8/16/2024 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Disp a atch

Fisheries to get wind relief?

US Wind and the state Department of Natural Resources are creating a mitigation fund to help offset negative impacts fishing operators might suffer because of offshore turbines — Page 3

OC tourism still strong, BVK says

Despite what’s being said on the street, Ocean City’s tourism industry continues to do well as compared to other areas. Page 10

Motorist hits cyclist, first fatal since 2017

Thirty-four-year-old Ocean City resident was on St. Louis when driver attempted to turn onto 14th Street and struck her. Page 24

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Wind developer offers aid to fishermen with payout plan

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) While local officials continue to share concerns about the impact a proposed operations and maintenance facility could have on the local fishing industry, US Wind reports this week it is developing a compensation program to benefit commercial and recreational fishermen.

This week, US Wind’s senior director of external affairs, Nancy Sopko, confirmed that the company is developing a mitigation program for commercial and for-hire recreational fishermen. The announcement comes a week after the Worcester County Commissioners shared concerns about a potential agreement.

“US Wind is adopting a compensation program to benefit commercial and for-hire recreational fishermen, a measure BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) recognized as effective in our FEIS (Federal Environmental Impact Statement),” Sopko said. “US Wind and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources signed a Letter of Intent in July 2024 to develop a fisheries compensatory mitigation program by early 2025. Such a mitigation program could include financial assistance, assistance with equipment upgrades or training, and other services. We look forward to working with the state on outreach to the fishing community to further develop details of this mitigation program.”

Earlier this month, the Maryland Department of the Environment announced it would forward a favorable recommendation to issue US Wind a wetlands permit for the construction of a pier and bulkhead on Harbor Road in West Ocean City. Last week, however, the commissioners voted to make

its opposition known to the Maryland Board of Public Works, which makes the final determination.

As part of their discussions, the commissioners and county staff also shared concerns about a “fisheries compensation agreement,” which was referenced in MDE’s review of US Wind’s wetlands permit application. Bob Mitchell, director of environmental programs for Worcester County, said it was the first officials had heard of the agreement.

“There’s no compensation, there’s been no outreach, and there’s been no communications for anything related to the harbor,” Bob Mitchell, director of environmental programs, told the commissioners last Tuesday.

Sopko confirmed this week efforts are ongoing to develop a mitigation program for local commercial and forhire recreational fishermen. She said outreach will occur with the assistance of the state.

To support its offshore wind energy project, US Wind proposes the construction of an operations and maintenance facility at 12929 and 12933 Harbor Road in West Ocean City. Currently home to Martin Fish Company and Southern Connections, the properties will be redeveloped to include an onshore office, a marine coordination center and warehouse space, as well as quayside and berthing areas for the company’s crew transfer vessels.

To moor its vessels at the proposed site, US Wind has planned upgrades to the existing pier structure, which would require a state wetlands permit. In its report to the Board of Public Works, the Maryland Department of the Environment last week issued a favorable recommendation to approve US Wind’s wetlands permit applica-

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Town challenges US Wind efforts

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In a letter to Gov. Wes Moore (D), a member of the three-person public works board, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan outlined the city’s continued opposition. Meehan also pleaded with Moore to work cooperatively with Ocean City to learn about the objections to the project, notably the close proximity to the beach (10.7 miles) compared to similar sized projects in other states like Virginia and North Carolina (26 miles).

“It is not too late to address these issues and to relocate this project. Yes, it would take additional time but it has already been 7-plus years and ultimately what is more important, a project that we will all look back and regret or a project that clearly becomes the model for offshore wind development?,” Meehan wrote. “You only get one chance to get this right and I can assure you that if this project moves forward as currently proposed, Maryland residents, property owners and visitors to Ocean City are going to ask elected officials ‘How did you ever let this happen?’ We humbly ask for your support. Ask the right questions. Get the right answers. Include Ocean City in the conversation. I do not believe that state and federal elected officials are truly aware of the total impact this project will have on our ratepayers and resources. Do not let US Wind, an Italian-owned company, take advantage of our State for profit.”

Agency reports OC demand ‘faring comparatively well’

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) Despite a slight decline in the tourism industry, officials say Ocean City continues to fare well among resort destinations.

On Monday, representatives with Ocean City’s advertising agency, BVK, presented members of the tourism commission with a report on travel trends and ongoing media efforts. While a recent report shows inflation has impacted travel, BVK’s Abby Rennicke said Ocean City continues to perform well when compared to other vacation destinations.

“We do feel encouraged by the ongoing craving and interest in travel,” she said. “And beyond what we're seeing at that macro industry level,

we also possibly see that Ocean City’s demand is faring comparatively well.”

Rennicke said a recent article on top travel trends showed that Ocean City was the most popular search, aside from Florida destinations, on booking.com. She said searches for Ocean City had increased 22% year over year.

“So this is great news to see that people are curious about Ocean City,” she said. “They're searching for it and they're drumming up that high level demand that we then need to grab and take down the funnel.”

Rennicke added that Ocean City’s efforts have positioned the town well in competing against similar resort destinations. She noted that a few

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BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

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Parking study eyes fall completion

Review of parking, future expansion at convention center moving forward

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) Officials say the results of a parking and expansion study at the convention center will be released in the coming months.

On Monday, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo announced that officials were reviewing the initial draft of a parking and expansion study at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. He said the results of the study would be presented to tourism officials once it is

completed.

“Hopefully we’ll have more to report in the future,” he said. “But Populous and the Maryland Stadium Authority are working together to give us a plan. When we’re ready to show you that, we are happy to do so.”

Last August, the Mayor and Council voted to provide $57,000 in funding for a convention center study after it was revealed a handful of larger events at the facility resulted in a parking shortage. While the issue is limited to larger events at the convention center, officials said they expected parking shortfalls to rise as the number of events held at the facility increases.

City Manager Terry McGean said this week initial draft recommendations were sent to the town two weeks ago, and that city officials have since submitted comments. He said the study not only evaluates parking, but future expansion of the convention center.

“It includes both parking and then potential future expansion, so we’re not boxing ourselves in,” he said.

When asked about the timeline for constructing a potential parking garage at the convention center, McGean said it was too early to discuss. However, he said he expected to have a presentable study sometime in November.

Officials review visitation stats

Continued from Page 10

travel trends include music tour tourism, sports tourism and outdoor tourism, all of which Ocean City provides in the form of Oceans Calling and Country Calling, a proposed sports complex, and its outdoor activities.

To promote Ocean City, BVK’s Niki Kaylor said the town increased its advertising budget for the summer months and has plans to continue its media campaign into the fall. She added that officials would also report the findings of an ad effectiveness study next month.

“That will help us to understand the perceptions of Ocean City, or advertising awareness, favorability on that advertising, as well as the economic impact that our advertising is making,” she said.

Tourism commission members this week also received a report on visitation and spending from Zartico representatives. Zartico’s David Bahlman said reservation data show the average daily rate for August increased 3% for hotels and 7% for vacation rentals while paid occupancy increased 6% for hotels and decreased 2% for vacation rentals. He said revenues increased 8% for hotels and decreased 1% for vacation rentals.

“We are seeing a strong performance by the vacation rentals as well,” he said. “Paid occupancies dipped a little bit. That's because we actually see more vacation rental units than we saw last year in August within Ocean City.”

Bahlman added that similar trends are also being reported for the month of September and that the reservation revenues through mid-January are expected to increase when compared to last year. Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo also highlighted room tax revenues for the month of June.

“June’s number for room tax was up, even without the air show,” he said. “We were concerned about that … Good weather always makes a difference, which we had in June.”

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Fiori to support revision bill for campground subdivision

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) A county bill to amend campground subdivision regulations involving accessory buildings and off-street parking will advance to a public hearing.

Last week, Commissioner Eric Fiori agreed to add his name to a proposed text amendment that would allow a second, unenclosed accessory building on campground lots, the elimination of

a six-foot separation distance between accessory buildings and other buildings, and a reduction of parking spaces from two to one. With his support, the bill will now be scheduled for a public hearing.

“I am going to put my name on this but I think we need to make some tweaks,” he said.

Currently, there are two campground subdivisions in Worcester

Camping bill faces push back

Continued from Page 13

County – White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe. The zoning code for those subdivisions allows one detached accessory building per campsite and requires two parking spaces.

Earlier this year, however, a resident within the White Horse Park community submitted a text amendment application that would change the regulations for campground subdivisions. The amendment proposes allowing an additional unenclosed, detached accessory building on each lot, and eliminating the six-foot separation distance between accessory buildings and other buildings on the same or adjoining sites. The amendment also proposes a reduction in the number of on-site parking spaces from two to one.

“For introduction, the planning commission reviewed this text amendment on July 3 and gave it an unfavorable recommendation,” Jennifer Keener, director of development review and permitting, told the commissioners last Tuesday. “It includes three parameters for campground subdivisions, of which there’s only two in Worcester County, and would allow them in a second accessory building that would be unenclosed up to 12-by12 in size. It would eliminate the sixfoot separation requirement between accessory buildings and anything else on the property, and then also reduce

the parking spaces from two to one, all in an attempt to capture as many structures as possible.”

According to a memo submitted to the commissioners, Keener said the text amendment application stems from a recent request to permit buildings such as canopies and gazebos within campground subdivisions. However, the department of development review and permitting could not process the permit application, as such a structure would be considered a second accessory building. It was then that the department was notified of several similar, unpermitted buildings within both the White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe communities.

“Inspections were conducted of both campground subdivisions and notices were sent to the owners,” the memo reads. “Various aspects of the proposed bill language were included by the applicant to capture as many existing circumstances as possible.”

When the text amendment was presented last month, the Worcester County Planning Commission voted 4-2 to provide an unfavorable recommendation. Those in opposition voiced concerns about the elimination of one parking space and the removal of the six-foot separation, a change they said could impede fire and ambulance access.

Those concerns were echoed at last week’s commissioners meeting. Commissioner Jim Bunting said he would not add his name to the bill.

“First of all, the planning commission gave it an unfavorable recommendation,” he said. “I think the fact that there would be no rear or side yards to these structures is very wrong. I mean, fire requires distance between buildings, and I think reducing the parking spaces would be wrong. The majority of the streets now are only 20 feet wide. There’s no room to park on the streets. And this is just a bad, bad bill.” It should be noted that at least one county commissioner must introduce the amendment as a bill. Fiori this week said that while he understood the concerns, he would lend his support.

“Obviously, in Worcester County, it’s applying to two different neighborhoods which obviously are of the vacation nature where they’re in and out,” he said. “The request I received, a lot of our senior citizens, especially with an uptick in the area with skin cancer and these things, the majority of these structures are to shield them from the sun so they can utilize the outdoor area. I agree with the fire, and I think this may need to be refined somewhat, to move forward, but I mean a majority of these places are owned by our seniors, and I think we need to consider that.”

With Fiori agreeing to put his name on the bill, a public hearing will be held at a future commissioners meeting.

“We just need one to move forward,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said.

Commissioners declare property nuisance

Officials say owners have 30 days to clean up the site or appeal decision

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) County staff will address a nuisance property in Pocomoke.

The Worcester County Commissioner last week voted to declare the conditions at 842 Colona Road as a nuisance. Jennifer Keener, director of development review and permitting, said county staff had attempted to work with the property owners, but what little progress had been made earlier this year has since stalled.

“The health department has been involved in this process as well and has written them up,” she told the commissioners last Tuesday. “So on behalf of both the health department and DRP we’re requesting consideration for the abatement of the nuisance.”

Officials report a complaint-based investigation began last year, and that several site visits had been performed.

Pictures taken throughout 2023 and 2024 show household trash and miscellaneous items surrounding the residence.

“They have a lot of household garbage and now the grass and weeds

have grown up within that so we can’t just go cut the grass,” Keener explained.

“We would have to do both, go in and trim it while removing.”

Keener said some attempts have been made to clean up the property, but that there had been no activity in recent months. She said phone calls and letters were made to the two property owners, who inherited the house from their father.

“They’ve made some efforts, but they have not made contact with us,” she said.

To that end, Keener said she was seeking the commissioners’ assistance in declaring the conditions a nuisance. Doing so, she said, would give the property owners 30 days to clean up the property. She added the property owners could also seek an appeal.

“So what our steps would be is to no-

tify the property owners that this has been declared a nuisance, give them 30 days to clean it up,” she said. “If they don’t, we do an RFP to bring somebody in to do the work ourselves. That would go out to bid, and then if they don’t pay that bill then it goes onto their tax records.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino said he was concerned about the cost associated with abatement. He said in a previous case, the county had spent more than it had intended to.

“I’m just concerned we could end up in that same situation,” he said. “When you put the bid out, does that come back to us for approval?”

Keener said it would. After further discussion, the commissioners voted unanimously to declare the property a nuisance and to have staff provide an update in 30 days.

Hearing set for proposed Snow Hill solar project

(Aug. 16, 2024) Local residents and other interested members of the public are invited to comment on a proposal by Chaberton Solar Snow, LLC to construct a 4.0 MW solar facility in Worcester County at a hearing this month.

The hearing is set for 6:30 p.m., Aug. 19, before Chief Public Utility Law Judge Chuck McLean at Snow Hill Branch (Snow Hill Meeting Room) of the Worcester County Public Library, 307 N. Washington Street in Snow Hill. The first public comment hearing in the case was held April 30.

In September 2023, Chaberton Solar Snow applied to the Maryland Public Service Commission for what is known as a Certificate of

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The conditions at a property on Colona Road are pictured earlier this year. Officials say the owners must clean up the property or appeal the county’s decision.

Bo Acai Bowls,

Marsh project updates scheduled

Two meetings will be held in Worcester County to talk about restoration efforts

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Mid-Atlantic regional office of the National Audubon Society and its partners will share progress on the Marshes for Tomorrow project and build on previous discussions around saltwater marsh restoration through a second round of community meetings in August and September on the lower Eastern Shore.

Residents of Worcester, Dorchester and Somerset counties are encouraged to attend the meetings.

Since the sessions held in January, community comments have been incorporated into the draft conservation and restoration plans for birds and people.

There will be four meetings, two of which will be in Worcester County.

The schedule is as follows:

• 5:30-7:30 p.m., Aug. 20, Rock Creek Church Community Hall in Somerset County

• 5:30-7:30 p.m., Aug. 27, Berlin Library in Worcester County

• 4:30-6:30 p.m., Sept. 5, Delmarva Discovery Center in Worcester County

• 2-4 p.m., Sept. 7, Blackwater NWR Visitor Center in Dorchester County

The Marshes for Tomorrow project will create a restoration plan for 25,000 acres of Maryland’s saltmarshes. Ultimately, marsh restoration at this scale has the power to save an entire ecosystem—as well as the imperiled Saltmarsh Sparrow— and along with it, economic benefits to fisheries, tourism, and local communities.

Interested parties are encouraged to register for one or more of the community meetings at the Marshes for Tomorrow project website, at lower-shore-land-trust.networkforgood.com/events/73760-marshesfor-tomorrow-community-engageme nt-meetings

Public invited to provide comment

Continued from Page 16

Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), which grants an applicant the authority to construct an energy generating station or high-voltage transmission line in Maryland.

According to the application, the solar facility, intended as part of the state’s community solar program, would be built on 29 acres of a 104acre property at 6217 Timmons Road in Snow Hill.

The hearing will also have a virtual option, barring any technical difficulties, for those unable to attend in person. To participate virtually, sign up in advance to speak by sending an email with a reference to Case No. 9714 to psc.pulj@gmail.com by noon, Aug. 16. Participants will receive an email with the link to join the virtual platform.

For those who want to watch the hearing, visit the Public Utility Law Judge Division’s YouTube channel (MD PSC PULJs): bit.ly/2X6wLiP

The hearing will include a presentation by the developer, followed by brief statements from the Power Plant Research Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel, and the Commission’s Technical Staff. There will then be an opportunity for members of the public to comment on the proposed project.

Along with the hearing, written comments can be sent (by Aug. 23) electronically through the commission’s online portal at psc.state.md.us/makea-public-comment/, or by mail. Comments sent by mail should be addressed to: Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. So that they are noted in the proper case file, all comments should reference Case No. 9714.

Along with the online docket, the application is available for public review at the Worcester County Department of Development Review and Permitting at 1 W. Market St. in Snow Hill.

Capt. Bloom wears many fire company hats

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Honorary Member Jason Bloom.

Capt. Bloom grew up in the firehouse (Mitchellville/PGFD Fire Company - #43) where his father served as deputy fire chief. He is currently employed as an information technology professional for the federal government. Bloom also works as a sales representative with the Fire Chasers Fire Equipment Company. Jason enjoys his time on the waters in and around Ocean City as a boat captain for the Tipsy Tikis tour agency and freelancing as a boat captain for charter fishing.

Jason began riding with the OCVFC in 1994 after meeting several of the members at the Salisbury Fire Department Training Seminar Days. He was bestowed honorary membership in the OCVFC in 1996 with the recommendation of Chief Roger Steger Sr.

When asked his reason for joining the OCVFC, Capt. Bloom said: “I made many good, life-long friends in a short period of time during my ride-along times and while running

calls at Station #3 (74th Street). I wanted to be part of the organization and Chief Steger made my membership a reality many years ago. It is hard to believe I have now been associated with the OCVFC for thirty years.”

Capt. Bloom has been an active firefighter with Station #43 – Mitchellville in the Prince Georges County Fire Department since 1989. In Prince Georges County, he has served as a “live-in” member, firefighter and EMT, sergeant; lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and deputy chief.

Bloom currently serves as captain of the “A” Platoon with the OCVFC. During his years of membership with the OCVFC he has also served as a “live-in” member of Station #5 in West Ocean City for seven years, where he became “Station Dad” to now Assistant Chief Mike Todd and Firefighter Chris Murtha, lieutenant of the “A” Platoon, apparatus operator for assigned duty crews, fire apparatus driver operator instructor, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

instructor; and assistant live-in coordinator.

The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company offers a live-in program to interior firefighters who are looking to be a part of a full-spectrum life safety agency. This opportunity provides members with free housing in exchange for being available for responses a required number of hours per week, attending trainings, and performing other tasks as needed.

Bloom recalls the devastating fire of Sept. 22, 1994, which destroyed several businesses on the Boardwalk at 9th Street and the Crab Alley Restaurant as the most significant event of his career with the OCVFC.

He said: “It was an eye-opening experience for me during my younger years as to the effects of wind driven fire spread and how quickly things changed on the fire scene.”

Capt. Bloom said his greatest accomplishment in the fire service was attaining the rank of deputy chief with the PGFD and captain in the OCVFC. He said that being an officer in both departments has provided him a wealth of experiences and lessons that he continues to use in his own life as well as when he mentors

others.

Given the opportunity to pass on advice to members of the cadet program or other young men and women with an interest in the fire service, Bloom said: “Take the opportunity to learn as much as you can in the fire service. After doing this for 35 years I continue to learn something new every year. This business is always changing, and you will never learn it all so always take the opportunity to listen, learn and perfect your craft. The OCVFC Cadet Program is an incredible opportunity to get involved at a very young age. I have had cadets that rode on my duty crews that are now Volunteer Assistant Chiefs, Volunteer Captains and Career Battalion Chief within the Ocean City Fire Department. That speaks volumes for the program and the cadets themselves.”

We thank Capt. Bloom for his many years of dedicated service protecting the lives and property of those in the Prince Georges County and Ocean City communities. For membership information ,or to learn more about your volunteer fire company and the live-in program, visit ocvfc.com.

Jason Bloom

OC police eye virtual recruitment

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) Officials say they are hoping a new application process will encourage more people to apply for Ocean City Police Department’s public safety aide program.

As the summer winds down, officials with the Ocean City Police Department say they will soon begin the seasonal recruitment process for 2025. With the department eliminating its seasonal officer program, Chief Ross Buzzuro said the department hopes to attract additional public safety aides through an online application and interview process.

“I’m hoping we can attract more people moving in this direction,” he said.

For years, the department has bolstered its roster with seasonal officers and public safety aides during the town’s busy summer months. In recent years, however, officials have reported a decline in seasonal officer interest.

Adding to the issue, the department reported, was a change in the state’s police certification process and the town’s transition to a more yearround destination. To that end, the department earlier this year announced it would end its seasonal officer program at the end of the summer.

“We are thankful for the continued

support from the Mayor and City Council," Buzzuro said in a news release. "With their full support, we are looking to add additional full-time police officer positions to ensure the Town of Ocean City remains the safe and family-friendly destination it is known for."

However, the department’s public safety aide program will continue to operate, and officials this week got a better understanding of what recruitment would look like for the 2025 season. During Monday’s Ocean City Police Commission meeting, command staff shared plans to move to an online application platform.

“The testing program will monitor applicants as they take the test and reduce the overall cost of traveling and staying and testing physically in Ocean City,” Buzzuro said. “Interviews will be held virtually. Physical agility tests will be offered monthly throughout the year.”

Buzzuro said he believed the online application process to be more efficient. He added that it could also increase the number of applicants.

“We’re looking to hire as many qualified public safety aides as possible in 2025,” he said.

Lt. Dennis Eade agreed.

“It will be an interesting off-season because it’s our first one focusing

specifically on public safety aides, and not the police officers, which is why we are doing the remote testing,” he added. “Instead of having the kids leave college to come here and test –six hours, seven hours away – we’ll be able to administer the test online and we’ll be able to do remote interviews as well.”

Eade acknowledged that with the seasonal officer program eliminated, the public safety aide program will now act as the department’s feeder program. He said he is also hoping the department can recruit older applicants.

“So we’ve got to get some numbers and we’ve got to get some older folks in that program so we can make them cops,” he said. “They’ve got to be 21 years old. A majority of our public safety aides in the past have been 18 or 19 years old. So you have to find a draw for the older folks to come here.”

Eade said the department would know more in the coming months. He said the agency would be competing with other police departments to attract potential candidates.

“Hopefully we can draw them to come here and give them patrol opportunities on the Boardwalk as public safety aides,” he explained. “They still get the front-row seat to the best show on earth.”

July service calls down, police chief reports

Buzzuro

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) Officials reported a significant decrease in calls for service last month.

On Monday, Chief Ross Buzzuro presented the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on police activity for the month of July. He noted that both officer and citizen calls for service have decreased when compared to July of 2022 and 2023.

“Officer calls for service were down just slightly from last year …,” he told the commission. “They are off significantly from July of 2022.”

When compared to July 2022, Buzzuro noted that officer calls for service decreased by more than 1,000, while citizen calls for service decreased by roughly 200. From 2023 to 2024, officer calls for service decreased by 22, while citizen call for service decreased by more than 700.

“Citizen calls for service, if you look at last year, we are considerably down from last year versus this year,” he said.

Within the top 25 calls for service, Buzzuro noted that traffic stops decreased by 150 calls from 2023 to 2024,

while parking complaints and violations increased by 167. When Councilman Matt James asked if those statistics included the efforts of Ocean City’s new parking division, Buzzuro said it did.

“I just want to make sure that they weren’t duplicated,” James said.

Buzzuro added that disorderly calls remained consistent while 911 hangups dropped by 639 calls. He also highlighted EMS assists, which increased by 23 calls, and city ordinance violations.

“City ordinance violations dropped considerably, at 346 versus 527 last

year,” he said. “We were at 1,348 two years ago.”

Under July enforcement, Buzzuro noted that criminal citations increased from 16 to 19 and custodial arrests decreased from 335 to 270.

“That’s considerable,” he told commission members. “ It’s 55 less arrests this July versus last year, and 82 arrests lower from where we were in 2022.”

Buzzuro added that drug arrests decreased from 18 to 8, criminal citations remained consistent at one,

DUI arrests decreased from 50 to 32 and weapons arrests decreased from 24 to 18.

“Weapons arrests also dropped as well,” he said. “We recorded 18. Of those 18, two were firearms, 12 were for knives, and nine for other.”

Buzzuro also highlighted smoking citations, which decreased from 45 to 23, and Boardwalk noise complaints, which increased from 14 to 15.

“We had a very good July …,” Buzzuro concluded. “We hope to carry that into August.”

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Ocean City Police Commission are pictured reviewing police statistics for the month of July. Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said the number of service calls dropped when compared to recent years.

Sunday collision claims life of Ocean City local

Fatality marks resort’s first bicyclist death since 2017

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Ocean City Police Department continues to investigate a fatal bicyclist collision that occurred earlier this week.

On Sunday, Aug. 11, at around 2:06 p.m., Stephannie Holston, 34, of Ocean City, was operating a class two electric bike in the area of 14th Street and St. Louis Avenue when she was struck and killed by a motorist, according to police. The vehicle that struck Holston was traveling southbound on St. Louis Avenue and was turning right onto 14th Street.

Lifesaving efforts were attempted by Ocean City EMS personnel before they pronounced the bicyclist deceased at the scene. The Ocean City Traffic Safety Unit this week continues to investigate the collision to determine its cause. However, the police department reports alcohol was not a factor for the vehicle’s driver.

In the days since the fatal collision, community members have started raising funds for the victim’s family through a GoFundMe page, which was started by the connections of the Madison Beach Motel, where the victim’s husband is employed. As of Thursday, donors have raised nearly $600.

“It is with great sadness that we are organizing this GoFundMe on behalf of one of our most devoted team members Mike, who lost his wife to a horrific accident yesterday. His wife Stephanie was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of 14th Street & St. Louis Ave on August 11, 2024 while she was riding her bike. Unfortunately, she did not make it and succumbed to her injuries at the scene,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Mike has been with the Madison Beach Motel since 2020 and many of you know him as a friendly face who is always eager to help you with any maintenance request; we know him as family, always loyal and reliable. We are hoping to assist Mike in paying for any final expenses, due to Stephanie’s untimely passing. Our team has already raised over $600 for this cause and we are hoping to continue to raising additional funds, as that will make a huge difference in helping Mike in the coming days.”

Each year, the Ocean City Police Department records numerous bicycle collisions within the city limits. However, Sunday’s collision marks the first recorded bicycle-related fatality to occur in Ocean City since 2017, according to the most recent data from the Ocean City Bicycle and

Advisory Committee.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OCFD

The scene of a fatal bicyclist collision last Sunday is pictured on St. Louis Avenue and 14th Street.

FUNDA SUNDAY

HAPPINESS

Company gives broadband update

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) Talkie representatives say efforts are ongoing to expand internet access in Worcester County.

Last week, Andrew and Andre DeMattia of Talkie Communications, one of the internet service providers operating in Worcester County, presented the county commissioners with an update on broadband. The representatives said the company recently completed work in the Whaleyville area and that new customers will be added along the Route 12 corridor in the coming days.

“We have over 400 subscribers that are active in the county right now with about 250 miles worth of fiber optics deployed as it stands right now,” Andrew DeMattia said.

In his update this week, Andrew DeMattia told commissioners that Talkie

was completing broadband work funded through an ARPA grant it had received. Andre DeMattia added that the company was also laying fiber optic in areas not covered by grant funding.

“So off of Route 12 we’re doing some extra stuff that wasn’t part of any of the ARPA grants,” he explained, “like Paw Paw Street.”

From there, officials say the company will move into Girdletree. Additional connections are also being made in the Stockton area.

When asked how many homes Talkie had the ability to connect, Andrew DeMattia said it was roughly 1,000. He added that the company was reaching out to potential customers every week.

“We’re still calling people maybe once a week in the Whaleyville area,” he said. “The problem is they signed up

two, three years ago and now when we call them they don’t remember they signed up … But what we do is we generally call maybe twice a month and then we send a email about twice a month, so as not to overwhelm them.”

Andre DeMattia added that Talkie was also in the process of expanding its services to include cellphones and TV. He said TV will soon advance to a testing phase for existing customers.

“We’re working with Roscoe [Leslie, county attorney] now to get a franchise agreement with Worcester County, so the lawyers are going back and forth,” Andrew DeMattia added. “We’ll eventually need to go back to you for approval.”

After further discussion, Commissioner Chip Bertino told Talkie, “I think you have the appreciation of this county for what you’re doing, and we thank you very much.”

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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) Berlin, a designated Maryland Main Street and an arts and entertainment district, has received grants for town enhancement and development from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community and the Maryland State Arts Council.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community provided the Town of Berlin with $25,000 through its Main Street Improvement Program. The grant is organized through Main Street Maryland, an initiative that was launched in 1998 to strengthen the economic possibilities of the state’s traditional neighborhoods. Berlin was eligible for the funds as a designated Main Street Maryland community.

Maryland’s Housing and Community Department outlines the potential activities for recipients to use the financial support. According to their website, the money may be applied to staffing and consultant services, operating expenses, market and business recruitment strategies, street furniture, and other improvement projects.

“The projects for which funds are being requested should support the goals and outcomes of the applicant’s annual work plan and contribute to the transformation strategy of the community,” the housing and community department’s online page reads. It is specified that activities being financed by the grant are to be completed in one year.

Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said the aid will be used in Berlin for downtown beautification efforts, events, and marketing.

The town also received $17,454 from the Maryland State Arts Council. Berlin was eligible for the funds per their status as an Arts and Entertainment District.

Maryland’s Arts and Entertainment Districts are towns throughout the state committed to cultivating arts organizations, fostering an area’s creative spirit, enabling artists of all disciplines to live and work, and promoting tourism.

“The goal of the Arts and Entertainment Districts program is to develop and support diverse artistic and cultural centers in communities across Maryland that preserve a sense of place, provide unique local experiences, attract tourism, and spur economic revitalization and neighborhood pride,” the Maryland State Arts Council website says.

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Berlin gets community center grant

State gives $100K to help fund preliminary expenses for Flower Street project

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Town of Berlin’s push to build a new community center on Flower Street received $100,000 from the state to help with preliminary project expenses.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced the grant to Berlin along with more than $8 million other distributions through the Community Development Block

Grant (CDBG) program for fiscal year 2025.

According to an outline published online by DHCD, Berlin’s grant is to be used “to demolish several blighted buildings and prepare preliminary architectural and engineering services for the construction of a building to feature a Head Start Center, afterschool and summer programs, and other community purposes.”

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall called the grant announcement “monumental” for the town’s community center project.

“Securing the Community Development Block Grant funding for the preliminary architectural and engi-

Events, arts, more to be funded

Continued from Page 28

The department provides financial aid to these towns to support activities, initiatives, and projects that enhance and develop an artistic culture.

Wells said the funds from the entertainment program will be used for stages for downtown events, arts endeavors, and marketing.

neering services is a monumental step forward for the Town of Berlin,” said Tyndall. “This funding is crucial in transforming the site of the former Flower Street School into a future community center — a place where our residents can gather, learn, and grow together. It’s not just about building a facility; it’s about investing in the heart of our community and preserving the legacy of this historic site for generations to come.”

Also included in the CDBG program’s 14 grants was $50,000 for Worcester County’s “rehabilitation program for low- and moderate-income homeowners.”

The economic and community development director added that these grants, which the town was notified they had received earlier this month, are applied to every year in May. Berlin must maintain their status as a Maryland Main Street community and as an arts and entertainment district to remain eligible for the money.

“The grants add to the charm of our town, making it a great place to live, work, and play,” Wells said. “… they provide the necessary resources needed to keep Berlin growing.”

OC Jeep Fest slated to start next Thursday,

(Aug. 16, 2024) OC Jeep Fest returns next week, Aug. 22-25, and space is still available to participate by registering on the event’s website.

The Roland E. Powell Convention Center is the hub of the event, including the vendor village and the annual Show & Shine competitions. However, this year, the production team at Live Wire Media is excited to bring back an indoor vendor village, which has not been held in recent years.

Located inside the convention center, the indoor vendor village features more vendors than ever, as well as a Vintage & Custom Jeep Display. You won’t see vintage, classic, and custom Jeeps like this at any other event, according to event director Brad Hoffman. The display will include one of the most award-winning custom Jeeps in the U.S., courtesy of Craig Huffnagle and Krawl Works.

“We’re also including a Kids station inside the OCJF HQ, where kids can test their skills on the Jeep RC car track, and try their hand at our ‘Design Your Own Jeep’ activity<” said Hoffman.

A highlight of OC Jeep Fest are the sunrise beach crawls, a sandy carpet ride of Jeeps heading north on the beach from the Inlet to 30th Street.

“We also offer our Sand Course,

last four days

which is like a gentle roller coaster ride for Jeeps of any kind. This amazing course is designed by our friends at Delmarva Jeep Events, a team of professional course creators,” said Hoffman. “If you’re looking for a new sound system or an upgrade for your Jeep, you can find it here at OC Jeep Fest from Thursday to Saturday. We offer show specials and deals that you cannot find anywhere else.”

Title sponsor Kicker Audio will have a massive display centered around the brand-new tractor-trailer. You can listen to and try out new Kicker products. The Kicker Audio crew will also show off their own customized Jeeps. Retail partner Audio Works will be doing sales and installation by factory reps.

Additionally, a new partner to the event is BWT Off-Road, which will bring a huge selection of wheels and tires from all your favorite brands. The official off-road shop is Joe’s Jeep Jungle, to show off their hemi swaps and an array of other high-end customizations.

“We work all year for a show that celebrates everything Jeep,” said Hoffman. “OC Jeep Fest is all about the people and we love to host them at the beach. We’re dedicated to making this event special for our participants, vendors, and the public.”

Berlin OKs Heron Park demo change order

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Berlin Council unanimously approved the latest change order for the Heron Park demolition project, adding $73,200 to the initiative’s total cost. The adjustments primarily include clean-up measures at the site.

“This change order encompasses many areas as desired for clean-up,”

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “That is kind of it in a nutshell.”

The additional services include demolishing walls and bollards, which are short, vertical posts to divert traffic from a space in the designated areas within the site. Four spots have been identified for removal from behind a fence on the property. The areas are not visibly from Old Ocean City Boulevard and are located near

the railroad tracks.

The contract, as proposed by vendor JNT Enterprises, has been increased by 45 days to allow proper time to complete the modifications. The demo project’s conclusion date has been pushed to Oct. 17.

Per the change order, the total cost of the initiative will increase from $359,054.68, which was raised from $246,339 for alterations approved in July, to $432,254. Bohlen maintained that the adjustments leave the town with $11,565 left over for the demolition from a grant received through the state.

“We will figure out how to spend the last few dollars,” she said.

Councilmember Jay Knerr questioned why an old shed on the site along the railroad was not included in the proposed demolition change order.

Andrew Welch of the contracted architectural firm Davis, Bowen, & Friedel said that upon a walkthrough, the developer, Palmer Gillis of Coastal Ventures Properties, who entered discussions with the town to purchase and rehabilitate Heron Park’s parcel 57, expressed an interest in keeping the structure.

Bohlen argued that the town remains the deciding voice even with an Extended Negotiation Period contract being drafted by attorney David Gaskill.

“It is still your project,” she said, addressing the council. “If you want it to come down, we can ask the contractor to draft a change order now.”

Welch said that because the building is timber, it would be easy to remove, taking no more than a day.

Mayor Zack Tyndall argued that since the completion date has been moved back to Oct. 17, the council has time to contemplate the shed’s future after further discussion.

“We have time to discuss it,” he said, “…it is not his wants; it is our wants that are structured with his…if there is an item here like this that he wants to keep, and it is not going to put us behind, that’s fine, but it is something still in the discussion phase.”

The group agreed to circle back to the structure at future meetings and work sessions.

Town Council Vice President Dean Burrell made a motion to approve the change order, which was seconded by Orris. The adjustments were passed unanimously by the governing body.

Student athletes invited to session on mental health

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) Student-athletes from Worcester County Public Schools, Worcester Preparatory School and Seaside Christian High School will get the chance to attend a presentation on the importance of physical and mental health on Thursday, Aug. 22.

The event, which will take place in the Stephen Decatur High School auditorium from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., will feature Dr. JoAnne Bullard.

According to SDHS social worker Wendy Shirk, Bullard is a doctor of sport and performance psychology, a certified mental health performance consultant, a mindful sport performance enhancement instructor, and a mental health advisory board member for the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

“This year, we are planning to increase the work of our Morgan’s Message campus chapter at SDHS, and one of the initiatives is to hold some presentations for student-athletes, coaches, and parents regarding the mental and physical health connection,” Shirk said.

Morgan’s Message is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to “eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health within athletics.”

“We aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone,” the national group’s website reads.

The activist organization is named after Morgan, a student-athlete recruited to play Division I lacrosse at Duke University. The website explains that during her senior year of high school, Morgan experienced immense anxiety but received professional help that “proved beneficial at the time” and was optimistic about her future as a Blue Devil.

In January 2017, before her sophomore lacrosse season, the website explains that the athlete endured a severe knee injury that affected her ability on the field. As a result, her self-worth “plummeted,” and on July 11, 2019, at the age of 22, Morgan died by suicide.

Morgan’s Message and chapters nationwide, like SDHS, which was started by Shirk and the high school’s women’s lacrosse head coach Lindsay Owens, are now dedicated to fostering a positive community that encourages mental health intervention.

“It is no secret that mental health concerns, particularly among youth, have been on the rise,” Shirk said. “Even more so since the pandemic.”

Per a 2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities report from the National Institute of Health, Shirk notes, “nearly 20% of children and young people ages three to 17 in the United States have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder.”

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Berlin skate park awaiting final design from contractor

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) We Heart Berlin is awaiting the final skate park design from contractor Spohn Ranch.

The cornerstone of the organization’s formation, spearheaded by founder Tony Weeg, is to promote sustainable activities for the health and enjoyment of town residents. The group’s primary focus currently is to advocate for the construction of a skate park.

The Los Angeles-based skate park design company Spohn Ranch was hired in 2022 to create a concept plan and scope out potential locations for the space. Council members voted in 2023 to select Heron Park as the construction spot.

Weeg said the nonprofit met with the vendor in April to discuss potential designs and offer suggestions. At the end of last month, representatives were told that a final plan would be completed in about two weeks.

“I am holding my breath, waiting for the final design to arrive in my mailbox,” Weeg said.

Once the outline is complete and delivered, the Berlin nonprofit will fundraise for the $7,500 for construction documents.

“We haven’t begun fundraising for the $7,500 yet,” Weeg said. “When we

get the design, we can show people what the park will look like. When it’s not on paper, it doesn’t exist.”

Once the required documents are obtained, the primary focus will be securing the $1.2 million needed to construct the project. Weeg plans to rely on local philanthropists and foundations for the bulk of the money.

Berlin has a code that specifies regulations for the titling of constructions. Weeg said that if someone were to donate around $650,000 or 55% of the funds needed, organizers intend to give them the right to label the park, meaning they may slap their name or a loved one’s name on the structure.

Park advocates have also thought about giving dibs on the title of individual pieces for intermediate donations of roughly $10,000.

The skate park is expected to be 14,000 to 16,000 square feet and adjacent to the space planned for Berlin’s new public works facility. Plans include a bowl, a street plaza with quarter pipes, and a pump track.

“Locally, we have 60-year-old skaters and 4-year-old skaters,” Weeg said. “It will be an intergenerational park that brings about an amazing culture... It can permeate across economic backgrounds and ages.”

GOOD LUCK POOR GIRL ANGLERS!

Foundation, OCFD donate bleed kits to Beach Patrol

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Ocean City Paramedics Foundation, in collaboration with the Ocean City Fire Department, recently donated ten new Stop the Bleed kits to the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

The initiative follows a recent life-saving event on July 7, when a Beach Patrol employee used a Stop the Bleed kit to save a surfer who suffered a severe, lifethreatening laceration from a surfboard skeg at the beach near 38th Street.

During the incident, the quick actions of the Beach Patrol played a critical role in controlling the severe bleeding, which allowed OCFD paramedics to provide advanced medical treatment and prepare for a Maryland State Police Trooper 4 medevac.

Deputy Chief Chris Shaffer of the Ocean City Fire Department emphasized the significance of the collaborative efforts between members of the fire department and Beach Patrol in a news release.

“The strong partnership between the OCFD and Beach Patrol enables us to train together annually,” he said. “The Beach Patrol’s prompt actions in this case were crucial in stopping the major bleeding, setting the stage for our paramedics to provide critical care and prepare for an efficient medevac.”

Walter C. “Buck” Mann, the president of the Ocean City Paramedics Foundation, expressed the foundation’s commitment to enhancing safety.

“The recent incident highlighted the importance of having Stop the Bleed kits readily available,” he said in the release.

“We are proud to support the Ocean City Beach Patrol by providing ten additional kits to ensure that they are wellequipped to handle similar emergencies in the future.”

Beach Patrol Capt. Butch Arbin added that the department is grateful for the support.

“Having these additional kits on hand not only boosts our preparedness but also strengthens our ability to respond effectively to critical situations,” he said.

PHOTO COURTESY RYAN WHITTINGTON

Pictured, from left, with members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol are Beach Patrol 1st Lt. Skip Lee, Lt. Ward Kovacs, OC Fire Department Deputy Chief Chris Shaffer, Paramedics Foundation Pres. Buck Mann, Paramedics Foundation Secretary Nancy Howard, Paramedics Foundation Treasurer Earl Conley, and OCBP Capt. Butch Arbin with one of ten new Stop the Bleed kits the OCFD and paramedics foundation donated to the Beach Patrol.

OC Air Show kicks off next weekend with new headliner

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) The OC Air Show will return to the resort next weekend, with the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori team headlining the twoday event.

New and returning demonstration teams will take to the skies above Ocean City Aug. 24-25 for the annual OC Air Show. This year’s show, a departure from the traditional midJune event, will feature the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori team, F-22 Raptor demo team, and heritage and legacy flights from both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, to name a few performers.

“Like in past years, the OC Air Show will feature a heavy military flavor which fans love,” said Chris Dirato, director of public relations for the OC Air Show. “Of course, the show always generates excitement given the beautiful backdrop of the Ocean City beach and Boardwalk.”

Last winter, it was announced that the 2024 dates for the OC Air Show

had been moved from its traditional mid-June weekend to August. At that time it was also announced that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels would not be making an appearance at the air show, but the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori team. Simply put, when the promoter – Air Dot Show Tour –faced challenges in securing a major military jet team for the 2024 event, it worked alongside city staff to move the event to late August in an attempt to host the Italian team.

“The obvious difference for this year’s show is the timing – in August versus June,” Dirato said. “This was due to the availability of the Italian demo team. We will be returning to the mid-June timeframe in 2025 when the Blue Angels will be the headliner.”

According to the air show website, the Frecce Tricolori are visiting the U.S. for the first time in three decades. The team’s performance will commemorate the 500th anniversary of Giovanni da Verrazzano’s expedition to America in 1524 and the 75th anniversary of NATO.

“The Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori will be our headline performer,

Event moved this year from June

Continued from Page 37

and they have been touring North America for the first time in more than 30 years,” Dirato said. “The OC Air Show will be the last show for them in the U.S. Comprising 10 aircraft, including nine in close formation and a soloist, they hold the distinction of being the world’s largest acrobatic patrol.”

In addition to the team’s 30minute display, the OC Air Show will feature the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, the U.S. Navy E/A18 Growler Team, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a C-17 Globemaster III demo, and the West Point Parachute Team, which will showcase its unique skills through a precision freefall demonstration. The show will also feature the B-25 Bomber “Panchito,” as well

as a U.S. Navy Legacy Flight and a U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight, each of which will display the evolution of their fighter aircraft.

“Simply stated, it’s a family friendly show that’s dripping with patriotism,” Dirato said. “You can’t ask for anything better than that. Also, folks will get a rare treat in being able to see the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori. Who knows when they might make it back to North America?”

While the event is free and open to the public, Dirato encouraged community members to visit ocairshow.com to take advantage of VIP seating tickets. This year’s event will be held Aug. 24-25, with the program kicking off daily at 11:30 a.m. and the aerial portion of the show beginning at noon.

Berlin Liquor S

Worcester County’s Angelle Ayres finalist for rodeo team

(Aug. 16, 2024) Stephen Decatur High School student Angelle Ayres was recently named a finalist for the Quanta Service Junior Varsity Rodeo Team.

The team includes 20 of the top high school students from across the country. Ayres aspires to become a veterinarian, with a focus on large animals.

“The Worcester County community is proud of Ayres’s accomplishments and excited to see her future unfold,” Brianna Dix, the advertising and destination marketing specialist for Worcester County Economic Development, said in a news release. “Her dedication and hard work exemplify the spirit of perseverance and passion that the Quanta Service Junior Varsity Rodeo Team embodies. We wish Ayres continued success in her academic and rodeo endeavors and look forward to cheering her on as she rides towards her dreams.”

As a member of the 2024-25 rodeo team, Ayres will receive education, financial support, and professional development tools to aid her future success.

During the school year, Ayres participates in the agriculture program at Worcester Technical High School. Over the summer, she has been involved in the Coastal Careers Internship Program, which is hosted by WCED and funded by the Rural Maryland Council and Worcester County Commissioners.

Her internship takes place at Rusted Star Ranch in Berlin, where she works closely with ranch owner and County FFA advisor Jessie Flores.

“Every shift I am learning something new, and it has been a fun experience,” Ayres said in the release.

Her duties include feeding horses, filling water buckets, letting the horses out to graze, setting up horse shows and camps, and instructing basic horsemanship skills.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Stephen Decatur High School student Angelle Ayres is pictured. She was recently named a finalist for the Quanta Service Junior Varsity Rodeo Team.

AGH Foundation hosting fall golf classic tourney Sept. 19

(Aug. 15, 2024) Members of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation recently announced that the 2024 Robert E. Warfield Memorial Tournament to benefit the hospital will be held Sept. 19, rain or shine, at Ocean City Golf Club.

For local golfers, the tournament has become an annual tradition, with last year’s event raising $106,000 to expand health care services and programs for the community through the local hospital.

This year’s format will be a scramble and check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with a 10 a.m. shotgun start.

Player entry fee includes golf cart and greens fees, lunch, snacks and beverages on the course, and an awards reception with light fare and cocktails. Giveaways, tournament awards and team photograph are also included. There will also be a variety of on-the-course challenges with prizes.

Team reservations can be submitted online at agh.care/golf and must be received by Sept.12. Space is limited and earliest entries are accommodated first.

Non-golfers can partcipate bu buying $2,500 raffle tickets at the event or online at agh.care/golf.

Tournament co-chairs are Steven Sweigert and Max Hutsell, and The Carousel Group is the Legacy Spon-

sor for 25 consecutive years as Title Sponsor.

Other sponsors so far are as follows:

Eagle Sponsors

AGH Auxiliary, Ocean Downs

Casino

Birdie Sponsors

AGH Medical Staff Services, CocaCola Consolidated, Deeley Insurance Group, Hawkins Electric Service, Inc.

Caddie Sponsors

Allen + Shariff Corporation, NFP, Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645

Golf Carts & Greens Fees

Sponsor

The Warfield Family

Food and Beverage Sponsors

Captain’s Galley Crab Cake Shack, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Fisher’s Popcorn, Harborside Bar & Grill, Hoop Tea, Longboard Café, Ocean 13, PrimoHoagies, Sysco, The Nellans Family Scones, Thrasher’s French Fries, Touch of Italy, Bruce Wagner

Hole-In-One Sponsors

Haley Architecture LLC, i.g. Burton Automotive Group, Park Place Jewelers, Snowden Lane Partners Sponsorship opportunities are still available and include ad space in the event program, signage at the event, and press and social media up to and following the event.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of The Carousel Group, the tournament’s Legacy Sponsor for 25 consecutive years, are pictured at last year’s fall golf classic. They include father and son co-founders of James Hospitality, Michael and Matt James.

Local projects get mini grants for tourism offerings

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Beach to Bay Heritage Area recently announced the latest round of mini-grant recipients for Fiscal Year 2025.

Six organizations across the region were awarded funds. In Worcester County, the recipients were the Maryland Coastal Bays, Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development, Ocean City Museum Society and Delmarva Discovery Museum.

According to a news release, Maryland Coastal Bays will use the money received to create a boardwalk and exhibit to educate visitors through use of multimedia techniques and spark interest in the coastal bays watershed. The organization will also create a virtual, online tour for those who cannot visit the location in person.

Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development will produce and and print a Pocomoke River Guide brochure that will highlight the Pocomoke River and showcase the river's history, landscapes and routes for exploration. It will also educate the public about the river's ecological significance, both the natural and built environment.

The Ocean City Museum Society will create a video documentary the 1910 Bank Building Restoration Project.in downtown Ocean City. The project will result in a professional video documentary about the restoration of the building into a museum showcasing local history. The goal of this documentary aims to share the building's history and significance and highlight the organizations and community partners that provided funding for the project.

The Delmarva Discovery Museum will enhance its steamship exhibit by adding new signage and artifacts to showcase how industry’s impact on the area. A section of the exhibit will also be dedicated to local shipbuilder E. James Tull and his history as a shipbuilder in Pocomoke.

The Beach to Bay Heritage Area is a nonprofit organization with a mission is to promote, preserve and protect the cultural heritage, historical linkages and natural assets of Maryland’s lower eastern shore. Funding is received through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. For more information about the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, visit beachesbayswaterways.org.

2 48th St #804

GATEWAY GRAND • OCEAN CITY

$1,175,000

This 3 BR, 3 BA condominium is a perfect beach sanctuary with1,790 Sq. Ft. of living space. Sweeping panoramic views of the Ocean and the Bay. Open floor plan blends spaciousness & sophistication. Tasteful accents adorn & show the professional design & craftsmanship of the living, kitchen & dining areas. The Gateway Grand offers an array of exclusive amenities: heated outdoor pool, sun deck, indoor pool, fitness center, private storage lockers plus covered & secure parking. BONUS: Seller pays CONDO FEES for 2 YEARS! Don't let this opportunity slip away. Seize the chance to make this unparalleled coastal retreat your own. Schedule your showing today and embark on a journey to elevate your coastal living experience to new heights.

MARKETPLACE

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available. Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

TOWN OF BERLIN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ZONING POLICE OFFICER

We are looking for motivated individuals to come to work for the Town of Berlin. We are currently seeking a Planning Director and a Police Officer.

Overview of employee benefits: Members of the Maryland State Retirement System (LEOPS for Police Officers), a competitive health benefits package including a health reimbursement account, employer-paid life insurance, 100% tuition reimbursement, vacation accruals based on tenure, 12 sick days per year, 16 paid holidays per year, two personal days per year, and much more!

Apply: Qualified candidates can submit a confidential Town of Berlin application, a resume, and three professional references to the Town’s Human Resources Director at kjensen@berlinmd.gov. Applications can be found under the employment section of our website at https://berlinmd.gov/employment/ or you can call 410-641-2770 and arrange to pick one up at 10 William Street Berlin, MD 21811. EOE/M/F/V/D.

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

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

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.

Now Hiring

FENWICK / NORTH OC for Extended Season. Small family business, no exp. req. Cashier, Cook, Steamer Call cell 11am-7pm 443-859-2401 or bus. 302-537-5882, 11am-7pm Great Place to Work!

Fully Furnished Studio, updated kitchen. Queen bed. Pool. Internet/streaming included. No smoking/no pets. Maximum 2 occupants. Credit/references required. $1,250/month plus utilities. 1 month security deposit and 1st month’s rent upfront. Available November 1st. Contact Kelly, 443-858-4727.

SEASONAL RENTAL

2BR,1BA small Condo. 5th Street, OCMD. 1 block to the boards. No smoking/pets. $900/mo. + utils. Oct. 8-May 1. 410-952-5234

SEASONAL RENTAL

2BR, 2.5BA Bayside, Midtown, OCMD. $1,800/mo. + utils. $1,800 deposit. No pets/smoking. 410-952-5234 Oct. 8-May 1.

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

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

Seeking YR & Seasonal

Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

YR Ocean Pines Two story, 3BR, 2.5BA, screened porch, open decks, fireplace, large garage. No smoking, no pets. Good credit. $2,250 per month, plus all utilities. 301-509-6515

ROOMMATES

ROOMMATE WANTED For Home in Montego Bay. Male preferred. $800 per mo., utils. included. Call 973-270-3613.

COMMERCIAL

Commercial Office

Space/Warehouse

West Ocean City with Kitchen & Full Bathroom. Available Sept. 1st. $1,500 per month. Two units available, side by side. Call 301-748-1977.

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

SERVICES

SEEKING IN-HOME BARBER Seeking In-Home Haircuts for senior male. Midtown OC. Please leave msg. or text 443-523-4512.

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

and small antique items. Call/text, 443-880-3082

Classifieds

MISC./OTHER

Those high summer clouds, Just like our moments apart, Chasing each other!

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855407-6870

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

tor. It’s a power move.

MISC. FOR SALE

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

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

PROPERTY KNOWN AS 403 Market Street Pocomoke City, MD 21851

By agreement of the record owners, Titus Enterprises, LLC and LMS Homes, LLC, the following described property is to be sold at auction, to be held at:

403 MARKET STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND 21851 ON AUGUST 26, 2024, AT 2:30 P.M.

ALL property situate in Worcester County known as Account Number 01-022830 described as 70’ X 150’ N SIDE 403 MARKET STREET The improvements thereon being known as 403 Market Street, Pocomoke City, Maryland, 21851.

TERMS OF SALE: A deposit of Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500.00) will be required of the purchaser in the form of cash, certified or cashier’s check at the time and place of sale, or other form of security, at the sole discretion of the auctioneer. The balance in cash will be due at settlement which shall be within twenty-one (21) days after the sale, unless said period is extended by the owners for good cause shown. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. The Property will be sold subject to all conditions, liens, restrictions, and agreements of record affecting same, if any. Taxes, water charges, sanitary commission charges, condominium fees and assessments, assessments and liens or encumbrances for sewer, water, drainage, or other public improvements completed or commenced on or prior to the date of sale or subsequent thereto, if any, are to be adjusted and apportioned as of the date of sale and are to be assumed and paid thereafter by purchaser, whether assessments have been levied or not as of date of settlement. The cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, document preparation and title insurance shall be borne by the Purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price following the sale, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser. If the owners are unable to convey good and marketable title to the property, the purchaser’s sole remedy at law or in equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit to the purchaser. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the Purchaser shall have no further claim against the owners. The improvements are being sold in an “AS IS” condition, with no warranties expressed or implied, with Purchaser responsible for any and all housing or zoning code violations. The risk of loss passes at date of sale. The auctioneer reserves the right to reject any and all bids in his sole

discretion. For information, please contact the undersigned.

Peter S. Buas, Esq. Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, L.L.P. 3509 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 (410) 289-3553 pbuas@whmsh.com

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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 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 #24-600169).

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20283

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE DOWNING

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 08/09/2024

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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

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

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NOTICE 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.

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

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

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

Deborah K. Burke Personal Representative True Test Copy

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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

(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 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

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

NOTICE

TO 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 address 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

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

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

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NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

License: 7 Day, By: Cynthia P. Longwell, 306 South Church Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; Guriqbal Singh, 10600 Busick Court, Gainesville, Virginia 20155.

For: 5 Rivers Liquor Mart, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Town Market Basket

308 East Market Street

Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

Formerly: Rudra One, Inc.

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

August 21, 2024 @ 1:00 P.M.

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

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NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

For: OC Jams, LLC

T/A: OC Jams

OC BikeFest - September 11, 2024, through September 14, 2024 Hours for Alcoholic Beverage Sales - Begins 1:00 P.M. and ends 11:00 P.M. each day Location for sales -

Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot, Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: August 21, 2024 @ 1:50 P.M.

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

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CHRISTOPHER T WOODLEY ESQ

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PAUL D PETERSON Estate No. 20295 Notice is given that CORINNE L IVEY whose address is 11 ALEXANDRIA CT BERLIN, MD 21811-3814 was on JULY 30, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PAUL D PETERSON who died on JUNE 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 30th 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.

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

CYNTHIA B MACDONALD

PO BOX 33 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0033

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of RUTH NEUHOFF MOORE

AKA: RUTH MOORE Estate No. 20294 Notice is given that SUSAN MOORE MCJUNKIN whose address is 32036 IVORY GULL WAY MILLSBORO, DE 19966-7332 was on AUGUST 02, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RUTH NEUHOFF MOORE who died on JULY 22, 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 2nd day of FEBRUARY, 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.

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

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: PERRY HAVEY

ESTATE NO. 18162

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 judicial probate of the will dated September 18, 2007 (and codicils, if any, dated) and 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 October 01, 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

Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Publication Date: August 8, 2024

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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 22, 2024 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-94(3)(a) has been filed to request a special yard exception from the front yard to allow for a new single-family home to be built to legally nonconforming front yard setbacks of 7.1 feet and 6.2 feet. The site of the appeal is described as the Revised Lots of 174 and 190 of the Original Town of Ocean City Plat. It is further described as being on the southeast corner of St. Louis Avenue and Caroline Street and is locally known as 211 Caroline Street in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: RESORT HOMES, LLC (BZA 2699, #24-09400021)

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-8/8/2t

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

Town of Berlin VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION for 2024 Town of Berlin Elections

The Town of Berlin Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, for the Office of Mayor and Council Seats in Districts 2 and 3.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE for the 2024 Town of Berlin Elections is Friday, August 30, 2024. Eligible voters must be registered with the Worcester County Board of Elections to be able to vote in the Town of Berlin Municipal Elections. Voters qualified to register for Worcester County general elections shall be deemed qualified to vote in the Town of Berlin elections, subject to the additional requirement of living within the Town of Berlin.

You may register at the Worcester County Board of Elections at 100 Belt Street in Snow Hill, Maryland, during regular business hours, online at www.elections.state.md.us, or by mail with the proper registration

form. Forms can be requested by calling 410-632-1320 or may be picked up from many public locations, including the Berlin Town Hall.

If you are already registered with Worcester County, you must notify the County Board of Elections Office of any changes in your name and address.

Voters not registered with the Worcester County Board of Elections on or before the deadline will NOT be allowed to vote in the Berlin Election on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

TOWN OF BERLIN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS

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Town of Berlin

CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINES

for 2024 Town of Berlin Elections

For the Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, for the Office of the Mayor and Districts 2 and 3 Council Seats.

Notice is hereby given for the following Candidate Filing Deadlines: 1. REGULAR Filing Deadline is 4:00 P.M. on Friday, August 30, 2024. 2. WRITE-IN Candidate Filing Deadline is 4:00 PM on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. (NOTE: Writein candidates will not appear on the ballot)

Candidacy applications and other required forms are available for pickup at Berlin Town Hall, 10 William St., Berlin, Maryland, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For additional information, please contact 410-641-4314 or email kdaub@berlinmd.gov. Completed applications must be submitted by the specified deadlines to be considered for candidacy in the Town of Berlin Election scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

TOWN OF BERLIN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS

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Town of Berlin

for 2024 Town of Berlin Elections

Please be advised of the following information for the Town of Berlin Municipal Election on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, for the Office of the Mayor and Council seats in Districts 2 and 3.

The Town of Berlin Board of Su-

pervisors of Elections will begin accepting applications for Mail-In Voting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Applications submitted before this date will NOT be accepted. Applications must be returned and received in the Berlin Town Hall by the deadlines specified below to be accepted:

• By Mail: Applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 (postmarks not accepted).

• In-Person: Applications must be received no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Berlin Town Hall.

NOTE: Application for Mail-In Voting for Town of Berlin Municipal Elections is separate from requests for Permanent Mail-In Ballot for County, State, or National Elections. For an application or further information, please contact Kate Daub at 410-641-4002 or via email at kdaub@berlinmd.gov.

TOWN OF BERLIN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS OCD-8/15/2t

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ.

108 N. 8TH STREET OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

LIGHTHOUSE POINT VILLAS TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

Plaintiff vs.

SHELTON ARTHUR CHRISTINE ARTHUR et al.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-24-000126

NOTICE

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 6th day of August. 2024 , that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by James E. Clubb, Jr., Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before 9/9/24, provided a copy of this order be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before 9/2/24.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals:

Timeshare Price

Wk 23, #3

Wk 47, #3

Wk 22, #7

Wk 43, #8

Wk 24, #9

Wk 26, #9

Wk 44, #11

$3,500.00

$50.00

$1,250.00

$50.00

$1,500.00

$3,300.00

$50.00

Susan Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-8/15/3t

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 24-07

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-07 (Electrical Standards – Permits and Inspections) was introduced by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on August 6, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ BR 2-219(f)(1). (Repeals and reenacts this section to increase the amperes of an electrical installation that is permitted to be completed by a licensed and registered electrician without the requirement for a permit.)

A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 24-07 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, 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

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COMMISSIONERS

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 24-08

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-08 (Zoning – Detached Accessory Buildings and Off-Street Parking in Campground Subdivisions) was introduced by Commissioner Fiori on August 6, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1 318(d)(1)E. (Amends the accessory building section to permit two detached accessory buildings on each campsite, one of which must remain unenclosed, eliminates the separation distance between accessory buildings and any other building or structure on the same or other lot.)

§ ZS 1 318(d)(1)G. and § ZS 1320(a). (Amends the off-street parking requirements for campsites in a campground subdivision.)

A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 24-08 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 10:35 a.m.

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-8/15/2t

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 N. 8TH STREET OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

COUNCIL OF UNIT OWNERS OF OCEAN TIME CONDOMINIUM, INC.

Plaintiff v. Ralph Boehm, Jr., et al.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND

CASE NO. C-23-CV-24-000125

NOTICE

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 7th day of August, 2024 , that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by James E. Clubb, Jr., Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before September 9, 2024, provided a copy of this order be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before September 2, 2024.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals:

Timeshare Price Wk 36, #205 $50.00 Wk 34, #206 $950.00

Wk 51, #302 $50.00 Wk 19, #303 $50.00

Wk 39, #303 $50.00 Wk 40, #303 $50.00 Wk 16, #306 $50.00 Wk 42, #401 $50.00 Wk 51, #402 $50.00 Wk 27, #403 $3,100.00 Wk 11, #405 $50.00

Wk 5, #406 $50.00

Wk 23, #503 $4,000.00

Wk 18, #504 $50.00

Wk 38, #506 $50.00 Wk 50, #506 $50.00

Susan Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

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THOMAS K. COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20281 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD THOMAS FOSTER

Notice is given that Scott E. Foster, 20051 Hartford Blvd., Estero, FL 33928-9640, was on August 06, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard Thomas Foster who died on May 08, 2024, with a will.

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

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

Scott E. Foster

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 15, 2024

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MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP

P.O. BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20303

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JESSIE E. ZANELOTTI

AKA: JESSIE ELIZABETH ZANELOTTI

Notice is given that Melissa D. Brown, 606 Bridge Creek Cir., Reedville, VA 22539-3553; Teresa A. Wyne, 1242 Prescott Cir., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577-2017; and Louis A. Zanelotti, P.O. Box 1183, Owings, MD 20736-1183, were on August 12, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jessie E. Zanelotti 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 12th day of February, 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.

Melissa D. Brown

Teresa A. Wyne

Louis A. Zanelotti

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for

Worcester County

One W. Market Street

Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: August 15, 2024

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COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090

410-296-2550 File #: 481020

Richard E. Solomon

Richard J. Rogers

Michael McKeefery

Christianna Kersey

Kevin Hildebeidel

Kyle Blackstone

Kathleen Young 1099 Winterson Road, Suite 301

Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs v. Roxanne Rounds AND Leonard Brittingham Jr. AND Roxanne Rounds, Personal Representative for the Estate of Leonard Brittingham Sr. 842 Colona Road

Pocomoke, MD 21815

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-24-000051

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 7th day of August, 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 9th day of September, 2024, provided a copy of this notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 2nd day of September, 2024.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $40,777.35. The property sold herein is known as 842 Colona Road, Pocomoke, MD 21851.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

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HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. 313 LEMMON HILL LANE SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD L BUNTING Estate No. 20301 Notice is given that GLENN R BUNTING whose address is 25875 COLLINS WHARF

RD EDEN, MD 21822-2104 was on AUGUST 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RICHARD L BUNTING who died on JUNE 04, 2024 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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Things I Like... vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

By Steve Green

Finding sand everywhere this time of year

Night pool dips

Seeing national music acts close to home

Hitting the beach early in the day

Seedless watermelon

Getting lucky with a parking spot

Poke tuna bowls

A kid’s excitement for catching waves

Solar lights that actually work

Watching adults act like kids

An excited dog at mealtime

WITH BUNK MANN

The Hamilton Hotel, a 68-year-old Ocean City landmark on the corner of 3rd Street and the Boardwalk, burned to the ground on Dec. 14, 1969.

The early Sunday morning blaze was discovered by Sergeant James Baker of the Ocean City Police Department as he made his rounds. The fire department was on the scene about five minutes later. With flames up to 100 feet in the air and fanned by a strong southwest wind, it appeared the whole block between 3rd and 4th streets was at risk. Sparks from the fire were landing as far north as 9th Street. Mutual aid from Berlin arrived and joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company in finally controlling the blaze three hours after it began.

The Hamilton was in ruins but the firefighters had saved the rest of the block. The good news was the hotel was closed for the winter and thus unoccupied. No lives were lost or serious injuries suffered. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Photo courtesy of the Ocean City Fire Department

by Steve Green

The Adventures of Fatherhood

(The following is a reprint of a column from September of 2008.)

“Is he sleeping through the night yet?”

It’s a question I have been asked a lot lately from people I know and others who apparently recognize me from that mug shot above.

In my first rambling in this space, I wrote about being sleep deprived. With a newborn, the fact is rest is not something parents get a lot of. Some are better than others, but nights full of uninterrupted sleep are rare in the early months. In that first column, I devoted 1,000 words to the task of maintaining normalcy in my life outside the house while being completely exhausted by the late-night feedings, diaper changes, pacifier retrievals, etc. Therefore, back to the question at hand. This is not a yes or no deal. I usually answer with “sometimes”. Other times it’s been “depends” or “he was, now he’s not” or, on days of extreme exhaustion, just a simple “nope”. Two weeks ago, after two straight nights of uninterrupted sleep, my wife and I figured we had turned the corner. There was only one issue. Although Beckett was sleeping through the night, we were waking up every hour looking at the video monitor and the clock wondering if everything was okay. My wife has even been known to go check on the little guy in the middle of the night while he’s asleep. She does the put the finger under the nose test and watches to make sure his chest is moving up and down.

Although we were not exactly addressing our sleep deprivation those two blissful nights, we were excited to see a milestone had been achieved in our little one’s life. However, after those two wonderfully quiet nights around the house, we were brought back to reality, despite not changing the routine. He was back to getting up at 1 a.m., 2:15 a.m. and 4 a.m. At first, he was hungry, then a wet diaper and

then I am not sure why. I think he was just bored.

Our erratic sleeping habits have continued for the most part, but he primarily wakes up once a night to feed. However, he did sleep through last Saturday night, but there we were waking up every hour to check him out. I guess it’s a silly first-time parent thing.

It’s interesting talking to other parents about babies. We often curiously ask: when did yours’ start sleeping through the night? Invariably, the answers run the gamut, but one common answer we get is: “we were lucky, she (he) slept from the beginning”. I usually just stare in disbelief and a little bit of disdain, I must admit, while my wife dives a little further to hunt for some trade secrets.

After a couple questions, we are quickly able to learn the baby woke up to eat throughout the night for the first few months, but went back to sleep after being fed. There I am thinking to myself, doing my best not to literally bite my tongue, every baby sleeps through the night under that logic. If I followed that ideology, the answer to the question at the beginning of this column would be a gleeful, “yes, he’s an angel, an amazing baby, he has slept through the night since he was born.”

It seems parents forget those early days. It’s understandable. Since we are living them, it’s fresh to us. There’s nothing uniform when it comes to parenting. Every child is different. There’s no blanket policy that works for everyone. Years from now when we are asked our baby’s sleep habits, we will probably be just as annoying and misleading, saying, “he has always been a great sleeper.”

As we wait for a string of full-night sleeps, I must admit it’s fun to see what works with our boy. We have tried a few things, like keeping him up deliberately later at night, not letting him sleep as much during the day, following exactly what a well-known book

calls for, introducing rice cereal to his last bottle of the night, giving him a bath right before putting him down and letting him fall asleep in our bed and then transplanting him to the crib.

For example, after a particularly sleepless evening, I was thinking all day about a new approach with our little one, suggesting a new game plan — a small bottle at his secondto-last feeding of the night followed by a bath and some playtime and then a “knock out bottle”. By playtime, I mean giggling and smiling while simultaneously staring at some toys, trying to jam his entire hand in his mouth, kicking his legs and hoping for the ceiling fan to start moving. After a little bit of that, he started to tire. My thought was an oversized bottle with some rice cereal mixed in with his formula would knock him out for the night. After all, I know a big meal at the end of a long day does the trick on his dad.

As luck would have it, five hours later, he was letting us know he was starving. It was a baby step in the right direction, but it’s safe to say my plan did not work Against our better judgment, we tried the same approach the next night and I am happy to report he slept from 9:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m. Of course, we were up again doing our hypochondriac thing throughout the night making sure he was okay, but we felt like the proud parents of a gold medal winner that next morning. The next night? He was up at 1:30 a.m. and 3:45 a.m. with a bout of gas. That’s just how it goes.

His mother and I are hoping maybe tonight, in honor of his four-month birthday, will be one of those nights he sleeps throughout. However, it really doesn’t matter because either way we will be up – and watching.

(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.)

County steps up to pay for Scrap Tire Day in 2024

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) County leaders agreed to find the money to host a Scrap Tire Day after it was learned the state would not provide its usual allotment.

At its Aug. 6 meeting, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 6-1, with Commissioner Joe Mitrecic opposed, to find county dollars to fund a Scrap Tire Day in 2024. Public Works Director Dallas Baker reported the cost was typically covered by the Maryland Department of the Environment.

“Every year, we have a Scrap Tire Day in the county that is sponsored by the state,” he told the commissioners. “They generally give us money to pay for the recycling of these tires. The state has said they are not doing that this year.”

Historically, the Maryland Department of the Environment reimburses Worcester County for tires collected and recycled during the free-to-citizens event, Baker reported in a memo to the commissioners. In 2023, the event cost $4,693 and 12.3 tons of tires were collected.

Baker told commissioners last week they had two options – to fund the event with county dollars, or don’t host it. However, he recommended the county find the $6,000 it needed.

“These events tend to reduce the amount of scrap tires we see thrown on the sides of roads and in the backwoods,” he said, “and we end up picking them up anyway and have to pay for it.”

With no further discussion, the commissioners voted 7-0 to find the money to host a Scrap Tire Day in 2024. Prior to the state eliminating its funding, the event was scheduled to take place Oct. 5.

“It’s pay me now or pay me later,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said.

OC council reimburses town for convention center work

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Town of Ocean City will reimburse itself for improvement projects at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

The Mayor and Council recently voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to approve a resolution declaring its intent to reimburse the town $3,117,000 from future bond proceeds for expenditures incurred at the Ocean City convention center. Funds are being used for large-scale projects at the facility.

“This is declaring the intent to reimburse certain expenditures incurred for certain projects with proceeds of debt to be issued by the Mayor and City Council,” City Solici-

tor Heather Stansbury said. “This is specifically for the convention center improvement projects not to exceed $3,117,000.”

Officials say the funds will be used to pay for several improvement projects at the convention center, including the first phase of a roof replacement and renovation, a small freight elevator and small passenger elevator replacement, and a generator replacement. But in order for the town to be reimbursed with bond proceeds, the Mayor and Council must pass a resolution.

With no further discussion, a motion to approve a resolution declaring the Mayor and Council’s intent to reimburse the town for the expended funds passed in a 6-0 vote.

Berlin continues planning hold

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) At Monday’s meeting, the Berlin council unanimously agreed to extend the temporary moratorium passed on July 8 for specific actions of the planning commission. The pause will be in effect until October.

The moratorium passed last month will apply to applications for site plan approval, rezoning, and property annexation. The planning commission will still be permitted to meet publicly to discuss conceptual issues.

The pause comes after the town’s planning director, Dave Engelhart, passed away in April. Since then, Rick Baldwin has consulted for the group.

As the town has yet to find a person to fill the role, the council agreed to extend the moratorium from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15 to relieve the burden of the current staff. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen emphasized that the extension is not “locked in” and may be lifted at any time. Additionally, the planning commission is still permitted to gather.

“The planning commission will meet in September,” Bohlen said. “Other requests are coming in with the moratorium, but this allows us to take them in, begin examining them, and when it is lifted, we are ready to move forward with them. It is not to say there is no work being done. It is just keeping it to the point that it is not going to final approval because having an actual planning director to perform necessary functions of getting projects through to completion is important.”

Bohlen said at the last meeting that the town had interviewed five candidates for the planning director role and elected two for in-person discussions. However, she could not give any more concrete update on Monday than that they are still actively hiring for the position.

The council hopes a candidate will be selected soon. In the meantime, the town administrator reiterated while rezoning projects and annexation requests may not allow for action, they can still be discussed.

“It is important to drive home that the Town of Berlin is still open for

business; there is just a ceiling for as far as it can go," Councilmember Steve Green said.

Councilmember Jay Knerr motioned to extend the moratorium until Oct. 15 with a second from Councilmember Shaneka Nichols. The move passed unanimously.

The moratorium will be reviewed at the first meeting of each month until the pause is lifted.

In related news, the council unanimously approved adjustments to the code’s site plan review procedure.

The town struck the amendment requiring applicants to submit three complete sets of the site plans on sheets no larger than 24 by 36 inches.

The adjustment specifies that instead, petitioners are to “complete sets of the site plans as required.”

The council also removed the regulations that declare “no zoning certificate shall be granted until after the planning and zoning commission submits its recommendation to the planning director, or after 45 days of the date the site plans were submitted,” and “the planning and zoning commission shall make a written recommendation to the planning director within 45 days of the date the plan was submitted on whether the site plan indicates that a zoning certificate should be granted or denied...Failure to make a written recommendation within 45 days shall be considered a recommendation to issue such a zoning certificate.”

Councilmember Jack Orris, in reference to the elimination of the 45day deadline, was hesitant to eliminate the planning commission’s time frame for saying “yay or nay.”

Staff maintained the change would allow for more flexibility.

“That procedure will be one of the first things the new director will work on to determine how these things can go,” Bohlen said. “…it can be problematic to make your code too specific, and it gets you into a box.”

“Artificial deadlines can cause problems,” echoed Councilman Jay Knerr.

The revised ordinance passed unanimously.

Bad W/ Names Fri., Aug. 16 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm The 8-trax Sat., Aug. 17 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm

Mon., Aug. 19 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm

Thurs., Aug. 22 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm

Who’s Where When

BLU CRAB HOUSE COURTYARD

410-289-3322

24th Street & Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Aug. 16: Dylan Canfield

Sat., Aug. 17: Margot & Val

Sun., Aug. 18: Bella Masone

Wed., Aug. 21: Cup Of Joe

Thurs., Aug. 22: Jim Matteo

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Sat., Aug. 17: Tim Cyphers

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. 16: Endless Ember & Royal Flush Band

Sat., Aug. 17: Lime Green & The Runner Ups

Sun., Aug. 18: No Byscuyts & AJ Jesson

Mon., Aug. 19: Dave Sherman & Rogue Citizens

Tues., Aug. 20: John Remy & True Country

Wed., Aug. 21: Jack & T

Thurs., Aug. 22: Lost Figures & Funk Shué

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Fri., Aug. 16: Darin Engh & Clockwork Band

Sat., Aug. 17: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama & Homeskool Dropouts

Sun., Aug. 18: Margot & Valerie & On The Edge

Mon., Aug. 19: Sean Loomis & Endless Ember

Tues., Aug. 20: The Jamn Brothers & Bell Bottom Blues

Wed., Aug. 21: Kevin Poole Solo & The Chest Pains

Thurs., Aug. 22: Kevin Poole Solo & Solid Maybe

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Aug. 16: Schizophrenic Boogiemen

Sat., Aug. 17: Jim Long & The Rockoholics

Every Sun.: DJ Wax

Thurs., Aug. 22: DJ Giddy Up

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Fri., Aug. 16: Jason Lee

Sun., Aug. 18: Uncle Ward

Wed., Aug. 21: The Everafter

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Fri., Aug. 16: Bill Dickson & MTT

Sat., Aug. 17: Rogue Citizens

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Fri., Aug. 16: DJ RobCee, Bad W/ Names & Milk Mountain

Best Beats On The Beach

BUMPIN UGLIES W/ JOEY HARKUM Seacrets: Wednesday, August 21 (Ticket Event)

THE KLASSIX

Fager s Island: Monday, August 19

BLISSFUL WIZARDS

Greene Turtle West: Saturday, August 17

ON THE EDGE

Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday, August 18

THE ROGUE CITIZENS

Crawl Street: Saturday, August 17

Carribbean Pool Bar: Monday, August 19

MARGOT & VALERIE

Blu Crabhouse: Saturday, August 17

Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday, August 18

SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN Coins Pub: Friday, August 16

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, August 18

Seacrets: Tuesday, August 20

CHEST PAINS

Coconuts Beach Bar: Wednesday, August 21

Sunday & Monday, August 18 & 19

Who’s Where When

Sat., Aug. 17:

The 8-Trax, DJ Mary Jane & Jumper

Sun., Aug. 18: DJ Vybe

Mon., Aug. 19: The Klassix, DJ Dnial & Cecilia’s Fall

Tues., Aug. 20: DJ RobCee, Bryan Clark & Latin Night

Wed., Aug. 21: DJ Wax & DJ Hector

Thurs., Aug. 22: DJ Groove & Blue Miracle

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Sat., Aug. 17: Blissful Wizards

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fri., Aug. 16: DJ Billy T

Sat., Aug. 17: DJ Bigler & Cecilia’s Fall

Sun., Aug. 18: 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. 17: Risky Business

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. 16 & 17: Surreal Sun. & Mon., Aug 19 & 20: More More More

Thurs., Aug. 22: Will Sims Band

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Aug. 16: Full Cirlce, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, DJ Flight, 9 Mile Roots & Lights Out By 8 Sat., Aug. 17: DJ Cruz, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, DJ Davie, DJ C-Miller, Light Up The Moon, 9 Mile Roots,

The Way Outs & Garden State Radio

Sun., Aug. 18: Triple Rail Trail, DJ Mary Jane, DJ Wiz, DJ Davie, & Red Not Chili Peppers (Ticket Event)

Mon., Aug. 19: Blake Haley, DJ C-Miller, DJ Wax & Light Up The Moon

Tues., Aug. 20: DJ Wax, Opposite Directions, DJ C-Miller, & 9th Gear

Wed., Aug. 21: DJ E-State, Full Circle Duo, DJ C-Miller, & Bumpin Uglies w/ Joey Harkum (Ticket Event)

Thurs., Aug. 22: John McNutt Duo, DJ Cruz, DJ C-Miller & Go Go Gadjet

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Fri., Aug. 16: Joe Esham & Lime Green

Sat., Aug. 17: RyMac

Sun., Aug. 18: Jason Lee & Josh Anderson

Tues., Aug. 20: Troy Mawyer

Wed., Aug. 21: Bryan Dorsey & Jess Arms

Thurs., Aug 22: Kasey Briggs

VISTA ROOFTOP

410-390-7905

13801 Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Aug. 16: Steve Kuhn

OP rec and parks to present Vienna Boys Choir concert

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Vienna Boys Choir, one of the world’s most renowned choirs, will perform at the Ocean City Convention Center at 7 p.m., Dec. 10.

The event, presented by the Ocean Pines Association Recreation and Parks Department, promises a memorable evening of Christmas music and classical masterpieces.

Event Coordinator Kevin Powell said in a news release that he was asked to think outside the box to develop fresh and new event programming.

“Having heard them perform in 2022, I thought this would be a great event for Ocean Pines and the surrounding area,” he said. “It would be enjoyed by many people as a Christmas concert, and it would also bring some revenue to the Rec Department and potentially build a relationship with their management agency. We would love to be able to do this sort of thing more often and bring more world-renowned artists to our area.”

Powell added that the demand for tickets has already been high.

“I’ve had people clamoring for tickets already because it’s the first time they’ve ever come to our area, and they are one of the finest choirs on the planet,” he said.

The event will be held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean

City, because of the lack of an adequate venue in Ocean Pines for a concert this large.

The Vienna Boys Choir has been performing across the globe for six centuries with a purity of tone, distinctive charm, and popular repertoire. The chorus is composed of four touring choirs that hail from dozens of nations and together give over 300 concerts a year around the world.

Christmas in Vienna will showcase the musicians in a program featuring Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs, and holiday favorites.

The Vienna Boys Choir is a private, nonprofit organization that relies on sponsorship and donations. The choir maintains a primary school, and junior and senior high schools. Three hundred boys and girls between the ages of six and 19 attend the choir’s schools in Vienna’s Augarten park. They all receive individual voice lessons and sing in one of the choirs. About a third of the students go on to become music professionals.

The 100 boy choristers, who are between the ages of 9 and 14, are divided into four choirs. Since 1924, they have sung over 1,000 tours in 100 different countries, resulting in 29,000 performances.

Beach tide pools can be fun, but dangerous

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) This is the time of the year when visitors to the beach could possibly be entertained by the formation of tide pools. I remember playing in them when I was a kid, and it was always a good time.

Water that forms a pool on the beach is a normal occurrence that typically happens during this time in the season.

We commonly refer to them as tide pools. However, they are not only formed by the outgoing tide but are also formed when large waves are driven further onto the beach by wind or during

storms. Tropical activity in the Atlantic during this time of the year can cause larger than usual waves and surf conditions (also causing stronger rip currents and dangerous shore break). When this happens, these waves bring more water onto the beach and if it becomes trapped in a low area a “tide pool” may form. These low areas on the beach are formed as waves push sand into large mounds running parallel to the shore with the area behind the mound (to the west) being lower than this newly formed retaining mound. As water is pushed over this mound, it cannot make its way back into the ocean as runoff and becomes trapped in the low-lying area. Although the amount of water, the size of the low-lying area and the depth of low-lying area, may vary from a few

inches to a few feet deep and the size may be as small as a backyard pool or as large as several city blocks, most tide pools are only a few inches deep and less than a block long. Because of the relatively small quantity of water, the sun heats it and it is much warmer than the ocean and it usually has no wave action making it very inviting.

When a child comes to the beach and finds a tide pool, they become very excited. It is like having a backyard pool on the beach. However, tide pools pose their own dangers. Because a tide pool seems like the perfect place for small children to play, parents often do not give the same attention to their children as they would if they were playing in the ocean or in a pool. Further complicating this is the fact that most often the tide

pool ends up forming behind the guard stands and often behind umbrellas and other shade structures, making it impossible to see from the SRTs stand. This means that the SRT (lifeguard) is only scanning this area as part of their secondary scan giving much less attention to this water hazard than the large body of water directly in front of them if they can even see it clearly. Parents often have a false sense of security due to the shallow depth of most of these tide pools but those of us in water safety realize it only takes one inch of water to drown a toddler.

A second hazard associated with this phenomenon is the risk of injuries from running and jumping into such a shallow area. Although not a safety concern another potential issue has to do with the trapped water becoming stagnant, dirty, and smelly. Therefore, the Public Works Department sculpts the beach to facilitate the drainage of these tide pools after they have remained for a couple of days, although in most cases the beach is self-correcting, and the water is allowed to drain on its own.

Sometimes you might find a tide pool that behaves more like a waterslide or river than a pool. I got to witness this a few years ago in the northern area of Ocean City. In this instance wave action was bringing more water into the low area while breaks in the retaining mound allow water to flow back into the ocean resulting in strong currents being formed in the tide pool. When this happens the tide pool becomes far more dangerous as people playing in the tide pool might find themselves washed into the ocean. This action is the perfect model of what is happening out in the ocean as waves come across the underwater sand bar and then make their way back out to the deeper water which is the mechanics and cause of the deadly rip currents you have heard so much about.

Although I have given some cautions about tide pools, they can be fun when enjoyed safely. This season small tide pools have already formed in a couple of locations. Hopefully you will be lucky enough to see one and pass along our cautions to the people you are with. And remember, you can always introduce yourself to the lifeguard and ask them any questions that you have. They are a more than happy to inform you about the current beach conditions. As we move into the late summer season, Ocean City can expect more exciting and fun acts of nature to reveal themselves. You never know what you are going to get with Mother Nature.

Another annual occurrence that has already begun is the reduction in the number of available staff due to other obligations, such as returning to school, which results in a greater distance between our SRT stands. So, make sure you walk and swim in front of the nearest SRT.

Wor-Wic announces students who made spring dean’s list

(Aug. 15, 2024) A total of 380 WorWic Community College students have been recognized for superior performance on the dean’s list for the recently completed spring term, more than 100 of whom are Worcester County natives.

The list is comprised of area students who maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while taking six or more credit hours during the spring term.

The Worcester County students are as follows:

Ocean City

Lorelei Auker, Karri Casteel, Jamie Consigli, Madelyn Dill, Miranda GarlissGriffith, Jamie Gill, Alexandria Harkness, David Janney, Trent Lee, Jennifer Lilley, Evan Mathias, Tiffany McClain, Abbi Pytlewski, Jordanne Rochester, JD Rogers, Abigail Stabinski, Tina Walas and Ariella Witt

Berlin

Rachel Anchundia, Ali Angeline, Caitlin Balassone, Lauren Bodolus, Riley Calloway, Paige Danner, Brodie Dehart, Cosmina Dida, Kevin Dietrich, Brogan Eastlack, Christian Elliott, George Eppard-Annis, Emily Ferguson, Chloe Ginman, Hailey Golczynski, Melina Grant, Ramona Gray, Maddy Hamm, Charletta Henry, Abigail Hernandez, Alexis Hudson, Emily Hyatt, Anamelina Juarez, Dylan Jung, Olivia

Kelley, Zach Ketterman, Rylie Kirby, Lexi Kliphouse, Jessica Lee, Takia Long, Chloe Mason, Josselyne Maza-Chavez, Samantha McManus, Lauren Melnick, Claire Merritt, Carly Moyer, Saleh Nassar, Kalli Nordstrom, Dane Olsen, Josie Palmer, Shane Parks, Jonathan Pinkham, Claire Ryland, Michael Sellers Jr., Kylie Sens, Hunter Simon, Taylor Takacs, Zachery Thornton, Sara Tobin, William Tyler and Jonathan Wallace

Bishopville

Brad Boyer, Andrea Cohee, Sara Cropper, Autumn Drew, Ny’Ashia Harper, Katelynn King, Lilly Zalewski

Newark

Isabella Flores and Joshua Shockley

Snow Hill

Krystal Beall, Ellie Black, Jackson Blake, Alexis Bowe, Kendyl Cylc, Grace Donaldson, Aaron Goddard, Alexis Harper, Victoria Harper, Lily Jones, Chad Luzader, Kernighan Mitchell and Jasmyne Price

Stockton

Abigail Gaskill

Whaleyville

Sarah Burke Pocomoke City

Susan Bamonto, Bradley Bloomfield, Kayla Boyles, Dustin Bratten, Michelle Craig, Autumn Fritz, Edward Fulton IV, John Sigrist and Sherita Taylor

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.

UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American 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

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-

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.

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. Open: Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

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

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

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

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ OC DINER

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

Kids’ Menu

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

OCEAN

Grill veggies, fruits during summer

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) Summer is the season for grilling.

Most of us focus on the protein and forget that grilled fruits and veggies are just as yummy.

Just about any fruits can go on the grill as long as they are fairly firm and not overripe. Peaches, melons, pineapple, pears, avocado, tomatoes, bananas, and figs will hold their shape over the coals. Because of the natural sugars, you need to watch them carefully when grilling.

Grilled vegetables are also tasty and can be the difference between a good and memorable meal.

Out of all the vegetables, asparagus are the most majestic. Their grand appearance and distinctive taste set them apart and make them popular yearround. Thick or thin asparagus is the proverbial question. I prefer thick asparagus for their aesthetic beauty and feel they are more visually stunning. However, grilling thick asparagus can get a little tricky. The outer skin is tough and the stalks tend to be thicker at the bottom than at the top. Peeling the outer skin makes them more uniform and they will cook more evenly. Otherwise, make sure your grill is hot and turn occasionally until they are done.

Grilling peppers can heighten the presentation, but it can also present a problem. The heat brings out the natural juices to the point where there is an abundance of liquid.

The solution is simple. Remove the stems and seeds and cut into desired sections. Place the peppers in a mesh strainer, then place the strainer in a large bowl. Place a small plate or saucer that will fit inside the strainer. Then top it with something that has substantial weight. The pressure of the weight will extract the undesirable liquid.

Once they are strained, place the peppers in a bowl and toss with extra-virgin olive oil salt, and pepper. Sometimes simplicity is your best option.

Zucchini and yellow squash are another option. Their bland texture and taste are perked up by the grilling process. Leave them whole and grill only to the point where their consistency starts to get soft. Because of their denseness, they will continue to cook and end up being mushy and unappealing.

The heat from the grilling process also brings out the natural juices of the zucchini and yellow squash. Remove the ends and follow the instructions for the grilled peppers.

Mushrooms are 92% water, and also present the same problem. In fact, as one is grilling them, you can actually see the natural juice seeping out of the mushrooms. Occasionally turning the mushrooms helps alleviate this problem.

Grilled corn is a delicious addition to your summer festivities. Grilling with the husk can give the corn a more rustic look, and the husk can protect the kernels from overcooking while adding a smoky flavor.

Grilling without the husk is faster and can result in more caramelized kernels. However, the corn can overcook very easily, so you have to watch it.

Grilled corn wrapped in foil keeps the flavoring components in tack, but you will not obtain the coveted grill marks.

Grilled corn with butter and salt pleases guests of all ages. However, grilled Mexican street corn is an easy but impressive way to wow your guests.

Mexican crema, cotija cheese, chipotle powder, cilantro, and limes are part of this star-studded cast of ingredients. If you love grilled corn, you must try grilled

Mexican street corn. Enjoy!

Grilled Mexican Street Corn

Ingredients

6 medium ears sweet corn

½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons lime juice

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon ground smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon ground chipotle or chili powder

½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled

½ cup finely chopped cilantro

lime wedges as a garnish

1. Preheat gas or charcoal grill to 400 degrees.

2. Remove almost all of the outer husks and all of the silk. Then soak the

corn in water for 30 minutes. Shake off the excess water and proceed to grill.

3. Cook corn, occasionally turning, until char marks are achieved.

4. In the meantime, whisk together the crema, mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic powder. Spread this mixture over the cooked corn.

5. Using your fingers, sprinkle paprika powder, chipotle powder, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro over corn. Serve with a wedge of lime.

Farr, Heavner get three more years in Pines

nity is a deeply rewarding experience that has brought me a sense of joy, fulfillment, and purpose,” Farr said.

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors election results revealed incumbents Rick Far and Jeff Heavner successfully defended their seats and will serve three-year terms.

Farr, who acts as the body’s president, pulled 1,933 votes. Heavner secured 1,898. Challengers Amy Peck, obtaining 1,270, Sherrie Clifford, who garnered 936, and Jerry Murphy, procuring 293, fell short of capturing enough ballots to earn a position on the seven-person governing body.

“Serving the Ocean Pines commu-

“... Simply lending a helping hand when needed is my contribution that makes a real difference and leaves a lasting impact on those I serve in our community.”

Farr, whose initial term began in August 2021, was appointed president around a year ago. He said he would remain as the group’s leader until the election of officers in September. The board will then decide who fills the executive positions.

Heavner was first elected to the Board of Directors in 2023 to finish the last segment of a three-year term vacated by Frank Daly.

“It is a gift to give back,” he said. “Any amount of time is generous.”

The pair look forward to further-

ing their priorities. Farr and Heavner said their primary concerns remain constructing the new South Station for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, which inches closer as the two groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding in July to hash out each party’s wants and needs, renovating the racquet sports center building, extending Matt Ortt Companies’ food and beverage contract, continuing the golf course irrigation project, and ensuring the new Veteran Memorial Pavilion is completed by November.

CROSSWORD

Heavner added that communitywide beautification is also at the top of his list.

“I look forward to continuing this board’s approach in setting policy and wisely approving spending to focus on our community-affirmed strategic pillars of quality, governance, exceptional safety, top-tier amenities, disciplined infrastructure maintenance, and admired community appearance,” the director said.

The election winners believe their backgrounds have prepared them to

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you hold the key to success right now, so everyone wants to be in your corner. Take things in stride and maintain your focus while accepting all the support.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, it is important that you streamline your workflow this week; otherwise, you may not meet the deadlines imposed upon you. Start implementing a new strategy.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

This is the week to take the road less traveled, Gemini. Blaze your own trail, get out into the wilderness and possibly expand your horizons. A spontaneous idea like this can pay dividends.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, someone in your social circle could be shielding the truth and it may frustrate you. But you can’t come out and accuse this person without proof. Step back for the time being.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

An important relationship could be coming to an end for you, Leo. You could try to salvage things, but you have to look at the bigger picture and determine if it is good to move on.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you have been coasting along without a firm direction for too long at this point. While it may have been working for you, you will soon fare better with a more concrete plan.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Be mindful of other people’s situations before you engage with them, Libra. What may be a good time for you will not necessarily be ideal for those around you.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, someone in your life has proven worthy of more attention. Give this person a little extra love in the days to come, and direct your focus to having a good time.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Social activities seemingly bloom around you this week, Sagittarius. There could be so much going on that you don’t know where to get started. Perhaps let friends lead the festivities.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Remember, Capricorn, others are not just listening to what you say, they are reading into your actions. Make sure you are genuine in both your words and gestures this week.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

This week you may have to take the first step in rekindling an important relationship, Aquarius. Are you ready to be the catalyst?

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

There is not much you can do about financial issues, Pisces. Make an effort to start spending less, which may be the catalyst for a real examination of your budget.

Results validated at meeting Mon.

represent the neighborhood effectively.

Farr grew up in Bowie and served 20 years in the United States Air Force. During his military career, he participated in combat operations like Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Southern Watch. He is a five-time recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal and Citation for Valor for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The OPA official is also the Chief Human Resource Officer for the Town of Easton and serves on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation committee.

“I believe the membership trusted my leadership and passion by delivering on the promises made that have enhanced our Ocean Pines community,” Farr said in reference to the election results. “I have demonstrated open and honest communication in raising awareness about important issues that affect Ocean Pines community, promote local events within our community, and support community engagement.”

Heavner has developed similar strengths. He spent his summers working in Ocean City before attend-

ing the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. As an intelligence officer, he served aboard the USS Midway to protect Arabian Sea global shipping lanes.

Heavner also managed for three decades in a range of positions at ExxonMobil and served on a leadership team that “directed the safest and most prosperous $3 billion lubricant business.”

“I have demonstrated that I can work with others to protect and enhance our valued way of life,” he said. “I am even better prepared to serve this community after a year on the board.”

The results were verified at a special board meeting on Monday, Aug. 12. Election Committee Chair Steve Ransdell said the number of ballots cast was “the highest we have ever had.”

Of the votes counted, 27.7% were completed online.

“A large and growing portion of our membership likes the online voting option,” Ransdell said. “Online voting saves the association money because it saves on paper and postage.”

OPA Board of Directors Secretary John Latham expressed his gratitude

to the election committee at the annual meeting on Saturday, Aug. 10.

“I just want everyone to know that this thing doesn’t happen in the backroom,” he said. “There are many moving parts, and we feel it was a very successful election.”

The secretary also acknowledged the current committee members, Cheryl Jacobs, Fred Robinson, Patrick Lehnerd, and Ken Petrini, and the outgoing group of former Chairperson Tom Piatti and members George Alston, Tom Schwartz and Nanci Osborne who departed before the election.

The election team will meet in the next few weeks to rehash what went well and what can be approved in future races.

Farr and Heavner’s terms will expire in August of 2027.

“I believe that together, and working in partnership with our general manager, we can continue to achieve great things and make a meaningful impact on the lives of all Ocean Pines residents,” Farr said in a letter to the community. “I remain dedicated to listening to your voices, advocating for your interests, and working collaboratively to build a stronger community.”

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SURF CLUB DONATION

The Ocean City Surf Club recently donated $4,000 to the Ocean City Beach Patrol for a new ocean rescue board and to help sponsor their Ocean Safety Activity Books for kids. Members of the surf club are pictured with Beach Patrol members during the check presentation.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

NEW BUSINESS

The Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of the Gentleman's Barbershop & Lady's Nail Salon during the town’s First Friday event. Owned and operated by Javier Garibay, and his wife, Imperia, they purchased the building on the corner of Pearl and West Market streets on May 4, 2023. After completing the renovations to the building, including apartments on the second and third floor, the couple decided to open two businesses onsite — a barbershop and a nail salon. Members of the community gathered to welcome them for a ribbon cutting.

NEW REALTORS

The Coastal Association of Realtors welcomed nine new members during New Member Orientation on Aug. 9. Pictured, from left, are new members Sharon Carney with Long and Foster Real Estate Salisbury, Chantal Apple with Engel & Volker Ocean City, Joy Merski with Redfin, Alexis Black with Keller Williams Select, Tarrissia Fontaine with Coldwell Banker Realty -123, Kelly Hastings with Long and Foster Salisbury, Tamekia Copeland with Coldwell Banker Realty Salisbury, Susan Hemmerly with Long and Foster Ocean City, and Mary Luddy-Barton with RML Home Group, LLC. New Member Orientation is a requirement for all members of the Coastal Association of Realtors. Attendees are introduced to services provided by the association and the class is held quarterly.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

PHOTO COURTESY COASTAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR. PINES NIGHT OUT

A group of mostly children are pictured eating hot dogs that Kiwanis Club members cooked during the Ocean Pines Police Department’s National Night Out on Aug. 6 Whitehorse Park. Club cooked hotdogs and served other concessions.

PHOTO COURTESY GENERAL LEVIN WINDER CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION DAR BOOTH

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was recently awarded a $500 Celebration Grant from the National Society DAR to increase public awareness of the upcoming celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday and themen and women who fought for American Independence. The funds enabled the chapter to have an America 250! exhibition booth with activities for children at the recent Blessing of the Combines in Snow Hill. Pictured, from left, are volunteer Tabitha Lauer and Chapter Regent Sharon Moak at the booth.

Calendar

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

Fri., Aug. 16

CAPT. STEVE’S POOR GIRLS OPEN

Bahia Marina at Fish Tales, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 4-9 p.m. One of the largest women only Billfish Release Tournament. Featuring more than 800 anglers, vendors, raffles and 50/50 drawing. Benefits breast cancer research. www.poorgirlsopen.com, 410-289-0990

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

OLD TECHNOLOGY PETTING ZOO

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Get hands-on experience with old technology (listening to music, communicating with friends, taking pictures) and see how much technology has changed. All ages. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ARTISTIC ARENA: MINI GARDEN CAKE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Make your own mini cake made of “dirt” and “worms.” All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years and 12-18 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CANDLE DECORATING

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Supplies will be provided to decorate and personalize your own candles and candle jars. For ages 12-18 years. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FAMILY AFTER-HOURS ADVENTURE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Parents and kids are invited to an afterhours adventure at the Snow Hill branch. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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. 410524-7994

Sat., Aug. 17

POOR GIRLS OPEN

Marina at Fish Tales, 2107 Her-

ring Way, Ocean City, 4-9 p.m. One of the largest women only Billfish Release Tournament. Featuring more than 800 anglers, vendors, raffles and 50/50 drawing. Benefits breast cancer research. www.poorgirlsopen.com, 410289-0990

ARTISTS PAINT OC FESTIVAL - WET PAINT SALE & PARTY

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Collect just-painted original artwork of iconic local scenes. Live music, cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and meet the artists. Free admission. http://OCart.org, 410-524-9433

WALK WITH A DOC

South Gate Pond, Ocean Pines, 9-10 a.m. A brief discussion about the benefits of exercise followed by a walk around the pond. First 10 participants receive a $10 WalMart gift card. Alyce Marzola, 410-641-9268, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org

6TH ANNUAL CLASSIC CAR, TRUCK & BIKE SHOW AND BBQ CHICKEN SALE

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Food, trophies, door prizes, dash plaques. Registration 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee is $10 per vehicle. All welcome. Rain date is Aug. 24. Oather Mumford, 443-6146191. Sponsored by the Men’s Ministry.

FAMILY LIBRARY DAY: GIANT BOARD

GAMES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10 a.m.-noon. Spend some time at the library and play classic family board games … giantsized. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURES

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

COMIC BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Learn how to begin creating your own comic book and get set drafting. No experience necessary. For ages 8-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE KIDS CRAFT

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St.,

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring the kids and do something creative with them and for them. Projects change each week. No reservations needed. Free and open to all. www.artleagueofoceancity.org, 410524-9433

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. 18

ARTISTS PAINT OC FESTIVAL - QUICK PAINT, SALE & PARTY AND KIDS SHOW

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Boardwalk Quick Paint, 9-11 a.m. on S. Division St. Wet Paint Sale & Party, 1-3 p.m. and “Kids’ Paint OC” Show, 12-3 p.m. at the Art League of Ocean City. http://OCart.org, 410-5249433

KIDS PAINT OC: A PLEIN AIR EVENT

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 12-3 p.m. Join us for the 2nd annual Kids Paint OC event in conjunction with the annual Artists Paint OC Plein Air competition this August! Open to ages 6-17 years and all ability levels welcome. 410-524-9433

SLIPPERY WHEN WET - THE ULTIMATE BON JOVI TRIBUTE & LIGHT UP THE MOON

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 6 p.m. “Slippery When Wet” and “Light Up The Moon.” Tickets cost $30 and $40. https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/325292 77/slippery-when-wet-the-ultimatebon-jovi-tribute-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center

SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Live music by “Eclipse the Ultimate Journey Tribute,” 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 projects, 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, 410-726-9012; 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. 19

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 “DJ Kutt.” Free fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. All ages welcome.

https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/oc-beach-danceparty

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THE 17TH ANNUAL ERNIE STILES’ BAVARIAN HOPS SCRAMBLE

Tournament to be held Aug. 23 at the Ocean Pines Golf Club, 4 p.m. shotgun start. Cost is $25. Register: Don McMullen, 443-388-2941, dmcmullen1@aol.com. Benefiting Diakonia and the Humane Society.

MONDAY MORNING MOVIE AND MUNCHIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Featuring “Coco.” Munchies provided. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ONCE UPON A TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts all about fairy tales. For ages 0-5 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIBER ARTS GROUP

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

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

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

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00

CAPT. STEVE’S

Bahia

p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Aug. 20

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: 410-629-1716. A $5 donation collected. https://berlinmainstreet.com/Runaway-Bride-Walking-Tour.pdf

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research, follow by Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information, if you can. Registration required: 410-208-4014.

SUMMER READING WRAP-UP PARTY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. It’s time for one last adventure. Join in for a variety of treats and activities at the wrap up party. For all ages. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ‘DINOSAURS’

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

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

SUMMER READING WRAP-UP PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. It’s time for one last adventure. Join in for a variety of treats and activities at the wrap up party. For all ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

VOLUNTEER’S BBQ

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Rescheduled from Aug. 9. Featuring live music by Bella Masone and games. To re-RSVP: https://artleagueofoceancity.org/event/volunteers-bbq/.

410-524-9433

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SEAFOOD NIGHT

Knights of Columbus (behind St. Luke&#39;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 410-524-7994 Monday or Tuesday morning.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

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

Wed., Aug. 21

ULTIMATE VEGAS VARIETY SHOW - THE EDWARDS TWINS

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Anthony and Eddie Edwards use state of the art make-up to look and sound like the superstars of today and yesterday. All live vocal. Tickets cost $55, $45 and $30. https://theedwardstwins.com, 561818-0225

MOVIES ON THE BEACH

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m. Featuring “Surf’s Up.” Enjoy free movies on the beach every Wednes-

day through the summer. Movie lineup: https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/.

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. 410-289-4991, https://book.ocbayhopper.com/Experience

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

FANDOM WEDNESDAY: DYSTOPIAN WORLDS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.6 p.m. Drop in anytime for crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 12-18 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, 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

SUMMER READING WRAP-UP PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. It’s time for one last adventure. Join in for a variety of treats and activities at the wrap up party. For all ages. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game of strategy that dates back 5,000 years to Mesopotamia and Persia, whether you’re an expert or novice. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

NAILED IT!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12 p.m. Try out your skills recreating a beach cupcake. All material provided. For ages 611 years and 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H.”Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-5487880

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

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

ADULT SPELLING BEE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30p.m. Prizes for first place and runner up. Must be over 18 year old to compete. Preregister: 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

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

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. 22

OCEAN CITY JEEP FEST

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Vendors Village and Show & Shine. One-, two- and three-day passes available on-site. Beach Crawls and Sand Course downtown. Schedule of events: www.oceancityjeepfest.com. 443-366-5944

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 “Full Circle” (modern and classic pop/rock). http://www.ococean.com/things-to-do/

CONCERT IN THE PARK

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

STORY TIME: HOW TO CATCH A DINOSAUR Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Songs, stories and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

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

CALENDAR

OC CHESS CLUB

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

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 12 p.m. Make your own sundae and celebrate another successful Summer Reading Program at the Berlin Library. For all ages. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SUMMER READING WRAP-UP PARTY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. It’s time for one last adventure. Join in for a variety of treats and activities at the wrap up party. For all ages. 410-957-0878, 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. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

REPUBLICAN WOMEN OF WORCESTER COUNTY AUGUST MEETING AND DINNER

Ocean City Golf Club, 11401 Country Club Drive, Berlin, 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Guest speakers will be Liliana Norkaitis and Maria Sofia. Cost is $35, tax and gratuity included. Register: gopwomenofwc@gmail.com.

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

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

ONGOING EVENTS

OCTOPUS HUNT ON THE BOARDWALK

Held Aug. 16-30. Kids 12 years and younger can pick up a game card from any of the participating businesses or the Boardwalk Information Booth. Find the hiding places of all the octopuses, get their card stamped at each business and return their completed card to the information booth to win a plush octopus. The first 100 winners will also receive a $5 Power Card to Fun City or Sportland Arcades. https://ocdc.org/specialevent/octopus-hunt-on-the-boardwalk/

Debby created large, clean waves

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) After many days of southerly knee- to waist-high conditions, Hurricane Debby came through and helped develop some larger, mostly clean waves.

Friday, Aug. 9, saw strong winds from the south of up to 35 knots with waves in the chest to shoulder high range. That same chest- to shoulderhigh range held through to Saturday, Aug. 10, along with head high set waves. Winds were reduced to light and variable, helping make fairly clean conditions. Sunday, Aug. 11, had a reduction in wave size with light southerly winds.

Debby was the first of what could be many storms affecting our region. We were lucky in that this storm had mini-

mal effect on the Delmarva Peninsula. Many areas of the Eastern part of the United States had heavy rains and flooding. We dodged a bullet here in the DMV area.

At this point we’re about mid-way through hurricane season. Hopefully any storm activity will stay out to sea and produce a quality swell with favorable winds and weather.

Technically hurricane season is June through November. As of this writing, Ernesto is winding up and proceeding across the Atlantic. It’s forecasted to affect Puerto Rico and move to the north and out to sea. With luck, the effect to Puerto Rico will be slight and Ernesto

will become what is known as a “fish” storm, which is another way of saying that this or any storm stays out to sea.

Many of these tropical cyclones form off the African continent and the Cape Verde Islands. Hurricane study is a major facet of meteorology. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Hurricane Center are both part of the National Weather Service and are part of the Department of Commerce. These are all federal agencies and provide the highest quality information on our weather, and in this case, details on forecasts affecting this and all regions around the country. So there you have a little run down on recent surf activity, and where this information comes from and can be found.

When to know if you’re ready to buy second, vacation home

Buyers must show positive financial standing, good credit scores and more

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) A second home/vacation home: the ability to have a place you can escape to for relaxation from work and a place to make memories with family and friends. How do you know you are ready financially? You want to be sure you are not being too risky financially by investing in a second home—whether that

home is here at the beach, on a lake or near a ski-resort.

In order to qualify for a second home purchase, you need to show that you are a good bet as far as getting a mortgage on a property is concerned, because statistically people would default on a second home mortgage before they would on a primary home. Two of the most important factors for lenders when reviewing your file are: debt-to-income ratio and credit score.

Debt-to-income ratios are calculated by dividing your total debt per month by your gross monthly income. They take into account all expenses, such as existing mortgage, the new mortgage, car payments, credit card payments, etc. The rule of

thumb for a second home purchase is 43% debt-to-income ratio, but there are approvals available up to 48-49%. It depends on credit score, loan to value ratio of the loan and the client’s reserves.

It’s also tough to pinpoint an exact credit score that will get a second home deal done. Scores in the higher 600s may qualify, but in order to get the best interest rate offers, most lenders want to see credit scores above 700, and the best rates go to those buyers above 740. As far as a down payment on a second home purchase, most buyers choose to put 20-25% down to allow for the best loan product and rate.

There are guidelines in place from Fannie Mae on second home loans

such as: must be occupied by the borrower for some portion of the year, restricted to one-unit dwellings, must be suitable for year-round occupancy, and cannot be a timeshare arrangement.

Separate from Fannie Mae’s guidelines, most lenders want to see a second home a “reasonable” distance from your primary, and that number is generally considered to be 50 miles. If any of the requirements are not adequate in your case, the next option is to apply for an investment property loan, which requires the highest down payment and carries a higher interest rate.

In addition to the financial side of the coin, also give good thought to whether you are ready for the upkeep of a second home, the additional payment, and being tied to one location for your vacations.

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

Casino revenues down at Ocean Downs, statewide

(Aug. 16, 2024) Every one of Maryland’s six casinos reported lower revenues for the month of July compared to last year, with Ocean Downs around the middle with a 4.6% drop.

According to a news release from Maryland Lottery and Gaming, the casinos combined to generate over $169.8 million from slot machines and table games for the month, but came up short by a little more than $4.5 million, or 2.6%, compared to July 2023.

Ocean Downs brought in more than $9.6 million for the month, a total decrease of $460,462.

Casino gaming contributions to the state totaled nearly $72.2 million, a decrease of a little over $1 million, or 1.4%.

Contributions to the Education Trust Fund were just over $52 million, a decrease of $723,245, or 1.4%.

Besides Ocean Downs, the state’s privately owned casinos included in the data are MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City, Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County, and Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County.

Taylor Bank issues staff changes

(Aug. 16, 2024) Taylor Bank recently announced a series of leadership promotions and a new hire.

They are as follows:

• Peyton Goslee — hired as manager of the West Ocean City Branch

• Sherry Tarr — promoted from vice president and relationship officer to regional manager for the Southern Region

• Heather Godwin — promoted from vice president and relationship officer to regional manager for the Northern Region

• Ray Daisey — promoted from manager of the Pocomoke Branch to vice president

• Lauren Ruhl — promoted to assistant vice president and director of human resources

• Kayleigh Yarris — promoted to market branch manager and relationship officer for the Ocean View and North Ocean City branches

• Cherokee Stapleton — promoted to manager of the Ocean Pines Branch

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Maryland Lottery and the state’s casinos, sportsbooks and daily fantasy sports, including those at Ocean Downs, combined to contribute $1.585 billion to the state in Fiscal Year 2024, for the second-largest, single-year transfer to date.

“Each individual is a vital member of the Taylor Bank team, and I am thrilled to see them excel in their new or expanded roles,” Raymond M. Thompson, president and CEO of Taylor Bank, said in a news release. “Their combined knowledge and experience will help Taylor Bank continue its legacy as a leading community bank in the Delmarva region.”

According to a news release from Maryland Lottery and Gaming, the number missed fiscal 2023’s $1.589 billion revenue total by just 0.25%.

Casino gaming contributions to the state were $824 million, lottery profits were $699.6 million, and sports wa-

Md. gambling revenues big in FY24 REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

gering and daily fantasy sports combined to contribute $61.3 million. The lottery, casinos, sports wagering and daily fantasy sports contributed an average of $4.3 million per day to state programs and services in

See LOTTERY Page 85

Lauren Ruhl

Sherry Tarr Peyton Goslee

Heather Godwin Ray Daisey

Kayleigh Yarris C. Stapleton

Real estate changes take effect this week

CEO Bernie Flax said business practices will not change that much.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Coastal Association of Realtors says it is prepared for industry changes that take effect this week, as licensed real estate agents will have to change the way they handle real estate transactions.

And while there will be new rules related to broker commissions, CAR

“Maryland’s been doing most of these things all along …,” she said. “There’s nothing that’s really changed in how we are doing our business.”

Traditionally, real estate commissions – historically at 5% or 6% – are paid by the seller and split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent. The compensation amount is also shared upfront on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), an online tool for brokers to share information about available properties.

MODEL HOME with POND & GOLF

However, recent antitrust lawsuits challenged that transaction model, with plaintiffs arguing it reduced competition and incentivized buyer agents to avoid showing listings with lower compensations. And in March, the National Association of Realtors announced a $418 million settlement agreement that denied all wrongdoing but set new rules for compensation.

“NAR has long maintained—and we continue to believe—that cooperative compensation and NAR’s current policies are good things that benefit buyers and sellers,” its website reads. “They promote access to property ownership, particularly for lower- and middle-income buyers who can have a difficult-enough time saving for a down payment. With this settlement, NAR is confident it and its members can still achieve all those goals.”

As part of the settlement, compensation offers will be removed from the MLS, meaning that negotiations will be handled offline. Agents will also be required to enter into written agreements with buyers before touring a home. These written agreements must include new provisions that specify the rate of compensation

a real estate agent receives and states that commissions are fully negotiable.

“Maryland Realtors support this and other changes, as they contribute to transparency in real estate transactions, which is crucial for both buyers and sellers,” Chuck Kasky, CEO of Maryland Realtors, said in a video statement this week. “In fact, Maryland law has required written buyer agreements since October 2016, reflecting our commitment to clarity and accountability in real estate services.”

Flax said this week that compensation has always been negotiable. However, officials say the new rules will give buyers and sellers more power to negotiate lower commissions.

“In real estate, there will always be two sides to each transaction,” 2024 CAR President Brigit Taylor said in March. “CAR, NAR, and Maryland Realtors stand behind the need for both the seller and the buyer to be represented by a professional who knows their market and the communities, how to prepare a home for sale, and how to prepare each party for the process of a home sale or purchase.”

County awards contract for generator work

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) Officials last week awarded a contract to perform preventative maintenance on county-owned generators.

Last week, Procurement Officer Nicholas Rice presented the Worcester County Commissioners with a recommendation to award Fidelity Power Systems a contract to perform yearly preventive maintenance on county generators. Of the proposals received, Rice said Fidelity offered the best value, at $36,450 a year.

“We received five proposals from different companies,” he said. “They were evaluated by three county employees … All three of the evaluators

Lottery, casinos, sports contribute

Continued from Page 83

fiscal 2024.

“We had an exceptional performance in Fiscal Year 2023, so we came into FY2024 facing a challenging yearover-year comparison,” Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin said in the release. “Nonetheless, we had another strong year on a number of fronts. The Lottery added a new daily game, and the sports wagering market continued to expand. We’re proud of our role in generating funds for important state programs.”

All lottery, casino and sports wagering facts and figures are available online at mdgaming.com.

In total, lottery sales were $2.732 billion, down 1.2% from fiscal 2023. Scratch-off ticket sales led at $1.061 billion, surpassing the $1 billion mark for the third consecutive year.

Casino gaming generated a total $1.964 billion in revenue from slot machines and table games, the third-best single-year total and a decrease of 4.7% compared to fiscal 2023.

After launching in December 2021, Maryland’s sports wagering market continued to expand in fiscal 2024 by offering mobile wagering for the entire fiscal year for the first time. The state’s first mobile sports wagering platforms were active for just seven months of fiscal 2023.

All sports wagering operators contribute 15% of their taxable win to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs. In fiscal 2024, the contributions were $60.3 million. Expired sports wagering prizes support responsible gaming programs and totaled $985,862 for the year.

The operators of fantasy competitions (including daily fantasy sports) also contribute 15% of revenues to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund. In fiscal 2024, the contributions totaled $983,819.

had Fidelity Power Systems as the highest ranked and they were also the lowest cost.”

When asked how many generators the contract would cover, Rice said it was roughly 80. Commissioner Caryn Abbott, however, questioned the work Fidelity had performed as the county’s current contract holder.

“Wasn’t one of the problems with the current company was that they weren’t doing the inspections the way they were supposed to be done throughout the county?” she asked.

Rice, alluding to a generator the county had to replace at the jail earlier this year, said the company had conducted the necessary inspections.

“That generator, there were some repairs that were recommended by the company, to the jail, that were not done,” he replied. “And we think that

that was what ultimately ended up causing the repair or replacement … They did the maintenance and suggested some repairs that weren’t done, I believe, in a timely manner.”

Commissioner Eric Fiori added that those issues had been corrected.

“I believe we’ve kind of caught that, kind of nipped that in the rear there … to make sure that these generator service recommendations are going directly to public works and not the individual department heads,” he said.

For his part, Fiori said he supported the recommendation but wanted to add certain services as part of the county’s generator maintenance program.

“What appears to be our failures occurring in our generators are either fuel related or coolant related, not being cycled,” he said. “So I put on the

request to also looking at a fuel scrubbing company, an additional contract to this, and adding the replacement of antifreeze in our generators as part of the service agreement that we’re talking about here.”

When asked if adding antifreeze replacement to the contract would change the cost, Rice said he wasn’t sure.

“I can’t answer that right now,” he said.

With no further discussion, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve the contract with the addition of antifreeze service and to have the county explore a secondary contract for fuel scrubbing.

“So the fuel cleaning will be a separate contract, but we can definitely add the antifreeze to this, as part of this contract,” Rice said.

Artists Paint OC underway across resort now through this Saturday

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City’s 19th plein air festival, Artists Paint OC, began Wednesday and will last through this Saturday, Aug. 17, with 50 professional artists painting local landscapes across the area.

Members of the public have been invited to view and collect the art during Wet Paint Sales this Saturday and Sunday, Aug.17 and 18, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th St.

“Fifty artists will be capturing a moment in time on canvas, and this is your opportunity – one that only happens once a year – to purchase these beautiful original paintings of iconic local scenes that are hot off the easel at very affordable prices,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the art league, said in a news release.

“En plein air” is a French expression that means “in the open air,” used to describe the art of painting outdoors. The annual Artists Paint OC event brings in 50 plein air painters to the resort and features many popular regional artists, as well as painters from around the country painting scenes.

The artists scheduled to paint and exhibit are Carolyn Aberbach, Lissa Abrams, Jon Bandish, Bruno Baran, Judy Benton, Alexandra Bradley, Jacqueline BruceYamin, Andrea Burkom, Erica DeHart, Siobhan Duggan, John Eiseman, Nancy

Fine, Rhonda Ford, Gerilyn Gaskill, Kathy Gibson, Jill Glassman, Scott Henderson, Catherine Homens, Betty Huang, Kathy Huegel, Frederick Johnson, Leo Kahl, Rajendra KC, Barbara Kern-Bush, Ed Lewandowski, Bruce Ley, Mimi Little, Liz Maynes, Katherine Miller, Madeline Patsel, Martha Pileggi, Jose Ramírez, Jim Rehak, Russell Reno, Eva Rotolo, Maggii Sarfaty, John Schisler, Jessica Schlegel, Ricky Sears, Al Richards, Rebekah Simonds, David Simpson, Linda Steere, Barbara Stepura, Gail Stern, Nancy R. Thomas, Joel Trotta, Mary Veiga, Cheryl Wisbrock, Judy Wolgast, and Dennis Young.

From 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, the artists will bring their best work to the arts center to be judged and participate in the Wet Paint Sale that evening, a celebratory event that brings the artists and members of the public together. The party includes live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. The exhibit and sale continue at the arts center Sunday until the end of September.

Sunday morning’s Quick Paint and Sale, sponsored by the Ocean City Development Corporation, is an easy opportunity for the public to watch the artists paint. Artists will gather in downtown Ocean City near South Division Street and the Boardwalk to paint against the clock from 9-11 a.m. They will then bring their work to the arts center to

PHOTO COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

Artist Dennis Young is pictured painting a Boardwalk scene during the 2023 Artists Paint OC event.

Judging, sales set for weekend

be judged and the winners will be announced. People can buy the Quick Paint art pieces off-the-easel from 13 p.m. at the arts center and enjoy live music and a cash bar. There is no charge to attend.

For the second year, a “Kids Paint OC” event will also be held and feature the plein air artwork of youth ages 6-17. The children painted outdoors from July 1-31 and brought

their finished work to the arts center to be exhibited.

Kids Paint OC artwork will be on display from noon-3 p.m., Sunday, and cash prizes will be awarded. The event is made possible by a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council.

More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-5249433.

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN

Artist Betty Huang, of Easton, is pictured painting a landscape in Ocean City during the 2023 Artists Paint OC event.

Sportsmans Bash

Shakespeare show planned for Berlin Taylor House lawn

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Salisbury University-affiliated Fultontown Theatre Company is bringing Shakespeare to Berlin this week.

On Friday, Aug. 16, Berlin and Worcester County residents will be able to watch the theater group perform William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” under the stars on the Calvin B. Taylor House lawn. The event is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to claim their spot.

Fultontown Theatre, a summer stock company, was formed in 2021 by Salisbury University 2019 graduates Chelsea Dean and Bailey Kirk to continue pursuing the arts after college, establish alum engagement, and foster a creative outlet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Kirk, the organization’s managing director, Fultontown has produced six shows and toured the Maryland Eastern Shore since its formation. The entire cast and crew of the company’s rendition of “The Tempest” are local to the Salisbury area or alums of the university.

The theater group is most known for performing Shakespearean plays.

Past productions include “Twelfth Night,” “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” and “Falstaff the Friend, Falstaff the Fool.” They also put on Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” last year.

Preparation for “The Tempest” began in early spring, Kirk said. The Salisbury production is directed by Dean, who acts as Fultontown’s artistic director.

“We chose ‘The Tempest’ because it is one of Chelsea's favorites,” Kirk noted. “… it is ultimately about what makes us human, and this show specifically highlights the effects of isolation and the relative ease with which people hope, despair, love, and cause harm.”

“’The Tempest’ is one of the socalled problem plays because it doesn't neatly fit into a specific category and is full of characters with shades of gray,” she continued.

Rehearsals began in June. Kirk said that the cast and crew kickstart each production process with two months of Zoom table reads to ensure the actors familiarize themselves with the older form of English. Afterward, they meet to iron out blocking, technical elements, and staging.

In addition to the Friday, August

‘The Tempest’ play set for Friday

16 show at the Taylor House, Fultontown Theatre Company is performing “The Tempest” at Teackle Mansion in Princess Anne on Thursday, August 15 at 7:30 p.m., the Vienna Waterfront in Vienna, Maryland, on Saturday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Furnace Town on Sunday, August 18 at 2 p.m. The evening events are free. The final matinee is $8 a person.

The show will star Jordan Kilgore as Prospero. According to the company’s Facebook page, Kilgore, who is making his Fultontown debut, is a Salisbury-based actor and voiceover artist who grew up performing with the Community Players of Salisbury. After high school, he attended Oklahoma City University, where he graduated with a BFA in acting and a minor in directing. “The Tempest” lead also spent a summer in the United Kingdom studying Shakespeare at Rose Bruford College.

Claire Thomas will portray Miranda in the production. Thomas, who graduated from Salisbury University with a BA in theatre production and the University of Maryland Baltimore County with an MA in teaching, will make her sophomore appearance with the company. The actor is also a Norfolk, Virginia, high school English and theater educator.

Other performers include

Madeleine Davis as Ariel, Kai Mellarkey as Caliban, Caroline Lewis as Prince Ferdinand, Devon Spencer Lynch as King Alonso, Kerinne Walls as Antonio, Brian Tully as Sebastian, Natasha Hawkins as Gonzalo, Matthew Hatfield as Trinculo, and AJ Payne as Stephano.

Fultontown Theatre Company operates primarily on public donations. Financial support is collected at their performances and through Venmo, PayPal, and the Salisbury University Giving Page.

Individuals can contact the organization at fultontowntheatre@gmail.com for questions regarding donations. Kirk urges theater enthusiasts to follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on any current or future shows.

“Please contact us if you'd like to donate or partner with us to keep bringing free theatre to our local communities,” Kirk said.

“The Tempest” cast and crew are excited to return to the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum.

“Since starting Fultontown, there was only one year we were not able to perform at the Taylor House due to a scheduling conflict with other entertainment on the lawn,” Kirk added. “We absolutely love performing there.”

Over 200 individuals on the Autism spectrum were treated to surf sessions on Wednesday in front of the Castle in the Sand

courtesy of Surfers Healing, a traveling surf camp created to show people with disabilities of all ages the wonders of the

Hotel

ocean. Some scenes from the event are pictured.

PHOTOS COURTESY EXPLORE OC

Opinions

Inflation affects visitor spending

When Ocean City’s marketing firm says the resort’s tourism numbers aren’t looking too bad and numerous local businesses heartily disagree, one might ask, how can that be?

The easy explanation is that this is just another of Ocean City’s mixed-result seasons. Even more likely, though, is that the seemingly thin spending of this summer stems from the COVID pandemic and the inflation that followed.

It could well be that visitors are spending like they always have, and maybe even more, but their money isn’t going as far as it once did.

As for the causes of this round of inflation, economic and fiscal policy professionals say it began when the 2020 COVID epidemic turned the labor market upside down, changed the way workers think, broke the global supply chain and led most of the world’s industries to cut back production.

Then, when people finally did venture out of their homes a year later, producers didn’t have the workers or the raw materials to meet the spiking demand and prices went up, way up in some cases.

The effect of supply and demand pressures on what’s known as core inflation were aggravated by an explosion in the nation’s money supply. That occurred as the federal government printed and released trillions of dollars in a pair of COVID relief packages to prevent people from losing their jobs and to keep businesses from closing.

It worked, but then taming the inflation it caused required the Federal Reserve to rein in the money supply by raising interest rates. That’s working, too, but it also increased the cost of doing business for companies dependent on a variety of bank loans.

Simply put, the current situation is not the product of just one thing, but is the result of one damned thing after another. But, as BVK says, Ocean City is getting through it in a season that may not be great, but, considering the above, isn’t that bad either.

PUBLIC EYE

Warning: don’t do it

By Stewart Dobson Editor

I recently violated one of the sacrosanct rules of our safety-obsessed society, which insists on stating the obvious to prevent idiots from being themselves.

As we all know, we have dumb warning advisories everywhere. The Rowenta steam iron, for instance, suggests,“Do Not Iron Clothes on Body,” and then there’s the “Do Not Eat” warning on the moisture-absorbing pouches of silica found in some packaging.

One would think these warnings would earn a Quadruple Duh rating, but apparently someone somewhere once said, “Hey, everyone, let’s eat some silica!”

bounded on its western side by an acre-sized tidepool of shallow water and at its southern end by a small sand dune with a hundred or so beachgoers on its far side.

Unfortunately, the three of us involved — a driver and two car hood passengers — did not factor in three things: the friction-generated heat of steel going over sand at 35 mph, the 1.41% increase in the towed object’s speed when it swings outward at, say, a 30-40 degree angle, and Newton’s Law of Motion, which says, more or less, an object in motion tends to stay in motion until it runs into something.

Taking all that into consideration, here’s how the trip went.

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I say that because a Google search of silica eating (I check my facts) turned up a real inquiry to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, asking, “What should I do if I ate a silica gel packet?”

I don’t know how the poison information people replied, but my advice would be, “Drink lots of water and then hire yourself a keeper to prevent you from eating the mosquito dunks, you dolt.”

And yes, a pro baseball player did miss a few games after attempting to iron a shirt he was wearing at the time. Batting average and average IQ do not equate, I guess.

In any event, the current catchphrase, “Be your best self,” doesn’t come with its own warning, “Results may vary.”

Which brings me to my own recently mentioned idiotic experience, a death-defying trip down the beach on a car hood that was being towed like a wake board by a Jeep. All I can say is it seemed like a good idea at the time.

First, let me give you the lay of the land: about a mile of empty featureless sand

“Let’s go! Go! Go! Go! Yay! Hmm. We’re heating up. Yow! Hot-hot-HOT! Can’t sit! Swing right! Swing right! Water, water water. Wow! Fast! Really fast! We’re flying! Uh-oh. Stop! STOP! We’re running out of water! We’re gonna get taken up short! We’re going to ... ^%$#!!

Rolling down the beach like a couple of cabbages at 40 or so mph is ... interesting. It’s not like you can do any planning with regard to possible outcomes. All you hear is the blappityblappity-blappity of your own tumbling for 30 yards or so until you roll up the sand dune and ... ^%$#!! ... go airborne. About 10 feet upward, I figure, doing moves Simone Biles hasn’t even thought off and then, WHAP! The stupid eagles have landed

I’m pretty sure some members of the beachgoing crowd needed resuscitating after laughing themselves unconscious.

So yes, I, too, have been an idiot and, no, I would not care to do it again and, yes, I should have said when I last mentioned this episode, “Kids! Do Not Try This At Home!” It’s not going to work out as well as you think.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

It was a solid move for the Worcester County Commissioners to approve the Worcester County Recreation and Parks Department’s idea to take the operations lead of the Worcester County Fair. Last weekend’s event proved to be a successful first year under new management as well as at a new site. The reflection is not intended as a slight to the volunteers who for decades organized and managed the event, as they are to be credited for their many years of work and commitment. The reality is the county, partnering with the 4H, can simply do more for the event currently and in the future.

The event this year seemed to be met with solid reviews from folks who are annual attendees as well as participants. The fair had a bit of everything, including livestock, live music, alcohol vendors, food options, games, horse rides, contests and a fishing tank. County fairs typically highlight the agriculture segments of society, and in Worcester County farming remains a major industry. In fact, it’s only outstripped in importance from an economics perspective by tourism and health care in Worcester County. The fair is in good hands as an opportunity to celebrate agriculture and the future looks bright.

It’s been a hobby of mine for the last 30 years of following the White Marlin Open to check out the release statistics. For this year’s event, the final release data is as follows with release numbers, boated and release percentage listed – white marlin, 378 released, three boated, 99%; blue marlin, 48, three, 94%; spearfish, one released; sailfish, eight released; tuna, zero released, 44 boated; dolphin, zero released, two boated; and wahoo, zero released, one boated (on the tourney’s last day).

Anyone who spends anytime in Ocean City in the summer understands well there are numerous close calls on local roads every day. Most roads are congested routinely with vehicles, bicyclists, buses and pedestrians often sharing space at varying rates of speed. Add to all these means of transportation the differing levels of familiarity with the resort and it’s a miracle there are not more serious collisions, such as the fatality involving an e-biker and a motorist in Ocean City last weekend.

From the police report, the southbound vehicle on St. Louis Avenue ran into the female bicyclist who was also riding south and turning at 14th Street to head west. The collision was serious enough the local 34year-old woman died on the scene despite paramedics’ best efforts. It’s the first fatality in Ocean City in two years and the first in seven years for a bicyclist but, in this case, one will always be too many.

Next weekend in Ocean City will be about “Jeeps and jets” – a phrase used by Ocean City Jeep Fest organizer Brad Hoffman following a Mayor and Council decision last December to add the OC Air Show to the traditional Jeep event weekend.

For many years, the Jeep event has filled a void in Ocean City’s calendar the weekend before Labor Day. Late August is a unique time for Ocean City businesses as most colleges are back in session and many schools around the mid-Atlantic are back as well. The labor force is reduced, and the crowds are typically weather dependent. It’s a weekend that needed the draw of a special event.

This year there will actually be two events, but it wasn’t planned this way. It was more of an unfortunate reality after the OC Air Show had scheduling difficulties after getting shut out by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels. In 2022, the city inked a terms sheet with the Air Show’s promoter to ensure the event features at least one major military team - the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, or the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, or two or more U.S. military single ship jet demonstration. It’s unclear technically if the term sheet was violated, but the city is unlikely to make a stink of it with the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori headlining next weekend with the F-22 Raptor and the Blue Angels set to perform in June 2025. The Blue Angels confirming the first appearance in many years is most significant.

There do not appear to by any hurt feelings for Hoffman with the air show jumping in on his event’s traditional weekend. Back in December, he said, “… to me, Jeeps and jets can be a good fit this summer. I just feel like we can always push through any of these kind of concerns and make it work the best way possible.”

Reproductive freedom bill intentionally ambiguous Editor,

First, we thank Mr. Vince Gisriel’s diligence in a recent issue of the OC Today-Dispatch, compiling a comprehensive collection of quotations from centuries of wisdom from the Bible. Believers like us need to be reminded that our history is that each of us is created by God to be unique, one of a kind, nurtured from conception in our mother’s womb. It’s why we wouldn’t vote for abortion of these unique beings.

Our addition to the conversation about the upcoming vote on the “Abortion Amendment” is that the term is only part of the title. The rest is, “Right to Reproductive Freedom.”

It has been written to be ambiguous and, if you approve of abortion, you might want this. Here’s a clue: While a lot of Marylanders were looking the other way, laws were passed here years ago for no restrictions on partial birth abortion and abortion up to the time of birth. If you are one who voted for these laws, you know that this amendment is redundant, but that’s not the point of the wording here.

Here’s the text of the proposed amendment:

“That every person, as a central component of that individual’s right to liberty and equality, has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including not limited to the ability to make and effectuate decisions to prevent, continue, or end one’s own pregnancy. The State may not, directly or indirectly, deny, burden or abridge the right unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”

Here are some implied/hidden problems: By using the phrase “every person” the amendment is saying that this applies to all people — regardless of age. This makes it possible for minors to engage in life-changing and damaging activities without parental consent, thus removing parents’ authority over their children in crucial decisions. Efforts to provide age limits to the amendment were rejected in the General Assembly.

By using the phrase, “including but not limited to,” the amendment is making provisions for anything that would affect the reproductive system, including “gender destroying” treatments that are masquerading as “gender-affirming” treatments for minors without parental consent or knowledge. That would inflict moral

damage on the parent/child relationship. It’s purposely ambiguous and hence it’s necessary to spell it out. No church or faith community has the right to tell anyone to vote or not to vote for a specific person or party, but we do have the obligation to point out legislation that impinges on issues of morality.

For more clarity, visit HealthNotHarmMD.org.

Dave and Dorie Ranaghan Berlin

OC mayor asks to meet with gov. on wind project

The following letter was recently sent to Gov. Wes Moore (D) by Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan: Dear Governor Moore,

I am writing this letter on behalf of the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, our residents, visitors and our 21,000 nonresident property owners, 65% of which are Maryland residents.

The Town of Ocean City has been faced with an uphill battle to protect the pristine view off of our coast and our only industry, tourism, which is an economic driver for both our City and the State of Maryland.

It was just a little over 7 years ago that I attended a meeting of the MD Public Service Commission in Berlin, Maryland and saw the renderings of the proposed US Wind project to be built off of our coast. It was clear that what I saw at that meeting would dramatically impact the viewshed off of Ocean City.

At that time the turbines proposed were 6mw turbines and approximately 550 feet tall. I immediately expressed our concerns and asked that they be addressed. This fell on deaf ears. This was 7 years ago and to date not one turbine has been built!

Since that initial meeting, the size of the turbines has increased from the 6mw turbines originally proposed to 18mw turbines that now stand 938 ft tall (or possibly the newest model that is 1065 ft tall).

If constructed on land they would be the tallest structures in the State of Maryland. They will be 3 ½ times the height of the tallest building in Ocean City. These gigantic turbines will destroy the view of the horizon off the coast of Ocean City forever. Our sunrise will become industrialized and look like a backdrop from Star Wars. Future generations, our children and grandchildren, will never be afforded the opportunity to enjoy what thousands of residents and visitors

Continued on Page 94

enjoy every day, the beautiful sunrise off of our coast.

The turbines proposed in the US Wind project will be as close as 10.7 miles off of our coast. Not 17 miles as stated and promised to many of our state and federal elected officials time and time again. All you have to do is refer to US Wind’s filing of their Draft Environmental Impact Statement with BOEM where this figure is clearly referenced in Appendix H on page H-4.

If you refer to the same document on page 31 Appendix H under Impact Level/Beaches, it clearly states ‘The scale and size of the project would make it a significant new element of the character of the ocean-facing portions of the LSZ in beach resort communities, which are highly sensitive to change in visual character. The project will be clearly distinct and

would detract from the character of the open ocean horizon.”

The turbines will be the dominate feature off the horizon. It goes on to state that the turbines could have an effect on tourism. Could have? In a study done in North Carolina, where the only individuals that participated were visitors who had actually rented vacation property on the oceanfront, 50% said they would not return if the turbines were visible!

The wind farms now being constructed off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina are 26 miles offshore. This can be done! Why hasn’t US Wind been required to do an economic study based on the size of the 18mw turbines? The last study done was in 2018 based on the 6mw turbines.

In order to meet their clean energy goals, the State has passed both the Clean Energy Act and the Power Act

that extend the areas for wind farm development offshore from 30 to 80 miles. Even the State recognizes that this is distance is viable.

And please remember that all of the advantages being sold to the State by US Wind, including the investments in the Baltimore Harbor, Sparrows Point and all of the jobs promised would still occur if the turbines were located further to the east. Nothing would have changed!

More recently, US Wind presented plans to MDE to build an operation base and extend a section of piers in the West Ocean City Commercial fishing harbor. This is the only commercial fishing harbor that has direct access to the Atlantic Ocean in the entire state!

This industrialization of the commercial harbor will limit the growth, expansion, and viability of the commercial and recreational fishing industries that are vital to our local area. The local community testified against this proposal.

House Bill 1296 Electricity-Offshore Wind Projects-Alterations was recently passed by the state legislature. This bill, as written, rewrites the formula for the allocation of ORECs which essentially increases the states subsidy to US Wind and will increase the cost to the ratepayers.

To date, no one has told the ratepayers what the total cost of this

project will be at build-out or if additional subsidies will be required by the state. Have you been told?

The Town of Ocean City supports clean, green energy but not at the cost of destroying the future of the state’s only oceanfront municipality. The concerns of our local commercial and recreational fisherman have not been addressed. The effects on the horseshoe crab sanctuary and other ocean species, including the North Atlantic right whale, have been ignored. If this was any other project it would never get the approval to move forward without all of these environmental issues being resolved.

It is not too late to address these issues and to relocate this project. Yes, it would take additional time but it has already been 7+ years and ultimately what is more important, a project that we will all look back and regret or a project that clearly becomes the model for offshore wind development?

You only get one chance to get this right and I can assure you that if this project moves forward as currently proposed, Maryland residents, property owners and visitors to Ocean City are going to ask elected officials “How did you ever let this happen?”

We humbly ask for your support. Ask the right questions. Get the right answers. Include Ocean City in the conversation. I do not believe that

State and Federal elected officials are truly aware of the total impact this project will have on our ratepayers and resources. Do not let US Wind, an Italian-owned company, take advantage of our State for profit.

Governor, when you were here during MML you stated that Ocean City was a tremendous asset to the State of Maryland. In an article from The Daily Times, you quoted “Ocean City is going to have a very important place at our table, a very important place in the conversation about the future of our State. Everything we do as a State is because we’re going to be doing it in partnership with Ocean City.” Now more than ever, we need to be recognized as that partner and work together to do what is right for both the State and Ocean City.

Governor, I believe in you and I have to believe this can be done.

I look forward to meeting with you.

Richard W. Meehan Mayor Town of Ocean City

County property owner supports solar project

Editor,

The story of community solar in Worcester County is that it benefits our community.

As a landowner in Worcester County, the recent story “MACo officials present overview of solar projects on Worcester County ag land” by Bethany Hooper raises several issues that warrant additional local perspective.

My property is currently under development by Chaberton Energy as a host for a 4 Megawatt (MW) community solar project. Chaberton Energy is a Maryland-based developer who has demonstrated their good neighbor commitment to support local communities throughout Maryland. Upon review of the article, it may not be apparent that this solar project went through a straightforward application with unanimous support from the county’s appointed planning board and the technical review committees who both enthusiastically

recommended approval.

Originally, the county commissioners expressed their opposition to the project supported by the appointed members of their advisory committees. However, it is important to note that after receiving extensive information and commitments on the project during the application process, the commissioners dropped their opposition in a letter to rescind their concerns addressed to the state on May 29, 2024. No additional nor other recommendations related to this project were noted by the commissioners. Several public hearings indicate no public concerns were raised at any state or county level throughout this application process. The commissioners also received clarity on how the solar equipment would be disposed of and the agricultural land restored at the end of the 30-year lease. The project will lower the costs of electricity for so many in the community.

While I respect the right of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to advocate for its constituents, it’s also important that we all work from the same set of facts when making these important decisions.

The story said MaCo spoke at the invitation of the Worcester County Commissioners about “utility scale solar systems and the pressures they place on the county’s agricultural land.”

The project planned for my land is “community solar.” When contrasted with “utility scale projects,” this 4MW community solar application, and many others like it on Delmarva, are limited to 5MW in size. This project will cover only one-quarter of my 103-acre property. The remaining acreage will continue to be utilized and be preserved for agricultural purposes. It is my view that as the landowner, I should be able to decide how I want to use my own land once there has been adequate state and county review for a project that offers clean, affordable and sustainable supplemental energy to my neighbors.

The power generated from this

project will supplement the ongoing need for sustainable energy to the commissioners’ electorate and local residents. In fact, at least 40% of the benefits from the project will go to our neighbors at low- to moderate-income levels. Projected energy bills for project subscribers will be on average 15% lower than their current utility bills. To be clear, this project will provide clean energy for our community and, yes, it will lead to cheaper, healthier, more economically viable energy production. The sun, after all, costs nothing.

The developers will be planting local pollinators and grasses that will prevent soil erosion, add to bird, butterfly and bee populations, and return the land to its current use or same condition should the contract not be renewed. In its long-term pledge to good neighbor practices, Chaberton remains committed to

support their current efforts and continued contributions to local organizations, including Diakonia, which provides food and shelter for people in our community who do not have homes.

In closing, I believe it is the sign of healthy discourse that county and other stakeholders had an opportunity to thoroughly vet and weigh-in on this project. I am pleased that stakeholders kept an open mind while listening to the merits of this “community solar” project. As a fourth-generation owner of my farm and a former elected officer for the state of Maine for two three-year terms, I can appreciate any concerns and look forward to assisting Chaberton Energy in providing supplemental clean energy at a reduced cost to my neighbors.

Charles L. Waite III Snow Hill

Registration open for Paint Worcester County

Plein air event slated for Sept. 15-20 across area

(Aug. 16, 2024) The Worcester County Arts Council is accepting artists’ registrations for the Paint Worcester County, plein air event set for Sept. 15-20.

This year’s event is presented in partnership with the Worcester County Library Foundation.

Local and regional artists will paint outdoors at their leisure at any chosen location in Worcester County and compete for cash prizes. The competition offers a total of $2,450 to winning artists.

Registration, event schedule, and artists’ guidelines are available on the Arts Council’s website at worcestercountyartscouncil.org. The deadline to register Aug. 31.

Artwork in the competition will be judged by award-winning plein air artist Jim Rehak.

Visitors will have an opportunity to watch the artists as they set up their easels around Worcester County and paint picturesque scenes. Visitors are also invited to attend a free

and open sale and exhibit, featuring work created during the event, from 5-7 p.m., Sept. 20, at the Berlin public library at 13 Harrison Ave. Artwork will be available for purchase. For more information, contact the Arts Council at 410-641-0809 or visit worcestercountyartscouncil.org.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Pictured, from left, are the winners of last year’s Paint Worcester County plein air event, Cheryl Wisbrock, Rhonda Ford, Lori Yates, Carla Huber, Judith Showell Loeber, Nancy Fine, Homer Proctor and Judy Benton.

Allies victorious after Germans ignore advice

Losses were great for many and could have been worse if not for several actions

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Aug. 16, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, although achieving a great victory, the Allies were losing an opportunity to end the war in Europe by Christmas.

In mid-June, Field Marshals Gerd von Rundstedt and Erwin Rommel met with the German Warlord. Field Marshal von Rundstedt was the senior field commander in the German Army, commander Wehrmacht forces in the West, and one of its most respected officers.

He was, reportedly, considered the most dangerous and capable of the German field marshals by Gens. Eisenhower and Montgomery. From his accomplishments in North Africa, Field Marshal Rommel, commander of Armeegruppe B, enjoyed an excellent reputation. Both, vainly, urged Hitler to allow the German forces to withdraw behind the Seine River. At the end of the month, they again, vainly, beseeched him to allow them to withdraw behind the Seine.

On July 1, 1944, having learned that his order to withdraw German armor out of the range of Allied naval guns had been overruled, Field Marshal von Rundstedt called German High Command and told its chief, Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel, to get the decision reversed. Field Marshal Keitel then began whining about the deteriorating situation on the Eastern Front and wailed, “What shall we do?”

Field Marshal von Rundstedt growled into the phone, “Make peace you fools!” and slammed the phone down. He was replaced by Field Marshal Günther von Kluge the next day.

When Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was injured in a car accident attempting to avoid Allied fighter planes, Field Marshal von Kluge was given command of Field Marshal Rommel’s Armeegruppe B as well. Like his predecessor field marshals, Field Marshal von Kluge advocated a withdrawal of German forces behind the River Seine. The German Führer refused to countenance such a move, instead ordering foolish attacks — Operation Lüttich.

On Aug. 2, 1944, der Führer ordered Field Marshal von Kluge to

Continued on Page 98

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Gen. Montgomery with Lt. Gens. George S. Patton (left) and Omar Bradley (center) at 21st Army Group HQ, July 7,1944.

mount, “... an immediate counterattack between Mortain and Avranches” in Normandy. Avranches is a town of 8,000 situated on the southern end of the Cotentin Peninsula at its intersection with the Brittany Peninsula, while Mortain is a much smaller village, of about 1,600, located about 30 miles to the north. Mortain was defended by the “Old Hickory” Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Leland Hobbs.

To make sure that his orders were obeyed, the German Warlord sent Gen. Walter Warlimont, deputy chief of staff of the High Command, to Field Marshal von Kluge’s headquarters. Kluge told Gen. Warlimont there was no chance of success and that the German armed forces should be retired behind the Seine River. Hitler said, “We must strike like lightening!” Hitler ordered that the attack be

led by eight of the nine Panzer Divisions then in Normandy. However, that proved to be impossible. The XLVII Panzerkorps, commanded by Gen. Baron Hans von Funck was assigned the task. Its Panzer Divisions included the 2nd, 116th, SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler and SS Das Reich Divisions, commanded by respectively, Baron Heinrich von Lüttwitz, Count Gerhardt von Schwerin, Theodore Wisch and Otto Baum.

Although the last two divisions were the elite of the Wehrmacht, by this time they had been greatly weakened by continuous combat in Normandy. So, on the evening of Aug. 6, Field Marshal von Kluge reluctantly ordered those forces to attack the U.S. VII Corps, under the command of Maj. Gen. J. Lawton (“Lightening”) Collins.

With the information provided by

the “Ultra Project,” the Americans knew the attack was coming. The German Panzers were devastated by the Ninth United States Army Air Force and the RAF flying Typhoons and P-47 Thunderbolts.

On Aug. 8, U.S. 2nd Armored Division, commanded by Edward H. Brooks, attacked the rear of the two SS Panzer Divisions. That same day, Gen. George S. Patton Jr.’s Third Army captured Le Mans, and the First Canadian Army, commanded by Henry D.G. Crerar, attacked toward Falaise, on the other side of the German Forces. Falaise is the birthplace of William the Conqueror and, today, has a population of 8,500.

By Aug. 13, the German attack had sputtered to a halt after losing half its tanks, and was now in danger of being encircled by Allied forces. The northern and southern Allied pincers

were a mere 20 miles apart. The next day, Hitler authorized a limited withdrawal of Seventh Army, commanded by Col. Gen. Paul Hausser. The Allies entered the town of Falaise on Aug. 16.

That’s when we will publish all the kids’ photos we receive. Just make sure it’s in color and a high-quality image. EMAIL PHOTOS TO: EDITOR@OCEANCITYTODAY.NET

The next day, Field Marshal von Kluge was relieved of command, replaced by Field Marshal Walter Model and ordered to report to Berlin. It was an order he would not obey. By now, the gap between the Allied forces had closed to six miles, creating a pocket 20 miles wide and six miles deep trapping 100,000 of the best German soldiers on the Western Front.

Der Führer observed that, “Success only failed to come because von Kluge did not want to be successful!” Field Marshal Model ordered a withdrawal on Aug. 18. The aperture was closed on the next day. However, the II SS Panzerkorps, commanded by Wilhelm Bittrich, and containing the SS Hohenstaufen & Frundsberg Panzer Divisions, commanded by Sylvester Stadler and Heinz Harmel, was able to hold a small corridor a few hundred yards wide, which came to be known as the “Falaise Gap,” and allowed thousands of German troops to escape.

The “Gap” was finally closed on Aug. 21, when elements of Gen. Crerar’s Canadian First Army linked with troops of Gen. Patton’s Third Army, trapping the remnants of the German Seventh Army, commanded by Heinrich Eberbach. Most agree that if British commander Bernard Montgomery had moved with greater alacrity, the Allied victory would have been greater and the entire Seventh Army would have been captured, instead of just two-thirds. Most of the Seventh Army’s equipment was destroyed or captured.

The Allied victory had only been possible because the German warlord chose to ignore the advice of three very experienced and competent field marshals: von Rundstedt, Rommel and von Kluge. German losses were: 30,000 killed and wounded; 50,000 captured; 5,000 motor vehicles; 2,000 wagons; 700 artillery pieces;

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Field Marshal Gunther von Kluge wearing Knight's Cross.

DEBORAH LEE (THOMPSON) BISHOP

Bishopville

Deborah Lee (Thompson) Bishop, 71, of Bishopville, went to be with her Lord and Savior and joined her beloved daughter and son in Heaven on Aug. 8, 2024. A resident of Bishopville, and formerly of Ocean City, Debi was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on March 31, 1953. She was the daughter of the late Joyce Wittstadt GlassHanvey of North Miami Beach, Florida, and the late Lewis C. Thompson, of California.

Debi, a 1971 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, attended Goldey Beacom Business College. She had worked at Minute Man Press and One Stop Business Center in Ocean City. She also worked at Delmarva Vending Corp., handling as

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 98

220 tanks; 160 assault guns; 130 halftracks; 130 antiaircraft guns.

That it was not a worse German disaster was only because a fourth field marshal — Model — chose to ignore the warlord’s order and withdrew, and a future British field marshal — Montgomery — was slow to close the “Gap!” The Allies suffered 10,000 casualties.

Field Marshal von Kluge, fearing that he would be implicated in the unsuccessful, July 20 attempt on der Führer’s life, drove to the Verdun battlefield, where he had served during The Great War, and committed suicide. Field Marshal Rommel would soon be forced to follow suit.

Next: Is Paris Burning?

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

many as 500 pay phones, and after the business was switched to ATMs and worked for Wholesale Communications, prepaid terminals. At the time of her passing, she was employed by Windsor Teak Furniture — all businesses owned by her brother, Ken Glass. She joked that she was always just a paper pusher.

She is a member of the High Tide Church family and a volunteer at FORGE Youth and Family Academy in Pittsville. She adored all the kids and the big bugs they gave her freely. Throughout her lifetime, she completed several continuing education courses.

She was preceded in death by her beloved children, daughter Kenlee Raye Chamberlain in 1989 and son Judson Charles Chamberlain in 2006. She grieved for them until they were all recently reunited by God. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Calvin H. Bishop Jr., in 2011; and brother Donald W. Hanvey in 2013.

Survivors are her brother, Ken Glass, of Bishopville; niece Jacqueline E. Glass of West Palm Beach, Florida; and nephew Sasha A. Glass, of Berlin. She had a very special love for Michael Cooper and his children, J.D., Aubrey and Judson Cooper. A special place is held in her heart for their mothers, Kelly Dillon and Mimoza Gjikuria, whom she loved and

thought of highly. She also leaves behind her best friend, her golden retriever Joy, and sweet cat Quinoa. She enjoyed gardening among her multitude of hummingbirds and butterflies. She loved sharing the grace and miracles of God and His son Jesus. She felt very blessed by the love and affection of those she called her kids.She had a generous heart, loving soul and a smile and hug for everyone she met. She was the person who was always there for people when they needed a friend. She was also the person who faced many issues alone, but was still willing to do anything to see someone else smile.

Per her request, no services are planned. Interment will be private at the Ebenezer Cemetery in Whaleyville. She asks that any donations be sent to FORGE Youth & Family Academy, 7804 Gumboro Road, Pittsville, MD 21850.

Arrangements handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.

ROBERT LAWRENCE “LARRY” SCHAUB Ocean Pines

Robert Lawrence “Larry” Schaub, 82, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, at home surrounded by family.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late George Donald Schaub and Ellen Beierle.

He is survived by his wife, Darby Russell Schaub; son Gregory

Larry Schaub

Lawrence Schaub (Karen); daughter Lauren Schaub Molino (Craig); sisters Stephanie O’Hara and Carolyn Thayer (Edward); four grandchildren, Eric Alexander Schaub, Matthew Robert Schaub (Brooke), Elizabeth Lee Kennedy (Dillon) and Nicola Justine Molino; and three great-grandchildren, Anthony James Schaub, Isla Rose Kennedy and Wesley Lawrence Kennedy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Lee Schaub; and two brothers, Richard Anthony Schaub and John Randolph Schaub.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. Visitation will take place one hour prior. Inurnment will take place at 11 a..m, Sept. 14, at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Timonium.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial contribution be made in Larry’s name to either the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

$1,595.

Deborah Bishop

Sports & Recreation

Top white marlin secures $3.6M in

Tourney concludes with big payouts in every division

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(Aug. 16, 2024) The two white marlin boated in last week’s 51st Annual White Marlin Open captured nearly two-thirds of the total prize money.

After six days of fishing – one added due to expected tropical activity that never arrived in earnest – the first-place white marlin, a 77.5pounder caught by Raleigh, North Carolina, angler Ven Poole last Tuesday aboard the Waste Knot, earned $3,699,630. On Thursday, the Billfisher’s Noah McVicker of Ocean City caught a 76-pound white marlin that held on to win $1,797,119. The Billfisher, owned by the Duffie family of Duffie Boatworks in West Ocean City, is no stranger to fishing tourney success, winning the White Marlin Open in 2022 with a 77.5-pounder worth $4.1 million. In 2011, the Billfisher won $1.1 million in The MidAtlantic with a 1,135-pound blue marlin that set a new state record.

Together, the two qualifying white marlin claimed 65% of the total $8.5 million available in prize money to the 318 registered boats.

Along with the threatening weather

FULL BOAT PAYOUTS:

Waste Knot, $3,699,630

Billfisher, $1,797,119

Blue Runner, $1,007,012

Stone Cutter, $520,374

Moore Bills, $410,936

Covered Up, $202,030

MJ’s, $162,547

Warden Pass, $154,046

Bobojo, $123,384

The Right Place, $76,651

CTRL-ALT-DEL, $75,850

American Lady, $68,594

Catch 23, $64,594

Sequel, $55,002

Short Fin, $52,599

Taylor Jean, $21, 360

Magician, $21,360

Lulu, $15,842

MaxBet, $15,842

Polarizer, $15,842

Riptide, $15,842

No Limit, $7,750

Hatt Trick, $5,043

HALLPASS, $5,043

Double Nickel, $2,409

all week, the most unique aspect of this year’s tourney seemed to be the big blue marlin brought to the scales. Tuesday was a historic day with two large blue marlin weighed in within an hour of each other.

First came the eventual winning blue marlin – a 897.5-pound beauty caught by Horseheads, New York, resident Lance Blakemore aboard the Stone Cutter. On the same day, the Bobojo threatened the big blue just weighed in but fell short with Montress, Va. resident Hershel Martin catching a 789.5-pound blue marlin.

The real test to the Stone Cutter’s monster blue, however, came on Thursday when Millers Island angler Phil Key caught a 894-pound blue aboard the Moore Bills.

It was an exciting blue division this year with the Stone Cutter winning $520,374, followed by the Moore Bills with $410,936 and the Bobojo claiming $112,704.

With the white marlin and blue marlin division featuring solid catches, much of the attention on the final days of the tournament on Friday (just 17 boats fished) and Saturday (62 boats) turned to the tuna division.

As for tuna, the Blue Runner out of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, maintained the first place spot with a 220.5-pounder caught Tuesday for a little more than a $1 million total. In second, Warden Pass from Cape May, New Jersey, won a little over $154,000 with a 193.5-pound bigeye caught Wednesday, while MJ’s, also out of Cape May, New Jersey, earned third place and just over $147,000 with a nearly identical, 193.5 tuna brought in Thursday.

Two dolphins caught Tuesday also kept their spots on the leaderboard after the scales closed Saturday.

The crew from Catch 23 out of

Jupiter, Florida, remained in first place and won $64,594 with a 32.5pounder, while Double Nickel from Solomons, Md., won second place and $2,409 with their 31-pound catch.

While the penultimate day of the tourney brought no changes to the leaderboard, the sixth and final day on

its

and securing some prize money for the American Lady out of Indian River, Delaware. The 70-pound fish, caught by Ian Horowitz from North Whales, Pennsylvania, earned a total $68,594 in prize money.

The catch was the last one of note for the tournament, locking the spots earned throughout the week for white and blue marlin, tuna and dolphins.

Saturday gave the competition

first and only wahoo, opening the category

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FISH IN OC

A $3.69 million prize was presented to the Waste Knot for the first-place white marlin in this year’s White Marlin Open.

Members of the Billfisher team and their family members surround Ocean City angler Noah McVicker during last weekend’s check presentation for $1.79 million

The Blue Runner of New Jersey took home tuna honors with a 220.5-pound big eye good enough for $1,007,012.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

The second day of the White Marlin Open saw the top two finishers in the white marlin and blue marlin divisions weighed in. Above left, the tourney’s top prize money winner was team Waste Knot, whose 77.5-pound white marlin won $3.7 million. Above right, Team Stone Cutter had the biggest blue marlin of the White Marlin Open with this 897.5 pounder.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Captain Dave Caffrey of On the Run Charters put this couple on keeper flounder of 17.5 inches and 23 inches. Above middle, the Blue Runner fishing team won over $1 million in the White Marlin Open with this 220.5-pound bigeye tuna. Above right, Terry Layton and Jimmy Fields had a great day of flounder fishing ocean structure with seven keepers to over 6 pounds. Below left, it was double keeper sea bass for this lady angler fishing on the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Below center, these ladies had a great time on the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak putting some nice sea bass in the cooler. Below right, Luke Wrye landed flounder up to 21 inches fishing live bait in the East Channel.