7/7/2023 Ocean City Today

OC Today

NICK’S GOLF APPEALS

Courts ruled in favor of Islander Motel in 19th Street civil case against new neighbors – Page 10

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 7, 2023) Ocean City’s Fourth of July fireworks returned this year with a multitude of bangs at the Caroline Street beach and Northside Park after not having lit-up resort skies since 2019.

“I think it (fireworks) was the best and I’ve been here 51 years,” said Butch Arbin, captain of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. “It’s the best fireworks display I’ve ever seen here in Ocean City.”

What made this resurrection of the resort’s fireworks display different from years past was its fast pace, said Frank Miller, special events director for Ocean City.

“You never lost your momentum through the entire 20 minutes of the show,” Miller said.

The Pennsylvania-based company Celebration Fireworks, which put on the show, did a “great job” of blending low-altitude pyrotechnics with high-bursting fireworks, Miller said.

See CELEBRATION Page 4

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Great balls of fire roll upward during the July 4 fireworks show downtown. The massive eruptions were Cremora fireballs, yes, that’s the dry coffee creamer. The heat could be felt many yards away.

OC Council approves policy detailing room tax expenses

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(July 7, 2023) After ironing out some final details, Ocean City Council members have approved a new policy detailing the expenses that do and do not qualify for room tax revenues.

Introduced in April, the document is an extension of an existing ordinance that dedicates 42 percent of the city’s gross room tax revenues to destination marketing.

The ordinance lists the expenses that qualify for the funds — advertising; marketing; promotions, sponsorships; research including consultant fees, subscription and trade dues; conference fees; and marketing and promotion of special events. It also lists the ineligible expenses as salaries, office equipment, and the like.

During budget discussions, council members pushed for more definition to the list, which City Manager Terry

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McGean developed with staff members. The final version, which has gone through several edits, was presented to council members at their most recent meeting on July 3. And in a 6-0 vote, with Councilman Will Savage absent, they approved the final document.

The road to approval was not exactly a smooth one, though.

Councilman John Gehrig, who has been a staunch advocate for spending advertising dollars to market the resort, expressed concerns about a couple of details in the policy.

Namely, he argued points regarding the accounting of legal expenses for advertising-related matters. He also had some concerns about the way profits made during events that use advertising funds are collected and divvied out.

Gehrig contended that legal fees

See COUNCILMAN Page 6

Ocean City Today

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LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Crowds walk along the Boardwalk downtown during Fourth of July weekend. Busy summer events like the July 4 fireworks and accompanying activities bring in room tax dollars, which now have a policy to better dictate how the funds can and cannot be spent.

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Celebration Fireworks shows what it can do

Continued from Page 1

The Cremora fireballs, which looked like ground-level explosions, went off twice during the show, and audiences in close enough proximity could feel its radiant heat, Miller said.

“There is a difference between just shooting off fireworks and actually having a production of fireworks and this is truly a performance,” said Brenda Moore, a special events coordinator for Ocean City.

Miller described the display as an umbrella over the nearby attendees and hoped more distant onlookers had a similar experience from the broad shells that were being launched.

“We were really ecstatic with the fireworks company that we ended up hiring for multiple years…” Miller said. “I think they really showed their capabilities this year at both sites, and the comments have been overwhelmingly positive about how great the experience was for our guests.”

Tight -packed crowds filled OC’s downtown beach Tuesday night, and Miller estimated there to be 10s of thousands of attendees. Many of the viewers funneled on to the Boardwalk and the beach just before the show took off, Miller said.

Miller said he couldn’t speculate on the number of attendees at Northside Park, because both he, and Moore were monitoring the display by the pier.

The operations managers reported to Miller that Northside Park did seem to have more yard games, like bocce balls, frisbee and ladder toss as families waited for the show.

Downtown, before the show began, people gathered around the Caroline Street stage to hear live music from the U.S. Army Band Downrange.

“It (Downrange) really brought a terrific patriotic element into our Fourth of July downtown at the beach,” Miller said.

Downrange was followed by DJ Kutt from Essex.

Around 9:20 p.m., just 10 minutes before the planned show-time and moments before the first test-shot was set to fire, DJ Kutt announced that organizers were postponing fireworks so they could find a child who had wandered into the launch zone.

The test shot fired at 9:26, and two minutes later DJ Kutt told the crowd the child had been found.

The show started on Caroline Street about a five minutes later than its scheduled time.

“It goes to show that the town is not only concerned about the safety of people around the fireworks, but we’re also concerned about anything that could be a life-threatening situa-

tion, and that comes first,” Miller said.

Celebration Fireworks is in a three-year contract with OC, one of which has now been fulfilled with the New Year’s Eve display along with the Fourth of July show on Tuesday.

The company also held a smaller show in the resort on July 5 of last year.

In the next two years Celebration Fireworks will continue to cover both holidays, and their 2025 display “should take it up an additional notch,” Miller said, as Ocean City will celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The fireworks shows of the last few years were missed due to a string of unprecedented events.

In 2020, the show was cancelled for covid, and in 2021, the fireworks launched prematurely on the morning of July 4 as crews were setting up the equipment.

The incident was caused by a manufacturer error in the product’s packaging, and was not the fault of the fireworks company Starfire, who was contracted for that year, Miller said.

In 2022, the vendor that had been hired to conduct the display cancelled just weeks before the show because of a labor shortage.

Although the July 4 show has now passed, residents and tourists have the chance to see fireworks every Sunday throughout the Summer for Sundae’s in the Park at Northside Park, which will run until Labor Day weekend.

There are also fireworks every Monday on the beach, also near Caroline Street, to replace the drone show, Miller said. The weekly event runs until late August.

“Fireworks are a valuable part of the town,” Miller said.

Young adults take parties uptown, police kept busy

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) The Ocean City Police Department found a concentration of large groups of young adults and teenagers gathered on the beaches, parking lots and in the alleyways between 120th and 140th Street after the fireworks show and over the weekend.

Officers responding to the crowds found illegal fireworks, noise violations and open alcohol containers, said Ashley Miller, deputy communications director for the OCPD.

For the holiday alone, the OCPD made 21 custodial arrests and had 614 calls to service. Officers also issued 53 traffic citations and 36 warnings to drivers among the heavy July 4 traffic, Miller said.

“Like most summer and holiday weekends, it was a busy time for the members of the Ocean City Police Department,” Miller said.

While the July 4 crowds were mostly similar to years past, police noticed that gatherings of young adults had seemingly shifted locations.

“Social media appears to be a driving force for large beach gatherings in the residential portion of town,” Miller said. “The popularity of Airbnb-style rentals has drawn that rowdy younger crowd to the north end of town rather than staying in hotels/motels down by the Boardwalk.”

Miller noted one incident that stood out.

OCPD is continuing to investigate an incident where a young man was hit by a car on July 3, around 11 p.m.

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Tens of thousands of spectators gathered on the Boardwalk and beach near Caroline Street on Tuesday to catch a glimpse of the first Fourth of July Fireworks in Ocean City since 2019. Fireworks were also held at Northside Park. Pictured are fireworks at the display near Caroline Street.

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Councilman gets concerns quelled

Continued from Page 3

should be charged to the tourism department, not advertising. He argued that the original ordinance has been misinterpreted, which he believes led to legal fees becoming part of the eligible expenses.

McGean argued that all departments calculate legal fees in that manner.

During discussions, they came up with a compromise that specifies the types of legal expenses that advertising, or room tax, funds can pay for, which Gehrig signed off on.

On the other sticking point, the charging for labor and services for city-sponsored events, Gehrig and the rest of the council agreed that the policy should specify that interdepartmental costs should be calculated for how much they are, and charged to the advertising fund.

McGean provided an example of a town-hosted event in the inlet parking lot. In that case, the council will have the choice to charge for the event expenses but not the lost revenue from the lot. An outside promoter, however, would be charged for the lost revenue.

Gehrig said that was his desire all along.

“I wouldn’t have had the debate if that had been explained sooner,” he said to McGean.

After a few other adjustments, council members approved the policy, which all in all, Gehrig said is already working.

He pointed out that figures from the spring show that room tax and food revenues are up, which he believes is a direct result of the targeted marketing efforts of tourism officials.

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Beach Patrol rescues see uptick

near 139th Street on Coastal Highway. The pedestrian ran into the path of a vehicle in a crosswalk while the walk sign was showing a do-not-cross signal. He was taken to TidalHealth Regional Peninsula Hospital and has since been released, Miller said.

Police were at a convenience store on the same street responding to an unrelated situation, so they immediately went to the scene. Northbound Coastal Highway was shut down there for about two hours while police investigated.

The resort tends to see a demographic shift in tourists after the Fourth of July, where younger seniorweek visitors leave as the town shifts toward a more “family-friendly” atmosphere, Miller said.

With the legalization of recreational cannabis this past Saturday, the OCPD is trying to educate people on the recent changes since many may not be totally aware of the new law, Miller said.

Statistics on violations for the public smoking of cannabis in Ocean City are still being compiled, Miller said.

Butch Arbin, captain of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, said that while larger crowds usually do bring an increase in smoking violations on the beach, cannabis or otherwise, the Beach Patrol did not see much of an

uptick this weekend or holiday.

Arbin said it’s common for lifeguards to catch people smoking tobacco and vaping on the beach, but they usually just ask them to move a few feet westward to one of the designated smoking stands.

However, the new law that legalized adult use and possession of cannabis on July 1 prohibits smoking cannabis in public, so it is not allowed anywhere on the beach.

While Beach Patrol surf rescue technicians have the legal authority to write a citation for a smoking violation, members typically just call the police to do it, Abrin said.

From last week up through past Sunday, the lifeguards performed more than 400 rescues, which isn’t “exorbitantly” high, but higher than usual, Arbin said.

“This year, rip currents nationally have claimed more deaths than previous years,” Arbin said. “We haven’t seen this here in Ocean City, but our rescues are a result of rip currents. It’s higher than we would expect, but again, it’s not totally unusual for us to have a period with a high number of rescues.”

Many of the 400 rescues occurred in two-mile stretch because of the conditions created by the contour of the shore’s bottom in that area.

“It’s not the crowds in Ocean City

or the date. It has to do with the conditions in the water,” Arbin said.

Arbin noted that rescues dropped off significantly starting Monday, and remained low through July 4, with just 17 rescues Tuesday.

With fewer waves and rip currents early this week, the chances of an incident dropped, whether the beaches were full or not, Arbin said.

Beach Patrol recently graduated 23 lifeguards from its academy who have now been on the job for a week and a few days. That doesn’t translate to 23 extra lifeguards on the beach at

any one time, since people need to take days off, Arbin said.

The Beach Patrol will strategically place extra stands in areas that show trends of needing more rescues, while areas of lower risk will have guards spaced further apart.

The onshore breeze also seemed to keep the smog from Canadian wildfires to the west and north of the shoreline, and also might have helped blow away thunderstorms that were predicted for Sunday, Arbin said.

Susan Jones, executive director of

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean City Police, Beach Patrol and other law enforcement and public safety departments deployed across the resort for the weekend and July 4 holiday. Pictured are Ocean City Fire Department personnel on bikes in front of the set up area for the Caroline Street fireworks display.

Public reminded to fill out county survey on comp plan

(July 7, 2023) Staff and officials are preparing to update Worcester County’s comprehensive plan, and members of the public are reminded to act now to weigh in on the details.

The new plan will direct growth and development in the county for the next 10 to 20 years, and in an effort to include feedback from residents and others, a survey is available to fill out.

The survey is part of the commu-

nity engagement plan the Worcester County Planning Commission initiated.

The final plan will provide the County with a framework for preserving and protecting natural and cultural resources.

To learn more about the developing plan, visit co.worcester.md.us/comprehensiveplan.

The survey is available at: surveymonkey.com/r/WorCoCPSurvey.

Heat drives crowds to coast

Continued from Page 8

the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said she doesn’t think the smog had any effect on the tourism and commerce for the weekend and holiday.

“I would say in general, it feels like summer is finally here because the crowds have definitely started coming, so that’s a good thing and it’s probably because we’ve had the heat, because the heat definitely drives the visitation,” Jones said.

Hotels seemed to have a decent amount of business, though it wasn’t

a sell-out weekend for all hotels, Jones said.

Jones pointed out that during covid many people bought properties like condos and turned them into vacation rentals. These rentals appear to be diverting business away from hotels and even restaurants, since people can cook inside condos and apartments.

“Historically, if the holiday falls during the middle of the week, like July 4, it’s harder because some people don’t have off [Tuesday] or they didn’t have Monday,” Jones said.

Circuit court stops Nick’s Golf construction

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 7, 2023) Attorneys for Nick’s Golf LLC, more commonly known as Nick’s Mini Golf, submitted an appeal to the Appellate Court of Maryland on May 16 after the Worcester County Circuit Courts decided against the business in a civil case.

The appeal has not been decided on.

Plaintiffs KHEA, LLC, which is addressed to the Islander Motel, and OPUS, LLC, which is addressed to a home in Salisbury, filed the case against Nick’s on Sept. 29.

Worcester County Circuit Judge Donald C. Davis handed down the declaratory judgement and final order on May 15, ruling in favor of the plaintiffs and stopping the construction of an 18-hole dinosaur-themed minigolf course called Jurassic Golf, which would include a ropes course and a snack bar at 1901 Philadelphia Avenue, right next door to the Islander Motel.

The motel’s owners and operators were represented by attorney Demetrios Kaouris, of McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker, LLC, in Cambridge, while Nick’s attorneys were Hugh Cropper and Kristina Watkowski, of Booth Cropper & Marriner, P.C., and attorneys David

Wayne and Jessica Duvall of Rosenberg, Martin, Greenberg, LLP.

Nick Geracimos, owner of Nick’s Mini Golf, received site-plan approval for the course from the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission at a Sept. 20 meeting. Plans provided for reduced noise and softened lighting meant to mute any disturbances to the surrounding residences.

The Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals also approved a line of fencing around the site for privacy and safety.

The Nick’s course previously existed one block south at 1801 Philadelphia Avenue.

Gravel, construction fencing and dinosaur figures now sit at the purchased, but idle, site next to the Islander Motel, occupying plots 150-154 in the Neptune Development Plat, as recorded in the Land Records of Worcester County.

Nick’s Mini Golf has seven other locations across Ocean City, Bethany Beach and Dewey Beach. Its website still advertises the 19th Street Jurassic Golf course as “coming soon.”

The court’s May 15 decision to stop construction cites deed restrictions that dictate plots within the Neptune subdivision must be used for residential developments only, with some plots allowing hotels, motels and

apartments.

A deed restriction attached to the subdivision since 1949 and known as the Sandy Plains Deed, says that the plots are to be used for residential purposes only, apartments included.

A 1968 agreement, which both the

defendants and plaintiff’s properties are part of, states that two of Nick’s plots are for residential use only, and the remaining three plots are also for residential purposes, but includes hotels, motels and apartments.

In the sixties, several properties

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Dinosaurs that are supposed become part of a new Nick’s Jurassic Golf on 19th Street sit inside a fenced-in area along Coastal Highway. The owners of the business recently lost a legal battle filed by a neighbor, which prevents the miniature golf facility from construction at the site for now.

Nick’s attorneys appeal 19th Street civil lawsuit decision

within the subdivision violated the Sandy Plains Deed, which resulted in a lawsuit, Cropper said. According to Cropper, one of the violators was the Islander Motel.

That case ended in 1968 with the agreement, which was signed by all property owners in the subdivision and amended the restriction so that some lots could include certain types of rental properties, he said.

The court’s decision agrees with part of the defense’s argument that much of the area in and around the subdivision has dramatically changed in its use since the implementation of restrictions.

However, it goes on to say that Nick’s never obtained a waiver of residential use restriction in regard to either of the deed restrictions.

Since the golf course violates the terms of the Sandy Plains Deed and 1968 Agreement, the court decided to stop Nick’s from operating there.

“We believe the judge made a mistake enforcing a 73 year old restriction, 99 percent of which is not applicable. I ask anybody to read it and tell me it’s applicable to modern society,” Cropper said.

Cropper said that the 1949 Sandy Plains Deed also has restrictions on

race, along with prohibitions on mental institutions, leather tanning facilities and fat-boiling facilities.

He also argued that the Catholic Church and its parking lot on Kingfish Street, which falls within the subdivision, violates the deed restriction, as it is not residential, but its presence hasn’t been questioned.

“The legal standard is whether or not there’s been a major change in the character of the neighborhood, which would render the restrictions useless,” Cropper said. “In 1949, that area was sand dunes. Philadelphia Avenue was a two-way road that I’m not even sure it was paved. I can’t think of anywhere in the state that has changed as much as that area has. The judge just didn’t recognize or agree with that change.”

Nick’s previous location, one block south, also fell within the Neptune subdivision and was technically subject to the same restrictions, though they weren’t enforced.

The plaintiffs did not comment.

“In defense to Demetrius, both sides think they have precedent, right,” Cropper said. “There’s cases out there where deed restrictions have been enforced and cases where they haven’t been enforced.”

Packed house for building meeting

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(June 30, 2023) Nearly every seat inside the City Hall conference room was filled during a meeting June 28 as members of Ocean City’s building and development community hashed out questions and concerns over a series of proposed adjustments to the city’s permit, construction and inspection process.

The gathering was the first held publicly to go over details of the modi-

fied policy, which staff introduced at a City Council meeting June 12.

The new proposal has been criticized by some members of the building community as an attempt by staff members to strong-arm more than 60 “changes” to the rules and regulations they are required to follow when developing projects. Staff, however, say the adjustments are needed to streamline the development process, prevent unauthorized projects from getting green lit, and ensure everyone is on the

same page.

Chief Building Official James Metzger summarized the proposed new regulations and modifications to the packed house audience at last week’s session, and answered a series of questions.

A new soil boring permit that will be required, and the city’s plans to move technical permitting processes in house were discussed most prominently.

By definition, soil boring is the

See GATHERING Page 14

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Members of the local development and building community, along with city staff and officials, listen to Chief Building Official James Metzger talk about proposed adjustments to Ocean City’s permit, construction and inspection process during a meeting June 28 in the City hall boardroom.

Gathering first of several over adjustments

Continued from Page 12

process of drilling a hole in the ground to collect samples of soil and bedrock. The process is used to determine the soil’s physical and chemical properties and assess suitability for engineering projects.

Currently, there is no permit requirement for the practice and no way of knowing when it has been done or the results. The new $65 permit would record and document soil boring for projects.

“We want to make sure that’s being done and being corrected,” Metzger

said. “Because it’s not being done right now.”

Kevin Rohe, a city planning commissioner and president and CEO of Mills Creek Builders, was one of the speakers who questioned the new permit at last week’s meeting.

He argued that some projects only need a shallow drill to be done before any other efforts are made for development.

To that, Metzger pointed out that the proposal calls for a permit to be required only for deeper drilling.

Those types of questions took up

most of the meeting, which lasted a little more than an hour.

Joe Mitrecic, a Worcester County commissioner and president of Mitrecic Builders, has expressed frustration about the proposal several times. He said during the June 28 meeting that he has “probably 50 questions” he wanted answered about the details, and contended that he just wants consistency when it comes to the rules that need to be followed.

“We don’t care what you make us do, we just want to be treated exactly the same,” he said.

Metzger and Deputy City Manager JR Harmon have said that the goal of the proposal is to get everyone on the same page and eliminate any confusion and inconsistency that has at times led to projects starting without proper permitting or permissions.

Metzger concluded that more sessions need to be held to clarify some of the details discussed, specifically about the soil boring and inspection alterations, and agreed to set another meeting for the future.

“This was good input,” he said. “And we’re going to have a lot more of these.”

Employee housing code amendment gets first reading

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(July 7, 2023) A developing zoning code amendment that aims to help create more employee housing in Ocean City limits has cleared first with just one detail left to work out before final approval.

At a City Council meeting July 3, the first reading of an amendment, that adds an employee housing nonaccessory option to the code, among some other additions and revisions, passed unanimously in a 6-0 vote, with Councilman Will Savage absent.

Since last year, resort officials have planned changes to the zoning code to incentivize developers to build more housing and expand living options for seasonal workers.

Council members discussed and massaged the details of the developing amendment, which went through several edits at the staff and planning commission levels, at a work session last month. The efforts reverted some of the details, with the exception of parking requirements, back to an earlier version.

One of the main focuses of the amendment was the non-accessory option, which refers to housing near, but outside of, an employees’ place of work. The existing code only allows for employee housing within the same building or on the same lot as the business providing employment.

At the last work session, council members agreed to alter the resident capacity that defines each tier, with tier 1 housing 16 or fewer people, tier 2 defined as 17 to 60 people, and tier 3 as 61 or more.

After the meeting this week, only one sticking point — the desired time limit required for leases associated with employee housing projects— remained.

Attorney Maureen Howarth, who was sitting in for City Solicitor Heather Stansbury at the meeting, said she would make a recommendation for a time limit and bring it back to council members during the second reading of the amendment. The discussions were flopping back and forth between 90 days and four months and a day, depending on the length of the season and the collection of room taxes.

Commissioners take look at at schools’ ESSER funding

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) The calendar turned to Fiscal Year 2024 on Saturday and in the early days of the new fiscal cycle, Worcester County’s board of education and government are still working on sorting through the school system’s budget practices.

It’s no surprise — the practices that the commissioners made clear that they prefer the board adopt in budgeting and transparency require reams of documents to change hands and time for government officials to review them.

At Tuesday’s commissioners meeting, Worcester County Budget Officer Candace Savage provided them with an overview of what her office has determined from 270 pages of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grant funding, which the board provided to the county.

“Overall, the board of education received $22.4 million in ESSER relief funding,” Savage reported. “At the time the documents were given to us, approximately $9.5 million remained.”

The ESSER III fund represented the largest and most recent usage,

she said. Out of $5 million sent from it, about $1.4 million, or 28 percent, went to personnel, including additional staff for summer and afterschool programs and transportation.

One million dollars, or 20 percent, went to Apple products and services, including an annual lease of $121,000.

Savage added that some board expenses currently in ESSER could carry over into the operating budget in the future, upwards of $1.7 million.

“This was a snapshot of the programs at the time and not a request for future funding,” Savage clarified.

“However, if the board of education decides to continue the relief-funded programs at $1.7 million as well as the new Pre-K3 expansion at $600,000, future operating budgets could start with a shortfall of $2.3 million, just based on these two grants.”

Regarding the Pre-K expansion, school officials recently announced that the school system would accept a $600,000 Pre-K3 expansion grant, a decision that a majority of commissioners did not concur with. The grant will enable the school system to expand Pre-K3 at Buckingham Ele-

See BOARD Page 18

The BEST Beach Bar On The Planet...And Everywhere Else!

Ocean City abandons air rights over Majestic Hotel

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) The former Majestic Hotel is cleared for full renovation following a City Council vote to relinquish air rights over the historic Boardwalk property.

In a unanimous 4-0 vote on Monday, with Councilmen Will Savage and Frank Knight absent and Councilman Peter Buas abstaining, council members approved a request to abandon claim to undeveloped space over a portion of a 16-foot alley at the site of the property at 613 Atlantic Ave. between Sixth and Seventh streets.

Resort business owner Avraham Sibony bought the Majestic in March 2022 from the local Savage family,

who owned and operated it for most of its nearly 100 years of existence.

Since the purchase, Sibony has floated plans to spruce up the property, add a fitness center and hospitality suite, and requested the abandonment of the air rights to connect the two existing buildings through the renovation plans.

While some members of the public have expressed concern over the city giving away the air rights, no one spoke publicly during Monday’s meeting.

The air rights abandonment vote follows a precedence that has been set at other resort properties, such as Bonita Beach on 81st Street and the Breakers Hotel on Third.

County approves $324K to Sheriff for armored vehicle

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) Financial votes in Worcester County have been tight in the months following last year’s elections, with Commissioners Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting, Caryn Abbott and Eric Fiori edging Jim Mitrecic, Diane Purnell and Ted Elder on multiple cost-saving endeavors.

But the roles reversed on Tuesday when that same majority opened up the county’s wallet with $321,833 for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to buy an armored rescue vehicle (ARV).

The request was pulled from the consent agenda, a portion of the overall agenda often comprised of run-ofthe-mill or previously discussed items bunched together under a sin-

gle motion.

Mitrecic pulled the memo for the request, which stated that FY24 funding of up to $324,000 was available for the purchase.

“For the last two years I’ve been against this purchase,” Mitrecic said. “I don’t think it’s a wise use of the county taxpayers’ money in this case. I believe he said it could have been used 41 times in the last 10 years so I’m not sure if that’s wise and I can’t support it.”

After the meeting, Bertino explained his vote by describing the ARV as a “necessary piece of equipment for law enforcement.”

And Sheriff Matt Crisafulli pushed back on the notion that frequency of

See SHERIFF Page 21

Board gives over ESSER books

Continued from Page 16

mentary School, Snow Hill Elementary School and Pocomoke Elementary School by one classroom apiece, plus additional staff compensation.

Savage said that ESSER grants have funded 30 new restricted positions since FY22.

“As we work through the data we’ll continue to focus on how or if the other grants will affect the operating budget in the future,” she said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if future maintenance-of-effort funding levels — a “big if” — would hinder the school system’s ability to receive more from such grant funds.

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said it would depend on whether additional funding from the state was a factor, but that it could.

After the meeting, Bertino said he

was “very pleased” with the information provided thus far by the board of education.

It’ll take some time to parse through it all — hence the two sides still working now into FY24 — but that’s not unreasonable considering that county staff has received around 9,000 pages of documentation to this point.

“We’re doing our due diligence. We had asked for the ESSER grant information a year ago and we just got it in late May. It takes some time to digest that,” Bertino said.

“Our role is not to micromanage the board of education but to understand where the money we allocate is going. It’s a learning curve for the county government to better understand. That’s what we’re doing right now.”

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The former Majestic Hotel between Sixth and Seventh streets on the Boardwalk will be redeveloped after a new owner bought the property last year. City Council members voted this week to relinquish air rights over the property for the project.

The Worcester County Commissioners approved the formulation of a committee that will look at ways to create policy for future school construction projects. The commissioners hope the committee can form by August and have something to present by late September, when they will check in on the Buckingham Elementary School replacement project.

Worcester creates school construction policy committee

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) With the all-new Buckingham Elementary School project in Berlin in its infancy stages, Worcester County is seizing on the timing to formulate a policy for future school construction needs.

In a 6-to-1 vote, the commissioners approved the formulation of a committee to work on that priority in short order, with the committee possibly coming together by the Aug. 2 commissioners meeting. The expectation is that the committee will have something to present by late September when it’s likely the commissioners will check on the Buckingham Elementary project.

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young, in broaching the subject, explained that the State of Maryland provides a dollar-for-dollar match of capital funding toward county schools up to a certain square footage.

The size and layout of a new school’s design is dependent on several factors, including but not limited to site conditions, classroom size and number of students. County funds would be the sole resource for all of a school’s footprint that exceeds the formula’s restrictions.

Gov. Wes Moore’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget lists four elementary schools — Buckingham Elementary, two schools in Frederick County and another in Baltimore City. Buckingham’s formula maximum is listed at 65,218 gross square feet, while the proposed replacement comes in at 102,968 gross square feet or about 196.88 gross square feet per student.

The other elementary schools also exceed the state’s formula, but Buckingham Elementary shows the most disparity,

Young pointed out that Buckingham Elementary and at least one of the other elementary schools is a Title I school, meaning they come with additional programming such as Judith P. Hoyer Center Early Learning Hubs (JUDY centers), which require additional square footage.

Essentially, the state is willing to fund half of the first 65,218 square footage of the proposed 102,968-square-foot replacement school.

“Given the nature of the Buckingham project in its early stages, this is an opportune time for a discussion of this nature,” Young said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino proposed the committee, saying that it should include Young at the helm, plus the county’s procurement officer and engineer. A representative from the board of education should also be included.

“I’d very much like to see a group formulated that would have a very short timeline of about a month to come up with recommendations,” Bertino said.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic voted in opposition to the motion.

Sheriff says ARV enhances protection for staff, citizens

Continued from Page 18

usage made it an illogical purchase — a single life saved would justify it.

“It helps protect not only my deputies but also helps to protect the people we are entrusted to serve,” he said. “We hope that we don’t have to use this vehicle … If you can save one human life with a piece of equipment like this, you will never be able to put a price tag on it.”

Crisafulli added that in a coastal town, its value goes beyond more

High speed chase

Joshua Michael Permenter, 22, of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, received 34 charges from the Ocean City Police Department, including attempting to elude police, failure to stop after being involved in an accident that resulted in bodily injury and driving on a suspended license, according to a police report.

On Friday, June 26, around 8 p.m., police responded to a midtown hotel in response to a domestic dispute. When they arrived, a black Mercedes “aggressively” drove out of the hotel parking lot. The driver was later identified as Permenter.

Officers activated emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop. Permenter accelerated instead of stopping. In the pursuit, Permenter turned through the 28th Street traffic light while the light was red. Vehicles swerved to avoid the Mercedes and crashed into each other, police said.

Police continued following him southward on Philadelphia Avenue, and estimated his speed to be around 118 mph where the limit was 35 mph.

common uses like hostage situations, serving high-risk warrants and in general providing more adequate cover for his deputies in volatile situations.

“(It) can also be used in natural disasters,” he said. “(During a flood) you can roll this ARV into the area to rescue individuals who may be trapped in automobiles, in their residences. Living close to the beach, there is a high probability for natural disasters, water rescues, things like that.”

At one point, Permenter drove onto the sidewalk to pass another car.

At the Eighth Street intersection, which had a red stop signal, Permenter tried to change lanes to pass stopped cars. He crashed the Mercedes into the rear of another car and ended up hitting three other cars before coming to a stop, according to police.

At that point, police said, Permenter got out of his car and ran west, then returned to the scene and sat on the sidewalk appearing to be a bystander.

While talking to witnesses, officers found and arrested him.

Several ambulances responded, and Philadelphia avenue was shut down for an hour-and-a-half. Twelve people were involved in the crash, including four children.

One person complained that their head hurt and was taken to TidalHealth Hospital.

Police found that Permenter was driving on a suspended license.

Once in custody, Permenter allegedly told police he was going to jail for a long time.

Continued on Page

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Worcester County Commissioners approved the purchase of an armored rescue vehicle (ARV) for the Sheriff’s Office at around $323,000, on Tuesday. Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said that such a vehicle is extremely value in a multitude of situations, such as hostage negotiations, high-risk warrant serving and natural disaster response.

Knupp case defendants seek venue change

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) July 11 will mark one year since the hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of 14year-old Ocean Pines resident Gavin Knupp.

In the months since, the Knupp family has formed a charity in his honor, the community and many local businesses have posted signs calling for justice and the Worcester County courts have scheduled a trial date for suspected driver Tyler Mailloux, a 22-year-old Berlin resident.

Now, citing all the publicity and social media commentary about the case, attorneys for Mailloux are asking the court for a change of venue.

The motion asking for the change was filed by Mailloux’s attorneys on June 16. The defense claims in the

motion that the widespread publicity given to the incident locally has created prejudice against Mailloux across Worcester County.

Mailloux’s attorneys argue that because of the news coverage, road signs, public demonstrations, harassment of Mailloux and his family, and social media presence like that of the Do It For Gavin Facebook group, the defendant would not be able to receive a fair and impartial trial inside the county even with the vetting of jury members.

In a response to the motion, the office of State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser argued that the defense’s argument fails to show that news coverage has been consistently negative toward the defendant and that many of the stories do not name Mailloux.

The prosecutors also note that the

social media activity involving posts related to the trial or to Mailloux cannot be directly attributed to Worcester County residents, and that the defense hasn’t shown how the coverage would prejudice Mailloux, nor why jury selection couldn’t address the issue.

“Extensive knowledge in the community of either the crime or the criminal is not sufficient, by itself, to render a trial constitutionally unfair,” prosecutors wrote in the response.

The judge has not yet made a decision on the motion.

Tiffany Knupp, Gavin’s mother, made a post on the Do It For GavinJustice for Gavin Facebook group on Saturday, asking all media to direct questions to the family’s attorney Neil Dubovsky, saying that the next few weeks will be very emotional for the Knupp family and their friends.

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of Gavin’s passing, the Knupp family remains as committed as ever to honoring Gavin’s legacy and making sure that justice is served,” Dubovsky said in a statement. “We have complete trust and confidence in the State’s Attorney’s office to that end.”

The Do It For Gavin Facebook group has more than 23,000 members who post in remembrance of Gavin, in support of the family, and to spread hopes for justice.

On Sunday, group member Terry Beach, Gavin Knupp’s grandfather, posted in the Facebook group, sharing pictures of Gavin crabbing with him on July Fourth weekend of last year. Beach wrote that he and his two sons, Ray Knupp, Gavin’s father, and Roger Knupp, Gavin’s uncle, went crabbing again on Saturday for the first time since that weekend last year.

Heiser filed 17 charges against Mailloux on April 28, about nineand-a-half months after Gavin’s death. Of the 17 charges, four are felonies, two of which carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. All the charges are related to Mailloux’s alleged failures to stop at the scene or later report it.

On May 17, the court scheduled Mailloux’s trial for Sept. 11-14 at the Worcester County Circuit Court in Snow Hill.

An OC Today article from May 25 stated that the trial days would be split between Judge Brett W. Wilson and Judge Brian Shockley, which is how the scheduling on Maryland Case Search was originally listed.

Mailloux’s case page was later changed so that Wilson will oversee all four days of the trial and the motion hearing on Aug. 18.

Attorney George Psoras Jr., of Rice Murtha & Psoras LLC, in Lutherville will represent Mailloux, while the prosecution will include Heiser and Paul Haskell, also from the State’s Attorney’s office.

Mailloux’s initial appearance in court, which had been scheduled for May 31, was canceled, because the reasons for the appearance were to advise Mailloux of his charges and alert him to the right to have an attorney.

If a defendant already has an attorney, the meeting is not necessary, Heiser said.

Almost one year ago, Gavin’s sister, Summer Knupp, who is now 17, picked Gavin up from a friend’s house around 10:45 p.m. on July 11, 2022. While driving west on Gray’s Corner Road on the way back to their mother’s house, the two stopped. Gavin allegedly left the car to take a picture of a taxidermy deer mount on the side of the road. While crossing back across the street, a vehicle heading east struck him.

Summer Knupp reportedly tried to perform CPR on her brother before first responders took him to Atlantic General Hospital.

Gavin was pronounced dead at AGH.

On July 17, 2022 police discovered a black Mercedes that had damage consistent with the hit in the garage of Ralph DeAngelus, a local businessman. Maryland State Police took the vehicle for processing.

Mailloux is the son of DeAngelus’s girlfriend, Kearston Frey.

Second Gavin Knupp Paddle

The

Tiffany Knupp, Gavin’s mother, posted the event on the Do It For Gavin Facebook group early this week. People are welcome to join as community members swim into the ocean on surfboards in remembrance of Gavin at 5 p.m., Tiffany Knupp wrote. The paddle out takes place on the one-year anniversary

of the hit-and-run accident that resulted in Gavin’s death.

Gavin was an avid angler, hunter, skater and surfer.

The family held the first paddle out for Gavin on July 23, 2022, which was organized by the Ocean City Surf Club. About 250 surfers and roughly 400 others attended.

As of Wednesday, 31 people had marked “going” on the Facebook event listing, and 88 people marked “interested.”

second Gavin Knupp Memorial Paddle Out will take place at 4 p.m., July, 11, on the beach at 36th Street.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

This week you are surrounded by a heightened sense of romance. It could be from reading a favorite book or watching a beloved movie, Aries. Use it to spice up your love life.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, something you desperately need seems to be missing from your life right now. It’s more than a misplaced item. Focus your attention this week on figuring out what it is.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Try not to listen to any gossip this week, Gemini. It will only frustrate you and could put you further out of sorts. Avoid people who love to talk about others for the time being.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Is there a luxury you have been craving lately, Cancer? You could be very tempted to give in and make a purchase this week, even if your finances may not be on solid ground. Be careful.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, your emotions will be all over the place the next couple of days. This turmoil may compromise your usual objectivity as well as your good sense. Try to talk your feelings through.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, your imagination knows no bounds this week. If you’re ready to delve into a creative project, do so now when you have a lot of ideas and outside inspiration.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You could have doubts about a friend you thought was close to you. Has this person promised to do you a favor and didn’t deliver, Libra? Be patient before you draw conclusions.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Feelings of confusion may get in the way of your ability to make sound decisions this week, Scorpio. You might need to lighten your load, since you often take on too much.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, do not get into an argument with someone who has a different opinion from your own. Ask to get more information about why he or she sees things in a particular way.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

A bothersome feeling may persist for much of the week, Capricorn. It’s almost as if you’ve forgotten to do something but do not know what. All will be revealed in due time.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, be prepared to be a listening ear to a friend or loved one who needs to work through a few issues. You are able to give trusted advice in this matter.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Listen carefully and take notes when someone at work provides directions for an upcoming task, Pisces. You don’t want to make any mistakes as it could delay the project.

Homemade potato salad popular dish

served in summer

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(July 7, 2023) Summer is officially here! Vacationers are flocking to the Eastern Shore to soak up the sun and pig out on the Boardwalk.

Picnics, barbeque, and parties are gearing up as friends and family gather for a fun time.

Potato salad is a popular summer dish. However, I have never tasted storebought potato salad that strikes my fancy. Homemade potato salad is the only way to go.

Credit must be given where credit is due, my mother’s potato salad is delicious. I have revised her recipe with a modern twist. Following are a few helpful hints for the best potato salad.

Placing the raw potatoes in cold water and allowing them to heat up gradually versus placing them in boiling water allows the potatoes to cook more evenly.

That being said, there is a fine line for under cooked, perfectly cooked, and over cooked potatoes. Once the potatoes are almost done, you need to constantly check them for doneness. Adding a mixture of rice vinegar and chicken stock to the hot potatoes gives them more flavor. Hot potatoes are more conducive for soaking up additional flavors.

Have you ever wondered why your potato salad gets soggy after a few days? Vegetables have a lot of natural juices, so it is imperative to squeeze out the excess.

Also, salt has a tendency to extract the natural juices. To solve the problem is easy. After you chop your celery, green pepper, and onion, use paper towels to squeeze out the excess liquid.

Bacon is a key ingredient for this recipe. I find the thick bacon stands up to the potatoes better than regular sliced bacon. Also, coarsely chop the bacon for more of a wow factor.

The recipe calls for 1½ cups of mayonnaise. If you prefer more or less, feel free to adjust according to personal preference.

Yukon Golf, all-purpose white potatoes, and redskin potatoes are the preferred choice for potato salad. They have less starch and will retain their shape.

Potato salad can be made with boiled or grilled potatoes. The skins on boiled potatoes should be removed.

If you are going to grill the potatoes, leave the skin on. Simply place the cooked potatoes, cut side down, on the grill to obtain char marks.

Dressings for potato salad include mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce, bacon drippings, Italian dressing, hot sauce, etc. I like to keep it simple, just add mayo and allow the ingredients to shine.

In closing, it is important to cherish heirloom recipes. Homemade dishes take time but they are well worth the extra effort.

But more importantly, it keeps the memory of loved ones alive. Food is seasoned with love and that is what makes it special.

Entertaining deserves exceptional attentiveness. The next time potato salad is on the menu, consider making homemade potato salad or grilled potato salad. Trust me, your family and guests will love this recipe. Enjoy!

Grilled Potato Salad

Ingredients

5 pounds, Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into half 4 celery stalks (including the See CLASSIC Page 26

Classic, grilled recipe perfect for gatherings

Continued from Page 25

leaves), chopped

1 large green pepper, seeded, stem removed, and chopped

1 medium sweet onion, chopped

1 ½ pounds thick bacon, coarsely chopped

5 large hard-boiled eggs, coarsely chopped

2 cups rice vinegar

2 cups chicken stock

1 ½ cups Hellmann’s mayonnaise

2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus salt to taste

1. Place bacon in a large sauté pan and cook until it is crispy. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and blot off any excess drippings.

When the bacon has cooled, coarsely chop, and set aside. Save bacon drippings for future use.

2. Place eggs in a small pot of simmering water, make sure the eggs are completely covered in water. Once the water returns to a hard simmer, cook for 12 minutes. Remove pot from the stove, empty hot water, and run cold water to stop the cooking process. When the eggs have cooled, peel, coarsely chop, and set aside.

3. Place potatoes in a large pot of cold water, add 2 teaspoons of salt. Allow water to come to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook potatoes until fork tender.

4. Cut potatoes in half, and place

Ocean City art league opens July exhibits, 5-7 p.m. today

(July 7, 2023) The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to five new art shows opening from 5-7 p.m., today, July 7, at. First Friday reception at the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 94th Street bayside. Admission is free with complimen-

tary beverages sponsored by PKS Investments and hors d’oeuvres sponsored by Surf House Properties.

The gallery offerings were detailed in a news release.

The Thaler Gallery will host an exSee EVAN Page 29

them, cut side down, on the grill for 4 minutes to achieve a char.

5. In the meantime, chop the celery, green pepper, and onion. Using paper towels, squeeze the excess liquid out of the vegetables. Set aside.

6. Using a microwavable bowl, combine the rice vinegar and chicken stock, and microwave for 2 minutes.

7. When the potatoes are done, drain all the water and place them in a large bowl with the rice wine mixture and allow the potatoes to soak

the chicken stock mixture for 1 minute. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and transfer to a large clean bowl.

8 Add the chopped celery, green peppers, sweet onions, bacon, eggs, and mayonnaise to the potatoes. Mix well and salt to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Secret Ingredient – Homemade Recipes “A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.”

CROSSWORD

NOW PLAYING

HAPPY HOUR | SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

THE ANGLER RESTAURANT

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

July 7: Lauren Glick, 5 p.m.

July 8: Bilenki Duo, 5 p.m.

July 9: Full Disclosure, 5 p.m.

July 11: Chris Sacks, 5 p.m.

July 12: Kasey Briggs, 5 p.m.

July 13: Charlie Travers, 5 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com

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

CAROUSEL BEACH BAR - TSUNAMI

In the Carousel Hotel, 118th Street, Ocean City 410-524-1000 / www.carouselhotel.com

July 7: DJ Nigel, 7-9 p.m.

July 8: DJ Nigel, 7-9 p.m.

July 9: Chino Rankin, 5-8 p.m.

July 13: Chino Rankin, 5-8 p.m.

CARRIBBEAN POOL BAR

In the Plim Plaza Hotel

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

July 7: The Rogue Citizens, 1-5 p.m.; Charles Kavoossi Band, 7-11 p.m.

July 8: Lime Green, 1-5 p.m.; Dust N Bones, 7-11 p.m.

July 9: No Byscuyts, 1-5 p.m.; Family Tradition, 7-11 p.m.

July 10: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.; Ryan Jackson, 7-11 p.m.

July 11: Shane Gamble, 1-5 p.m.; Ray Holiday, 7-11 p.m.

July 12: Fil Rhythm, 1-5 p.m.; Shane Gamble, 7-11 p.m.

July 13: Colossal Fossil Sauce, 1-5 p.m.; One Night Stand, 7-11 p.m.

COCONUT’S BAR & GRILLE

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

July 7: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; Lime Green Band, 5-9 p.m.

July 8: The Everafter, noon to 4 p.m.; Royal Flush Band, 5-9 p.m.

July 9: Heather Vidal, noon to 3 p.m.; Rick & Regina, 4-8 p.m.

July 10: Sean Loomis, noon to 3 p.m.; Chris Sacks Duo, 4-8 p.m.

July 11: Jack Bannon, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Full Circle, 3:30-7:30 p.m.; Movie Night, 8 p.m.

July 12: Shortcut Sunny, noon to 3 p.m. Bilenki duo, 4-8 p.m.

July 13: Kevin Poole Solo, noon to 3 p.m. The Chest Pains, 4-8 p.m.

COINS

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

July 7: Mercury Agenda, 8 p.m.

July 8: Jim Long, Get Off the Beach Party 3:30-6:30 p.m.; First Class, 8 p.m.

Every Tuesday: Karaoke w/DJ Jeremy, 9 p.m.

July 12: “Support your local bartender night” featuring DJ Wax, 9 p.m.

HAMMERHEADS RAW BAR & GRILL

Carribbean Pool Bar

Saturday, July 8, 1-5 p.m.

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

July 7: Brendan Lane, 7-11 p.m.

July 8: Joey Harkum, 2-5 p.m. ($600/Duo); Kavoosi, 7-11 p.m.

July 9: Anna Burgess

MACKY’S BAYSIDE BAR & GRILL

54th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-723-5565 / mackys.com

July 7: DJ Casper, 10 p.m.

July 8: DJ Vybe, 10 p.m.

July 9: Trivia w/Brandon Speedbump Myers –Twisted Tea & Twisted Tea Whisky

PICKLE’S PUB

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

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

July 8: Rogue Citizens, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

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

July 10: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

July 11: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

July 12: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

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

SEACRETS

49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City

410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com

July 7: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Jah Works, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Stealing Savanah, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

July 8: Bobby-O on De Bay, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Tuff, noon to 2 a.m.; Stealing Savanah, 1-5 p.m.; Jah Works, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Coming Alive, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Kristen & the Noise, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

July 9: DJ Connair on De Bay; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 4-8 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; I&I Riddim Reggae, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Night Anthem, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

July 10: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Blake Haley, 5-9 p.m.; I&I Riddim Reggae, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Cherry Crush Band, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

July 11: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; New Direction, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

July 12: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; New Direction, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Connair, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Fortunate Youth, 9 p.m. to midnight

July 13: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; Anthem, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Go Go

Gadjet, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

WHISKER’S BAR & GRILL

11070 Cathell Road, Suite 17, Pines Plaza, Ocean Pines 410-208-3922 /www.whiskersbar.com

July 7: Dance with Beats by Followers, 8 p.m.

July 10: Industrial Night, 8 p.m.

July 11: Ladies Night and Karaoke w/Wood

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

PHIL PERDUE ON PIANO

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS

CAPTAINSTABLEOC.COM

15TH STREET & BOARDWALK

@CAPTAINSTABLEOC

LIME GREEN

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ ANGLER RESTAURANT

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

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

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

■ ANTHONY’S CARRYOUT

1608 N Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, (corner of 17th and Coastal Hwy) 410-213-4803, anthonyscarryoutoc.com

$$ | Sandwich shop

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

■ CABANAS BEACH BAR & GRILLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open to the public. A full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner inside and Signature smash burgers, fresh cut fries, handhelds, signature salads, and much more. Indoor and outdoor bar. Fresh squeezed crushes, frozen drinks, tropical libations. Dine in or carry out. Open 7 days a week starting with breakfast 8-11 a.m. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at least 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bar is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at least midnight Friday and Saturday.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-2897192, www.captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Visit Captain’s Table for seafood, steaks, lobster specials and martinis; Open for breakfast and dinner everyday; Breakfast, Monday and Friday, 7:3010:30am, Saturday and Sunday, 7:30-11:30am; Dinner, Monday through Thursday, 4-9pm, Friday through Sunday 4-10pm. Come hear Phil Perdue live on piano, Friday and Saturday nights from 59pm.

■ CARUSO’S PIZZA & SUBS

Downtown & Boardwalk across from Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Ocean City, 410-289-1990, oceancitymdpizza.com

$$ | Kids’ menu

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 25:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

Caroline St, Wicomico St. & South Division St. on the boardwalk, Ocean City www.dumsers-

dairyland.com

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

■ FISHTALES BAR & GRILL

21st Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-2890990

$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ HAMMERHEADS RAW BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy the best food, drinks, and view that Ocean City has to offer on our ocean front deck. Grab a table up against the boardwalk for some great people to watch while enjoying some of the local’s favorite food, such as the seafood steam pots and 1/2 lb burgers, or our creative cocktails like the shark tank and rum punch bucket. Take a break from the beach with a cool frozen drink or one of our refreshing fresh squeezed fruit crushes. Open 7 days a week noon to 10 p.m. Dine in or carry out is available.

■ HARBOR WATCH

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

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

Join us for our award-winning Raw Bar where you will find the most fresh, off-the-boat seafood!

Featuring the best views of the Inlet and Assateague Island, dine in for our unlimited sides and certified Angus Beef steaks. Open everyday at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Authentic Jamaican Food in Ocean City. From the authentic jerk chicken to the mouth-watering oxtail, your taste buds are sure to thank you. Serving lunch and dinner. Two born and raised in Jamaica island boys decided they would bring the true Jamaican food experience – spices and all, that millions enjoy every year when they visit the island of Jamaica. Starter with Yaries jerk wings, soups, salads, chicken, seafood, beef, oxtails to curry goat and coco breads. Finish off a delicious meal with Jamaican rum cake and fried sweet plantains. Also, available are vegan options. The combination of a great beach town and authentic Jamaican food will definitely give you that true island feeling. Open 7 days a week. Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIZZA MAMBO

710 Philadelphia Ave., between 7th and 8th Streets, Ocean City 410-289-1200; 7205

Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-524-0090, ocpizzamambo.com

$$ | Kids’ menu

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

■ TOAST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

221 Wicomico St, Downtown Ocean City, Inside Emerson Towers on the Bay 410-237-7070, www.toastocmd.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Serving NY specialty pizzas, home of the Super Slice Challenge, brunch breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches & subs, Italian & Seafood. Relocated to Ocean City’s downtown bayfront. Check out Facebook for daily specials, days & hours open. Dine in and carry out available. Open 7 days a week. Serving brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner 3-9 p.m. Happy Hour 1-6 p.m.

■ THE WEDGE 806 South Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

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

MIDTOWN

■ 32 PALM

brand. Reef 118 Restaurant, Saturday through Sunday, 7-11 a.m. buffet or A la carte. Serving Dinner; Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Bistro, Friday, 3-10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reef 118 Restaurant, Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails in the Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

7009 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 410-524-7171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

The ultimate all-you-care-to-eat seafood and prime rib buffet. 150 feet of delicious food with prime rib carving to order station, chicken, ham, steamed and fried shrimp, briskets, salad and soup bars, homemade desserts, and so much more. Crab legs are available by the pound. Check out the early bird specials. A special section of foods for children when the kids are happy so are the parents. Plenty of seating for large parties. Call for reservations. Voted the best buffet in Ocean City for 6 years. Open 7 days a week, Monday through Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m.; and Sunday, 4 p.m.

■ MARLIN MOON

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

Eat where the locals eat! Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon delivers the culinary combinations you’re craving and uses only locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables. Open all year round daily featuring a great selection of entrees, small plates, appetizers, and creatively crafted cocktails. Breakfast, 7:3011am; Lite Fare, 11am to 10pm; Dinner, 4-10pm.

■ MACKY’S BAYSIDE

54th Street & The Bay, Ocean City 410-7235565, info@macky.com

$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill, where life is good! Macky’s is open daily during the season and features chef inspired specials, an awesome happy hour, and the best bayside sunset on the Eastern Shore. Visit mackys.com to check out our music schedule and upcoming events. Come hang out where life is good, Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill open all summer long!

■ PGN 29th Street, Ocean City, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-8380, 410-289-4083, www,pgncrabhouse.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & Wine

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

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

to 90th streets UPTOWN

■ BAHAMA’S CRAB SHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Hwy, Fenwick 302-537-5882

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

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

Enjoy one of four restaurants in the Carousel. Serving breakfast; The Bistro, Saturday through Sunday, 7-11 a.m. proudly serving Starbuck’s

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.

■ SQUARZ PIZZA & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ WHISKER’S PUB

11805 Coastal Hwy., Located in the Ocean City Square Shopping Center 410-524-2609, whiskerspub.com

$$/$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Under new management. Serving lunch and dinner with new menu items. Finger foods, savory sandwiches, soups, salads, and delicious entrees. One of the highlights is the famous burgers. High quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. Also, serving fresh seafood, steaks, and chef’s special dishes. Open 7 days a week at 3 p.m. Happy Hour, daily, 4-7 p.m. Dine in, carry out and curbside pickup. Come for the food and stay for the fun.

■ 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. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday. Carry out also available.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, 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 daily at 11 a.m.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistr

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

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

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

■ PIZZA TUGOS

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

Evan Fitzgerald’s work to be on display at Thaler Gallery

Continued from Page 26

hibition by Evan Fitzgerald of Berlin, called “Persona.” Fitzgerald paints on wood panels and allows the surface of the wood to remain visible with transparent paint.

The word persona is rooted in the Latin word for a theatrical mask. Carl Jung described persona as a social mask with different masks for different settings.

Fitzgerald’s paintings obscure the subject’s face so their headdresses are the focal point with the individual a pedestal for displaying the objects.

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

Elvin Hernandez, professor of art at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, juried the show and selected the winners, who will be awarded cash prizes during the reception on First Friday.

Studio E features Susan Hunsberger of Laurel, Delaware. Her focus is primarily mixed media using acrylic and colored pencil with add fabric collage.

“Using the collage gives me the freedom to break free and play with

color and design,” Hunsberger said in the release.

She is influenced by poster art, particularly Mucha and Peter Max, stained glass design, and portrait art of the past.

Sheryl Pond of Ocean View, Delaware, is the Spotlight Gallery artist for July. Calling herself an “art journalist” who focuses on what gives her joy, she fills journals with doodles, watercolors, drawings and sketches, playing with insects and butterflies, modifying sizes, shapes, and body colors to suit her whimsy.

Pat Fecko of Millville, Delaware, will show her artwork in the Artisan Showcase in July. She works mainly in watercolors and has received numerous awards for her artwork.

The artwork of Emil Markulis continues showing in the Staircase Gallery.

Art shows at the Art League’s satellite galleries are all new in July. Debbi Dean, of Berlin, exhibits her work at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street and Coastal Highway. The abstract, mixed media, and pyrography artist is a hunter/gatherer by nature, searching for found objects such as feathers, shells, sea glass, wood, or any discarded item to use in her work.

Barbara Stepura of White Plains, Maryland, opens a show of paintings in the Princess Royale lobby at 9100 Coastal Hwy. She enjoys painting “en plein air” as a lover of the outdoors and finds the experience of translating her view of nature to canvas captivating.

Rescheduled Arts Day in the Pines set for Sunday, July 9

(July 7, 2023) The Art League of Ocean City’s free Arts Day in the Pines event is set for Sunday, July 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocean Pines. The event was rescheduled from June 24 due to inclement weather.

The event will feature more than 40 artisans offering original arts and crafts including pottery, paintings, glassware, fiber art, jewelry, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and buy directly from them.

“Veterans Memorial Park is a new location for us this year, and we are so excited to expand and grow this event even bigger than before,” Aubrey Sizemore, Art League Event Coordinator, said in a news release. “We had over 7,000 people attend Arts Day last year, so everyone loves the fun for the whole family. Bring a chair and stay all day.”

Musical artists will perform origi-

nal pieces throughout the day. Radio Ocean City will feature kids’ contests with prizes including gift cards to area businesses, Fisher’s popcorn, and items from their businesses. Food trucks will offer a variety of fare. Beer and wine will also be available.

Children’s and family activities include bouncy houses, youth plein air painting, bubbles, coloring, geocaching, face painting, pipe cleaner art, planting, and tie dying. Special art classes for adults will include creating mini mosaic jewelry pendants and paint-alongs for an extra fee.

Sponsors for the event are the Ocean Pines Association, Ocean Pines Recreation & Parks, Bluebird Farms, Dr. Bob Hieronimus, Fish Tales, Ocean Downs Casino, Old Pro Golf, The Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club, Knights of Columbus, and Positive Energy.

For more information, visit OCart.org or call 410-524-9433.

Evan Fitzgerald

Art league invites kids to take part in painting event

(July 7, 2023) In conjunction with the annual Artists Paint OC Plein Air competition this August, the Art League of Ocean City is hosting a new event for kids through the month of July.

The first-ever Kids Paint OC began July 1 and will run through July 31, with kids ages 6-17 of all abilities invited to create artwork outdoors anywhere in Ocean City, West Ocean City or Assateague Island. The contest is free to enter and entries must be turned in before Aug. 3.

Artists may use their own supplies (paint, pencil, marker, or any 2D medium on paper or canvas) or pick up a free kit at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. One entry per artists is accepted and pieces must be 8-by-10 or 11-by-14 inches. Entries do not need to be framed.

Cash prizes of $500 will be awarded in each age category (6-9, 10-12, 13-17) and for a people’s choice award. All artwork will be displayed during a show set for Sunday, Aug.13. The first 100 contestants to return artwork to the OC Center for the Arts will receive a free “Kids Paint OC” T-shirt.

Drop off entries with completed forms to the OC Center for the Arts by Aug. 3, open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Award-winning artwork will remain on display through Sept. 30.

Denk named Crafter of the Month for June

(July 7, 2023) The Pine’eer Craft Club recently announced Ocean Pines resident Diane Denk as the June 2023 Crafter of the Month.

Denk relocated in 2017 after retiring from the Philly and Wilmington areas. She had a long career as an executive administrator and is thrilled to enjoy the crafting time that retirement affords her.

Diane’s craft is crocheting. And since she started working with it in her twenties, she has been perfecting her art for some time.

Denk’s signature shop piece is 100 percent cotton CRAB coasters. They are very popular in the artisan gift shop. Other handcrafted crocheted pieces include baby and birthday gifts like hooded baby blankets, octopus, headbands, prayer squares, ponchos, water bottle holders, hats, scarves, cowls, fingerless gloves, tooth pouches, girls capelette, shawls, mermaid cocoons, toddler sweaters, cosmetic bags, washcloths, Swiffer dry mop covers, and more.

Denk joined the Pine’eer Craft Club almost as soon as she moved to the area and is a former craft shop manager. She is very active in the Ocean Pines community and serves as a member of Kiwanis of Ocean Pines/Ocean City, Pinochle in the Pines, Widow and Widowers Club, Line Dancing Group, Fiber Friends, and a former Secretary of Delmarva Dancing.

“Two years ago, I initiated Desserts in the Park in connection with Rec and Parks ‘Concerts in the Park’ every Thursday night from June 22 through August 24, from 7 to 9 p.m.,” Denk said in a news release. “Our talented club members bake individual delicious homemade goodies to be purchased by concert goers. It means you can enjoy something yummy while listening to great music, and we

can raise more money for the club and community!”

To see Denk’s crocheted works and more creations, visit the Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop. The shop is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., except holidays.

The club is always seeking new crafters and meetings are open to the public. Artisans who would like to sell creations at the shop are encouraged to contact shop managers Debbie Jiwa or Barbara Herzog, or email opcraftclub@aol.com for more information.

Since its inception, the craft club has donated nearly $179,000 back to Ocean Pines. The club has been handcrafting in Ocean Pines for 49 years.

Ocean Pines resident Diane Denk poses with some of her handmade crochet items. Denk was recently named the June Crafter of the Month by the Ocean Pines Pine’eer Craft Club.

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 7

CHURCH YARD SALE

Taylorville United Methodist, 11252 Adkins Road, Berlin, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Last yard sale … everything must go. Proceeds to be used for community outreach.

PRESENTATION AND BOOK SIGNING WITH MARK LANDRY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.

Featuring “Beach Patrol: Lifeguarding in Ocean City, MD 1966-1974.” Author will present his perspective of that time capsule and share stories from his recent book, and sign purchased copies.

STEAM SOCIAL

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

DIY BEADED BRACELETS & ANKLETS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Pop into the library to create your own beaded bracelet or anklet. All supplies provided. For teens and adults. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City, 5-7 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and see the new exhibits. Free event. All are welcome. Satellite galleries at the Coffee Beanery and Princess Royale. artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433

Sat., July 8

CHURCH YARD SALE

Taylorville United Methodist, 11252 Adkins Road, Berlin, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Last yard sale … everything must go. Proceeds to be used for community outreach.

PATRIOTIC PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8-11 a.m, Cost is $9 for adults and free to children 9 years and younger. Tickets: https://kiwanisofopoc.org/pancake-breakfast-1. Benefiting The Kiwanis Club.

TINKER TIME: LETTER WRITING STATION

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime and visit the letter writing station and pen a note to a friend. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-3 p.m

A ranger-led adventure featuring crafts, puppets, stories and cool props from Assateague Island National Seashore. Children and their families are invited. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STEM SATURDAYS

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

FAMILY LIBRARY DAY - MAZES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10 a.m.-noon. Join in for a variety of maze games and puzzles for the whole family. For all ages. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHILDREN’S CRAFTS IN THE COURTYARD

Art League of Ocean City - Courtyard, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Engage in hands-on activities from painting to paper crafts and beyond. In case of inclement weather, classes will be held inside. Held every Saturday until Labor Day. artleagueofoceancity.org

SUMMER MUSIC @ FURNACE TOWN: BRYAN AND THE BARN OWLS

Furnace Town Historic Site (Nassawango Iron Furnace), 3816 Old Furnace Road, Snow Hill, 5-8 p.m. Tickets Free-$10. Furnace Town is excited to welcome Bryan and the Barn Owls to Furnace Town for some good ol’ Americana music. Come on out for food, music, and more. 410-632-2032

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.

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. Speaker will be Carter Drab who has been bow fishing the Delmarva area for snakeheads, rays and skates. Also, members will share updates on any fishing regulations, trip, etc. All welcome. Jack Barnes, 410-641-7662

Sun., July 9

ARTS DAY IN THE PINES

Veterans Memorial Park, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring Kids Zone, art workshops, live music, raffles, over 60 artisans, artist demos, art cars, caricatures, food, beer and wine. Event benefits Art League of Ocean City. artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433

SUNDAES IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Music by Sapphire “The 80s Tribute Band” activities for children and fireworks. Ice cream and beverages for sale. Free event. Bring your picnic basket and beach chairs.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., July 10

STORY TIME: SHARKS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Summer story time about sharks to celebrate shark week. Stories, songs and crafts. For ages 2-5 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

PRESSED FLOWER JARS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. The beautiful pressed-flower-decorated jars are fun and easy to make. Materials provided. Register: 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MONDAY MOVIE MATINEE: SUMMER READING EDITION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. Watch movies related to this year’s summer reading theme. Snacks provided. For ages 4 years and older. 410-2084014, 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

Caroline St. Stage, 2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free event held every Monday from July 10-Aug. 28. Grab your beach chair or blanket for an evening of interactive entertainment hosted by local DJs. For all ages. www.ococean.com, 410-250-0125

FIREWORKS ALONG THE BOARDWALK

2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 9:30 p.m. Dazzling spectacle of fireworks scheduled every Monday night from July 10Aug. 28. www.ococean.com

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., July 11

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

SCALES & TALES W/ASSATEAGUE STATE PARK

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. An environmental education program that gives people the opportunity to see live wildlife up close and personal. For ages 5 years and older. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

WEEGAMERZ VIDEO GAME TRAILER

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Enjoy a wide selection of games in this high-tech and climate controlled video game truck.

Continued on Page 32

CALENDAR

Players play in 20 minute turns. Register: bit.ly/weegamerz-registration. For ages 12 years and older. 410-641-0650

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Suite 104, Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. Group provides discussions and support, along with education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. To reserve: Kay Kinnikin, 410-641-4765.

ZUMBA

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

SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. Bring a song you are working on to this open collaborative. All genres welcome. Present works in progress or talk through composition issues with other songwriters. 410-641-0650

MARYLAND SAFE BOATING COURSE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-9 p.m. Held July 11 and 12. Cost is $20 for both evenings. Register: Barry Cohen, 410935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., July 12

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for a time just for you and your teeny tiny. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years and their caregivers. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

LIBRARY ERESOURCES AT THE 50PLUS CENTER

Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. Bring your eDevices and learn what the library has to offer. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIDGERIDOO DOWN UNDER

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. An energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, art, comedy, anti-bullying and audience participation. Interactive and fun for all ages. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIABETES EDUCATION

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 4-6 p.m. Discussion and education focusing on longterm complications, prevention, screening and foot/wound care. Alyce Marzola, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org

SUMMER SEA GLASS ART

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 5 p.m. Learn how to make summer themed sea glass art. All supplies included. Limit 15. Register: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

ICE CREAM SUNDAE SOCIAL AND FAMILY REGISTRATION

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, 6-8 p.m. Ice cream sundae social and registration for Vacation Bible School Day (July 22). Register at this event or at www.bethanyberlin.org “contact us.” Megan Cooke, 443-614-3870, mjcooke11@gmail.com

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays through Aug. 25 - Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Thurs., July 13

SUMMER SEA GLASS ART

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Learn how to make summer themed sea glass art. All supplies included. Limit 20. Register: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

MISTER DON - INTERACTIVE CHILDREN’S MUSIC!

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Get ready to sing and dance with Mister Don. For ages 3 years and older.

410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OUTDOOR MUSIC & MOVEMENT: JAMMIN’ WITH MR. JAKE!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Join Mr. Jake and his guitar for a fun morning of music. Get ready to shake all those sillies out. For ages 2-5 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Come to the library and bring your boards. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WEEGAMERZ VIDEO GAME TRAILER

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Enjoy a wide selection of games in this high-tech and climate controlled video game truck. Players play in 20 minute turns. Register: bit.ly/weegamerz-registration. For ages 12 years and older. 410-957-0878

TRIVIA WITH THE LIBRARY

Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 2 p.m. Join the Ocean City Library for off site Trivia. Test your knowledge and win prizes. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Registration required: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

TIDES & VINE BOOK CLUB: ‘CUTTING FOR STONE’ BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE

Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 6 p.m. Stop by the Snow Hill Library to pick your book, then meet for an evening of books and wine. Must by 21 years old. Limit 14. Register; 410632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS

Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Free concert featuring Jimmy Charles (modern country). Beverages, including beer, are available for purchase. Bring your own seating. https://ocdc.org, 410-289-7739

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577, BeachSingles.org.

ONGOING EVENTS

FREE SUMMER PROGRAMS

OC Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, July 3-Aug.

25. Held Monday through Saturday, 1010:30 a.m. Mondays feature History of Our Surfmen; Tuesdays, Beach Safety; Wednesdays, Knot Tying; Thursdays, All About Sharks; Fridays, Land, Sky, &

Sea; Saturdays, Aquarium Feeding. www.ocmuseum.org

ALL TOGETHER NOW: COMMUNITY JOURNALING PROJECT

Pocomoke library, 301 Market St., during the month of July. Contribute your ideas, sketches, drawings of favorite memories. Read through pages already filled out to learn about others through their writing and art. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CREATIVE KIDS CORNER

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, all day, every day in July. Come grab an art kit to create at the library or take it with you. Most supplies included. For all ages. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GOTTA CATCH’EM ALL SCAVENGER HUNT! Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, all day, July 3-14. Pick up your Pokedex and scavenger hunt instructions from the library and see how many Pokemon you can find hidden throughout the library. Find them all for a free goodie bag. For ages 5 years and older. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS 2024 “LOTTERY RAFFLE” TICKETS ON SALE

Every Saturday at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $20. A tickets is good for all 365 days of 2024 drawings of the Maryland evening “Pick 3” drawing. There are 17 Special Dates that pay up to $250. See www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

BOOKOPOLY

Held all summer, all day at every Worcester County library branch. Let the game choose your next read. Play a round or a few to try a different genre than you normally read. Book selections for adults and teens. www.worcesterlibrary.org

‘SAVE OUR STORIES’

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is asking community members to send in their accounts as to how COVID19 has impacted them. The submissions can be a specific experience, direct answers to the prompt questions, or a combination. No story is too long or too short. To submit, visit www.ocmuseum.org. Info: Christine@ocmuseum.org.

Crossword answers from page 26

Commercial Warehouses

600 and 800 sq. ft. spaces

West Ocean City and Bishopville, MD

Yearly Leases Only

Call 646-812-1212

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

FULL-TIME MECHANIC for a property maintenance company in Frankford, DE

MINIMUM 3 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR Repair & maintenance for 2 & 4 cycle engines, and trucks.

WE OFFER: Great, competitive pay, paid holidays and vacation, partial health and Simple IRA. Email resume to Gherker@comcast.net or call 610-459-5857

HIRING

THE LOWER SHORE CLINIC IS GROWING!

We are building a new team and expanding our services thanks to a $4 million funding stream. We are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center that offers integrated behavioral health services, outpatient therapy, substance abuse, and primary care services. We offer a rich benefit package, competitive salaries, and tuition assistance. We hope you join our team!

Check out our website lowershoreclinic.org.

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

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

(2) OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS

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

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

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

The Hideaway Restaurant at River Run Golf Club is seeking to build a dynamic team for FOH and BOH. This is your chance to be a part of our exciting rebranding.

Experienced Bartender and Server positions available. Also seeking Experienced BOH that enjoys working with a small, talented team, with a willingness to learn. Experience in a professional kitchen desired, but not required.

APPLY IN PERSON or call KIM at 410-258-3516

Snow Plowers Needed Dependable plowers with truck & insurance for services in Ocean City, Bethany, Lewes and Rehoboth areas.

Call 610-459-5857

Youth/Youth Adult Minister! Tyree AME Church needs creative/energetic person for 12 months, part-time, temporary with possibility of permanent/part-time. Contact tyreeamechurch@gmail.com.

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

HIRING

Code of Enforcement & Building Official. Full-time with benefits for the Town of Selbyville. Complete job description at Selbyville.delaware.gov

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

COMMERCIAL

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

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

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

YARD SALE

Caine Woods

ROOMMATES

House to Share

Fully Furnished Room No Smoking/No Pets

$200 Security Deposit $700 Month/Utilities Included 443-880-2317

REAL ESTATE

OCEAN FRONT PROPERTY BUNTING AVENUE, FENWICK, DE COMING to PUBLIC AUCTION Right on the beach! MORE INFO: www.GreenGavelAuction.com, 302-734-2432

Neighborhood-Wide Yard Sales. 136th-146th Sts., bayside, Ocean City. Sat., 7/8, 8 am-1 pm. Rain date 7/9. Yard Sale Taylorsville Christian Church Friday-Saturday, July 7-8, 2023 7 am to 3 pm 11252 Adkins Road, Berlin, MD

VEHICLES WE BUY CARS Running or not. 302-732-3529

Thunderbird Beach Motel

HIRING NOW FOR:

- FRONT DESK CLERK 4pm-Midnight

- PT NIGHT AUDIT

Midnight-8am

- PT HOUSEKEEPING

Apply in person

Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm. 32nd St. & Baltimore Ave.

LOCAL

443-664-5797

Run your business card in our SERVICE

DIRECTORY

CALL 410-723-6397 for pricing!

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

MISC. FOR SALE

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

MARYLAND

NETWORK FOR SALE

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 877-738-0991.

DISH Network. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855407-6870

MISC. SERVICES

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

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

SERVICES

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

www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC#6258

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

www.CompassionPlace.org

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

(301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

6245 GEORGE ISLAND LANDING RD. STOCKTON, MD 21864

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated November 30, 2016, recorded in Liber 6898, Folio 146 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $51,704.94, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

JULY 11, 2023 AT 4:05 PM

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

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

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

association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 355588-1)

22-000259 and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the Assignees will offer for sale at public auction

AT THE WORCESTER COUNTY CIRCUIT

COURT

ON Monday, July 10, 2023

AT 11:00AM

ALL THAT LOT OF GROUND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON situated in Worcester County, Maryland and described as follows:

See metes and bounds description set forth in that deed dated May 30, 2007 and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber 4952, folio 452. This property is also described as Lot 12 as shown on the plat entitled “Unionville Heights - Annex”, as recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County Maryland in Liber 47, folio 69 containing 47,232.0 square feet of land, more or less.

The property is improved by a dwelling. In fee-simple.

The property and improvements will be sold in an "AS IS" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting same, including building and/or environmental violations, if any, with no warranty, expressed or implied as to the description or condition of the property or improvements.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19637 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM TODD HERSHEY

Notice is given that Melinda H. Houck, 4 Green Beach Drive, Norwalk, CT 06853, was on June 13, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Todd Hershey who died on February 22, 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 13th day of December, 2023.

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

Call: 410-723-6397

Fax: 410-723-6511

legals@oceancitytoday.net

Howard

N.

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

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BRADFORD I. WEBB, ASSIGNEE ANDREW L. HARTMAN, ASSIGNEE

ASSIGNEES' SALE

OF A SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING

1921 Cropper Ct Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Mortgage from Kalisha Sessoms to Rural Housing Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture dated 5/30/2007 and recorded in Liber 4952, Folio 461 among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, the holder of the indebtedness secured by a Mortgage assigned to Bradford I. Webb and Andrew L. Hartman, Assignees by instrument duly executed, acknowledged and recorded among the Land Records of the County aforesaid, default having occurred under the terms thereof, an Order to Docket having been filed C-23-CV-

TERMS OF SALE: A certified check or other method of payment acceptable to Assignees (CASH NOT ACCEPTABLE), for Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) at the time of sale will be required of all purchasers other than the mortgage holder. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid in cash within ten (10) business days of the final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. If payment of the balance does not take place within ten (10) business days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser. Unless purchased by the mortgage holder, interest will be paid on unpaid purchase money at the rate of interest set forth in the note from date of sale to date of settlement. Taxes, public charges and assessments and HOA assessments, if any, to be adjusted for the current year to date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Cost of all transfer and recordation taxes shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for removing anyone in possession of the premises.

If Assignee is unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law or in equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Assignees.

Bradford I Webb, Assignee –410-857-3222

Andrew L Hartman, Assignee –443-825-4065

www.tidewaterauctions.com

Ad #75787

(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.

Melinda H. Houck 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 23, 2023

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WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON

CHRISTOPHER T. WOODLEY ESQ.

33603 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Helen Virginia Keppler who died on March 20, 2014 domiciled in Florida, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Christopher T. Woodley whose address is 3509 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.

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

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

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

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

Mary Ann Calero

Foreign Personal Representative

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper:

Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: June 29, 2023

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REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19771

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ANTONIO B. RUSSO

Notice is given that Raymond C. Shockley, 3509 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, MD 21842; and Giovanni (Pino) Tomasello, 10423 Golf Course Rd., Ocean City, MD 21842, was on June 13, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Antonio B. Russo who died on June 8, 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 13th day of December, 2023.

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

(1) Six months from the date of

the decedent’s death; or

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

Raymond C. Shockley

Giovanni (Pino) Tomasello

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

June 22, 2023

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REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COATAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19749 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY KAY FLEGER

Notice is given that Stephen A. Fleger, 11 Mallard Drive West, Berlin, MD 21811, was on June 02, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Kay Fleger who died on January 28, 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 2nd day of December, 2023.

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

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

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

Stephen A. Fleger 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 22, 2023

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NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 23-06

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 23-06 (Amendments to the County ordinance regulating activity at County landings) was introduced by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Fiori and Purnell on June 6, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

A legislative bill for the purpose of amending the County ordinance regulating activity at County landings, including defining and allowing commercial users at County landings, requiring heavy equipment operators who use County landings to register with the County, and limiting parking by commercial users.

A Public Hearing

will be held on Bill 23-06 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m.

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-6/29/2t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19773

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROSALIE W. BYRON

Notice is given that Cynthia Hardester, 1688 Sandbar Lane, Pasadena, MD 21122, was on June 15, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosalie W. Byron who died on May 1, 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 15th day of December, 2023.

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

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

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

Cynthia Hardester 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 22, 2023

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KEVEN S. BREEDEN ESQ.

8480 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, STE. 415 ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21043

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS

OF

APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19768

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Probate Court of Middlesex County, PA appointed Jennifer K. Weaver, 125 Webster Street, Arlington, MA 02474 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Joan Konow McGowan who died on August 06, 2022 domiciled in Massachusetts, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Steven K. Breeden whose address is 8480 Baltimore Nati’l. Pk., Suite 415, Annapolis, MD 21403.

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

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

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

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

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

Jennifer K. Weaver Foreign Personal Representative

Terri Westcott Register of

Wills

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: June 22, 2023

OCD-6/22/3t

NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF BILL 23-05 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 23-05 (Zoning – Multi-family dwelling units in the C-3 Highway Commercial District) was passed by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic and Purnell on June 20, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

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

This bill becomes effective fortyfive (45) days from the date of its passage.

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 and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE 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

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO 19781

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the REGISTER OF WILLS court of MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA appointed TERESA L. DEBIAS whose address is 352 RIVER ROAD, COLLEGEVILLE, PA 19426 MATTHEW S. DUKA whose address is 3069 LONG ROAD, GREEN LANE, PA 18054 as the CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of JEANETTE S DUKA who died on FEBRUARY 10, 2023 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is VICTORIA L.

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: 07/06/2023.

All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643.

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police

O'NELL whose address is 6200 COASTAL HWY, STE 200, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY

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

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

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

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

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-6/29/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023

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

Street, Snow Hill, Maryland.

6:30 p.m. Case No. 23-57, on the lands of Robert C Rhode, Jr., on the application of Robert J. Rhode, requesting a variance to the agricultural protection setback from 200 feet to 96 feet (to encroach 104 feet) for a proposed single family dwelling in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-201(b)(5) & ZS 1-305(r)(1), located on Old Ocean City Road at the intersection with St. Martins Road, Tax Map 19, Parcel 127, Lot 5, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 23-53, on the lands of Verizon Maryland, Inc, on the application of Century Engineering, LLC requesting an expansion of an existing non-conformity for a concrete pad with generator and a special exception to allow a 6 foot tall fence in the front yard setback in the I-2 Heavy Industrial District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(3), ZS 1-116(c)(5), ZS 1-122(d)(2) & ZS 1-305, at 12611 Worcester Highway, Tax Map 9, Parcel 45, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 23-54, on the lands of Pocomoke Storage LLC, on the application of Gary Deal, requesting an expansion of a legally existing non-conforming use of land not to exceed 50% of the original approved land area, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(5), ZS 1-122(d)(2) and ZS 1-325, at 2212 Bypass Road, Tax Map 84, Parcel 301, Tax District 1, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 23-58, on the lands of Hideaway Properties, LLC, on the application of Bob Riccio, requesting a special exception to expand an existing restaurant in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1-209(c)(2) & ZS 1-

325, at 7539 Old Ocean City Road, Tax Map 13, Parcel 25, Lot 1, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 23-52, on the lands of Ron & Sara Gorfinkel, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the left side yard setback from 3 feet to 0.9 feet (to encroach 2.1 feet) for an existing chimney in a Residential Planned Community, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4) and ZS 1-315, located at 12379 Hidden Bay Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 281, Lot 46, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:55 p.m. Case No. 23-50, on the lands of Kathy Clark, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a variance to the front yard setback off of Ocean Ave. from 25 feet to 0 feet (to encroach 25 feet), a variance to the front yard setback off of Golf Course Road from 75 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 49 feet (to encroach 26 feet) for a single family dwelling, a variance to the front yard setback off of Golf Course Road from 75 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 45 feet (to encroach 25 feet) for a garage with accessory apartment, in the R-3 Multi-family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1207(b)(2) and ZS 1-305 located at 12803 Memory Lane, Tax Map 27, Parcel 307, Lots 29 & 30, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland. 7:00 p.m. Case No. 23-56, on the lands of Martha’s Landing Resort, LLC, on the application of Mark Cropper, requesting a variance to the front yard setback off of Harbor Road from 50 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 25.91 feet (to encroach 24.08 feet) and a variance to the front yard setback off of Golf Course Road from 75 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 57 feet (to encroach 18 feet) for the proposed

replacement of an existing building in the CM Commercial Marine District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-214(b)(1) and ZS 1305, on the northeast corner of Harbor Road and Golf Course Road, Tax Map 27, Parcel 447, Lot 78 (86 & 87), Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

7:05 p.m. Case No. 23-60, on the lands of Martha’s Landing Resort, LLC, on the application of Mark Cropper, requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 25 feet to .03 feet (to encroach 24.97 feet) for the proposed replacement of an existing building in the CM Commercial Marine District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1214(b)(1) and ZS 1-305, on the southeast corner of Sunset Avenue and Golf Course Road, Tax Map 27, Parcel 447, Lot 78 (79 & 80), Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

7:10 p.m. Case No. 23-59, on the lands of Kimberly Linton, requesting a special exception for the use of not more than thirty percent of the gross acreage of a lot or parcel, for agritourism uses and structures and a special exception to allow a fence taller than 4 feet in a front yard setback, for a petting zoo in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1201(c)(9) and ZS 1-305(k)(3)C, at 11539 Sinepuxent Road, Tax Map 33, Parcel 165, Tax District 3,

Worcester County, Maryland.

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

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

OCD-6/22/2t

AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND P.A.

with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND NOTICE

OF A PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2023-05 AMENDING CHAPTER 32, TITLED VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN AMENDING CHAPTER 32, TITLED VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, BY ADDING ARTICLE VI TO ESTABLISH THE USE OF SPEED ENFORCEMENT CAMERAS IN DESIGNATED SCHOOL ZONES.

The Ordinance will be introduced for a first reading on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The public hearing on the Ordinance will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Both meetings will be held during Regular Meetings of the Mayor and Council Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, 2nd Floor, Berlin, MD 21811.

VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE

NO. 19794

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Common Pleas Court of Chester County, Pennsylvania appointed Lauren Gibbons, 19 Abby Road, Avondale, PA 19311 as the Executor of the Estate of Ronald A. Wollaston who died on February 21, 2023 domiciled in Pennsylvania, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Victoria L. O’Neill whose address is 6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200, Ocean City, MD 21842.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims

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

Lauren Gibbons

Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: July 06, 2023

NOTICE

OCD-7/6/3t

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19458

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit Court of Fairfax County, VA appointed Lisa J. Berkman, 5111 Marshal Farm Court, Fairfax, VA 22030; and Lori N.M Mills, 8801 Talbert Road, Lorton, VA 22079 as the Co-Executors of the Estate of Marvin Wray Michell who died on July 29, 2022 domiciled in Virgina, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Jacqueline Loren Grein whose address is 63 Bramblewood Drive, Ocean Pines, MD 21811.

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

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

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

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

Lisa J. Berkman Lori N.M Mills Foreign Personal Representatives Terri

Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: July 07, 2023

OCD-7/6/3t

County approves Berlin Fire’s ARPA request

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners unanimously approved the allocation of $113,190 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to the Berlin Fire Company on Tuesday.

The approval is the latest in a string of requests from county fire companies as they sift through ways they can satisfy the commissioners’ request that ARPA money be used in

ways that address emergency response efficiency.

The money will be divided between fire and EMS, with the former taking $75,000 for a down payment on a new ambulance and the latter $38,190 to purchase rescue rope plus materials and electric vehicle firefighting equipment.

In a memo from the Berlin Fire Company Emergency Medical Services Inc., the fire company said that

its replacement schedule suggests replacing units every 10 years, and this ambulance will replace a 2015 model.

The timing, two years out from the 10-year mark, reflects the 24-month or greater backlog that ambulance manufacturers are currently dealing with.

According to a memo from procurement officer Nick Rice, the commissioners have previously approved ARPA expenditures for Ocean City EMS (medical devices), Ocean Pines

EMS (heart monitors), Showell Volunteer Fire (new pumper engine), Girdletree (SCBA equipment), Bishopville (ambulance), Pocomoke Fire (utility truck), Pocomoke EMS (ambulance), Newark Volunteer Fire Company (ambulance) and Stockton Volunteer Fire Department (new pumper engine). We are still awaiting updated requests from Ocean City Volunteer Fire, Ocean Pines Fire, Snow Hill Fire and Snow Hill EMS.

The Worcester County Commissioners approved $113,190 in ARPA funding for the Berlin Fire Company on Tuesday. The money will be divided between fire and EMS, with the former taking $75,000 for a down payment on a new ambulance and the latter $38,190 to purchase rescue rope plus materials and electric vehicle firefighting equipment.

State’s Attorney approved to find prosecutor

Retiring lawyer to return part time, splitting duties with hire yet to be made

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) The Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office could be growing and saving some money at the same time.

In an unanimous vote, the county commissioners approved a request from State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser to split one full-time assistant state’s attorney position into two part-time positions.

In a memo to the commissioners, Heiser wrote that one of the office’s

ASAs has decided to retire but is willing to return part-time at 20 hours per week after a mandatory 45-day, postretirement separation period.

A second part-time ASA would pick up the other half of the workload from the former full-time position.

The full-time position’s compensation would be split equally between the two new positions.

Heiser argued in the memo that the conversion would also save the county money since the new positions would not be eligible for benefits.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic voted in favor of the motion but expressed skepticism over the chances of filing not one, but two vacancies, especially when

other departments are reporting that finding new hires has been a challenge.

“This kind of bucks what everybody in the county is doing,” Mitrecic said. “I’m curious, you have one position filled with the person that you would like to keep, obviously … I’m just concerned that if we go ahead and do this now, if we can’t find a person to fill that (other) part-time (position) … then you’re looking to come back and putting another full-time person (on your staff). That’s my concern.”

Heiser acknowledged Mitrecic’s concern and said she shared it, but that the retiring employee coming back part-time represents “a bird in hand.”

“I just don’t know if we can fill that full-

time position and be done with it, to be honest with you,” Mitrecic replied. “I have concerns again, with everybody in the county … (saying that) filling part-time positions has been next to impossible.”

Heiser said that her office might stand a better chance than other departments to find hires.

“Experienced attorneys could craft their schedules in different ways, perhaps, or (might not) have the same benefit needs as some of the other departments,” she said.

Commissioner Ted Elder simply added, before making the motion to approve, that he doesn’t “think we should be micromanaging (Heiser’s) department.”

Comments open for Assateague restructure

(July 7, 2023) A public comment period for the Environmental Assessment Phase of the Assateague Island National Seashore South Ocean Beach Parking/OSV Entrance Restructuring

Plan is now open.

According to a news release, the project is under consideration to improve the safety of the South Ocean Beach area by ending conflicts between

Lois James d.d.s.

parking lot users, walkers, bicyclists, Life of the Dunes hikers, and OSV users.

Moving facilities will also make the South Ocean Beach recreation area more resilient to natural coastal processes and future storm events, improve safety, and protect and enhance the visitor experience and park resources through visitor use management strategies.

The project will significantly decrease yearly maintenance costs for the parking lot and lessen roadside parking in the South Ocean Beach area.

The preferred alternative for the plan includes re-routing the Oversand Vehicle Area entrance road to the west side of the South Ocean Beach parking lot, paving and slightly enlarging the parking lot, moving the restrooms and showers to the west, moving the end of the road rotary to the north, and creating a loop at the end of the bike path.

To get the full details of the plan and

voice opinions, use the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at: parkplanning.nps.gov/SouthOceanBeach.

Comments can also be mailed to Superintendent, Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Lane Berlin, MD 21811.

There will be a public comment meeting at the Assateague Island Environmental Education Center (Park Headquarters), from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, at the park headquarters at 7206 National Seashore Lane. Full details of the plan and preferred alternative will be available at the meeting, along with opportunities to comment and to discuss the project with park planning staff.

The public comment period will be open until Tuesday, Aug. 1.

For general information about the seashore and park activities, access the park’s website at nps.gov/asis or call 410-641-1441.

Reel Deal rest. opens in West OC

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) The Reel Deal is looking for a few hungry fishermen to feed.

The new restaurant opened a few weeks ago in the former site of Bradda Barney’s on Sunset Avenue in West Ocean City. Barney, the dog, still graces one wall of the restaurant in a cool surfing mural the restaurant’s owners kept during their remodeling effort.

Being so close to the docks in West Ocean City, the co-owners John Brumley and Billy Barb, hope to serve those heading out on the water by providing lunch to go.

They are willing to deliver at 4 a.m. before the crews head out on the water.

“Fishermen need a spot to call their own,” said Brumley.

“This is my dream,” Barb said of owning a restaurant. He has been a general manager of many restaurants in Ocean City. Now he has a place of his own. Brumley is part owner of Uptown Eats as well.

The restaurant is a mix of dine in and carry out. It has 38 seats, a nice wood top bar and made-from-scratch food.

The menu includes crab cakes and soft shells, onion rings, wraps and salads. They expect to expand their offerings soon and are considering breakfast options too.

“The response has been great. We can’t thank the local folks enough,”

Barb said.

Barb highly recommends their cheese steaks and chicken cheese steaks. The rolls they use are delivered from Philadelphia.

“The bread is unbelievable, and they make it just for us,” Brumley said.

Barb says folks from Philadelphia say their cheesesteaks are just as good at the ones they get back home.

“That’s because we use ribeye,” Brumley said. He says you won’t find that in most other restaurants in Ocean City.

Other food, like crab meat and fish, they are trying to source locally.

They plan to launch an app in a few weeks to help with orders.

“Let us know a day in advance,” Brumley said about early or larger orders.

They are looking to the August Board of License Commissioners meeting to get their beer and wine license.

The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and closed on Sunday. The Reel Deal is located at 12703 Sunset Avenue, Suite 7 in West Ocean City.

John Brumley and Billy Barb opened the Reel Deal on Sunset Avenue, featuring madefrom-scratch food with local ingredients. CINDY HOFFMAN/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

State bills passed impacting property taxes

Other laws close loopholes related to brokers, housing service dog discrimination

By Lauren Bunting

Contributing Writer

(July 7, 2023) As a continuation to last week’s article, below are a few of the items from the report from the Maryland legislature session that passed this year, and next week’s article will continue reporting on the list:

• HB 897/SB 826 – Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit - Qualified Homeowner - Application and Certification

Requirements – Effective June 1

Allows individuals whose gross income is limited to social security ben-

efits, pensions, and annuities to apply for the Homeowners Property Tax Credit once every three years, as long as they certify their eligibility annually.

• SB 32 – Property Tax - Exemption for Dwellings of Disabled Veterans - Application

– Effective June 1

Allows disabled veterans or surviving spouses to submit the rating decision noting the veteran’s disability and the effective date from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as proof of eligibility when applying for property tax credits.

• SB 61/HB 599 – Property Tax Credit - Public Safety Officer – Effec-

tive June 1 Allows counties and municipalities to define which individuals are considered “public safety officers” for the purpose of receiving the tax credit. Additionally, this legislation repeals the existing limit of the property tax credit.

• HB 144 – Real Estate BrokersInactive Licenses– Effective Oct. 1 This legislation closes a loophole which allowed inactive licensees to reinstate and renew a license for up to six years after expiration. This bill

limits the length of time before expiration to three years, regardless of licensee status.

• HB 608/SB 535 – Human Relations - Housing Discrimination - Service Dogs – Effective Oct. 1 Tenants may retain their service dog in the rental unit after it has been retired from service. Tenants may not be charged a pet fee or additional rent but are liable for damages it has caused.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record with Keller Williams Realty

Stephen Decatur student received DCA scholarship

(July 7, 2023) A Stephen Decatur

High School grad is among a group of nine regional high school students to receive a scholarships this year from the Delmarva Chicken Association.

According to a news release, the association raises money each year for academic awards through a golf tournament that will be held this year on Sept. 25 at Glenn Riddle in Berlin. The total amount awarded this year was $19,000.

Eight of the recipients are enrolled in undergraduate programs and received $2,000 scholarships. A graduate student was also awarded a $3,000 scholarship.

Aryavir Sangwan, Stephen Decatur High School student attending University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in the fall, was one of the recipients. Sangwan is a Junior Assistant

Trainer at TidalHealth and intends to pursue a degree in chemistry to develop skills in food science. In a letter of recommendation his chemistry and biomedical science said: “What I truly admire about Aryavir is how he stays with a problem until he figures it out or asks the right question.”

Holly Porter, the association’s executive director, said in the release that the support of the students is the company’s way of investing in the next generation of leadership for the “100-years-strong chicken community.”

“We’re glad these young people are interested in putting their education and skills to good use in the chicken community,” Porter said. “They’ll join an essential, motivated workforce that feeds America and the world every day.”

Since 1985, the Delmarva Chicken Association has awarded $197,000 to students pursuing chicken careers through its college scholarship program.

Aryavir Sangwan

OC Rec and Parks offers variety of activities for all

(July 7, 2023) Members of the Ocean City Recreation and Parks department are recognizing July as Recreation and Parks month with a reminder to the public of the variety of activities available for residents of all ages and abilities.

An initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association, Recreation and Parks Month is a celebration of communities’ recreational assets.

The offerings in Ocean City include walks around Northside Park, or exploring the bay from the kayak and paddleboat launch, or playing pickle ball and tennis at the OC Tennis Center and Gorman Park.

According to a news release, rec and parks officials are inviting members of the local community to share how parks and recreation has benefitted them and positively impacted their quality of life. From going for a walk on our mile-long trail at Northside Park, to playing beach volleyball on Third Street, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.

Recreation and Parks are essential to the livability and environmental health of our community, providing an enhanced quality of life through positive and diverse program offerings designed to improve health and wellness, encourage sociality, develop character, teach new skills, embrace the simplicity of “fun,” and so much more.

Conservation efforts in safe, clean, well-maintained parks enhance property values, and equitable access to outdoor spaces for both active and

passive recreational endeavors grows healthy and happy communities.

Members of the National Rec and Park Association, and Ocean City Recreation and Parks officials, encourage everyone who supports parks and recreation to share how it has improved their quality of life, as well as why their local park and recreation professionals are important to them, on social media with the hashtag #WhereCommunityGrows.

To learn more about Recreation and Parks Month, visit oceancitymd.gov and nrpa.org/ events/july.

PHOTO COURTESY TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

The Northside Park playground on 125th Street is just one of many recreational offerings that Ocean City rec and parks officials are encouraging people to take advantage of this month as part of Recreation and Parks Month.

PTSD911 Coast to Coast film and bike tour coming July 21

(July 7, 2023) For the past twoplus months, film director Conrad Weaver and his friend, John Patterson, have been traveling across the country on bicycles bringing awareness to first responders and the struggles they face.

The PTSD911 Coast to Coast Bike and Film Tour, a promotional trek for Weaver’s documentary film, PTSD911, is set to end with a final screening on July 21 in Ocean City.

According to the film’s website, the pair left Astoria, Oregon, on May 15

with plans to stop and stay inn fire houses in various cities and towns along the way in exchange for screenings of the film.

The pair is set to arrive in Ocean City July 18 for an arrival party and screen the film at 7 p.m., July 21, at the performing arts center on 40th Street.

For more information about the tour and film, visit ptsd911movie.com/coast2coast/. To buy tickets to the Ocean City screening, visit: ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-ocean-city-md

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

TOKIN’ TUNES

High Tide in West Ocean City was ready for the first day of legal marajuana sales on July 1. A band played in the parking lot for a long line of customers partaking in the now fully legal goodies inside.

Best of Ocean City

(July 7, 2023) OceanCity.com has announced winners of the 12th Annual Best of Ocean City contest.

According to a news release, the 71 winners led all participants of each poll in a contest that included over 230 businesses in four broad categories. Seacrets, Fisher’s Popcorn, Thrasher’s Fries, Odyssea Watersports, and Old Pro Golf were among the first place winners who have won awards annually for the last 11 years. The 2024 Best of Ocean City polls were posted online June 30 to start voting for the 2024 winners.

The Best of Ocean City contest, where visitors and locals nominate and vote for their favorite Ocean City businesses, is the longest running and largest local popular vote poll to celebrate the best businesses in the Ocean City area.

OceanCity.com’s contest is the only best of competition not tied to advertising or sponsorship. The Best of Ocean City contest relies on the enthusiasm and support of the more than one million visitors on OceanCity.com and the 216,000-plus Facebook fans to propel the most engaged businesses to the top.

Along with the voting, OceanCity.com presents an editor’s choice winner as another option in most categories. The winners are chosen by a panel of locals and offer an additional recommendation to visitors looking for the best places to go in Ocean City.

“This contest started when hotels were coming to us wanting this information — guests in the hotels wanted recommendations for the best businesses in a variety of categories. That is why it’s imperative that the Best of Ocean City not be related to advertising,” OceanCity.com CEO Ann McGinnis Hillyer said in the release. “We want to provide every visitor in Ocean City with real, honest recommendations for the best businesses in town.”

Winning an OceanCity.com Best of

Ocean City award is a triumph for Ocean City businesses because it shows that their fans are willing to take the time to vote. Winners are prominently recognized within the local community and receive a coveted photo award plaque printed on metal and a distinctive window decal to display.

The background photograph on the

2023 winners’ awards was taken by Vincent Pierotti, a local businessman whose entry depicts an aerial photo of North Ocean City. The awards depict a different photo each year, but they all commemorate the winning businesses who represent the Best of Ocean City.

For a complete list of winners and to vote for the Best of Ocean City 2024 visit

OceanCity.com/Best-of.

Businesses can promote participation in the Best of Ocean City awards by visiting oceancity.com/best-of-promotions. A business that is not listed in a category can still encourage friends and fans to write them in under “Other.” Businesses can also email beseen@oceancity.com for inclusion in one of the polls.

Get to know your local lifeguard in Ocean City

By Kristin

(July 7, 2023) Although people refer to them as lifeguards, the people responsible for your safety on the beaches of Ocean City, are actually known as surf rescue technicians, or SRTs.

Surf Rescue Technician is the certification level obtained by the men and women in the red bathing suits who watch over the beach in the white stands, once they have successfully completed all testing, training,

and probation. We encourage beach patrons to introduce themselves to the SRT (lifeguard) and ask about current beach conditions. As you may know, beach conditions may change throughout the day. You never know what you might encounter. So please ask your SRT each day.

Once a rookie has earned the title of surf rescue technician you will hear

them referred to as SRT Miller or SRT Jones. Although people still refer to our personnel as lifeguards, the term surf rescue technician is far more appropriate due to the job demands, which far exceed a traditional lifeguard.

Each SRT has demonstrated competency in the techniques and skills that are required for open water rescue. Their duties include educating the public, warning swimmers of potential dangers, rescuing distressed swimmers, responding to emergency situations, administering first aid, reuniting lost and found individuals, enforcing city ordinances, and most often being the ambassador of Ocean City to our visitors who will approach our SRTs with all types of questions.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol is on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We start guarding the beach the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (following an annual prayer service) and continue seven days a week through the third Sunday after Labor Day, which is Sept. 24 this year.

The Beach Patrol tests potential SRTs beginning in August each year for the next year’s season (2024). If you or someone you know would like to work for the OCBP as a surf rescue technician, there will be pre-employment physical skills evaluations on Wednesday, Aug. 9 and Saturday, Aug. 12 and 16, with several additional opportunities both in Ocean City and throughout the region (no experience or certifications required).

Once a candidate passes the physical skills test, they are appointed to a 65-hour, paid ($18.44 an hour, 2023 rate) Surf Rescue Academy. We are looking for physically able, ambitious and responsible men and women who are 16 years of age or older. They must be 17 by the first date of employment, unless they have successfully completed all 4 levels of the Junior Beach Patrol program, which allows them to start at 16.

Many people are surprised to know that we do not require past ex-

perience or previous certifications to try out; simply because there is no certification that we feel prepares our candidates to do the job that we require.

Therefore, we test every candidate (as well as all returning SRTs) to assure they have the ability to run in soft sand, swim in ocean water, enter and exit the ocean through the surf, move an unconscious person of 150 pounds, see for 400 meters, hear and locate a whistle blast from 300 meters, and speak and read the English language.

To demonstrate these abilities each candidate must pass all aspects of an 11-phase Pre-Employment Physical Skills Evaluation, which begins with an English proficiency test, followed by rigorous physical testing elements consisting of different phases in succession that include a 300-meter soft sand run in under 65 seconds, 400-meter ocean swim in less than 10 minutes, simulated rescues in the surf with a rescue buoy, victim removal techniques, runswim-run medley, tower transport (lifeguard stand), holds and releases (escaping from a panicked victim), and lastly an interview with Beach Patrol Captain Butch Arbin.

It is indeed a long day of physical and mental testing. During our offsite testing we swim and do all water related skills in a pool, but be reassured that until they qualify on the beach and in the ocean, they will not earn the privilege of guarding you or your loved ones.

If you were down at the inlet beach or any of the beaches down south this past week or a couple of weeks ago you might have seen firsthand our rookies in Surf Rescue Academy I or II. Once a candidate completes and passes all phases of the test they are appointed, on a probationary basis, to a Surf Rescue Academy.

Prior to entering academy, (and each year after), each employee must pass a drug test. During academy candidates receive instruction in open water rescues, beach patrol poli-

PHOTOS COURTESY OCEAN CITY BEACH PATROL

Rookie surf rescue technicians pose for a photo together during a surf rescue academy session on the beach the last week of June.

Joson

Contributing Writer

Meet SRTs on ocean beaches

cies and procedures, basic oceanography, use of rescue equipment, first aid, CPR, semaphore communications (a series of signals using flags), radio protocol, and physical training consistent with the demands of the job.

All phases of surf rescue academy must be completed successfully as determined by the Ocean City Beach Patrol Surf Rescue Association to earn SRT rank and assignment to the beach. Surf rescue academy is an eight-day, 65 hour, paid-training program conducted by beach patrol instructors with support from other public safety agencies, followed by three weeks of supervised, on-the-job probation and a surf rescue academy re-qualifying test where candidates must pass the run and the swim again.

Because of the uniqueness of the job’s demands, the Ocean City Beach Patrol does not accept certification or experience with other agencies. All aspects of becoming an SRT, as well as all certifications such as first aid, Stop the Bleed, CPR and AED are completed during surf rescue academy. Returning SRTs are drug tested, re-qualified (run and swim) and recertified each year.

Now that you know what goes into the making of a surf rescue technician, you can feel confident when

swimming under their watch. Our SRTs want to help you remain safe and enjoy your time in Ocean City. Don’t wait until you need help to meet your “lifeguard.”

Make it a point to introduce yourself and your family and ask about the current beach conditions. Your lifeguard will also know about the free family activities that are offered in Ocean City. They are happy to answer any questions that you may have. It’s also a good idea to introduce your children. We want them to feel comfortable if they get lost or have any questions.

We pride ourselves on being the town’s ambassadors; after all, we are glad you are here! To help us keep you safe, always check in with the surf rescue technician on duty and if you hear a SRT blowing their whistle stop what you are doing and look at the SRT. They may be trying to get your attention because they know or see something that you are unaware of.

Most importantly, for the safety of you and your family, remember our slogan, “Keep your feet in the sand, until the lifeguard’s in the stand!” This simple tip could save a life. YOURS or SOMEONE you care about. As added protection for you and your friends, always locate the nearest stand with a guard and swim on that beach.

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

NAUGHTY OR NICE

Visiting warm and sunny Ocean City

July 4 weekend from the cold North Pole, Santa enjoys a well-deserved bike ride on the Boardwalk as he stops to say hello to other resort visitors. His vacation will soon be over and he will head back to his job of making toys and supervising elves.

FOURTH FUN

Kids and adults enjoy the various bounce houses, games, food trucks and festivities on July 4 in Ocean Pines.

GORGEFEST

Eighteen contestants participate in the annual July 4 hot dog eating contest at Fish Tales on 22nd Street, bayside.

of Reisterstown, Maryland, (right) consumed 11 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes and won a trophy and $1,000,

UPTOWN FIREWORKS

Thousands of people watch the fireworks display at Northside Park on 125th Street Tuesday evening. The Pennsylvania-based company Celebration Fireworks, which put on the show downtown and uptown, did a “great job” of blending low-altitude pyrotechnics with high-bursting fireworks, said Frank Miller, special events director for Ocean City.

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Rocco Ruppert

presented to him by Fish Tales owner Shawn Harman.

LISA CAPITELLI/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

LISA CAPITELLI/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

ANNUAL TEAL DRIVE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

NEIGHBORHOOD TRADITION

After covid- and weather-related cancellations, the Teal Drive Independence Day mini-parade returned Tuesday, drawing out residents, their families and visitors for the celebratory march around the block. The event has been taking place long enough to include among these year’s participants the children of the children who first walked the route years ago, because it’s ... fun.

Young professionals bring joy to underpriviledged children

(July 7, 2023) The Young Professionals Committee of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas in July fundraiser on Sunday, July 23 at the Residence Inn by Marriott.

The event will run from noon to 3 p.m. and feature live music by Side Project, as well as food, drinks, raffle prizes and an appearance from Santa Claus. The pool will also be open for attendees to cool off from the summer heat.

Funds are raised for the Young Professional’s Christmas Spirit Campaign which aims to provide joy to underprivileged children in Worcester County during the holiday season through gifts and toys. Last year, the young professionals impacted more

than 100 children.

The 2023 Christmas in July is presented by 28th Street Pit & Pub with support from Coastal Life Realty Group, Delaware Elevator, Royal Plus Electric, the Delmarva Shorebirds, Direct Mortgage Loans, Deeley Insurance, OC Beach Vacations, Pickles Pub, and de Lazy Lizard.

Tickets are $25 or $30 at the door. Attendees can buy tickets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, at the Ocean City chamber visitor center, or can email organization Chairman Ricky Pollitt, at ricky.pollitt@ja.org.

The young professionals are also accepting donations for raffle prizes and have sponsorship opportunities available.

OC Sons and Daughters of Italy announce scholarships

(June 7, 2023) Stephen Decatur High School graduate Keeley Alexandra Catrino was one of three area students who recently received a $2,000 scholarship from the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy.

Catrino just graduated in May and will attend the University of Delaware, majoring in English The other award recipients, Samantha Lee Teoli and Isabella Grace Scharp, graduated this year from Indian River High School.

Donna Potenza, the chairperson of

the Lodge Scholarship Committee, said in a news release that all three excelled during the application process, which considered an essay each wrote about their Italian heritage. The selection process also considered academic achievement, community/civic involvement, and co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

The Sons and Daughters of Italy is accepting new members. For information on how to join and to access a membership application, visit the organization’s website at sonsofitalyoceancity.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Pictured from left, Young Professionals committee members Ricky Pollitt, Danielle Bellante and Allyson Knight man the raffle table with Santa at the group’s 2022 Christmas in July fundraiser.

PHOTO COURTESY TOM PERGOLA

Pictured from left are Isabela Scharp, Samantha Teoli, and Kelly Catrino preparing to cut their scholarship celebration cake at the June Meeting of the Ocean City Sons and Daughters of Italy.

Throw local outrage to the wind

Editor,

I read with interest in (last) week’s OC Today that some Worcester County residents are “stewing” about a Facebook post by Commissioner Caryn Abbott, which offered a workshop sponsored by the Delmarva Parent Teacher Coalition for parents explaining their options for private or home schooling and financial planning advice etc.

I also received this announcement, but I am not on Facebook so obviously I could not post it. Caryn Abbott posted information that her constituents and residents of Worcester County may be interested in about other school options, they may be looking for curriculum that better represent their values.

If the residents of Worcester County want to “stew” about something they should direct their attention and energy toward the offshore wind turbines planned for our beautiful shorelines. Carol Frazier recently reminded us of this in the June 23 issue of the Dispatch.

Regardless of what pretty pictures we have been presented about wind turbines on our Ocean City coastlines, residents should be alarmed and researching this posing tourism disaster for Worcester County. We all appreciate that “sweet” real property tax rate we enjoy here in Worcester County that funds the operation of Worcester County and 80% of the Board of Education budget.

Imagine when we, as residents and our visiting tourist gaze across the whirling blades as they maim and kill our bird population and the vibration disrupt and destroy our marine life, not those pretty Dutch Windmill visions we conjure up, HUGE wind turbines and their transfer stations.

What happens to our tourist industry when there are no fish, no White Marlin Open, no Poor Girl Open and the dozens of other annual

fishing tournaments to generate income for Ocean City and Worcester County? What happens when our visitors object to the view and noise and dead marine life washing up on our beaches and decide to vacation somewhere else? We won’t just have vacant rooms, empty restaurants, and shops.

What happens to the burgeoning real estate market in Ocean City and Worcester County? What happens to our watermen who depend on the fish and marine life for their existence? We will say goodbye to the major source of income, employment, and low real property tax rates.

Wind turbines are ugly, dangerous, expensive to build and maintain, and ineffective. Caryn Abbott has the best interest of all Worcester County residents and I expect we will be hearing from her on the wind turbines and their effect on our county. Please residents of Worcester County, our Eastern Shore has been described and is often referred to as “the land of pleasant living,” please take a stand and stop these wind turbines from destroying our county. It will be financially devastating if our shorelines, marine life and bird population are compromised, but it will be criminal if we allow these wind turbines to destroy our beautiful shore, our resources and our way of life.

Patricia Barbely Newark

Informative wind energy resources out there

Editor,

I just watched a video on YouTube entitled “Bonnie Brady’s Crash Course in Offshore Wind and the Anti-Fishing Lobby”.

I don’t recall any of our local news media (other than Mike Bradley of WGMD 92.7 fm) reporting on any of the information and facts contained therein. I highly recommend that everyone reading this take the time to watch the video - it is very informa-

tive and the information needs to be known far and wide.

That said, I have also been made aware of a new fact regarding offshore wind of which people need to be aware. The wind turbines must be regularly “cooled” which is done by drawing ocean water into electrical substations using “once through” cooling systems - these systems are now prohibited in newer power plants because of the devastating effects on aquatic life.

The cooling water is then discharged back into the ocean at over 90 degrees fahrenheit. Just imagine what this does to the temperature of the water and the habitat of the sea life. If this technology is not allowed in new power plants near water why is it allowed IN water?

The first planned project off our coast calls for 121 turbines and up to four transfer stations. I would suggest everyone read the article “Offshore Wind Electrical Substations: The Se-

cret, Silent Killers” by Jim Lovgren at Fisherynation.com.

I have done a lot of reading on this issue of offshore wind, and it absolutely boggles my mind that our government agencies (starting with the EPA and going all the way through to NOAA and BOEM) seem to have absolutely no concern about the effects of their policies on the commercial fishing industry or the people that earn their livings from this industry or even the people who eat the seafood they catch.

If you make it harder and harder to do the job, if you take all of the joy out of doing the job, if you endanger profits with government regulations and policies, then eventually you won’t have anyone who is willing to do the job. What then - lab-grown fish?

Finally, although not directly related to OSW - I found this little nugget which pretty much sums up

Continued on Page 55

Finding workers hard everywhere

The zoning code amendment that sailed through its first Ocean City Council hearing on Monday is a good step toward addressing the employee housing shortage in the resort because it officially acknowledges the problem.

The measure, which must survive a second council hearing before it can be instituted, relaxes the zoning requirements regarding the location of employee housing — it would no longer have to be contained in the employees’ place of work.

That’s a positive, but what this amendment or the code itself can’t do is control the cost of land where such a structure might be built. As obstacles go, land cost is a big one, especially because a building occupied by seasonal workers is going to deliver seasonal rent.

Maybe developers can produce a formula that would keep rents within reach of summer workers while also covering the cost of land, construction and maintenance, but that certainly wouldn’t seem to be the easiest thing to do.

The single greatest challenge to the summer worker shortage, however, is the big post-pandemic shift away from the summer job tradition of the last several decades, when working at the beach was a rite of passage for many recent high school graduates and college students.

The labor situation in Ocean City and the resort area overall is no different from what the entire country has been experiencing since 2021, as people of all ages who were idled by the pandemic-related shutdowns took that time to reexamine their circumstances and their options.

When that occurred, the hospitality industry in general, along with lifeguard jobs and other service-related employment came up short on the desirability meter, especially when housing costs were being driven to all-time highs.

How to fix this problem is going to require much more than easing the path toward the development of employee housing, as immigration policies, pay, benefits and various other worker incentives are also involved.

But it’s a start, and it’s something that can be built on later based on what the market demands.

Ocean City Today

11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842

Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson

MANAGING EDITOR .......................... Mallory Panuska

CONTRIBUTOR EDITOR .......................... Lisa Capitelli

STAFF WRITERS Jack Chavez,

Hoffman, Hunter Hine

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

Kelly

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .............. Laura Blair

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

GRAPHIC ARTISTS ............ Kelly Brown, Jane Leibowitz

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

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

How hot is it? Ugh.

Scientists, who are people we choose not to believe because they’re scientists and we don’t get to vote for the ones we want to agree with, have determined that this past Tuesday was the hottest day on earth in 150,000 years. This is concerning to me as a resident of Earth, since I have no idea how these scientists came to that conclusion, given the absence of reliable TV weather reports from those days.

other natural indicators of the temperatures around the world at that time.

One thing is certain, however, that the difference between humans then and humans now is that homo sapiens of that period had no way of knowing precisely how hot or cold they were.

My theory, which is as good as anyone’s, is that it pretty much came down to, “Thag shed hair” in the summer, and “Thag grow hair” in the winter.

Now, thanks to scientists (who we still don’t believe) we’re told exactly how we feel via the heat index.

By Stewart Dobson

There were people around, of course, but from what I have read, they were still working feverishly at the time on making up names for things, like fire, for instance, and weren’t concerned with recording barometric readings and the high and low temperatures of the day.

In fact, as far as I can tell, their language skills back then were limited to describing “hot” as “ugga ugh,” and “cold” as “ugga ugh,” with the assumption being that everyone would know what they meant.

At least, that’s what I’ve been led to believe by scientists.

Consequently, all weather records from back then had to be a series of “ughs,” although residents in some more developed settlements might have heard the occasional “Severe ugga ugh warning for your area.”

Apparently, the various researchers who made their findings public this week assembled their data by counting tree rings and

“Today’s temperature is 95 degrees, but the heat index is 102 degrees,” which means we feel seven degrees hotter than we realized, or so they want us to believe.

What I mean is if it feels hot outside, knowing what the heat index is won’t change my perception of that. It’s either hot or not.

Ditto being the hottest day in 150,000 years. It wasn’t as if I walked outside Tuesday afternoon and said, “Hmmmm, is it just my imagination or is it hotter than it was on this day 150,000 years ago?”

Of course I care, because I don’t think global warming — no matter the cause — is a good thing, especially when I’m living at about 7 feet above sea level.

As for the particulars, I say there’s hot and there’s uncomfortable hot, just like there’s cold and uncomfortable cold.

Knowing the precise number doesn’t change that, unless the temperature is ugga ugh, which is a completely different story.

“Buzzy” Bayless dedicated his life to service

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(July 7, 2023) This week we “Spotlight” Gold Badge Member and past vice-president of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Richard “Buzzy” Bayles.

“Buzzy” has dedicated a long and illustrious career serving our nation and protecting the lives and property of Maryland residents and especially the residents and visitors to Ocean City.

He served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1963 thru 1967. Joining the Maryland State Police in 1968, Bayles began his career as a patrol trooper in Prince George’s County and became a member of the State Police Tactical Unit.

Trooper Bayles transferred to the State Police Aviation Division in 1972 and served as a national registry of paramedics / flight paramedic until his retirement from the Maryland

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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the whole “green” movement: Volvo has admitted that emissions from making EVs can be 70% higher than petrol models - and claims it can take up to nine years of driving before EVs become greener (than petrol models). I think that’s about the life of an EV battery before it has to be replaced at a cost of thousands of dollars. If you are interested in the facts please follow the Facebook pages Protect our Coast - Delmarva as well as Protect our Coast - NJ, Protect our CoastCarolinas and Save the East Coast and all of the related information groups linked to them.

And please plan to participate in the ”Hands Across the Beaches” rally on July 15 at 11 a.m. at the Ocean City Inlet - the meet up is in the parking lot next to Thrasher’s. This is part of an East Coast effort to protect and save our coast.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

Residents, take county comp. plan survey Editor,

If you didn’t notice, on June 15 Worcester County’s planners launched a survey to gather public input as they update the 2006 comprehensive development plan now used to grow the county.

The comprehensive plan is a foundational planning document. It is used to support zoning decisions, development priorities and county budgeting for schools, parks, police and fire services, water and wastewater systems, roads, trash, and all public services.

State Police in 1992.

Following his retirement, Firefighter Bayles served in the Town of Ocean City Office of Emergency Management. First, in the Emergency Services Communication Center and later as the Town of Ocean City emergency planner.

“Buzzy” retired from the Town of Ocean City in 2010 and now enjoys golfing with his friends and traveling with his wife, Lisa.

After 16 years of active service with the Independent Hose Company in Frederick County, Bayles was invited to join the OCVFC as an Honorary Member in the fall of 1978 in recognition of his valuable service to the Ocean City community while a paramedic on the MSP medevac helicopter.

Firefighter Bayles joined the OCVFC as an active member on Jan. 11, 1983, citing that “he had joined his hometown fire company in Frederick

County after graduating from high school and always had a desire to be in the fire service.”

During his 26 years of active service, Bayles served as a crew member and later lieutenant on Aerial Tower 705. He also served as vice president and as a member of the board of directors.

Firefighter Bayles recalls the events of Sept. 22, 1994. A strong nor’easter storm with winds in excess of 50 mph was destroying tents, concession stands, and craft vendors booths erected in the inlet parking lot in preparation for Sunfest.

At the same time, a large fire erupted on the Boardwalk at Ninth Street. The fire quickly spread, fanned by the same winds, and destroyed the Candy Kitchen, the Alaska Stand, the Boardwalk Auction Gallery and the Crab Alley Restaurant. He will also never forget the

The planners do talk about following the plan, but it is a tough job. Too often achieving growth means giving a Worcester Wink to the plan’s goals as the county’s political bosses listen to the promises of more revenue made by bankers, developers, and promoters.

A top to bottom review of the county’s goals, objectives and priorities is long overdue. We also should be looking at the planners’ accomplishments and how infrastructure incentives are used to help developers and promoters. We need to see that they really are paying the county for the full impact of their ventures.

This last stormy budget session demonstrated our fiscal and growth policies are out of balance: we are struggling to pay for how we have grown. We’ve been betting profits from tourism and real estate development would trickle down, filling the tax coffers sufficiently to more than offset the public investment in roads, sewers, police and other services the promoters and developers need. The efforts to balance the books by jiggling money to offset a structural deficit suggests someone should pay more, including Ocean City.

This comprehensive plan update process is so important I wonder why county officials decided not to spend a few dollars on stamps so every resident voter could receive an official letter that includes a link to the survey (SurveyMonkey.com/r/WorCoCpSurvey). You can bet the business community will be shaping the update.

When you complete the survey, ask yourself if you are happy with the

way our tax dollars have been spent. Is the congestion on Route 589 a planning success worth repeating on Route 611 near the airport, or at the Route 611 intersections with Sinepuxent or Assateague roads? Is our zealous pursuit of more vacation housing making our roads unsafe while the county whines about the State Highway Department’s responsibility to provide traffic lights?

When you complete the survey, also ask yourself if the focus on growth and promoting tourism is producing the right infrastructure decisions or saddling residents with high utility bills, more traffic and an elevated need for police and fire protection. Who is paying the bill? Are we really getting an adequate slice of the tourism and development dollars to cover the long-term investment, operation and maintenance costs for the schools and other infrastructure the county provides?

We hear that big ticket items like sport complexes will pay for themselves and produce more revenue. Who will get this new money? I haven’t heard that making a big investment in the proposed field of dreams would have eliminated Worcester County’s so-called structural deficit.

If you live in Worcester County, complete the survey. Hopefully, as the comprehensive plan is updated, the planners will show us a fair share of the profits earned by the bankers, developers and promoters are trickling down, easing the tax burden on the residents and not actually adding to it.

Katsanos South

Richard “Buzzy” Bayles

“Buzzy” brought chopper access

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tragic Sauté Café fire that took the life of an Ocean City volunteer firefighter.

“Buzzy” cited his work with thenOC Emergency Services Director Clay Stamp in establishing the Ocean City Helicopter / Medevac Landing Zones and designing the Town of Ocean City Mobile Command Vehicle as his greatest accomplishments in emergency services.

These resources remain in use today by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and its allied agencies. Bayles stated he is “proud of my years working with so many dedicated men and women who give so much to help others.”

This week, as we celebrate the birthday of our great nation, we offer our extreme gratitude to “Buzzy” and all our veterans for their service to our country. We also thank Firefighter Bayles for his many years of service in law enforcement, emergency services and the fire service devoted to protecting the lives and property of Maryland residents and the residents and visitors to Ocean City.

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

Battle of Kursk claims million lives

By Nick Wahof Contributing Writer

(July 7, 2023) This week, 80 years ago, the Soviet Union and the German Reich were engaged in a titanic struggle near the Russian city of Kursk.

On the morning of June 22, 1941, more than 150 divisions with 3,200,000 men, 500,000 horses, 3,550 tanks, and 2,000 combat aircraft of the Wehrmacht launched an attack on the Soviet Union. Meeting great success early in the invasion, Adolf Hitler’s armies reached the suburbs of Moscow before they were finally stopped.

Over the next two years, the Soviets and the Germans fought many enormous battles. Both Josef Stalin and Hitler were looking for a place for one decisive battle to lead their armies to victory.

In the spring of 1943, Russia’s rivers overflowed their banks and mud was everywhere as the winter snows melted. This gave both the German and Soviet armies time to recover from the heavy fighting that occurred earlier in the year.

The Kursk salient presented a very tempting target for the Germans. By eliminating the bulge in the front

line, the Germans could shorten the area they needed to defend by over 65 miles. It also gave the German Wehrmacht an opportunity to destroy and capture thousands of Soviet soldiers. Hitler wanted captured Soviet prisoners shipped to the west to be used as slave labor.

Codenamed “Operation Citadel,” by the German High Command, the plan was to attack the salient with Armeegruppe Center, commanded by Gen. Walther Model, and armeegruppe South, commanded by Field Marshal Erich von Manstein. Using a pincer movement, both armeegruppes would squeeze the neck of the Kursk bulge until they could break through the Soviet lines. The German armies would then surround and destroy the Red Army in the Kursk pocket.

Many top German generals were against any big offensive plans against the Soviets. They thought it would be better to put in place a strong defensive strategy to counter the coming Soviet offensives. Gen. Heinz Guderian and Field Marshal von Manstein tried to dissuade Hitler from going forward with the operation. Hitler even admitted the thought of such a large and risky operation turned his stomach.

As soon as the German plans were finalized, secret agent “Lucy” reported many of the plans back to the Soviets. They knew the plan of attack and had a few days’ window on when it would take place (between July 36).

The Soviets did not sit idly as the Germans began building up their armored forces on both sides of the Kursk bulge. By the end of April, over 105,000 civilians were pressed into building defensive works. The number increased to 300,000 in June.

The objective of the multiple lines of defenses under construction was to channel the German armor into

killing fields where the Soviets could bleed them white. Massive minefields were laid containing nearly a million anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.

In total, six main defensive lines were built to a depth of over 65 miles. More than 6,000 anti-tank guns were put together with over 20,000 guns and mortars, along with nearly 1,000 Katyusha rocket batteries, to defend the north and south ends of the bulge. Once the Soviets were able to determine the main German thrusts, several armored corps held in reserve would be used to blunt any German penetration.

The German forces amassed for “Citadel” were enormous: nearly 800,000 troops, 2,100 aircraft, 2,451 tanks and assault guns (including the new Tigers and Panthers), and 7,400 guns and mortars. The tanks for the operation accounted for 70 percent of all German armor on the Eastern Front. Even with such a large force, the Germans could only hope for localized superiority where they attacked, because the overall Soviet numbers were even larger. Hitler knew that going into the strength of the Soviet defenses was a big gamble, but he felt a German victory would turn the tide of the war.

On the morning of July 5, after seeing signs that the German offensive was imminent in the northern part of the salient, Soviet Commander Konstantin Rokossovsky ordered his artillery and Katuyusha rocket units to open fire. The Germans responded with their own intense artillery barrage and used Stuka dive bombers to attack Soviet positions.

Gen.Model only committed one of his six Panzer tank divisions to the initial assault on the northern front. Because of this, not much progress was made against stiff Soviet resistance. Only the 20th Panzer Division

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The crew of a Panzer III from the SS Panzergrenadier Division Das Reich, resting after a rainstorm during the Battle of Kursk.

Continued from Page 56

was able to break through the Red Army lines in the village of Bobrik. Both sides poured in reinforcements, limiting the German advance to only 4-6 miles in the first day of fighting.

On the southern front, Field Marshal von Manstein had more tanks, artillery and infantry than Model’s Armeegruppe North. With more tanks at his disposal than his northern counterpart, Field Marshal von Manstein used them to attack as an armored spearhead.

The Soviets opened with a 600gun artillery barrage as the German forces were gathering for their offensive. The Germans soon responded with an intense early morning preliminary bombardment. More shells were used in this initial bombardment than were used in the earlier Polish and French campaigns combined.

As the attack was just getting underway, the Soviets launched their air force to attempt to destroy Germany’s planes still sitting at their airfields. German radar picked up the large attack force and launched their fighters to meet them in the air. In what is believed to be one of the largest air battles in history, more than 500 aircraft fought for control of the skies over the battlefield. The Luftwaffe was able to repulse the Soviet air fleet, giving it control of the air for the opening of “Citadel”.

Paths were cleared through the minefields by German engineers and the tanks advanced into the Soviet lines. With heavy support from the air and concentrated tank attacks, Field Marshal von Manstein’s Armeegruppe South made slow and steady progress against the formidable Soviet defenses. By the end of the first day, some of the German Panzers had advanced as much as 12 miles.

Over the next few days on the northern front, German armor continued to batter the strong Soviet defensive fortifications. Gen. Model ordered successive attacks to try to break through the Soviet lines. The fighting centered on the village of Ponyri and Hill 235.5 –called by both the Soviets and the Germans “Little Stalingrad.” While the Wehrmacht finally captured Hill 235.5 on July 9, it never could break through the Soviet lines around Ponyri.

Model’s principle target was Olkhovatka — a town he felt was the key to unlocking the Soviet defenses. The Soviets were well aware of the importance of holding the town, so the area held some of the strongest fortifications. These included T-34 tanks that were camouflaged and dug in with only their turrets exposed.

A huge German armor onslaught of nearly 1,000 tanks attacked the Soviet defenses. With both sides suffering grievous losses, the Germans were never able to break through the Soviet defenses in the north.

In the south, the stage was being

set for the largest tank battle in history. Because of the better range and firepower of the German Tiger and Panther tanks, Soviet Gen. Nikolai Vatutin decided to dig his T-34 and KV-1 tanks into the ground for protection. Still, with close air support, the German armor was able to advance to the second Soviet defensive line.

With the German offensive being stopped in the north, the Soviet High Command decided it was safe to send the Fifth Guards Tank Army, commanded by Pavel Alexeyevich Rotmistrov, to the south to meet the oncoming Panzer onslaught. This tank army and its supporting units, being held in reserve, drove nearly 280 miles south to the village of Prokhorovka.

By July 12, after a week of heavy fighting and mounting casualties, German Gen. Hermann Hoth decided to make one big push with his remaining 600 tanks. Hoth planned to break through the remaining Soviet defenses around Prokhorovka to allow the German armor to take Kursk.

The mass of German armor moved towards Prokhorovka in overcast skies, with periodic rain showers. The German Luftwaffe began bombing Soviet positions in the path of the advance. By 8:30 a.m., the Soviets unleashed a massive artillery barrage on the advancing Germans.

Soon after, more than 500 Soviet tanks charged the German armor through the smoke, negating the Wehrmacht’s advantage of long range firepower. They battled each other at point blank range leaving the fields littered with burning tank hulks.

At the same time, a huge air battle was taking place overhead. More than 1,500 total sorties were flown by the German and Soviet air forces. At the end of what is considered to be the largest tank battle in history, the Soviets estimated nearly 700 destroyed machines littered the battlefield. The Soviet armor and defense fortifications held firm.

On July 16, Hitler canceled “Operation Citadel.” The Allies had just landed in Sicily and Hitler felt he needed to transfer some German divisions from Russia to Italy. Also, German forces were needed in the north to counter a new Soviet offensive.

Despite inflicting much larger casualties against the Red Army, the Battle of Kursk was an operational failure for the Germans. The Wehrmacht never broke through the intricate defenses to take Kursk, or complete an encirclement of a large Soviet army.

Instead, the Soviets were successful in bleeding the Germans dry. After Kursk, the German Army was never able to mount a major offensive in the East. The remainder of the war would be a defensive struggle to the fall of Berlin in the spring of 1945.

Next week: Sicily

OBITUARIES

JOAN MARIE ABELL MERSINGER

Ocean Pines

Joan Marie Abell Mersinger, 89, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 25, 2023, at her home in Ocean Pines surrounded by loving family.

Born June 19, 1934, in Baltimore, she was happily married to Joseph Mersinger for the past 66 years.

In addition to her husband Joe, she is survived by her four sons: Stephen Eric Mersinger and his wife Denise, of Berlin, Paul Mersinger and his wife Dawn of Westminster, Matt Mersinger and his wife, Karen of Port Charlotte, Florida, and Michael Mersinger and his wife Janet of Rincon, Georgia.

She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, who she adored and who lovingly called her “Mommo”: Stephen, Kenny and Nick Mersinger, Andrew and Lauren Mersinger, Erica Cardinal, Luke Mersinger, Mattie Lawson, and Katherine Mersinger. She also had several great grandchildren: Cameran Mersinger, Avery, Grace and Hazel Cardinal, Kailynn and Logan Mersinger.

Joan was a member of St. John Neumann Church, in Berlin. She graduated from Institute of Notre

Dame in Baltimore in 1952. A memorial service followed by a celebration of life will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joan’s name to Coastal Hospice Berlin, or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

GLORIA MARIE BASSICH Ocean City

Gloria Marie Bassich, 92, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Snow Hill Nursing Home. Born on Oct. 21, 1930 in Caribou Maine, she was the daughter of the late Earl Doak and Blanche Gagnon. Gloria graduated from Bulkeley High School in Hartford, Connecticut, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, the late Palmer Christian Bassich. Gloria’s compassion called her to a career in nursing, where she dedicated her time to helping to heal the sick and injured at Holy Cross Hospital. She also volunteered as a recovery nurse for a mission in Ecuador for corrective surgeries for impoverished children high in the Andes mountains. She was an enthusiastic supporter

Continued on Page 58

Joan Mersinger

Gloria Bassich

Bruce Allen Moore, OC magnate, dies at 81

(July 7, 2023) Bruce Allen Moore, 81 passed away on June 29, 2023, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.

Born in Laurel, Delaware, he was the son of the late Carmel Leon Moore and Sally Lee Collins Moore.

He is survived by his wife Christine (Brodowski) Moore; and children, Matthew Joseph Moore and his wife Ryel of Alexandria, Virginia, and Meredith Dale Moore and fiancé L.P. Cyburt of Ocean City. There are four grandchildren, Travis and Trevor, Tyler and Ashton. Also surviving are stepchildren Pamela Berman (John), Erika Meister (Benoit), Aleksandra Howard (Adam); and their children, Colby, Logan, Jordyn, Blake, Maia, Luca, Winnie and Tucker; nieces Paula Hardt, Sally Irwin, Ellen Casey; and nephew Chris Sammelwitz.

Preceding him in death were his brother, Robert L. Moore; sister, Eleanor Paradee; nephews Mike

OBITUARIES

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of her three boys’ sporting endeavors and for years attended three football games per weekend.

Gloria retired in 1995 and began her second career as a certified “beach bum” in Ocean City, fulfilling

Moore and Ben Paradee and his wife Mandy; and sister-in-law Diane Sammelwitz.

Bruce was a 1959 graduate of Laurel High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. He attended graduate school at Clemson University and University of Maryland. He served in the United States Army (artillery), and retired from active duty with the rank of Captain.

Bruce worked in sales for Merck Pharmaceuticals for two years. In 1976 he founded Moore, Warfield and Glick Realtors, and received “Realtor of the Year” in 1981. He became President of the Ocean City Board of Realtors in 1984. In 1988, he sold his

operational interest to Warfield and Glick.

He was past partner of BJ’s North and BJ’s South, partner with Remax Premier Properties, past President of Ocean City Paramedics, past member of the Worcester Preparatory School Board of Trustees, past board member of Mercantile Peninsula Bank, past chairman of the Atlantic Club, past trustee of Atlantic United Methodist Church, board member of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, member of The Knights of Columbus Star of the Sea Council, and charter member of the Ocean City Shriner’s Club. He served on the board of Ambassadors for Beebe Healthcare, was a Meals on Wheels volunteer, and a happy member of his boyhood friends, The Crevies (and then there were two).

He was not just a resident of Ocean City and Rehoboth, but a self-

less, dedicated, hands-on community leader who will be sorely missed. After retiring and moving to Delaware, he became a member of St. Edmond Catholic Church.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., July 11 at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edmond Catholic Church at 11 a.m., July 12. Rev. William Cocco will officiate, and Rev. George Patterson will assist.

A donation in his memory may be made to the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation, 1409 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842; St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King St., Rehoboth, DE 19971; or Beebe Healthcare, 424 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958.

Letters of condolence may be sent to burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

a lifelong dream to live by the sea. When she was not enjoying her time on the beach, Gloria was an active member of the OC community, receiving accolades for her volunteer work with the Kiwanis Club, and President of the Worcester County

Commission For Women, and Republican Women of Worcester County.

Gloria also enjoyed traveling the world. Her love of travel and adventure took her to Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and South

$1,445.

America.

Gloria loved being a grandmother, she built a home filled with love and homemade sweets, and always made time to visit with her grandchildren. Her hobbies included cake decorating and sewing, and she handmade all family celebration cakes and her grandchildren’s Halloween costumes. Her grandchildren loved coming to visit her at the beach.

She is survived by two sons, Douglas Bassich and Andrew Bassich (Denise Becker); eight grandchildren, Jordan Burgess (Adam Burgess), Ryan Bassich, Dennis Bassich (Ashley Bassich), Jesse Bassich (Jessie Byrnes-Bassich), Dylan Bassich (Chi Duong), Hanna Marie Bassich, Jay Bassich, and Brittany Buckner; two great-grandchildren, Luka Bassich and Jade Bassic; and her special friends, Kim Bassich and Leslie Adams.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Christian Bassich (Karen Bassich), and a daughter, Celia Plumhoff-Bassich.

The Bassich family is overwhelmed with love and gratitude for our matriarch who gave our family so much love and joy. We will miss her presence terribly but are comforted knowing that she has found peace in her eternal resting place by the sea.

Cremation followed her death. A memorial mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, July 15, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church. A celebration of life will follow the mass at Knights of Columbus Hall.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home.

Bruce Moore

Canyon Kick Off returns to precovid numbers

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(July 7, 2023) The Ocean City Marlin Club had the best turnout since covid for the annual Canyon Kick-Off, with 34 boats registered and about $57,000 awarded to the winners last weekend.

The weather on Sunday was troublesome, Tournament Chairman Bob Althauser said, and only a few boats went out fishing. But despite the forecasts, the crew aboard Fish On caught a 219-pound bigeye tuna around 2:30 p.m. It was the biggest tuna of the tournament and earned the anglers $11,385.

“No good tournament can be complete without a little excitement,” Althauser said.

Fish On also took home an additional $2,935 in Sunday’s daily largest calcutta for the bigeye.

“I like to tell people this tournament is a great chance to fish and enjoy the tournament experience, but (it) doesn’t cost a lot to get into,” he said. “Plus, you can make some money in the process.”

Fishing was a little slow for the tournament, which Althauser suspected had something to do with the full moon and slow-to-warm offshore waters this fishing season.

The Makenzie Rae team came in second place with a 55.5-pound yellowfin tuna. The group won $2,511 for second place and an additional $2,935 for catching the biggest meat fish on day one.

The Barbara Rose crew took third place in the division with a 51.5pound tuna and received $1,458.

The Fishticuffs team was presented $1,890 in the B level calcutta for its 48.5-pound tuna.

First place in the dolphin (mahimahi) calcutta went to the Undertaker crew, who reeled in a 19-pounder. The group took home $14,112.

The Reel Estate team followed them in second, winning $1,458 for a 15-pound mahi. Ready or Not’s 11pound dolphin earned the group third place in the division and a trophy.

The Undertaker crew also placed first in the billfish release division with two white marlin. The team was presented $9,225. The anglers also won $3,780 in the daily billfish release category for both day one and two of the tournament.

The Christine Marie team came in second place with two white marlin releases, and won $1,755.

“We implemented a new bonus points system for this tournament to try and level the playing field for boats who have scanning sonar and boats who don’t,” Althauser said. “It provides bonus points for boats fishing without sonar. Undertaker without the sonar edged out Christine Marie with their sonar.”

The Buckshot team finished in third with one white marlin release, which earned them $1,170.

The Loose Knot team received a trophy for a blue marlin release.

Rittmeyer noted that implementation of the new sonar-based point system made for some complicated rankings in an attempt to make the tournament more fair for boats without sonar.

Boat captains with new high-tech sonar systems can spot fish from much farther away and chase them, giving them a distinct advantage over others.

See BIGEYE Page 61

The small boat (34 feet and under)

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY MARLIN CLUB

Team Fish On won first place for single largest tuna with a 219-pound bigeye reeled in on Sunday. Fish On earned $11,385 for the first-place spot and were awarded an additional $2,935 for winning Sunday’s daily largest calcutta for the fish.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Fishticuffs team poses with a 48.5-pound yellowfin tuna caught during the Ocean City Marlin Club’s annual Canyon Kick-Off tournament, held last weekend. The group is pictured after weighing the fish on July 1 at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City.

OC Tuna Tournament final registration July 13

bluefin and longfin tuna, as well as added calcuttas for wahoo and mahi.

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 7, 2023) Final registration for the Ocean City Tuna Tournament is Thursday at 7 p.m. and includes a reception full of vendors and a dinner catered by Micky Fins.

“Like any registration, it’s a big event. It’s kind of the kickoff. Almost like a party here at the Fishing Center, celebrating another year of the tuna tournament,” said Hunter Dortenzo, assistant dock manager for the Ocean City Fishing Center, which is hosting the tournament along with Micky Fins and Sunset Marina.

Tournament sponsors like Costa, Twisted Tea, Bluewater Yatch Sales, Intrinsic Yatch and Ship, Squidnation, Park Place Jewelers, Mortgage Link and the U.S. Army are all set to hold vendor spaces at the registration.

Registration and attending vendors will be held at the Ocean City Fishing Center in West Ocean City. At least one person from each boat is required to attend the captains meeting.

Anglers can fish two-of-three tournament days from July 14-16, for eligible species like bigeye, yellowfin,

As of last weekend, the tuna fishing is still fair, especially for bigeye, which have been reeled in pretty consistently for the last several weeks, Dortenzo said.

The yellowfin were not “on fire” like they were a few weeks ago, he said.

Two weeks is still too distant to get an accurate call on weather, but the holiday weekend brought great conditions and this weekend is looking to also be nice, Dortenzo said on Monday.

An entry fee for a boat of up to six anglers is $1,200, and any registered boats are automatically enrolled in the single heaviest tuna calcutta and the heaviest stringer. Both categories award first, second and third place in a 50, 30 and 20 percent split, respectively.

Heaviest stringer allows boats to weigh up to five fish per day.

Boats who register before tomorrow will receive a $200 gift card to Micky Fins.

There are 14 added calcuttas with entry costs ranging from $300$5,000, and payouts varying by each category.

There are also divisions for junior anglers 16 and younger, and for lady anglers.

Weigh-ins, which are free to attend

and open to anyone, will be from 4-8 p.m. next Friday and Saturday, and from 4-7 p.m. Sunday.

Sunset Marina may play host to any weigh-in overflows, but will be reserved for stringers only, Dortenzo said.

At the Ocean City Fishing Center, spectators can stand in a roped-off area to catch a glimpse of each boat bringing in their fish, and of course, live fish weigh-ins.

“We do like to get the kids involved so they’re always up near the front. They can sit down right next to the barriers. They got a good perspective of everything over there,” Dortenzo said.

In lulls between weigh-ins, spectators can also expect to receive some sponsor giveaways, including OC Tuna Tournament T-shirts from years past.

“We’ll have like a big bucket of everything and all that stuff at the scales ready to hand out,” Dortenzo said.

Sometimes the organizer’s put on contests, Dortenzo said.

Weigh-ins typically attract 2001,000 people who filter in and out to view the fish, Dortenzo said.

“You can think about it just like the White Marlin Open, spectators just coming in to watch all the fish get weighed. Very similar setup here,” Dortenzo said.

Attendees could also see cars bring fish into the marina parking lot, and watch as teams wheelbarrow them to the scales.

“I always just say the weigh-ins are the most exciting part of the tourna-

ment,” Dortenzo said.

Hungry or thirsty spectators could also view the scales from Micky Fins, which Dortenzo expects to be completely full for the duration of the tournament.

The upstairs gives an aerial view, while the downstairs and outdoor seating provide a head-on look of the weigh-ins, Dortenzo said.

The awards ceremony will be hosted in the tent outside the Ocean City Fishing Center at 8:30 p.m. next Sunday, for tournament participants only.

“It’s when everybody finds out what they won. The big checks are distributed and trophies are distributed,” Dortenzo said.

There will be two trophies; one for single-heaviest fish and one for heaviest stringer, and there will be plaques handed out to other category winners. Attendees can also enjoy another dinner catered by Micky Fins.

“We actually moved [the tournament] back a weekend just to ease up on the logistical issue,” Dortenzo said of the expected Fourth-of-July rush. Usually the tournament is held on the second weekend of July, he added.

“Obviously more people in town, more traffic. That could be a better thing,” Dortenzo said. “It’s going to bring more people to the scales, giving more people a reason to get over here, so we’re never going to complain about more people in town. It’s always a good thing for us.”

For more information, visit https://octunatournament.com, or call 410-213-1121.

Surf students must learn ever-changing seas

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(July 7, 2023) Surfing can be a difficult sport/activity to learn.

One of the main factors in learning is that the “playing field,” namely the ocean, can be, and is usually, ever changing. Becoming familiar with this ever-changing ocean will give the budding neophyte a leg up in his or her quest in becoming proficient.

Ocean waves are mainly what we are concerned with in this discussion, although surfable waves will break as “standing waves” in rivers. Artificial mechanical waves have also been created in the wave parks, and waves will even break on inland seas such as the Great Lakes. But let’s get back to the ocean.

The ocean is subject to many variables. Tides, local and distant wind conditions, swell and swell direction, bottom contours, etcetera, are all fac-

tors that will have an effect on the ocean and wave conditions.

Most other sports are conducted, or shall we say played, on relatively consistent fields, courts or courses. Think baseball, football, basketball or even individual sports like tennis or golf. Sure, there are factors such as wind, heat, cold, wet or dry fields or courses, but the ocean has multiple factors. I’m not trying to make this too complicated but obviously emphasizing the ways of the “playing field.”

Naturally anyone who has grown up around the ocean and has paid attention to its ways by spending time in observance is going to have an advantage. This isn’t a necessity but one who swims in the ocean, rides a body board or body surfs will have at least an insight on trying to surf. Swimming, body surfing or body boarding are sports themselves. In fact, a lot of surfers are good at the aforementioned activities.

Speaking of swimming and body surfing, any individual would do themselves well to at least get ac-

quainted with these activities before getting into regular board surfing. Knowing how to swim is paramount and not just in a pool or calmer body of water.

Like the previous comment emphasizing the vagaries of the ocean, swimming in the ocean can be a totally different situation. Fear is maybe too strong a word but respect, high respect, should always be used.

Ironically, I have a friend, who doesn’t live in this area, who was surfing before knowing how to swim. No doubt this isn’t the best idea and he did eventually learn how to swim

I imagine that his enthusiasm for surfing was quite overwhelming, but I wouldn’t recommend this idea to anyone. Swim first, surf later. Never forget the idea of respect.

As far as a good board to learn on, something around 2 feet over the head of the surfer, or even more, would be a good idea. Also, something with good width and thickness would be advisable.

So there you have it, a few thoughts on learning how to surf.

— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

Bigeye tuna wins largest fish

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meat fish division was tied between team Wallhangers and Hotline, who both caught 42-pound tuna and earned $1,215 each.

Althauser joked that no one went hungry during the awards banquet, where guests dined on filets, crab

balls and lasagna, among other dishes, along with beer and wine.

“For those Ocean City Marlin Club members who fished, consider attending the November Fishing Committee meeting. It is open to all members, and we are always looking for new ideas,” Althauser said.