8/2/2024 OC Today-Dispatch by OC Today-Dispatch

Wind farm no threat to environment

So says Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in its environmental impact statement for US Wind’s offshore wind project. OC officials say lawsuit possible. — Page 3

water leaves

Dang! That was one icy ocean a couple of weeks ago off Ocean City’s beach. The wind and earth’s rotation were to blame.— Page 12

PHOTO COURTESY ANTHONY BALSIMO

Freya Newlin of Dauphin, Pennsylvania, finds that this laughing gull at Assateague is more than happy to accept her offering during her trip there last weekend with her family, including her stepfather, Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Balsimo of Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, who snapped the photo.

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Ocean City confirms wind farm ‘legal action’ possible

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) An offshore wind company is one step closer in its effort to construct a project off Maryland’s coast, but the Town of Ocean City reports it will consider filing a lawsuit should a federal permit be issued.

On Monday, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced its final environmental impact statement (EIS) for US Wind’s proposed offshore wind project will be available to the public this week. While company leadership applauded the news, City Manager Terry McGean said the resort continues in its fight against the planned wind farm.

“The actual EIS is not available to view until published in the Federal Register on Aug. 2,” he said on Monday. “We are reviewing what documents they have released. Once the full EIS is made public, there will be a minimum 30-day public comment/waiting period. We will thoroughly review the full document and comment. After the waiting period, BOEM will issue a Record of Decision. That document essentially serves as the permit. Depending on what the ROD states, we may then take legal action.”

In October, BOEM announced a draft environmental impact statement on US Wind’s Construction and Operations Plan (COP) would be available for public review. Simply put, the environmental impact statement evaluates the impact of the proposed project on the surrounding environment and informs BOEM’s decision whether to approve or disapprove the project or approve the project with modifications.

In the weeks that followed, the fed-

eral agency held several virtual and in-person meetings to allow community members to view the company’s plans for its offshore wind project, to be located off the coast of Ocean City. And in November, at the close of the public comment period, BOEM began parsing through the 1,150 comments it had received. While those in opposition argue the project would affect viewsheds, property values, offshore fishing and wildlife, those in support say the project supports renewable energy goals and local jobs.

Responding to Monday’s announcement, US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski said the final environmental impact statement puts the company one step closer to bringing the project to fruition.

“We are well on our way to putting Maryland’s offshore wind goals that much closer to reality,” he said in a statement. “We applaud BOEM for the comprehensive and thorough review of our federal permit application. We are now one step closer to securing all of our federal permits by the end of this year and look forward to the day we can get steel in the water.”

US Wind’s COP considers the full build-out of the federal lease area, which has the potential to generate up to two gigawatts of offshore wind power, US Wind reports. BOEM’s final EIS is a major milestone in the two-year National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, indicating the company’s plans are nearly through the federal review process.

The next step is for BOEM to issue a Record of Decision on US Wind’s COP, which is expected in September 2024. Other cooperating federal agencies and state agencies are ex-

See OFFSHORE Page 6

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to render favorable decisions by the end of 2024, according to the company.

As proposed, US Wind plans to construct up to 121 wind turbines, up to four offshore substation platforms and one meteorological tower within an offshore lease area located approximately 8.7 nautical miles from Ocean City’s shoreline and nine nautical miles from Sussex County, Del.

Since the company’s plans were announced, the Town of Ocean City has been vocal in its opposition to the project, particularly regarding the size of the turbines and the close proximity to the resort coastline. The town even went so far as to hire an international firm to review all plans and permits that US Wind submits.

The Town of Fenwick Island, Ocean City’s northern neighbor, also voiced its concerns regarding the US Wind project. And in December, when Delaware’s coastal towns were presented with a community benefits agreement from US Wind, the town declined to participate. The agreement provides each participating town with $2 million over a 20-year period should BOEM approve the offshore wind project and the state authorize a lease agreement with US Wind to bring underground cables onshore at 3Rs Beach.

Museum project slowed by high project bids

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) Despite having $650,000 in grant funding to make the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum handicap accessible, city officials learned this week the project cost will far exceed that figure.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Mayor and Council voted to remand bids ranging from $1.22 million to $1.47 million to staff for further review. When asked to explain the project’s budget, City Manager Terry McGean said the town had received $650,000 in state grant funding.

“This project is, right now, funded totally with a state grant that totals about $650,000,” he said. “We expect we’re going to be significantly over that. At this point, I would ask that you open the bids, remand them to staff for

review, and then we’ll come back to you with a recommendation based on what the bid numbers are.”

The Mayor and Council this week accepted bids from five companies interested in building an addition to the east side of the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, located on the south end of the Boardwalk. The project is expected to make the facility more accessible to visitors through the inclusion of a new elevator.

Proposals submitted this week include a $1.22 million bid from Delmarva Veteran Builders, a $1.35 million bid from Harkins Contracting, a $1.45 million bid from Henley Construction and Oak Construction, and a $1.47 million bid from Gillis Gilkerson. A motion to remand the bids to staff for review passed in a 7-0 vote.

Plans to make the Ocean City Life-

Saving Station Museum more accessible have been in the works for years. And in 2023, the town inched closer to making the project a reality when it received a state grant for ADA improvements.

As proposed, the town will construct an elevator and lobby area to the east of the existing facility, allowing visitors to access the museum’s second floor. The two buildings will be connected by a walkway.

“We want this funding, this elevator to better serve our community and serve more of our community,” Curator Christine Okerblom said in an interview last year. “So we are excited that

those that cannot use the steps for various reasons will now be able to access the second floor of the museum. It will open up doors for the community.”

In addition to funding, town officials have had to overcome legislative hurdles. In 2022, Senate Bill 64 was signed into law, allowing construction to move forward to the east of the museum. The legislation required the approval of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for construction within the State-Ocean City Beach Erosion Control District. Following DNR’s approval, the bill unanimously passed both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly.

Renovation project for golf course kitchen to proceed

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) A kitchen remodel will move forward at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course after the city awarded the project to Harvey Construction.

The Ocean City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to award a bid in the amount of $899,566 to Harvey Construction for a kitchen remodel at the Eagle’s Landing Golf Course. The approval comes less than a month after the Mayor and Council received bids well above the $700,000 budget.

“After review, the subcontractor has ties within our local community from previous projects such as One Coastal and other various residential projects,” Procurement Manager Matt Perry said in his recommendation this week. “They are the lowest bidder for this project.”

Earlier this spring, the council voted to advance a request for proposals (RFP) for the first phase of renovations at the golf course clubhouse, and to prepare a resolution to forward fund up to $1.2 million for the completion of both the first and second phases of the project.

As proposed, the first phase of the

project will include an addition to the east side of the building, which will allow for additional kitchen and storage space, an eight-seat bar, new restrooms and new flooring, among other things. The second phase of the project would involve an addition to the west side of the clubhouse for a larger pro shop, an office area and more storage.

However, officials experienced sticker shock when six bids were opened in July. The lowest bid, from Harvey Construction, came in at $899,566, while the highest bid came in at $1.23 million. The city had budgeted $700,000 for the project. With no discussion, the council agreed to remand the bids to staff for review.

During Tuesday’s presentation, Perry highlighted the company’s portfolio, as well as references provided by the company’s former clients. When asked where the additional $200,000 would come from to fund the project, Finance Director Chuck Bireley said the town had plans to bond the project.

The Mayor and Council voted 7-0 to support the staff recommendation and award the bid to Harvey Construction.

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Relief arrives after weeks of very cold ocean water temps

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(Aug. 2,2024) The abnormally cold ocean temperatures that dominated the first half of July have finally dissipated and activities along Ocean City’s beach have returned to a more normal level. But during those first two weeks, the water was not just cold, it was unbearably cold, according to both anecdotal and meteorological reports.

Until the last week or so, kids who would normally stay in the water until their lips turned blue wouldn’t go near it, many parents said. Meanwhile, anglers out in their boats along the coast and inlet routinely came across pockets of water in the 60-degree range.

One fisherman measured 58-degree water temperatures on an incoming tide just north of the Route 50 bridge and found almost frigid water on the bottom not that far off-

See OCEAN Page 13

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What exactly this blue heron is up to in this image is up to the imagination, but it’s clear something has its attention to retain this position long enough for a photographer to document.

Ocean hit 59.5 degrees July 18

Continued from Page 12

shore.

The source of these unusually low temperatures is called an “upwelling,” which is another way to say a layer of cold water moves up to the surface when the warmer water on top moves out.

In coastal regions, according to NOAA, upwelling can occur when winds blow more or less parallel to the shore. In Ocean City’s case, the persistently southerly winds of early July did exactly that, as recorded by the NOAA observation station located near the inlet at Coast Guard Station Ocean City.

Because water moves at right angles to the wind (the earth’s rotation plays a role in that) the persistent south to southwesterly breezes during the earlier part of last month pushed the warmer surface water to the east, thus allowing a subsurface layer of cold water to rise up and replace it.

That is how it works on the East Coast, while upwelling occurs on the West Coast when the wind is out of the north. Again, as NOAA explains it, this is because of the Earth’s rotation and something called the “Coriolis effect,” which causes water in the northern hemisphere to move to the right of the wind direction. The process is reversed below the equator in the southern hemisphere where water moves to the left.

Most people are less concerned about the science of upwelling than they are about whether the ocean temperature has reached their comfort levels, and, according to Ocean City Beach Patrol Capt. Butch Arbin,

it has.

“Following a sudden drop in water temperature a few weeks ago, we have seen a steady rise toward more seasonably warmer temperatures,” Arbin said. “This, in combination with an increased number of visitors, we have seen more people enjoying the beach and the water.”

So how cold was the water? Exceptionally cold, according to NOAA’s readings at the Ocean City Inlet. From June 30 through July 22, the average water temperature at the inlet was 68.22F, with a low of 59.5F on July 18. By contrast, the average water temperature for the same period last year was 74.6F, with a low of 67.8F on July 27.

That is a huge difference in terms of comfort for most people. The Coast Guard defines “cold water” as any temperature below 70F because of its effect on human respiration. Further, the National Center for Cold Water Safety, an advocacy organization for kayakers and canoeists, advises enthusiasts to wear thermal gear whenever they are on the water at that temperature or below.

The respiration factor is also why, again according to the center, that the pools being used by swimmers in the Paris Olympics are required by the International Olympic Committee to maintain temperatures between 7782F.

Below that level but above 70 degrees, which is where Ocean City’s coastal water temperatures were at the beginning of the week, is what swimmers and surfers like to call “refreshing.” That translates into “it’s still a little chilly, but not that bad.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF OCYACHTSHOTS.COM

Long absences blamed for surge in overtime costs

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) It was good news and bad news this week as city officials reviewed quarterly overtime for the Ocean City Fire Department.

During budget deliberations this spring, the Mayor and Council, concerned about growing overtime costs within the Ocean City Fire Department, asked staff to provide quarterly updates. In his presentation Tuesday, Fire Chief Richie Bowers noted that contractual overtime and callouts accounted for most overtime hours worked in the second quarter, but that long-term absences continue to plague the department.

“Workers comp is what has really impacted us as far as long term absences,” he told the council. “We hope to get everybody back.”

Earlier this year, city staff told the Mayor and Council that an unprecedented number of sick or injured employees resulted in increased overtime costs within the department during the last quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. Bowers told officials this week that the issue continued in the second quarter, with the number of overtime hours worked as a result of workers compensation increasing from 75 in 2023 to 285 in 2024.

However, most overtime hours last quarter were attributed to contractual overtime, or overtime guaranteed to employees each pay period. In the last three months, 1,652 of the 3,597 overtime hours worked can be attributed to that project code, officials say.

“It’s the three hours overtime that the folks on the floor get for coming to work every week,” said Deputy

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Council members were presented with an overview of the Ocean City Fire Department’s quarterly overtime expenses during this week’s meeting.

BEST BEACH BRANDS

OC overtime reviewed

FireChief Chris Shaffer.

Councilman John Gehrig, however, questioned if that could be considered overtime, as it was part of an employee’s compensation.

“That’s really not overtime …,” he said. “That’s where I’m struggling. It’s mislabeled.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca agreed, noting that the figure should be taken out of the department’s overtime calculation. He pointed out that roughly 30-40% of overtime costs were attributed to contractual overtime.

“So it’s a $600,000 or $700,000 overtime problem, not $1 million,” he said.

Councilman Will Savage noted that the council had asked the fire department to break down its overtime hours. He said that exercise proved useful, as it showed what could and could not be prevented.

“For contractual, there’s nothing we can do about it unless you change the contract,” he said. “But we’re years out on that.”

In addition to workers compensation and contractual overtime, officials reported an uptick in callouts. They said that resulted in a 17% increase in overtime hours from the second quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2024.

To cover those callouts, Bowers said the department utilizes its part-time employees. When they aren’t available, the department is forced to pay overtime.

“And then the other thing that has significantly impacted us … is no part-time availability,” he told the council. “In other words, they’re not putting in their availability overall for the schedule, or they’re not putting in for when we do need it, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.”

Officials, however, say they hope to change that with the hiring of additional part-time staff. They report the department expects to have roughly eight EMT recruits

and 41 part-time employees by September.

“In the part-time EMT recruit school, we’re going to require those that graduate and successfully complete it be required to put so many hours in, 300 part-time hours for Friday, Saturday and Sunday as a result of us training them and paying them to go to school,” Bowers said. “So they will be under contract.”

Bowers added that the department had also hired a part-time relief position to reduce overtime. He said the pilot program was a collaborative effort among fire department personnel, the city manager and the budget manager.

“One of the things we worked on was allowing a relief person that’s part-time on the shift so that when we had this unexpected call out, they could fill in …,” he explained. “That has helped us tremendously.”

Fire department staff on Tuesday also reviewed notable incidents that occurred in the second quarter, as well as training highlights, service calls and unit redeployments.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The graphic, which was presented during a City Hall discussion this week, details labor challenges within the Ocean City Fire Department.

OC staff to review bids for proposed admin. building

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) City staff will evaluate the 10 bids the Mayor and Council received for the construction of an administrative building at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council remanded 10 bids for the construction of the Ocean Bowl administration building to staff for further review. City Manager Terry McGean said the $800,000 budget had been increased to $1.5 million after initial cost estimates came forward.

“The original budget for this building was around $800,000,” he told the council this week. “When the original estimates came in, we realized we had a problem.”

In May, city officials celebrated the reopening of the new and improved Bayside Park at 3rd Street. The redeveloped property, located between

The west elevation for a planned administration building at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park is shown in the above rendering.

Facility planned for OC skate park

Continued from Page 18

3rd and 4th streets, is now home to new walking paths, playgrounds, and ball courts, as well as an added street skate component at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.

But recreation and parks staff this spring noted that they had not yet closed the book on the project, as a second phase of redevelopment was planned for the fall. On the east side of the park, officials are preparing for the construction of a new Ocean Bowl administration building featuring office space and restrooms.

“There will still be some work that needs to be done after the park opens,” Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito said in April, “some things will be left on our checklist.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, staff opened bids from the 10 companies

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Bids ranging from $1.37 million to $2.22 million will be evaluated for the construction of an administrative building, shown at its east elevation at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.

that submitted proposals for the project. The lowest bid, from Delmarva Veteran Builders, came in at $1.37 million, while the highest bid, from PBI Commercial, came in at $2.22 million.

“Everybody wants this job,” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said.

McGean told the council this week that Petito was able to secure grant

funding to increase the budget to $1.5 million. With no further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to accept the bids and remand them to staff for review.

Officials are hoping to start construction this fall and complete work ahead of next summer, according to the scope of work included in the council’s agenda packet.

Ocean City eyeing ultimate frisbee, wrestling events

By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) Ocean City officials’ aggressive attempts to attract more sporting events to the resort could be paying off next year with a potential national frisbee tournament in the spring, and a large wrestling competition during the shoulder season.

“We’re just really excited to get some new events in and are really looking forward to the future here,” Chip Woytowitz, the city’s sports marketing and events manager, said this week.

Woytowitz said he is trying to entice USA Ultimate organizers to host the group’s national frisbee tournament on the beach downtown in late April or early May in 2025 or 2026. He scheduled a site visit for later this month and has been working with some of the organizers of the OC Beach Classic, a local tournament held annually in mid-October, to help win the bid, which could include incentives such as paying for the venue.

“We feel like we have a very strong competitive edge going forward here,” he said.

See CITY Page 22

Continued from Page 20

If the town wins the bid, Woytowitz is eyeing the beach off Caroline Street near the Jolly Roger Pier as the location for the competition, with about 25 fields to be set up in the sand. The tournament has been around for about 15 years, and up until last year when it moved to Huntington Beach, California, it was held in Virginia Beach. Based on previous events, Woytowitz said he expects roughly 1,300 competitors.

He added that he hopes to know for sure whether the event will be hosted in Ocean City a couple weeks after the site visit. And if the town is chosen, officials will need to get moving fast if they want to get everything planned and in place by the coming spring.

Woytowitz is also negotiating with the organizers of Break the Chains Wrestling, an organization that hosts events for all levels of wrestlers in western Maryland and Pennsylvania, to host a tournament at the convention center Sept. 19-21 next year.

“Right now the proposal is to have a Friday through Sunday, with weighins on Friday and wrestling Saturday

See NEGOTIATIONS Page 23

FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

An ultimate frisbee competition is pictured on the beach in downtown Ocean City in 2022. Officials are hoping to bring a national tournament to the resort in the spring of either 2025 or 2026.

Negotiations for events ongoing

and Sunday,” he explained.

The organizer, who Woytowitz said is looking to expand events to the Eastern Shore, is currently reviewing the event contract, but it has not yet been signed.

The tournament is expected to produce half-a-million dollars in economic impact, with at least 500 competitors attending.

Woytowitz added that he has also put in a bid for the 2026 U.S. Sports Congress, a large sports trade show that would be held in December if Ocean City is chosen as the location.

Moms leading sports gear drive ahead of fall season

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 2, 2024) Two local moms are spearheading a new initiative to provide sports equipment, gear, and apparel to children from low-income families.

Worcester County residents Ashley Barcus and Lauren Nornes have kickstarted Let Them Play, a program that aims to ease the financial burden of sports uniforms, field hockey and lacrosse sticks, soccer balls, cleats, baseball bats, dance costumes, etc., off economically disadvantaged parents. The pair are partnering with Horizons Delmarva, a nonprofit supporting low-income public-school students in Wicomico and Worcester counties to bridge the “achievement gap.”

“We are adamant that sports are more than just getting out there and playing a game for an hour and a half, especially for young kids,” Nornes said. “Having the option to play sports helps them develop. So many kids never get the friends, morals, and values that come from doing a sport.”

The project leaders said they have seen first-hand how pricey athletic programs can get. Barcus noted that her children play baseball and soccer, and one wants to try out for football

in the fall. Nornes’ family is into soccer, horseback riding, and running.

“When it came to my child playing for Berlin Little League, it gets expensive fast,” Barcus said. “Kids’ gear was breaking down halfway through the season, and they asked other kids in the dugouts to borrow theirs. We started wondering what we could do to help.”

“Horseback riding is what got my mind thinking,” Nornes continued. “It is so expensive … We want to make these things more accessible.”

According to the Let Them Play creators, children ages six to 18 from low-income households quit sports six times the rate that kids from higher-earning families.

An Aspen Institute study found that among students from homes making less than $25,000 a year, participation in a “healthy level of activity” fell to 26.6% in 2021 from 34.1% in 2013. For youths from houses that bring in $25,000 to $50,000 annually, participation decreased to 35.7% from 38.1%.

“One of the things we have said is as a parent if you have to choose between an electric bill and your kids playing sports, it is the worst feeling in the world,” Nornes said. “…We

See PROGRAM Page 30

Ocean City, MD Inlet Park-

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Program launched to collect sports gear for area families

Continued from Page 28

want to alleviate that.”

Barcus and Nornes sent out “feelers” on Facebook requesting assistance setting up their program. The pair said they heard from Joe Laque, a Horizons Delmarva board member, who offered to provide guidance.

The group and its current executive director, Tiffany Kuykendall, agreed to enter a six-month partnership with Let Them Play, which was solidified last month. Per the agreement, Barcus and Nornes’ project falls under Horizons Delmarva’s nonprofit license. When donations come in, HD acts as the bookkeeper.

Barcus and Nornes hope that Let Them Play will exist as a nonprofit entity once the six months are up. Until then, the Salisbury-based organization will provide the backing necessary to get the sports-donation program off the ground.

Horizons Delmarva will allow Let Them Play to apply for grants, ease donation collection, and propel the initiative to success.

“As much as we are trying to do as much good in the world as we can, we are learning,” Barcus said. “Horizons Delmarva is like our big brother.”

Let Them Play accepts “lightly loved” apparel and gear for all sports.

Anyone who wishes to donate can contact Barcus at 443-365-3635, Nornes at 410-390-1791, or email LetThemPlayDelmarva@gmail.com to set up a pickup time.

The pair said they have received and continue to receive usable equipment, such as a basketball hoop, lacrosse gear, and dance items. The program is also accepting monetary donations. The do-gooders ask that checks be made out to Horizons Delmarva, and it is specified in the memo line that it is for Let Them Play.

Barcus and Nornes noted that the criteria for families seeking this kind of assistance are being worked out. While they are just taking in donations at this point, the idea is that households that qualify for Maryland’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, formerly known as Food Stamps or the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, will be eligible to receive the sports equipment.

“Athletics should be a lot more manageable,” Nornes said. “Your dream as a parent is that your kids are great at it, but that means paying for way more than just the beginning fees. There are multiple teams, uniforms, equipment, travel, and hotels. A kid shouldn’t have to sit out because life is life.”

White Marlin Open returns all next week for 51st year

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) The White Marlin Open, the world’s largest offshore billfishing tournament, will return to Ocean City Aug. 5-9.

On Monday morning, thousands of folks will get up before 4 a.m. to head to the Inlet to watch the vessels heading out to the fishing canyons in search of the billfish that could make millionaires.

Throughout the week, anglers will have a chance to reel in white and blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, swordfish or dolphin to secure some of the $10.5 million in estimated prize money this season.

“We work very hard year-round to put on a world class event for both our participants and our spectators,” said Sasha Motsko, one of the tournament directors. “We are thrilled and humbled that we are able to continue on with the event my father started over 50 years ago and look forward to another great year.”

As per tradition, hundreds of spectators will gather at the Ocean City Inlet early Monday morning, Aug. 5, to watch participating boats head out to sea for the first of five fishing days. This year, directors expect more than

400 boats and over 3,500 anglers to compete in the tournament. Motsko reported as of last week there were more than 100 boats pre-registered for this year’s event.

Last year, tournament directors celebrated the event’s 50th anniversary with a new white marlin “Winner Take All” category. Motsko said the added entry level will once again be offered at the 51st annual White Marlin Open. She also highlighted increases in tuna added entries.

“That could increase the purse for those categories,” she said.

Organizers expect the momentum of last year’s milestone event to continue into 2024. In addition to watching the weigh-ins at host Harbour Island, spectators can also take part in the action at Marlin Fest, which will be held at the Inlet from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the tournament. The festival footprint has expanded to include live music, food and drinks, vendors and a livestream of the White Marlin Open weigh-ins.

“Families, fishing enthusiasts, and anglers alike are invited to bring beach chairs and blankets to spread out and enjoy music, live streams of the tournament weigh-ins, and view

See MARLIN Page 32

Marlin Fest on tap for Inlet lot

of the boats as they bring in their daily catches to nearby Harbour Island,” a news release reads. “Vendors will be onsite selling a variety of items including official Marlin Fest merchandise and White Marlin Open gear, as well as food and alcohol.”

Marlin Fest will once again support the Ocean City Reef Foundation, an organization dedicated to sustained improvement of recreational fishing and diving in Maryland’s coastal waters. The White Marlin Open also invites anglers to donate their catches. This year, the tournament will be partnering with Catch N Carry and the Maryland Food Bank to clean, portion, flash freeze and distribute donated fish directly to local food pantries throughout the Eastern Shore.

“It’s the ongoing support from our fishing community, enduring spon-

sors, partners, and our enthusiastic fans that transforms this event into something unforgettable every year,” Motsko said in the news release.

Held annually in Ocean City, the White Marlin Open awards prize money for catches of white and blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin and swordfish. Dubbed the “the world’s largest billfishing tournament,” the White Marlin Open has doled out more than $105 million for the top catches since the tournament’s inception in 1974.

In its first year, the tournament attracted 57 boats and 150 anglers and paid out $20,000 in prize. Since that time, however, the White Marlin Open has become the largest billfishing tournament and holds the world record for the most money payouts for any fishing tournament.

Last year, 400 boats and 3,500 anglers participated in the White Marlin Open, and a top prize of $6.2 million was awarded for the heaviest blue marlin. No qualifying white marlin was brought to the scales. Eight fewer boats registered I n2023 compared to the 49th Open, but the total payout was approximately $1.7 million more than the previous year’s total of $8.6 million.

The record-breaking single-boat payout was $6,235,436 — more than half the total overall prize money awarded. The top prize went to the Floor Reel crew whose team member John Ols, of Laytonsville, Maryland, caught a 640.5-pound blue marlin. It beat the record set in 2022 by Jeremy Duffie, of Bethesda, who won $4.5 million for the Billfisher team, for his 77.5-pound white marlin. Ols caught the blue on the last day of the tournament last year. Two other billfish were brought to Harbour Island Marina on Friday, the only other possible billfish contenders brought to the scales the whole week, but neither met the minimum size qualifications.

With this year’s tournament just days away, Motsko said excitement is building. But she said it is not too late to participate. She said those seeking a charter or a crew can visit the Facebook page “White Marlin Open Charter Boats and Anglers.”

“It’s a Facebook page that is dedicated to connecting people,” she explained.

Records could be broken next week. If so, the weights for each fish to beat are as follows:

White Marlin: Steve Bass, 99 pounds, 1980

Blue Marlin: Robert Farris, 1,062 pounds, 2009

Tuna: Jim Freitas, 326 pounds, big eye, 1992

Dolphin: Matt Wagner, 73.5 pounds, 2020

Wahoo: Kevin Wayson, 110.5 pounds, 1994

For additional information on this year’s White Marlin Open, visit whitemarlinopen.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OCYACHTSHOTS.COM

Dozens of fishing vessels are pictured making their way to their home marinas after a day offshore in last year’s White Marlin Open.

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Assateague, OC receive funding through Md. DNR

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has awarded $2.1 million to several local agencies through its Waterways Improvement Fund.

Last Wednesday, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced it would provide $21.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund allocations to communities and projects throughout Maryland in fiscal year 2025, which began July 1. Five of the recipients will use those funds for improvements in Worcester County.

“Our waterways are a major component of Maryland’s economic success and cultural identity, and keeping them accessible, safe, and navigable are key priorities,” said Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “The Waterway Improvement Fund, funded by Maryland’s boating public and distributed in close partnership with our waterfront communities, has been a critical component in supporting these activities for decades.”

The agency reports the funds will support new and improved public boating access facilities, dredging of navigable public waterways; emergency vessels and equipment for local first responders; and other important infrastructure and initiatives.

In Worcester County, Assateague State Park received $125,000 to make boat ramp repairs and comfort station renovations, the Town of Ocean City received $150,000 for Little Salisbury Park channel dredging, and the Natural Resources Police Area 1 Marine Facility received $500,000 for a bulkhead replacement. In Stockton, the volunteer fire department received $80,000 for a new rescue vessel. And at the south end, Pocomoke River State Park received $125,000 for a boat ramp replacement at Milburn Landing and $1.2 million for marina, boat ramp and service building renovations at Shad Landing.

Applications are reviewed and projects are selected based on local government and state priorities, which are evaluated to determine the benefit to the general boating public, the Department of Natural Resources reports. Fiscal year 2025 applications totaled more than $80 million in Waterway Improvement Fund requests.

The Waterway Improvement Fund is primarily derived from the onetime 5% excise tax when a boat is purchased and titled in the state, as well as a small portion of the state gas tax. It has been used to construct and maintain more than 400 public boating facilities, 250 public navigational channels, and to acquire vessels.

County-run fair featuring more activities at new site

Live music, beer garden, food trucks, vendors add to traditional event favorites

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) Agricultural exhibits, petting zoos, carnival games and more will highlight this year’s Worcester County Fair.

From Aug. 9-11, community members are invited to take part in the annual Worcester County Fair. Now spearheaded by the Worcester County Recreation and Parks Department, this year’s event will feature a new location and more activities, as well as an abundance of live music, food and drinks.

“It is going to be a great time for family and friends to go and enjoy everything Worcester County has to offer here,” said Lauren Ahlers, marketing coordinator for Worcester County Recreation and Parks.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Worcester County Recreation and Parks would take charge of hosting the 2024 county fair. Recreation and Parks Deputy Director Jacob Stephens noted that officials, seeing the success of other events the department put on, had asked for assistance in revitalizing the event.

“The county saw a slight decline in the Worcester County Fair over the last several years, and they knew that the recreation and parks department held fairly large special events …,” he explained. “They wanted us to bring new ideas.”

The result, officials say, is a new and improved Worcester County Fair. Ending a years-long run at Byrd Park in Snow Hill, this year’s event will relocate to John Walter Smith

Park, home of Worcester County Recreation and Parks programming.

The fair kicks off Friday, Aug. 9 at 4 p.m., with a ribbon cutting to follow at 4:30 p.m. Featured events include livestock shows, a cake auction and a performance from the Jimmy Charles Band, which will take the stage at 6 p.m.

“This is a free concert to the public,” Ahlers said.

The festivities continue on Saturday, Aug. 10, beginning at 10 a.m. Featured events include a Wheels that Heal Car Show, a pipeline eating contest, a cornhold tournament, and various livestock shows, as well as a petting zoo and demonstrations. The fair will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 11, with a Jeep show, a local band showcase, livestock shows and an awards presentation.

Ahlers noted that 4-H displays, as well as a kids zone complete with inflatables, carnival games and a first bite fish tank, will also be offered throughout the weekend. The fair will also host a school supply drive to benefit Worcester County G.O.L.D.

“We will also have a beer garden and food trucks along with 50 local vendors,” she said.

For more information on the Worcester County Fair, or to view the fair schedule, visit worcestercountyfair.org, or check out the Worcester County Fair Facebook page.

The fair is just one of several area events to be showcased as part of Worcester County Agriculture Week, held Aug. 3-11. The week begins with the Blessing of the Combines and culminates with the Great Pocomoke Fair and the Worcester County Fair.

“We’re trying to bring it all together with Agriculture Week,” Stephens said.

SURF INTO INTEGRITY PROGRAM

•

Paramedic’s lawsuit alleges BFC violated overtime law

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 2, 2024) A Berlin firefighter is arguing the town’s fire company failed to pay overtime as required by Maryland law and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The individual has filed a FLSA lawsuit on behalf of himself and other employees.

Plaintiff George Branieki, who is listed as a Stevensville, Md. resident, was the only individual named in the suit against the Berlin Fire Company. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and alleges that the department “misclassified the plaintiff and as many as 25 other employees as 207(k) firefighters,” firefighterovertime.org states.

The 207(k) section of the FLSA stipulates a partial exemption that allows public agency fire departments to avoid the act’s requirement for overtime pay after working more than 40 hours a week.

According to the University of North Carolina School of Government, the exception permits public agency employers to “compute overtime… based on extended work schedule of 28 days…nonexempt law enforcement officers must work 171 hours in 28 days before the employer becomes liable for overtime.”

The United States Department of Labor defines a public agency as “the Government of the United States; the government of a state or political subdivision of any state; any agency of the United States (including the United

States Postal Service and Postal Rate Commission), a state, or a political subdivision of a state; or any interstate governmental agency.” Firefighterovertime.org says that volunteer fire companies do not typically qualify as public agencies per the FLSA.

The petitioner is seeking wages from June 28, 2021, through March 2023, when the department allegedly paid its firefighters under the 207(k) exemption. Branieki argues that employees were not adequately compensated for overtime worked.

The official complaint argues that the fire department “misclassified” the plaintiff as a 207(k) firefighter and thus only paid him the standard overtime rate of time and a half for hours exceeding 212 during 28-day periods. As a result, the employee believes he missed out on compensation for all additional work that qualifies for extra pay as determined by the FLSA.

The 14-page complaint, characterized as a “collective and class action” and filed by the law firm of Zipin, Amster & Greenberg, LLC of Silver Spring, Md., reads, “Defendant failed to fully and timely pay Plaintiff all earned wages due each pay period for all overtime worked exceeding 40 hours per week.”

The complaint continues, “On information and belief, prior to or during the relevant period, Defendant learned that it had and/or continued to misclassify Plaintiff and the Class Members as subject to the limited overtime exemption set forth in FLSA Section 207(k), and in so learning, knew or reasonably s have known the rate and method by which Defendant was or continued to pay Plaintiff and the Class Members for overtime worked exceeding Forty (40) hours per week was in direct violation the FLSA and Maryland overtime compensation requirements, and that its past or ongoing failure to pay Plaintiff and the Class Members at the FLSA and Maryland law constituted a past and ongoing unlawful withholding of Plaintiff and the Class Members’ earned wages in violation of the FLSA and Maryland law.”

When asked for a comment this week in response to the court filing, the Berlin Fire Company stated, “The fire company is aware of a complaint filed by a former employee relating to overtime, and our legal counsel is reviewing it.”

The statement continued, “We are committed to fairness to our current and former employees. Berlin Fire Company and Berlin Fire Company Emergency Medical Services are dedicated to providing fire, Rescue, and emergency medical services to our community with many volunteers and employees. Our Employees are an essential part of our public

DINE & DONATE EVENTS

Several local businesses and corporate partners of the Art League of Ocean City recently donated money to the nonprofit organization through Dine and Donate events at their locations. Art League employee Cassie Wait is pictured accepting checks from some of the donors including the Pit & Pub, above, which raised $450 and is represented by bartender Erin Danaher. Below left, The Shrimp Boat owner Joe White is pictured with his $443 raised. Below right, Papi’s Taco Joint owner Carrie Podles is pictured with the $570 she raised on May 13.

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Updated Maryland license plate adds local watershed

(Aug. 2, 2024) Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) in partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and Chesapeake Bay Trust this week revealed an updated design for the Maryland bay license plate.

Funds from Chesapeake Bay license plate purchases have long been invested in both the Chesapeake and coastal bays, and now the new design emphasizes the local waters.

“Today is all about partnerships with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and the Chesapeake Bay Trust stepping up to include the Coastal Bays in the updated design of the Maryland bay license plate,” Carozza, whose district includes Maryland’s five coastal bays, said during the unveiling on Tuesday. “With the new bay plates, I expect more Marylanders and beyond will support, explore, protect and enjoy our stunning coastal bays along with our beautiful Chesapeake Bay and multiple scenic waterways across the great State of Maryland.”

According to a news release, the first bay license plate was launched in 1990 and was one of the first specialty license plates in the country. In 2004, a second

design was unveiled, and in 2018, the third design was unveiled, which won an international design award from the American Association of License Plate Collectors (alpca.org/bestplate/2018/). Building on the 2018 redesign, the modification emphasizes the importance of the coastal bays. Today, 7% of Maryland vehicles sport a bay license plate.

“The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is thrilled that the Coastal Bays will be acknowledged on the Bay Plate,” Kevin Smith, executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, said. “The environmental role of the Coastal Bays is an important part of Maryland’s myriad natural resource landscape as is the significance of its overall economic contribution to Maryland.”

The majority of the revenue from the license plate, after a portion is retained by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration to administer the program, flows annually through the Chesapeake Bay Trust to hundreds of nonprofit, community-based grantees to lead projects in wildlife habitat improvement work, water quality restoration, and education and awareness. The Chesapeake Bay Trust uses the money to empower communities who want to

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, from left, are Jana Davis, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust; Chrissy Nizer, administrator of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration; Steve Tyler, current Maryland Coastal Bays chair and former MCB executive director; Sen.Mary Beth Carozza (R-38); and Kevin Smith, executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program with the new bays license plate.

New plate now includes coastal

play a role in protecting and restoring natural resources to take local action to protect the environment.

“From the Coastal Bays to the Chesapeake and even to the Youghigheny watershed in far western Maryland, our goal is to empower people all over our State to take on a meaningful and measurable role in restoring our natural resources,” Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust, said. “This updated license plate will support even more community-driven initiatives to improve and protect forests, streams, rivers, wildlife, and ultimately, our bays.”

The “Protect the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays” license plate can be purchased for $20 through an MDOT MVA branch, car dealerships, tag and title agencies, or online at cbtrust.org/purchase-a-bay-plate/.

“Over the last 30 years, the partnership between MVA and the Chesapeake Bay Trust has provided funding to expand education and resources to protect the Bay watershed,” Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer said. “More than 370,000 of our customers have bay plates which shows our customer’s commitment to environmental sustainability and we’re proud to be able to provide this opportunity for them to do so.”

WELCOMEWHITE MARLINOPEN!

More speed camera sites go live in Berlin next Monday

approved devices after constant speeding complaints around schools

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Council

(Aug. 2, 2024) Two new speed cameras, which will be activated on Monday, have been installed in Berlin to catch and fine whizzing drivers.

One device is located on the 10,000 block of Flower Street behind Stephen Decatur Middle School, while the other was placed on Seahawk Road. The installation comes after the first speed camera in the area, also on Flower Street, went live on May 28.

Each apparatus has two camera

heads, for a total of six among the three locations.

“It captures both directions,” Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing noted.

The police chief said that the goal of the technology is to enforce the speed limit, 25 mph, while officers are not physically present. Drivers that exceed 36 mph face a $40 fine. The speed camera vendor, Red Speed, is responsible for mailing the citations.

Downing told the Town Council in May that Berlin would receive $26 of each $40 fee. Red Speed will collect the rest.

According to Downing, from May 28 to June 30, the initially installed device captured 937 violations. He noted that this figure refers to how many vehicles drove at least 12 mph over the posted limit. As this includes cop cars, fire trucks, and ambulances, not all recorded speeders received citations.

Of the violations that did result in fines, just under 200 individuals have paid as of Monday, July 29. The police chief said that the department does not expect everyone to settle their tickets, as violation payment from speed cameras often lags. Still, he is optimistic that the technology will persuade reckless drivers to ease off their gas pedals.

“We understand that folks have to get citations before they decide to slow down,” Downing said. “Some people need multiple citations.” The department has found that drivers often exceeded 50 mph down Flower Street. The posted limit is 25 mph.

“We know that speeds were reckless in nature,” the police chief said. “It shows that the cameras were needed.”

Downing mentioned that most municipalities, including Salisbury and Pocomoke, have implemented the speed camera technology with “great success.” The department is hopeful Berlin will reap similar safety benefits.

The officer added that the speed limit adjustment from 30 mph to 25 mph on the entirety of Flower Street will also help protect the community. The modification to lower the Berlinoperated stretch was made following the motion’s passage at the July 8 meeting of the Mayor and Council. The county-owned strip’s maximum, west of Stephen Decatur Middle School, was decreased later that month.

“This is a stretch with a lot of volume from the schools, the nearby residential community, and the dump,” he said. “There is also no sidewalk. We know that many folks end up on that road, whether it be runners, walkers, or school buses, so we needed to slow that speed down.”

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Two speed cameras, pictured on both sides of the road, were recently added to Seahawk Road opposite Stephen Decatur High School.

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COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

NEW COURTS CELEBRATED

The Worcester County Commissioners, joined by Worcester County Public Schools representatives and Worcester County Recreation and Parks staff, are pictured celebrating the completion of the new basketball courts and park at Pocomoke Middle School at a ribbon cutting Tuesday. The facility is made up of a basketball court and mini pitch that can be used as two basketball courts, or one court and one soccer pitch. The park is recommended for children and adults and is open to the public outside of school hours and when organized programming is not taking place.

Lauren Blair of Coastal Hospice's Macky & Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines was the guest speaker at a recent Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City meeting. She is pictured at the meeting

APPRECIATION SHOWN

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City awarded $16,000 in scholarships to Worcester County graduating senior students in the spring from Pocomoke, Snow Hill and Stephen Decatur high schools. Pictured are several of the club's Scholarship Committee members, who evaluated the applications and chose the award recipients. From left, are Mary Page, Chair Jim Maratea, Kathy Hill, John McLaughlin with Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing, who presented the members with certificates of appreciation at a recent meeting.

and

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.

COASTAL HOSPICE FEATURED

with Kiwanis President Bob Wolfing.

RUNAWAY BRIDE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Runaway Bride movie release, a fun run/walk was organized by Berlin resident Theresa Gardiner as a benefit for Worcester GOLD. More than 270 participants turned out to help raise about $9,000. The beginning of the casual event is pictured as well as the awards ceremony to wrap up the morning.

STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Calendar

Fri., Aug. 2

2ND ANNUAL MARLINS FOR MASON

Ocean City Marlin Club Inc, 9659 Golf Course Road, Ocean City. Held at the Ocean City Marlin Club and Atlantic Tackle. Free to watch weigh-ins. Benefiting The Dravet Syndrome Foundation. Entry details: https://marlinsformason.com. marlinsformason@gmail.com

FLEA MARKET

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 410-524-7474, http://www.stpetersoc.com

MAHJONG CLUB

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

ARTISTIC ARENA: BOOKWORM SOCK PUPPET

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Create a cute bookworm sock puppet to snuggle with a good book. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years and 12-18 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION FOR AUGUST EXHIBITS

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 by a variety of local artists. FREE. All are welcome. 410-524-9433

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994

Sat., Aug. 3

16TH ANNUAL PEACH FESTIVAL

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Peaches for sale, pie baking contest, Magic Jack, kids games and stories, live music by Bilenki Duo and cooking demonstration by Phil Cropper. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

2ND ANNUAL MARLINS FOR MASON

SAFE BOATING COURSE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The cost is $20. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

GREEN BALL TOURNAMENT

Ocean City Racquet Center, 104 61st St., 9 a.m. 18U beginner tournament. Cost is $20 per player. Register by Aug. 1. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/racquet/, 410524-8337, askrec@oceancitymd.gov

SATURDAY WRITERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their writing projects. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises. Drop ins welcome. 410641-0650

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. A ranger-led adventure featuring crafts, puppets, stories and cool props from Assateague Island National Seashore. A different adventure each week. For all ages. 410641-0650

FREE KIDS CRAFT

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring the kids and do something creative with them and for them. Projects change each week. No reservations needed. Free and open to all. www.artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-5249433

FAMILY SPLASH NIGHT

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

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Sun., Aug. 4

SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Live music by “The Players Band” (Jamaica ska reggae), kid-friendly entertainment, ice cream and fireworks. https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/sundaes-in-the-park/

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET

Sundays through October - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Featuring more than 50 farmers, bakers, growers, brewers, food cultivators, distillers, creators and artists. Also free kids art proj-

ects, petting zoo, face painting and live music.

https://berlinmainstreet.com/farmersmarket/

BERLIN FLEA MARKET

Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Aug. 5

51ST ANNUAL WHITE MARLIN OPEN

Harbour Island, 412 14th St., Ocean City, 4-9:15 p.m. World’s largest and richest billfishing tournament with projected payout to exceed more than $10 million. Free to view weigh-ins held daily from 4-9:15 p.m. https://whitemarlinopen.com

MARLIN FEST

Ocean City Inlet Jetty, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free event featuring live-streaming of the White Marlin Open weigh-ins, live music by “Opposite Directions” (12-4 p.m.), food & drink, vendors and WMO merchandise. https://marlinfest.com, 302-519-3176

OC BEACH DANCE PARTY WITH FIREWORKS

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

MONDAY MORNING MOVIE AND MUNCHIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Featuring “Frozen II.” Munchies provided. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: TURTLES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Songs, stories and plenty of fun while learning about turtles. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE SEA OPEN REHEARSAL

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 11 a.m. Open rehearsal for the Chamber Music by the Sea as they

prepare for international performances. All are welcome. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME AT THE OCEAN CITY AIRPORT Ocean City Muni Airport-Oxb, 12724 Airport Road, Berlin, 2 p.m. Special story time will include a tour and walk around an airplane. For ages 2-5 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. A safe place for families, partners and other caregivers who share similar challenges and rewards of providing care for adults with serious illnesses. Nicole, nfry@atlanticgeneral.org, 410641-2626

WARHAMMER

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Play Warhammer while using the library’s armies or bring your own. Tutorials and demos available. Novice and veteran players welcome. For ages 12-18 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

QUARTER AUCTION

Church of the Holy Spirit Episcopal, 10001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 7 p.m. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase (gluten-free items). Tickets cost $10 and include a paddle. Additional paddles available. An “all-in” paddle costs $40. Tickets: 443-735-4275.

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.

Tues., Aug. 6

51ST ANNUAL WHITE MARLIN OPEN

MARLIN FEST

Ocean City Inlet Jetty, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free event featuring live-streaming of the White Marlin Open

weigh-ins, live music by “AJ & RyMac” (12-4 p.m.), food & drink, vendors and WMO merchandise.

https://marlinfest.com, 302-519-3176

STORY TIME: ‘PIRATES’

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

REPTILE WORLD

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Michael Shwedick will be introducing the fascinating world of reptiles. He will include a beautiful variety of reptiles from all over the world. For all ages. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MASTER GARDENERS PLANT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring questions and feel free to show your plants as well. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

REPTILE WORLD

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Michael Shwedick will be introducing the fascinating world of reptiles. He will include a beautiful variety of reptiles from all over the world. For all ages. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.com

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE WITH SEASHELL PAINTING

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Create a one-of-a-kind piece using shells collected from local beaches. Adventure themes range from outer space to ocean depths and all points in-between. Registration required: 410-524-1818.

TUESDAY CRAFTERNOON

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Save summer flowers in a unique way. All materials provided. Registration required: 410-6410650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

ANIME CLUB - SUMMER SESSIONS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City

Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4 p.m.

Join in for special showings of anime episodes, play bingo and win some prizes. For ages 13-16 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SEAFOOD NIGHT

Knights of Columbus (behind St. Luke’s Church), 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 5-6:30 p.m. Menu for all ages including steamed crabs and steamed shrimp. Crabs must be pre-ordered by calling 410524-7994 Monday or Tuesday morning.

JR. LIFEGUARD CAMP

Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool, 11144 Cathell Road, 5:30-7 p.m., Aug. 6-8. Must be a strong swimmer. For ages 7 years and older. Cost is $75 for residents, $80 for non-residents. Jr. Lifeguards receive Tshirt and whistle. Register: 410-641-5255, oceanpines.org.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Aug. 7

51ST ANNUAL WHITE MARLIN OPEN

MARLIN FEST

Ocean City Inlet Jetty, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free event featuring live-streaming of the White Marlin Open weigh-ins, live music by “Rogue Citizen”

(12-4 p.m.), food & drink, vendors and WMO merchandise. https://marlinfest.com, 302-519-3176

MOVIES ON THE BEACH

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m. Featuring “Minions: Rise of Gru.” Enjoy free movies on the beach every Wednesday through the summer. Movie lineup: https://www.ococean.com/thingsto-do/free-family-fun/.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

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

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

TREASURE BOXES FOR TEENS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Decoupage and decorate a keepsake treasure box. For ages 12 years and older. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

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

REPTILE WORLD

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:3011:30 a.m. Michael Shwedick will be introducing the fascinating world of reptiles. He will include a beautiful variety of reptiles from all over the world. For all ages. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE SEA CONCERT AND WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave. Free family concert begins at 10:30 a.m. At 12 p.m. there will be a workshop conducted by violinist Elena Urioste, which is open to all string players. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5-6 p.m. Providing discussion and education on the topic of diabetes. Patti Yocubik, 410-641-4217, pyocubik@atlanticgeneral.org

STRANDED AT SEA: OC BAY HOPPER PROGRAM

OC Bay Hopper, 11703 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:15-7:45 p.m. Professionals share true accounts of shipwrecks and rescues dating back to 1880. Cost is $50 with half of proceeds benefit OCLSSM. 410289-4991, https://book.ocbayhopper.com/Experience

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays through Aug. 26 - 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 information can be found on www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Thurs., Aug. 8

51ST ANNUAL WHITE MARLIN OPEN Harbour Island, 412 14th St., Ocean City, 4-9:15 p.m. World’s largest and richest billfishing tournament with projected payout to exceed more than $10 million. Free to view weigh-ins held daily from 4-9:15 p.m. https://whitemarlinopen.com

MARLIN FEST

Ocean City Inlet Jetty, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free event featuring live-streaming of the White Marlin Open weigh-ins, live music by “Colossal Fossil Sauce” (12-4 p.m.), food & drink, vendors and WMO merchandise. https://marlinfest.com, 302-519-3176

SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHT

Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy a free concert and sunset views over the Isle of Wight Bay. Featuring “Tranzfusion” (classic rock). http://www.ococean.com/thingsto-do/

RUNAWAY BRIDE GUIDED TOUR

Berlin Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., 4-5 p.m. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary with a guided tour of filming locations in Berlin. Reservations: 410629-1716. A $5 donation collected. https://berlinmainstreet.com/RunawayBride-Walking-Tour.pdf

CONCERT IN THE PARK

White Horse Park Pavilion, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “Breath of Fresh Air.” Free family-friendly entertainment. Bring chairs and blankets. BYOB permitted, concessions for sale. Held Thursdays through Aug. 22. 410641-7052

REPTILE WORLD

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Michael Shwedick will be introducing the fascinating world of reptiles. He will include a beautiful variety of reptiles from all over

Continued on Page 52

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Sought-after Caine W Wooods open floor plan 4 BR, 3 BA home. Rare wide canal with oversized dock for big boats. Breathtaking views from every angle. Hardwood floors, high ceilings & wall-to-wall glass doors on south side. met kitchen with granite counter tops. T Gour Twwo 1st floor BRs & a full BA accessible from 2-car garage, front or side door.2ndfloorMastersuitewithensuiteBA.4thBR& Master have private 2nd floor n Backyard with patio lead to

Continued from Page 51

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

WATERCOLORS FOR KIDS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30

a.m. Learn about creating watercolor paintings with salt and create your own work of art. For ages 6-11 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: HOW TO CATCH A MERMAID

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Find out how to catch a mermaid. Songs, stories and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

Shwedick will be introducing the fascinating world of reptiles. He will include a beautiful variety of reptiles from all over the world. For all ages. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TRIVIA: DISNEY MOVIES

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

LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Join in for a LEGO challenge event. All materials provided. For ages 6-12 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

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

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

OC CHESS CLUB

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

REPTILE WORLD

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Michael

ONGOING EVENTS

TEEN STREAM STATION

Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., during August. Each hands-on activity will focus on art, math, science, engineering or technology. Create jewelry using binary code, construct a flying glider, design your own city out of recycled material and more. For ages 11 years and older. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

54 OC Today-Dispatch

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

WAREHOUSE MANAGER & WORKERS NEEDED IN WOC

Must have valid driver’s license & clear driving record. Excellent Pay & Bonus Opportunity! Call 410-213-1633 for interview.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

TECHNICIAN: Full or Part Time, No Wknds, No Nights, Will Train. Must have good driving record & some Basic Mechanical Skills Perfect for Retirees. Small local company, 30 yrs. serving Delmarva. 410-641-4411

FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN: Full Time position. Exp. w/Low Voltage a plus but will train. Some Electrical/ Mechanical Skills Are Req. Must have good driving record. Mon.-Fri., Paid Vacation and Holidays. Small local company. 30 yrs. serving Delmarva. 410-641-4411

Cleaners Wanted for Ocean City, MD

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

Pool -

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

BOAT CAPTAIN

West OC

Great opportunity for a retired Captain or someone qualified looking to make some extra cash. Job includes taking friends/family, cruising/ fishing. Fishing experience needed for baiting etc. Looking for a day during the week or evening and a weekend day. Call or text 410-404-7118 with your per hour wage requirement.

1BR, 2BA

Ocean & Bay Views Diamond Head Condominium, 2 80th St., Unit 302, Oceanside Newly Renovated Cable, internet, streaming TV, pool, elevator. Sleeps 5. Linen service provided. Aug. 1-Sept. 30, 2024 Mid-town Ocean City 1-800-492-5832

WINTER RENTAL

Large 1BR, 1BA Condo 2 Floors, close to Northside Park, 127th Street $1,000 per mo + elec. Ref’s & sec. dep. required. 267-254-0111

YR Ocean Pines Two story, 3BR, 2.5BA, screened porch, open decks, fireplace, large garage. No smoking, no pets. Good credit. $2,400 per month, plus all utilities. 301-509-6515

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

Waterfront Bayside - Newly remodeled 2BR, 2BA Condo in North OC. 4 steps to ground level off your private balcony. Full kitchen, LR, DR, W/D, balcony w/tables + seating for 6. Seasonal/ monthly Dec.-April, $2,000. Contact Julie 443-223-4623

Commercial Space for Lease.

2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 800-1000 sq. ft. ea. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885 for more information.

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

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

WANT TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY: Vintage signs, old advertising items, military memorabilia, antique toys, decoys, and small antique items. Call/text, 443-880-3082 River Run Community Yard Sale Saturday, August 10th (rain/shine) 7am-11am. Off 589 Racetrack Road, turn at Beauchamp, .8 mile River Run on your left. Annual Montego Bay Community Yard Sale Located at 130th off Coastal Highway. Saturday, August 3, 2024, 8am-1pm. Rain date: August 4th.

2023 ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE V15

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC

312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, MD 20707

www.mwc-law.com

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES’ SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

762

OCEAN PARKWAY OCEAN PINES, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Lasharon S. Mills and Tromaine D. Briddell, dated December 10, 2020 and recorded in Liber 7896, folio 43 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

AUGUST 20, 2024 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON situated in Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling. The property, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements, encumbrances and agreements of record affecting the subject property, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the form of cashier's or certified check, or in such other form as the Substitute Trustees may determine, at their sole discretion, for $27,000 at the time of sale. If the noteholder and/or servicer is the successful bidder, the deposit requirement is waived. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid within ten (10) days of the final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase price at the rate of 5% per annum from date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees, if the property is purchased by an entity other than the noteholder and/or servicer. If payment of the balance does not occur within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages. The purchaser agrees that the property may be resold pursuant to an order of court, waives personal service upon themselves and/or any principal or corporate designee of any documents filed regarding the failure to pay the purchase price within ten (10) days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail of said documents at the address provided by the purchaser in the Memorandum of Sale. The purchaser will not be entitled to any surplus or profits arising from the resale even if they are the result of improvements made by the purchaser. There will be no abatement of interest due from the pur-

chaser in the event settlement is delayed for any reason. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, and all other public charges and assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, and front foot benefit charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to the date of sale, and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), and all settlement charges shall be borne by the purchaser. The sale is subject to a post sale audit of the loan, including but not limited to an analysis of whether the borrower entered into a loan modification agreement, filed bankruptcy, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. The Substitute Trustees will convey either insurable or marketable title. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey insurable or marketable title or, the post sale audit concludes that the sale should not have occurred, or the sale is not ratified by the court for any reason, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit without interest even if the purchaser has made improvements to the property. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Substitute Trustees. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. The purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the property immediately after the sale. (Matter #24-600169).

Laura H. G. O'Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-8/1/3t

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, MD 20707 www.mwc-law.com

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’

SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

5 EVERGREEN COURT BERLIN, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Kelley E. Galyen a/k/a Kelley E. Gaylen, dated December 26, 2006 and recorded in Liber 4859, folio 684 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for

Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

AUGUST 13, 2024 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON situated in Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the form of cashier's or certified check, or in such other form as the Substitute Trustees may determine, at their sole discretion, for $8,000 at the time of sale. If the noteholder and/or servicer is the successful bidder, the deposit requirement is waived. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid within ten (10) days of the final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase price at the rate of 5% per annum from date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees, if the property is purchased by an entity other than the noteholder and/or servicer. If payment of the balance does not occur within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages. The purchaser agrees that the property may be resold pursuant to an order of court, waives personal service upon themselves and/or any principal or corporate designee of any documents filed regarding the failure to pay the purchase price within ten (10) days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail of said documents at the address provided by the purchaser in the Memorandum of Sale. The purchaser will not be entitled to any surplus or profits arising from the resale even if they are the result of improvements made by the purchaser. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event settlement is delayed for any reason. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, and all other public charges and assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, and front foot benefit charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to the date of sale, and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), and all settlement charges shall be borne by the purchaser. The sale is subject to a post sale audit of the loan, including but not limited to an analysis of whether the borrower entered into a loan modification agreement, filed

bankruptcy, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. The Substitute Trustees will convey either insurable or marketable title. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey insurable or marketable title or, the post sale audit concludes that the sale should not have occurred, or the sale is not ratified by the court for any reason, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit without interest even if the purchaser has made improvements to the property. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Substitute Trustees. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. The purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the property immediately after the sale. (Matter #2013-42873).

Laura H. G. O'Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-7/25/3t

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE SALE

VALUABLE IMPROVED REAL ESTATE

31 MYSTIC HARBOUR BLVD. BERLIN, MARYLAND 21811

By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland in Case No. C-23-CV-24000122, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the property located at 31 Mystic Harbour Blvd., Berlin, Maryland 21811, on

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 AT 9:00 AM

ALL that certain lot or parcel of land lying and being situate in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, which is more particularly designated as Lot Number 246, in Block J, Section 3-B, in Mystic Harbour, as shown on the plat entitled Mystic Harbour Subdivision Section 3B recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Plat Book No. 139, folio 69, et seq.

The property will be sold in an as is condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no warranties or guarantees, and will be sold subject to a Deed of Trust recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Liber No. 5509, folio 192, said Deed of Trust having had an original principal balance of $210,000.00 on May 24, 2010. The

Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier=s or bank check, or in other form as the Trustee may determine acceptable, in his sole discretion, with the balance to be paid in cash at time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Lien. Taxes, homeowners association dues and wastewater charges will be adjusted to the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the Purchaser. The Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of the property. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the Purchaser=s sole remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.

For more information, call:

James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee 410-289-2323

OCD-7/25/3t

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ.

108 N. 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

TRUSTEE'S

SALE

OF TIME-SHARE INTERVALS IN THE OCEAN TIME CONDOMINIUM

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-24-000125, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Ocean Time Condominium building located at 13 136th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election

District of Worcester County, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024 AT 9:00 A.M.

Units Time Intervals 105 47

16 401 42

18 506 38 506 50

Each time interval being one week per year of the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Ocean Time Condominium as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and subsequent Time-Share Instruments as to each condominium unit, and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of sale per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all recordation and transfer taxes and all other incidental settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call:

James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. Trustee

410-289-2323

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JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 N. 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

TRUSTEE'S SALE OF TIME-SHARE INTERVALS IN THE LIGHTHOUSE POINT VILLAS CONDOMINIUM

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-24-000126, he undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Lighthouse Point Villas Condominium building located at 14409 Lighthouse Avenue, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M.

deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. Trustee

410-289-2323

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COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301 LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 www.cgd-law.com/sales

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

808 & 810 2ND STREET POCOMOKE, MD 21851

By authority contained in a Deed of Trust dated August 25, 2020 and recorded in Liber 7968, Folio 440, , among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $99,000.00, and an interest rate of 20.990%, default having occurred thereunder, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

August 5, 2024 at 11:00AM

Each time interval being one week per year of the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Lighthouse Point Villas Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and ByLaws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions as to each condominium unit, and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling. Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” subject to any conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $9,800.00 by certified funds only (no cash accepted) required at time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within 10 days of ratification of sale by the Court, with interest at the note rate from date of sale to settlement. If settlement is delayed for ANY reason, there shall be no abatement of interest or taxes. All private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, front foot benefit payments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale are payable by purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, to be adjusted as of date of sale. Transfer and recordation taxes, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If purchaser fails to go to settlement within ten days of ratification, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of sale, the Trustee may declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and expense of defaulting purchaser, who agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if a motion to resell the property has been filed, purchaser waives personal service of

any paper filed in connection with such motion, and agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail to the address provided at time of sale. If the Trustee cannot convey insurable title, or the loan servicer determines that the sale should not have occurred, the sale shall be null and void, and purchaser's sole remedy shall be the return of deposit without interest.

Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900

www.tidewaterauctions.com

CGD File #: 460586

OCD-7/18/3t

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

SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20264

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND J. SHANLEY

AKA: RAYMOND JOSEPH SHANLEY

Notice is given that Jean Marie Shanley, 11638 Brandywine Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-2686, was on July 10, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Raymond J. Shanley who died on August 17, 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 10th day of January, 2025.

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.

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

personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: July 18, 2024

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COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20272

Notice is given that the Superior Court of Middlesex County, New Jersey appointed Richard S. Pychewicz, 38 Monaghan Rd., Edison, NJ 08817-4153 as the Executor of the Estate of Ann Pychewicz who died on December 04, 2023 domiciled in New Jersey, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates, Jr. whose address is 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.

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.

Richard S. Pychewicz

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 18, 2024

OCD-7/18/3t

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD, STE. B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20273 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MAURICE L. BARRETT III

Notice is given that Maurice L. Barrett IV, 435 E. End Ave., Beaver, PA 15009-1904, was on July 15, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Maurice L. Barrett III who died on June 30, 2024, with

a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of January, 2025.

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: July 18, 2024

OCD-7/18/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20265 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BEVERLY JOAN MONTGOMERY

Notice is given that Cynthia Marie Leitgeb, 717 Rusty Anchor Rd., Unit 12, Ocean City, MD 218425171, was on July 10, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beverly Joan Montgomery who died on November 17, 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 10th day of January, 2025.

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: July 18, 2024

OCD-7/18/3t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20255 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SUSAN LORETTA BARRY

Notice is given that William Barry, 165 Windjammer Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-1830, was on July 08, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Susan Loretta Barry who died on May 14, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of January, 2025.

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

William Barry Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: July 18, 2024

OCD-7/18/3t

DEMETRIOS G. KAOURIS ESQ. MCALLISTER, DETAR, SHOWALTER & WALKER

100 N. WEST ST. EASTON, MD 21601-2710

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of FRANK JONES AKA: FRANK LAMBRO JONES Estate No. 20261 Notice is given that ALBERT GJONI whose address is 8620 SADDLECREEK DR., BERLIN, MD 21811-3542 was on JULY 08, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FRANK JONES who died on DECEMBER 12, 2023 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of JANUARY, 2025

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-7/18/3t

MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, WILBER, DOUSE, MATHERS & ILLUMINATI, LLP

P.O. BOX 910

115 BROAD STREET

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20276

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LINDA HERZBERG

AKA: LINDA L. HERZBERG

Notice is given that Russell E. Harrell Sr., 36751 Baltimore Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970-3413, was on July 15, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Linda Herzberg who died on May 20, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of January, 2025.

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: July 18, 2024

OCD-7/18/3t

BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND

IN THE MATTER OF CHABERTON SOLAR SNOW LLC’S APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT A 4 MW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATING FACILITY IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. 9714

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING

An evening public comment hearing in the above-entitled matter is scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, Snow Hill Meeting Room, 307 N. Washington Street Snow Hill, Maryland 2186, via In-Person and virtual platform, concerning Chaberton Solar Snow LLC’s application for a

Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service Commission.

The hearing will be live streamed and members of the public can participate virtually. If you would like to participate virtually, please send an email to psc.pulj@gmail.com by 12:00 Noon on August 16, 2024. Otherwise, you may watch the public hearing on the Public Utility Law Judge (PULJ) Division’s YouTube Channel, https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP.

Written comments on the proposed Project may be submitted on or before August 23, 2024 electronically through the Commission’s Public Comment Dropbox, which can be accessed through the Commission’s website at www.psc.state.md.us, or by first-class mail with the Commission’s Chief Clerk, Jamie Bergin, Maryland Public Service Commission, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. All comments must include reference to Case No. 9714

Pursuant to the Commission’s March 13, 2020 Notice of Waiver and Relaxed Filing Requirements, no paper copies need to be submitted if the filing is public in nature and no more than 25 pages in length. The Commission encourages parties to use the Commission’s “e-file” system for filing. Instructions for e-filing are found under the “Tools” section of the Commission’s website under the “Make a Public Comment” tab. Which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-apublic-comment/.

OCD-7/25/4t

Thomas J. Kokolis, Esq. 110 North Washington Street, Suite 500 Rockville, MD 20850

IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR)

BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

IN THE ESTATE OF: WILLIAM EMORY SHOCKLEY JR.

ESTATE NO. 20279

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Thomas J. Kokolis, Esq., 110 North Washington Street, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850 for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on August 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Phone: (410) 632-1529

by personal

representative: Ocean City Digest

Publication Date: July 25, 2024

OCD-7/25/2t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDATHURSDAY,AUGUST 8, 2024

Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. 6:30 p.m. Case No. 24-49, on the lands of Greg Haltom, on the application of Paradise Energy Solutions, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the left side yard setback from 20 feet to 17.14 feet (encroaches 2.86 feet at furthest point) for an existing ground mounted solar array in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-201(b)(5), ZS 1-305 and ZS 1-349, located at 3633 Payne Road, Tax Map 101, Parcel 47, Tax District 1, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 24-50, on the lands of Farmer’s Bank of Willards, on the application of Jamie Covington, requesting a special exception to construct a freestanding, non-monument sign in the C-2 General Commercial District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1210(d)(3) and ZS 1-324(c)(4)B.4, located at 9701 Stephen Decatur Highway, Tax Map 26, Parcel 203, Lot 22A, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 24-51, on the lands of Berlin Fire Company, on the application of Jamie Covington, requesting a special exception to construct a freestanding, non-monument sign in the C-2 General Commercial District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1210(d)(3) and ZS 1-324(c)(4)B.4, located at 10837 Ocean Gateway, Tax Map 20, Parcel 122, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 24-48, on the lands of Box 64 B Selbyville, LLC, on the application of Kristina Watkowski, requesting a variance to the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area regulations to exceed the allowable 100 foot tidal wetland crossing by 135 for a proposed 3 foot by 235 foot walkway over tidal wetlands, pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR3-125(b)(1), Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(m)(1) and ZS 1-305(p)(3), located on Jarvis Road, about .43 miles north of Collins Road, Tax Map 9, Parcel 287, Lot 4, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 24-52, on the lands of Murphy Family Revocable Trust, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a modification to extend a waterfront structure in excess of 125 feet by 17.7 feet for an existing pier and platform extending a total of 142.7 feet channelward, pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 2-102(e)(1)

and Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(n)(2), located at 11524 Bay Point Lane, Tax Map 50, Parcel 2, Lot 2A, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

OCD-7/25/2t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ

COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DEE MATTHEW COLE Estate No. 20277 Notice is given that FRANCES W COLE whose address is 5505 DOUBLE BRIDGES RD SNOW HILL, MD 21863-2525 was on JULY 15, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEE MATTHEW COLE who died on JULY 01, 2024 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of JANUARY, 2025

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-7/25/3t

KIRK G. SIMPKINS ESQ

SIMPKINS & SIMPKINS, P.A. P.O. BOX 550 PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of VERNON RALPH ROTHSCHILD Estate No. 20280 Notice is given that ELIZABETH ROTHSCHILD whose address is 300 MILL STREET UNIT C & D SALISBURY, MD 21801 was on JULY 15, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of VERNON RALPH ROTHSCHILD who died on JULY

01, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of JANUARY, 2025

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

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

OCD-7/25/3t

RACHEL B HARRIS ESQ PO BOX 62

POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218510062

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DEBORAH JOYCE ARNOLD Estate No. 20246 Notice is given that ZACCHEUS ARNOLD whose address is 2921 MISTWOOD FOREST DR CHESTER, VA 238317043 was on JULY 16, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEBORAH JOYCE ARNOLD who died on JANUARY 30, 2024 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of JANUARY, 2025

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

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

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

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

OCD-7/25/3t

Law Offices of Jeffrey Nadel 4041 Powder Mill Road, Suite 200 Calverton, Maryland 20705 240-473-5000

Jeffrey Nadel

Scott Nadel

Daniel Menchel 4041 Powder Mill Road, Suite 200 Calverton, MD 20705

Substitute Trustees Plaintiff v.

Steven Craig Tamalavicz, Jr., PR for the Estate of Kathleen Joyce Tamalavicz aka Kathleen J. Tamalavicz

12212 Cygnet Lane Bishopville, MD 21813

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Civil No. C-23-CV-24-000064

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 22nd day of July, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 19th day of August, 2024, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in a weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 12th day of August, 2024.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $211,000.00. The property sold herein is known as 12212 Cygnet Lane, Bishopville, MD 21813.

Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-7/25/3t _________________________________

JOHN P CUSTIS ESQ CUSTIS LAW OFFICE 1408 S SALISBURY BLVD SALISBURY, MD 21801-7127

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARY ELIZABETH WARD TILGHMAN AKA: BETTY W TILGHMAN Estate No. 20285 Notice is given that HOWARD VICTOR TRADER whose address is 4025 STOCKTON RD POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-2649 was on JULY 22, 2024 appointed Personal Repre-

sentative of the estate of MARY ELIZABETH WARD TILGHMAN who died on MARCH 05, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of JANUARY, 2025

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-7/25/3t

SHAFFER LAW OFFICE

PATRICK D. HANLEY JR. 836 S. MAIN ST., STE. 101 BEL AIR, MD 21014-4169

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20286 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Chancery Court of Sussex County, Delaware appointed Trudy Jones LaGarde, 4822 Old Sharptown Rd., Laurel, DE 19956-4016 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of James Lewis LaGarde who died on March 09, 2024 domiciled in Delaware, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Patrick D. Hanley, Jr. whose address is 836 S. Main St., Ste. 101, Bel Air, MD 210144169.

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

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

itor 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.

Trudy Jones LaGarde 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 25, 2024 OCD-7/25/3t

STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN ESQ.

SCALES LAW GROUP

11032 NICHOLAS LANE, STE. A202

BERLIN, MD 21811

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20287

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY L. SAMUELS

Notice is given that Barbara A. Nester, P.O. Box 1178, Prince George, VA 23875-1000, was on July 22, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy L. Samuels who died on June 21, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of January, 2025.

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

Barbara A. Nester

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:

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

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

Thursday, August 8, 2024 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request a special parking exception from design standards to allow for a parking space to be 8.08’ X 20.0’ rather than 9’ X 20’, as required by Code. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 12B, Section B, of the Warren’s Park Co-op Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of Middle Way Lane and is locally known as 42 Middle Way Lane in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: LARRY HOLDREN

(BZA 2698, #24-09400020)

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

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-7/25/2t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20284 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KATHLEEN MARIE RICHTER

Notice is given that Charles W. Ritcher, 617 Salt Spray Rd., Unit 1, Ocean City, MD 21842-5079, was on July 22, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kathleen Marie Richter who died on June 29, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their

objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of January, 2025.

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

Charles W. Ritcher

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: July 25, 2024

OCD-7/25/3t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENT TO THE WORCESTER COUNTY 2006 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE MAP

The Worcester County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on

Thursday, September 5, 2024 At 1:00 P.M. In ROOM 1102 - GOVERNMENT CENTER ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863

At said public hearing, the Planning Commission will consider a sectional amendment to the 2006 Land Use Map affecting the designation of fifteen parcels identified on Tax Map 21 as Parcels 32, 71, 79, 83, 84, 87, 88, 94, 97, 110, 111, 114, 219, 265 and 276.

A map of the proposed area and the Planning Commission’s file, which will be entered into record at the public hearing, are available for inspection at the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, Government Center Room 1201, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 between the hours of 8:00A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Interested parties may also call (410) 632-1200.

Worcester County Planning Commission OCD-8/1/2t

JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ

AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of LEO EDWARD CHOATE Estate No. 20292 Notice is given that SANDRA SUE ADAMS CHOATE whose address is 404 GLENMEADE CIR PURCELLVILLE, VA 201323061 was on JULY 24, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LEO EDWARD CHOATE who died on DECEMBER 16, 1982 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of JANUARY, 2025

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/1/3t

NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF BILL 24-06 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-06 (Taxation and Revenue Article – Reinvestment and Repair Special Revenue Fund) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on July 16, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

The bill establishes a Worcester County Reinvestment and Repair Special Revenue Fund, into which all funds received from the State under § 1-322 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article of the Maryland Code must be paid as required by law. The fund is intended to fund community-based initiatives

intended to benefit low-income communities.

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND NOTICE

OF A PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2024-05

AMENDING CHAPTER 108, ENTITLED ZONING, ARTICLE V, ENTITLED SITE PLAN REVIEW, SECTION 108-272, ENTITLED PROCEDURE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND, A MARYLAND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, AMENDING CHAPTER 108, ENTITLED ZONING, ARTICLE V, ENTITLED SITE PLAN REVIEW, SECTION 108-272, ENTITLED PROCEDURE.

The Ordinance was introduced for a first reading during the Regular Session Meeting of the Mayor and Council on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The Public Hearing on the Ordinance will be held during the Regular Session Meeting of the Mayor and Council on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, 2nd Floor, Berlin, MD 21811.

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

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

OCD-8/1/2t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20283 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE DOWNING

Notice is given that Valerie Holden, 204 Heritage Throne Way, Edgewood, MD 21040-3448, was on July 22, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Josephine Downing who died on June 19, 2024, with a will.

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

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

on or before the 22nd day of January, 2025.

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

Valerie Holden 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: August 01, 2024

OCD-8/1/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20293 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF THOMAS M. ELLINGSEN

AKA: THOMAS MICHAEL

JOSEPH ELLINGSEN

Notice is given that Michael Ellingsen, 28 Warren Rd., Apt. B, Baltimore, MD 21221-6968, was on July 25, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thomas M. Ellingsen who died on July 05, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of January, 2025.

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

livery 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.

Michael Ellingsen 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: August 01, 2024

NOTICE

OCD-8/1/3t

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20196 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN SAUNDERS BURKE

Notice is given that Deborah K. Burke, 9 Spruce Ct., Berlin, MD 21811-1666, was on July 25, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Saunders Burke who died on April 29, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of January, 2025.

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

Deborah

K. Burke 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: August 01, 2024

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20243 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DONNA MARIE DILLON Notice is given that Kathleen Karns, 6125 Pine Crest Ln., Frederick, MD 21701-7600, was on July 22, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Donna Marie Dillon who died on June 02, 2024, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: August 1, 2024

OCD-8/1/3t

OCD-8/1/1t

BID SOLICITATION

Corrugated Metal and Plastic Pipe

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for the purchase of Galvanized Steel Corrugated Metal Pipe and HDPE Double Wall Plastic Pipe for the Roads Division of Public Works in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or

by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, August 12, 2024. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Monday, August 19, 2024, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Proposal Solicitation – Corrugated Metal and Plastic Pipe”, in the lower left-hand corner.

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

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-8/1/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of KEVIN FRANCIS FLYNN Estate No. 20290 Notice is given that NANCY FLYNN whose address is 2042 ORCHARD DR., POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-2873 was on JULY 23, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of KEVIN FRANCIS FLYNN who died on JULY 03, 2024 without a will.

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

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

served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/1/1t

ERICA A. R. REDMOND

8562 FORT SMALLWOOD RD. PASADEA, MD 21122-2634

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20288

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphan’s Court of Delaware County, Pennsylvania appointed Richard Carter Jr., 81-1 Drexelbrook Dr., Drexel Hill, PA 19026-5561 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Richard Dunn Carter who died on September 23, 1992 domiciled in Pennsylvania, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Erica A.R. Redmond whose address is 8562 Fort Smallwood Rd., Pasadena, MD 21122-2634.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: August 01, 2024

OCD-8/1/3t

ERICA A. R. REDMOND, ESQ. FRAME & FRAME ATTORNEYS AT LAW 8562 FORT SMALLWOOD RD. PASADENA, MD 21122-2634

NOTICE

CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20289

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHANS COURT of DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed Richard Carter Jr. whose ad-

dress is 81-1 DREXELBROOK DR., DREXEL HILL, PA 19026-5561 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of FRANCES MOORE CARTER who died on AUGUST 01, 2022 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is ERICA A. R. REDMOND whose address is 8562 FORT SMALLWOOD RD., PASADENA, MD 21122-2634. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER

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

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

OCD-8/1/3t

Who’s Where When

BLU CRAB HOUSE COURTYARD

410-289-3322

24th Street & Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Aug. 2: Joe Esham

Sat., Aug. 3: Matt Tichon

Sun., Aug. 4: Bella Masone

Wed., Aug. 7: Cup Of Joe

Thurs., Aug. 8: Jim Matteo

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Aug. 2: Matt Tichon

Every Sun. Locals Party w/ DJ Deogee

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

CARRIBBEAN POOL BAR

410-289-6181

In The Plim Plaza Hotel

109 N. Atlantic Ave.

Fri., Aug. 2: Funk-Shuè & Upside Of Down

Sat., Aug. 3:& Dust N Bones & Runner Ups

Sun., Aug. 4: Rogue Citizens & Going Coastal

Mon., Aug. 5: Dave Sherman & Ryan Jackson

Tues., Aug. 6: Ray Holiday & True Country

Wed., Aug. 7: Shane Gamble & Jason Lee

Thurs., Aug. 8: Lost Figures & TBA

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Fri., Aug. 2: Opposite Directions & Beg 2 Differ

Sat., Aug. 3: Chris Diller Duo & Rule G

Sun., Aug. 4: Rick & Regina & Colossal Fossil Sauce

Mon., Aug. 5: Sean Loomis & Rogue Citizens

Tues., Aug. 6: The Jamn Brothers & The Dunehounds

Wed., Aug. 7: Joey Fitzmorris & The Blissful Wizards

Thurs., Aug. 8: Ben Davis Solo & The Lime Green Band

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Aug. 2: Dust N Bones

Sat., Aug. 3: Jim Long & First Class

Every Sun.: DJ Wax

Thurs., Aug. 8: DJ Giddy Up

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Sun., Aug. 4: Uncle Ward

Wed., Aug. 7: Aaron Howell

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Fri., Aug. 2: Witches Brew

Sat., Aug. 3: Risky Business

Thurs., Aug. 8: Elephants Dancing w/ Harbor Boys

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Fri., Aug. 2: No Go Romeo, DJ RobCee & Here’s To The Night

Best Beats On The Beach

FIRST CLASS

Coins Pub: Saturday, August 3

GOOFY FOOT

Johnny s Pizza: Friday, August 2

SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN

Green Turtle West: Saturday, August 3

ELEPHANTS DANCING W/ HARBOR BOYS

Crawl Street Tavern: Thursday, August 8

ROGUE CITIZENS

Carribbean Pool Bar: Sunday, August 4

Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, August 5

AARON HOWELL DUO

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, August 7

THE UPSIDE OF DOWN

Carribbean Pool Bar: Fiday, August 2

MERCURY AGENDA

Harborside: Saturday, August 3

Who’s Where When

Sat., Aug. 3: The Woo Hoo, DJ Stinson & Here’s To The Night

Sun., Aug. 4: DJ Mary Jane & The New Romance

Mon., Aug. 5: Sons Of Pirates, DJ Hector & Decade 80

Tues., Aug. 6: DJ Greg, Bryan Clark & Latin Night

Wed., Aug. 7: DJ Wax & DJ Hector

Thurs., Aug. 8: DJ Groove & The Heat & The Cold Sweat Horns

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Sat., Aug. 3: Schizophrenic Boogiemen

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fri., Aug. 2: DJ Billy T

Sat., Aug. 3: DJ Bigler & Mercury Agenda

Sun., Aug. 4: Opposite Directions & Wayne Blake

Wednesdays: DJ Billy T

Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, Aug. 3: The Dunehounds

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wood

Wednesdays: Beats By Styler

Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE

SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts.

On The Boards

Fri. & Sat., Aug. 2 & 3: HFS

Sun. & Mon., Aug 4 & 5: Wazzup

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Aug. 2: Full Circle, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, Feel Free & The Event Horizon

Sat., Aug. 3: DJ Cruz, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, DJ Flight, DJ Davie, The Event Horizon, Feel Free, The Way Outs & Kristen & The Noise

Sun., Aug. 4: Triple Rail Turn, DJ Connair, Yawd Lynk & Love Seed Mama Jump

Mon., Aug. 5: Blake Haley, DJ E-State, DJ Wax & 9th Gear

Tues., Aug. 6: DJ Wax, DJ Mary Jane, Opposite Directions, DJ Miller & Kono Nation

Wed., Aug. 7: DJ E-State, Full Circle Duo, DJ Cruz, DJ Mary Jane, Stealing Savanah

Thurs., Aug. 8: John McNutt Duo, DJ Cruz, DJ Connair, DJ C-Miller, Jah Works & Go Go Gadjet

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Fri., Aug. 2: Joe Esham

& Angelina Leech

Sat., Aug. 3: Ryan Maccubin

Sun., Aug. 4: Jason Lee & Josh Anderson

Mon., Aug. 5: Steve Bowers

Wed., Aug. 7: Jess Arms & Bryan Dorsey

Thurs., Aug. 8: Kasey Briggs

VISTA ROOFTOP

410-390-7905

13801 Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Aug. 2: Steve Kuhn

HFS

Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, August 2 & 3

Burn ban lifted

Late last week, Worcester County officials lifted an outdoor burn ban that had been in place since June 21. The ban was issued during a dry period for “an indefinite amount of time” until the conditions dissipated with more rainfall.

Church fundraiser

St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Ocean City recently announced it will be selling carryout-only crabcake sandwiches from noon to 7 pm., Aug. 11, as a fundraiser for the church.

Pre-orders will be accepted until Aug. 9 and can be made by calling the church office at 410-289-3453 or emailing office@stpaulsbythesea.org.

The crabcake sandwich, complete with lettuce, tomato, and a savory sauce, will be accompanied by a side of chips, for $12. For those looking to enjoy crabcakes at home, uncooked crabcakes will also be available to buy at the same price, ideal for freezing and eating at a later date.

The fundraiser will take place in the parish hall of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, at 302 North Baltimore Ave., in Ocean City.

Walk-in service will be accessible for patrons on foot through the Third Street entrance. A drive-thru pick-up option will be available as well in the

alley on the north side of the church building.

School supplies drop-off

University of Maryland Extension and Worcester GOLD are partnering with the Worcester County Fair to boost collection of school supplies for Worcester families in need.

With the fair happening next week, before the start of the school year, representatives from all three organizations agree this is a timely opportunity to increase donations to Worcester GOLD’s annual drive.

Items requested are backpacks, wired headphones, tissue boxes, disinfecting wipes, gallon and quart storage bags, glue sticks, dry erase markers, highlighters, hand sanitizer, pencil boxes or pouches, cap erasers, spiral notebooks, notebook paper, pocket folders, 24 count #2 pencils, colored pencils and markers.

Donations can be brought to the indoor exhibit area during the county fair from Aug. 9-11, at John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill. People donating backpacks will receive gifts of appreciation from Worcester GOLD or UME Worcester County.

Cash donations or checks payable to Worcester GOLD are always welcome. Donations are also accepted at the extension office at 305 Bank

Continued on Page 71

Summer membership drive announced by art league

(Aug 2. 2024) The Art League of Ocean City is kicking off its summer membership drive by offering limited-edition art prints, signed and numbered by local artist Randy Hofman, with all new or renewing memberships, while supplies last.

The art print is taken from an original painting by Hofman, now on exhibit at the center for the arts, and features the Assateague ponies on the beach with the Ocean City skyline in the background. Hofman is renowned for his art on the Ocean City beach, where he carves sand into intricate sculptures, and is also a prolific painter.

“This is a rare and historic opportunity to collect a work of art by an iconic Ocean City artist, as Randy Hofman does not usually offer prints of his work,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the art league, said in a news release. “Start your collection of our annual membership prints or add to the collection you already have.”

Members receive a 10% discount on purchases made at the arts center, including the original art on the walls and pieces from the gift shop and artists’ studios, and 20% off class fees. Members are also notified personally of special events, including the monthly First Friday opening receptions, and other opportunities, including special events, theater performances, music and classes.

The art league offers tax-deductible memberships in several lev-

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Continued from Page 70

Street, or Worcester GOLD at 201 River Street in Snow Hill.

For more information on the School Supply Drive or the Worcester County Fair, contact Kathy Decker, 410-6321972 or kjdecker@umd.edu. For a full schedule of fair events, visit worcestercountyfair.org.

Wedding planning guide

Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development has launched a guide to help people plan weddings and vow renewals at venues across Worcester County.

The “Say ‘I Do’ on Maryland’s Coast” publication is a 16-page booklet featuring local photography and a directory showcasing the diverse range of venue options, from scenic waterfronts to rustic barns, from Ocean City to Pocomoke City. The guide also lists available vendors for florals, shuttles, chairs, and more.

els for individuals, students, seniors and families, starting at $25 per year. Corporate memberships are also available.

“Art matters,” Thaler said. “If you engage in the arts, you are benefitting not only yourself but the entire community. Your membership helps us keep the doors open and free to all. Your support has a direct and tremendous impact on the lives of artists by encouraging and mentoring young talent and providing a safe outlet for creative ideas. We hope you will become a part of the arts.”

The art league currently has more than 1,200 members and a long history in the Town of Ocean City. Founded in 1963 and originally housed in the current City Hall building, the art league moved into its new state-of-the-art home on 94th Street in 2013 and is celebrating 61 years in the resort.

The art league’s mission is to promote the visual arts in the Ocean City area through education, exhibits, scholarships, classes, programs and community art events.

The arts center and the art league are supported by memberships, corporate and civic funding, donations and sales of art.

Complete membership details can be accessed on the art league’s website at OCart.org/belong, by calling the arts center at 420-524-9433, or by stopping by the arts center at 502 94th St.

Business owners interested in a listing in the next guide issue are asked to contact Advertising and Destination Marketing Specialist Brianna Dix at bdix@marylandscoast.org or 410-632-3110, ext. 2123.

For a mailed hard copy of the guide, call the Tourism and Economic Development Office at 410-6323110. To view the digital version, complete with links to each business, visit tinyurl.com/Weddings-on-Marylands-Coast.

Input needed

The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is seeking community input through a survey as officials work on the program’s 10-year management plan.

The Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan is a grant requirement for the program and an essential component to the program’s success. The plan will be the program’s third plan since inception.

The questionnaire to provide input will be open until Aug.15. Officials are also looking for photos for the plan’s publication – anything from events to activities to sunsets. Email relevant photos to mcbp@mdcoastalbays.org.

The current plan can also be viewed through the Maryland Coastal Bays website.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

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

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

■ CABANAS BEACH BAR & GRILLE

Located in the Plim Plaza Hotel, 109 N Atlantic Ave., 2nd Street & the boardwalk, Ocean City, 410524-1776, 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, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192, captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRAWL STREET

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

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

■ DISTRICT 24

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

2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-3322, district24oc.com

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

■ FISH TALES

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

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

■ HARBOR WATCH

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

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

Celebrating our 40th anniversary with fresh seafood,

an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open everyday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIT & PUB

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

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

■ THE WEDGE BAR

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

$-$$ | Full bar

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

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

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

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

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

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

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-723-4665, hookedoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ

6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-664-5693, longboardcafe.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and pre-

mium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

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

Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Nightly Ice Shows starting June 24.

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

■ NANTUCKETS

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

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

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

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

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining

$$ | Full bar

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

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

WEST OCEAN CITY UPTOWN

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

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

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

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

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

■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

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

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

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-5393020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cook-

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ OC DINER

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

Kids’ Menu

Best homemade breakfast and lunch. Local’s favorite breakfast served all day. Dine-in and carry-out.

Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

■ SHRIMP BOAT

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

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

Routine ocean scans key part of daily guard routines

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(Aug. 2, 2024) Summer is in full swing - the beach has visiting vacationers, day trippers, and locals enjoying what Ocean City has to offer. With a busy beach comes busy days for our lifeguards, otherwise known as surf rescue technicians (SRTs). Some may think an SRT’s most important skill/tool is their ability to run and swim

“FAST” or maybe the whistle or rescue buoy, which are all important for an SRT to do their job. However, the absolute most important skill an SRT needs to do their job of protecting you and your loved ones is the SRT’s scan.

The SRTs constantly perform 360degree scans of the water and the beach. Although SRTs cannot watch every single person for every single second, they are trained to watch over the beach patrons on their beach in an effective and efficient way that allows them to see any potential problems before they manifest themselves. These threats include rip currents, potential water rescues, wildlife, onshore medical emergencies,

lost and found children and dangerous ordinance infractions (holes, umbrellas, ball playing and alcohol).

During Surf Rescue Academy, SRTs are trained on how to have a good scan and to identify non-swimmers before they even enter the water. For example, beach patrons who are facing shore or heading towards shore are watched more closely (a person in trouble always seems to manage to be facing the beach rather than looking toward the horizon). An SRT may ask, “Are they having any trouble coming back to the beach? Are they becoming tired and making no progress?” SRTs use a combination of the information they have about the water they guard and the information they gather from the behavior of the people they watch to keep everyone safe.

SRTs are responsible for the entire area around their guard stand including all water and beach area from the stand to their north to the stand to their south, including the beach and dune area behind them. This method of constantly looking for any signs of infractions, emergencies, or situations needing their attention is an active process and assures that every person is being watched by at least two SRTs at all times. This scan is the SRT’s primary, proactive tool that enables them to do their

SRTs learn critical skill early

job effectively and is one of the most critical skills a guard can develop to help keep everyone safe. Contrary to what many believe, the SRTs are not waiting for someone to yell or wave for help, but rather are watching for the tell-tale signs of someone who needs assistance, often before that person even realizes it. To ensure that each SRT is performing a constant scan, they are required to stand when a Beach Patrol vehicle passes behind (including OCBP ATVs) them showing that they are alert to all 360 degrees of their area of responsibility. You may also notice that the SRT will stand if someone approaches to begin a conversation that lasts more than a quick question like what time is it or what street am I on (most common two questions). The SRT will also keep any conversation to no more than a few minutes.

By maintaining an alert scan, the SRT will be able to warn people away from potential danger (such as a rip current) before the person becomes a victim in need of a rescue and can follow-up by educating the same patrons about the safest places to swim on their beach. This is one of the main benefits of swimming on a guarded beach. This is also why we ask people to obey all the ordinances so that the SRT is not required to leave the stand.

This type of situational awareness is a skill that our SRTs learn that they then

bring to their careers, which sets them above other non-Beach Patrol colleagues. If you are interested in gaining these skills and keeping people safe, check out our upcoming August tryouts this summer, for positions on our Summer 2025 patrol. In the meantime, please help our SRTs with their scans and obey ordinances, be safe, and remember to “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!”

No Go Romeo Fri., Aug. 2 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm

the woo hoo Sat., Aug. 3 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm

the new romance Sun., Aug. 4 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm

3NIGHTS

The Heat & The Cold Sweat Horns Thurs., Aug. 8-Sat., Aug. 10 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Surf Rescue Technician Sophia Iorio is pictured conducting an ocean scan last month.

OC art league unveiling new exhibits at First Friday event

(Aug. 2, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to four new art shows opening from 5-7 p.m., tonight, Aug. 2, for this month’s First Friday event at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street.

Admission is free with beverages sponsored by PKS Investments and special refreshments and music sponsored by Surf House Properties.

The Thaler Gallery will host “Lasting Legacies,” a collaboration between father and son painters Kevin and Evan Fitzgerald featuring a tribute to the previous generations of artists in the family. The exhibit is the first time the pair, who share a working studio in Newark, have exhibited together, and also the first time they have painted on the same canvas.

“An exhibit like this is so important to our arts community and shows what extraordinary talent we have on the Eastern Shore,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said in a news release. “The artwork is of a very high caliber, a testament to the training generations of Fitzgerald artists have received at prestigious institutions as well as to their unique visions.”

John R. Fitzgerald started the family’s journey at the Maryland Institute College of Art, graduating in 1910, and Kevin and Evan later followed him there. Mother and grandmother, Frances Jeanette Fitzgerald, attended the Corcoran School of Art and Design.

At first glance, the work of the father and son appears very different, yet they are similar in aim. Both painters are

concerned with exploring the earliest phases of humans’ reactions to the world around them – the first emotional reactions felt in a dawning land-

scape; the earliest awareness of adornment in the creation of personae.

In the Sisson Galleria, the Beverly Bassford Memorial Juried Group Show will be on display through Aug. 15.

Studio E will feature John Carter of Hampstead, and his photos under the theme “From Oceans to Appalachia.”

“A great photograph is less about something I created; not something I could take credit for, but rather a ‘gift’ that had been laid out in front of me … I find myself straying away from the straight photograph and embarking on a journey to embellish the quintessential essence of a scene with painterly effects,” Carter said of his photos in the release.

A show honoring the memory of master plein air painter Raymond Ewing will be in the Spotlight Gallery through August. Ewing was a prolific artist and teacher who passed away in December 2023 at his home in Lewes, Delaware. He was an annual painter in the Art League’s Artists Paint OC Festival and specialized in capturing the intricacies of light on canvas. Several of his works will be on exhibit during the month.

Susan Donohoe of Lewes, Delaware will showcase her jewelry in the Artisan Showcase in August. Her handcrafted collection focuses on nature in its varied states of beauty and features coastal colors.

“I am always surprised and intrigued by the intricate simplicity of beauty found in natural gemstones, which has quickly become my favorite medium,” she said in the release.

The artwork of Elizabeth Grey will continue to be shown in the Staircase Gallery.

Art shows at the art league’s satellite galleries will through the month as well.

Joel Trotta exhibits his work at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street and Coastal Highway. Siobhan Duggan will show her artwork in the Princess Royale lobby at 9100 Coastal Hwy. Exhibits at the arts center run through Aug. 31, with the exception of the Beverly Bassford Show that ends on Aug.15. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-5249433.

PHOTO COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

Father-son artist team Evan and Kevin Fitzgerald are pictured in front of one of the pieces they will have on display during a show opening during the Art League of Ocean City’s First Friday event on Aug. 2 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

Tix still available for rest of summer’s shows at Freeman

(Aug. 2, 2024) Freeman Arts Pavilion has reached its halfway point of the summer concert season and this week highlighted the shows with tickets still available through Sept. 1.

The outdoor performing arts venue just over the state line in Selbyville, Delaware, is in its 17th season and released the following free and paid shows for the month:

• Global Groove, a Journey Through Hip Hop’s Evolution — Aug. 1

• Voyage: Celebrating the Music of Journey — Aug. 2

• The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston — Aug. 3

• SOJA — Aug. 4

• Air Supply — Aug.

• Grace Potter — Aug. 7

• Alabama — Aug. 8

• The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA — Aug. 9

• Preservation Hall Jazz Band — Aug. 10

• Arts & Jazz Festival — Aug. 14

• Dark Star Orchestra — Aug. 17

• Old Crow Medicine Show — Aug. 18

• Go Go Gadjet — Aug. 21

• The Broken Hearts: A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers — Aug. 23

• First State Ballet — Aug. 29

• Little Feat — Aug. 30

• Bruce in the USA: The World’s #! Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band — Sept. 6

The venue’s Young Audience Series will also continue every Saturday morning at 10 a.m., through Aug. 31.

To buy tickets and learn more, visit freemanarts.org.

Peach Festival now major event for Berlin

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 2, 2024) An event with humble beginnings has grown into one of Berlin’s largest special events of the year.

Thousands of attendees are expected to once again come to Berlin on Saturday for the Calvin B. Taylor House’s 16th annual Peach Festival.

Fruit-themed booths and shops will be located on the museum’s law from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Peach Festival is held yearly to celebrate the history of Orlando Harrison and the Harrison Brothers Nurseries in Berlin, which at the time “dominated the United States’ peach market,” the municipality’s website states. The farm, which developed many varieties of peaches and other fruits, was founded in the late 1800s and, seasondependent, created between 250 and

500 jobs in and around the town.

Taylor House President Melissa Reid said that the nursery was once the largest fruit-order company in the world. The orchids had catalogues that people would write to, requesting fruit and trees.

While Worcester County’s fruit nursery is no longer here, Harrison’s home, Windy Brow, also called the Orlando Harrison House, still stands near the railroad tracks in Berlin. The annual Peach Festival honors the heritage the fruit farm and its founders cultivated in the town.

Reid noted the event had roughly 3,000 attendees last year and hopes are to hit or exceed the tally Saturday.

Local peaches and peach-flavored slushies will be for sale. The Salisbury University communications department helped develop a brand-new

festival t-shirt. According to Reid, the students created an image, which the event organizers adapted for the garment. Local books on Berlin history, totes, and mugs will also be available. Visitors can enjoy musical stylings by George and Pat Bilenki of the local Bilenki Duo, catch a cooking demonstration by Worcester Technical High School culinary and pastry arts teacher Chef Phil Cropper, and witness a performance by magician Magic Jack.

Amateur bakers will have the chance to participate in a peach pie-baking competition. Reid said there will be an

CROSSWORD

adult and children’s pie-eating contest. The winner of the kids’ competition will receive an Island Creamery gift card, while the champion of the older age group will be given a free Peach Festival t-shirt.

The festival will feature Baked Desserts Café’s peach dumplings, flowers from Bay Street Blooms and kid’s games set up on the lawn. Attendees can purchase the official Berlin flag, and profits from the sales will help fund the proposed community center.

“This is our largest fundraiser, so we rely on people coming out,” Reid said.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Your feelings this week may not be entirely trustworthy, Aries. You could end up worrying for nothing, and being pulled into difficult situations for the wrong reasons.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, if you are feeling a little lost these days, it could be that you need a change in perspective and location to help you get inspired. Plan a short trip to recharge.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

You cannot serve as mediator or help friends establish harmony if you are all over the emotional map, Gemini. Work your way through your emotions before offering to help.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you may be so caught up in a specific vision for the future that you are not open to new ideas that are equally beneficial and possible. Be more receptive to what others offer.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, once you give a certain plan a little more thought you may determine it isn’t worth your time right now. Perhaps you’ve been building this idea up in your head.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you are eager to share your ideas and vision with others, but right now the audience isn’t as receptive as you would have hoped. Do not give up; people will come around.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you have a way of doing things, and right now you’re not ready to deviate from that routine. With time you may be able to branch out and try a new approach.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

People are receptive to your words and you often speak with assertiveness Scorpio. Do not let this go to your head, though. Aspire to be humble while exhibiting confidence.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, this is one of those weeks when you can get into trouble if you let your emotions be the driving force behind your actions. Make an effort to balance emotion and reason.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

This is your week to really shine, Capricorn. Let others know what you’re made of, but be sure you do not do something at another person’s expense just to get ahead.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, if you do not like the course you are on, you have the ability to change things whenever you want. Nothing is set in stone at this point, so start dreaming up new ideas.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, there are so many ways you can be creative and express yourself. This is a week of true inspiration and exploration. Nothing is off-limits if you desire it.

Ocean 98 presents annual awards

(Aug. 2, 2024) Three young women from the tri-county area of Worcester and Wicomico in Maryland and Sussex County in Delaware are the recipients of this year’s “Cash for College” awards given each year to graduating high school seniors by Ocean 98 radio in Ocean City.

This beneficiaries of the $5,000 awards for the 2024 edition are Emily Manning, of Snow Hill High School, Logan Oluvic, of Salisbury Christian School, and Morgan Newcomb, of Cape Henlopen High School.

The winners of the scholarships were judged by a select panel on the basis of the students’ grades, activities and application essays, said Ocean 98 Promotions Director Bill Fuhrer, who organized the competition.

Ocean 98’s Cash for College award is given each year to an outstanding senior bound for college in Worcester, Wicomico and Sussex Counties. Each High School guidance office is contacted regarding enrollment and asked to encourage their seniors to apply. An application and essay are required to be considered.

Since 2015, Cash for College has awarded $58,500 to graduating seniors in the area, Fuhrer said.

In the campaign’s early years, winning students received a check for $1,000, but that was increased as public

support grew, first to $2,500 in 2022 and then to $5,000 last year. Listener involvement in the station’s fundraisers drove much that growth, Fuhrer said, citing the ever-larger turnouts for the program’s “Best Wings on the Shore Contest” in February and its Best Bloody Mary on the Shore Contest in April.

“We are grateful to our Ocean 98 Listeners and the greater region as a whole for supporting this endeavor through attending our largest foundation fundraising events,” he said.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean 98 Promotions Director Bill Fuhrer is pictured with award recipients Emily Manning, above left, of Snow Hill High School; Logan Oluvic, above right, of Salisbury Christian School, and Morgan Newcomb, below right, of Cape Henlopen High School.

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Children’s House renovation fueled by area generosity

Beachwood Homes serves as volunteer gen. contractor

(Aug. 2, 2024) The long-awaited renovation and addition to a property on the ocean block of 65th Street is well underway, thanks to the efforts of generous contractors, businesses, and local residents who are supporting the construction of the new addition to the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s House By The Sea.

When completed, this new respite facility for pediatric cancer patients and their families will adjoin Believe In Tomorrow’s flagship facility on 66th Street. The focus of the new facility will be to serve children with short life expectancies, as well as larger families and families of active U.S. military personnel.

Since 1986, thousands of critically ill children and their families have traveled from around the country to Ocean City, where they have found peace, joy, and healing by the sea. For many pediatric patients, it is one of their first opportunities to get away from a hospital setting and enjoy an array of fun and relaxing opportunities.

Leading the way in the 65th Street renovation project are Igor Conev and Mann Properties, who are helping to coordinate labor and material donations, and Robert Purcell and his company, Beechwood Homes, who is volunteering to serve as the project’s general contractor and is coordinating the construction effort.

The Home Builders Care Foundation of Maryland has also taken a lead role in this project, which was named the Care Foundation’s 2024 Project of the Year.

Through the foundation’s director,

esident Anita Battista, e facilities, and dependable,

Promoting health and independence for seniors while supporting their family and friends, we combine availabilityy, , dependabilityy, , and thorough screening to create cost effffective strategies.

Nonprofit credits donors for new Ocean City facility

Patti Kane, Home Builders Care Foundation is coordinating contributions of labor and materials from members of the Maryland Building Industry Association.

Among the many local contractors donating to the project are Mike Thompson and his company Edison Electric, who is donating all electrical contracting labor and materials; Mike Reynolds and his company Northern Building and Restoration, who is donating the installation of the windows, doors, and siding; local architectural consultant Steven Cirile, who donated the building design; Kirk Parsons and Engineering Technical Consultants, who are donating engineering services, Kristen Walbert and Glen Wood of Tecta America East, who are donating the roof; U.S. Mobile Kitchens is donating all of the appliances; and Eric McFadden and his company Trident Fire Protection are donating the sprinkler system.

A complete list of major donors to the project will soon be available on the Believe In Tomorrow Foundation website.

Although many contractors and suppliers have mobilized to build the new Believe In Tomorrow Children’s House By The Sea addition, the effort still needs building materials and labor in time to open its doors to families early next year, according to a statement issued by the nonprofit organization.

Plumbing and HVAC are critical needs at this point in the project’s development, organizers said. Anyone interested in contributing to the project should email Brian Morrison at bmorrison@believeintomorrow.or g, or call Mary Brown or Amanda Koontz at the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s House By The Sea office at 410-723-2842.

The Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation opened the first pediatric respite program in the United States in Ocean City. Currently, six families each week participate in the Ocean City respite program.

In just the past several weeks, families have come from as far away as Texas, Connecticut, Ohio, and Colorado in search of a healing experience by the sea.

Believe In Tomorrow is widely recognized as a national leader in the area of pediatric hospital and respite housing services and has provided over 975,000 overnight stays to critically ill children and their families.

To learn more about Believe In Tomorrow, visit believeintomorrow.org.

To take a tour of the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s House By The Sea on 66th Street, contact Mary or Amanda at 410-723-2842.

for Appointment Tooday Call T

Art League of Ocean City hires fellow for DEI efforts

(Aug. 2, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City recently welcomed Collin Byrd, of Salisbury, as its new fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Byrd is assistant professor of art at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore where he teaches graphic illustration and animation. He was formerly professor of animation at the Savannah School of Art and Design, his alma mater, where he received his master’s degree. He also works as a cartoonist for Skipperwing Productions. Byrd constantly experiments with the limits of artistic digital creation tools from 3D printing to interactive comic art.

Byrd will work with the art league staff to construct activities and events that stimulate conversation around diversity in the community and help to encourage inclusivity.

“As an African-American artist, I keep my finger on the pulse cultural zeitgeist and social issues,” Byrd said in a news release. “As a fellowship artist, my goal is to broaden the perspectives of the greater Ocean City community partially to raise awareness of social issues, partially to introduce the community to alternative forms of artistic creation, and partially to introduce financially available methods of creating

readily distributable art.”

The art league’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellowship creates an organizational culture that aligns with the nonprofit’s core values of respect, integrity, creativity, excellence, and empowerment. Working with the executive director, Byrd will develop new programs for otherwise underrepresented communities. The classes, workshops, and events give everyone an opportunity to participate in the activities and programs the art league offers.

PHOTO COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY Collin Byrd, the Art League of Ocean City’s new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion fellow, is pictured.

Del. resident wins bottle raffle

(Aug. 2, 2024) Dave Majewski, of New Castle, Delaware, was recently named the winner of a special edition bottle of bourbon raffled off for charity by the Post 166 Leathernecks club.

The metal label was stamped from a mold made from debris recovered from the Twin Towers. The bottle is signed by the leaders of the first military foray into Afghanistan after 9/11 terror attack.

The Leathernecks were given the bottle as a gift to raise money for local charities. Tickets were sold over several months this year, raising more than $6,000 that the group voted to give to the Semper-Fi & Americas Fund, Believe in

Tomorrow, Easter Seals of the Maryland Eastern Shore and Delaware, the Worcester County Veterans Memorial, Worcester County Gold, and the Cricket Center.

After the 9/11 attacks, elite teams of Green Berets and CIA operatives were inserted into Afghanistan on a mission to seek and destroy the Taliban. Some on horseback became known as “Horse Soldiers.” Their exploits were retold in the Hollywood blockbuster film 12 Strong and the CNN documentary Legion of Brothers. It was also memorialized with the creation of the Horse Soldier statue at the American Response Monument erected at Ground Zero in New York City.

Lynda Kundrat of the Post 166 Leathernecks Club holds up the winning raffle ticket she drew for a special edition bottle of bourbon held by club member Milt Warren, as members

Freeman and Dave Kline look on.

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Busy August: Blessing of Combines to OC Air Show

(Aug. 2, 2024) As the last month of summer begins, some popular local events celebrating everything from fruit to farm equipment will commence this weekend across the county and continue for the next few weeks.

Read on for details about what’s in store for the month of August.

Blessing of the Combines

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, downtown Snow Hill

A parade farm equipment will make its way down Washington Street in Snow Hill Saturday for the town’s annual Blessing of the Combines event.

With the parade kicking off at 11 a.m., the event is in 24th year honoring local farmers and the area’s agricultural heritage. Vendors, live music, a car show, petting barnyard, exhibitors, a pedal tractor pull, hayrides, food, beverages, more farm equipment on display, and more will round out the offerings for the free event that typically draws large crowds to the downtown area.

View the schedule at blessingofthecombines.org.

August Craft Festival

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 3, Ocean Pines Community Center and White Horse Park

The Pine’eer Craft Club will host its annual August Craft Festival this weekend.

A tradition in the community for nearly five decades, the event will feature dozens of local artisans and crafters selling 100% handmade items and unique home décor.

Craft Club President Sharon Puser said in a news release that many of the creators return for the event each year.

The Kiwanis Club will sell lunch items during the festival, and craft club members will host a bake sale.

The event is free and open to the public and offers free parking. There is no rain date, and the festival will go on, rain or shine.

Anyone interested in joining the Pine’eer Craft Club can contact Sherry Waskey at sherwaskey@gmail.com for more information. Since its inception, the craft club has donated nearly $185,000 back to Ocean Pines.

For more information, visit oceanpines.org/web/pages/artisan-gift-shop or search Ocean Pines Pine’eer Craft Club on Facebook.

Berlin Peach Festival

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, downtown Berlin

Thousands of attendees were expected to flock to Berlin Saturday for the town’s annual peach festival.

Centered on the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum lawn downtown, the fruit-themed event will feature music,

Month features diverse events

food, vendor booths, kids’ activities, nonprofit demonstrators, and more. Competitive activities will include a peach pie eating contest and peach pie baking contest. The Bilenki Duo will provide live music and Chef Phillip Cropper will offer cooking demos, along with performances by Magic Jack.

The event is held annually to celebrate the history of Orlando Harrison and the Harrison Brothers Nurseries in Berlin. The historic farm, which developed many varieties of peaches and other fruits, was founded in the late 1800s and, season-dependent, created between 250 and 500 jobs in and around the town.

Great Pocomoke Fair

Aug. 8-11, Pocomoke City

The annual Great Pocomoke Fair, set next Thursday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 11, at the fairground on Broad Street in Pocomoke City will feature carnival rides and vendors, livestock shows, a demolition derby, chainsaw carving, a rodeo, a corn home tournament, live music, the Junior and Little Miss Pocomoke Fair pageants, and more in

For more info, visit thegreatpocomokefair.org.

Worcester County Fair

Aug. 9-11, Snow Hill

The county’s annual fair is kicking off Aug. 9 this year at John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill with all the typical offerings, including 4-H exhibits, live music and entertainment, kids’ activi-

ties, carnival games, and more.

Ocean City Jeep Fest

Aug. 22-25, downtown and convention center

The annual Jeep-themed event will feature all the typical activities, including morning beach crawls, a sand course, vendors, live music and more.

For more info, visit oceancityjeepfest.com.

OC Air Show

Aug. 24 and 25, 13th to 17th streets

The OC Air Show will commence this year at the end of August with the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori, which is touring North America for the first time in more than 30 years, as the headliner. Other performers will include the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, the U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growler Team, and the A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.

Prime viewing will be from 13th to 17th streets, but the aeronautic acrobatics, as usual, can be seen from locations across and around the resort.

For more info, visit ocairshow.com.

Iron Furnace Fifty

7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 24, Snow Hill

Riders can choose to ride 50K, 50 Miles or 100K routes through the Great Pocomoke Forest and surrounding countryside on lightly traveled, flat, rural roads during the 14th iron Furnace Fifth bicycle ride on Aug. 24. All routes begin and end at Furnace Town in Snow Hill.

For more info, visit ironfurnacefifty.org.

Things I Like... vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

By Steve Green

A yard full of kids at play

Cold fruit on the beach

Puffy clouds with a blue sky backdrop

Eggs Benedict at brunch

A clean desk to start the week

Deep talks with my teenager

Golf carts with license plates

Catching dinner on a fishing trip

Swimming in the Olympics

Assateague wildlife pictures

Watching surfers on big wave days

With Bunk Mann

August 3, 1986 was one of the most tragic days in Ocean City’s history. During an afternoon thunderstorm, a lightning bolt struck the beach at 2nd Street leaving three dead and two injured, one of them critically (he would die the next day at then-Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury).

The deceased were all from Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. They had come to Ocean City as part of a tour group and had sought shelter under an umbrella when the storm began. The fifth victim, the beach stand operator on 2nd Street, was also hit by the bolt but was about 10 yards away and survived; he was treated and released from the hospital the next day.

Today the beach patrol clears the beach whenever lightning is sighted.

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

Photo courtesy of the Ocean City Beach Patrol

Judging contests can be complex process for many

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy

(Aug. 2, 2024) A recent column concerned the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA.) It spoke of the group in general terms giving the reader an overview of the association. The ESA is a prime advocate for surfing in our Delmarva District as well as districts up and down the East Coast, the Great Lakes, and into the Gulf of Mexico. In that its most visible aspect is competition, I thought it would be wise to delve into a discussion on judging. All in one breath, judging is easy and most difficult. What’s the big deal? All that has to be done is to watch the rider and score the wave Ah, but there’s a lot more to it than that.

The ESA has developed a criteria for a judge to look for. Paying attention is most important. It’s obvious but the foundation for everything else. Speed, power and flow are major aspects of the criteria. Wave size and conditions, as well as age divisions, are also considered. Maneuvers need to be performed in the most critical part of the wave and must be completed in order for the rider to gain the best scores. To most observers, speed and power would be apparent. A rider’s style would be described as flow and flow would also be a part of how the rider connects maneuvers.

So much of judging is in the eye of the beholder. If this sounds artistic, surfing certainly has that element. The criteria is a grand step in placing surfing in an objective, rather than subjective, form. Every ride is scored on a scale of 1 to 10. A score of 1-2 is a poor ride, 3-4 is a fair ride, 5-6 is an average ride, 7-8 is a good ride, and 9-10 is an excellent ride.

In ESA events, preliminary heats of up to six surfers will have 15 minutes to catch as many as 10 waves. Final heats can also have up to six surfers but are 20 minutes and as many as 12 waves can be caught. In all heats, the two highest scoring rides are added up to determine the rider’s placing in the heat.

Remember the comment about judging being most difficult? What happens when multiple surfers take off at the same time? Plus, how long can anyone stay on the job, and be efficient, without at least a short break? Judges are expected to score on an individual basis but in cases of multiple surfers taking off simultaneously, a team effort of judges becomes helpful and necessary. Ideally, each judge should be 1 ½ to 2 points within each other. It’s nice for the directors to have a pool of judges to call on.

In closing, there’s no substitute for paying attention. — Dave Dalkiewicz is

by Steve Green

IThe Adventures of Fatherhood

view life as one big book full of different chapters.

With that in mind, a new chapter in our life began last week when Beckett bought his first car, a used Volvo. We are proud of him for saving his money and buying his own car. The only assist he is getting from us is the trade in of our long-time minivan to help lower the cost for him.

There was something appropriate to me about trading in our family’s minivan for our son’s first vehicle. Removing the minivan from our insurance and replacing it with his new vehicle was a hit to my heart in a good way.

I really like how it all played out. The minivan had over 150,000 miles on it, thanks largely to dozens of long road trips. We drove it to Florida about a dozen times for Disney World visits and Disney cruises as well as other trips. It has taken us to New York to see our grandkids and even made a journey to Vermont for a ski vacation. We made lots of memories in that vehicle. There were also far too many showings of Baby Einstein videos as well as Despicable Me, among other flicks.

On some of those early trips, both kids were in car seats before Beckett advanced to a booster followed by Carson later. On our last road trip in the minivan, Beckett was sprawled out in the back row in classic teen relaxation form, while Carson took over the middle row with his electronics and books.

As Pam and I were cleaning out the van last Saturday morning, it was fun to find some of the keepsakes as well as more than a few French fries and unknown wrappers from years gone by. Also discovered were a surprising number of pencils, enough coins to fill up a cup, a random paper clip or 20, an EZ-Pass device probably counted as lost years ago and replaced since and

dozens of DVDs, which we don’t have anything to play on any longer.

In some ways, the minivan’s demise represents the close of a chapter in this book of life. I remember Pam and me back in 2010 shortly after Carson’s birth deciding our Tahoe was not working for us as far as being the primary family vehicle. There was much discussion about crossing over to the dark side of minivans. Since it was to be her primary vehicle, Pam was, understandably, hesitant to make the leap until we got to the dealership.

Once she realized the minivans of that time (and presumably today) are different than when we were growing up, she warmed to the idea. All the bells and whistles and easy access to car seats and everything else won her over in short order. I even remember for a few months being excited myself to drive our new minivan. I am a sucker for all the technology that comes with vehicles, but the joy faded away soon enough, of course. For Pam, I think the vehicle was incredibly functional with little kids, but I know she was happy to upgrade when she landed her new Jeep.

Last Saturday, after a thorough cleaning, we drove to part ways with our beloved Town & Country minivan that had treated us so well for so long. The vehicle never let us down and was never in an accident. It feels like our boys, now 16 and 14 years old, literally grew up inside it. As we drove to pick up Beckett’s car, it was tough not to recall the long road trips full of memories. It’s funny I still remember my parents’ vehicles when I was growing up all these years later. My boys will always remember the family minivan, and my hope is Beckett recalls the process of how it helped him to afford his own car.

We told Beckett our contribution to his new used vehicle – a 2017 Volvo XC 60 – would be the trade-in amount of the minivan. We could say this be-

cause he had significant savings from working the last three summers and putting aside any gifts he got from birthdays and Christmas. There was also a decent value in the minivan. He essentially bought his own vehicle with just a practical assist from his parents. He could have purchased something with his savings only, but we also wanted to get rid of the minivan and it was paramount for him to be driving something safe and reliable. It was a smooth process overall.

I am proud of how he managed his earnings and now has something special to show for it. It’s a valuable life lesson to him. He did not delight in seeing his savings evaporate but also knows well his hard work went to something he can enjoy each day.

This was not a rash decision. We have been showing him potential vehicles for months, but all of us jumped at the opportunity to get the Volvo he settled on. It’s not perfect, as it’s used, but it’s a perfect starter car we believe. Prior to getting his new wheels, Beckett had been slow to want to do a lot of driving, saying he didn’t want to get too accustomed to driving something he would not be taking his test in. I didn’t really push it because the minivan was showing its age anyway. Now, he wants to drive every day.

On Monday after work, Beckett and I drove around the greater northern Worcester County region. It’s a good bonding experience. I am not super freaked out riding with him because he’s super tentative behind the wheel, especially driving in towns. We will see how long this cautious approach lasts, but it certainly makes rides a bit more digestible.

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

Vibratones will play on Saturday at Germantown

(Aug. 2, 2024) The Vibratones, a regional 1960s-era Motown band, is coming to Germantown School Community Heritage Center this weekend for an outdoor performance that will serve as a fundraiser for the historic Berlin facility.

According to a news release, in 1961, a group of musicians at Maryland State College, now University of Maryland Eastern Shore, formed the Motown sound band and quickly drew a large following across the Eastern Shore.

Thriving in an era when African Americans were banned from white establishments, the Vibratones became a staple of the Eastern Shore music scene, playing in venues large and small to enthusiastic audiences. After four years, one of the founding members, Clarence Clemons, moved to New Jersey and joined Bruce Springsteen, becoming the “Big Man” of the E Street band.

The Vibratones continued to play on the Eastern Shore, balancing careers with their music, adding new members and welcoming back old. Back in the day one of their favorite gigs was high school dances, so it is fitting that the Germantown School Community Heritage Center will host the band from 6-9 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 3, half a century after they played at the Worcester High School prom.

Tickets for the outdoor event are $15 and go to support the Germantown School at 10223 Trappe Road in Berlin. Everyone to come, bring coolers and chairs and enjoy a mid summer step back in time.

For more information, call 410641-0638 or email Karenpregaman@gmail.com

Donut delight, Crock-Pot bread pudding dish

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Aug. 2, 2024) For all those who love Crock-Pots, you will not want to miss this article.

The consistency of the finished bread pudding is slightly mushy and semisolid. If the custard starts to break, it is a sign that the pudding is overcooked.

pieces

¼ cup raisins

3 large eggs, beaten

1 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream

½ cup sugar

I must confess I have not had a lot of experience with Crock-Pots. But since I am traveling every weekend to Woodbine to take care of my mother, my style of cooking has changed. Time is of the essence, and I have no problem throwing together a pot of ingredients and letting it cook by itself.

Unfamiliarity has emulsified to a chapter of learning and comprehension. That being said, “What is the difference between a slow cooker and a Crock-Pot?”

Slow cookers are countertop appliances that cook food over low heat for a long period of time. They use moist heat to cook a variety of foods, make tough meat tender, and can even make bread.

A Crock-Pot is a brand of slow cooker, so the terms are often used interchangeably. However, not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots, but all CrockPots are slow cookers.

Crockpot-style slow cookers generally have a ceramic pot inside a base with a heating element that wraps around the pot.

While we are on the subject of CrockPots, did you know you can make bread pudding in a Crock-Pot? Tradition and innovation go hand in hand for a simple but delicious dessert. Before we get to the recipe, let us review tips on making classic bread pudding.

The type of bread one chooses is crucial for the delectable texture that bread pudding is known for. In general, soft and airy breads such as Challah, French, or Italian loafs are best suited for bread pudding.

No matter what type of bread you use, it must be stale. If one has to make bread pudding on the spur of the moment, bake fresh bread at 300 degrees until dry.

If one desires a crackly crust, dot the top of the pudding with additional toasted bread cubes before baking. Make sure the eggs are well beaten, this process helps the bread absorb the cream mixture. If eggs are not properly beaten, the bread pudding will have an eggy taste.

When I first made bread pudding, I used half and half. While the flavor profiles were good, it was a little dense. I remade the dish and used heavy whipping cream – what a difference. The interior had a moist, creamy consistency.

Bread pudding should be cooked for 50 to 60 minutes or until the center of the pudding reaches 160 degrees. Another way to tell if it is done is to simply insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread pudding is ready to serve.

Sauces, whipped cream, or ice cream are generally served with the pudding. This is a tasty additive, but make sure it does not overpower the actual bread pudding.

In closing, if you are a user of CrockPots and want to try something new, consider Crock-Pot bread pudding. It is as simple as it gets. Enjoy!

*It’s best to stay away from cake donuts. Krispy Kreme donuts work well.

Donut Delight

Ingredients

6 leftover glazed donuts, cut into

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon allspice

1 tablespoon vanilla powdered sugar

1. Place your donut pieces and raisins in a lightly greased casserole Crock-Pot or 6-quart cooker and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, beat eggs with a whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well.

3. Pour your egg mixture over the donut pieces and let soak for 10 minutes.

4. Cover and cook on high for approximately 2 hours.

5. Garnish with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Secret Ingredient – Donuts

“The optimist sees the donuts, the pessimist sees the holes.” -Oscar Wilde

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NOTICE OF FY 2025 ADOPTED EXPENSE BUDGETS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

The Worcester County Commissioners adopted the expense budgets for the General Fund on June 4, 2024 and Enterprise Funds on June 18, 2024, all of which became effective as of July 1, 2024.

SOLID WASTE ENTERPRISE FUND

261,917,617

OC officials hope for August boost

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) Hospitality leaders continue to report a slow summer season marked by weekday lulls.

Anecdotal evidence and visual observations continue to suggest business in Ocean City continues to struggle despite reaching what are typically the busiest months of the summer season. Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones said business is down, most notably during the week.

“Anecdotally, weekdays, this summer certainly feels slower,” she said, “parking lots don’t look as packed, and traffic is minimal.”

Jones said resorts like Ocean City are now competing with cruises and international destinations to attract visitors. She said cruise vacations are at an all-time high after companies were forced to shut down during the COVID pandemic. And in Europe, travel has surpassed 2019 levels, with deep discounts to lure people back.

“Rates have been as low as $79 during the week this summer,” Jones said of local room rates, “however, we must get the word out that there are good deals here too to increase the demand.”

The reports of a slow summer start somewhat bare out in room and food and beverage tax revenues. While tax

revenues in the first three months of 2024 largely jumped from the year prior – in some instances as much as 31% – the same cannot be said for April and May, the two most recent months to be recorded. In April, room tax revenues declined 19% from the year prior while food and beverage tax revenues declined 25%. In May, room tax revenues decreased 0.6% while food and beverage tax revenues decreased 14%.

However, Jones said interpreting those figures can be challenging, particularly with regard to room tax. She noted that short-term rental platforms are now included in tax figures, and that the short-term rental room tax is paid at the time of booking rather than the time of arrival, making it hard to gauge overnight stays in a given month.

Mayor Rick Meehan added that June tax revenues will give the town a better picture of the summer season. While he reports hearing mixed reviews from local businesses, he said nice weather in early June contributed to larger crowds.

“I had thanked the governor at MML for turning up the thermostat across the state and helping to drive Maryland residents to the beach,” he said. “The room tax report for May was consistent with May of 2024 but food tax figures were down. The cost of everything every-

where seems to be making this year’s early visitors a little more price conscious and possibly choosing not to dine out quite as often. We have not received the room tax or food tax figures for June, and I think when we do they will give us a better picture of how the summer is going. But the weather has been fantastic and it appears by looking at the beach and Boardwalk that the crowds are here so I am optimistic about the season. We are heading into the busiest time of the summer and with the White Marlin Open just a few days away let’s hope that the weather continues to be our friend.”

Ocean City is not alone in its struggles, Jones said, pointing to a recent national conference in which officials noted that hotel room rates and occupancy continue to decrease for destinations across the country. And nationwide, sharp increases in food and labor costs continue to impact restaurants, according to the National Restaurant Association.

At the local level, efforts are being made to bring more business to town. In May, for example, the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association launched a Weekday Waves promotion with participating hotels, restaurants and retail stores to offer deals on lodging, dining and attractions from Sunday through Thursday.

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(Aug. 2, 2024) The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission issued a mobile sports wagering license last week to Bally’s Interactive Maryland, LLC, bringing the total number of apps that can be used to cast sports bets in the state to just below 20.

began offering it in late 2022. Ocean Downs off of Route 589, the only physical sportsbook on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, cut the ribbon on its sports betting kiosks just before Christmas that year. Mobile sports betting launched shortly after and can be conduced anywhere inside state lines on an array of apps, which now includes Bally Bet Sportsbook.

West OC2BR/1BA

According to a news release from Maryland Lottery and Gaming, Bally’s successfully completed a controlled demonstration of its mobile wagering platform Bally Bet Sportsbook on July 25. Customers participated in live wagering as Maryland Lottery and Gaming staff ensured that the sportsbook complied with all required procedures and that its systems functioned properly.

Maryland voters legalized sports betting by referendum in 2020 and the first brick and mortar locations

During Fiscal Year 2024 (July 2023 through June 2024), sports wagering contributed more than $60.3 million to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs. An additional $985,862 in expired sports wagering prizes were paid to the Maryland Problem Gambling Fund, which supports responsible gambling programs, including no-cost counseling for Maryland residents. Maryland Lottery and Gaming reports sports wagering revenue figures are published online at mdgaming.com/maryland-sportswagering/revenue-reports/ on the10th of each month.

Aug. 1 - 8

Life

Nancy Reither/Coldwell B 377 W Waalnut Hill Drive,

Agents had to adjust after inspection process changes

the basis of Buyer’s dissatisfaction. Buyer’s right to terminate the Contract of Sale as stated in this subsection expires at the Deadline.”

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Aug. 2, 2024) It’s been about two years now since Maryland Realtors made changes to how property inspections are handled within the state contract of sale.

However, if the buyer decides to request the seller make repairs to the property, the right to terminate clause is voided, and the buyer decides instead to advance with the contract of sale with the repair process.

The new process calls for property inspections to either be activated or waived in the contract—and if activated, the traditional “As-Is” option was removed.

Agents throughout the state have adjusted to the new method. Even though we are not in as strong of a sellers’ market as in years past, there are still numerous times waiving home inspections is chosen. But when inspections aren’t waived completely, the Maryland home inspection addendum allows for buyers to back out of an offer with the Right to Terminate clause.

The clause states: “If the results of an inspection are unsatisfactory to the Buyer, Buyer may terminate the Contract of Sale by delivering a Unilateral Notice of Termination Under Contract of Sale to Seller by the Deadline. Buyer is not required to specify

The option is called Right to Negotiate, and states: “Instead of exercising the Right to Terminate the Contract of Sale in accordance with subparagraph 1.B(i), Buyer may make a single, written request for repairs and/or a Seller Credit based upon Buyer’s dissatisfaction with the results of the agreed-upon inspection(s). This right will expire at the Deadline unless the Buyer delivers to Seller a copy of the inspection report(s) together with a written request that Seller make certain repairs, and/or agree to provide a Seller Credit. The parties acknowledge that Buyer’s lender may need to approve any agreed-upon Seller Credit. Should Buyer attempt to deliver multiple written requests for repairs and/or Seller Credit to Seller prior to the Deadline, Seller shall only be obligated to consider the first such request received.”

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

Ocean City budget amendment drops reserve’s usage

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) The second budget amendment for fiscal year 2024 will advance to a first reading following a review this week.

On Tuesday, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp presented the Mayor and Council with additional revenue and expense adjustments since the first round of budget amendments were made this spring. As a result of the changes, the town will decrease its use of prior year reserves from $12.8 million to $12.6 million.

“I honestly don’t think we’re going to end up taking that much out of fund balance but there are a lot of expenses and some revenues that aren’t in the system yet …,” she told the council this week. “It’s the best I can do at this point.”

Starting with pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) funds, Knapp said the town would increase its contributions by $693,026. She said the town also recorded an $300,816 increase in estimated benefit payments for both general and public safety employees.

“Both of those increases were covered with interest on investments,” she said.

For internal service funds, the budget would be changed to reflect a $3,500 repair on garage doors. And under enterprise funds, budget adjustments are being made for the airport, golf course and convention center.

“In enterprise funds, in water, wastewater and transportation, there were no changes,” Knapp said.

Within the airport fund, Knapp

PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY WEEG

MOVIE ON THE LAWN

The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum hosted a showing of “Runaway Bride” on its lawn last Saturday to recognize the 25th anniversary of the movie’s release. About 65 people attended the showing.

Budget amendment shows drop in expenses

Continued from Page 97

said a $216,911 transfer would be made from the general fund for property acquisition, while revenues estimates for the airport’s concrete crushing enterprise would be reduced by $180,000. She noted, however, that expenses had been reduced to offset that revenue decrease.

“The flip side of that is I was able to reduce the expense from the concrete crushing as well. So that’s pretty much a wash,” she said. “There were $25,000 in other expense reductions to help offset that revenue. Most of those were in vehicle maintenance, equipment maintenance, salaries and benefits. So there were savings within the fund, it did not require additional funding from the general fund.”

For the golf course, $200,000 budgets as transfer to reserves would be used

to cover parking lot paving and the design of a kitchen and restroom renovation. The fund would also recognize a $15,000 reimbursement from Worcester County for an irrigation system repair. At the convention center, $470,000 from the facility’s capital maintenance would be utilized for repairs to the south patio and stairs, while $317,000 in grants and other revenues would be utilized for various building maintenance and improvement projects.

Knapp also highlighted a $1.4 million increase in the general fund budget.

“We are recognizing revenue that will exceed the budgeted amount, grants, donations and interest, and there is a reduction of what we anticipate taking from prior year reserves or fund balance,” she said.

Knapp said revenue sources that increased include grants, donations

and insurance, prior year reserves, interest on investments, and Medicaid reimbursements, to name a few. Revenues under the budget estimate include a $699,000 reduction from prior year reserves, as a purchase order balance was erroneously brought forward into the budget.

Knapp also highlighted room tax revenue, which was budgeted at $25,250,000. Through May, the town had collected $21.5 million.

“Last year in June we collected almost $3.8 million,” she told the council. “So if we collect the same amount in June this year as we did last year, we will meet the budget. Through May, room tax was 6.84% under the FY23 actual. If that trend continues through June, the amount collected would be about $25 million.”

If room tax revenues fall short, she said, a $300,000 overage in income tax revenues would offset the amount.

“I did not recognize that in this budget amendment,” she explained. “I could have used that to reduce what we're taking out of prior year reserves, but I left it there on the off chance that the room tax doesn't come in, and that way that category will come in on budget.”

In terms of expenditures, the town reported a $500,000 increase in sports complex funding, a $216,000 in airport

property acquisition, and a $527,000 increase in advertising, to name a few. Officials, however, noted that the town had received state grants for advertising.

“So we’re not over budget, expense-wise, on advertising,” Councilman John Gehrig said. “It just came in, and it went out.”

Knapp also highlighted expense reductions, including the $699,000 reduction for prior purchase order balance, a $200,000 reduction in bulkhead funding for Edgewater Avenue, and a $60,000 reduction for a recreation community room ceiling project.

“Edgewater Avenue bulkhead was funded in FY24, but we did not get to that project in FY24 so I took that money and moved it into capital projects so we could accomplish that in FY25,” she explained. “I did the same thing with the recreation community room ceiling. We had $50,000 funded and then the bids all came in higher than that, so they did not repair the ceiling. At the end of the year, they had enough money that I could take $60,000 out of their budget and move it into capital projects so we can fix that ceiling in FY25 with money that had already been allocated to recreation.”

After further review of budget amendments, the council voted 7-0 to advance an ordinance reflecting the changes to a first reading on Aug. 5.

Pro-business group, Legion recognize local legislators

(Aug. 2, 2024) The Maryland coastal area’s two representatives in the Maryland General Assembly have been singled out for their backing of two separate causes, one for supporting veterans and the other for maintaining a solid pro-business stance.

In its annual “Roll Call” report on pro-business voting in the legislature last year, Maryland Free (The Maryland Free Enterprise Foundation) recognized Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C) of Ocean City for casting pro-business votes 100% of the time in the House.

The organization’s research into where members with at least four years of service stood when businessrelated measures came before them showed Hartman tied with two other House Republicans for the highest

scoring totals.

“I am grateful to again be recognized for being tied as the Maryland General Assembly’s top pro-business legislator,” Hartman said. “My voting record comes from my own personal experiences as a small business owner; I fully understand the challenges of overburdensome government regulations. This score is a result of my commitment to establishing a healthy business climate in State of Maryland. In Annapolis, I will continue to vote in a manner that is pro-business, supportive of job growth, and directed toward creating a positive economic outlook for the state.”

Also recognized for having a 99%

See HARTMAN Page 100

Hartman, Carozza recognized

Continued from Page 99

score were delegates Christopher Adams of District 37B next door to Worcester and Matt Morgan of St. Mary’s County.

Maryland Free, which was founded in 1983 as Maryland Business for Responsive Government, advocates for employers and business owners and endorses minimum of government involvement in business affairs.

Senator Mary Beth Carozza’s honors came from the Maryland American Legion, which named the Ocean City resident “Outstanding Maryland Legislator for the Legislative Year 2024.”

The award was presented to

Carozza (R-38) on July 17 during the Legion’s annual conference in Ocean city.

In addition to serving on the General Assembly’s Maryland Veterans Caucus, Carozza co-sponsored multiple bills aimed at improving the lives of Maryland’s veterans.

“I deeply respect and admire the members of the American Legion for living their charter not only during their military service but continuing to serve our country right here in our home communities,” Carozza said. “I am honored to stand with and support the American Legion as they continue to mentor generations into responsible citizens.”

MDE issues favorable report on US Wind permit request

Application

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 2, 2024) US Wind’s application to construct a pier and bulkhead for an operations and maintenance facility in West Ocean City will advance to the Maryland Board of Public Works with a favorable recommendation.

On Monday, hours after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced the release of its final environmental impact study for US Wind’s proposed offshore wind project, the Maryland Department of the Environment reported it would forward a favorable recommendation to issue the company a wetlands permit for the construction of a pier and bulkhead on Harbor Road in West Ocean City. US Wind’s wetlands permit application will now be considered by the Maryland Board of Public Works.

“The Department has decided to send a favorable report recommending the authorization of the proposed activities to the Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW),” Maryland Department of the Environment’s R. Miles Simmons said in a statement. “Please be aware that this report is only a recommendation to BPW for the issuance of a Wetland License. The BPW will make the final State decision to issue or deny the Applicant’s Wetlands License.”

As part of its plans to construct an operations and maintenance facility in West Ocean City, US Wind last year submitted an application with the Maryland Department of the Environment to construct a concrete pier and replacement bulkhead from its project location at 12929 and 12933 Harbor Road. The proposed facility will serve as the primary location for planning and coordinating wind turbine and offshore substation operations for US Wind’s offshore

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

Public comments accepted ahead of BPW consideration

Continued from Page 100

wind projects, to be located off the coast of Ocean City.

According to company officials, the facility will feature an onshore office, marine coordination center and warehouse space, as well as quayside and berthing areas for its crew transfer vessels. To moor its vessels at the proposed site, US Wind has planned upgrades to the existing pier structure.

In a March 25 public hearing on US Wind’s application, attendees learned the company had reduced the length of the pier from the original 625 feet to 174 feet, as well as the replacement bulkhead from the original 435 feet to 381 feet. Since that time, however, the company has submitted four revisions to its application. The recommendation being sent to the Board of Public Works increases the scope of work.

“After reviewing the proposed activities, the Department determined that the applicant, US Wind Inc., is within its riparian rights to construct a 353 foot long by 30 foot wide concrete pier with associated timber fenders, all with a maximum of 30 feet channelward of the mean high water line; and construct 383 linear feet of replacement steel bulkhead

within a maximum of 18 inches channelward of the mean high water line,” Simmons wrote. “The Department has determined that the proposed pier and bulkhead are consistent with State law and regulations and are a reasonable exercise of riparian rights to allow for reasonable access to State waters and protect the shoreline from erosion.”

In its report to the Board of Public Works, the Maryland Department of the Environment states the agency had received oral testimony from 43 individuals at the March public hearing, with 40 in opposition to the project and three in favor. The agency also received 202 emails and seven letters, with 119 in opposition, 81 in support and three neutral. The department reports 37 of the 119 correspondences in opposition were specific to the wetlands application. Simmons said those interested in submitting comments to the Board of Public Works can contact Wetlands Administrator Bill Morgante at 410260-7791 or email bill.morgante@maryland.gov. A copy of the signed report and recommendation can be found at mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/Wetlands andWaterways/Pages/US-WindInc.aspx.

“VANISHING OCEAN CITY”

• The history of Ocean City, Md., from its beginning in the 1870s to the present day. Over 500 photo images.

• A hardbound, 220-page coffee table book featuring cover by noted artist Paul McGehee.

• Over seven years in the making with personal memories of Ocean City’s locals and visitors. Recall your own favorite memories of Maryland’s famous beach resort.

• Revisit the old restaurants and long-vanished hotels, relive summer nights on the Boardwalk, go fishing on the ocean or the bay, and learn about the fires and storms that changed the town forever.

Vanishing Ocean City is available for $49.95 at select locations in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and Salisbury. It can also be ordered online at vanishingoceancity.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

All Three Of Bunk Mann’s Books A “Must Have” For All Who Love Ocean City!

National Night Out set to come to Northside Park

Dunk tank, K-9 demos and more planned for Aug. 6

(Aug. 2, 2024) The Ocean City Police Department will host National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We will be celebrating at Northside Park on their West Lagoon Field.

“This year is shaping up to be our biggest event,” said Ocean City Police Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller. “We will be highlighting various first responder agencies that keep our town safe. Joining us at the event will be the Ocean City Fire Department, Ocean City Fire Marshal Office, Ocean City Emergency Services, Ocean City Beach Patrol, Ocean City Police Department's Quick Response Team, Forensic Services Unit, along with our Mounted and K-9 Units, and the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. This is a unique opportunity to interact with these brave individuals who work tirelessly to keep our community safe.”

In addition to first responders, the police department has invited Ocean City Tourism, Ocean City Recreation and Parks, Atlantic General Hospital, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), ADT and 7/11. You can beat the heat by stopping by Kona Ice for a sweet treat.

In addition, a special surprise is Chief Ross Buzzuro will get in the dunk tank to help raise funds for the Ocean City Police Morale Committee. The Morale Committee works to boost morale within the department to supplement projects around the department outside of the budget, such as new gym equipment and holiday gifts for our employees or assistance during times of need. Can you dunk the chief? You can get your chance with a donation of $2 for three throws.

Bring a chair to hang out and chat with fellow community members, visitors, and first responders. There will be information about employment opportunities from law enforcement agencies in the area and the Citizens Police Academy and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. There will also be exciting demonstrations from the bomb squad, mounted, and K-9 units.

Up close looks at an ambulance, fire truck and police command truck will be offered.

FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Attendees of last year’s National Night Out at Northside Park pose with members of the Ocean City Police Mounted Unit.

Opinions

OC stands alone against ill wind

This week’s report from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on the environmental impact of US Wind’s proposed MarWin wind farm project contained no surprises, at least not for anyone who rejected some of the more extreme arguments against it.

It was never true, for instance, that birds by the thousands would be killed as they collided with the massive windmill blades during their annual migrations. Positioned outside the migratory bird flyway, the turbines were not the hazard that opponents said they would be.

Similarly, assertions that marine mammals would die because of these towers’ intrusion into their territories were emotional, but not necessarily factual, arguments.

Consequently, no one was caught off guard when the bureau declared that the final environmental impact statement found that a fully built project would cause little long-lasting harm to the near-shore ocean environment.

Many opponents of US Wind’s plan to erect scores of turbines within sight of the beach in Ocean City have always known that, despite their arguments to the contrary.

No, the big problem with the wind farm project, as the environmental impact statement points out, is that it will transform the uninterrupted ocean vista that visitors and residents gaze upon daily into an offshore picket fence.

The bureau’s findings, however, speculate that this busy skyline off the beach won’t detract from Ocean City’s desirability to tourists or harm property values.

Its analysts might think that, but they don’t know it. All they know is that the federal and state governments strongly favor the development of wind energy and are therefore prepared to ignore local objections come what may.

This stance by state and federal officials leaves local officials alone to battle with whatever weapons they have. At the moment, they have little to work with, the possibility of a lawsuit notwithstanding.

PUBLIC EYE

Flipping Olympics

After watching three days of the Olympics on TV so far, here’s what I can tell you: the Orioles have taken two of three games from Toronto and recent call-up Jackson Holiday hit his first home run — a grand slam — as an Oriole.

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR BETHANY HOOPER

DIGITAL EDITOR MALLORY PANUSKA AMES

STAFF WRITERS TARA FISCHER, ANNA WILLIAMS

Contact News Room: editor@oceancitytoday.net SALES

ACCOUNT MANAGERS MARY COOPER, TERRI FRENCH, RENEE KELLY

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS PAMELA GREEN

Contact Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net

PRODUCTION

ART DIRECTOR COLE GIBSON; SENIOR PAGE DESIGNER SUSAN PARKS

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ADMINISTRATION

PUBLISHER/CONTROLLER CHRISTINE BROWN

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GINI TUFTS web: oceancitytoday.com Facebook: facebook/mdcoastdispatch.com

By Stewart Dobson

Oh, and there’s been water polo, rugby, basketball, soccer, swimming, horseplay and people hanging, spinning, rolling and jumping over inanimate objects to the great delight of the fans and announcers.

The latter, of course, would be gymnastics, which, as far as I can tell, are critical to our continued existence as a nation.

The fact is, I’ve done most of the moves our gymnasts have done so far, just not on purpose.

Flying, leaping and all sorts of twisty things will occur naturally when you are launched from a car hood being towed by a Jeep down the beach at 50 mph and it unexpectedly comes to a sudden stop.

It's a law of physics: when an item in motion comes to an abrupt halt, objects not affixed to that item, like passengers, for instance, will remain in motion for quite some time — as in yards and yards through the air doing twisty things before rolling along at a pretty good clip and discovering that you had more knees and elbows than you realized.

Further, to the amusement of the many others on the beach that day, I did stick the landing. Just not on my feet.

True story. But anyway, while I appreciate the training, the dedication and the skill of all

Olympic athletes and enjoy seeing them push themselves to ever higher levels of excellence, I find many of the announcers and color commentators annoying. Some of them are dumber than a box of roofing shingles.

“Ohhhh, she fell, B0b. That’s certain to affect her score.”

No, really?

Or “It appears that Katie Ledecky, who has a six-and-a-half mile lead over her competitors in the 1500m swimming freestyle, is headed for a gold medal.”

You don’t say. The way she’s going, she’ll be in Belgium by the time you shut up.

It’s right about then that I flip.

“... Mountcastle takes a slider outside for 3-2 count.”

Sure, the baseball announcer is telling me what I’ve already seen, as if I turned on the TV specifically not to watch it, but I’m used to the banter from the booth. Besides, I’m still trying to figure out whether Jim Palmer, who’s a year older than I am, is taking monkey gland extract or something to continue to look that good.

As for the Olympics, the biggest news, in my opinion, is that Canada got caught cheating. Canada!

The nicest, most polite, sincerest people on the planet live there. They are genetically prohibited from even cheering too loudly, must less trying to get a leg up over the New Zealand women’s soccer team by flying a drone over their practices.

This is like learning that Dr. Strange is only a Time Lord during Eastern Standard Time and fakes it during Daylight Savings.

I was so disappointed that I ...

“... and it’s a nasty sinker from Burnes for a third strike.”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Weird is a good way to describe this summer in Ocean City. From a business standpoint, light is also appropriate because the eyes tell the story as vacancies are common, traffic is not an issue and half-full parking lots exist, particularly during the week.

Adding to the uniqueness of this summer was the cold ocean for much of July. I happened to be on the beach on July 5 and the cold water was shocking. When I asked the lifeguard if it was an upwelling, he said he wasn’t sure but did share the ocean was about 15 degrees colder than the day before. Upwellings are nothing new around here, as they occur a couple times a summer. What made this summer’s phenomenon so different was the weeks it persisted as well as the severity of the chilliness. In fact, from June 30July 22, the average ocean temp at the Inlet was 68.2 degrees compared to 74.6 last year during the same period. On July 18, the water temperature hit 59.5 degrees with last year’s low in July at 67.8. The good news is the ocean is returning to normal temperatures.

Across the country, there has been much discussion about cellphones in public schools.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin made national headlines when he ordered the state’s Department of Education to create a plan banning cellphones from public schools. While it seems entirely inappropriate for a governor to tell local school systems how to operate since he’s not in education, the scramble has been on in recent weeks to institute a new cellphone policy among Virginia’s schools.

In Accomack County, for example, the new policy prohibits phones, smart watches, tablets and the like during school hours. High schoolers must turn their phones off and store them in bookbags throughout the day but are permitted to use them during lunch periods and on buses. Elementary students must keep them off and cannot use them in school or on the bus. Middle school students can use them on the bus but not at all during the day with the phones required to be off. Infractions will result in suspensions of varying lengths contingent upon the number of violations.

Delaware has also begun a crackdown on cellphones in schools, allocating about $300,000 for school systems to purchase pouches to lock student cellphones in during the day. How many schools will be required to participate is unclear and most likely will not be in place for the next school year, but it’s a sign of things to come eventually.

In Worcester County, there appears to be no blanket policy for the entire school system. Instead, it’s managed individually by the individual school principals and can vary by classrooms. From what I have observed in some classrooms during American Education Week, it appears students are simply not allowed to use their phones during periods of instruction. In at least one local private school, some teachers require students to simply place their phones in a designated bin at the door as they enter the classroom. It seems to me Virginia has taken it too far. Students need to be able to learn restraint and discipline when it comes to their devices. It’s not as if cellphones and their importance will be waning anytime soon. Clearly, students should not be on their phones during classroom lessons or be distracted by dings and vibrations. Therefore, it seems to me the best policy is not allow the students access to their phones during instruction time. Teachers should not be charged with enforcing no phone policies in classrooms. It’s simplest to just have students drop them in a bin as they walk in. The issue there is what if a student says no. Is it worth the fight?

Part of being a community newspaper is reporting the positive work being done by local citizens. There are several examples in this week’s paper, including the Let Them Play initiative where two moms have teamed up with the Horizons organization to lead a sports equipment drive to ensure all kids have the ability to participate in sports even if their means are limited. It’s a great cause and an effort to be supported and embraced. Another example is the Surf Into Integrity program, which is featured with a wide photo in this week’s issue. The program is offered as an afterschool program at Stephen Decatur Middle School during the school year, but it’s also offered on a smaller scale as part of the school’s Summer Academy session. For two days toward the end of summer school, middle school teachers coordinated with the Ocean City Surf Club for beach days where students learn about the ocean and are provided opportunities some have never had before. As difficult as it is to imagine, there are students in our community who have never swam in the ocean or been to the beach. This program provided them this memorable opportunity. A major salute to the teachers who organize this program and the surf club members who volunteer their time.

Worcester GOLD ramps up annual school supply drive

Donations will be accepted at National Night Out, OPA community center, local fair

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 2, 2024) Worcester GOLD, a group that supports low-income county residents, and the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department have teamed up to collect school supplies for children in need.

The organizers are requesting pencil boxes, pink erasers, composition books, 3x5 and 4x6 index cards, scissors, solid color pocket folders, #2 pencils, blue, black, and red pens, crayons, one-inch and two-inch binders, colored pencils, spiraled notebooks, and pencil cap erasers.

Worcester GOLD Executive Director Nicholas Cranford said the most

needed items include backpacks, wired headphones, tissue boxes, disinfecting wipes, gallon and quart storage bags, glue sticks, dry-erase markers, highlighters, and hand sanitizer.

Supplies will be collected at the Ocean Pines Police Department’s National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, beginning at 6 p.m. The recreation and parks group is also currently accepting donations in the community center lobby until the first responders’ event.

According to Cranford, Worcester GOLD has been running its School Supplies for Students Program for over 25 years, receiving 300 plus requests from the community to help children living in low-income households. Individuals can donate directly to the organization by mailing a

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

An example of the marketing materials being used for the ongoing Worcester GOLD school supply drive is shown above.

Nonprofit partnering with Ocean Pines, local agencies

Continued from Page 105

check, with “school supplies” on the memo line, to PO Box 335, Snow Hill, MD 21863, or online. Visit www.WorcesterGold.org for more information.

For the last few years, Worcester GOLD has had the support of the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department, which will be collecting school supplies at National Night Out and in the OPA community center lobby. This allows residents who live in the area to donate easily.

“This program provides students with the school and grade-specific supplies they need to be prepared to learn and blend in with their peers,” Cranford said. “We partner with the schools to collect the lists to ensure each child has the needed items.”

The executive director noted that Worcester GOLD will collect school items during the Worcester County Fair in Snow Hill from Friday, Aug. 9 to Sunday, Aug. 11. The University of Maryland Extension office is partnering with Worcester GOLD and the fair on the effort.

The fair will be held at John Walter Smith Park at 6022 Public Landing Road, adjacent to the Worcester County Recreation Center. Fair hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sat-

urday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The charitable organization is also gearing up to host its “Fill the VAULT” campaign in October.

“We’ll be collecting new basic needs items like clothing, diapers, hygiene items, and household products,” Cranford said. “The VAULT (Vast Amounts of Useful Little Things) is a room in our office where we keep new basic needs items for our eligible clients to shop for what they need in a private and dignified way.”

The School Supplies for Students Program provides each child in need with a backpack filled with gradespecific items catered to their needs. The project helps children experiencing homelessness, foster care, disabilities, and those living in single-parent homes.

In addition to donating, individuals can become shoppers, where they are matched up with a student and purchase supplies based on their specific needs. For more information, visit www.WorcesterGold.org.

“We are so thankful to each of our supporters who sacrificed for the success of this program, providing for thousands of children over the years,” Cranford said.

Ocean City church hosting Lifeline Screening Aug. 15

(Aug. 2, 2024) Residents living in and around the Ocean City can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening this month.

St Peter’s Lutheran Church will host the community event on Aug. 15 at 10301 Coastal Highway in Ocean City.

Screenings can check for the level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovas-

cular disease, stroke and overall vascular health; HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels; diabetes risk; kidney and thyroid function and more Screenings are affordable and convenient. Free parking is also available.

Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with attendees to create packages based on age and risk factors.

Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

Warsaw Uprising marked national holiday for Poland

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

This week, 80 years ago, Polish resistance forces — the Armia Krajowa — under the command of Gen. Count Tadeusz Bòr-Komorowski, numbering about 37,000, seized control of most of central Warsaw from the German occupiers.

The action was ordered by the Government of the Republic of Poland in Exile, in London, headed by Stanis aw Miko ajczyk, and was called Operation Tempest. The action had the following aims: (1) to show the world that the Poles were masters of their own fate; (2) to strike a blow against the hated German occupiers; (3) to ward off the threat of a German roundup of able-bodied Poles; (4) a response to the call from Radio Moscow to rise; (5) to establish control, and a government, before the Soviet-backed Committee of National Liberation, chaired by Edward Osóbka-Morawski, assumed control.

The Red Army, which had been moving west at a fairly rapid pace since the launch of Operation Bagration on June 22, 1944, suddenly stopped on the outskirts of the Polish

capital. There were several reasons for this halt: (1) Most of the troops involved, from the First Belorussian Front, commanded by Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky, had been fighting and marching across Belarus since June 22, 1944 and needed rest and supplies, and the machines needed maintenance; (2) Marshal Rokossovsky’s First Belorussian Front was concentrating on establishing, and holding, bridgeheads across the Vistula, and other rivers, in order to continue its advance; (3) counterattacks by the hard-hitting and powerful SS Viking Panzergrenadier, Hermann Göring Panzer and 4th & 19th Panzer Divisions, commanded by Johannes-Rudolf Mühlenkamp, Wilhelm Schmalz, Clemens Betzel and Hans Källner; (4) Stalin’s desire not to have to deal with those “troublemakers” (the Armia Krajowa); (5) most important, the fact that Warsaw, like Paris on the Western Front, was not on the Red Army’s agenda, because becoming embroiled in an urban warfare setting would merely slow the army, raise the casualty lists and delay final victory.

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Artisans from far and wide will be selling handcrafted items like prints, jewelry, doll clothes, pottery, stitchery, crochet, knitting, signs and decorative items

Next to the Farmers Market in White Horse Park, the shop will be open from 8-3 for even more handmade treasures or custom requests.

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 107

At first, the Germans were surprised and outnumbered, and the Armia Krajowa achieved some local successes. However, they were too lightly armed (only one in seven) to stand against the more heavily armed Germans. Even then, they only had ammunition for seven days. They hoped that by then, they would have joined forces with the Red Army.

By the end of the first day, 2,000 Poles and 500 Germans were dead, and the Armia Krajowa had captured the main post office, the mint, an SS food and uniforms warehouse, gas, electric and waterworks. By Aug. 3, 1944, the Warsaw garrison commander, Lt. Gen. Rainer Stahel, was replaced by SS-Obergruppenführer Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski.

SS-Obergruppenführer von dem Bach-Zelewski was the perfect man for the task to which he had been assigned — which was nothing less than the destruction of the Polish capital. Earlier, he had served in Einsatzgruppe B, charged with killing Jews in Belarus.

In 1943, he was placed in charge of anti-partisan activity in Belarus.

Along with SS-Obergruppenführer von dem Bach-Zelewski, reinforcements for the 11,000 man garrison also began arriving, under the command of SS-Gruppenführer Heinrich Reinefarth.

These included: the “Dirlewanger Brigade,” commanded by SS-Standartenführer Dr. Oskar P. Dirlewanger, an alcoholic and convicted child-molester; and the “Kaminski Brigade,” commanded by SS-Brigadeführer Bronislav Vladislavovich Kaminski.

The SS forces were ordered by SSReichsführer Heinrich Himmler to take no prisoners and to destroy the city in subduing the insurrection. Once again, the SS-Reichsführer had selected the perfect units for the task at hand. The “Dirlewanger Brigade” consisted of criminals — thieves, rapists, murderers, arsonists.

The “Kaminski Brigade” was composed of Russians, of whom SS-Obergruppenführer von dem Bach-Zelewski later said, "... he had seen Kaminski's men cart off entire carloads of 'stolen jewelry, gold watches, and precious stones'. As he recalled it, 'The capture of a liquor supply was more important for the brigade than the seizure of a position commanding the same street.'”

With the Voyenno-Vosdushnye Sily (VVS) having ceded the sky to the Luftwaffe, the Germans enjoyed absolute air superiority, and pounded the Poles with Stukas. The Poles desperately beseeched their American and British allies for support. On the night of Aug. 4, the RAF responded by sending 13 Liberators and Halifaxes on the 1,700 mile round trip from their base in Brindisi, Italy. These flights continued, without fighter escort, until Sept. 22, 1944, at a cost of 39 planes. One pilot said, “There was no difficulty in finding Warsaw. It was visible from 60 miles away. The city was in flames but with so many huge fires burning, it was al-

Continued on Page 109

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

German leaders are pictured plotting their missions to destroy the Polish uprising. After one day, 2,000 Poles had died and 500 Germans died.

Continued from Page 108

most impossible to pick up the target marker flares.”

The Allies requested that they be allowed to land in the Soviet Union on Aug. 20. Two days later, Stalin, in denying the Allies’ request, replied that the uprising was inspired by “ . . . enemies of the Soviet Union,” and referred to them as, “ . . . a handful of criminals.”

The Red Army renewed its offensive on Sept. 11, and once again the VVS took to the sky. The Soviets began bombing and shelling German positions in the city. The suburb of Praga, on the eastern side of the Vistula River was captured. The Soviet First Polish Army, commanded by Zygmunt Henryk Berling, arrived on the eastern side of the Vistula River on Sept. 16.

The following day, soldiers of the First Polish Army attempted to cross the river, but were repulsed with the loss of more than 1,000. That ended any attempts by the Red Army to cross the river.

Negotiations between the Armia Krajowa and the Germans began on Sept. 28. When the Germans agreed to treat the soldiers of the Armia Krajowa as POWs, the Poles agreed to surrender. On Oct. 2, 1944, 15,000 marched into POW camps, while 55,000 civilians were transported to concentration camps because they were “dangerous elements,” and 150,000 were transported to labor camps in Germany. More than 200,000 civilians were killed, along with 15,200 insurgents. Gen. Berling’s First Polish Army suffered 5,660 casualties.

During the Uprising, 25% of the city’s buildings were destroyed. The Germans destroyed another 35% after the uprising. All told, 85% of the 600-year-old city was destroyed during the war.

The Germans lost 16,000 killed and missing and had 9,000 wounded. They lost 310 tanks, armored cars and self-propelled guns, 22 artillery pieces and 340 cars and trucks.

On Jan. 17, 1945, the Red Army quietly entered the Polish capital.

Aug. 1 is now celebrated as a holiday in Poland. In 1994, the German President attended the ceremony commemorating the 50th Anniversary, along with dignitaries from other countries.

In 2004, the German Chancellor, U.S. Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell and other dignitaries attended. In neither year was a representative of the Russian Federation present — although invited.

Next week: Champagne Campaign

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

OBITUARIES

MARY ELIZABETH MITCHELL

Berlin

Mary Elizabeth Mitchell, 62, of Berlin, passed away on July 16, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Mary was born on Feb. 28, 1962 in Staten Island, New York, and later grew up in Bowie.

In sophomore English class, Mary met her soulmate, Chuck Mitchell. They have been together for 45 years and have two children, CJ and Paxton.

After graduating from Bowie High School in 1980, Mary became a certified nail technician. She worked the past 40 years at various salons in Ocean City, including Headlines, Robin Walters, and most recently, Bliss Salon and Spa.

Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved traveling, having her feet in the sand at Stinky Beach, and enjoying a glass of Chardonnay with friends. She will be missed dearly.

Mary is survived by her parents, Joe and Beverly Burns; her husband, Chuck Mitchell; her children, CJ and Paxton Mitchell; her grandchildren, Addison and Charlie Mitchell; her sister, Kathleen Haskett; her brothers, Joe and Michael Burns; and sis-

ter-in-law Patti Mitchell and brotherin-law Brian Mitchell.

A celebration of life was held on July 22.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to TidalHealth Foundation (“In memory of Mary Mitchell” on memo line). TidalHealth Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute in Ocean Pines took great care of Mary over the past four years.

Condolences may be sent by visiting bishophastingsfh.com.

ALBERT P. WARNER JR. Snow Hill

Albert P. Warner Jr., 82, of Snow Hill, passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on July 29, 2024.

Devoted husband of Gertrude (Trudy) Warner; and loving father of Kelly Warner Norman (husband Jamie), and Judith Warner. One of his greatest joys was being Pop-pop to his cherished grandchildren, Albert (AJ) Warner Jeffra (wife Ivana), Gerald (Jerry) Leonard Jeffra III (wife Kristen), and Charles Albert Hunt (wife Ashley). He leaves behind nieces and nephews Tracy, Billy, George, Mark, Ronnie, Tammie and Tara; and many great-

nieces, nephews and cousins.

Albert was born in Baltimore to his late parents, Albert P. Warner Sr. and Livinda Taylor Warner.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ethel “Bibby” Davis, and two younger brothers, George and Ronald.

After his military service, Albert went on to dedicate 47 years in law enforcement and loved every minute of it. He often called it the best time of his life being a police officer in the Ocean City Police Department (1968 to 2002).

Albert received numerous awards from the city and state for his honorable service of 34 years and was one of the charter members of the Ocean City FOP Lodge 10, where he served as president. He was seen as a mentor, humanitarian and a Cop's Cop. He loved his fellow officers as much as they loved him, and after a brief retirement he went on to become a deputy sheriff for Worcester County for 12 years and finally retired in 2015.

After his second retirement, he spent the rest of his time with the love of his life, Trudy (64 years) and together they enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Albert touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. His out-

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Mary Mitchell

Albert Warner Jr.

OBITUARIES

look in life was to do what you love and he did exactly that.

Visitation will be held from 1-4 p..m, Aug. 5, followed by a brief service at The Burbage Funeral Home. Please join us for a Celebration of Life gathering to be determined.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

PETER (PETE) SCHERER COPENHAVER

Berlin

Peter (Pete) Scherer Copenhaver, 77, passed away peacefully at the Mackey and Pam Stansell House surrounded by his family and close friends after a short battle with cancer.

Born in 1947 in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late Brigadier General John Randolph Copenhaver and Lois Maxine (Cooke) Copenhaver.

Pete was the son of an Air Force doctor and traveled around and lived in many places in his youth. After college, Pete married his wife, Susan, in 1970, in Marion, Virginia.

Pete and Susan moved to Ocean City in 1980, where Pete began his ca-

reer in real estate. Over the years, Pete was very involved in the community in many ways and contributed to and supported numerous charities and organizations — including the Delmarva Irish American Club, Ducks Unlimited, United Way, and many others.

Pete was an amazing human being. To know him was to love him. Pete had the kindest of hearts and was known to be an absolute gentleman. Throughout his life, Pete enjoyed hjunting, fishing, and gatherings at his family’s home. Pete was also an avid golfer and spent most of his time playing golf with his wife at the Ocean City Golf Club. Pete and Susan spent a few of the winter months in Florida playing golf and enjoying retirement together. Wherever Pete went, he made new and seemingly lifelong friends.

Pete was a loving husband, an amazing father and grandfather, and an incredibly caring and loyal friend who will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Copenhaver; sons Robert Copenhaver and Tom Copenhaver (Jennifer); brother Tom Copenhaver (Rita); granddaughter Allyson Copehhaver; and nieces and nephews Benson, Megan, Alina and John Copenhaver.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John

Copenhaver.

There will be a Celebration of Life, arrangements are pending.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733 Salisbury, Maryland 21802. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

PATSY ROSENCRANCE

Parsonsburg

Patricia “Patsy” Rosencrance (née Martin), of Parsonsburg, died in early July at age 74.

She was a nurse and artist who loved to bake pies and live on her farm. Born in Harford County to Howard and Lois Martin, Patsy earned degrees in nursing and art from Harford Community College and the University of Maryland before following her family to the Eastern Shore in the early 1970s. There she spent decades as an emergency room and surgical nurse, caring for thousands of patients in the Salisbury area.

Later in life, Patsy purchased a farm in Parsonsburg where she raised chickens and cows. She found joy in caring for the animals and sharing the farm’s fresh eggs with family and friends. A proponent of holistic health, Patsy baked her own bread, jogged or walked most days, and was a lifelong vegetarian. She attended Woodstock with her sons and embodied the peace and love of the hippie movement. She was quick to laugh and never hurt a fly.

Patsy is survived by two sons, including John Sims and his wife Sarah of Bel Air; a brother, Howard Martin and his wife Karen of Bishopville; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jim Rosencrance; and her two sisters, Penelope Mann of Salisbury and Pamela Martin of Joppatowne.

Friends may call at Mountain Christian Church (1824 Mountain

Road in Joppatowne) from 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 9. The funeral service will begin there at noon.

WILLIAM LEE SAVAGE

Ocean City

William Lee Savage, known to family, friends and fishing buddies as “Billy”, passed away peacefully at home June 25, 2024. His beloved wife, Margie, was by his side just as she had been throughout their 42 years of marriage.

Billy was born in Chincoteague, Virginia, on Nov. 2, 1945, and remained a lifelong waterman. He was a graduate of McDonogh Military Academy and attended Pfeiffer College.

In his 78 years, he was a commercial fisherman and restaurateur. In the 1960s-70s, he mated on sportfishing boats ranging from Maryland to The Bahamas. His fishing sense and dedication made him a soughtafter mate on local sportfishers to highprofile clients. His haul of white marlin set a record that was only broken in recent years. He became a commercial fisherman in the 1970s-80s, running the “Flora Kirwan” out of the OC Commercial Harbor and continuing his family’s tradition of restaurant ownership.

As a child, he washed dishes at the Tides Inn, owned by his mother and eventually he co-owned establishments, including The Mast, Captain’s Galley II and Country Captains. He also had the food and beverage business for the Ocean City convention center.

Billy also owned Savage’s Diving Service, one of the local marine salvage businesses and his opportunity to add to the family’s colorful stories when he was charged with piracy. This was a small, but humorous part of his legacy to family.

He passed his love of water on to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughters, Margaret McConnell who lives in Ocean City,

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P. Rosencrance

Pete Copenhaver

William Savage

regularly boating the waters he knew so well, and Kathy Killian, who kayaks near her Rochester, New York, home. His grandchildren, Megan and Chris McConnell, have also inherited his love of the water with careers in the marine industry.

Billy was a good man, excellent husband and devoted partner to his wife Margie. They shared a life rich with family, friends, traveling and occasional shenanigans. He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.

Billy is preceded in death by his father, Fred Savage; stepmother Renee; mother Ernestine Fisher; and stepfather Everett Fisher.

Surviving family who will miss him are additional grandchildren Daniel Killian and Andrew Seneca; a brother, Ricks Savage, wife Diane; nieces Ann Hastings and Sarah Hebert; and nephew Scott Savage and their children.

Cremation followed his death. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

GERALD TIMMONS BUNTING SR.

Whalyeville

hard work and was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He loved to laugh, dance, hunt, fish, and spend time with his children and grandchildren. He had a beautiful tenor voice and loved to sing hymns in the church choir.

Gerry was preceded in death by his son, Scott Bunting; and is survived by his wife, Paula Young; two sons, Tim Bunting and Shawn Bunting; and his daughter, Summer Dyer; and his 12 grandchildren; and one great- grandchild. His memory will live on in all those who loved him.

A graveside service was set for 11 a.m., July 30, at Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin. A private family reception was to follow the service.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

CHRISTOPHER “CHRIS” MICHAEL BRANTNER Berlin

Christopher “Chris” Michael Brantner, 28, passed away Monday, July 22, 2024 at his home in Berlin. Born in Berkeley, California, he was the beloved son of Candy Ann Brantner. During his time at Stephen Decatur High School, Chris was very involved in ROTC and drama club. After graduating in 2013, he went to work for several places in Ocean City in the hospitality industry. He was very passionate about electronics and video games.

Above all, he was a dear son, brother, a very proud uncle to his nieces, and friend to many and will be missed by everyone who loved him. Chris was always kind, funny, and a

shoulder to lean on when you needed it. His memory will always be cherished and he will always be in our hearts.

In addition to his mother, Chris is survived by his brother, Jeremy James Brantner (Amber Miller); nieces Memphis (10) and Rowen (8) Brantner; grandmother Pat Walton (late Jay Walton) and grandparents Kathy and Ron Brantner; great-grandmother Mabel Whisenhunt Stepp; uncle Brian Walton (Liz Walton); and great-uncle Coy Whisenhunt (Kelley Whisenhunt).

The family wishes to thank The Harrison Group for their support.

A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., at 501 Snow Hill Road.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the family at hollowayfh.com.

Gerald Timmons Bunting Sr., 82, of Whaleyville died on July 24, 2024. He was born in Selbyville, Delaware in 1942 to Russell and Alice Bunting. Gerry attended Selbyville High School before studying poultry science at the University of Delaware. He was commissioned into the Army after completing ROTC. He served in the Army Reserve and National Guard until the rank of captain.

Gerry’s love for animals led him to many interesting jobs throughout his life. Gerry started his career as a processing plant manager at Ralston Purina, opened a pet store years later, and ended his career as a farmer, his most favorite job and hobby. Gerry loved to be outside and could always be found working in his garden. He valued

$1,595.

G. Bunting Sr.

Chris Brantner

Ro Sham Bo’s big blue wins top prize in Big Fish Classic

(Aug. 2, 2024) Eighty-eight boats competed in the 11th Annual HUK Big Fish Classic last weekend for a total purse of $1,158,500. Last year 69 boats were entered and $740,900 in prize money was awarded.

The payout calculations were thrown for a major loop in this year’s tournament on Sunday when the Ro Sham Bo team’s 535-pound blue marlin broke the hearts of the crew of the Primary Search, which had been in the top spot with a 305-pound big eye tuna caught the day before.

The big marlin won the team of the Ro Sham Bo a total of $320,000.

Full leaderboard with money payouts were as follows:

Basic-Entry Division A

($20,000): Ro Sham Bo, blue marlin, 535 pounds, $15,000; Primary Search, big eye, 305 pounds, $3,500; and MJ’s, big eye, 288 pounds, $1,500.

Heaviest Fish – B1 ($26,100): Ro Sham Bo, blue marlin, 535 pounds, $16,965; Primary Search, big eye, 305 pounds, $6,525; and MJ’s, big eye, 288 pounds, $2,610.

Heaviest Fish – B2 ($45,000): Ro Sham Bo, blue marlin, 535 pounds, $29,250; Primary Search, big eye, 305 pounds, $11,250; and MJ’s, big eye, 288 pounds, $4,500.

Heaviest Fish – B3 (winner take all $56,700): Ro Sham Bo, blue marlin, 535 pounds, $56,700.

Heaviest Fish – B3 (winner take all $139,500): Ro Sham Bo, blue marlin, 535 pounds, $139,500.

Heaviest Fish Stringer – C1 ($25,650): MJ’s. big eye, 1,077.5 pounds, $16,673; Ro Sham Bo, blue marlin, 535 pounds, $6,412; and Jacked Up, tuna, 458.5 pounds,

$2,565.

Heaviest Fish Stringer – C2 ($45,000): MJ’s, big eye, 1,077.5 pounds, $29,250; Fishin Fever, tuna, 536.5 pounds, $11,250; and Ro Sham Bo, blue marlin, 535 pounds, $4,500.

Heaviest Fish Stringer – C3 (winner take all $36,000): MJ’s, big eye, 1,077.5 pounds, $36,000.

Heaviest Billfish – D1 ($23,400): Ro Sham Bo, blue marlin, 535 pounds, $15,210; Poorman, swordfish, 95.5 pounds, $5,850; Under Taker, white marlin, 68 pounds, $2,340.

Heaviest Billfish – D2

($38,700): Ro Sham Bo, blue marlin, 535 pounds, $25,155; Poorman, swordfish, 95.5 pounds, $9,675; Under Taker, white marlin, 68 pounds, $3,870.

Heaviest Swordfish – D3

($35,100): Split Bill, swordfish, 105.5 pounds, $22,815; Poorman, swordfish, 95.5 pounds, $8,775; and Split Bill/Poorman, split, $3,510.

Heaviest Swordfish – D4

($39,600): Poorman, swordfish, 95.5 pounds, $39,600.

Heaviest Swordfish – D5 (winner take all $24,300): Split Bill, swordfish, 105.5 pounds, $24,300.

Heaviest White Marlin – D6, D7, D8, D9 (combined purses of $147,150): Undertaker, white marlin, 68 pounds, $147,150.

Marlin Release – E1

($12,600): Kilo Charlie, marlin, 2,350 points, $8,190; Billfisher, 1,700 points, $3,150; and Sea Flame, marlin, 400 points, $1,260.

Swordfish Release – E2

($5,400): Poorman, swordfish,

1,000 points, $5,400

Yellowfin Tuna – F1

($48,600): Reel Moore, 118.5 pounds, $31,590; Euphoria, 110 pounds, $12,150; and Billfisher, 74.5 pounds, $4,860.

Yellowfin Tuna – F2 (winner take all $29,700): Reel Moore, 118.5 pounds, $29,700.

Heaviest Tuna – F3

($25,650): Primary Search, big eye, 305 pounds, $16,673; MJ’s, big eye, 288 pounds, $6,412; and Full Service, big eye, 224.5 pounds, $2,565.

Heaviest Tuna – F4

($42,300): Primary Search, big eye, 305 pounds, $27,495; MJ’s, big eye, 288 pounds, 10,575; and Full Service, big eye, 224.5 pounds, $4,230.

Heaviest Tuna – F5 (winner take all $74,250): Primary Search, big eye, 305 pounds, $74,250

Heaviest Tuna Stringer – F6 ($47,700): Fishin Fever, 536.5 pounds, $31,005; Talkin Trash, 442 pounds, $11,925; and Reel Moore, 344.5 pounds, $4,770.

Heaviest Dolphin – G1 ($34,650): Off The Hook, 27.5 pounds, $22,523; Undertaker, 26.5

pounds, $8,662; and Reel Estate, 23 pounds, $3,465

Heaviest Wahoo – G 2

($24,750): By virtue of no wahoo, rolls up to dolphin, Off the Hook, $24,750.

Small Boat Division Heaviest Fish – I1 ($18,000): East Bound, big eye, 206.5 pounds, $11,700; Fishin Fever, big eye, 187 pounds, $4,500; and Black Magic, big eye, 184 pounds, $1,800.

Small Boat Division Heaviest Fish – I2 ($14,400): East Bound, big eye, 206.6 pounds, $14,400.

Small Boat Division Heaviest Stringer – I3 ($20,700): Fishin Fever, tuna, 536.5 pounds, $13,455; Split Bill, fish, 447.5 pounds, $5,175; and Prime Hook, tuna, 212 pounds, $2,070.

Small Boat Division Heaviest Billfish I4 ($15,300): Split Bill, swordfish, 105.5 pounds, $15,300.

Small Boat Heaviest Tuna –I5 ($18,900): East Bound, big eye, 206.5 pounds, $12,285; Fishin Fever, big eye, 187 pounds, $4,725; and Black Magic, big eye, 184 pounds, $1,890.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FISHINOC.COM

The second heaviest fish weighed in during the tournament was a 305-pound big eye caught by the Primary Search.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FISHINOC.COM

The leaderboard of the 11th Annual HUK Big Fish Classic was rocked on Sunday when a 535-pound blue marlin was weighed in at Talbot Street Marina by the team of the Ro Sham Bo, winning $320,000.

FISH IN OC WITH SCOTT LENOX

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

A group of lucky anglers, above left, caught six keeper flounder with Captain Dave Caffrey of On the Run Charters. Above right, Alexandria Platt caught this 30-pound cobia on board the Ocean Princess with Captain Victor Bunting.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Big Bird Cropper and Shawn Flaherty had a nice day with two bluefish and two keeper flounder. Above middle, Captain Marc Spagnola of Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing was all over the rays in the south bay for his shooters putting them on some big cow nosed and southerns. Above right, Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star jigged up this stud sea bass last week.

Below left, this gentleman caught two keeper flounder fishing with Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters. Below middle, Kristen and I found four keeper flounder between 17.5” and 20” on Deadly Tackle Live Bait Rigs and live mullet. Below right, Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters had a nice day of flounder fishing in some clean back bay water.