classified as personnel documents.

“A simple record of what occurred, when it occurred and who was involved does not constitute a personnel record,” he said.

It should be noted that The Washington Post also sought unredacted video footage from a City Watch Camera that captured a 2020 Boardwalk incident. The court denied the request without prejudice.

“It is this 24th of May, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Ordered, that Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment be, and the same is hereby, Granted In Part, as it relates to Count I (the UOF Reports) and Count II (the UOF Reviews) of Plaintiff’s Complaint and is hereby, Denied, without prejudice, as it relates Count III … of the Complaint,” the order reads. “Defendant’s Motion for summary judgment is correspondingly Granted In Part and Denied In Part; and it is further Ordered that Defendant shall provide Plaintiff with the requested UOF Reports and UOF Reviews as requested in the Amended Complaint within thirty (30) days from the date of this Order; and it is further Ordered, that Plaintiff’s request for attorneys’ fees is Denied.”

Following the May ruling, McGean alluded to a potential appeal, stating, “The opinion is being reviewed at this time, and the Mayor and Council are considering all options related to the Court’s decision.”

State secretary tours Pocomoke, Snow Hill sites

(July 5, 2024) Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day traveled across Worcester County on June 26 to learn about the needs of the area.

The visit was part of ongoing DHCD’s Day Trip tour, which started last fall as a way to directly connect with Maryland’s communities. Worcester County was the 11th stop overall.

From fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2024, DHCD has invested more than $42 million in Worcester County for affordable housing, broadband infrastructure, community and business revitalization as well as services for homelessness support.

“We cannot learn the needs of our communities while sitting in our offices in Lanham – we must meet people where they are,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “I’ve seen great changes in Worcester County first-hand over the years but I still learned so much from today’s Day Trip. I’m confident we can continue to work together with See DHCD Page 94

DHCD reps tour southern end

leaders from the county and the great cities and towns of Worcester County to ensure we leave no one behind.”

Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino said partnerships with state agencies play a huge role in moving projects forward for a jurisdiction like Maryland.

“Worcester County is continually undertaking projects across a broad spectrum that together support vibrant and bustling communities, with thriving downtown commercial districts at the heart of our

towns,” Bertino said. “We are grateful for ongoing opportunities to collaborate with Secretary Day along with other state and local partners to leverage vital grant funds to rehabilitate homes, expand and develop new parks and recreation spaces, and attract career and family-sustaining businesses.”

Day and DHCD staff first traveled to Pocomoke City to tour its downtown area, visit with town officials and see recent redevelopment projects.

Later in the day, DHCD officials traveled to Snow Hill to visit two homes being rehabili-

tated with funds through the department’s Special Targeted Applicant Rehabilitation Program. The STAR Program is used to preserve and improve single-family properties and designed to bring properties up to applicable building codes and standards or a minimum housing quality standard.

The day concluded with a roundtable discussion at the Snow Hill Firehouse. The meeting gave officials from Worcester County, Snow Hill, Berlin, Pocomoke City and Ocean City the opportunity to share their needs and feedback to DHCD.

PHOTO/OC

State and local officials, including DHCD Secretary Jake Day, center in red pants, pose for a photo outside of Cypress Roots Brewing Company in Pocomoke City on June 26.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Davida Washington, housing rehabilitation coordinator for Worcester County, and DHCD Secretary Jake Day stand in front of a house in Snow Hill that benefited from department funds.

Senator hosts AI workshop

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 5, 2024) Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) and other legislators and local leaders attended the 2024 Maryland Municipal League Conference at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City last month.

As a nonprofit and nonpartisan association, MML is “controlled and maintained by city and town governments…engages and empowers all Maryland municipal elected officials and staff by ensuring that they have access to the advocacy, education, and information they need to provide the highest level of service to residents of Maryland’s cities and towns.”

From Sunday, June 23 to Wednesday, June 26, municipality heads attended workshops to gain educational and professional development to meet the needs of local governments. An artificial intelligence panel was among the events.

According to Carozza, who moderated the AI workshop, the discussion highlighted opportunities that the technology offers municipal leaders. These include increased productivity, transportation, and infrastructure benefits, public safety, sustainability, marketing tourism, and citizen engagement.

MML Deputy Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs Justin Fiore said the workshop’s speaker, AI expert Anne Balduzzi, explained to attendees that artificial intelligence may help local leaders manage the approximately 90 municipal water systems.

Balduzzi also said that the evolving technology may assist with citizen inquiries and feedback, lower staff burden, and offer support with advertising and branding.

“There was tremendous interest on the part of Maryland’s municipal leaders to understand how Artificial Intelligence can be used to improve efficiencies and services, but at the same time, they wanted to know the major security risks involved in using AI in local government,” Carozza said. “I would expect that many municipal leaders would be adopting AI policies to ensure the appropriate use of AI in local government.”

The senator noted that while AI may have benefits, biased responses, complicated thinking, and deep fakes, all pose dangers to users.

Additionally, Carozza participated in a Shark Tank-inspired workshop at the conference that allowed local government leaders to share their priorities for the 2025 Maryland General

See CAROZZA Page 96

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, from left, are Eric Luedtke, chief legislative officer to Gov. Wes Moore (D); Del. Mike Griffith (Harford and Cecil); Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (lower shore); and Senate President Pro Tem Malcolm Augustine (D-Prince George’s).

Carozza leads MML discussion

Continued from Page 95

Assembly legislative session. The 90day lawmaking stretch is scheduled to convene on January 8, 2025.

The panel allowed municipality heads to highlight their primary concerns to MML in a light-hearted environment. The lawmaking representatives, including Carozza, acted as the sharks in the scenario, offering feedback to the presenters. Chestertown Mayor David Foster brought the issue of tax differentials to the league, Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman discussed revenue sources, and Fiore touched on public notices.

Fiore said that while MML takes its positions via committee once the session begins, it also takes proactive stances and hears proposals from municipal leaders on what it believes should be the league's concerns.

Worcester approves merging Critical Area codes into one

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(July 5, 2024) Worcester County will no longer have the distinction of having two Critical Area Program codes on the books following the county commissioners’ vote Tuesday to combine its Chesapeake Bay Critical Area program regulations with those for the Atlantic coastal bays and its watershed.

The county has had a pair of critical areas development and conservation rules since 2002, when the State Department of Natural Resources recognized that Worcester’s coastal bays needed the same protections codified for the Chesapeake in the Critical Areas Act of 1984.

The state’s action resulted in the creation of a second set of rules for the coastal bays, even though many of the provisions were virtually identical.

Acknowledging that on Tuesday, county Natural Resources Administrator Brian Soper told the commissioners that the merger of the two

codes was a matter of simplifying the law as part of the county’s comprehensive update of the programs designed to protect waterways and wetlands habitat from development and other aspects of nearby populations.

The combined bill stipulates what can and can’t be done in the “critical area” around or leading into any body of water, tidal or non-tidal that feeds into the Chesapeake and coastal bays.

The county bill approved Tuesday was initially presented to the commissioners in late May and then submitted for review by the commission, which called for some minor changes.

Although some clarifications and modifications are included in the update, Soper said the rules remain the same.

There being no public comment offered, commissioner President Chip Bertino closed the meeting and called for the vote, with all the commissioners voting in favor of the move.

Fenwick Island candidate forum scheduled for July 13

(July 5, 2024) The Fenwick Island Society of Homeowners, or FISH, will be holding its 2024 candidates forum for Fenwick Town Council Candidates at 9 a.m., July 13, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ocean City.

The hall is on the Bayside behind the Catholic Church between 100th and 99th streets.

Organizers are compiling questions from the audience in advance in an effort to process all of the inquiries in an orderly

manner. Questions can be sent by email to fenwickneighbors@gmail.com or by mail to FISH at PO Box 641, Bethany Beach, DE, to be received by July 11.

Four candidates are running for three seats in the election, which is set for Aug. 3.

The candidates are incumbents Richard Benn and Bill Rymer, firsttime challenger Susan Brennan, and challenger Jim Simpson, who ran unsuccessfully last year.

Proposed dredging project gains commissioners’ OK

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) A local company’s request to dredge an area of the West Ocean City harbor channel received the support of the Worcester County Commissioners this week.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a request from staff to authorize a local sponsor statement of no objection for a proposed dredging project at Atlantic Tackle.

The company plans to complete dredge work within an area of the West Ocean City harbor channel and will occur adjacent to a proposed dredging project that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to undertake.

“This project benefits us as they are contemplating dredging part of the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor and this work will coincide with the county’s dredging of the ad-

jacent harbor channel,” Bob Mitchell, director of environmental programs, wrote in a memo to the commissioners.

Mitchell noted that the company’s project required a Corps review, as to ensure any changes do not harm public interest or “affects the ability of the project to meet its authorized purpose.” He said the agency then issues a determination as to whether the proposed project is approved or denied.

“These are supposed to be routine reviews and should be expedited,” he wrote to the commissioners. “The private sector project needs a review and also needs the endorsement of no objection from the county.”

As part of their consent agenda, the commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the chief administrative officer to sign the local sponsor statement of no objection on the county’s behalf.

Pocomoke library to operate in former firehouse for now

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 5, 2024) A lease agreement will allow the Pocomoke library to operate from a renovated firehouse while a new facility is being built.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday voted 7-0 to proceed with a lease agreement for temporary library space at 5 5th Street in Pocomoke. Officials say the old fire station, which was recently renovated, will house library operations on the first floor while a new

branch is being constructed on Market Street.

“A temporary location will be needed starting in September until December 2025/January 2026,” Library Director Jennifer Ranck said in a statement this week. “Construction is estimated to take 14 months.”

In recent years, officials have been working on plans for a new library branch in Pocomoke. What is currently being proposed is a 12,000square-foot facility at the library’s

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Dock spaces and commercial fishing vessels are pictured in the West Ocean City harbor channel earlier this summer.

Nao Trinidad: A History of Spanish Maritime

By Alex Grier Contributing Writer

(July 5, 2024) When the ship’s clock neared 4 p.m. last Friday, the expanse of the Ocean City drawbridge lifted and the Spanish tall ship, Nao Trinidad, eased herself through and entered into the safety of the bay.

The vessel weighs in at nearly 200 tons and will be making the newly renovated Third Street Park her home for the next two months. For a small fee, she will open her gangplank to the general public, allowing people to board and envision how the 16th century captain and crew lived aboard.

At 100 feet long, Nao Trinidad is a replica of the original ship commanded by Ferdinand Magellan during his circumnavigation of the globe from 15191522. This Spanish ship is a floating maritime museum piece with its four masts, five sails and five decks.

The original Nao Trinidad was a galleon and played a significant role in Spanish maritime history, as it was part of one of the greatest accomplishments in maritime history. The Nao Trinidad was the largest in the fleet of these five ships, called the Armada del Maluco. Unfortunately, Nao Trinidad suffered heavy damage late in the trip to the Spice Islands, and although it did finish the trip, it never made it back to Spain.

The replica of the Nao Trinidad was

built in the late twentieth century as a part of a cultural and educational project to commemorate Spain’s maritime heritage. She now sails the seas once more with her captain and crew as they bring the history of the original ship back to life.

The Nao Trinidad has traveled to many ports around the world, including Mexico, Europe and the Americas. Her captain and crew sail her on the oceans just as she sailed many centuries ago. They help keep her history alive by allowing visitors to experience what life was like aboard a 16th century Spanish ship.

The mission of the replica is to promote awareness and appreciation of Spain’s maritime history and to educate the public as to the importance of the role that these magnificent ships played in the shaping of history. The Nao Trinidad aims to inspire generations to explore the history of sea exploration through its exhibitions, guided tours and educational programs.

You can visit this floating museum daily, located bayside between 3rd Street and 4th Street. Admission is $15 for adults, and $5 for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Children under 5 are admitted free. Also available is a family rate of $35, which covers two adults and up to three children.

PHOTO COURTESY ALEX GRIER

The Nao Trinidad is pictured entering the bay last Friday. The ship will be open daily to the public.

Carousel hosting summer ice skating shows

By Anna Williams Staff Writer

(July 5, 2024) Families and friends can now enjoy a stellar ice-skating performance at the Carousel Resort Hotel on 118th Street completely free of charge.

Nightly, except Fridays, guests can witness a spectacular show presented by the Next Ice Age skating company. Starting at 6:30 p.m., this 30-minute performance promises thrilling entertainment suitable for all ages.

The team of five young women has diligently prepared all summer for these shows, eager to deliver a truly unique performance unlike any other in Ocean City. This summer marks the 21st year that the Next Ice Age skating company has performed at the Carousel.

Co-founders Nathan Birch and Tim Murphy work hard every year to choregraph a fresh show for their audience. This year’s performance is divided into two themes: bird themed, and rock ‘n’ roll themed. With modern style choreography and popular song choices, the ice-skating show ensures enjoyment for the entire family.

Making the journey from Baltimore each summer, the team’s closeknit bond, fostered through extensive rehearsals, shines through in their performance. Birch said, “we helped

raise and teach them.” Their discipline and camaraderie are evident throughout the show.

The team members fine-tuned their routine at the Carousel two weeks prior to their debut on Monday, June 24. Birch recalls, “it was fun. Towards the second week, people started clapping. That’s how we knew we were making progress.”

Reflecting on how the company has evolved since it started in 1988, Birch said, “our performances were heavily weighted with classical

themes. When we received the offer to come to the Carousel, we were able to completely flip that to create a show that is entertaining for all. We have music and choreography that people like.”

Murphy emphasizes the distinctiveness of watching performers glide on ice, an experience unparalleled in the beach resort of Ocean City.

“Two things that people love must about skating is that it is exciting, and it is beautiful, but a friend of mine told me that our show specifically was

wholesome,” Murphy said. “Here at the Carousel, the audience is so close to the stage that they could practically touch the skaters.”

For an enhanced experience, spectators can enjoy front row seating and a three-course dinner from the Reef 118 Oceanfront Restaurant. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant or through the Open Table website.

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to revel in this summer-long spectacle at the Carousel Hotel.

ANNA WILLIAMS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Next Ice Age team are pictured warming up for a performance Monday at the Carousel Hotel. The team performs nightly during the summer with Fridays off.

Battle of Saipan got off to difficult start before victory

By Hon. W. Newton Jackson, III (Ret.) Contributing Writer

(July 5, 2024) In June 1944, two significant events occurred which determined the outcome of World War Two. On June 6 in Europe, the Allied landing at Normandy in France ultimately led to the downfall of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich. On the other side of the world, on June 15, the U.S. invasion of the Mariana Islands led to the ultimate defeat of Prime Minister Hideki Tojo and Dai Nippon (Japan).

Before delving into the naval action in the Pacific, let’s set the stage geo-

graphically and historically.

At the end of 1941, Japan controlled a wide swath of the Pacific Ocean west of the Hawaiian Islands. In response, the U.S. began a twoprong offensive strategy. In the far southwest, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his Southwest Pacific Area forces pushed northwest from New GuineaNew Britain toward the Philippine Islands.

Despite Japanese defeats at Midway Island in June 1942 and at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in November, the main Japanese naval fleet based at Truk in the Caro-

Continued on Page 103

Library branch set to relocate

Continued from Page 98

current location on Market Street. The new branch will feature gallery space, rain gardens, a children’s porch and dedicated reading areas, as well as multipurpose meeting space that will be accessible to the community when the library is otherwise closed.

While construction is underway, library operations will need to relocate. To that end, Ranck sought the commissioners’ approval Tuesday to lease space at the renovated firehouse on 5th Street.

“Some modifications to the site are needed, including the addition of a small counter and sink,” Ranck wrote to the commissioners. “The library would begin moving to the temporary site in late August or early September.”

With no discussion this week, the commissioners voted to proceed with the lease agreement at a price of $3,063 per month, plus triple-net lease fees of roughly $448. The agreement includes an additional $7,500 to paid out for the buildout of the library space. Ranck said in a statement this week that most services will

continue from the library’s temporary location.

“We will be able to maintain most services at a temporary location — material checkout, computer use, etc.,” she said. “We are hoping to have a meeting space available for things like book discussions, story times, and other enrichment programs.”

The commissioners this week also approved a request for design services of IT and AV systems at the new Pocomoke library. The $23,825 cost will be paid for from excess funds for the Berlin branch project.

“The good news is I did receive a call from the Maryland State Library Agency and said we have $63,000 to give you …,” Ranck told the commissioners Tuesday. “So I do have the monies to cover that extra expense.”

Officials earlier this year reported that the total cost of the Pocomoke library project is estimated at $8.1 million, which includes $400,000 to $500,000 in value engineering. Last month, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $3.99 million grant for the facility’s construction.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

During a break in the fighting, Marines with a flamethrower and demolitions team pose with the Japanese flag captured during action after the American landing.

Opinions

Don’t hog beach with early setups

Numerous comments have been made recently about the tendency of more people to reserve their prime spots on the beach by setting up their chairs, umbrellas and tents in the morning, sometimes hours before they plan to use them.

With this weekend being the kickoff for the high season of beach-going, something should be said about this practice, which a growing number of other visitors find annoying or even maddening.

Although the term “beach etiquette” might sound too formal for such an informal circumstance, it does exist and its purpose is to allow as many people as possible to enjoy their time on the sand, in the sun and in the surf.

These rules of common courtesy for beachgoers have been written about from coast to coast, so they are just as applicable here as they are from Cape May to Cabo San Lucas.

It’s just wrong to set up your chair or a string of chairs at 8 a.m. if you’re not going to use them within at least an hour. Leaving them vacant for hours deprives other guests and visitors and their families of the opportunity to enjoy their fair share of the beach.

In addition, you have no right to get angry if, after two hours with no signs of activity, another beachgoer moves your chair, that is unless it contains personal items of some value, in which case you’re risking losing something more important than time in the sun.

It seems to be true that we’re running short of good manners these days, but an extremely packed beach like Ocean City’s depends on them to ensure that as many people as possible have a good time.

PUBLIC EYE

Cut ‘em off at the pass

Even though I’ve had my new car for a few months now, I’m still amazed by its ability to allow me to see who I’m cutting off as I switch lanes.

By Stewart Dobson

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

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Contact News Room: editor@oceancitytoday.net SALES

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Not only that, but thanks to my car’s high-resolution sideview cameras that activate when I hit the turn signal, I also can see whether they have driver-assist as they take both hands off the wheel to add emphasis to their interesting use of sign language. And I can read their lips.

Suffice to say some of these comments have revealed to me aspects of my ancestry of which I was unaware, such as some of my relatives might not have been, (1.) human; (2.) married; and/or (3.) were hairy-knuckled, crayon-eating pinheads. It varies.

Of course, none of the above is true. I did not cut off anyone last Tuesday at 11:32 a.m. on Route 50. There was plenty of space. Besides, a truck stopped in the road directly in front of me and I had nowhere else to go.

So, it wasn’t a cut-off per se, but more of a vehicular snuggle. It’s also because the person driving immediately to my left was looking at his/her/their phone instead of the road.

Or it could have been that the driver was reluctant to back off just a little to allow me some wiggle room, since that would have thrown his/her/their timetable off by at least .03 seconds, thereby causing him/her/them to arrive at their lodging estimation just in time to hear the desk clerk say, “Sorry, but you’re .03 seconds late for check-in, so we

have given your room to someone else. Have a nice day.”

Maybe I’m slightly exaggerating, but either courtesy on the road is rapidly dwindling or some members of our screenaddicted post-covid society are so unused to being out among actual people, that they are totally oblivious to the existence of life as everyone else knows it.

I think the latter is at least partially responsible, which could be why I have observed so many standup scooter riders (as opposed to upstanding scooter riders) who seemed to be unaware that real cars and trucks will run them over if they keep shooting out of the alleys, through intersections and through traffic signals without looking right, left or anywhere around themselves.

It's more like, “Nope, I’m not looking because I’m on a scooter and it weighs a whopping 30 pounds, so hit me at your own peril, pop-pop, and see what happens ...”

“WHAP!”

I haven’t hit anyone ... yet, and while I have cut off people in the past, I didn’t do it on purpose. It was because I couldn’t see around the blind spots of my old truck and, maybe once or twice, because “Objects In Your Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear.”

I didn’t mean to, and I apologize a thousand times. But now, thanks to my old folksfriendly, high-tech camera system, I can see everything around me in high definition.

And that would include the person who, surrounded as he/she/they was by a hundred other vehicles, was unaware of any of them until after the fact.

And, just to be clear, I am not a ————, because if I was I couldn’t wear a hat.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

One year ago, one of the major stories in the newspaper this week had to do with Boardwalk businesses officially agreeing to be included in the footprint of the Oceans Calling Festival. The Dough Roller’s Kevin Gibbs was quoted as saying, “I think everybody is ‘alright, we’re going to do this, let’s do this inside. And let’s see how it goes.’ … I think everybody just wants to see if it’s successful and works for their business. And if it does, then everyone’s going to be very happy and less concerned about it and go from there.”

Ahead of time, it was a big deal for the Boardwalk businesses to get behind not being open to the public and only the festival goers. It was a major unknown until the first day of the three-day festival last September and the reality of 50,000 people enjoying life sunk in. I recall immediately after walking into the festival grounds on the first day being amazed at the spectacle of it all. Most importantly, there were thousands of people constantly walking the Boardwalk throughout the weekend and frequenting the businesses. It was a common sight to see folks carrying food and drink from local eateries amid bags of candy from Dolle’s or Candy Kitchen and local merchandise, like hooded sweatshirts, from Quiet Storm. It was a special memory for me, as someone who grew up on that Boardwalk.

Fast forwarding to this year, the event was such a success for the Boardwalk businesses the same footprint will again be used for this year’s three-day Oceans Calling Festival as well as the new two-day Country Calling Festival. I would not be surprised if we see a similar model used for other events in the future in Ocean City.

Around these parts, it seems whenever underground work takes place there are bound to be surprises. Recently in Berlin, during a water main relocation project, an unknown functioning valve – for the lack of the real term in my non-industrial brain – was discovered setting crews back a day due to the unexpected find. Ocean City recently had something similar happen on a much grander scale.

While preparing the site for construction of a new police substation on Somerset Street, members of the Ocean City Public Works Department discovered parts of a foundation, wooden pilings and two tank saddles traced to the city’s first electric power plant. It’s estimated the pieces discovered were about 130 years old. As Associate Editor Bethany Hooper recounted in last week’s paper, the city’s first electric plant was built at the southwest corner of Baltimore Avenue and Somerset Street in 1892 at the same time the first well was dug for water. A fire in the winter of 1925 engulfed the plant, destroying two full city blocks. After what was called the Great Fire of 1925, the power plant was never rebuilt.

It’s remarkable to think a police substation will stand near where Ocean City’s original power plant was located over a century ago. If preservable in some fashion, perhaps pieces of the historical remnants found underground on the site could find their way into the finished product once constructed.

A bit embarrassed to mention until this week I had never heard of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The nonprofit was formed following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and aims to help the country’s heroes and their surviving family members by providing immediate and significant financial benefits. The foundation, a direct result of the ultimate sacrifice paid by Brooklyn firefighter Stephen Siller, made a major impact this week when it was announced it was paying off the home mortgages for two fallen first responders in Maryland.

Along with Baltimore City Fire Lieutenant Paul Butrim, the foundation chose to make a monumental difference in the lives of the survivors of Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy Glenn Hilliard, who was killed chasing down an armed suspect in June of 2022. Hilliard’s wife and three children live east of Berlin in a home they had purchased just before his tragic death in the line of duty. On her Facebook page yesterday, Tashica Hilliard wrote, “This is such a bitter-sweet blessing … We have suffered a tremendous loss and there is no amount of money that could ever replace my husband or begin to touch the pain of loss that I feel daily and if I’m being honest, most days hourly. Having a house paid off and being able to keep up with bills is nothing without the love of my life waking up next to me every morning. I would rather be indigent and homeless if it meant I could have hugs and kisses every day from my husband. I am so grateful for organizations and individuals that have donated to my family. It is painfully hard for me learning to accept help and generosity but knowing that my kids are able to be cared for and knowing that Glenn would be pleased, is what brings me peace in the midst of sadness.”

Postmaster affirms team’s dedication

Editor,

As the Postmaster of Ocean City since 2015 and 34 years of federal service, I am writing to express the unwavering commitment of our postal staff to serving our wonderful community. With the Fourth of July approaching, a time when we celebrate our nation’s independence and the freedoms we cherish, it is also a fitting moment to reflect on the values that bind us together.

The postal service has been an integral part of American life for centuries, connecting people across vast distances, facilitating communication and commerce. Here in Ocean City our team takes immense pride in continuing this tradition Our dedication goes beyond simply delivering mail and packages; it extends to being a reliable and supportive presence in our community.

As we celebrate Independence Day, let us also celebrate the spirit of community and the importance of staying connected. The Fourth of July is a reminder of the strength and resilience that define our nation. It is these same qualities that our postal employees embody each day as they serve you.

We are honored to be a part of this community and to contribute to its well-being. On behalf of the entire postal staff, I wish you all a joyful and safe Fourth of July. Let us come together to celebrate not only our nation’s independence but also the unity and dedication that make Ocean City a special place to live and vacation.

We deliver for America and Ocean City.

James Woods, Postmaster Ocean City

The population is more than 6,800 and during summer weekends the city hosts between 320,000 and 345,000 vacationers and up to eight million visitors annually. Every day, our staff works diligently to ensure that your letters, packages, and essential communications reach their destinations promptly and securely. We understand that the trust you place in us is vital, and we strive to uphold that trust through our hard work and dedication.

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 101

line Islands was able to roam freely. Japan also had air bases on numerous islands in the Central Pacific.

U.S. naval strategists therefore concluded that any future Allied amphibious operations from the Philippines toward the home island of Japan would be subject to aerial attacks. They determined to open a new front in the central Pacific in Micronesia (“Small Islands”) which included the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, and Carolines. They each would be retaken by the U.S. in that order.

In 1521, the Portuguese explorer Fernando Magellan became the first white man to see the Marianas — the three islands known as Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. They were initially named “Las Latinas” for the lateen sails of the native vessels and later “Los Ladrones” because of the rampant theft of Magellan’s property by the natives.

Spain took over the islands in 1521, and the name was changed to “Las Marianas” in honor of King Felipe IV’s consort, Queen Mariana. In 1899, Spain sold Saipan and Tinian to Germany, while the U.S. acquired Guam. In 1918 at the end of World War One, the German possessions became part of the Japanese Mandate under the League of Nations.

In November 1943, the fierce battle of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands (previously described by this writer in the 17 November 2023 edition of this

newspaper) occurred, followed by the successful “Operation Flintlock” in the Marshall Islands in January 1944. Next came the Marianas lying some 1,300 miles southeast of Tokyo. By taking them, the U.S. would cut the enemy’s supply lines stretching from Japan to its bases in the south.

Guam was initially the primary objective because of its excellent airfields and deepwater harbor. For more than 40 years, it had been a U.S. possession until the day after Pearl Harbor when the Japanese invaded the island and defeated its small Marine garrison.

Guam would be the first Americanheld territory to be recovered from the Japanese — a great morale booster — yet Adm. Chester Nimitz chose to take Saipan first. It was 100 miles closer to Japan and thus more practicable as a base for bombing the homeland.

Saipan was an 81-square-mile volcanic island 14 miles long and five miles wide with towns, sugar plantations, and a large Japanese civilian population. In the center was a 1,554foot peak called Mount Tapochau. To the north and east of the island, a series of rolling hills ended abruptly in sheer cliffs dropping hundreds of feet to the sea. In the south and west, the terrain merged into a long coastal plain touching the beaches.

On 15 June 1944, Lt. Gen. Yoshitsugu Saito, the Japanese commanding officer on the island, had only

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25,500 soldiers on hand. He was not expecting an Allied attack. The U.S. plan was to have two Marine divisions land on the southwest coast of Saipan and push inland to higher ground.

The invasion got off to a bad start, however, due to poor ship-to-shore bombardment. Some gunnery officers on the newer U.S. battleships had not been sufficiently trained in shore bombardment. The island was also too big with too many widely dispersed targets to knock out defensive gun positions.

As a result, Japanese mortars and artillery were able to disable many landing craft as they came shoreward. To make matters worse, an unexpected current deposited many Marines on the wrong beach. Despite the setbacks, some 20,000 Marines made it ashore the first day and then threw back two suicidal counterattacks that night, but after three days, Gen. Saito remained confident because he knew that the Japanese First Mobile Fleet was steaming toward the Marianas with reinforcements.

What he didn’t know was that an epic Japanese defeat known as the “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot” was about to occur (it was the subject of an article in the June 14 issue by Dr. Sam Ghaleb.)

The 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions on Saipan were under the overall

command of Lt. Gen. Holland M. Smith. Two regiments of the Army’s 27th Division had also landed on June 16. They were also placed under his command.

Japanese resistance was fierce. By the end of the third day, some 5,000 Marines and infantrymen had been killed or seriously wounded. After eight days of fighting, the U.S. controlled the lower half of the island. Gen. Smith ordered the 2nd Marine Division to proceed up the slopes of Mount Tapotchau and the 4th Marine Division to move northward and then to the east to capture the three-milelong Kagman Peninsula. The Army regiments were to move forward in the center.

Problems arose, however, because the Army failed to keep up. This was due in part to a difference in Army and Marine battlefield tactics. Soldiers made cautious advances to keep casualties low; Marines believed in moving swiftly despite taking heavy casualties. On June 24, Gen. Smith asked Adm. Raymond Spruance to relieve the Army general in charge, Ralph Smith, which Spruance did. By July 6, the American sweep northwest had taken the town of Garapan, the seaplane base at Tanapag Harbor and Mount Tapotchau. The Japanese soldiers were compressed into the top third of the island. Gen. Saito knew that defeat was inevitable and killed himself, but not before ordering a massive banzai attack.

The next morning thousands of Japanese soldiers attacked the Army’s 27th Division along the beaches of Tanapag Harbor. Two days later when the fighting ended, the bodies of 4,311 Japanese troops were found on the beaches.

After 24 days of fighting, Saipan was declared secure on July 9, but another tragedy was lurking. At the northern tip of the island was Marpi Point, a plateau over 800 feet above a shoreline of jagged coral rocks, hundreds of Japanese civilians had gathered to commit suicide.

Despite loudspeaker assurances from the 4th Marine Division that no one would be hurt, many parents threw their children off the cliffs and then jumped after them. Others swam out to sea to drown. A group of roughly 100 Japanese stood next to a rock with a Japanese flag placed over it. They then bowed to the Americans. Each held a hand grenade against his belly, and one by one pulled the pin. Saipan was a decisive victory for the U.S., but at a cost of 3,478 American lives. The Japanese lost 23,811. One benefit was that land-based American bombers, specifically the new B-29, could now attack the Japanese homeland. On July 18, Prime Minister Tojo proclaimed a national crisis and resigned, along with his entire cabinet. Soon thereafter, Tinian and Guam would fall.

Next week: Saint-Lô

OBITUARIES

HERBERT "WAYNE" COLLINS

Ocean City

Herbert "Wayne" Collins, 82, of Ocean City, was born on Sept. 28, 1941, in Washington D.C.. and was called home on June 25 2024. He passed away in his home and fought a hard battle with cancer.

Wayne was employed with the Town of Ocean City for 20 years, started as a bus driver then promoted to service manager until he retired.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was predeceased by his loving wife, Donna Collins; son Anthony (Tony) Wayne Collins; and son-in-law Raymond Minton. He is survived by his daughters, Linda Minton (Raymonddeceased) and Tammy Rackey (David); grandchildren Tiffanie Warder (Daniel), Jeremy Minton, Krystle Fraser, DJay Rackey (Tyler), Ryan Rackey and Kaitlyn Rackey; great-grandchildren Cameron Warder, Hannah Warder, Kayla Fraser, Savannah Rackey, Angelo (AJ) Minton and Charlotte Rackey; sisters/brother Estelle (Merrill-deceased) Buckles, Donna (John) Hemphill and Larry (Barbara) Collins; and many nieces and nephews.

Ganddaughter Kaitlyn Rackey

wrote about her grandfather:

“Last night my Papap, Wayne Collins went home to Heaven. After a courageous battle with Cancer he is now at peace. Although we knew this day was coming, nothing prepares you for the heartbreak of hearing those words. He spent 82 years teaching all of us how to laugh, how to work hard and how to give one hell of a fight but what we didn’t learn is how to live without him. Sometimes one lifetime isn’t enough.”

Today (June 26) is my Nana’s Birthday, his lovely wife Donna Collins. We know he had to make it Home in time to spend it in Heaven with her. They are both now together, watching a game show and reminiscing on the life and love they created.

I will always remember my Papap, with his countless jokes, his stories, his famous saying ‘Don’t start no stuff, there won’t be none,’ his love of country music, westerns, his sweet tooth, the way he would sleep with his hands clasped on his belly, how his hair was always combed and looking his absolute best. He always gave, more than what he had and wanted nothing in return. He was a man like no other.”

ELIZABETH “LIZ” HICKMAN

Bishopville/Florida

Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and devoted Christian, Elizabeth “Liz” Hickman passed peacefully in her home on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Liz, as she was affectionately known by her friends and family, was born at home in Roxanna, Delaware, Feb. 21, 1933, to her parents, Harry Alvin Godwin Jr. and Lavinia Catherine (Bunting) Godwin. She was preceded in death by her parents, her cherished husband, Charles Wilson Hickman Jr.; brother Randall Godwin; sister-in-law Betty; brother Elroy Godwin; and niece Beverly MacMillan.

She is survived by her daughter Durene Gilbert (Terry) Crawfordville, Florida; granddaughter Tyler Gilbert, Sopchoppy, Florida; step-granddaughters Barbara, Kelly, and Angie Gilbert, and Chris Groover, Vero Beach, Florida; niece Amanda Godwin, Crawfordville, Florida; nephew Marty Godwin, Rehoboth, Delaware; niece Rita Taylor (Buss), Bishopville; niece Lois Wells (Rick), Bishopville,

niece Dixie Cole, Sydney, Australia, niece Debbie Boobyer, Southport, Florida, niece Donna Kay Lovelette; and nephew Richard Godwin, Brooksville, Florida; as well as several grand-nieces and nephews.

Throughout her 91 years of life, Liz touched the hearts of many, including her husband Wilson, whom she was married to for 53 years, separated only in death. Together they owned several successful business ventures, including building MasonDixon Motel in Fenwick Island, Delaware — located just 400 feet from the historic Mason-Dixon line. Built in 1950, this was one of the first motels located in this beach-front community. After a few years of running the motel, they sold it to Liz’s parents, Harry and Lavinia, who continued to own and manage it for several years thereafter.

After becoming a licensed beautician, Liz opened a beauty shop in Fenwick Island. Meanwhile, she also helped her husband manage ownership of several Amoco service stations throughout the beach communities of Rehoboth and Fenwick Island and Ocean City.

Upon selling the beauty shop, Liz opened Durene’s Apparel — a

Liz Hickman

women’s clothing store in North Ocean City. Later, when the idea of retirement hit, Liz and Wilson moved to Sebastian, Florida, to a retirement community.

While living in Sebastian, they opened the Barefoot Peddler — a Hallmark gift and card shop, bicycle shop, and community post office. After a few years there, they decided to retire again, and moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to be closer to their daughter and granddaughter.

They spent their summers in Bishopville, where they helped Wilson’s brother, Darwin Hickman, and sisterin-law Elizabeth manage the Bali Hi RV Park in St. Martin’s Neck. After not really retiring the first few tries, they finally retired and continued to live full time in Tallahassee, Florida.

After Wilson’s death in 2006, Liz moved to Crawfordville, Florida, where she continued to live on her own until the angels came.

While living in Crawfordville, she enjoyed passive occupations, such as being a greeter at Wal-Mart, and serving as a board member on her community HOA board. Liz was a member of Crawfordville United Methodist Church. She enjoyed weekly games of Canasta with her daughter and niece, and weekly dinners with her granddaughter. Reliving her high school basketball days, Liz loved to watch college basketball, especially her favorite team, the University of Maryland.

Liz had a strong spirit, deep affection for animals, and although at times could be stern, was always generous with her time and love. She showed her love and generosity through cooking and baking, she would make chocolate peanut clusters for the Wakulla Library staff, friends, and her medical team. Some of her favorite things in life were oysters (served raw, of course), hummingbirds, and the beauty of light houses along the seashore.

Following cremation, Liz’s ashes will be placed in Bishopville beside her husband, Wilson. If you wish to share a memory or leave a note for the family, click on the link for Family Funeral Home in Crawfordville at

familyfhc.com/.

Donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308-5428, bigbendhospice.org/, or Zion United Methodist Church, 11213 Beverly St., Bishopville, MD 21813.

DONALD R. OSTROWSKI

Ocean Pines

Donald R. Ostrowski (“Coach "O"), 91, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully at his home on June 23, 2024.

He was born on July 21, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Joseph and Margaret (Gaydos) Ostrowski of Ambridge, Pennsylvania.

He was a graduate of Ambridge High School class of 1950, where he played football. Following high school, Don joined the US Army where he served honorably. He often spoke fondly of his time serving in Germany during wartime. Upon returning stateside, he started work at Armco Steel Corporation, where he worked his way up to general foreman in the Inspection department.

When the steel industry took a downturn and many of the steel plants closed, he began working for the Ambridge Area School District.

He then began his football coaching career, coaching varsity and junior varsity programs at Freedom High School. Don also coached his boys in baseball and was instrumental in the Economy Borough Youth Little League program for many years.

Don finally retired and relocated to Ocean Pines. His love of football couldn't keep him off the field and so began a 20-year coaching career as a special teams coach for Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, specializing in punting and field goal kicking.

Fondly known as “Coach O” he really loved working with the kids, as he said, and devoted many a Sunday or countless after-school hours to working with young boys to teach the proper techniques and to hone their kicking skills. It wasn't just about improving their on-the-field skills but developing their character, he often said.

When he wasn't coaching, he enjoyed long walks on the OC Boardwalk with his wife, Helen, which occasionally included an order of

Thrasher's fries but always ended with a Dumser's ice cream cone. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were a son, Gary, and brother Robert.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory and who will miss him so much are his wife of 68 years, Helen (Rodio) Ostrowski; three sons, David, Jeffrey and Glenn; daughter-in-laws Lynae and Maurine; grandsons Simon and Griffin; granddaughter Olivia; great-granddaughter Edith; sister Joanne Pinchot; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no viewing. A private funeral service will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Ocean Pines, followed by internment at Evergreen Cemetery, Berlin. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to Coastal Hospice Inc., P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802. Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., in Berlin. To send condolences to the family, visit easternshorecremation.com.

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Donald Ostrowski

Sports & Recreation

Beach Patrol team preps for USLA Mid-Atlantic regionals

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 5, 2024) Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguard Brian Hoskins, who secured the gold in the 90-meter sprint last year at the United States Lifesaving Association Nationals competition in Virginia Beach, may get the chance at another win this summer. Last month, the competitor and three teammates won a local relay contest. The team’s next stop is regionals, and then, hopefully, nationals.

Hoskins’s athletic career dates back to his high school days. While he was not a track star, despite his recent success in sprinting events, the lifeguard is no stranger to running. He played soccer and lacrosse while attending St. Paul’s for Boys in Timonium. He continued onto the collegiate lacrosse field at Towson University, where he played for three years, before joining the Lynn University roster in Boca Raton, Fla. as a graduate student.

In the summer of 2023, Hoskins became USLA’s first-ever national champion in the competition’s newly

added 90-meter sprint. According to the athlete, the race was held on soft sand in Virginia Beach.

The lifeguard may get a chance to take home the gold again this year. On Monday, June 17, the OCBP hosted a competition series to prepare the athletes for regionals. Hoskins, Dan Granzow, Garrett Bavosa, and John Stout dominated the 4x90 meter relay.

The team looks forward to competing in the event at the July 10 USLA Mid-Atlantic Regional contest, which will feature beach patrols from Virginia to New York, and then, hopefully, the national event in Texas at the end of the summer.

“Whoever wins in the mid-Atlantic region is the fastest on the sand and usually wins nationals,” Hoskins said.

“We have a good chance of winning.”

The lifeguard said this year’s beach patrol is the biggest in the past few seasons. The extra help on the stands has allotted additional break times for the competitors to train and work out in anticipation of the July 10 contest.

“Last year, we only got a 20-minute workout break and then a 30-minute lunch break,” Hoskins said. “After work, I would lift and work on starts.”

The practice paid off, however, because, in 2023, the athlete brought a win back to Ocean City.

“I started to focus on my starts,” he

said. “I worked on it, and then I won nationals.”

The national lifeguard championship, hosted by USLA, is scheduled for August 7-9 in South Padre Island, Texas. Hoskins and his relay team hope to return to the Eastern Shore with a gold medal.

Slugger Fielder holds shore hitting academy

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(July 5, 2024) Sixty young baseball players from across the region experienced a dream two-day training last week at Arthur Perdue Stadium in Salisbury where they played under the watchful eye of one of the sport’s greatest players — Cecil Fielder.

“We have so many kids from last year return,” program founder Koula Strosnider said. “You can’t beat hitting instruction from one of MLB’s best sluggers of all time, Cecil Fielder, and the Shorebird coaches and players. The kids really respond well to Cecil and you can see hitting improvement in just the 1st day of camp.”

Strosnider, who is also a girls basketball coach at Worcester Prep, coordinated the first Cecil Fielder hitting clinic in 2010 for young ball players ages 8 through 15.

During the clinic, the youth are put into six groups of 10 and rotate through all of the trainers, with each getting time with Fielder. Other instructors include Juan Sanchez, strength conditioning coach, Colin Woody, Shorebirds Manager, and Nick Floyd, bullpen coach/staff assis-

tant.

Fielder became a professional baseball player on June 20, 1985, when he suited up with the Toronto Blue Jays as a first baseman/designated hitter.

Fielder attended Nogales High School in La Puente, California. It was there he developed the well-deserved reputation as a power hitter and AllAmerican in 1981.

He played for the Toronto Blue

Jays, the Japanese Hanshin Tigers, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels and the Cleveland Indians.

“Kids are the reason I come here,” Fielder said during the clinic. “My connection to the eastern shore is the young lady [Strosnider] that set this whole thing up. She came up with this whole idea last year and it was pretty good. I love teaching these kids.”

Parent Shannon Simm attended the camp with her son, Nate, for the second time.

“He did amazing and I think he really enjoyed all the tips and techniques they taught him last year,” Simm said. “You see improvement and excitement from feeling like they learned something and improved themselves as well. We recruited some of his travel baseball buddies to join us this year.”

Echoing through the day where words of encouragement from Fielder.

“Learn something from everything you do,” he said. “Keep your focus, keep yourself under control. Watch someone who knows what they are doing I watched Lou Whitaker and Kirk Gibson. Every swing keep your head and eyes on the ball and plant your feet on the ground, you need balance to hit the ball. Turn that back foot. It is called squish that ball.”

Sarah Kottemann and her son Fender attended last year and returned this year because “he just loved the training”. Fender is part of the kids’ club at the Shorebirds and attends two to three per week to watch the Shorebirds play.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Ocean City Beach Patrol member Brian Hoskins, center, is pictured atop the podium during last summer’s nationals.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Hall of famer Cecil Fielder shares photo highlights of his career and spends individual time with each of the young ball players during his second annual batting academy last week at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury.

SCOTT LENOX

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FISH IN OC

A big sea bass, above left, was jigged up from the rail of the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins at the helm. Above middle, Captain Mike Burt and the crew of Pumpin’ Hard showed these folks some good fishing with seven yellowfin tuna. Above right, Luke Wrye used a Deadly Tackle Double Header rig with a sand flea to land this tasty sheepshead. Below left, Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters put this young man on a fat keeper flounder. Below middle, Captain Tony Battista of Saltwater Adventures showed this family a great time with the bluefish. Below right, Brian Reynolds fished the Route 50 Bridge where he landed this big 36.5” bluefish.

The 36” rockfish pictured far left was caught and released aboard On the Run Charters with Captain Dave Caffrey. Left, Chad Wells used a sand flea with Fishbites bloodworm to land this nice black drum from the surf in Ocean City.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC