8/25/2023 Ocean City Today

OC Today

AUGUST 25, 2023

UNDERWAY NOW

Annual event offers array of activities, displays for enthusiasts in town from all over – Page 23

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY FREE

Carozza: We have regrouped

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) took federal, state and county officials on a boat ride through the Ocean City Inlet last Thursday in an effort to draw attention to the channel’s worsening shoaling problems.

“We had a representative from the (state) Senate president’s office on the boat, the governor’s cabinet, the Department of Natural Resources, who understand that the Army Corps is going to need to be pressed,” Carozza said.

In March, the Army Corps of Engineers had to abandon a major inlet restoration project after a cost-benefit analysis failed to hit a number that would permit the authorization of the

$16 million expenditure the project would require.

Models of the proposed improvements showed it would only reduce the need for continued dredging by 50 percent, according to a March letter from the corps.

“The bottom line is the U.S. Army Corps’s response for notification in March is completely unacceptable … we have regrouped and are having all of our partners working together elevating this at every level,” Carozza said.

Jayne Bunting Kendall, co-owner of the Angler restaurant on Talbot Street with her sister, Julie Bunting Smith, used the restaurant’s Angler headboat to carry the party to the scene.

The ride took officials to the area

between buoy’s 11 and 12, near the north tip of Assateague and Sunset Marina. They were joined by local stakeholders who depend on the inlet’s navigability for business, including Jim Motsko, founder and codirector of the White Marlin Open, John Duffie, a local custom boat builder, Sonny Gwin, an Ocean City lobsterman, and Mark Cropper, a local attorney who was representing the Ocean City Marlin Club.

The business owners made presentations on how a shallow and dangerous inlet could hurt their industries if potential visitors move on to safer, clearer inlets in other states along the East Coast for water recreation, and if commercial fishing operations do the same, Carozza said.

See TOUR Page 6

Unlawful entry ends in beating by 70-year-old

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer Mark Wadden

(Aug. 25, 2023)

Austin Paul Eby, a 24year-old from Baltimore, got much more than he bargained for when he walked into an unlocked condominium unit early last Wednesday morning. He got a whipping, according to the con-

See CONDO Page 10

The dredge Murden makes her way through the Ocean City Inlet Tuesday. The Army Corps of Engineers scheduled the split-hull vessel to work on the channel from Aug. 19-30.

A rendering shows the

look

North OC alternative energy project moved back to 2024

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(Aug. 25, 2023) Plans for a battery energy storage system on a lot off of 100th Street are still on, but likely not coming together until next year as Delmarva Power officials work out some lingering property challenges.

At a City Council meeting Tuesday, City Manager Terry McGean gave an update on the project, which was proposed in early 2022 for one of two lots behind the Worcester County Public Library.

The facility will collect energy from an electric grid or renewable power source and store it using battery technology. Delmarva Power officials have said the system is a less invasive way to deliver power to the surrounding neighborhood than a substation, like those at 35th, 69th and 138th streets. It is also expected to provide a more sustainable energy source for the future.

The process of bringing the project

to fruition began with the planning commission’s approval of a conditional use permit and continued with the council’s approval of a land swap between two parcels. Delmarva Power owns one lot and the city owns an adjacent one, and the land swap was needed to pave the way for construction of the project on the city’s lot.

Construction of the facility was supposed to be finished by December, but was pushed back because of issues on Delmarva Power’s end. McGean said Tuesday that another issue came up with the ownership of the property and Delmarva Power’s assets, which pushed it back even further.

“We are still going forward with the land and swap itself,” McGean said, “It’s another three or four months out with that.”

He added that it is “fair to say” that construction will likely not begin until sometime in 2024.

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RENDERING COURTESY GMB ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING

proposed

of a battery energy storage system planned for a lot behind the Worcester County Public Library on 100th Street. Delmarva Power officials are still planning to construct the alternative energy production facility, but ran into some snags that will likely push completion back to sometime in 2024.

City Council approves events for upcoming fall weekends

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(Aug. 25, 2023) From kites to craft beer, numerous events were approved this week by Ocean City Council members for September and October dates in downtown Ocean City.

Sunfest Kite Fest

The annual Maryland International Kite Fest is scheduled to take place Sept. 21-24 on the beach between Fourth and Sixth streets following approval of a private event request.

The aerial show, which consists of giant kite displays, sport kite demos, children’s kite giveaways, candy drops and general small kite flying, will take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

According to a staff report, music will be played from a sound system at the Kite Loft store on the Boardwalk at Fifth Street to accompany the displays and other festivities.

The organizer requested no placement of fencing, removal of all wooden walkways and volleyball nets, and relocation of the blue beach boxes against the sea well in the event footprint.

The staff report said public works staff will remove the wooden walkways and agreed not to put up fencing within the footprint. However, crews cannot move the beach boxes because permission must be granted from the beach stand operators.

The staff report said Beach Patrol members asked that the event not interfere with patrolling or crowds.

There are also rules the organizer must follow regarding the size of the footprint and areas that must remain open to the public.

The organizer will pay the town a total $525 in private event fees, the

staff report said.

OC Beach Classic

An ultimate beach Frisbee event is tentatively set for Oct. 14 and 15 between Wicomico and Dorchester streets.

The OC Beach Classic, which will feature eight fields in the sand for teams of five people each to face off in tournament-style matches, is slated for 9 a.m, to 5 p.m. daily.

A staff report said the organizer will use tarp-like materials to make the field lines and anchor them at each corner to create the playing areas, and use small cones to designate the end zones.

The organizer asked for city staff to clean the beach the Friday before the event and prepare the footprint. The organizer also wants permission to set up one tent and two tables, and movement of lifeguard stands and fencing in the playing area, among other requests.

The staff report said public works crews will fine-clean the beach in the event’s footprint prior to set up.

The organizer will pay the city $675 in private event fees, according to the staff report.

Breast Cancer 5K

A 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk to raise money and awareness for breast cancer will take place on a Saturday in October on South First Street between the Boardwalk and Baltimore Avenue.

The Making Strides Against Great Cancer event is tentatively set from 811:30 a.m., Oct. 21 this year. Council members also approved date holds for Oct. 19, 2024, and Oct. 18, 2025 for future events.

See KITE Page 8

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Kites fly over and along the beach between Third and Seventh streets during a kite festival in spring of 2022. An annual fall kite fest is planned during Sunfest, set Sept. 21-24, on the beach between Fourth and Sixth streets.

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Inlet

shoaling big

problem for Maryland DNR as well

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) Along with commercial watermen and boaters in Ocean City, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources also has skin in the game when it comes to solving inlet shoaling.

On Thursday, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) took federal, state and local officials on a boat tour through the inlet to bring attention to the issue of the channel’s worsening navigability.

Dave Goshorn, deputy secretary for the DNR was one of the presenters on board. He said there was much engagement and interest among the officials, and that the experience seemed eye-opening for many who weren’t fully aware of the issue.

“My sense was that a lot of those

folks didn’t really appreciate the extent of the problem until we took them out there, which was good,” Goshorn said. “We were able to inform them.”

Goshorn said that, from the DNR’s perspective, one of the great problems with an unnavigable inlet is the fact that many commercial fishermen who work off Maryland waters will turn to safer inlets, like those in New Jersey, to unload their catches. Registering the species and numbers for Maryland becomes a timeconsuming bureaucratic headache for DNR when the fish are taken to an out-of-state dock, Goshorn said.

“It is extremely challenging to decide how many fish can be harvested in a sustainable manner, and then that has to get divided up between all the states up and down the East Coast

See FISH Page 7

Tour explains inlet’s shoal woes

Continued from Page 1

In June, Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st) and Carozza convened a similar meeting in Ocean City and included many of the same local watermen and business owners.

Carozza planned the boat tour around the same time, scheduling it to line up with the Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference, which was held in Ocean City last week, so that many visiting officials were in town to attend.

Also on the boat was Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino, 10 state senators and four delegates, two of whom, Del. Jay Jacobs (R-36), and Del. Regina Boyce (D-43A), are members of the Environment and Transportation Committee, Carozza said.

Deputy Legislative Officer from the Office of Gov. Wes Moore, Saif Ratul, and Kevin Smith, executive di-

rector of Maryland Coastal Bays, also joined the outing, as did staff members for Harris and U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland).

Carozza said Harris is planning to summon the corps for a meeting, likely after Labor Day, to submit specific requests for inlet maintenance with the backing of the town, county and state.

Among some of the hypothetical solutions are funding a dredge boat that is reserved specifically for the mid-Atlantic region, Carozza said.

The outing was not intended to work out long-term solutions, but rather to elevate the issue as a priority, she said.

“We are standing together as a state working together at every level of government to make sure the Army Corps of Engineers moves forward with a solution for the long term and not just the continual dredging,” Carozza said.

PHOTO COURTESY PAT SCHRAWDER

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources faces logistical issues in properly reporting the state’s commercial fishing quota because inlet shoaling. Pictured is a boat full of Maryland State officials, including some from MDNR, on a tour through the inlet on Thursday, which was orchestrated by Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38).

Army Corps of Engineers hamstrung by law

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) Officials from the Army Corps of Engineers continue to emphasize that they did not “decide” to abandon permanent structural solutions for the Ocean City Inlet’s shoaling problem. Legally, they had no choice.

In March, the Army Corps of Engineers canceled an inlet restoration project after a cost-benefit ratio analysis fell short of what the federal law required to authorize the $16 million the restoration.

Several million dollars of that cost would have had to have been funded locally, said Dan Bierly, chief of the Civil Project Development Branch for the Corps.

Models of the proposed improvements showed it would only reduce dredging by 50 percent, according to a March letter from the corps.

“What we’re doing has nothing to do with personal decisions that we’re making,” Bierly said. “BCR’s (Benefitcost ratio) and things like that, those are law. They’re not even rules,

Fish need to be landed locally

Continued from Page 6

for whatever the species happens to be,” Goshorn said. “It makes it hard to get our quota [that Maryland fishermen] deserve.”

“The main concern, obviously, is for the commercial watermen themselves and their ability to land their fish in the Ocean City inlet and the Ocean City Harbor and all the ancillary fish processing, trucking, all the ancillary economic benefits that come from that,” Goshorn added.

As for any negative environmental impacts, Goshorn said, to his knowledge the impacts would be negligible, since the inlet is such a dynamic environment, there wouldn’t be much habitat to disrupt, he said.

But there could be a heavy environmental benefit, Goshorn said. Much of the sand and spoil that comes from dredging the inlet could be used to help restore the eroding northern tip of Assateague.

Fortifying barrier islands like Assateague can help break and reduce storm surges before they reach the mainland, Goshorn said.

In the past, dredging spoil has been used to create habitat for rare bird species that depend on “sand islands” to breed, he said.

“That’s a good example of how DNR is involved in this,” Goshorn said. “We will work with the [Maryland Coastal Bays] Program, and the Corps and the county, of course, [to advise on] what the best use of that material is.”

they’re law. The funding we use and how we use it is written in law.”

“We have our requirements, and if it doesn’t meet the requirement, then Congress says ‘do not proceed,’” said Carlos Lazo, government affairs officer with the corps.

On Thursday, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) took federal, state and local officials on a boat tour

through the inlet to bring attention to the shoaling issue in the channel.

She and others, like Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, are calling on the corps to implement more comprehensive solutions beyond the current dredging schedule in order to fix it.

Since the inlet is a federal channel, the corps has responsibility over its

maintenance.

Bierly said that the corps has been talking to the county and state about restarting the Ocean City Ocean City, Maryland, and Vicinity Water Resources study, an analysis of the local environment, similar to the one conducted in 1998.

“Maybe that study we recently

PHOTO COURTESY PAT SCHRAWDER

Some believe that solving the inlet shoaling problem could go hand-in-hand with fixing the erosion on the northern tip of Assateague by moving dredge material to the island. Pictured is the northern tip of Assateague where it borders the inlet.

Kite, frisbee, running, beer event agreements approved OC talks transition to zero-emission bus fleet in future

Continued from Page 4

According to a staff report, both runs will take place on the Boardwalk and concrete pad downtown. A race village will be set up on First Street.

The staff report said the organizer requested a judge’s stand, 15 cones, 80 pieces of special event fencing, 10 trash cans, use of the downtown portable electric outlet and electric from First Street lights, free parking areas, public restroom use and police support.

The event is set for Sunfest weekend, and the Boardwalk trams are scheduled to begin running at 10 a.m. The staff report said the tram lanes must be clear.

Police will provide shift officers from Sunfest to help with the event, and public works staff will provide the judges stand, cones, fencing, trash cans and electric service.

The staff report said the organizer will pay the town $425 in private event fees and $660 in asset and support fees for a total $1,085.

Shore Craft Beer Festival

The Ocean City Development Corporation’s annual Shore Craft Beer Festival will take place rain or shine from 10-5 p.m., Oct. 28, at Sunset

Park downtown.

A staff report said the ticketed event is an Eastern Shore craft beer festival featuring samples of craft beer from local breweries, food trucks, souvenir sales and music. The participating breweries may also sell prepackaged products that cannot be consumed on site.

The organizer requested trash cans, access to restrooms, fencing, temporary pedestrian crosswalks and several parking spaces.

The staff report said food truck operators must follow all applicable state, county and local codes. They will be inspected upon arrival and cannot interfere with bus access to South Division Street and the South End Transit Station.

The staff report said the organizer must obtain permits for any large tents for the event and public works staff agreed to provide the requested assets and support.

The organizer will pay the town $100 in private event fees and $274.80 in asset and support fees for a total of $374.80.

The staff report said a fee for the use of city space will be waived, and the organizer will pay a park rental fee.

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(Aug. 25, 2023) It won’t happen tomorrow, but sometime in the future, Ocean City transportation officials expect to transition the resort’s bus fleet from diesel fuel to a zeroemission fuel source.

“I just want everyone to be aware that we are not under any kind of specific deadline to transition fleet to alternative fuel,” Transit Manager Rob Shearman told members of the city’s Transportation Committee last week. “But I do think that it is a when, not if, proposition and that we need to be considering what that plan might look like if some mandate were to come down from the Federal Transit Administration and Maryland Transit Administration.”

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, who was elected in November, has been pushing an agenda focused on clean energy and emissions reductions. He vowed during his election campaign to “combat the effects of climate change, and build a more resilient Maryland.” The commitment came with a bulleted list of action items, including a push to ensure the state

See MANDATE Page 9

Mandate expected eventually

Continued from Page 8

generates 100 percent clean energy by 2035, and reduce greenhouse gases by 60 percent by 2030.

To help reach the goal, the state and federal transit agencies prepared a zero-emission public bus study. Shearman said he was supposed to present the details of the study to members of the Transportation Committee at its Aug. 15 meeting but was not satisfied with the context of the information.

“A few details within the study were based on flawed assumptions about our service,” Shearman said in a memo to committee members and city staff.

His main concern was a “very daunting figure” that was floated for the overall costs of switching to a zero-emission bus fleet with associated infrastructure. The figure — $99 million in capital costs and $1.9 million annually in operating costs —

failed to provide proper context for the figures, Shearman’s memo said, particularly regarding the time period, equipment options and comparison to existing costs.

He explained that state transit officials made it clear the study was simply a first step to shifting to alternative fuel, with plans to flesh out details at a workshop in September.

“There are lots of questions, not many answers at this point,” Shearman said last week.

Transportation Committee members agreed that the mandate for alternative fuel for buses is likely coming, but they wanted to make it clear that local action in that regard is not going to happen anytime soon.

“We don’t want the public to think this is something we will have to address in the next 60 days,” Mayor Rick Meehan, who serves as chairman of the committee, said.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

An Ocean City bus pulls into the South End Transit Station downtown. Transit officials may soon be looking into transitioning the city’s public bus fleet from diesel to alternative fuel.

Dredge schedules too dense for further action

conducted didn’t come up with positive recommendation because we weren’t able to do the in depth modeling, or more modeling or planning,” Bierly said.

The Assateague Restoration Project, which tangentially benefits Ocean City because of the maintenance it entails, came out of the 1998 study, Bierly said.

Bierly said in June that the corps uses two hopper dredges twice a year for the Assateague Restoration Project. While the dredges are working on Assateague, they often take some scoops from the inlet.

Carozza said one of the potential requests to the corps would be to fund a dredge that can be used specifically in the mid-Atlantic.

It’s unlikely a Corps district like Baltimore could acquire another dredge just by asking higher offices for it, and even if it did, it could require a very long approval process, Bierly said in June.

Currently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s Shallow Draft Dredge, the “Murden,” is working 24-hour dredging operations for the inlet and Assateague Bypass, said Cynthia Mitchell, public affairs specialist with the corps.

It arrived on Aug. 19 and is ex-

pected to remain until Aug. 30.

“All materials dredged during these operations will be beneficially repurposed and placed off Assateague Island National Seashore,” Mitchell said.

The Murden is a split-hull dredge, rather than a hydraulic dredge, that is based out of the Wilmington district, said Eric Lindheimer, chief of the corps navigation branch. While the Murden visits Ocean City inlet three-four times a year, it is stretched between dredging projects all around the East Coast, Lindheimer said.

“We’re trying our best to get our dredge out there to maintain safe and navigable channels,” Lindheimer said.

Bierly said that, with the current dredging, it doesn’t seem like the corps can ever get on top of the issue.

“We’re just catching up all the time,” Bierly said.

The same dredge is scheduled to come back in October, although its dredging schedule isn’t set for 2024. The Murden’s projects are dependent on weather, environmental restrictions and other dredging responsibilities on the East Coast, Mitchell said.

Dredge boat maintenance and major storms elsewhere also throw a wrench in the Murden’s scheduling, Lazo said.

With the corps’ limited budget and resources, Lindheimer said he can’t schedule the dredge for the inlet any more than it already is.

Dave Goshorn, deputy secretary for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, said much of the sand and refuse that comes from dredging the inlet could be used to help restore the eroding northern tip of Assateague.

Being that the Murden is a splithull dredge, it produces a drier material after it is sucked up from the bottom. A hydraulic dredge produces much more material that is around 85 percent water, takes one-two years to dry, and couldn’t be used to restore the northern tip’s erosion. The Murden could produce material fit for restoring the erosion, Bierly said, but it can only drop material in the water off the shore of Assateague, and there would need to be new environmental permits to allow it.

The Assateague Restoration Project occurs several miles south of the island’s northern tip, Bierly said.

Carozza said Harris plans to organize a meeting with the corps sometime after Labor Day.

While such a meeting wouldn’t push the corps into immediate action since it’s dependent on congressional funding, Lazo said a meeting could be

beneficial for helping officials understand the corps’ limitations.

Lazo said they could tell them, “This is what we’ve kind of already looked at, our limitations when it comes to the navigation vessels and the current authorities that allow us to proceed down certain paths. We can mention the effort of looking at that 25-year-old study to see if there’s a possible solution there, comprehensive solutions.”

Lazo thinks the information about the corps’ position could help inform officials on how to proceed with their inlet solutions, any solution they might come up with would probably happen separately from the corps.

Intruder beaten by elder resident

Continued from Page 1

dominium’s occupant, 70-year-0ld Mark Wadden, who administered the beating after being awakened by the intruder.

Eby, who police said was heavily intoxicated at the time, entered the White Bay Condominium unit at around 2:15 a.m., apparently not realizing it was the wrong condo in more way than one.

Wadden said he was in a deep sleep when Eby apparently entered his room.

“Within minutes, he was on top of me,” he said. “He had his hands around my neck in a choke hold, so I had to get his hands off me.”

Wadden, who had been taken several years of self-defense training in his youth, said he followed his instincts.

“I was able to get his arm behind him,” Wadden said, “I just laid on top of him and punched him in the chin five times.”

Wadden said Eby kept saying that he was going to “mess him up,” but that Wadden grabbed Eby’s head and slammed it at the foot of the bed three times. It was then that Eby had stopped talking, and Wadden used his assailant’s cell phone to call 911.

“I’d given a description of what happened, and the dispatcher had said that help was on the way,” Wadden said.

Police arrived at the scene 4 a.m., at which point Wadden told them, “I’d injured my knuckles fighting and they were sore.”

Wadden was staying in the condominium with his brother, Robert, who apparently was unaware of the ruckus taking place in the other bedroom until its final minutes.

“We’d left the front door unlocked, thinking nobody was going to come and assault any of us,” Wadden said, adding that the unit was at the far end of a long hallway.

According to the police report, Eby was charged with assault, as well as third- and fourth-degree breaking and entering.

First reading passes on parks smoking ban

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(Aug. 25, 2023) Despite gaining another City Council opponent, a proposed ordinance change that would eliminate designated smoking areas in public parks took another step toward final approval this week.

At a meeting Monday, council members voted 4-2, with Councilmen Peter Buas and Tony DeLuca opposed and Councilman Will Savage absent, to pass the first reading of an ordinance to outlaw smoking in parks. The vote also advances changing references to “marijuana” in the ordinance to “cannabis,” given the recent legalization of the substance.

DeLuca said he voted against the change for a couple of reasons.

“First of all, you’re outside,” he said. “You’re at Northside Park, your child or your grandson hits a winning home run, you can’t even light up a Short Story [cigar] at the designated smoking area.”

He worried that the regulations would not stop there, and people would eventually be banned from lighting up in designated areas on the beach.

DeLuca did not vote against moving the ordinance to a first reading when it was introduced at a work session earlier this month. That request passed 6-1 with Buas opposed.

Recreation and parks staff proposed the change because the regulations, which allow smoking only within 15 feet of designated signs at places such as Northside Park, are difficult to enforce. And with the legalization of marijuana and rules prohibiting smoking in many public places, staff determined it was more feasible to eliminate the designated smoking areas altogether.

The ordinance moves next to a second and final reading.

Success of local housing rehab in county recognized

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners acknowledged the success of the county’s housing rehabilitation program last Tuesday during a hearing on how a Community Development Block Grant awarded for that purpose is being spent.

Commissioner Diana Purnell observed that the rehabilitation program is “changing the lives of so many people.”

The housing rehabilitation grant came from the federally funded Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program for Projects, in Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, Stockton, Ocean City and outlying areas.

Program Administrator Davida Washington reminded the commissioners that the county had been awarded a block grant of $300,000 last August for the rehabilitation of 18 owner-occupied homes. The money was released in October, and since then more than $265,000 of it has been committed.

Washington said that Shore Up is collaborating with them county on six of the projects and will cover up to $80,000 of the rehabilitation expenses.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A sign at Northside Park signifies an area in which people are allowed to smoke. Council members passed the first reading of an ordinance this week that will eliminate smoking areas in all public parks because staff say people are not following the guidelines.

Berlin could have second suitor for Heron Park lands

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) Berlin Councilmember Jay Knerr reported Monday night after the mayor and council meeting that another developer wants to present the town with a mixed used plan and price for the Heron Park properties.

During a discussion about the location of a skatepark on Parcel 410 at Heron Park, Knerr observed that another person might be coming in with a proposal and suggested keeping the location of the skatepark “more generic” so changes a second proposal might want to incorporate could be accommodated.

“He currently has an architect working on the project which he hopes to present to the mayor and council by the end of the month,” Knerr said.

“His plan would incorporate a skatepark. At this time, no details have been shared with the mayor and council regarding this plan.”

If it comes about, this proposal would compete with one offered by Palmer Gillis of Coastal Ventures Properties.

His plan, Gillis has said, visualizes “a vibrant and lively multi-use commercial building(s) providing a home for a plethora of businesses, events, and community to exist here. Our goal is to create a stronger public use by providing a new roadway from Old Ocean City Boulevard directly to the entrance of Heron Park. Not only do we want the community to continue the use of the park and lagoons, we want to help foster this use and provide greater amenities for the public.”

It goes on to identify some of the potential uses for the land, including a public amphitheater, restaurants and eateries, garden center, multiuse fields, bike racks and offices.

The timeline for a decision on the future of Heron Park is limited because of the need to use a $500,000 grant provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help cover the demolition of the old poultry plant buildings still on the property.

Mayor Zack Tyndall believes a decision on the property needs to be made by the end of this month to get the ball rolling on demolition before the June 2024 deadline for spending the grant.

The Heron Park property is home to the former Tyson’s poultry processing plant on Old Ocean City Blvd. It was purchased by the town of Berlin in 20016 for $2.5 million.

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Bid solicitation of new bulkhead can advance in county

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) The bidding of the South Point bulkhead replacement can proceed after a unanimous approval last week by the Worcester County Commissioners.

The request for bids was made by procurement officer Nicholas Rice. It will occur in two phases, both taking place on Aug. 28 under a single contractor.

The bid invitation was made through the Recreation and Parks Department.

According to the bid specifications, the replacement will require the contractor to provide labor, materials and equipment for the replacement of about 261 linear feet of existing timber bulkhead with a new vinyl sheet bulkhead system, including a new tieback system.

The work will include the bulkhead replacement, but no replacement of the boat ramp.

It was noted in the specifications that the vendor of the project is responsible for the storage of materials used in the project, and also for the coordination, off-loading, and proper storage of all materials and supplies up until the time of final inspection and project acceptance.

The work is expected to be completed by March 1, 2024.

Funding for the project in the amount of $500,000 was approved, with additional approval within the terms and conditions of the grant made by the Department of Natural Resources.

During the meeting, concern was brought up about potential damage brought to the South Point boat ramp during the replacement, but it was noted that bond protection would be provided.

Concern was also brought up about a fee charge through a contractor bid. The application fee, however, would be waived, so only a permit application would be put in place.

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Mailloux charges dismissed, prosecution files for appeal

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) Dorchester County Circuit Judge Brett W. Wilson granted a motion to dismiss all charges filed against Tyler Mailloux, 23, of Berlin, who was charged as the driver in a hit-and-run that killed 14year-old Ocean Pines resident Gavin Knupp last summer.

The judgement came during a hearing at Worcester County Circuit Court in Snow Hill Friday morning on numerous motions filed by the prosecution and defense in the Mailloux case in which the defendant faced 17 charges in connection to leaving the scene of the incident.

The accident took place on Grays Corner Road around 10:30 p.m. on July 11, 2022, when Knupp was crossing the road and was struck by a vehicle. He was pronounced dead that night at Atlantic General Hospital.

The judge agreed with Mailloux’s attorney, George Psoras Jr., of Rice Murtha & Psoras LLC, in Lutherville, that Worcester County District Court had “exclusive original jurisdiction” over the first eight counts because they were traffic related, meaning prosecutors should have filed the

charges in district court first instead of going to circuit court.

State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser said in a text after the ruling that the prosecution is disputing the decision in the Appellate Court of Maryland.

“We have already filed an appeal so the case is basically paused until we get a decision from the appellate court,” she said.

“How the case proceeds after the decision is handed down all depends on the decision of the appellate court and their legal reasoning,” she added on Monday.

Pamela Correa, assistant state’s attorney who represented the state at the motion hearing, filed an appeal at 12:25 p.m. on Friday, less than an hour after Judge Wilson issued his decision.

Michael Farlow, also an assistant state’s attorney, stood and asked the judge if circuit court has the authority to send the charges back to district court, to which Wilson answered that it does not.

“It is our understanding that the case was dismissed on procedural grounds and that decision is being appealed,” Knupp family attorney Neil Dubovsky said Monday.

See JUDGE Page 16

Judge says charges were filed in wrong court

Continued from Page 15

Psoras said in court that since the charges have concurrent jurisdiction in both courts, Mailloux would have had the right to ask to move from district court to circuit court for a judge or jury trial. But, the charges would have had to be filed in district court first.

On Tuesday, the court filed Wilson’s order to dismiss the charges.

Four of the 17 charges were felonies, and two carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. All the charges were related to Mailloux’s alleged failure to stop at the scene or report it later.

Mailloux’s family members sat in the front-right seats of the courtroom. Mailloux entered and sat with them while waiting for the hearing to begin. Mailloux moved to sit beside Psoras at a table shared with the assistant state’s attorneys once the hearing started.

Psoras only made it through two of the 12 motions defense had filed over the last few months before the judge dismissed the charges and ended the hearing. Those two motions involved requests for dismissal of charges and a change of venue.

After the motions were heard, Wilson held a brief recess. When the hearing reconvened, the judge said

that it had come to his attention that someone in the courtroom was livestreaming the proceedings, though he didn’t know who. The courtroom has a strict phones-off policy.

The judge ordered whoever was responsible for the streaming to stop, and said that if he discovered the person’s identity a contempt of court charge would follow.

At that point, Wilson granted the defense’s motion to dismiss charges and released Mailloux from pre-trial orders.

“We are thankful the court applied the law that led to the favorable outcome for our client Tyler Mailloux,” said Randolph Rice, managing partner of Rice Murtha & Psoras LLC.

“We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Gavin Knupp following the tragic loss of their beloved son. We understand that this is an incredibly challenging time for the Knupp family, and our thoughts and condolences are with them as they navigate through this period of grief,” Rice added.

Just after 1 p.m. on Friday, Mailloux filed a petition for expungement of records on the basis that the charges were dismissed. Through the document, Mailloux asks to remove “all police and court records pertaining to” the charges.

Social media backlash on the Do It

For Gavin - Justice for Gavin Facebook group ranged from harsh accusations of corruption and condemnation of the State’s Attorney’s Office for the perceived procedural mistake, to legal theories that the prosecutors were prepared for this outcome.

One Aug. 19 post from the Facebook group states, “Money talks criminals walk. Disgusting and heartbreaking.”

Some questioned how the state’s attorney could file charges in the wrong court after close to a year of preparation. Another poster responded, speculating that the move was part of a legal strategy.

Ray Knupp, Gavin’s father, posted on Facebook on Aug. 18, saying that the ruling doesn’t mean the case is over. There is a chance to bring the case to district court or to return to circuit court, pending the appeal, he wrote.

“The judge miss read (sic) the law and no one can understand why he made that ruling. We have already appealed it and will know in the next few weeks,” Knupp said in the post.

Knupp said that it could be in the Knupp family’s favor to have the case in district court, since prosecutors would only have to convince a judge

instead of a jury.

“The downside is if he gets convicted he can appeal it to the Circuit Court and we have to suffer through the trial again and take another chance that it could get overturned,” Knupp said.

During Psoras’s argument for a change of venue (moving the trial to another jurisdiction), he argued that prejudice against Mailloux was so extreme across Worcester County that it wouldn’t be possible to hold a fair and impartial trial for him there.

“It’s already been decided, your honor, that my client has done this,” Psoras said.

Psoras cited the comments from the Facebook page Do it For GavinJustice for Gavin. The defense pointed out that Ray Knupp had at one point changed his Facebook profile picture to an image of Mailloux, with text pasted over it that read “F— you Tyler.”

The same phrase has been spray painted on the asphalt in front of the memorial for Gavin Knupp on Grays Corner Road, where the hit-and-run occurred, Psoras said.

In several instances, Psoras grabbed Mailloux by the shoulder and leaned down toward him as the attorney enunciated the phrase “F—

See BACKLASH Page 21

Two arrested in connection to June robbery

(Aug. 25, 2023) Ocean City Police have arrested two people in connection to an armed robbery several months ago on Constitutional Avenue.

According to a news release, Dremale Khary Vanterpool, 25, of Washington D.C., and Torrance Ronel Brock, 21, Edenton, North Carolina, were arrested on charges of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, robbery, first-degree-assault, second-degree-assault, and theft less than $100 stemming from the incident.

The release said the victim reported that three African-American men approached him outside just before 3:30 p.m., June 3. One of the men reportedly

Smith Island Cruise

pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded his personal belongings. The victim gave them several personal items.

The release said nearby witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspects’ vehicle, and using a license plate reader system officers were able to determine when the vehicle came to town, a detailed description of preexisting damage and the registration information.

Police shared a description of the vehicle and suspects with allied law enforcement agencies in both Maryland and Delaware.

During the investigation, local police learned there were two robberies in

Delaware after the Ocean City incident. Delaware authorities confirmed their suspect descriptions matched the ones from Ocean City.

Through further investigation, detectives learned that the alleged suspects may have been in the D.C. area.

The release said Capital Police attempted on June 7 to stop the vehicle and a short pursuit incurred.

The two occupants, later identified as Vanterpool and Brock, reportedly abandoned their vehicle during the pursuit and ran away.

They were later arrested on charges stemming from the pursuit.

Detectives continued working with

Capital Police and determined that Vanterpool and Brock were involved in the June 3 armed robbery in Ocean City. Detectives applied for arrest warrants for both individuals through the Maryland District Court Commissioners Office.

Vanterpool was arrested in Washington D.C. and transferred to the custody of the Ocean City Police Department on Aug. 17. He has been seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and held without bond.

Brock is currently incarcerated in North Carolina on unrelated charges. A warrant has been issued for his arrest for the local charges.

Hazmat incident at OP Yacht Club

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Ocean Pines Yacht Club was evacuated and one person was taken to the hospital for evaluation Tuesday afternoon after emergency personnel and a hazmat team responded to a chemical spill.

According to a news release from the Worcester County Fire Marshall’s Office, an employee at the club accidentally mixed two chemicals in the kitchen, creating a hazardous, atmospheric condition in the building.

Members of the Ocean Pines Volun-

teer Fire Department were called to the building on Mumfords Landing Road in Ocean Pines just after 3 p.m. and verified that all occupants had left. They restricted entry until members of the Worcester County Special Hazards Response Team could arrive and evaluate further.

The release said hazmat officials worked with firefighters to identify the products involved and developed a plan for mitigation. After determining what the employees had done, the chemical

solution was isolated to a small area of the kitchen and neutralized. Once the building was ventilated, it was determined safe to reopen to the public.

No one was seriously injured in the incident, but the release said one employee was taken from the scene to an area hospital for further evaluation.

Fire Marshal Matthew Owens reminded members of the public in the release to thoroughly read labels on cleaning products and refrain from mixing them unless explicitly permitted.

D. K. Vanterpool

Two alarm fire at Berlin Exxon station Tues.

(Aug. 25, 2023) For nearly four hours late Tuesday morning, more than 50 firefighters battled a two-alarm fire that broke out at the Friendship Exxon on Grays Corner Road.

According to a news release from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, crews were called to the scene just before 11:30 a.m., Aug. 22. Upon arrival, they discovered smoke throughout the single-story, multi-tenant commercial building. A second alarm sounded, bringing more equipment and personnel.

The release said more than 50 firefighters and 31 pieces of apparatus responded and worked nearly four hours, completely extinguishing the blaze.

Berlin crews were assisted by Ocean City, Showell, Bishopville, Newark, Snow Hill, Ocean Pines, Selbyville, Frankford, Roxana, Dagsboro, Pow-

ellville, Willards and Pittsville volunteer fire companies.

Deputies from the county fire marshal’s office conducted an investigation

and fire scene examination. They estimated more than $350,000 in damages and the cause remained under investigation as of Wednesday.

Building DREAM HOMES

Stockton man dies in trailer explosion

Saturday morning

(Aug. 25, 2023) An 80-year-old Worcester County man died Saturday morning from injuries sustained in a trailer explosion.

According to a news release, members of the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating what they determined to be a gas explosion that occurred just before 9 a..m, Saturday, Aug. 19, at a camper trailer in the 400 block of Silva Road in Stockton.

The release said firefighters and paramedic arrived on scene and found an 80-year-old man with burn injuries on over 90 percent of his body at the trailer, which reportedly “had experienced an over pressurization.”

Paramedics requested assistance from Maryland State Police Aviation Command – Trooper 4 stationed at the Salisbury Regional Airport to fly the man, whose name was not released, to the state’s only adult trauma burn center at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. The release said the man later succumbed to the injuries.

Deputies from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and conducted a fire scene examination. Through the course of the investigation, they determined the victim was attempting to use the stove inside the trailer at the time of the explosion. The release said evidence from the scene was consistent with a propane gas style explosion.

The cause of the incident was determined to be accidental.

Fire Marshal Matthew Owens reminded residents in the release to not only have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes, but recreational vehicles and campers as well. Those who cannot afford smoke alarms, are asked to contact the local fire department.

HUNTER HINES/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Firefighters and other emergency response personnel work to put out a fire that broke out just before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Exxon station on Grays Corner Road in Berlin.

POLICE/COURTS

Hit-and-run

Erin Lynn Clark, 56, of Deale, Maryland, was charged with DUI, failure to stop after being involved in an accident and failure to give insurance after being involved in an accident, according to a police report.

On Aug. 15, around 1 a.m., police went to a midtown bar to help another officer with a traffic stop.

The officer who pulled over the car, a Honda Accord, had seen Clark enter the vehicle with a cup in her hand and drive with two passengers. The officer watched Clark back into another sedan that was parked behind her. She proceeded to drive away to the exit, according to the report.

Police pulled Clark over and said she appeared to be drunk. Clark agreed to a sobriety test, but she eventually asked to stop before they were finished.

a hotel room. One of them was Damato.

Police reported that they could tell she and the man she was with were drunk.

The investigating officers also found that the two were not staying at this hotel, but another one nearby.

Damato had trouble understanding she was at the wrong hotel, police wrote.

Damato allegedly wouldn’t stop yelling at police after several warnings, so they arrested her.

Officers took Damato to the Ocean City Public Safety Building for booking, where they tried to search her.

Damato reportedly grabbed one officer’s hand during the search and wouldn’t let go, then she “pushed her weight backwards” and caused two officers to fall on the floor.

as a result, according to the report.

Resisting arrest

The OCPD charged Joshua Michael Griffin, 26, of Herndon, Virginia, with trespassing, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order and resisting arrest after he refused to leave a hotel, according to a police report.

On Aug. 14, around 8:30 p.m., police went to an uptown hotel regarding an assault that taken place.

The hotel manager told police they wanted Griffin removed from the property, claiming he had been the primary aggressor in the assault. Police told Griffin he had 20 minutes to gather his belongings and leave or else he would be arrested.

rest, but Griffin resisted, police said.

One officer used a Taser on Griffin, but it was “ineffective,” police wrote. Police said they pulled Griffin to the ground as they tried to restrain him and Griffin allegedly refused to go on his stomach.

An officer put a hand on the back of Griffin’s head as a “control technique” and as a result Griffin suffered a laceration on the eyebrow. Police wrote the laceration was at first a bruise from the assault.

Emergency services responded and tried to tend to Griffin’s injuries, but Griffin allegedly refused the treatment.

Intent to distribute

Officers discovered alcohol in the cup the accused reportedly took with her into the car.

Resisting arrest

The Ocean City police department charged Christine Damato, 40, of Gillette, New Jersey, with disorderly conduct, intoxicated endangerment and three counts of assault after she allegedly caused officers to fall at a booking facility, according to a police report.

On Aug. 14, around 3 p.m., police went to a midtown hotel for a call about disorderly people at a pool bar. The pool bar manager directed officers to the couple, who were outside

Backlash on social media ensues after charge dismissal

you Tyler.”

Ralph DeAngelus, local businessman and boyfriend to Mailloux’s mother, Kearston Frey, lost businesses because of what Psoras described as a “mob” that has rallied against Mailloux and everyone connected to him.

There have been physical threats directed at Mailloux, his family and even his legal counsel, Psoras said.

In her rebuttal, Correa said that not all of the attention given to the case online or in print can be attributed solely to Worcester County residents. Correa also argued that county residents farther south, like in Pocomoke, would have had less exposure to the case, and that the process of jury selection could solve any problems with bias.

Regardless, the dismissal of charges rendered moot the change of venue motion and the others.

One officer hurt a hip during the fall, and another had a swollen ankle

Griffin reportedly continued arguing with officers while mocking them and yelling obscenities.

Police told Griffin he was under ar-

Continued on Page 22

Marvin Johnson Jr., 35, of Annapolis, received 12 charges from the OCPD, including possession of a conContinued

Jeeps drive north along the beach downtown Thursday morning during the first Jeep crawl of OC Jeep Week 2023. Jeep Week runs until Sunday with every day packed full with activities and events.

Jeep Week underway in OC, event lasts through Sunday

By Remy Andersen

Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) Jeep enthusiasts will have the pleasure of visiting Ocean City as the resort’s Jeep Fest puts everything in gear for the 10th year.

This year’s event will run from Wednesday through Sunday, with the central hub of activities located at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

The event started around the year 2010, but it was only in 2015 that the Jeep rally elevated to a much grander scale, with Live Wire Media producing the event.

“There was a need based on the market, as Jeeps were gaining popularity,” said Brad Hoffman, the event organizer.

As Ocean City sees other events such as cruiser weekend and Bike Week, Hoffman felt as if there was a “natural synergy” to bring Jeep enthusiasts in Ocean City.

“It doesn’t really take a lot of assets,” Hoffman said. “So, it’s still good

for the town.”

Typically, the event will see around 1,500 to 2,000 Jeeps, carrying about 5,000-6,000 people, with another 6,000 or so spectators likely to take in various aspects of the several competitions scheduled to take place.

One of the events is a sunrise beach crawl that begins at the inlet parking lot, with the parade of Jeeps heading north toward 30th Street. It will occur Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:45-9:15 a.m.

Another highlight of Jeep Fest is a custom-made sand course, located on the beach at Somerset Street. According to the event’s press release, “Jeep drivers can climb over sloping hills, head over whoop-de-doos, and have their photo taken on the megamound.”

The Kicker sand course shifts will occur from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., and 3-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with the first shift also being held on Sunday.

See JEEPS Page 24

Jeeps from all over attend event

Continued from Page 23

Additionally, there will be a group drone shot of Jeeps at the convention center from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The featured guest for this event, Patrick Parker, or “Sgt. Push-up” as he’s more commonly known, has become famous for doing one million pushups and raising awareness for child hunger, now aiming to educate the public with an anti-bullying campaign.

“There’s products being advertised and sold that are for all enthusiasts,” Hoffman said, noting how the 717 industry vendors signed up for the show center also cater to trucks and other 4x4s. Installations, sales, and show-specials will all be on-site.

Live music and entertainment will also be featured, at venues such as the Hilton Garden Inn on 28th Street,

Pier 23 in West Ocean City, Bourbon Street on the Beach on 125th Street, and Sinepuxent Brewing Company on Route 61.

The event has been a success, and Hoffman credits the team that makes sure everything is proceeding smoothly and by design so it fits in with the family-friendly image he has encouraged from the beginning.

“It’s really a celebration of the Jeep, an iconic American vehicle,” Hoffman said.

Some of the sponsors for this event include the Ocean City Jeep Club and the Delmarva Jeep Events Company. While online registration is closed, people can still register for the event at the convention center.

For more information, visit OceanCityJeepFest.com, OCJeepFest on Facebook or @jeepfestoc on Instagram.

Eastern Shore Community Foundation provides grants

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore has issued $273,825 to 33 area nonprofits, several of which are based in Worcester County.

According to a news release, the total is the largest amount of money issued through the grant program to date.

The foundation’s community needs grants are available to nonprofits serving Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties. The chosen nonprofits received a mix of operational support and funding for programs spanning youth, homelessness and housing, hunger, historic preservation, the arts, animal welfare, and more.

All applicants are required to be 501c3 nonprofit certified, faithbased, provide non-sectarian programs, or eligible programs within government agencies serving Lower Eastern Shore residents.

The next community needs cycle will open Jan. 1, with a grant maximum of $10,000.

The following Worcester Countybased and servicing nonprofits received funding for programs and operations:

• The Art League of Ocean City

will replace aging equipment to create the best possible experience for patrons.

• The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation will buy essential equipment for the foundation’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program.

• The Beach to Bay Heritage Area will implement plans to strengthen heritage tourism and infrastructure on the Lower Shore.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore will implement the Big Start program to help children through the challenges of starting new phases in life.

• The Boys & Girls Club will provide an after-school and summer camp in Pocomoke to promote academic success, good character and healthy lifestyles.

• The Costen House will make critical repairs to the historic Costen House Museum in Pocomoke City.

• Special Olympics Maryland Lower Shore will buy equipment, uniforms and facility space for sports programs for children with disabilities.

• Town Cats Inc. will construct a large indoor/outdoor shelter and sanctuary for homeless cats.

AGH Foundation’s annual golf event slated for Sept. 21

(Aug. 25, 2023) Atlantic General Hospital Foundation’s 30th Robert E. Warfield Memorial Tournament is officially set for Sept. 21 at Ocean City Golf Club.

According to a news release, the event which has become an annual tradition, benefits Atlantic General Hospital. Last year, the tournament raised $124,000 for the expansion of health care services and programs for the community.

This year’s format will be a scramble with all golfers playing nine holes on each course, Newport Bay and Seaside. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. The event will be held rain or shine.

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. Deluxe giveaways, tournament awards and team photographs are also included. A variety of on-thecourse challenges with prizes with also be offered.

Team reservations can be submitted online at agh.care/golf and must be received by Sept. 14. Space is limited and earliest entries are accommodated first.

Non-golfers can join in the fun by buying tickets for the 50/50 raffle drawing that will take place at the end of the tournament. The raffle ticket sales are open to the public and the winner does not need to be present. Raffle tickets can also be purchased online at agh.care/golf.

Tournament co-chairs are Steven Sweigert and Max Hutsell, and The Carousel Group, the Legacy Sponsor for 24 consecutive years, were also thanked in the release.

Sponsorships for this year’s tour-

nament 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.

The following sponsors have committed:

• Eagle Sponsors: AGH Auxiliary; Sina Companies, LLC.

• Birdie Sponsors: Deeley Insurance Group; M&T Bank; Park Place Jewelers.

• Greens Fees & Golf Carts Sponsor: The Warfield Family.

• Lunch Sponsors: Captain’s Galley Crab Cake Shack; Ocean 13.

• Bars & Beverages Sponsors: Coca-Cola Consolidated; George’s Beverage Company; Hoop Tea.

• Awards Reception Sponsors: Chick-Fil-A WOC; Medical Staff of

AGH; Shenanigan’s Irish Pub.

• Snack Sponsor: Thrasher’s French Fries.AF

• Hospitality Cart Sponsors: BRG; Ryan Homes Southern Delaware.

• Hole-In-One Sponsors: Haley Architecture, LLC; i.g. Burton; Park Place Jewelers; Snowden Lane Partners.

• Contest Sponsors: Allen + Shariff Corporation; NFP.

• Giveaways Sponsors: Mitchell & Hastings Financial Services; Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645.

For more information about the tournament, how to become a sponsor, register a team, or purchase raffle tickets, visit agh.care/golf, or contact Laura Powell at 410-641-9671 or lspowell@atlanticgeneral.org.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

It is time to recharge your batteries this week, Aries. It may be challenging to slow down, but that is just what you need to do or you are going to run out of steam on your next project.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Early on this week you may start out in a bit of a funk, Taurus. That all will change with some words from a friend that will help your mood bounce in the other direction.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, the side of your brain responsible for pragmatism has been working overtime. You are ready to solve any problems and find answers to most questions.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cooperation from others has been hard to come by lately, Cancer. That could lead to some conflicts along the way. Collectively you will have to find some middle ground.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

You could be focused on things in the past this week, Leo. This could start you on a trek to track down mementos in a home or to visit an antiques shop to make some purchases.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, there is still a lot to learn, but you have the time right now to pay attention to everyone around you to glean what you can. Never stop gathering information.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Even if others make suggestions, use your own judgement regarding how to spend time this week, Libra. You may want to eschew all responsibilities for something fun.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Seek new places for any sort of inspiration, Scorpio. You never know what you may uncover unless you visit new places instead of your old haunts. Start exploring this week.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Some outside energy has muted your normally boisterous personality, Sagittarius. You may want to skip out on social scenes and spend some time at home in the coming days.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Strong opinions rule the day, so convincing others could be especially difficult in the days ahead. Wait some time and they try again, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, there will be some measure of public speaking or performance in your near future, and it is likely giving you a bit nervous. No one will judge you, so try to lighten up.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, you could encounter more oddballs than normal in your daily routines. From customers making scenes to quirky coworkers, you might need to be patient and open-minded.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Members of The Carousel Group’s 2022 Atlantic General Hospital Fall Golf Tournament pose for a photo during last year’s tournament. The group is once again a Legacy Sponsor for this year’s event, set Sept. 21.

CROSSWORD

Worcester library displaying novel on Native Amer. culture

(Aug. 18, 2023) The Worcester County Library is currently hosting the One Maryland One Book community read, a program of Maryland Humanities.

This year’s selection is Tommy Orange’s “There There,” a novel about modern day Native Americans in urban settings.

The book explores 12 different characters across native communities as they gather for the Big Oakland Powwow.

The novel addresses themes of sobriety, mental health and ideas of cultural preservation.

“This is a great opportunity for a community read, join us for book dis-

cussions and other programs that relate to the book, including documentaries, TED Talks, and more,” Adult Services Coordinator Elena Coelho said in a news release. “We are hosting a panel discussion with the Pocomoke Indian Nation to learn about their experiences on the Eastern Shore and how their lives are similar to and diverge from the book.”

For more information about One Maryland One Book programs, contact Elena Coelho at 443-783-6164 or ecoelho@worcesterlibrary.org.

Facebook: Worcester County Maryland Library

Instagram: worcesterlibrarymd

Last chance to give sneakers

(Aug,. 25, 2023) The new or used athletic shoe fundraiser drive to support programs offered at the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health in Berlin will draw to a close at the end of August.

Any gently worn, used, or new sneakers donated by the end of the month will be turned in to become material for road construction while

the Grace Center will receive money to support programs.

Sneaker donations may be dropped off at the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health at 10226 Old Ocean City Blvd., Unit 2, Berlin, MD 21811 - across from Atlantic General Hospital.

For questions or directions, call 443-513-4124.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ ANGLER RESTAURANT

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

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

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

■ ANTHONY’S CARRYOUT

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

$$ | Sandwich shop

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

■ CABANAS BEACH BAR & GRILLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open to the public. A full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner inside and Signature smash burgers, fresh cut fries, handhelds, signature salads, and much more. Indoor and outdoor bar. Fresh squeezed crushes, frozen drinks, tropical libations. Dine in or carry out.

Open 7 days a week starting with breakfast 8-11 a.m. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at least 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bar is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at least midnight Friday and Saturday.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for more than 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and regional seafood. Open for breakfast and dinner every day. Happy Hour: 7 days a week, 4-6 p.m. Breakfast: Monday through Saturday, 7:30-11 a.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to noon. Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m.

■ CARUSO’S PIZZA & SUBS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites. Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharable, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET TAVERN

19 Wicomico Street, Ocean City 443-373-2756, @crawlstreettavern

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Come join the Crawl Street Tavern family with great food, drinks and fun. Serving breakfast,

lunch and dinner. Good home cooking from cream chip beef, pancakes to their famous crab cake sandwiches, burgers, finger foods, tacos, steamed shrimp, salads, wings, soups and much more. Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dine in or take out. No delivery.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

Caroline Street, Wicomico Street and S. Division Street on the boardwalk, Ocean City www.dumsersdairyland.com

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

■ FISHTALES BAR & GRILL

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

$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ HAMMERHEADS RAW BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Oceanfront deck. Try our Seafood steam pots and 1/2 lb burgers, creative cocktails like the shark and tank and rum punch bucket. Take a break from the beach with a cool frozen drink or one of our refreshing fresh squeezed fruit crushes. Open 7 Days a week, noon to 10 p.m. Dine in or carry out is available.

■ HARBOR WATCH RESTAURANT

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

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

The highest quality seafood, unlimited sides, award-winning raw bar, certified angus beef and home to the best view of Ocean City, Inlet and Assateague Island. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Raw Bar specials, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m, featuring half priced steamed shrimp and $4 draft beer. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Authentic Jamaican food in Ocean City. Serving lunch and dinner. Yardies’ Jerk Wings, soups, salads, chicken seafood, beef, oxtails to curry goat and coco breads. Finish off a delicious meal with Jamaican rum cake and fried sweet plantains. Vegan options are available. Open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIZZA MAMBO

710 Philadelphia Ave., between 7th and 8th Streets, Ocean City 410-289-1200; 7205 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-524-0090, ocpizzamambo.com

$$ | Kids’ menu

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

■ TOAST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE WEDGE BAR 806 S. Atlantic Ave., Boardwalk and Inlet, Ocean City www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and burgers grilled on Ocean City’s only Josper grill. Happy Hour, Sunday through Thursday, 3-5 p.m. Open Daily, 11:30 a.m.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, www.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. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ THE BONFIRE

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

$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON

3301 Atlantic Ave. in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, www.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 crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring August drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.

■ MACKY’S BAYSIDE

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

$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill, where life is good!

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

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & Wine

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

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

UPTOWN 91st

■ BAHAMA’S CRAB SHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET

Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Hwy, Fenwick 302-537-5882

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

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

Enjoy one of four restaurants in the Carousel.

Serving breakfast; The Bistro, Saturday through Sunday, 7-11 a.m. proudly serving Starbuck’s brand. Reef 118 Restaurant, Saturday through Sunday, 7-11 a.m. buffet or A la carte. Serving

Dinner; Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Bistro, Friday, 3-10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reef 118 Restaurant, Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails in the Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

■ SQUARZ PIZZA & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ WHISKER’S PUB

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

$$/$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

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

$$ | Full bar

Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday. Carry out also available.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open daily at 11 a.m.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

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

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistr

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

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

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

■ PIZZA TUGOS

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

NOW PLAYING

THE ANGLER RESTAURANT

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

Aug. 25: Chris English, 5 p.m.

Aug. 26: Lennon LaRicci, 6 p.m.

Aug. 27: Reform School, 5 p.m.

Aug. 29: Charlie Travers, 5 p.m.

Aug. 30: String Buzzards, 6 p.m.

Aug. 31: Rogue Citizen Duo, 5 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

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

CAROUSEL BEACH BAR - TSUNAMI

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

Aug. 25-26: DJ Nigel, 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 27: Chino Rankin, 5-8 p.m.

Aug. 31: Chino Rankin, 5-8 p.m.

CARRIBBEAN POOL BAR

In the Plim Plaza Hotel

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

Aug. 25: The Quartermen, 1-5 p.m.; Lime Green, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 26: Dust N Bones, 1-5 p.m.; The Runner Ups, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 27: No Byscuyts, 1-5 p.m.; Groovejoose, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 28: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.

Aug. 29: Ray Holiday, 1-5 p.m.

COCONUT’S BAR & GRILLE

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

Aug. 25: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; Rick & Regina, 5-9 p.m.

Aug. 26: Jess Arms, noon to 4 p.m.; Royal Flush Band, 5-9 p.m.

Aug. 27: Heather Vidal, noon to 3 p.m.; Tonight's Crush, 4-8 p.m.

Aug. 28: Nate Clendenen, noon to 3 p.m.; Remy & Lyons, 4-8 p.m.

Aug. 29: Doug Kaetz, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dave Hawkins & Joe Mama, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30: Shortcut Sunny, noon to 3 p.m.; Tony Baltimore, 4-8 p.m.

Aug. 31: Acoustic Campfire, noon to 3 p.m.; One Night Stand, 4-8 p.m.

COINS

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

Aug. 25: Dust N Bones, 8 p.m.

Every Saturday: “Jim Long” Get Off the Beach Party, 3:306:30 p.m.; Xerocks, 8 p.m.

Aug. 30: Support Your Local Bartender Night w/DJ Wax, 9 p.m.

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

19 Wicomico Street, Ocean City 443-373-2756

Aug. 25: Adam Almony, 9 p.m.

Aug 26: Fuzzbox Piranha, 9 p.m.

HAMMERHEADS RAW BAR & GRILL

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

Aug. 25: Wayne Blake, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 26: Jade Robertson Duo, 1-5 p.m.; Will Sims, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 27: Dave Gates, 1-5 p.m.

MACKY’S BAYSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

Aug. 25: Legendary Beach Bash w/DJ Casper, 10 p.m. to midnight

Aug. 26: Party Under the Palms w/DJ Vybe, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Aug. 27: Trivia Night w/Brandon Speedbump

CHINO RANKIN

Carousel Beach Bar - Tsunami: Sunday, Aug. 27 and Thursday, Aug. 31, 5-8 p.m.

Myers, 8 p.m.

Aug 29: Theme Party Night w/DJ Flight, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Aug 31: Ladies Night w/DJ Casper, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

Aug. 25 Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aug. 26: TBS, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aug. 27: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aug. 28: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aug. 29: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 31: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

SEACRETS

49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com

Aug. 25: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Anthem, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Crash the Party, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Aug. 26: Bobby-O on De Bay, 10 a.m to 6 p.m.; DJ Tuff, noon to 2 a.m.; Crash the Party, 1-5 p.m.; Anthem, 5-9 p.m.; Late Last Night, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Screaming Monkeys, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Aug. 27: DJ Connair on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Bobby, 4-8 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Amish Outlaws, 10:15 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Aug. 28: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Blake Haley, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Hometown Radio, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aug. 29: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; Hometown Radio, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Aug. 30: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; Element K, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Aug. 31: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; Element K, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Lunasea Full Moon Glow Party!!, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; DJ Connair, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

Located on the 8th Floor of the Fenwick Inn, 13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City vistarooftopoc.com / @Vistarooftopoc

Aug. 25: Steve Kuhn, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 26: Neal Hooks, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 27: Rachael Quillen, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 28: Marcella Peters, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 29: Steve Kuhn & Glenn Stern, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 30: Taylor Knox & Brian, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 31: Taylor Knox, 4-7 p.m.

WHISKER’S BAR & GRILL

In the Ocean City Square Shopping Center, 11805 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 410-524-2609 /www.whiskersbar.com

Aug. 25: Dance with Beats by Followers

Aug. 28: Industrial Night, 8 p.m.

Aug. 29: Ladies Night; Karaoke w/DJ Wood

Grant to help with oral care access for needy patients

(Aug. 25, 2023) Chesapeake Health Care recently announced the award of a $30,000 grant to help enhance and ensure access to affordable, high-quality oral health care in underserved communities in Worcester, Somerset and Wicomico counties.

According to a news release, the grant came from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California, and was awarded through the Access to Care Grants Program.

One of the primary objectives of Chesapeake Health Care is providing dental care to patients who face limited or no access to the services on the lower Eastern Shore. By catching oral health problems early and reducing the number of urgent dental treatments, complications resulting from a lack of dental care are minimized.

“We are grateful to the Community Care Foundation for this grant to assist us in providing dental care to people in our community,” Brian Holland, the CEO of Chesapeake Health Care, said in the release. “This grant will mean that many more people in our community will receive access to the critical dental care that they need, who would otherwise not be able to afford

it.”

The grant will be used to offer uninsured and underinsured patients dental exams, x-rays and tooth extractions, if necessary. With help from the grant, Chesapeake Health Care providers can continue offering essential services to the most vulnera-

ble individuals in local communities, and positively impact lives.

“This year’s Access to Care Grants represent the program’s largest annual funding and are focused on three critical areas of need: the oral health crisis among older adults, health equity and rural oral health access,” Kenzie Fer-

guson, the vice president of foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California, said in the release. “The important relationships with our partners enable us to achieve our broader mutual goals to help make the communities we serve strong, healthier and more resilient.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Chesapeake Health Care Dental staff members pose for a photo in front of their Salisbury office.

Fri., Aug. 25

OC JEEP WEEK

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:45 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Featuring a Beach Crawl, Sand Course, Vendor Village, Show and Shine, dinner at Pier 23 Restaurant (5:30-8:30 p.m.) and LED Light Show at The Greene Turtle (1011:30 p.m.)

www.oceancityjeepweek.com

4TH FRIDAY STREET FESTIVAL

Deadline slated for Aug. 31 for Paint Worcester County

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Worcester County Arts Council is accepting artists’ registration applications for the September Paint Worcester County plein air event until Aug. 31.

The event, set Sept. 17 – 23, is a partnership between the arts council and Worcester County Library Foundation.

Through the annual competition, local and regional artists will paint outdoors at their leisure at any chosen location in Worcester County and compete for cash prizes.

Registration is open to experienced and novice painters, 18 years or older.

Registration, event schedule, and artists’ guidelines are available on the arts council’s website at worcestercountyartscouncil.org. Deadline to

register is Aug. 31.

Ann Coates, a local art supporter and the owner of the Bishop’s Stock Fine Art, Craft & Wine Gallery in Snow Hill, will judge the entries.

Visitors can watch the artists as they set up their easels around Worcester County and paint picturesque scenes. Visitors are also invited to attend a free, public sale and exhibit, featuring work created during the event, from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23; at the Berlin public library located at 13 Harrison Ave. All artwork will be available for sale.

The selection of artwork will be on display at the Berlin Library Gallery until Oct. 30.

For more information, contact the arts council at 410-641-0809.

Wor-Wic child development center adds pre-K classes

(Aug. 25, 2023) Thanks to a grant made possible by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future plan, Wor-Wic Community College is offering two prekindergarten classes for qualifying Wicomico County 3- and 4-year-old students this fall.

The $520,000 grant from the Maryland State Department of Education will fund pre-K courses at Wor-Wic’s child development center for up to 40 students who meet income guidelines in Wicomico County, speak a language other than English at home, or have an individualized educational plan or individualized family service plan.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which is made up of initiatives to help improve education across the state, aims to broaden prekindergarten

for all of Maryland’s 3- and 4-year-old children.

The prekindergarten program provides students with a full school day of instruction, along with breakfast and an afternoon snack. Transportation is not provided.

The Wor-Wic child development center is accredited by the department of education and holds a level-five quality rating, the highest possible, from Maryland EXCELS, the state’s rating system for licensed child care and early education.

For information about the prekindergarten program, call 410334-2962. To apply, visit the Wicomico County Schools website, at wcboe.org and click on “Enrollment and Registration.”

Downtown Pocomoke, 5-8 p.m. Vendors, food, cash bar, kids activities, live music by Halfway to Heaven. This month’s theme is “A Night at the Museums.” Downtown Pocomoke museums will offer free admission. www.downtownpocomoke.com, 410-957-1333, Ext. 111

KANGAROOS AND COMEDY

Barn Hill Preserve of Delaware, 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy local kangaroos and local comedy out in the evening air. Attendees are welcome to bring food and drinks. For ages 18 years and older. Cost is $25. https://www.barnhillpreserve.com/services-9

Sat., Aug. 26

OC JEEP WEEK

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:45 a.m.-11 p.m. Featuring a Beach Crawl, Sand Course, Vendor Village, Show and Shine, The Great Jeep Gathering (6-7:30 p.m.) and Saturday Night Special Party (8:30-11 p.m.). www.oceancityjeepweek.com

13TH ANNUAL IRON FURNACE FIFTY BIKE RIDE

Furnace Town Historic Site (Nassawango Iron Furnace), 3816 Old Furnace Road, Snow Hill, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 50K, 50mi, 100K: All routes are flat, fast and fun. You’ll be riding through the Great Pocomoke Forest and surrounding countryside on lightly traveled rural roads. All routes begin and end at Furnace Town. www.ironfurnacefifty.org, 410-632-2032

TINKER TIME: NATURE JOURNALS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime. Assemble your own nature journal. 410-632-3495,

www.worcesterlibrary.org

STEM SATURDAYS

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

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. All children and their families are invited. A different adventure each week. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHILDREN’S CRAFTS IN THE COURTYARD

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

‘AN EVENING OF JAZZ AND BLUES’ WITH EVERETT SPELLS

Germantown School Community Heritage Center, 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin, 6-9 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Bring your own chair and cooler. Meals will also be available for $10 each. Rain date is Sept. 9. 410-641-0638

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. 27

OC JEEP WEEK

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Featuring a Beach Crawl, Sand Course and Vendor and Sponsors Photo Shoot (noon to 1 p.m.). www.oceancityjeepweek.com

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 10 a.m. Celebrate and prepare for the upcoming academic year. Students bring your backpacks. All are welcome. Refreshments follow the service. 410-6412186

Continued on Page 32

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, pictured with artist Judith Showell Loeber, accepts the Berlin Mayor Award during the 2022 Paint Worcester County Plein Air event.

CALENDAR

Continued from Page 31

SUNDAES IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Music by Kittyback “Classic & Country Rock” activities for children and fireworks. Ice cream and beverages for sale. Free event. Bring your picnic basket and beach chairs.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Aug. 28

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 2-5 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SUPER POWERED STEM: CATAPULT CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4 p.m. Use the materials provided to build a working mini catapult and put it to the test. For ages 6 years and older. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

OC BEACH DANCE PARTY

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

FIREWORKS ALONG THE BOARDWALK

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Aug. 29

CRAFTS AND OUTDOOR GAMES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Join in for crafts and test your skill in the carnival games. For ages 2-5 years. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

ZUMBA

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

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., Aug. 30

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

Thurs., Aug. 31

STORY TIME: BACK TO SCHOOL!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Join in on a fun, interactive story time to help get ready for school. Stick around

after for a fun craft. 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

CHESS CLUB

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

LYNYRD SKYNYRD: LEGENDS OF SOUTHERN ROCK

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Get ready for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s upcoming show at OC BikeFest with Frank DeLucco and Harry Burkett, who examine Skynyrd’s rise and enduring popularity. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books you have read and want to share. Come find your next great read or future favorite. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

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

RIBBON CUTTING: FORGOTTEN 50 DISTILLING

Forgotten 50 Distilling, 10103 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin. Welcome at 5 p.m., ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Cheers to the new distillery, Forgotten 50! Come celebrate and enjoy the new space.

SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS

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

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

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

ONGOING EVENTS

142ND MARYLAND STATE FAIR

Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, three weekends (Aug. 24-27, Aug. 31-Sept. 4

and Sept. 7-10). Buildings are open on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. and the Carnival Midway is open from 5 p.m. to close. Buildings are open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the Carnival Midway from 10 a.m. to close. Gates open early at 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday. Admission cost is $12 for adults ages 1261 years, $10 for seniors ages 62 years and older, $7 for children ages 6-11 years and free for children 5 years and younger. For advance discount ticket sales and event details, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.

TURTLES HIDING ON THE BOARDWALK!

Find all of their hiding places and win your own stuffed turtle, Aug. 18-Sept. 1. Pick up your game card from any participating business or from the Boardwalk Information Booth, between N. Division and Caroline streets. Take your finished game card to the Information Booth to claim your prize. For kids 12 years and younger. events@ocdc.org or 703-7316515.

COMMUNITY BOOK SWAP

Pocomoke library, 301 Market St., during the month of August. Bring a gently read book to share and take another. 410-957-0878

CREATIVE KIDS CORNER

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

FREE SUMMER PROGRAMS

OC Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, July 3-Aug. 25. Held Monday through Saturday, 1010:30 a.m. Mondays feature History of Our Surfmen; Tuesdays, Beach Safety; Wednesdays, Knot Tying; Thursdays, All About Sharks; Fridays, Land, Sky, & Sea; Saturdays, Aquarium Feeding. www.ocmuseum.org

KIWANIS 2024 “LOTTERY RAFFLE” TICKETS ON SALE

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

Crossword answers from page 27

A Message to our friends and participants

The sandy road leading to Ocean City Jeep Fest in 2023 is filled with fun, family, and good times. Remember, the sun shines brightest on those who love what they do and do what they love - and the Jeep community loves hangingtogether!

The effort, energy, and passion that goes into this event is worth every moment when we see the smiles, we hear the laughs, and we see the Jeep waves.

As you, the participants, converge on Ocean City, we thank you for your support. We want you to have the best time possible, and make memories here to last a lifetime.

Big thanks to the Town of Ocean City, our Live Wire Media team, our support teams, and my family most of all. Without them this event would not be possible. Enjoy the ride and love the journey!

Sincerely,

Director, Ocean City Jeep Fest

OC JEEP FEST 2023

Title Sponsors KICKER & i.g. Burton present Ocean City Jeep Fest 2023 Official Event Schedule Aug. 25, 2023

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

6:45 - 7:45 am

STAGING BEGINS FOR BEACH CRAWL

Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave

7:45 - 9:15 am

BEACH CRAWL

Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave.

NEW ROUTE for 2023!

Parade will now travel Northbound

10 am - 12 pm

KICKER SAND COURSE (SHIFT 1 OF 3)

Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave.

10 am - 5 pm

PACKET PICKUP

OC Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway

10 am - 5 pm

VENDOR VILLAGE

OC Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway

Open to vendors, participants, and the general public.

Public tickets available at front gate.

Featuring Live Music by DJ Hook

11 am - 2 pm

SHOW & SHINE

OC Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway Judged Competition + Awards.

12:30 - 2:30 pm

KICKER SAND COURSE

(SHIFT 2 OF 3)

Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave.

3 - 5 pm

KICKER SAND COURSE

(SHIFT 3 OF 3)

Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave.

5:30 - 8:30 pm

KICKIN’ IT AT THE HARBOR WITH KICKER Pier 23 Restaurant 12817 Harbor Road, West Ocean City

Featuring Live Music by the Fil Rhythm Band

10 - 11: pm

LED LIGHT SHOW The Green Turtle, 116 Coastal Highway Judged Competition + Awards.

Visit the Convention Center for a Weekend of Jeep Fun

The Roland E. Powell Convention Center lot located at 4100 Coastal Highway will be filled with vendors, factory reps, show specials, DJs, live music and so much more. Jeeps of all types and sizes will be on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Activities include:

• Marine Corps fitness zone

• Meet hunger-fighting hero SGT PUSHUP at the US Army booth

• Drive you new Jeep with a Drive &Ride from i.g. Burton

• Audio sales, show specials, and installation available from KICKER, Audio Works, and 717 Companies

Open to the public! Vendor Village free for kids 7 and under. Weekend or one-day passes are available. For more information, visit www.OCJeepFest Facebook page for more information.

OC JEEP FEST 2023

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

6:45 - 7:45 am

STAGING BEGINS FOR BEACH CRAWL

Inlet Parking Lot

809 S. Atlantic Ave

7:45 - 9:15 am

BEACH CRAWL

Inlet Parking Lot 809 S. Atlantic Ave

NEW ROUTE for 2023!

Parade will now travel Northbound

10 am - 12 pm

KICKER SAND COURSE (SHIFT 1 OF 3)

Inlet Parking Lot

809 S. Atlantic Ave.

10 am - 5 pm

PACKET PICKUP

OC Convention Center

4001 Coastal Highway

Meet inside in the main lobby

10 am - 5 pm

VENDOR VILLAGE

OC Convention Center

4001 Coastal Highway

Open to vendors, participants, and the general public.

Public tickets available at front gate.

Featuring Live Music by Doug Kaetz

11 am - 2 pm

SHOW & SHINE

OC Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway

Judged Competition + Awards.

12:30 - 2:30 pm

KICKER SAND COURSE

(SHIFT 2 OF 3)

Inlet Parking Lot

809 S. Atlantic Ave.

3 - 5 p.m.

KICKER SAND COURSE (SHIFT 3 OF 3)

Inlet Parking Lot

809 S. Atlantic Ave.

6 - 7:30 pm

THE GREAT JEEP GATHERING

OC Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway

GROUP AERIAL PHOTO!

Everyone’s invited, bring all Jeeps for the biggest Jeep photoshoot around! You do not want to miss being a part of this.

8:30 - 11 p.m.

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL PARTY PRESENTED BY KICKER

Bourbon Street at the Beach Restaurant 12601 Coastal Highway

Featuring Live Music by Shots Fired

Help Wanted Servers, Kitchen Help, Dishwasher

Full Time/Year Round

Apply in Person OC Diner, 12744 Ocean

Gateway, West Ocean City

410-390-5112

Montego Bay Market is looking for year round Deli and Cashier for the end of the summer and the off season.

Please apply in person 12903 Coastal Hwy.

NOW HIRING

Year-Round Bartenders Day Shifts and Night Shifts Available

Johnny’s Pizza & Pub 443-880-2486

MARKETPLACE

Help Needed in W. Ocean City Boat Yard to Cut Grass. Call 410-213-2296.

Year-Round Outboard Motor Tech/Mechanic Needed for basic outboard and boat service, winterizing outboards and shrink wrapping boats. Training available. Excellent starting salary. Call Harbor Marine Inc., W. Ocean City, 410-213-1383

HIRING

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

Beachwood Custom Builders Now Hiring for Experienced Full-Time Trim Carpenter. Valid Driver’s License A MUST. Vacation and Benefits. Contact Lauren@beachwoodinc.com

PT or FT Classifieds/Legals Manager

Individual must be highly organized for front desk to handle reception, public notices, classifieds, and other various clerical duties. Good phone skills required. Must be detail oriented and have computer skills. For full time employment, we offer health insurance, dental insurance, and 401K.

No nights or weekends.

Hiring immediately

Email resume to: cbrown@oceancitytoday.net

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

Utililites Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581

Roommates - Totally Redone, Beautiful Inside & Out House to Share in Ocean Pines. Full House Privileges. All Utilities Included. NO PETS & NO SMOKING! $800 per month. 443-880-2486

COMMERCIAL

Industrial Warehouse

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

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

FOR SALE

Jet Ski For Sale. 2012

Yamaha VX Cruiser, 132 hours, 110 hp, speed 50 mph. Very well taken care of. Has been winterized and summerized and is in storage in Berlin. $3000. 410-903-6680

YARD SALE WHISPERING WOODS COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALE (WOC, off Rt. 611) Saturday, Aug. 26th, 8am-noon.

Items for the whole family!!

Yard Sale Barkley Estates Main Street, Selbyville August 26, 8am-2pm

VEHICLES

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

DONATIONS

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.

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

MISC. SERVICES

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

FOR SALE

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

MISC. FOR SALE Switch to DISH and get up to a $300 gift card! Plus get the Multisport Pack included for a limited time! Hurry, call for details: 1-855-407-6870.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

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

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JAMES

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

TRUSTEE'S SALE OF TIME-SHARE INTERVALS INTHE OCEAN TIME CONDOMINIUM OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-23-000168, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Ocean Time Condominium building located at 13 136th Street, Ocean City. MD 21842, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023 AT 9:00 A.M.

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

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

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

For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. Trustee

410-289-2323

JAMES

OCD-8/10/3t

E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ.

108 N. 8th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

TRUSTEE'S SALE OF TIME-SHARE INTERVALS INTHE LIGHTHOUSE POINT VILLAS CONDOMINIUM OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-23-000170, he undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Lighthouse Point Villas Condominium building located at 14409 Lighthouse Avenue, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023

AT9:30A.M.

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

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of sale per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all recordation and transfer taxes and all other incidental settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk

and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call:

James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. Trustee 410-289-2323 OCD-8/10/3t

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-8000

www.rosenberg-assoc.com

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES’ SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

310 15TH ST

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Irvin D. Webber dated July 15, 2005 and recorded in Liber 4489, folio 77 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #10-041260.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $53,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Sub. Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges and ground rent, to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter as-

sumed by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale forward. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale.

If the Sub. Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, the deposit shall be forfeited, to the Trustees for application against all expenses, attorney’s fees and the full commission on the sale price of the above-scheduled foreclosure sale. In the event of default, all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustees may then re-advertise and resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser or may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser without reselling the property. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Trustees' file number 22-000886MD-F-1.

Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Substitute Trustees OCD-8/17/3t

NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGE IN ZONING

NORTHWEST SIDE OF JARVIS ROAD AND EAST OF WORCESTER HIGHWAY (US ROUTE 113)

FIFTH TAX DISTRICT

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to Section 1-113 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, Rezoning Case No. 440 has been filed by Hugh Cropper, IV on behalf of Nicholas & Virginia Borodulia, property owners, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change an approximately 8.905 acres of land located on the northwest side of Jarvis Road, approximately 175 feet north of

Bunting Road and 400 feet east of US Route 113 (Worcester Highway), in the Fifth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from A-1 Agricultural District to A-2 Agricultural District. The Planning Commission has given a favorable recommendation to the rezoning application.

Pursuant to Sections 1-113 and 1114 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, the County Commissioners will hold a

PUBLIC HEARING

on

TUESDAY, September 5th, 2023

AT 10:30 A.M.

IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM

WORCESTER COUNTY CENTER – ROOM 1101

ONE WEST MARKET STREET

SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863

At said public hearing the County Commissioners will consider the rezoning application, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 440 and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions on the rezoning, other appropriate restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve, or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance.

Maps of the petitioned area, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 440 and the Planning Commission’s recommendation, which will be entered into record at the public hearing, are on file and available to view electronically by contacting the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. (except holidays), at (410) 632-1200 as well as at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GRANT E. POWELL JR. Estate No. 19847 Notice is given that NOREEN C. POWELL whose address is 3 FREEPORT LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on AUGUST 09, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GRANT E. POWELL JR. who died on JUNE 19, 2023 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal represen-

tative 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 9th day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/17/3t

Philadelphia Avenue, and locally known as 1901 Philadelphia Avenue, also in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: LUX QOZP PROPERTIES 4, LLC, C/O MIKE RAMADAN, PRINCIPAL AND NICK’S GOLF, LLC, C/O NICHOLAS GERACIMOS, PRINCIPAL (FILE #23-12100003)

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

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

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

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

JOSEPH B. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON

MAUREEN F. L. HOWARTH, ATTORNEY OCD-8/17/3t

BID SOLICITATION

Northern Worcester Athletic Complex – Parking Lots

the lower left- hand corner. Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer

Worcester County, Maryland OCD-8/24/1t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023, AT 6:00 PM TOWN OF OCEAN CITY RE: CONVEYANCE OF AIR RIGHTS

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

At 7:00 pm

Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 5, Conditional Uses, a request has been filed under the provisions of Section 110-514(8), Uses permitted by Conditional Use in the LC-1, Local Commercial District to permit an 18-hole miniature golf course with an accessory kid’s playground. The site of the proposed use is described as Lot 143 of Parcel 3261, Lot 144 of Parcel 3262 and Lot 145 of Parcel 3263 of the Neptune Development Plat; further described as located on the west side of Philadelphia Avenue and the east side of Herring Way, and locally known as 2009-213 Philadelphia Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. Required parking to be provided on Lot 154 of Parcel 3272 of the Neptune Development Plat; further described as located on the east side of Herring Way, the north side of Dolphin Street and west side of

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for the construction of the new parking lots and associated site work at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 1:00pm on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 on-site at 9906 Buckingham Ln, Berlin, MD 21811. The last day for questions will be noon on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, September 11, 2023 at 2:30pm and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Envelopes shall be marked "Bid Solicitation – Northern Worcester Athletic Complex – Parking Lots" in

A Public Hearing is scheduled on Monday, September 18, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council, in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. The purpose of this public hearing is to consider the abandonment and conveyance of the air rights above the 16-foot-wide alley known as Washington Lane in between 13-14th Street. The hearing will allow public input for Mayor and Council consideration as to whether or not it is in the public’s interest to determine that the air rights are no longer needed for public use and proceed with the abandonment and conveyance of the air rights. Additional information can be obtained by accessing the August 15, 2023, Mayor and Council agenda packet at http://oceancitymd.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx or by contacting the City Clerk at dchavis@oceancity.gov or 410-2898842.

OCD-8/24/1t _________________________________

NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF BILL 23-06 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 23-06 (Amendments to the County ordinance regulating activity at County landings) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Elder, Mitrecic and Purnell on August 15, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

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

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

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the

main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-8/24/3t

BID SOLICITATION

South Point Bulkhead Replacement – Phase I

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for the replacement of approximately 261 linear feet of existing timber bulkhead with a new vinyl sheet bulkhead system, including new tieback system in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 28, 2023 at 1:00pm on-site at 5820 South Point Rd Berlin, MD 21811. The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, September 11, 2023. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, September 18, 2023 at 2:30pm and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Envelopes shall be marked "Bid Solicitation – South Point Bulkhead Replacement – Phase 1" in the lower left- hand corner.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-8/24/1t

BID SOLICITATION

South Point Bulkhead Replacement

– Phase II

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for the replacement of approximately 295 linear feet of existing timber bulkhead with a new vinyl sheet bulkhead system, including new tieback system in conformity

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 began on 08/10/2023.

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

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police

with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 28, 2023 at 1:15pm on-site at 5820 South Point Rd Berlin, MD 21811. The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, September 11, 2023. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, September 18, 2023 at 2:30pm and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Envelopes shall be marked "Bid Solicitation – South Point Bulkhead Replacement – Phase II" in the lower left- hand corner.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicita-

tion.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

Procurement Officer

Worcester County, Maryland OCD-8/24/1t

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19853

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit Court of Fairfax County, VA appointed Donald R. Paquette, 6923 Spur Road, Springfield, VA 22153 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Dana M. Paquette who died on June 18, 2023 domiciled in Virginia, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Marie Bowie whose address is 13601 Sir Thomas Way #13, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

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 cred-

itor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Donald R. Paquette 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 24, 2023

OCD-8/24/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN SONNTAG Estate No. 19856 Notice is given that SONIA GRYZEWSKI whose address is 224 LAFAYETTE ROAD, AUDUBON, NJ 08106 was on AUGUST 15, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN SONNTAG who died on JULY 26, 2023 without a will.

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

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

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-8/24/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19855

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ISAAC JENKINS SR.

Notice is given that Rotunda Jenkins, 711 Bishop Isaac Jenkins Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, was on August 14, 2023 appointed

personal representative of the small estate of Isaac Jenkins Sr. who died on July 24, 2023, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Rotunda Jenkins Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

August 24, 2023

OCD-8/24/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19844 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL MANION

Notice is given that Linda Jean Manion, 122 Sandyhook Road, Berlin, MD 21811, was on August 15, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Christopher Michael Manion who died on November 22, 2022, with a will.

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims

on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

Linda Jean Manion Personal Representative

True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: August 24, 2023

OCD-8/24/1t _________________________________

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

Town of Ocean City Debris Monitoring

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide site construction for the Town of Ocean City Debris Monitoring and for said work to be in conformity with the Proposal Documents.

Bid Documents for the Town of Ocean City Debris Monitoring may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either emailing the Procurement Manager, Scott Wagner, at swagner@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov by calling 410-723-6643 during normal business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Proposal meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10 am, located at Procurement Office , 214A 65th Street, Ocean City, MD, Purchasing Conference room for any questions concerning the Proposals Documents. (We will also have availability to join remotely,

please email swagner@oceancitymd.gov or dwebb@oceancitymd.gov for invite information.) The last day for questions will be on M Monday, September 12, 2023 at 3pm. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Thursday, September 15, 2023

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than M Monday, October 9, 2023 by 3:00 p.m. and will be opened and then remanded back to staff for further review on T Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Proposal are 214A 65th Street, Suite4-119, Procurement Conference room, Ocean City, MD 21842 and must note the name of the solicitation (TTown of Ocean City Debris Monitoring) on the outside of the package

Late Bid Document will not be accepted.

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

OCD-8/24/1t

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/24/1t

Local young author proud of release of new fiction novel

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) A former Stephen Decatur student has released her newest book, “Eunoia,” a work of historical fiction that zooms in on the life of a 14-year-old adventure-seeker who is given a glimpse of the trials the world has in store for her as she tries to break free from living in the shadows of her older sister.

Author Hannah Bree Campbell, who now lives in Florida, was a student at Stephen Decatur High school her freshman and sophomore year, after she had already begun to write short stories for some of her English class assignments.

Campbell was inspired to pursue writing after her fantasy short story did well in an eighth grade contest.

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2023-16

RE: Northside Park Designated Smoking Areas

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2023-16 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of August 21, 2023. Second reading is scheduled for September 5, 2023. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the August 21, 2023, agenda packet. This ordinance removes Northside Park designated smoking areas thus prohibiting smoking and vaping in all public parks and changes the word marijuana to cannabis as referenced in state legislation.

OCD-8/24/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of I IRVIN CHILDS JR. Estate No. 1 19529 Notice is given that BETTY J. FARINA whose address is 5160 BILLY BLAIR LANE, CRISFIELD, MD 21817 was on A AUGUST 18, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of I IRVIN CHILDS JR. who died on JANUARY 7, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their

BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Carrie M. Ward, et al. 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs. RAYMOND H. BURROWS, III

KATHERINE E. WYATTBURROWS

14000 Coastal Highway Unit 204 Ocean City, MD 21842

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

Case No. C-23-CV-23-000061

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 21st day of August, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 14000 Coastal Highway, Unit 204, Ocean City, MD 21842, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 18th day of September, 2023, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 11th day of September, 2023.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $545,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland

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

“I always liked reading, especially in elementary and middle school, and I was an avid reader,” Campbell said. “Fantasy was never something I was that much into but I was encouraged to apply for the writing contest.”

When her story placed fourth, that was what she characterized as her “eye-opening moment.”

“I never really shared writings with other people either,” Campbell said. “It was only a one-off, so there were no expectations, I was just encouraged to apply to the competition. I didn’t expect it to go as far as it did.”

The beginning of 2021 was when Campbell got the initial idea for her first novel.

“I was still having ideas for short stories during the pandemic, but I wasn’t writing them down,” Campbell said. “I just wasn’t putting in the time or effort.”

She recalled that the process of writing the novel was nonstop, ending up with about 90,000 words after five months.

The book went through two rounds of editing before Campbell found a publishing company in Florida that would handle her work.

“I like how every story starts from afar, and it just takes off,” Campbell says about the process of writing a novel. “It’s so interesting to just always be thinking about some scene to add or like something to add to one of your main characters just to make them more realistic.”

Campbell’s main inspirations for writing include natural conversations between people, being out in nature, and thinking about how the world works.

“Having a conversation with someone can give you ideas on what to write into your characters,” Campbell said.

The intended audience ranges from teenagers to young adults. Campbell credits books such as “Anne of Green Gables,” “Little Women,” and “Little House on the Prairie” as being her main influences in writing “Eunoia.”

“I wanted to make another historical fiction while still keeping historical accuracy as a novelist,” Campbell said.

She hopes that readers can find hidden deeper meanings while reading the novel.

“I hope that it kind of inspires them to look outwards kind of grow their perspective,” Campbell said. “I hope people realize how much the world has to offer and how it was back then too, because I think the past does have an effect on the future.”

The 284-page book be found at Target and Barnes & Noble. In the future, they will also be located at indie book stores. It is available to purchase on Amazon for $16.99.

H. Campbell

PHOTO COURTESY HANNAH BREE CAMPBELL

Hannah Bree Campbell attended Stephen Decatur High School her freshman and sophomore years. Campbell’s newest book, “Eunoia” was published March 20 and can be purchased for $16.99 on Amazon.

Md. senators host small business hearing

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Town of Berlin is home to 5,000 residents and 250 businesses. So, it’s no wonder that Maryland Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen chose it as the site to host a field hearing for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship at the council chambers on Thursday.

The focus of the hearing was “Small Business Resiliency: Learning to succeed in America’s dynamic economy.” The hearing was chaired by Senator Ben Cardin.

Mayor Zack Tyndall welcomed the senators and Congressman Andy Harris to town. Prior to the hearing, they took a stroll through Berlin to meet with several small business owners.

Tyndall said Berlin may be thriving today as a great place to work and live,

but that was not always the case.

Cardin noted that rural areas have faced significant challenges over the past few years, including covid19, natural disasters, internet connectivity, access to a trained workforce and lack of capital.

“We are here to help,” he said.

The senators and Harris heard testimony from business owners and economic development professionals from the Eastern Shore during the hearing, including Roxanne Wolf, the program director of Shore Gourmet, Nick Hargrove of Wittman Wharf Seafood, Cassandra Vanhooser, the director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism for Talbot County and Rick Loeffler, a business consultant for Maryland Small Business Development Center Network.

During her testimony, Vanhooser highlighted the development of the Eastern Shore Economic Resiliency Toolkit,

which was drafted during the pandemic, but was created to address any economic upheaval. The toolkit provides data exploration tools to help the region recover from economic shock and build additional resiliency against future disruptions.

Ideas and case studies were shared by Wolf for turning vacant poultry houses into profitable micro farms for specialty herbs and nutraceuticals, products derived from food sources that provide both nutrition and medicinal benefits.

Her company has developed a bacterial abatement protocol with the University of Delaware and VerLina in Ridgely, Maryland to safely convert poultry houses into growing environments.

“Farmers need help in changing their business model to diversify and bring innovation and technology into their farms,” Wolf said.

Hargrove shared his experience turn-

ing an oyster house into a USDA certified blue catfish processing facility to harvest this invasive fish that is harming the local blue crab population and thus the fishing industry.

Today, he processes 15,000 lbs. of fish a day.

While that is a lot of fish, Hargove said he needs equipment that can ramp up production so he can meet the demands of his customers and allow him to hire more employees as well as help save the bay ecosystem and crab population.

“We have been able to keep the price of the fish high and stable, ensuring that the fishermen get fair prices for their catch and compensated for their hard work,” Hargrove said.

Each speaker provided recommendations for ways Congress could help rural businesses survive and thrive.

Number of home sales continues to decline

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) According to a news release, the most recent housing statistic report from the Maryland Relators showed that the number of home sales in the state continued to decline for the month of July.

The release said sales dropped 22.6 percent, to 5,915 units versus the July 2022 figure of 7,643 units. The average sales price grew by 3.2 percent to

$486,385, while the median sales price rose 4 percent to $414,900.

As in months past, July’s housing statistics point to a market with low inventory and fewer sales amid steadily increasing prices, which is further exemplified by a drop in units pending (houses under contract) of 8.2 percent to 6,560 units and a 34.4 percent drop in

the number of new listings, down to 6,491 units.

“We’re seeing signs of easing inflation, which should help to make the cost of housing more accessible, and yet the single biggest component of the Consumer Price Index, housing costs, continues to drive inflation, rising faster than anything else,” Yolanda Muckle, the 2023 president of Maryland Realtors, said in the release. “There are a variety of factors contributing to the rising cost

of housing, which includes the recent rise of the 30-year fixed rate mortgage interest rate, the lack of available homes for sale, and local land use policies that discourage housing development.”

Muckle also pointed out that in a balanced market there should be six months of inventory available. In July 2023, Maryland had 1.4 months of available inventory.

“To solve our current housing crisis, we need to think of several approaches, including the creation of missing middle housing, which provides diversity in price points, size, and scale when compared to traditional single-family homes,” Muckle said. “Local jurisdictions need to be open to this as well because as it stands 62% of Marylanders who have a full-time job still can’t make enough to afford a home in Maryland. This cannot continue.”

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

See SMALL Page 51

Md. residents urged to apply for tax credits

(Aug. 25, 2023) Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation officials are urging residents to consider their eligibility for homeowners’ or renters’ property tax credits through the 2023 Tax Credit Awareness Campaign.

The deadline to file for both is Oct. 1.

According to a news release, the quickest and easiest way to find out more information and submit an application is by accessing the online tax credit application system, which strengthens the department’s ability to process tax credit applications in an accurate and timely manner.

This month, the department is mailing nearly 140,000 postcards to low-in-

come Maryland homeowners who may be eligible to receive a credit but have not yet submitted an application.

The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program provides relief for eligible homeowners by setting a limit on the amount of property taxes owed based on income.

If a resident has already paid their property taxes and applies by Oct. 1, credits the homeowner may be eligible for will be refunded by the county finance office.

As part of the 2023 Tax Credit Awareness Campaign, the release said the department will also mail more than 5,700

postcards to known renters who have not already applied for the tax credit, as well as non-subsidized rental companies to inform their tenants.

The Renters’ Property Tax Credit Program provides tax relief for eligible renters who pay high monthly rent relative to their total income and do not receive federal or state housing subsidies or reside in public housing. The credit is issued as a direct check payment of up to $1,000 per year.

Customers can apply for both homeowners’ and renters’ tax credits online. Paper applications are also available online, however applicants are advised that

mailed submissions will take longer to process.

In 2022, the release said more than 37,000 homeowners received an average of $1,501 in tax relief, and 6,004 renters received an average of $450 in tax relief. Combined, the two tax credit programs saved Marylanders more than $58 million last year.

Many counties and municipalities also provide supplemental homeowners credits, which provide additional tax relief. If a resident is approved to receive the state credit, they will automatically receive any local supplemental credit for which they are eligible.

Small business challenges focus of hearing

Loeffler suggested developing a rural loan product that is based on the covidera Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, to support greater resilience for businesses that need to develop a pivot strategy, especially for smaller businesses.

Hargrove gave recommendations that would assist the crab and fishing industries in Maryland.

He called for a tax or tariff on foreign crab meat with the proceeds going back to rebuild aquatic habitat and help com-

bat the predation caused by invasive species including blue catfish, cownose rays and snakeheads.

He also suggested putting blue catfish into its own category, since now they are in the same regulatory category as farmraised fish.

Wild blue catfish do not have salmonella like farm raised fish do, and therefore do not need more vigorous regulations to ensure a safe product goes to market.

“If we don’t, we are going to be known as the Chesapeake Bay, home of the blue

catfish, not Chesapeake Bay, home of the blue crab.”

Wolf pitched the idea of branding Maryland products, similar to Wisconsin Cheese and Maine blueberries that consumers look to purchase.

Many of these products, such as nutraceutical herbs, mushrooms and algae are coming from overseas with questionable growing practices, Wolf said.

“Consumers prefer domestic and local,” Wolf said.

“We need programs that allow busi-

nesses to grow and prosper, even during times of uncertainty, and your commitment through funding that provides the resources and the flexibility for local jurisdictions to implement programs that help small businesses thrive,” Vanhooser said.

In closing Cardin recognized the need to pass laws to update the nation’s visa program to address the need for seasonal workers on the Eastern Shore as well as to recruit a more permanent workforce.

“We need to target better to help rural Americans,” Cardin said.

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Oceans Calling reduced bus service schedule

Ocean City officials release bus plan to help transport incoming music fest crowds

(Aug. 25, 2023) With the Oceans Calling Festival a little over a month away, resort officials have released a plan for reduced bus service to accommodate the droves of people expected in town.

According to a news release issued Wednesday, the three-day music festival planned for Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 on the inlet and surrounding beach and Boardwalk, will be one of the busiest events Ocean City has ever hosted. So in anticipation of an increased number of bus riders and possible traffic delays, buses will be operating in what staff call reduced-stop, express service mode.

The change will be in effect for the duration of the festival, from Friday, Sept. 29, trough Sunday, Oct. 1.

Buses will still operate normal hours each day, from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m., but the reduced-stop, express mode will be put in place to expedite crowd movement and provide more frequent service throughout the festival.

The release said the bus system normally has over 60 stops in each

direction along Coastal Highway. During the festival weekend, the stops will be reduced to about 20 stops each way to help the buses flow back and forth quicker.

Certain stops will also be inactive during the three-day weekend. The affected stops will be marked with signs directing passengers to the nearest available active stop.

Anyone who needs special mobility assistance can coordinate pick-ups by calling transportation dispatch at 410- 723-1606.

People who plan to ride the bus over the weekend are reminded to have exact cash or a pre-paid photo ID General Bus Pass, which are available at City Hall.

The fares for the bus are as follows:

• Standard Fare: $4 Ride-All-Day.

• Half Fare ($2.00 Ride-All-Day): senior citizens age 65 and over, disabled persons, medicare card holders, and Ocean City non-resident senior bus pass holders.

• Free: Children 42 inches in height and under, ADA certified disabled card holders, and Ocean City resident senior bus pass holders. Proof of eligibility may be required.

Buses from an outside provider will also be running the service from the West Ocean City Park and Ride.

Tickets for the service can be purchased from transportation staff at the ticket booth at resort bus terminal buildings. Tickets are required to be presented when boarding.

To plan a bus commute around

town during the festival, refer to the Reduced-Stop, Express Service map located at support.oceanscallingfestival.com/hc/en- us/articles/9503497176084-How-do-I-get-t o-the-festival.

Walking tour given by OCDC retiree

Mile-long trek spotlights history and background of downtown Ocean City area

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) The downtown area of Ocean City has much to offer, and the history behind it can be further explored, thanks to someone who knows the downtown well — Glenn Irwin.

The former executive director of the Ocean City Development Corporation leads a mile-long walking tour that lasts for about an hour and fifteen minutes. It starts at Sunset Park and goes around a loop from Worcester Street to Caroline Street and stops at places such as the historic Henry Hotel, the Life-Saving Station Museum, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Ocean City Beach Patrol Station.

Tour participants will hear of the history and background associated with both well-known and littleknown buildings located all around the downtown area.

“These buildings were built around the 1800s and 1900s, but have since been modified,” Irwin said.

Irwin doesn’t do the tours often, the number that he typically gives usually amounting to a couple a year.

“The tours are mainly for promotional purposes, or upon special request,” Irwin said (to request a tour, contact Zachary Bankert at OCDC).

Irwin, who came up to the area from south Florida, was the first and only executive director of the Ocean City Development Corporation for 23 years, having been hired in 2000. He retired from the program in late March and is now working with Robin Boord at Ayers Creek Adventures doing kayak tours.

During his tenure, he received the 2022 Legacy Award from Community Development Network of Maryland, a 2022 HEART Award from the Art League of Ocean City, and was recognized as the 2023 Business Person of the Year by the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.

The OCDC covers projects in the district, which goes up to 17th street. Irwin noted how the organization partnered with the city and state on projects such as the wide sidewalk by Sunset Park. Another one of its projects is the Somerset Plaza, which was built in 2002.

The projects that Irwin is most proud of are the façade refurbishments he oversaw and the public art projects that he encouraged.

OCDC has helped with façade refurbishments since 2002. Aiming to fix up exteriors to buildings located south of 17th street, the OCDC Façade Improvement Program has assisted property owners in renovating 270 buildings in the downtown area as of February.

“The OCDC has been involved in every renovation on the Dorchester and Talbot Street block,” Irwin said.

In 2022, the OCDC Public Art Program joined with the Art League of Ocean City to complete eight painted utility boxes, with hopes to paint five more by the end of 2023. Their first project was the completion of the stainless-steel white marlin statue that greets cars coming off the Route 50 bridge heading into town. Created

Retired Ocean City Development Corporation Executive Director Glenn Irwin poses in front of the Ocean City Coast Guard station. Although semi-retired from the OCDC, Irwin is still doing walking tours around the historic downtown area.

in 2002, it reflects ocean City being known as the “White Marlin Capital of the World.”

“Working in OCDC has been the greatest job in the world,” Irwin said. “From public art to restorations, dealing with the local businesses and residences, it’s just been amazing.”

For more information, visit ocdc.org, where you can find its newsletter.

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By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Worcester County Board of Education members presented updates, approved items and heard from the community at their Aug. 15 meeting.

Blueprint update

On July 27, Worcester County Schools received approval from the Accountability & Implementation Board (AIB) for the school system’s initial implementation plans, which they submitted in March.

The AIB was established to ensure local education agencies progress and comply with initiatives outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

In her monthly blueprint update, Denise Shorts, chief academic officer for grades PreK-8, said that 2024 funding for the blueprint was released

to Worcester County Schools upon approval.

Schools that fail approval for the initial implementation plan, along with other upcoming plans to meet blueprint goals, could have funding withheld.

“Anything in the blueprint plan can hold up your plan from being approved if you’re not right on track with the law, because we know that the blueprint now is law,” Shorts said.

The blueprint allocates funding to Maryland school systems based on per-pupil amounts, differing characteristics of schools and school programs, according to the blue print’s website.

On Aug. 23, the Maryland Department of Education was set to release new, more comprehensive plans, which WCPS will have to respond to by next March.

While the initial implementation

plan dealt with setting goals, the upcoming plan will include milestones set by the department of education and the implementation board. Schools must implement blue print plans by certain dates, Shorts said.

“The stakes will increase because again reaching those goals will also mean part of having our [blueprint funding for 2025] money released,” Shorts said.

Shorts said she will have more information at the September board meeting once school officials see the plans.

Culinary Program

The board voted unanimously to approve a new international field trip opportunity to Lille, France, for students enrolled in Worcester County Technical High School’s culinary and pastry arts programs.

Phil Cropper, culinary arts instructor at Worcester Technical High School, presented the plans for the program to the board.

The trip would take eight students in grades 11-12 to France for 10 days in late March and early April next year. The students would get to take classes at the Lycée Hôtelier International de Lille, a catering and hospitality college in northern France, then spend some time traveling the county. Eight students from France would come visit Worcester County in exchange.

Calls for book banning

When the board opened the floor to public comments, several speakers expressed concerns that books in Worcester County School libraries contained obscenities.

Continued on Page 55

Community read for “There There” at library

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Worcester County Library is hosting the One Maryland One Book community read, a program of Maryland Humanities.

This year’s selection is Tommy Orange’s “There There,” a novel about

modern day Native Americans in urban settings.

The book explores 12 different characters across native communities as they gather for the Big Oakland Powwow. The novel addresses themes of sobriety, mental health and ideas of cultural preservation.

“This is a great opportunity for a community read, join us for book discussions and other programs that relate to the book, including documentaries, TED Talks, and more,” Adult Services Coordinator Elena Coelho said in a news release.

“We are hosting a panel discussion with the Pocomoke Indian Nation to learn about their experiences on the Eastern Shore and how their lives are similar to and diverge from the book.”

For more information about One Maryland One Book programs, contact Elena Coelho at 443-783-6164 or ecoelho@worcesterlibrary.org.

Facebook: Worcester County Maryland Library

Instagram: worcesterlibrarymd

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The cover of Tommy Orange’s “There There,” a novel about modern day Native Americans in urban settings, is shown. The book is the selection for this year’s One Maryland One Book community read at the Worcester County Library.

Safe Boating Course Sept. 12-14

OC Coast Guard Auxiliary to teach boat safety at Ocean Pines Library each evening

(Aug. 25, 2023) The next courses to learn safe boating practices in Maryland are set from 6-9 p.m., Sept. 12-14, at the Ocean Pines Library.

According to a news release, a successful day on the water requires effective communication between boaters to ensure safety and smooth sailing, and the best way to prepare is by taking a Maryland Safe Boating Course.

Offered by certified instructors from the Ocean City Coast Guard Auxiliary, the comprehensive classes cover all the required material for boating, as well as information on local waters and nautical navigation.

The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that anyone born after July 1, 1972, to possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat in the state. Those who attend the class and pass the test will receive a Maryland Boating Certifi-

BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS

Continued from Page 54

Susan Ostrowski, of Berlin, said she was concerned about three books on school shelves that depicted pornographic content such as sex, incest and rape.

The books included “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson, “The Kite Runner,” by Khaled Hosseini, and “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” by Sarah J. Maas.

“Children are the future of this country,” Ostrowski said. “We must keep them in the common sense, normal world, not the abnormal sexual occurrences.”

Ostrowski said she submitted a request to review these three books but was denied since she didn’t have a

child in Worcester County schools.

Kate McCloskey, of Ocean Pines, said she had also submitted a review for a book, but was informed the book review committee had unanimously decided to keep the book in schools.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

states. A fee of $20 covers the cost of the course and materials. Checks should be made payable to USGCAUX 12-05 and mailed to USCGAUX 12-05, P.O. Box 1682, Berlin, MD. 21811. Payment through PayPAL is also accepted. For more information or to register, contact Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or e-mail CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission and Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently named Ocean City angler Capt. Monty Hawkins as the 2023 recipient of the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award.

According to a news release, the commission established the award was established in 2019 to honor individuals who have provided sustained efforts in habitat management, conservation, education, research, or other meaningful contributions that benefit recreational fishing in Maryland.

In the Maryland coastal fishing scene, few have made more contributions than Hawkins, known as “Captain Monty,” of F/V Morning Star based in Ocean City.

Along with running his charter business, Hawkins was instrumental in forming the Ocean City Reef Foundation in 1997, to which he has volunteered countless hours. He has also volunteered as a member of the Coastal Conservation Association, and served as a member and chairman of the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative.

“I was shocked that the committee had unanimously agreed to keep this book,” McCloskey said. “It made me wonder who was on the committee and how I could get on it.”

McCloskey said she found a Maryland law that prohibits displaying sexual obscene items, including books, to minors.

She said she has identified 49 books in school libraries that contain what she believed was sexually obscene material.

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People hang out on boats parked at the OC Fisherman’s Marina on Sunset Boulevard. Three Maryland Safe Boating Courses are set from 6-9 p.m., Sept. 12-14, at the Ocean Pines Library.

OC angler receives 2023 MD fisheries achievement award

Art League 60th anniversary in fall

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Art League of Ocean City is celebrating the organization’s 60th anniversary this fall with a Diamond Jubilee in the newly renovated Tide Room Restaurant at the Ashore Resort.

The gala, set from 6-10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Ashore on 101st Street, will feature fine food, an art auction, dancing, and music by The Heartbeats. All proceeds will benefit the League’s Future of the Arts Campaign.

More details to follow.

State recognizes Hawkins’ efforts

Continued from Page 55

The release said commission and department members recognize Hawkins for having the best interest of the fishery in mind, and for his strong stewardship of the state’s aquatic resources. He serves not only as a charter captain but an educator on the benefits of habitat creation for the overall fishery.

Hawkins will be honored during a presentation later in the year.

The commission will begin accepting nominations on Dec. 1 for the 2024 award, with a deadline of Jan. 31.

The Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission gave local angler, Capt. Monty Hawkins, the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award for his conservation efforts. Hawkins is pictured with two fish.

Baked clams delicious and simple to make

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) It is official, I am a finalist at Sutter Home’s Build a Better Burger contest.

I will be flying to Sutter Homes Winery in October to compete against four other finalists for a grand prize of $25,000.

There were five semi-finals across the country. I competed in Atlanta, Georgia, where I took top honors.

I thought it would be interesting to share this experience for those who are contemplating entering a culinary competition. Expect the unexpected and more!

My sister was supposed to join me, but a family emergency kept her from going.

My flight was out of Salisbury Airport. The flight was supposed to take off around noon but was delayed by two hours due to weather.

Then when it is time to board, we found out the flight had been overbooked. And I am not talking about one or two seats.

My intuition kicked in and I texted my contact at Sutter Homes about the situation. Fate prevailed and sure enough I was bumped.

I immediately contacted Suttor Homes and within minutes they had an Uber heading to pick me up. The driver was taking me to BWI. I was informed as we get closer, since they could track the car’s progress, they would determine which flight they would book me on.

ON GUARD

Because of rush hour and the distance involved, it was decided I would catch a flight out of BWI leaving around 8 p.m.

I had time to kill and was in much need of a glass of wine. I found a seat at the bar next to a charming young woman. For the first time, I can start to relax and knew I would make the competition, which was the following day.

I only had one glass of wine and decided to get back to the gate; I do not want any problems. When I ask for my bill, I was shocked at the price of one glass of wine. Yes, it has been a long time since I have traveled.

Finally, I boarded the plane and was on my way. But to my disappointment, the second flight was delayed by several hours.

To make a long story short, I was supposed to arrive around 4 p.m. on Tuesday. I did not arrive at my hotel until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, the day of the competition.

Arrival time for the contest was 3:00 pm.

The food, wine, and entertainment were great. While the food looked absolutely delicious, my nerves were talking to me. But I must confess a glass of Sutter Home’s wine was just what the doctor ordered.

Before I knew it, the timer started and the competition began. I was moving at a good pace, but I spent way too much time on toasting my hamburger buns.

The oil for frying was not as hot as I would have liked it to be. That was another unexpected setback I had not anticipated. In other words, be prepared for the unexpected.

The next time I looked up, I real-

ized I had a time issue and had to kick into triple gear.

In the end, I completed my burger just in time.

I will never forget this experience and cannot say enough about the staff at Sutter Homes.

Needless to say, I am looking forward to competing in the finals. There is a lot of practicing ahead of me, and I must feel completely confident in every aspect of my burger.

Also, practicing is bound to bring up unexpected issues, which hopefully I will be able to overcome in the finals.

Cooking for family and guests is no different than competition, in the sense that every detail needs to be considered.

For example, baked clams are delicious and quite simple to make. That being said, just like culinary competitions, every aspect of the dish must be taken into consideration.

Not only do you have to remove the sand from the clams, but you also have to be careful not to overcook them. This is a delicate balance, but necessary for a successful dish.

First and foremost, soak the clams in cold water for about 20 minutes. This will help remove any sand from the shell.

Dump the dirty water and mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of cold water. Make sure there is enough water to cover the clams. Soak for another 10 minutes and rinse well. The process helps remove the sand that is inside the shell.

If you want to jazz up your baked clams, minced clams can be added to the breading for a more intense clam

OCBP: Always swim near lifeguard

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!” This is our trademark slogan that you will see many places throughout Ocean City.

It’s not just a catchy phrase that you can see on the back of lifeguard stands and many other signs throughout Ocean City, but more importantly a helpful reminder that swimming in unguarded water is never a good idea.

A sad statistic from Ocean City is that 98 percent of all drowning deaths that have occurred in the past 90 years have occurred when the beach patrol was NOT on duty.

Although this advice applies to pools, it is even more important when swimming in open water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, which have

uneven bottoms, changing currents, poor visibility, sudden drop-offs and changes in depth.

These factors make rip currents the second leading cause of weather-related death (last year), according to the National Weather Service, ahead of lightning, tornados, and hurricanes (also sharks).

Not only should you only swim when the Beach Patrol is on duty, but you need to swim in front of a guard, especially as we get later in our season and our stands are moving much further apart. When fully staffed we like to have our stands positioned about 195 yards apart, however, as you are reading this our stands are likely 400 yards apart (four football fields or ¼

mile), so swimming in front of a staffed chair is even more critical.

I have noticed that people tend to leave their cares, concerns, and common sense behind them when they come to the beach. No one can blame them; vacationers have worked hard, and they simply want to enjoy their time by the ocean.

Most people believe that nothing bad is going to happen while they are on vacation and that they will never be the unfortunate victim of an accident or injury while enjoying a day at the beach. The possibility of a tragedy occurring with a loved one is the furthest thing from their mind when they choose to go swimming without a lifeguard.

This fact unfortunately came true two summers ago when a man chose

flavor.

Bits of bacon or chorizo sausage can be added for an extra punch of flavor.

Collard greens or fresh oregano can replace the traditional parsley.

Just like culinary competitions, think out of the box. One must stand out if they hope to win over the judges and guests alike.

Following is a basic, baked clam recipe. It is delicious on its own. If you are up to a challenge, add your own spin on this classic dish. Enjoy!

Baked Clams

Ingredients

18 littleneck clams, scrubbed

2/3 cup plain bread crumbs

1 tablespoon minced garlic in a jar

3 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped

2 tablespoons parsley leaves, finely chopped pinch of crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt to taste

2 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

½ cup chicken stock

1. Soak clams in a solution of water and baking soda, 1 cup of cold water to 1 tablespoon baking soda for 10 minutes. Make sure all of the clams are covered in the baking soda mixture. Rinse well.

2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

3. Place clams on a baking sheet and warm for only a few minutes. You do not want to cook the clams, you just want them to open a little.

4. Using a butter knife, pry open the clams and remove the top shell and discard. Completely pull the clam away from the bottom shell and place it back in the bottom shell.

5. Chop 6 of the clams into small pieces.

6. In a bowl, combine chopped clams, bread crumbs, garlic, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt. Then add olive oil and chicken stock.

7. Pack each clam full of the bread crumb mixture.

8. Place the clams on a baking sheet and broil until brown and crispy.

Secret Ingredient: Education

“Education is that which remains after one has forgotten what he has learned in school.”

— Albert Einstein

WET PAINT AWARDS

The Art League of Ocean City presented a total of $5,400 to the winners of the Artists Paint OC Plein Air Festival at the Wet Paint Awards Ceremony on Aug. 12. Pictured, from left, in the from row are Judge Laura Era, Chairperson Laura Jenkins, Art League President John Sisson, and plein air artists Barbara Kern-Bush, Maggii Sarfaty, Nancy Thomas and Jose Ramirez. Pictured, from

in the back row are artists David Simpson, Ed Lewandowski, Fred Jackson and Dennis Young.

MILESTONE CELEBRATION

Members of the Board of Directors of the Art League of Ocean City celebrated the nonprofit organization's 60th birthday by cutting the cake for the guests at the First Friday opening reception on Aug. 4. Pictured, from left, are Al "Hondo" Handy, Courtney Blackford, Executive Director Rina Thaler, President John Sisson, Virginia Outten, Emily Schwab, and Barbara Patrick.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OCEAN CITY TODAY

left,

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Fred Jackson, of King of Prussia, Penssylvania, won second place in the Artists Paint OC Plein Air Festival.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OCEAN CITY TODAY

David Simpson, of Parsonsburg, Maryland, won Best Use of Light in the Artists Paint OC Plein Air Festival, an award sponsored by Royal Plus Electric.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Joanne Guilfoil and Jim Motsko pause for a photo while greeting guests at the art league birthday celebration.

Ocean can be dangerous, treat with respect

Continued from Page 58

to go swimming at 7 p.m. after the Beach Patrol had long gone off duty and cleared the water of all swimmers. Caught in a rip current, the man was pulled into deep water as his wife and child watched helplessly.

Beach Patrol members working evening mobile patrol were joined by off duty beach patrol surf rescue technicians and fire department rescue swimmers and were able to locate his body, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

Unfortunately, this was repeated earlier last summer at 8:40 p.m., over three hours after lifeguards had cleared the ocean and left for the day, as well as this spring, three weeks before we began guarding the beach.

While friends and family will forever be changed by such a preventable tragedy, another alarming statistic is that when untrained individuals attempt to “rescue” someone from the ocean, they frequently become victims themselves.

This was reported six times last summer at other East Coast beaches and a few times this year in North Carolina and Florida. Although education is the first priority of the Beach Patrol mission and the press has ded-

icated time and resources to help us get these lifesaving messages out to you, many people just do not heed our advice and lives are lost and families devastated by the poor decisions of others.

It is important to remember that the ocean is not just a fun place to spend a vacation, it is a natural, everchanging dynamic environment and like all natural phenomena, if it is not treated respectfully, it can be deadly.

Even experienced swimmers and surfers have lost their lives swimming alone with no one to help them when things go wrong. A powerful rip current can flow away from the beach, at a speed that is faster than an Olympic swimmer can swim against it.

Lifeguards and people dedicated to water/beach safety feel frustrated by these stories. There is no need for anyone to lose a family member on vacation. It is a tragedy that could be easily avoided.

The ocean is constantly moving and changing. To the untrained eye it can look calm and safe, but currents on the calmest day can still be dangerous.

Do not hesitate to approach the lifeguard and ask about water conditions. They enjoy answering questions

and educating beach patrons.

Every member of the Beach Patrol is fully tested and certified before they ever have the privilege of guarding you, your family, and friends. Their job is to recognize the danger and educate beach patrons about it.

If you hear them blow their whistle, look and see who they might be trying to communicate with. It could be you. The lifeguards will use their flags to direct you out of harm’s way.

Often during the summer, we see a lot of wildlife activity out in the ocean.

There could be whale sightings and very often, dolphins traveling close to shore. Although these creatures aren’t normally harmful to humans, it’s safer to simply move out of their way and let them pass. Lifeguards have a better view of what is going on from their guard stand and will move you away from the less dangerous occurrences such as these, and the more dangerous situations, such as rip currents.

The Beach Patrol also enforces rules, ordinances, and regulations that I am sure some of you find bothersome, but each regulation has been put in place for a reason. The Beach Patrol is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and enjoyable environ-

ment for all of our visitors and ensuring that they may enjoy their vacation time.

Please remember that if the lifeguard asks you to play ball at the back of the beach, fill in a hole, move to a designated smoking area, turn your music down or move an umbrella out of their line of sight, they are doing this to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable beach experience and can return for many more.

We hope you enjoy your time here in Ocean City. To help us keep you safe always check in with the lifeguard on the stand and never go in the ocean if the Beach Patrol is not on duty. This is so important to each lifeguard that they will clear the ocean of all swimmers before leaving their beach at 5:30.

Follow the directions of the lifeguards and never underestimate the incredible power of the ocean. Remember our slogan and pass it on to family, friends or anyone whose life you value: “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!”

And at this time of the year when stands are farther apart it is important to walk to the nearest lifeguard stand and swim in front of the lifeguard.

Open Daily 10-6 in the Beach Bungalow

Artists Paint OC plein air fest big success

Editor,

Our 18th Annual Artists Paint OC plein air festival Aug. 9-13 was another impressive event for us and the town.

Thank you to the 50 professional artists who spread out around the resort for five days and created 230 paintings of our iconic local landscapes. And thank you to the 57 youth who painted “en plein air” in July and were part of our first-ever Kids Paint OC Festival.

Our gratitude goes out to our judge, Laura Era of Easton’s Troika Gallery, who awarded prizes to our winning artists and also donated an original custom portrait for an art league fundraising raffle.

And to our sponsors of the festival who provided $6,050 in cash prizes for the artists: Emily and Paul Schwab, Peter Glenville Foundation, Laura Jenkins, Todd Burbage/Blue Water Development, Mapleton Farm/Mechelle and Charles Nichols Linda and Mike Guerrieri, Shore United Bank, Reese Cropper III, Barbara Frankfort-Kollander Patrick, Maryland’s Coast, the White Marlin Open, and the Ocean City Development Corporation.

The Worcester County Arts Council provided cash prizes to our youth Kids Paint OC winners.

Thank you, as well, to our special artists award sponsors: Trond Pool Construction for Best Nocturne, Emmy and Ed Challenger for Best Maritime, Royal Plus Electric for Best Use of Light, Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Assn. for Best Hospitality, and OC Tourism for the Spirit of Ocean City Award. Our gratitude also goes out to our in-kind sponsors-The Hotel Atlantic of Berlin, The Original Thrashers French Fries, and Jolly Roger Amusement Parks.

We are proud to announce the prize winning artists for Artists Paint OC 2023: Dennis Young of New Castle, Delaware, first place, $2,500; Fred Jackson of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, second place, $1,000; John Schisler of Georgetown, Delaware, third place, $500; and Jose Ramirez of Secretary, Maryland, Maggii Sarfaty of Easton and Nancy Thomas of Ridgeley, Maryland, honorable mentions, $100 each.

Also, David Simpson of Parsonsburg, Maryland, Best Use of Light, $150; Ed Lewandowski of Bridgeville, Maryland, Best Maritime, $150; Betty Huang of Easton, Best Nocturne, $150; and Barbara Kern-Bush of Pocomoke City, Spirit of Ocean City, $500.

The winners of Sunday’s “Quick Paint” on the Boardwalk with awards presented by Zachary Bankert of the

Ocean City Development Corporation are: Dennis Young, first place, $300; Rajendra KC, second place, $200; Fred Jackson, third place, $100; and Will Schulze, honorable mention, $50.

The winner of the Kids Paint OC event in the age 6-9 category are Owen Schisler, first place; Tobias Blaska, second place; Nicole Sebastian, third place, and honorable mentions Rosemary Williams, Taye Olibah and Cassidy Jones.

Ages 10-12: Faith Ford, first place; Ellie Hall, second place; Kaitlyn Guertler, third place, and honorable mentions Lucy Parks, Eli Parker, and Benjamin Gannon.

Ages 13-17: Sydney Parker, first place; Madison Guertler, second place; Glenna Barnes, third place, and honorable mentions M.G. Barnes and Lyla Roberts.

And another big thank you to the art lovers and art collectors who came out to support the artists and purchase their work during the Wet Paint Sales.

The best of the plein air paintings will be on display and available for purchase at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St. through September. The raffle for Laura Era’s custom portrait continues until the drawing on Sept. 30.

Laura Jenkins Chair, Artists Paint OC Vice-president, Art League of Ocean City

Rina Thaler Executive director, Art League of Ocean City

Boat ramps: public use over businesses Editor,

After more than three years of posturing, most of the Worcester County Commissioners finally voted to crack the door wide open and let almost any commercial business set up shop on the public boat ramps.

The outcome was expected, but it sure sounds like another bad deal for the taxpayers.

Maryland’s guideline set in 2008 advised Worcester County that commercial watermen cannot be denied use of the public boat ramps.

Now, in business-friendly Worcester County, we are going to let any for-profit business apply for a free permit to operate exclusively from the public ramps. The parking lots will be marked so these new users know where to find their two free parking spaces.

Attorney Mark Cropper did a great job selling a bad deal for the taxpayers.

Commercial watermen will continue to have the access they always

Speculating on law pointless exercise

Second-guessing a court decision is easy to do, as is speculating on the legal strategy that led to that decision.

But despite the ease with which these things can be done, it remains that laypeople expounding on the law is no different than looking at the face of a broken clock and being able to tell what’s wrong with its internal mechanisms.

Like a clock, the law’s many components must mesh to work as intended, making it nearly impossible for the average person to understand precisely why some cases transpire the way they do.

That seems to be the situation following the motions hearing in circuit court last week on the charges faced by Tyler Mailloux, who stood accused of leaving the scene of the accident that claimed the life of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp on Grays Corner Road last July.

The court’s acceptance of the defense motion to dismiss the charges because they should have been filed in district court instead has been followed by plenty of theories on how that could have happened and what it means.

Among these is the wildly absurd notion that the fix was in. That sort of thing just doesn’t happen here. Another theory making the rounds is that State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser made a huge mistake by going to circuit court instead of district court, which, according to the judge, has jurisdiction.

The clear answer to that, however, is maybe and maybe not. That all depends on how the Appellate Court of Maryland rules on the appeal her office filed immediately after last week’s motions hearing.

Then, too, the public should consider what would have been said had Heiser gone first to district court where lighter penalties could be imposed. That she was pursuing a lesser degree of justice or was going too easy on the defendant for reasons unknown?

Speculation, as satisfying as it may be personally, serves no purpose. What remains to be done now is wait to see how the appeals court rules, and what happens after that. Assuming any other posture will have no bearing on whether and how this clock keeps on ticking.

Ocean City Today

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson

MANAGING EDITOR ............................ Mallory Panuska

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR .......................... Lisa Capitelli

STAFF WRITERS ................Cindy Hoffman, Hunter Hine, ..............................................................Remy Andersen

ACCOUNT MANAGERS .......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier ..................................................................Renée Kelly

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER ...... Christine Brown

SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks

GRAPHIC ARTISTS ............ Kelly Brown, Jane Leibowitz

PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts

If you’re reading this on its date of publication or anytime shortly thereafter, then the important news is that I just have celebrated another birthday without incident.

At least that is important news to me, as I believe that the opposite of being an upright citizen is to be a horizontal resident of, possibly, somewhere not as accomodating, depending on a hearing before the Celestial Planning Commission.

the middle lane of the highway.

Other less significant changes — world peace, political stability and free TV streaming service for everyone — would also be likely to occur.

Such as equipping parents with the ability to converse with their babies. This is not as far-fetched as one might believe, considering the recent debut of an AI application that purports to allow users to have text conversations with Jesus, Moses and other Biblical figures, including Satan.

By Stewart Dobson

In any event, it was on an oppressively hot August afternoon several decades ago that I popped into the world in Nassawadox, Virginia, and said, “I have no idea where I am, but there’s certainly less humidity.”

Obviously, I didn’t say anything, because coherent thoughts aren’t a baby’s strong suit, given that one’s accumulated knowledge at that point is limited to “hungry,” “not hungry” and, “I’m uncomfortable in places that I have yet to identify.”

This isn’t to say that babies will never be able to communicate with their parents in a more detailed manner, courtesy of Artificial Intelligence, which I suppose is better than no intelligence at all.

In fact, there may come a day when we have the ability to transplant artificial intelligence into those who lack a sufficient amount of their own.

What that would mean, among many, many other wonderful things, is that the world would be free of left turns across traffic from

Maybe it’s just me being skeptical, but I don’t think these exchanges would be the same as in-person meetings, although I’m in no hurry to find out. Besides, I can’t imagine that texts from Satan would provide any reliable information.

“Hey, Satan, my friend just bought a 41foot center console with quad 400 outboards and I covet it. What should I do?”

“Steal it! I mean, sure, there’s the matter of burning in hell for eternity later on, but this bad boy will get you out to the canyons in an hour. Totally worth the risk.”

You’d be better off signing up for lifecoaching seminars guided by the Magic EightBall, which is, after all, another form of artificial intelligence.

But I do think there might be some merit in AI conversations with babies based on things we know now that we wished we knew then.

Parents: “Louie, you are now eight days old. We only want what’s best for you, so what can we do to help you in the journey we call life?”

Louie: “Start saving now for my inheritance.”

Pre-K class at Wor-Wic child development center this fall

(Aug. 25, 2023) Thanks to a grant made possible by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future plan, Wor-Wic Community College is offering two prekindergarten classes for qualifying Wicomico County 3- and 4-year-old students this fall.

The $520,000 grant from the Maryland State Department of Education will fund pre-K courses at Wor-Wic’s child development center for up to 40 students who meet income guidelines in Wicomico County, speak a language other than English at home, or have an individualized educational plan or individualized family service plan.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which is made up of initiatives to help improve education across the state, aims to broaden prekinder-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from Page 61

have had. But the taxpayers won’t get a dime from any business that sets up shop on public property. There were some legal mumblings about how the First Amendment protects the businesses so they can advertise their retail services will be available on the public ramps.

I don’t think this debate is over. Parking already is tight at some ramps, particularly at West Ocean City. And what prevents the leasing of slips at Public Landing to floating tiki bars? The county still must come up with new signs explaining where recreational users can park and how conflicts will be resolved. Every ramp is different.

Yet to be seen is whether Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources gives Worcester County new guidance on commercial use. Technically, the rules go to the DNR for re-

Manager at Harrison’s Harbor Watch saves 88-year-old man

garten for all of Maryland’s 3- and 4year-old children.

The prekindergarten program provides students with a full school day of instruction, along with breakfast and an afternoon snack. Transportation is not provided.

The Wor-Wic child development center is accredited by the department of education and holds a levelfive quality rating, the highest possible, from Maryland EXCELS, the state’s rating system for licensed child care and early education.

For information about the prekindergarten program, call 410334-2962. To apply, visit the Wicomico County Schools website, at wcboe.org and click on “Enrollment and Registration.”

(Aug. 25, 2023) It was just a normal Tuesday at Harrison’s Harbor Watch Restaurant at the south end of the Boardwalk.

A bus group full of senior citizens were enjoying their day trip to Ocean City when a medical emergency occurred. An 88-year-old gentleman landed face down on his plate of food and was unresponsive.

While the rest of the bus patrons were oblivious to his situation, the restaurant’s quick-thinking assistant manager, Nikki Godwin, sprang into action.

Dialing 911 en route to the patron, then pulling him to the floor, she checked for an obstruction or choking. She found that his pulse was weak and breathing shallow, and he remained unresponsive.

view. Why? Maryland routinely gives sizable grants to Worcester County to build and maintain the recreational boat ramps.

Some $500,000 in awards for South Point and Public Landing are on the table now. The contracts are clear. Recreational access is the objective. So far, this ramp debate has shown how far the county commissioners will bend words and rules to satisfy one attorney who regularly brings big business to Worcester County. The debate also has shown how legal tactics, such as simply alleging unfounded ethics conflicts, can disenfranchise voters.

I’m not surprised by the outcome. However, if my commissioner had a vote, I bet free commercial use would be limited and the taxpayers would not have to pay to enforce the deal.

Stephen Katsanos South Point

She quickly started chest compressions. After about 5 minutes, emergency medical technicians arrived and safely took him by ambulance to Atlantic General Hospital, where he recovered. Fortunately, the 33-yearold, 16-year veteran of Harrison’s Harbor Watch had received CPR training earlier this summer. “

“I had never come across this situation before but I believe this is a testament to the training that is reinforced yearly at the Harrison

Group,” Godwin said.

The motorcoach company that brought the bus group called the next day and expressed their accolades of Godwin, saying her rapid response was the key to saving the 88-year-old, and had it not been for her the outcome could have been totally different.

The Harrison Group is pleased and proud of Godwin and her quick thinking to rectify the situation.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY Harrison’s Harbor Watch Restaurant Assistant Manager Nikki Godwin.

(Aug. 25, 2023) “Stigma Highlighted: Portraits of Recovery,” an exhibit displaying portraits of 12 area residents in recovery, will be on display during the fall semester in the Salisbury University Commons dining hall.

The project is an initiative of the opiate addiction recovery awareness and support organization Worcester Goes Purple, under the direction of president Debbie Smullen, and the Art League of Ocean City.

Artists were paired with people in recovery who live and work in Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Talbot counties and created portraits. As part of the exhibit, the pieces contain QR codes linked to videos of the subjects telling their stories of addiction and recovery.

The exhibit will be set up in September for National Recovery Month, and remain on display for the semester.

“The powerful collaboration allowed the artists to highlight the bravery and resilience of the addiction survivors for the community to see,” Katrin Huber, Art League of Ocean City education director, said in a news release.

The ultimate goal of the exhibit was to challenge misconceptions and negativity toward individuals battling addiction.

Exhibit artists found their subjects to be not only engaging but, in most cases, people they may have interacted with in their own communities and daily lives.

“Speaking with Brandon, it very quickly became clear to me that he was one of the most down-to-earth and humble people I had ever met,”

artist Izzy Huber of her subject, Brandon O’Brien of Berlin, in the release. “His story inspired me in many ways.”

Many participants said that along with changing perceptions, they hoped their stories also helped serve as an inspiration for others struggling with similar issues.

“I don’t worry about the things I used to back then,” Worcester County Health Department Peer Recovery Specialist James Lavrich said in the release.

Lavich’s addiction issues began when he was 12 and continued into his adult life.

“Everything back then was worrying about where you were going to get your next drug or your next high from,” he said. “Today, I get high on the sunset. I get high from waking up early and taking a walk with my dog.”

Exhibiting artists are Megan Burak, Reeves Dark, Teri Edgeworth, Jill Glassman, Joanne Guilfoil, Izzy Huber, Katrin Huber, Jim Rehak, Maggii Sarfaty, Jessica Schlegel, Misha Shipman and Jacki Yamin.

University officials selected the commons as the location for the exhibit because it is a high-traffic area providing access for both students and campus visitors.

Spectators who plan to park on campus must register in advance for a free parking pass at webapps.salisbury.edu/parking/visitor.

Artwork and videos from the exhibit also are available online at stigmahighlighted.com/portraits-ofrecovery.

For more information about the Art League of Ocean City, visit artleagueofoceancity.org.

‘Portraits of Recovery’ to be on display at Salisbury Univ.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Salisbury University, Art League of Ocean City and Worcester Goes Purple representatives pose for a photo with a section of the exhibit, “Stigma Highlighted: Portraits of Recovery,” at the commons dining hall. The exhibit, which features portraits of people in recovery from Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Talbot counties, will be on display beginning next month through the semester.

Bulgaria’s Tzar Boris III first leader of Axis country to die

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) This week, 80 years ago, Bulgaria’s Tzar, Boris III, died, under mysterious circumstances, after returning from a meeting with the German Fürher at his military headquarters, the Wolf’s Lair (Wolfsschanze), in, what was then, East Prussia, and is, today, Poland. He was the first leader of an Axis country to die.

Boris ascended the Bulgarian throne upon the abdication of his father, Tzar Ferdinand, following Bulgaria’s defeat in World War I. Initially, Bulgaria had not entered that war, which began in August 1914. But, in October 1915, sensing that the

OCVFC VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Central Powers were on the ascendency, and wanting to recover territories lost in the Second Balkan War, the Kingdom of Bulgaria entered the war on the side of the German, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires

With the defeat and collapse of the Central Powers, Bulgaria was forced to sign the Treaty of Neuilly-surSeine, which stripped it of even more territory, required it to pay reparations of £100,000,000, and constricted its armed forces. Most important, because of the loss of Western Thrace to Greece, it was denied access to the Aegean Sea.

Similar harsh penalties were imposed upon its former allies by the

Continued on Page 66

Life member Thomas Parker joined fire company in 1994

By Steve Price

Contributing Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) This week we recognize current Life Member Thomas “Tommy” Parker.

Parker was raised in the Olney area of Montgomery County before coming to Ocean City in 1991 to help his Father work on their townhouse in the 28th Street area.

Parker immediately fell in love with people of the community and never left. He has worked in a variety of maintenancerelated positions in the resort area and is currently employed as the maintenance supervisor for the Majestic Hotel on the Boardwalk at Seventh Street in Ocean City.

Parker’s wife, Brenda, has served as president of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and remains actively involved in the organization.

After patiently waiting over two years for a position to become available on the roster, Firefighter Parker joined the OCVFC in 1994 “to serve and protect the fellow residents of our community.”

During his 23 years of active service in the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Parker was assigned to Engine 709. Crew members on the engine, under the leadership of Captain Mike Todd Sr., were quick to welcome Parker as a member of the “Firefighter Brotherhood.”

Tommy also served several years as a member of the board of directors and

continues to serve as the chairman of the social committee – responsible with organizing the annual Ocean City Fire Company Family Picnic for Volunteer and Career Members.

Firefighter Parker recalls meeting Santa Claus about 10 years ago during the Ocean City Winterfest of Lights as the genesis for a cherished OCVFC community event. During that meeting, Parker invited Santa to join members of the OCVFC on the “Santa Express” visiting neighborhoods in the Ocean City and West Ocean City response areas.

Santa (Parker) agreed and now annually departs OCVFC Station #5 on Keyser Point Road for a special appearance on a fire truck to distribute candy canes to children along the route while letters for Santa are collected by his OCVFC assistants. In recent years, Mrs. Claus (Mrs. Parker), has joined Santa in his travels. This has become a much-anticipated holiday tradition for Santa and the children as well as our volunteer fire company members.

Firefighter Parker says his opportunity to serve his “duty crew” assignments with his brothers and sisters in the fire service as his greatest accomplishment in the Fire Service.

He is also very proud of his wife’s leadership role in the OCVFC Ladies Auxiliary.

We thank Firefighter Parker for his commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our residents and visitors to our resort community.

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

Boris Bulgarie

Tommy Parker

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 65

Treaties of Versailles (Germany), St. Germain (Austria), Trianon (Hungary) and Sévres (Turkey). In the first three of those treaties were sown the seeds of a future war.

Under pressure from the German Reich, the Kingdom of Romania executed the Treaty of Craiova, on Sept. 7, 1940, which returned Southern Dobruja, on the Black Sea, to Bulgaria, requiring 110,000 Romanians to evacuate the area.

This territory had been lost to Romania in the Second Balkan War, after which most of those Romanians had relocated there. This would be used as inducement to cooperate with the Axis. That year, Bulgaria adopted its version of the “Nuremberg Laws,” disenfranchising its Jewish citizens. The Tzar once said that, “My ministers are pro-German, my wife [who was the daughter of the Italian King] is pro-Italian, my people are proRussian. I am the only neutral in the country!”

On March 1, 1941, the Bulgarian Prime Minister, Bogdan Filov, traveled by train to Vienna, where he executed the Tripartite Pact at the Belvedere Palace, allying his country with the German Reich, the Empire of Japan, the Slovak Republic and the Kingdoms of Italy, Hungary and Romania. In June, The Independent State of Croatia would execute the document.

Germany was planning to aid its ally, Italy, which was struggling in its ill-conceived war with the Greeks. The alliance did not require the Bulgarians to enter the war — only to allow the Germans transit through their country. Of course, this was an act of war, but to the Bulgarians not so blatant. The payoff would be the recovery of Western Thrace and access, once again, to the Aegean Sea, and Eastern Macedonia, that Bulgaria had lost to Greece and Yu-

goslavia.

Three days after Prime Minister Filov executed the Tripartite Pact, on Bulgaria’s Independence Day, German troops crossed from Romania into Bulgaria. On April 20, 1941, the Bulgarians, without resistance, occupied Western Thrace, Eastern Macedonia and part of Serbia, “... to preserve order and stability in the territories taken over by Germany,” and proceeded to expel 100,000 Greeks.

Ultimately, the Bulgarians killed another 40,000. On May 14, these areas were formally annexed by Bulgaria. The Bulgarians hailed Boris as the “King Unifier!”

When, a few months later Germany and Slovakia, joined not long after by Finland, Hungary, Romania and Croatia, attacked the U.S.S.R., Bulgaria declined to participate. The reasons were several: (1) Bulgaria already had achieved its territorial aims; (2) it had no desire to enter a war against fellow Slavs; (3) the Germans, with typical Teutonic arrogance, didn’t feel as if they would need the assistance of the Bulgarian untermenchen to whip the Russian untermenchen: (4) the Tzar knew that his military was not properly equipped or trained to fight the Red Army.

On Dec. 12, the Reich declared war on the United States, and Bulgaria dutifully followed suit the next day, figuring that the U.S. was so far away, that it did not pose a danger to Bulgaria. For good measure, Bulgaria also declared war on the United Kingdom. The closest British military installation was in Alexandria, Egypt. The following month, Reichsminister of Propaganda, Dr. Joseph Goebbels, described the Tzar as, “...a sly, crafty fellow....”

In 1943, the Germans pressured Bulgaria to solve its “Jewish Problem.” Deportations were scheduled to

begin in March and the Jews were ordered to the train stations. But, at the last minute, the deportations were halted and the Jews were returned to their homes on order of the Tzar.

He explained to the Germans that he needed them for road building! Bulgaria is the only European country whose Jewish population actually increased during the war! However, those Jews living in the recently annexed areas of Western Thrace and Eastern Macedonia were not so lucky. Most were shipped to the camps, with a resultant loss of 90 percent.

Not only did the Tzar refuse to deport his country’s Jews to the German death camps, he still refused to take his country into the war against the U.S.S.R. On Aug. 9, 1943, the Tzar was summoned to meet der Fürher at the Wolfsschanze.

The Tzar arrived, by plane, on Aug. 14, and was subjected to a typical Hitlerian harangue. Although der Fürher did not mention Bulgaria’s “Jewish Problem,” others, such as Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop, did. Hitler did request, at least, two Bulgarian divisions for service on the Eastern Front, to which the Tzar demurred, saying that the army was in a very poor state and its resources had to be husbanded, because one never knew when the Turks might strike!

The two leaders also discussed the Italian situation. By this time the Italian Duce had been deposed and was being held prisoner, and Italian allegiance to the Axis cause was teetering.

The Tzar returned to Sofia on Aug. 15. The next day he went to his mountain retreat for some mountain climbing and hunting with his brother, Prince Kyril. He returned to Sofia on Monday, Aug. 23. That evening, he began to feel ill and called his sister complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain. Shortly after the call

he lost consciousness.

Both Bulgarian and German doctors were consulted, but on Saturday, Aug. 28, he took a turn for the worse and that afternoon, died. He was 52. Although there was much speculation that he had been given a slow-acting poison while at Wolfsschanze, there was never any evidence of it. The official cause of death was listed as, “...thrombosis of the left coronary artery, two-sided pneumonia, lungs and brain edema.”

The Tzar’s six-year-old son, Simeon II, now ascended the throne. On Sept. 9, 1943, a regency, consisting of Simeon’s uncle, Prince Kyril, Bogdan Filov and Lt. Gen. Nikola Mihov, was appointed to rule in his stead.

On Nov. 14, 1943, the United States Army Air Force began bringing the war to Bulgaria when it sent 91 B25 Mitchell medium bombers to attack Sofia. Ten more times the American planes would attack, inflicting more than 3,000 casualties and destroying 2670 buildings. During the air war over Bulgaria, Stoyan Stoyanov became Bulgaria’s only “Ace” by shooting down at least six American bombers.

Stalin declared that the U.S.S.R. would no longer recognize Bulgarian neutrality on Aug. 30, 1944. Despite Bulgarian protests to the Soviet Union that it had not joined the Axis war against the U.S.S.R., Bulgaria had declared war on the Soviet Union’s allies, the U.S. and the U.K. So, on Sept. 5, 1944, the U.S.S.R. declared war, and the Red Army invaded Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian army was ordered to offer no resistance, and on Sept. 9 a new, communist, government declared war on Germany. Three Bulgarian armies, with 455,000 soldiers, invaded Yugoslavia. The First Army, commanded by Vladimir Stoychev, continued into Hungary as part of Marshal Fyodor Tolbukhin’s Third Ukranian Front. In these operations, the Bulgarians suffered 32,000 casualties.

On Feb. 1, 1945, the three regents were, after a brief trial, executed, along with 67 members of Parliament and various other government officials. The Communists murdered another 40,000.

After the fall of communism, Simeon II returned to the country after 50 years of exile and was named prime minister on July 24, 2001. He held that office until 2005. He is the last remaining head of state from World War II, although he was but a child during his brief reign.

Next week: British Eighth Army Invades Italy

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, where he practices law representing people accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those who have suffered personal injury. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

NANCY JANE POWELL

Ocean Pines

Nancy Jane Powell, 75, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Roland Powell and Etta Lynch Powell.

Nancy graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1966 and went on to earn a degree in journalism from Florida Presbyterian College. She worked as a reporter for both The Beachcomber and The OC Today.

Nancy enjoyed crafting and was a proud member of Mensa International.

She is survived by two sisters, Charlotte Powell (Jeff McLaughlin) and Cheryl Holland (Richard Holland, Sr.); two nieces, Christa Chizmadia (Robert) and Cynthia Murray (Casey); two nephews, Richard Holland Jr.(Nancy), and Roland Holland (Cathy); and several great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 11 a..m, on Monday, Aug. 21, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Nancy’s name to Stevenson United Methodist Church Spirit Kitchen, 123 N. Main St. Berlin, MD 21811.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family at burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

EILEEN EDNA CONSTANTINE

Berlin

Eileen Edna Constantine, 90, of Berlin, Maryland, passed away on Aug. 17, 2023, at Genesis Rehabilitation Center in Salisbury.

Eileen was born April 17, 1933, to Minnie Shorty Hughes and Stanton Daggett Hughes Sr. in Canton, Maryland.

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Obituary Notices

cost $50 per week for Print and Online Publications. E-mail: editor@oceancitytoday.net

Mail: 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842

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In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Della, Helen, Arnold, James, Hilda, John, Stanton Jr. and Kenneth. She was also predeceased by her husbands, Joseph Kutchka Sr., Charles Schattner and John Constantine Sr. Children that predeceased Eileen are Ronald Kutchka, David Kutchka, Joseph Kutchka Jr., Norman Kutchka, Rosalie Zielinski and Elaine Holroyd, and stepson William Constantine.

Eileen is survived by daughters Debra Stasi (Anthony) of Baltimore, Kathleen Murray (Stuart) of Parsonsburg, and Patricia Schattner of Laurel, Delaware. Surviving stepchildren are John Constantine Jr., Stephen Constantine, Cheryl Leatham, and Deborah O’Neil. She is also survived by several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Eileen resided in the Baltimore area until 1977 at which time she made her home in Ocean City. In 2007 she moved to Berlin.

During her lifetime she held many positions in the customer service profession. While living in Ocean City, she was employed by the Sheraton Hotel, Roses Department Store and

Old Pro Golf. Eileen was also a volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for many years.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1-2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 28, at Eastern Shore Cremations and Funeral Services at 504 Franklin Ave. in Berlin. Eileen will be transported and laid to rest at Oaklawn Cemetary in Baltimore at noon on Aug. 29, where a service for family will take place. Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremations and Funeral Services.

JANE DIANE HARRISON Berlin

Jane Diane Harrison, 76, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at The Macky and Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines.

Born in Berlin, she was the daughter of the late Burbage Harrison and Ida Melson Harrison.

She is survived by her son, Donnie Wooten (Vicki Miller) of Berlin; and daughter, Tammy Balster of Berlin. There are seven grandchildren, C.J. Balster, Megan Wooten, Gabby Wooten, Molly Wooten, Michael Wooten, Brandon Wooten and Will Robertson; and one great-grandchild, Bryson Balster. She

is also survived by her sisters, Gloria Esham (Bill), Linda Harrison, and twin sister Joan Lynch.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Dean Wooten and Darin Wooten; and a sister, Kay Harrison; but is survived by her daughters-inlaw, Brenda Wooten and Anne Marie Wolfsheimer.

Also surviving is her life-long friend Sally Parker of Salisbury.

Jane was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, class of 1964.

She had worked as an insurance agent for many years with William L. Corey Insurance Company and Atlantic Smith, Cropper, and Deely Insurance.

She was a member of Buckingham Presbyterian Church in Berlin and enjoyed camping.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wed., Aug. 30, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Pastor Mark Piedmonte will officiate. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jane’s name to The Coastal Hospice Macky and Pam Stansell House, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21801.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family at burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

$1,445.

Nancy Powell

E. Constantine

Jane Harrison

Poor Girls Open fundraises $115K for cancer society

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) The 29th annual Capt. Steve Harman Poor Girls Open featured 756 lady anglers fishing on 147 boats last Thursday through Saturday, with the tournament paying out a total of $197,200 to the winners.

“It went really well, besides Friday when we only had one boat go out because of the weather,” said Shawn Harman, co-owner of Fish Tales and Bahia Marina, where the tournament was hosted.

The Open also raised $115,000 for the American Cancer Society, bringing the total donations to the society to over $1.9 million since 2005.

“That’s a pretty steady amount, but we did it with less boats [this year],” Harman said of the donation.

On Thursday, 66 boats headed offshore, followed by one on Friday and 80 on Saturday.

Reel Chaos won first place in the billfish release division with four white marlin. The team earned 400 release points and $101,835.

Second place went to Buckshot, who released two whites and one blue marlin to score 320 points. The Open awarded the team $22,761.

With one white and one blue marlin release, the Christine Marie received 220 points, third place and a payout of $15,174.

Too Many Martinis took first place in the tuna division. Angler Ashlyn Marchaesani caught a 68.5-pound tuna and was presented $9,788.

Tabatha Passwater landed a 58.7pound tuna on Game Over. The team took second place and earned $5,873.

Third place and $3,915 went to the Southern C’s for the 58.5-pound tuna caught by Hilary Grave and Cris Hall.

All winning tuna were yellowfin, Harman said.

First place in the dolphin fish division went to Southern C’s. Angler Heather Nelson earned the team $9,788 with her 24.2-pound fish. The Southern C’s also placed third and an additional $3,915 for team angler Holly Baker Wingale’s dolphin that weighed 10.8 pounds.

Spring Mix 11 came in second place with angler Tara Livalo’s 11.6pound dolphin. The Open awarded the team $5,873.

Alexa Mixx, from the boat Mikks N’ It Up, caught a wahoo weighing 56.6 pounds to win first place in the

division, along with $10,638.

Jacked Up angler Mindy Leidig’s 51.8-pound wahoo earned the team second place and a $5,873 prize.

Anna Deckelman won the junior angler division after she released one white marlin aboard All In. The Open presented Deckelman $1,000,which she donated it back to the American Cancer Society.

This is the first time a junior angler donated money back, said India Triglia-Bandorick, marketing coordinator for Fish Tales Bar and Grill on 22nd Street, bayside.

Sue Martin won Battle of the Bras, one of the tournament’s side competitions where contestants decorate bras and attendees vote on their favorites through donations. The prize was a $100 gift card to Fish Tales.

The Jellyfish trio won the Open’s Best Dressed competition and were awarded a prize basket along with a Cruisin’ Tiki boat ride for six.

Last year, 797 lady anglers participated in the Open, fishing on 161 boats. The total payout was $243,265, and organizers donated $105,000 to the American Cancer Society.

The cancer society uses tournament donations for breast cancer research, services for breast cancer patients and caregivers, and program development, said Mary Bellis, senior community manager with the foundation.

Bellis helps provide ACS volunteers that support the Open.

The American Cancer Society also runs the “Pink Ribbon Classic at the Beach Series,” which includes a variety of local activities to raise awareness about breast cancer and fundraises for the nonprofit.

“Thank you to all of the staff of Fish Tales and Bahia Marina, and Shawn Harman particularly, and all the volunteers that made it possible,” Bellis said.

Donations from the Open benefit the Pink Ribbon Classic and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a 3-5 mile walk to raise money for breast cancer research, among other programs.

The Pink Ribbon Classic at the Beach events are all slated for October during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Activities include:

- Mah Jongg Tournament, Oct. 11. Registration at 9 a.m., play starts at 10 a.m. at Golden Sands Resort on 109th Street. Entry costs $40, and includes breakfast and lunch. There are cash prizes for the top three players. Invitations will go out at the end of August. For more information, contact Bellis at 410-726-1893, or mary.bellis@cancer.org.

- Pickleball Tournament, Oct. 13, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Manklin Meadows Racquet Sports Complex in Ocean Pines. Entry costs $40. For more information, contact Becky Fer-

guson at 410-446-1816, or rcoltferguson@gmail.com.

- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Oct. 21, 8 a.m. sign in, walk begins at 9 a.m., South First Street and the Boardwalk. To register, visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/oceanci tymd.

- Deck Da Tatas, Oct. 25, 6-10 p.m., at Buxy’s Dry Dock 28, 28th Street. For more information, call 443-365-4006.

- Pamper For Charity Raffle, Oct. 1-31. Tickets available at A Perfect Day Face Spa in West Ocean City.

The tournament has existed since 1994, when Capt. Steve Harman, who was Shawn’s brother, and his wife Pam held the inaugural Open. Their goal was to provide women with the chance to compete for prizes and money in a ladies-only tournament while also raising money for local charities.

Harman died in February 2004, and organizers renamed it in his honor that year.

For more information about the Poor Girls Open, visit https://poorgirlsopen.com/, or call Bahia Marina at 410-289-7438.

To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345. Cancer Survivors Network available at www.cancer.org, a 24-hour-a-day cancer information center; and 1-800-2272345 for patients to access ACS services.

PHOTO COURTESY MARY BELLIS

Organizers for the 29th annual Poor Girls Open all-ladies fishing tournament donated $115,000 to the American Cancer Society this year. Pictured, from left, are ACS volunteer Sue Carpenter, ACS volunteer Susan Braniecki, Shawn Harman, owner of Bahia Marina and Fish Tales, ACS volunteer Judy Schoellkopf and Mary Bellis, senior development manager for the society.

Surfing complicated by beach replenishment

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Aug. 25, 2023) “Did you see the waves last Friday evening? It was actually breaking off the beach and was pretty good.”

This is a quote from Zach Dietz who is a recent member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. I replied that, “Yes, I did get a look at it.”

As of late the relating of the story described above is rare. It’s no secret that the waves in Ocean City are rather difficult to ride or, to be kind, very challenging. This seems to be due to the pumping of sand onto the beach, the process known as beach replenishment. It creates a situation where the waves break very close to the beach.

Now before you start to think that I’m being narrow minded and don’t

care about the stability of Ocean City, I want to see this town stick around just as much as the next person. But the situation is such that there is this problem, the difficulty to stand-up surf these conditions.

It’s probably not as much of a problem for body boarders or body surfers but even for these wave riders the beach will be reached very quickly. A build-up of sand on the ocean floor is needed for a wave to break. This build-up is known as a sandbar.

In our area the ocean floor is sand in a similar way as it is on the beach. In other areas of the world the ocean floor will be a harder material such as rock or coral and are known as reefs. Our “reefs” are sandbars.

It’s not so much that sandbars have gone away, it’s a situation where sand has been brought out or pumped out to meet the sandbar, thus the edge of the shoreline and

Realtor association seeking sponsors for golf tournament

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Coastal Association of Realtors is seeking sponsors for the organization’s fifth annual Golf Tournament, set Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Ocean City Golf Club Seaside Course.

The tournament benefits the Coastal Realtors Foundation.

Registration opens at noon and the shotgun start is at 1 p.m. The tournament is a four-person scramble with all levels of players welcome.

The cost to participate is $500 per team. Players without a team are welcome to register for $125 and will be assigned one. Teams who wish to sponsor a tee sign will receive a discount.

Prizes will be awarded for best and worst scores. Green fees, golf cart rental, a swag bag, drink tickets, snacks, and a full after-golf meal are included in the cost of registration.

The Coastal Realtors Foundation is a charitable fund held by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. The fund provides grants to local nonprofit organizations that are supported by members of the Coastal Association of Realtors.

The foundation has supported organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, The Cricket Center, Crisfield Smith Island Cultural Alliance, and Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services.

There are various levels of sponsorship available, ranging in price from $125 to $3,000. Last year’s event hosted 96 players and raised more than $18,000.

For sponsorship and registration information, visit coastalrealtors.org or contact Mila Duarte at mila@coastalrealtors.org or 410-6414409.

sandbar are closer together.

The point of this article/column is that certain conditions have to come together in order for the waves to be reasonably board surfable. Swell, tide, wind and bottom contours are all necessary ingredients in a formula for decent, ridable, quality surf conditions.

The first part or paragraph of this article is an example. Yes it can still happen in Ocean City but unfortunately not as often as back in the day.

The key for the keen, enthused surfer is to keep watch and be vigilant for the right ingredients to come together. All of this watching and waiting can be quite frustrating but a necessity none the less. The sand is always moving, thus a change is al-

ways possible.

An alternative is to head south to Assateague Island, where the beach is wide open, having been left alone, not subject to replenishment, and generally conditions are more ridable. All the proper ingredients have to come together, of course, just like anywhere else but because the beaches have been left in their natural state these good conditions tend to happen more often.

So there you have it. A few words on the recent state of surf conditions. Keep an eye on the ocean. Swell, tide, wind and even bottom contours are always changing, and the “playing field” follows suit.

— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City