9/1/2023 Ocean City Today

Oceans Calling deal awaits one signature

Tourism staff, event promoter meshing well as they handle festival’s remaining details

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) The countdown is on for the Oceans Calling Festival in downtown Ocean City, and as of earlier this week, resort officials were awaiting a signed contract from promoter C3 Presents.

Tom Perlozzo, the city’s tourism and development director, said Wednesday that the document, which outlines the shared and allocated responsibilities between the parties for the three-day event, was in the hands of C3.

The festival, which will feature dozens of big-name bands on three stages set up in the inlet lot and surrounding beach, is slated for Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.

The working contract is based on the same memorandum of understanding created for the festival that was canceled last year because of stormy weather.

The current contract has been edited several times since the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners granted organizers a promoter’s liquor license with an expanded footprint, said City Solicitor Heather Stansbury.

Perlozzo opened with the contract status in his update about the music festival

See CITY Page 4

School begins Tuesday for 7,141 county kids

No kickoff for employees as system adjusts to flat budget imposed by commissioners

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) As summer winds down, the first day of school approaches, and students may harbor mixed feelings as they look back on the three fleeting months of break. For them, the return on Sept. 5 could make for an abrupt adjustment.

Teachers and school personnel, however, have been preparing for the past two weeks, with Worcester County Public

Schools’ Facebook posting pictures of bus inspections on Aug. 22 and a welcome meeting for new support staff on Aug. 23.

Employees of the public school system will have to do without the traditional kick-off event for staff because it was canceled due to the maintenance of effort funding Worcester County Commissions provided the school system this year.

Wednesday night brought along several back-to-school events for students and families, including the Pocomoke Block Party and the Big Bash for all Stephen Decatur schools.

On Thursday, Ocean City Elementary

See CAREER Page 6

PHOTO COURTESY CONNIE ALDERFER

CARAVAN OVER SAND

Jeeps drive north near the inlet during a beach crawl on the first day of Ocean City Jeep Fest last Thursday morning. Scores of Jeeps participated in sand parades each morning during the four-day weekend event.

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Mixed reports received from local businesses pre-holiday

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) Like most summer seasons, the one now wrapping up had moments of financial volatility, with local businesses, restaurants, and hotels, suffering from poor weather at the start of the season before bouncing back after June.

“It seems as though the oceanfront hotels/motels fared better than others,” said Susan Jones, the executive director of the Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association. “We have a huge variety of restaurants and some have been okay, while others stated it felt a little soft. In speaking with a couple of attraction members, they were happy with the clientele.”

As with Memorial Day, Labor Day is weather-dependent as some

schools are already back in session.

“Time will tell, depending on the sunshine outlook,” Jones said of the holiday weekend’s prospects.

Apart from weather, the biggest factor that brings people down to the resort town is time.

“Labor Day is a quick driving trip to many metro areas, so it is easy to hop in the car if the forecast is good,” Jones said. “Additionally, disposable income is a factor and impacts of inflation and increased cost of running a household is still at the forefront of travel decisions.”

While July’s room tax has yet to be reported, the room tax reported for both May and June of this year was up considerably over the year before. Ocean City has been collecting Airbnb, VRBO, and short-term rental

See BUSINESSES Page 8

Ocean City Today

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• Seek the truth and report it.

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Reporters must take responsibility for the accuracy of their work and respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness.

REMY ANDERSEN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Ocean City Boardwalk is home to many of the local businesses, restaurants, and hotels that tourists from all around flock to every year.

City Council gets update on festival details

Continued from Page 1

to City Council members at a work session Tuesday.

He recognized the license commissioners’ recent approval, which allows the promoter to include in its footprint the Boardwalk and its resident businesses from North Division Street to the inlet.

There are some site plan revisions to be made pending a review of certain safety requirements, which could involve adding extra exit points, but the majority of the plans will remain the same, Perlozzo said.

The section of the Boardwalk that falls in the boundaries of the festival will be closed the evening of Sept. 28, and it will be reopened to the public on Oct. 2, though the exact closure times aren’t yet determined.

All of the Boardwalk North of North Division Street will remain open to the public for the entirety of the festival, Perlozzo said.

North Division Street to the Boardwalk will be closed beginning Sept. 20.

The area will function as an access point for C3 Presents for loading and unloading staging and festival equipment onto the beach, and also host the festival’s box office, he said.

Police will be monitoring the downtown traffic, Perlozzo said

Wednesday, but residents, workers and renters will have access south throughout the entire festival.

“From our standpoint, they’ve [promoters] done an exceptional job with the city departments,” Perlozzo said at Tuesday’s work session.

“They’ve addressed pretty much all of our concerns from police, fire marshal, EMS, etc., so we’re pretty happy with the way things are moving along.”

Perlozzo said most of the engineering drawings are finished, and the planning department will look into the need for any permits associated with bleachers and other structures.

Many parking lots across Ocean City will be involved in festival services, but the City Hall lot will be available for parking, as well as the Ocean City Development Corporation’s parking lot on Dorchester Street.

The Worcester Street municipal lot will be reserved for staff, VIP and contractors, and the Whiteside parking lot on Philadelphia Avenue and South First Street will also be reserved for festival staff, Perlozzo said.

Since the inlet lot is part of festival grounds, it will be closed from Sept. 20 through Oct. 6. The Endless Summer Cruisin’ event will occupy the lot directly after.

The Fourth Street lot will be a designated pick-up and drop off point for ride share services, Perlozzo said.

“We have been able to get C3 to geofence [Fourth Street lot], so Uber and Lyft will be able to be easily identifiable for the patrons as they leave or come to the event,” Perlozzo said. Geofencing involves GPS technology that recognizes when certain devices enters or leaves an area.

The city is providing bicycle parking near the event and encourages walking and biking to help ease the expected influx of traffic.

No Boardwalk trams will be running during the festival.

There will, however, be a water taxi available to carry people to the site. Pick-up points for the water taxi will be in Ocean Pines and West Ocean City, as well as at the convention center and in North Ocean City. It also will accept reservations.

“There are some spots available but they are getting gobbled up pretty quick as people are finding out about it,” Perlozzo said.

The city is contracting with a private bus service to pick up people at the West Ocean City Park and Ride and drop them off at the downtown transfer. There will be a charge for using the private bus.

There will also be an express bus service that only stops at specific locations along Coastal Highway. Instead of making many stops around town, the bus will take fans more directly to the festival, Perlozzo said.

City Manager Terry McGean said he wanted to make it clear that the bus schedule will not be reduced during the festival. Instead of stopping at

every street, certain stops will be eliminated.

“It will be all hands on deck for the transportation department,” McGean said. “As many buses as we can put out there, we’re putting them out there, but by reducing the number of stops means we can get north and south much faster and move people, so you may have to walk a little bit further than you normally do but we’re going to be able to move you much quicker.”

Perlozzo said C3 is also working with the outlet mall shopping center in West Ocean City in an attempt to make the lot an additional parking area.

The Ocean City Tourism Department continues to recruit festival staff, Perlozzo said. Tourism staff posted on their website where people can sign up to volunteer for the event. Workers will be paid for different jobs around the festival.

“Tourism-wise, it’s definitely an economic booster. I will tell you, 50,000 tickets have been sold … Limited seating on Sunday, and we have sold tickets in every state, as well as five international destinations,” Perlozzo said.

C3 has posted a welcome guide to oceanscallingfestival.com that informs concertgoers of things such as how to activate their wristbands, how to get to the festival, what is and isn’t allowed, where the box office is, locker rentals and a site map.

Councilman Peter Buas commented on the priority to make repeat visitors out of the first-time Ocean City tourists who are attending the

PHOTO COURTESY OCEANS CALLING FACEBOOK

Tom Perlozzo, tourism and development director for Ocean City, presented an update for the Oceans Calling Music Festival to Ocean City Council on Tuesday. Pictured is a map of the festival

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Career coaches to help students prep for future

Continued from Page 1

School and Showell Elementary School both held open houses and Stephen Decatur High School hosted Freshman Seahawk Day.

“We are all very excited to welcome both our staff and students back to school for the 2023-2024 school year,” said Superintended of WCPS Lou Taylor in a statement.

“I am certain that this school year will be the best one yet for Worcester, and I look forward to sharing our success stories with our WCPS family and community throughout the year,” he added.

As of Aug. 28, 7,141 total students are enrolled in the county’s public schools, said Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs. That’s up from 6,851 who enrolled last year.

Students will have 180 days of school, which are tentatively planned to end on June 12. Three days, June 13, 14 and 17, are reserved to be potentially added to the end of the year in case a few days are lost to inclement weather.

Teachers work eight extra days than are scheduled for students to fit in time for things such as professional development days.

Some new programs this year include the Nest Early Learning Center at Worcester Technical High School. The space will serve as a daycare for two-to-three-year-old children, and students enrolled in the high school’s Early Childhood Youth Apprenticeship program will work with Nest staff to gain practical experience. The Nest Center also opens Sept. 5.

As part of the updates for Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the schools also hired two new career coaches to help students get ready for college and careers.

At Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin, class is already underway for some students. The upper school

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Worcester County Public Schools kick-off the 2023-24 school year starting Sept. 5. Pictured is Stephen Decatur High School.

OC public safety employees can now buy pension time

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(Sept. 1, 2023) Following a unanimous City Council vote last week, Ocean City public safety employees now have the option to buy up to five years of service credits for their pension plans.

The proposed amendment to the plan passed first reading in July and was introduced to help a specific fire department employee who transferred to the city from another jurisdiction.

And while the move was not enough to fully help that employee because it requires staff to buy service in lump sums for high totals, it was a start.

International Association of Firefighters President Ryan Whittington urged council members at the meeting in July to expand the change to allow part-time employees to buy time.

City Manager Terry McGean said at the time that the change would be difficult because part-time employees do not contribute to the pension system and changes made to their contracts are completed during collective bargaining negotiations.

He said this week that he has not had any further conversations with union representatives about the matter.

In the meantime, the employees will have the ability to buy time at full actuarial cost.

The approval last week also does not allow anyone to buy service credits for periods when they have not

See VOTE Page 8

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A fire truck sits parked inside the Ocean City fire station on 130th Street. Fire department employees, along with all other city public safety employees, can now buy up to five years of service for pension plans at full actuarial cost.

Amendment to FY 23 budget, capital projects approved

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(Sept. 1, 2023) With little discussion last week, Ocean City Council members approved financing for three capital projects and an amendment expected to decrease reserves needed to balance the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.

The budget amendment, which passed first reading Aug. 7, shows a decrease in the estimated amount of money needed from the prior year reserves to balance last year’s budget from nearly $12.6 million to more than $6.3 million.

Council members passed the second and final reading of the amendment in a 6-0 vote, with Councilman Will Savage absent, at a meeting Aug. 21.

In summary, the budget amendment recognizes increased revenue estimates of $3.7 million from

See MIXED-USE Page 11

Vote for general employees pulled

Continued from Page 7

worked. The change was made after council members requested it in July.

Another change that only allows employees to buy time when they are hired, not when they retire, was also part of the final approval.

Another similar amendment for general full-time employees was initially set for approval last week as well, but it was removed from the agenda with the change regarding new hires. McGean explained that the general employee pension plan is closed to new hires.

Businesses seek help year-round

Continued from Page 3

tax, so everything is reported in the month that the stay is booked, not the month traveled.

In terms of staffing and recruitment, the town relies mainly on yearround staff working more doubles and longer hours toward the end of the season, as most of the high school and college students who worked during the summer head back to classes.

“J1 students are usually here for a few weeks in September to help,” Jones said. Businesses that hired H2B workers will be staffed with those folks through October most likely.”

RENDERING COURTESY BECKER MORGAN GROUP

A rendering shows the proposed design of a three-story, mixed-use police substation and housing facility in the downtown Somerset Street parking lot. A majority of Ocean City Council members approved a request to reimburse expenses for half of the design and construction of the project in the capital improvement plan at a meeting last week.

Worcester Prep sees year ahead as time for ‘impact’

Continued from Page 6

held its first day on Tuesday and middle school started Wednesday. Yesterday, lower school students begin their school year.

While there is still time for students to enroll, some grades have closed out, said Worcester Prep Headmaster John McDonald.

“Our theme for the year is impact,” McDonald said. “Impact our world and our community, impact our school, and we’ll have activities throughout the year.”

New students visited the school on

Monday morning for a tour and seemed excited to begin, McDonald said.

“Teachers were in last week’s professional development, which was great. I checked in with them [Monday] morning. They had a great week last week and they’re really excited as well, so I’m really, really looking forward to this school year,” he said.

The school had several facility upgrades, such as a new upper-school computer lab.

Worcester Prep’s graduation is slated for May 24.

Oceans Calling will introduce thousands to OC destination

Continued from Page 4

festival. Buas asked Perlozzo to make sure there is space for the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant-Association and the Ocean City Development Corporation to set up on site.

“Well over 70 percent of those 50,000 people are not from here or have not been here yet, so we find it an exciting opportunity to go out and

promote Ocean City as a summer destination as well as a year-round destination,” Perlozzo said.

“It’s why we do special events. It’s a guaranteed introduction to people,” said Councilman John Gehrig. “To our region, to Ocean City, to the county. Some of them are going to fall in love with us and keep coming back.”

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Site plan for new inlet hotel moves forward

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) A site plan for a new Kyma Luxury Resort Hotel was approved at the Ocean City planning commission meeting on Aug. 15, partially clearing the way for the project to occupy a lot next to Sunset Park on Philadelphia Avenue.

Ocean City attorney Hugh Cropper, who represents the developers, said the upscale luxury resort “doesn’t compare to any other. People will see it as

a different experience, offering firstclass amenities and views of Assateague, the inlet, and the bay.”

Cropper said that the building footprint will be less than the maximum that the code permits in order to create a “premium luxury” facility.

The hotel will have eight floors, with the second floor dedicated to a 3,700square foot restaurant and banquet room. Other amenities available to hotel guests will be a health club, spa, an outdoor pool, and a sandy beach

with food service offered. One portion of the parking will be on a lot across from the proposed building on Philadelphia Avenue and will be leased from Windsor Resorts, which owns the Trimper properties. There will be 52 spaces there, with an another 59 spaces located in the parking garage on the first floor of the hotel.

At previous meetings, residential neighbors voiced complaints that the new parking would exacerbate issues

already occurring in the area.

“There have been emails sent to the planning commission that have either been supportive or objective to the parking,” Cropper said. “However, the parking that we have slated for the resort is code compliant.”

Cropper’s client, Christos Sarantis, wants the project to move “as quickly and reasonably as possible.”

The next step will be to submit detailed architectural plans for a building permit.

The future site of a Kyma Luxury Resort Hotel is seen next to Sunset Park by the Inlet. Planning commission members approved a site plan for the eight-story hotel, which will have parking on the opposite lot.

MOORE AT MACO

Mixed-use building funds OK’d

Continued from Page 8

sources including room and admissions taxes, and interest in investments. Revenue increases from building permits, Medicaid reimbursement, grants and donations equaled $2.1 million.

The amendment also includes adjustment of the advertising budget. The fund is set to get $600,000 through a city ordinance, and another nearly $600,000 from a state tourism grant.

There was also some offsetting of higher expenses in the transportation and water funds, and most notably, worker’s comp claims.

A significant change in the risk management budget required an additional $350,000 to cover more than $1 million in worker’s comp claims. The staff report said most of the total was covered by savings in other areas of departmental budgets.

Other details of the budget amendment include $73,000 from casino revenues going to street paving, adjustments for higher energy costs at the convention center following last year’s expansion, and increases for chemicals for the water department and parts for IT.

Council members last week also approved with a 5-1 vote, with Savage absent and Council President Matt James opposed, to reimburse expenses for three projects in the capital improvement plan.

The first two, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Montego Bay streets for no more than $4.5 million and installation of a 94th street bayside water main for up to $2.2 million, were initially approved in March.

The other project, design and construction of a mixed-use police sub-

station and housing facility on Somerset Street for no more than $4.26 million, was originally approved 6-1, with James opposed, at a work session Aug. 15.

James said during the Aug. 21 meeting that he does not oppose funding the first two projects, only the mixed-use building.

“I don’t think project three is the best use of money at this time, in that location, for this project,” he said.

City Manager Terry McGean also clarified that the annual debt service on the project, which will be split in half with the Ocean City Development Corporation, is $300,000, making the city contribution $150,000 a year.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

On Aug. 19. Gov. Wes Moore delivered the keynote address during the closing session of the 2023 Maryland Association of Counties summer conference in Ocean City. The governor spoke about the disciplined approach required to grow Maryland’s economy amid budget shortfalls and the critical value of partnerships to emerge stronger as a state.

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Beach Patrol reports low numbers of guards

Best reported recruitment season, overtime incentive still gave reduced presence

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) Even though recruitment rates were some of the highest recorded, the Ocean City Beach Patrol still experienced a lifeguard shortage this summer.

Beach Patrol Capt. Butch Arbin reported that the division was 40 surf rescue technicians, or SRTs, short this year, obligating the patrol to cover the 10-mile stretch of beach with fewer stands. He said most of the department’s 15 all-terrain vehicles are out on the beach daily.

Because of last year’s staffing shortages, the City Council voted earlier this year to offer overtime to guards for the first time ever, and bonuses for those who work past Labor Day. This goes along with a series of pay bumps that have been implemented over the last few years to attract employees and to compete with other jurisdictions. Housing availability and the inability of applicants to meet fitness requirements were also listed as contributing factors in the sudden decline in applicants.

Arbin said while most of the incentives the lifeguards receive are not new

and have been available before this season, the overtime incentive introduced this season made a difference.

The incentive entails that Beach Patrol employees receive time and a half if they work over a 43.5-hour or a 50hour week, depending on their position. This will be in effect through Sept. 24, the last official day of the patrol season.

“The $1 per hour is a nice end-ofseason bonus for those who work during this more difficult part of the season,” Arbin said.

As for recruiting, Arbin said it was “their best year yet.”

When recruiting guards, Arbin looks at the number of people who took the time to register for one of their 10 preemployment physical skills evaluations.

“This year was the highest number ever signed up to test, 334, which is 10 percent higher than our previous highest number,” Arbin said.

Of those who signed up, 118 (35 percent) attended the evaluations and 62 passed. Nineteen of those did not take the job, and four had dropped out of the academy.

Testing will resume in February/March of next year at pools in and around Maryland (visit JoinBeachPatrol.com for more information).

Arbin also reported that the Beach Patrol had a busy start to the season with more than 1,100 rescues made by

July 4.

“During that same time, there were more rip current deaths in the U.S. than at any time in history,” Arbin said. “We managed to cover all of the rescues and

everyone went home safe.”

He also reported an uptick in medical cases over the past month, mostly reportedly caused by shore break and rough surf.

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean City Beach Patrol Crew Chief Luke Ramina covers the beach on a busy day earlier this summer. Fewer guards are on duty now compared to the beginning of the summer as the season winds down.

Difficult to acquire county permits

By Remy Andersen Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) With the recent relocation of a balloon festival from this area to Triple Creek Winery in Cordova in Talbot County, criticism of the permit process in Worcester County has also been on the rise.

The balloon fest was originally slotted to be held from Aug. 25-27 of this year beside Seaside Christian Academy in West Ocean City. Organizer Alex Spies promoted the event as a festival that would feature hot air balloons, local bands, food trucks and vendors.

But the plans fell through as no official permits had been obtained by the organizers and presented to county officials.

Spies was advised at the most recent county board of zoning appeals meeting that the process of obtaining the permits necessary for running the balloon fest would span at least a few months, ultimately proving to be untimely for the festival’s opening.

Jennifer Keener, the director of developmental review and permitting, pointed out that through the permitting process, certain agencies enforce rules and regulations that ensure the health, safety and welfare of the general public.

“At our office we process various types of permits for the unincorpo-

rated areas of Worcester County,” Keener said. “Municipalities would have their own planning and zoning authority, so they handle their own permitting. Within that permit application, there may be multiple local or state agencies that have to sign off or even they have their own permit in conjunction with ours.”

Keener pointed out that while the balloon festival has been a successful

“It depends on what the event is going to entail. One of the agencies may have to find out what type of facilities and people the permits would have to go through and would depend on the events.”

Jennifer Keener, director of Developmental Review and Permitting

event in other locations, it requires a great deal of planning and coordination, as well as the involvement of numerous other agencies to make sure the festival runs safely and successfully.

“We encourage applicants to attend pre-application meetings and submit for permits well in advance of the actual events,” Keener said.

After the event was advertised in the newspaper, Keener’s office reached out to the event’s promoter in March, apparently without result.

Keener said that while the obtaining of permits for residential applications takes about two to three weeks, acquiring permits for large-scale events like the balloon fest takes much longer, with a lot more agencies and coordination among them involved.

What the agencies look for are elements such as traffic circulation patterns, parking areas, access to the venue for emergency personnel, access for the eventgoers, emergency service stations, food stations, and hand-washing stations, she said. All of this is dependent on how many attendees are expected to be at the event.

If the event were to serve alcohol, then a liquor license would have to be acquired as well.

“It depends on what the event is going to entail,” said Keener. “One of the agencies may have to find out what type of facilities and people the permits would have to go through and would depend on the events.”

She added that the main job of permitting staff members is getting all the parties to the table to talk about what is needed for an event so it is successful.

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Wor. County restores after-school programs

Middle, and High schools; and Buckingham Elementary School.

(Sept. 1, 2023) Thanks to $800,000 in grants for programs in economically disadvantaged schools, Worcester County Public Schools will be able to move some money around to restore after-school programs that were originally set to be cut this academic year.

According to a news release from the school system, two $400,000 grants were awarded through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program to establish elementary and secondary Students that are Ready, or STAR, programs at Pocomoke Elementary, Middle, and High schools; Snow Hill Elementary,

The programs were part of the school system’s Blueprint implementation plan and funding is renewable throughout the three-year grant period.

The release said the grant allowed the school system to pay for the programs, which were initially funded in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, and use that money elsewhere.

School officials are reallocating the funds to after-school programs at Ocean City and Showell Elementary schools, Berlin Intermediate School, and Stephen Decatur Middle and High schools.

“Receiving this news was very exciting for our school system,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said of the grant award in the release. “Not only

will the schools implementing the STAR program … to offer their students a robust after-school program, but those schools in the northern region will now be able to offer valuable after-school programs to their students as well.”

The after-school programs at Ocean City, Showell, Berlin Intermediate and Stephen Decatur were set to be cut this year after the majority of Worcester County Commissioners voted to keep the budget at maintenance of effort, or the same level as last year. The move left a chunk of unfunded elements in the board of education’s original budget, and the after-school programs did not end up making the final cut.

The school system’s Blueprint implementation plan, which is part of a statewide effort to reportedly transform and improve public school systems to give every student the opportunity to thrive and succeed, prioritized funds for the STAR programs over the other after-school offerings.

But with the recent grants, they no longer had to choose.

The release said the STAR programs will offer students a broad array of services, programs, and activities, such as youth development and engagement activities, substance

abuse and alcohol prevention, service-learning, violence prevention, counseling, art, music, recreation, and technology education that are designed to reinforce and complement regular academic programs.

Providing evidence-based, research-based, and teacher-created after-school programs has been a cornerstone of Worcester County schools’ strategy for student success, according to the release.

This past spring, local after-school programs served over 1,400 students, with about 55 percent of who receive free or reduced meal benefits, and 14 percent who identify as having special needs.

“We have worked hard to eliminate the stigma of out-of-school time being only for remediation or 'failing' students,’” Taylor said in the release. “Our programs are educational, but also fun, engaging, and include enrichment and interest-based components. Being able to ensure they are offered at every school in our system this year is vital for our students’ success.”

While the reallocation of funds enables the school system to restore after-school programs at the specified schools, the release said 2024 summer programs at the schools remain eliminated at this time.

SWORN IN

Joann Wengert, the wife of Marine Corps First State Detachment Post Commander Tom Wengert, is sworn in as an associate member of the detachment by Commandant Al Soto. The Detachment is known throughout the region for helping veterans, providing volunteers when local organizations hold events, and raising money for charity. Associate membership in the Marine Corps League is available to individuals who have not served in the Marine Corps.

Hit-and-run

Marissa Michelle Moesle, 31, of Bishopville, faces 23 charges, including assault, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, failure to stop after being involved in an accident and DUI, according to a police report.

On Aug. 25, around 4:40 p.m., police went to 71st Street and Coastal Highway for a reported car accident. Police learned the accident had happened on 67th Street but one of the driver’s hadn’t stopped.

At the scene, police found three stopped cars, one of which was a white Ford Expedition, and met the driver who had been hit. The victim told police that Moesle, who had been driving the Ford, crashed into the rear corner of their car. The victim said they motioned for Moesle to pull over and claimed Moesle gave them the middle finger, then drove away. They said Moesle eventually pulled over and stopped on 71st Street.

When officers asked Moesle about the crash, she didn’t respond, and she allegedly admitted to having “a drink.”

Police asked Moesle to exit the car, and suspected she was drunk.

gers, and one of whom reportedly told police that Moesle had consumed many drinks earlier in that day. They also reportedly told police that Moesle had hit another vehicle in a parking lot and drove away.

Officers found the car in the parking lot with damage to the rear.

Moesle refused sobriety tests, and police arrested her.

At the booking facility, Moesle struck an officer’s hand twice and kicked another in the ankle, according to the report.

When police searched Moesle’s car, they found a hydrocodone pill in her purse. They also found that the registration on her car was suspended.

Loaded handgun

Preston Randolph Bateman, 21, of Hanover Pennsylvania, received 13 charges from the Ocean City Police Department, including possession of a loaded handgun, possession of a false ID and DUI, according to a police report.

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EMS came and evaluated Moesle, who they said was uninjured, but had allegedly said she was drunk.

Moesle had three juvenile passen-

On Aug. 21, around 2 a.m., police saw a white Dodge Ram near 49th Street that was driving without its headlights on. At 55th Street and Coastal Highway, the truck stopped ahead of the white line at a red light, and an officer pulled it over.

Police met Bateman, who was driving, and could tell he had been drinking. Bateman told the officer that he had a handgun in the car and had a concealed carry permit for Pennsylvania. Police found the 9mm handgun in a holster inside the center console.

Bateman failed several field sobriety test and reportedly admitted to drinking at least eight beers. Officers arrested him.

At the booking facility Bateman blew a .22 on an alcohol breath test. They also found a fake ID in Bateman’s wallet, which he allegedly admitted to using to get into bars when he was under 21-years-old.

Fighting sword

Leland Ralph Glaze Jr., 48, of Baltimore, received 16 charges from police, including possession of a fighting

sword, driving on a suspended license and operating an unregistered motor vehicle, according to a police report.

On Aug. 23, around noon, police on bicycle patrol saw a blue Chevy Silverado with a “severely misshapen” license plate that couldn’t be read from across the street. They then saw the vehicle stop over the white line at an intersection and called other police to pull it over.

Officers met Glaze, who was driving the truck. When they asked Glaze for registration, he reportedly told police he didn’t know where it was kept because the Chevy belonged to his daughter.

Glaze also allegedly told police his license had been suspended for a “long time,” according to the report.

Officers found that Glaze had an active arrest warrant in Baltimore County and arrested him.

Police were unable to confirm that

the truck was insured but noted the Chevy was registered in Virginia, though the owners lived in Maryland.

“I know that Maryland residents register their vehicle in Virginia to circumvent insurance and inspection requirements,” police wrote.

Officers searched the vehicle and found a rusty iron prybar, which they suspected could be used as a weapon, between the driver’s seat and center console. They also found a sword in the back seat that was three to four feet long.

Sexual assault

The OCPD charged David Andrew Topper, 49, of Frostburg, Maryland, with fourth-degree sexual assault, assault, indecent exposure and malicious destruction of property, according to a police report.

On Aug. 26, around 10 p.m., police began investigating a sexual assault that was reported at a midtown hotel. The victim told police that it took place between 9:15-9:35 p.m. that day.

The victim told police she had met a man named “Michael Ayers” on a dating app about three weeks before. Topper was using a fake name on the app unbeknownst to the victim.

The victim planned a meeting with Topper at the hotel that night, and when she arrived she followed him from the lobby to his room.

The victim told police that Topper grabbed her body several times and tried to coerce her into sex, which she resisted each time.

Topper allegedly blocked the door and pulled out his genitals. The victim told police she threatened to scream if Topper didn’t let her leave, at which point he stopped and she left.

Topper reportedly followed the victim into the elevator and all the way to the hotel garage, where she had

parked. The victim said that Topper kept saying he was sorry and asked her not to go.

When the victim got in her car, she said Topper punched and broke her window, then kicked and dented the door.

Police went to Topper’s hotel room and asked him about the sexual assault and the breaking of the car. Topper allegedly denied everything.

The officer called Topper’s phone number, which was provided by the victim, while standing next to him. Topper’s phone rang and the caller ID showed the officer’s number.

Police arrested Topper.

DUI crash

Derek Esmond Kemble, of Baltimore, received nine charges from the OCPD, including open container of alcohol, DUI and failure to avoid a collision after he crashed into a 32nd Street telephone pole, according to a police report.

On Aug. 22, around 4 a.m., police saw a crashed Subaru Outback on 32nd Street and Coastal Highway. At the car, police met Kemble,and called EMS due to the severity of the crash. EMS screened Kemble, who refused further treatment.

Kemble told police he was driving South on Coastal Highway when he fell asleep, according to the report. He reportedly told police that he had been exhausted after traveling to Ocean City. Kemble claimed that he woke up right before hitting the curb, then oversteered into a telephone pole.

Officers wrote that they smelled alcohol on Kemble and found and open container of Twisted Tea in his car, along with several other closed containers in the passenger’s seat.

After some sobriety tests, police arrested Kemble for DUI.

Marinated cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella easy side

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) Labor Day is upon us and merriment is in full swing.

Cheese boards have come a long way and are always a popular appetizer. While cubed cheese and fresh grapes accompanied with crackers are perfectly acceptable, they do not make for a memorable dish.

Building a dazzling cheese board can be intimidating, but understanding the principles makes preparation easy.

Stylish marble or wood boards are standard plating for this appetizer. Heirloom platters are another way to showcase this dish. Fresh flowers and seasonal herbs add elegance and should be a consideration.

When choosing the cheeses, opt for odd numbers. Odd numbers are more visually appealing and for this reason three cheeses are a good number to start out with.

It is advisable to shop at a store with a good cheese counter, or even a local specialty cheese shop. Experiment with different flavors and textures: brie, camembert, and chevre are tasty soft cheeses. Fontina, Gouda, or muenster are delicious semi-soft cheeses. Manchego, Gruyere, or Comte are mouthwatering semi-firm cheeses. Aged cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano are decadent firm cheeses. No matter what cheese you decide to go with, make sure it is room temperature.

Always include some type of charcuterie. Prosciutto and salami are great choices and pair beautifully with most ingredients. Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto are mouthwatering and finger friendly.

A cheese board should include something that has a briny quality such as olives, cornichons, pickles, or pepperoncini. One might ask why is this important? A cheese board includes many rich foods, so a briny component helps break up the intensity and at the same time cleanses your palette.

You might be tempted to serve fancy, bold-flavored crackers and breads with your cheese board. Remember, the cheese is the star and the crackers and bread should not over power them.

Most cheese boards include some type of nuts. Nuts should be toasted; they have more flavor and texture. Candied-ginger pecans is a creative alternative and easy to make. Finely chop the crystallized ginger and mix it with the chopped nuts. The natural oil of the nuts will act as a glue for the crystallized ginger.

Last but not least, a cheese board should include some type of jam or mustard. I like to serve honey, grain mustard, and a sweet and savory jam.

Tomatoes are plentiful in August, and using them in a creative way not only pleases your guests but alleviates the possibility of waste.

Tomato jam is a perfect pairing with cheese. The sweet and spicy components compliment the various types of cheeses. Tomato jam is easy to make but is time consuming. If one prefers a side dish that takes less effort, consider marinated cherry tomatoes with fresh mozzarella. White balsamic vinegar is added to

See DISH Page 26

Dish pairs perfectly beside sophisticated tomato jam

Continued from Page 25 offers

the dish for acidity. Red balsamic vinegar will turn their color of the tomatoes and mozzarella after a while and should be avoided

In closing, either tomato jam or marinated cherry tomatoes with fresh mozzarella adds beautification and a level of sophistication to your cheese board.

They also make great gifts. Serve either one in a small canning jar and top with a rustic bow.

I appeared on Delmarva Life and made a charcuterie board that included this spicy tomato jam.

If you would like to watch this cooking segment that shows you in detail how to make spicy tomato jam, google Delmarva Life, Deborah Walker, Spicy Tomato Jam. Enjoy!

Spicy Tomato Jam

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds Roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped

2 large cloves garlic, minced

1 small yellow onion, chopped

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

1. Combine all of the ingredients in

a saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered until very thick, about 1 ½ hours. Stir occasionally, especially as the jam thickens.

Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Fresh Mozzarella

Ingredients

3 cups assorted cherry tomatoes

1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella pearls

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

6 small cloves garlic

handful of fresh Italian parsley, basil, and or oregano

1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl.

2. Pour all of the ingredients into a jar with a closely fitting lid.

3. Allow to marinate for at least 2 hours, the longer the better.

4. Place mixture in a small canning jar, then arrange it on your cheese board.

5. If the tomato, mozzarella mixture gets low, remove canning jar and fill it up again. It does not look attractive if it gets low.

Secret Ingredient – Sophistication

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

—

Leonardo da Vinci

Johnson appointed to Wor. County Arts Council board

(Sept. 1, 2023) Members of the Worcester County Arts Council recently appointed Barbara A. Johnson of Berlin, to the board of directors.

According to a news release, Johnson is a retired elementary school teacher and media specialist. Born and raised in the Chicago area, she graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. During her teaching career, she incorporated art into many aspects of the school curriculum.

Since moving to the Eastern Shore, the release said Johnson has volunteered with Rackliffe House and the Worcester County Arts Council. Barbara looks forward to using her skills and experiences with the council and community leaders to encourage art programs throughout the county.

The arts council is currently seeking new board members, specifically those who live in the southern communities of Worcester County, such as Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. Board members are elected for threeyear terms and may be elected to a second term for a total of six years of service. The release said then council seeks a balance of representation in geographic, artistic discipline, con-

stituent/non-constituent, age, racial/cultural background, gender, and organizational experience for the board.

Each board member adds value to the organization by bringing their experiences as a resident of the region, a member of their community, an artist in their discipline, and many other circumstances.

For more information, contact Anna Mullis, arts council executive director, at 410-641-0809 or anna@worcestercountyartscouncil.org

To learn more about the Worcester County Arts Council’s programs and community services, visit www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org.

Barbara Johnson

Late August, fall challenging for lifeguarding

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) Every year, around this time, we ask, “Where did August go?”

This summer is one that will go down in the record books as being one of the busiest. There was, and still is, a lot going on in Ocean City. We have enjoyed some awesome weather just about every day.

Now that we are leaving summer and moving into fall, we are trying to hold on to what is left of the season and make it last as long as possible.

Most lifeguards are students or educators and their life away from the beach is calling them back.

The Beach Patrol has many surf rescue technicians in college and many others on the patrol are educators at various levels in school systems throughout Maryland, the U.S. and even Canada.

It is a lifestyle that allows them to have the summers free to pursue their work with the Beach Patrol, but also requires them to return to other responsibilities before our season has ended. Therefore, this results in rapidly reducing numbers of SRTs available to guard

our beach.

As the Beach Patrol strives to maintain the maximum number of lifeguard stands on the beach, vacationers continue to choose Ocean City as a vacation destination. August seemed to be the popular month again this year and September will also prove to be popular.

This situation becomes the greatest challenge for the patrol as we try to provide the same level of protection for each visitor as when we are at 100 percent staffing. To complicate matters, this is also the time of year that Ocean City experiences an increase in the volume and size of waves due to tropical activity in the Atlantic.

August and September are traditionally our large surf months, producing larger waves, rip currents and shore break, as well as our busiest time for assisting swimmers needing help.

As September approaches, fewer guards are left to handle bigger rips and waves. This is when the training and skills they have been honing all summer will be used to keep all of our beach patrons safe during these busy final weeks of the season.

Through the scheduling skills of Lt. Mike Stone, a retired school counselor who has 39 years with the patrol, we have been able to realize our goal of

keeping the maximum number of guard stands on the beach for the maximum number of days. Although this season our maximum number of stands was 75 compared to 91 just two seasons ago.

As the season continues, surf rescue technicians will have a more challenging situation with the greater distance between stands and a larger area of responsibility.

When we remove stands from the beach, the remaining stands are spread out equally. Many staff members will choose to work without a day off until the end of the season so that we can provide additional coverage and the added safety to swimmers of more guards on duty. Many SRTs who have left for other obligations away from the beach will return on a part-time basis on weekends.

The Town of Ocean City is offering a loyalty bonus for every hour worked after Aug. 13, overtime pay, as well as providing a travel stipend to offset the cost of traveling back to Ocean City from areas over 110 miles away, to help encourage as many SRTs as possible to return once they have moved from the area.

They return to help on both weekdays and weekends, even scheduling classes to allow availability during several days each week. Imagine if one guard gets sick

or injured and we don’t have someone to cover their stand, which is one less stand on the beach, which makes the distance between stands even further apart.

OCBP is committed to providing SRTs along the entire 10 miles of beach for all visitors and residents, so rather than have unguarded areas, the number of available lifeguard towers is equally distributed along the beach front.

As this redistribution occurs the location and distance between stands changes, sometimes daily, and the distance may increase to as much as 800 yards, or half-a-mile, between stands compared to the average 190 yards at maximum mid-season coverage.

We will continue to provide coverage of all 10 miles of Ocean City beach until Sunday, Sept. 24, whereas nearby will only provide guards on the weekends or shut down their entire operation earlier than in past seasons due to funding and staffing issues.

Although Ocean City’s coverage will be done with fewer personnel and lifeguard towers, we will supplement the coverage by increasing the number of mobile rescue units patrolling the beach.

Thanks to action by the city manager, we have added three additional ATVs to our coverage for a total of 15 mobile res-

See CONTINUING Page 32

Swim OC presents donation check to OC Beach Patrol

(Sept. 1, 2033) On Aug. 7, Swim Ocean City’s founder Corey Davis presented a $2,250 check to the Ocean City Beach Patrol chapter of the United States Lifesaving Association for the group’s work during the 2023 Ocean Games on July 15.

“The OCBP USLA team is very supportive of the Ocean Games event, with guards volunteering on their days off. This is a way of showing our appreciation and can help out and let them travel to compete against other lifeguards,” Davis said in a news release.

Swim Ocean City is a local nonprofit organization that raises funds for research and awareness of traumatic brain injuries, and promotes the positive effects of sports on the brain and body.

The Beach Patrol chapter of the lifesaving association is a local nonprofit, professional association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers. The association works to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment through public education, national lifeguard standards, training programs, promotion of high levels of lifeguard readiness and other means.

Every July, Swim Ocean City hosts Ocean Games – a competitive open water 9-mile and 3-mile swim along the shoreline of Ocean City. The funds raised from the event support local charities and families and Johns Hopkins Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program.

Since the event’s debut in 2013, it has raised over $140,000.

Ocean Games is widely supported through grants and many local Ocean City businesses.

For more information, visit www.oceangamesusa.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY

Corey Davis, the president of Swim Ocean City, presents a $2,250 check to Travis Wagner and the Ocean City Beach Patrol Chapter of the United States Lifesaving Association.

WPS class of ‘24 gets jumpstart on applying to college

(Sept. 1, 2023) Members of the Worcester Prep Class of 2024 began preparing on Aug. 14 for their college application season this fall.

According to a news release, rising seniors attended a four-day College Application & Essay Writing Workshop in the Guerrieri Library, hosted by the school’s Office of College Counseling.

The students worked one-on-one with Director of College Counseling Vickie Garner, writing college applications and essays, practicing interview techniques and refining their college lists.

Guest speakers also visited throughout the week to share information with the students. They in-

cluded Janessa Dunn, associate dean of admissions at Wake Forest University, Maureen Dormer, admissions counselor at Loyola University, and Charles Overholt, assistant director of admissions at Salisbury University.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Wake Forest University Associate Dean of Admissions Janessa Dunn shares helpful tips about writing college applications essays with members of the Worcester Prep Class of 2024.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Worcester Prep seniors Koda Bauer and Adam Hafez, from left, work together to review the college application process.

Continuing swimming by guards

Continued from Page 28

cue units. The mobile units are first-aid, AED and PPE equipped with one SRT (rider) acting as the primary rescue swimmer while the other SRT (driver) maintains radio communication and backup during an emergency. Both are qualified as surf rescue technicians, medical first responders and are quad (ATV) certified. SRTs will be on duty daily between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

We strongly encourage all beach patrons to restrict any beach- or water-related activities to times when Beach Patrol personnel are on duty, never swim alone, always stay within the limits of their ability, and never rely on a flotation device.

To make sure we end our season and yours safely, vacationers and locals can help the guards and themselves by mak-

ing the extra effort to swim in front of a lifeguard.

To find the nearest location of your SRT, visit the Beach Patrol’s website and follow the link to “stand locations.”

A note from the captain: Thanks to the professionalism and commitment of our surf rescue technicians who are willing to return for several years we have 33 percent of our staff with five or more years’ experience (12 percent have over 15 years) with Ocean City.

What makes this statistic even more amazing is that 85 percent of our employees must relocate to Ocean City each season from their full-time residences and obtain seasonal housing.

If you or someone you know would like to rent seasonally to Beach Patrol employees or become a host family, contact our office 410-289-7556.

Beach ballet performance set Sept. 23 at Assateague

(Sept. 1, 2023) Members of the public are invited to attend a free, outdoor professional dance performance this month at Assateague Island.

According to a news release, the Ballet on the Beach festival is a conduit to connect the community, environment, and performing arts.

Cosponsored by Assateague State Park, the event is set from 5-6:30 p.m., with pre-performance activities at 4 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The outdoor performance is free

and open to the public and parking is $5 per vehicle. Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs or towels to watch “professional dance artists performing in a natural shoreline setting,” according to the release.

Other activities include environmental talks, a community dance class, art activities for children, and a post-performance Q&A.

For more information, visit balletonthebeach.org, or find Ballet on the Beach on Facebook or Instagram.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A ballet dancer strikes a pose on a beach.

Art League’s

(Sept. 1, 2023) The Art League of Ocean City is holding a free First Friday opening reception from 5-7 p.m., Sept. 1, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th Street bayside. PKS Investments will provide complimentary beverages.

According to a news release, the Thaler Gallery is exhibiting a new allmedia group show called “Memories: Storytelling through Art.”

The exhibit is planned in collaboration with Stories Love Music, a nonprofit organization that celebrates both music and storytelling traditions in our history and their positive effects on emotional and physical health. Exhibiting artists will share a special memory, using their artwork to honor the past and tell their story.

The judges for the show are Ilyana Kadushin, the founder/executive director of from Stories Love Music; James Harrell, the co-founder/music director; and Board Member Loretta Veney.

Kadushin and Harrell will also perform two songs at First Friday event to promote their upcoming fundraiser on Sept. 14 at the Arts Center.

The release said the “Artists Paint OC” plein air exhibit and sale will be on display at The Galleria through September. The exhibit represents the work of 50 artists who painted iconic scenes “en plein air” of Ocean City and the surrounding area in mid-August.

Pat Lang of Easton, and Lisa Scarbath of Ellicott City, a mother and daughter team, have paired up for a show called “Mixing Mediums” in Studio E.

Lang is primarily a self-taught artist, beginning oil painting in her teens, visiting galleries to study famous works, and reading art publica-

tions. She used the experiences to master her own personal realistic style.

Scarbath is a resident artist at the Howard County Center for the Arts and creates mosaic wall art, decor, furniture, custom work, and public art using a variety of materials. Her goal is to create a sense of balance and joy by piecing together small bits into a cohesive image.

Brigitte Bowden, who grew up in Austria and Germany exposed to art, will show off works in the Spotlight Gallery this month.

She received her undergraduate and masters of education degrees from Salisbury University. During her career in education as coordinator of instruction for the Worcester County Public Schools, she oversaw the school system’s visual arts program. Bowden’s focus is on oil painting, encaustic and mixed media.

Fay Kempton is the artisan for September.

A jeweler from Gretna, Virginia,

Kempton has a passion for all forms of art and practices painting and carving in marble. In her early years, she was a commercial interior designer in Washington, D.C. From there, she moved to Rehoboth Beach, where she lived for 19 years. Currently, Kempton’s main focus is dichroic fused glass.

The exhibition “There’s Lines & There’s Shapes” by Laura Kelley and L. Morgan Kelley are on display in the Staircase Gallery at the Arts Center.

Offsite exhibitions will also be available for viewing in the art league’s satellite galleries in North Ocean City. The main lobby gallery at the Princess Royale Oceanfront, at 9100 Coastal Hwy. will have an exhibit of paintings by Barbara Stepura.

The Coffee Beanery on 94th Street will showcase mixed media artworks by Debbi Dean.

All shows will be on display until Sept. 30. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410524-9433.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you may want to move your relationship in a different direction, but your partner is resistant. This could be a conflict, or something that opens up a dialogue.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you might feel like doing all you can to make a problem go away, and think that acting immediately is the way to go. But ponder a few options beforehand.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, a professional opportunity that seems to have many positive financial outcomes actually could have a down side to it. It’s best if you do your research before acting.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You may think that others do not understand you, Cancer. But that may be a good thing. You can focus on explaining your position and maybe make a few friends along the way.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you tend to be attracted to things that tempt fate or may even be considered forbidden. When others want you to walk the straight and narrow for a bit, it could be tough.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, an opportunity to get away presents itself. Enjoy this much-needed respite and don’t he afraid to go the extra mile to ensure the trip is as memorable as possible.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You may want to do it all, Libra, but sometimes you have to let others know you have limits. When you don’t, it is easy to get taken advantage of or run yourself ragged.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, are you ready for an adventure? Identify some new hobbies and then learn all you can about getting out there and doing those types of activities with frequency.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

A loved one may want to be more cozy with you this week, but you’re content to have ample space and do your own thing, Sagittarius. Let your views be heard on this situation.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you may want to tell a loved one what they want to hear right now to make a difficult situation go away. However, that only postpones the inevitable tough talk.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

You have been feeling like it is time to break away from your regular routine, Aquarius. It could be because there has been added stress on your shoulders. A vacation may be needed.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

There are some limits to doing all of the work on your own, Pisces. First off, you may lack the time and the expertise. Bring on helpers this week if anyone is available.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Artist Lisa Scarbath of Ellicott City, poses in front of some of her work that will be on display in a show called “Mixing Mediums” in Studio E at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street during the month of September.

NOW PLAYING

CHINO RANKIN

Carousel Beach

Bar - Tsunami: Sun., Sept. 3 & Thurs., Sept. 7, 5-8 p.m.

JOHN MCNUTT BAND

Seacrets:

Thurs., Sept. 7 5-9 p.m.

THE ANGLER RESTAURANT

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

Sept. 1: Aaron Howell, 5 p.m.

Sept. 2: Chris English, 5 p.m.

Sept. 3: TBD, 5 p.m.

Sept. 4: Reform School, 5 p.m.

Sept. 6: Kasey Briggs, 5 p.m.

Sept. 7: Full Circle, 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

Sept. 1-2: DJ Nigel, 7-9 p.m.

Sept. 3: Chino Rankin, 5-8 p.m.

Sept. 7: 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

Sept. 1: Ray Holiday, 1-5 p.m.; Pistol Whipped, 7-11 p.m.

Sept. 2: Lime Green, 1-5 p.m.

Sept. 3: No Byscuyts, 1-5 p.m.; Groovejoose, 7-11 p.m.

Sept. 4: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.

COCONUT’S BAR & GRILLE

3701 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, 21841

410-289-6846 / castleinthesand.com

Sept. 1: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; Beg To Differ, 5-9 p.m.

Sept. 2: The Permilla Project, noon to 4 p.m.; Zion Reggae Band, 5-9 p.m.

Sept. 3: Endless Ember, noon to 4 p.m.; The Big Laird Band, 5-9 p.m.

Sept. 4: Sean Loomis, noon to 3 p.m.; On The Edge, 4-8 p.m.

Sept. 5: Jack Bannon, noon to 3 p.m.; The Beach Bandits, 4-8 p.m.

Sept. 6: Carley Twigg, noon to 3 p.m.; Chris Diller Duo, 48 p.m.

Sept. 7: Jess Arms, noon to 3 p.m.; Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, 4-8 p.m.

COINS

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

Sept. 1: First Class, 8 p.m.

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

Sept. 4: Teenage Rush & The Fabulous Rustettes, 4 p.m.

Sept. 6: Support your Local Bartender Night w/ DJ Wax, 9 p.m.

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

19 Wicomico Street, Ocean City 443-373-2756

Sept. 1: The Rogue Citizens, 9 p.m.

Sept. 2: Risky Business, 9 p.m.

HAMMERHEADS RAW BAR & GRILL

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

Sept. 1: Naked Nation, 7-11 p.m.

Sept. 2: Steve Bowers Duo, 1-5 p.m.; Jon Pleasant, 7-1

p.m.

Sept. 3: Moonstone, 1-5 p.m.

MACKY’S BAYSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

Sept. 1: Legendary Beach Bash w/DJ Casper, 10 p.m.

Sept. 2: Party Under the Palms w/DJ Vybe, 1 p.m.

Sept. 3: Trivia with Brandon Speedbump Myers, 8 p.m.

Sept. 4: Karaoke w/DJ Jermey, 9 p.m.

Sept. 5: Theme Party Night w/DJ Flight

Sept. 7: Ladies Night w/DJ Casper, 10 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

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

Sept. 2: Dunehound, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Sept. 3 Higher Education, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Sept. 4: Karaoke with Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Sept. 5: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Sept. 6: Beats by Deogee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Sept. 7: 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

Sept. 1: 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.; Jah Works, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Sept. 2: Bobby-O on De Bay, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Tuff, noon to 2 a.m.; Kono Nation, 1-5 p.m.; Jah Works, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Fish Out of Water, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Dear Zoe, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Sept. 3: DJ Connair on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, noon to 2 a.m.; Fish Out of Water, 1-5 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; Jah Works, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Lost in Paris, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Sept. 4: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Blake Haley, 5-9 p.m.; Element K, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sept. 5: Element K, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sept. 6: DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Dear Zoe, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Sept. 7: John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; The Way Outs, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

WHISKER’S BAR & GRILL

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

Sept. 1: Dance with Beats by Followers, 8 p.m.

Sept. 4: Industrial Night, 8 p.m.

Sept. 5: Ladies Night; Karaoke w/DJ Wood

33RD

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 410-289-

0990

$-$$$ | 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.

■ HARRISON’S HARBOR WATCH RESTAURANT & RAW BAR

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, known for our 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. Call for banquet and largeparty 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, sand-

wiches 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 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 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. Currently 11 a.m. to close. New hours start Sept. 5: closed Monday through Wednesday; Thursday, 3 p.m. to midnight; Friday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight.

■ 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

■ 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

Pines children’s theater casting for ‘Mean Girls Jr.’

(Aug. 25, 2023) The Ocean Pines Children's Theater will be casting next month the January production of Broadway musical, “Mean Girls Jr.”

According to a news release, auditions for the musical are scheduled from 5-6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 8, at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Due to the mature theme of the play, auditions for young people, male and female, will be limited to ages 12 and older.

For singing roles, those auditioning will need to select and perform at least 16 measures of a song from a Broadway musical, with or without musical accompaniment. Those preparing to audition for an acting role, will need to visit facebook.com/opchildrenstheater to access, memorize and practice vocal delivery of a select monologue.

Those participating must be prepared to show proof of full covid vaccination.

For more information, contact opchildrenstheater@yahoo.com

“Mean Girls Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied the organization.

Wine on the Beach slated for Sept. 8 and 9 in inlet lot

(Sept. 1, 2023) The annual Wine on the Beach festival is returning to the Ocean City Inlet next weekend.

Set. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 8 and 9, the event will feature a variety of local and regional wineries and breweries serving up samplings, as well as artisans and crafters, popular area food specialties, and an array of bands performing on an oceanfront stage.

According to a news release, picnick-

Wor. County Fair set Sept. 15-17 at Byrd Park

in SH

(Sept. 1, 2023) It's almost Fair Time in Worcester County. This year, the fair will be held Sept 15-17 at Byrd Park in Snow Hill.

Hours are 2-7 p.m., Friday, Set.15; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17. A classic car show is also set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Last year, the fair showcased more than 1,700 indoor and livestock exhibits and paid out over $7,500 in premium money.

For more information, follow the Worcester County Fair on Facebook or visit worcestercountyfair.com. To see the schedule, featured bands and performers for kids, click on the Tabloid icon on the website.

ing in the sand with bottles of wines and a group of friends and family has always been a major attraction of the festival.

This year, rockabilly band Bird Dog and the Road Kings will perform both days of the festival. They will be followed Friday by Misspent Youth, a popular regional party rock band. Saturday, Salisbury classic rock band Tranzfusion will take the stage after Bird Dog. Larry Lay, who performed 25 years as resident pi-

anist/singer in the Middleton Tavern Piano Bar in Annapolis, will open the festival on Friday.

Tickets are $30 online, with service charges, or $35 at the gate. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more and attendees 55 and older. Children over 12 can get in for $15 with a parent. Younger children are free.

For more information, visit winefest.com.

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Wine is poured into a glass during last year’s Wine on the Beach festival at the Ocean City inlet. This year’s event is set for Sept. 8 and 9.

WCPS outperforms other state school systems on tests

(Sept. 1, 2023) The Maryland State Department of Education has released statewide performance data showing Worcester County Public Schools outperforming the majority of school systems across content areas.

According to a news release, during an Aug. 22 state board of education meeting, Superintendent Mohammed Chowdhury and his staff provided an update on student performance on state assessments administered in the spring in English language arts and math for the 2021-22 academic year.

The assessments were the first performed in Maryland public schools since 2019, before testing was halted because of the pandemic.

Statewide, the data shows student proficiency rates in English are at the highest level in nearly a decade with the largest single-year gain for students in grades third through eighth over the same time period.

In Worcester County, the release said performance on the spring English assessments for third through eighth grade students topped all other school systems in Maryland, with 68 percent scoring as proficient or higher. The number is 21 percentage points above the state average and nearly 4 percentage points above last year’s proficiency level.

A highlight are Worcester County’s middle school-aged students who tested in spring 2023. Countywide, fourth graders’ proficiency grew by 9 percentage points; and fifth and sixth graders’ grew by 8 percentage points each.

At the high school level, 73 percent of Worcester County students taking the English 10 assessment scored proficient, topping the state average by 19 percentage points, and landing second overall in the state behind Calvert County.

While statewide math performance data has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, data from local assessments such as i-Ready show Worcester students

meeting or exceeding pre-pandemic levels in all grade levels, the release said.

In the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program, the strength in math is reflected in students in third through eighth grade, as Worcester County exceeded the state average by 23 percentage points. Worcester County’s proficiency rate of 47.3 percent is a nearly 10 percentage point gain over last year and more than double next highest growth seen in the state.

All grade levels in Worcester County experienced growth from last year’s proficiency levels with fourth graders making tremendous strides by growing 15

percentage points over last year. Sixth graders also saw significant growth, climbing 12 percentage points over last year’s proficiency levels.

Similar to scores in earlier grades, the release said student performance statewide in algebra I grew by about 3 percentage points from year to year. Over 27 percent of students in Worcester County reached proficiency, representing a 1 percentage point increase from 2022.

Worcester County’s student proficiency level data ties for second in the state with Anne Arundel County and behind only Howard County.

Worcester County’s proficiency rate of 47.3 percent in math for students in grades third through eighth is a nearly 10 percentage point gain over last academic year, and more than double the next highest growth seen in the state.

Beach to Bay Heritage Area

StoryMap receives funding

(Sept. 1, 2023) The Beach to Bay Heritage Area was recently awarded a grant from the Rural Maryland Council through the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund to produce a digital storytelling project.

The lower shore nonprofit, which boasts a mission to promote, preserve and protect the cultural heritage, historical linkages and natural assets of the lower eastern shore, was one of 39 organizations statewide to receive funding.

The Beach to Bay Heritage Area will be working with Salisbury University’s Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative on the project.

According to a news release, ArcGIS StoryMaps are a digital storyteller product that add narrative to enhance data and inform an audience.

StoryMaps provide the context and background information, creating a link between the narrative and maps – telling the story behind the data. The narrative and other media in the StoryMap create a stronger sense of place and illustrate spatial relationships, all in one visually appealing product.

Using GIS technology, StoryMaps guide users through a digital story to create a clear and holistic picture of the presented data.

The release said a StoryMap is an ideal product for an immersive cultural heritage experience aiming to build local capacities and understand

best practices for designing and packaging cultural heritage tourism experiences.

The Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative will identify existing GIS data and will work with the Beach to Bay Heritage Area team to develop new data for the StoryMap.

Interactive web maps will be developed to be included in the StoryMap and the cooperative will work with the Beach to Bay Heritage Area team on the language to be included in the StoryMap.

The Beach to Bay Heritage Area StoryMap will be organized to include museums and historic sites, state scenic and national byways, farmers markets, historic markers, AfricanAmerican historic places and people, breweries, wineries and distilleries, and arts and entertainment districts.

Each topic in the StoryMap will present the data/areas of interest, explain the importance of the category, and showcase what makes it unique to the Beach to Bay Heritage Area.

The StoryMap will include a variety of media (photos, maps, videos, or audio files) to engage and inform users. The developed StoryMap product will be supported for desktop and mobile use and can be embedded into any website, allowing users near and far to experience the history and beauty of the Beach to Bay Heritage Area.

To learn more about the Beach to Bay Heritage Area visit BeachesBaysWaterWays.org.

Rev. Williams to be celebrated

(Sept. 1, 2023) Community members are invited to celebrate the ministry of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea’s priest, the Rev. Jill Williams next weekend.

The service is set for 1 p.m., Sept. 9, at the church at 302 N. Baltimore Ave, in Ocean City. It will be followed by a reception in the parish hall.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Easton and the Right Rev. Santosh Mar-

Fri., Sept. 1

MAHJONG CLUB

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

BETHANY BEACH JAZZ FUNERAL SILENT AUCTION

Bethany Blues BBQ Pit, 6 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach, 3 p.m. Featuring jewelry, wine, gifts, furniture, nautical items and toys and games as well as gift certificates and services. All funds raised go directly to the American Red Cross of Delmarva.

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and see the new exhibits. Event is free and open to the public. www.artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433

Sat., Sept. 2

TINKER TIME: STEM KITS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime. Use the library’s supplies and your imagination to explore STEM concepts with the selfguided kits. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ANNUAL CLASSIC CAR & JEEP SHOW

CRAFTY SATURDAY: BACK TO SCHOOL!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for some fun back to school themed crafts to help get into the groove of the new school year. All ages welcome. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

100 DAY PROJECT REVEAL

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10 a.m. Bring in your finished (or not finished) 100 day project to share and display. Conversation and refreshments. For adults and teens. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

POP-IN PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Pop into the children’s area to play with toys and meet other families. For age 5 years and younger. 410-632-3495, 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

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.

ray will preside over the Holy Eucharist service, which will be attended by clergy from throughout the diocese. The Very Rev. David Michaud, the Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, will preach.

The service begins at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a reception in the parish hall.

Marine Corps vet gets new flag

(Sept. 1, 2023) When a recent summer storm blew through the region, the strong winds left a Marine Corps flag that Stuart Smith was flying at his West Ocean City home in tatters.

According to a news release, Smith is a 97-year-old veteran who served in Korea, where he was wounded and

received the Purple Heart.

Members of the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League recently replaced his flag after American Legion member Harry Rey learned Smith could not replace it. Rey turned to the Marine group and soon Smith had a new flag flying.

Veterans Memorial Park, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 9 a.m.-noon. Registration cost is $20 (cash only) on the day of the event or pre-register at https://business.oceanpineschamber.org/events/details/2023-classic-car-jeep-show-14915. Food vendors and music. 410-641-5306

FIRST SATURDAY WRITERS

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

GENEALOGY HELP

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10 a.m.noon. The local history librarian will be on hand to help with genealogy research. By appointment only: 410-6323495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

Sun., Sept. 3

SUNDAES IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Sept. 4

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169 Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-

Continued on Page 42

CALENDAR

Continued from Page 41

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, 410-641-0157

38TH ANNUAL BETHANY BEACH JAZZ FUNERAL

North end of the Bethany Beach Boardwalk, 5:30 p.m. Join in a funeral procession of mourners, Dixieland Jazz Bands and a casket to the Boardwalk Bandstand. All are encourage to dress up and participate, New Orleans style. www.jazz-funeral.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, 302-242-7062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Sept. 5

STORY TIME: FRIENDSHIP

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

STORY TIME: DINOSAURS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 2 years and younger. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC

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

STEM LAB: KITCHEN SCIENCE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Welcome to the STEM test kitchen. See what fun experiments the group can do using common kitchen items. Recommended for ages 6 years and older. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m.

This group meets twice a month to discuss selections recommended by the Great Books Foundation. Today the focus is on “Admiral of the Ocean” by Samuel Eliot Mason. 410-208-4014

ANIME CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4 p.m. Join in to celebrate your appreciation for anime and manga. Monthly themes will include trivia games, Japanese snacks and art exploration. For ages 13-16 years. 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., Sept. 6

SPAGHETTI DINNER PREORDER DEADLINE

The dinner will be held Sept. 9, 4-6 p.m. at the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 10709 Bishopville Road. Cost is $12 per platter for adults and $6 for children 7 years and younger (half portion). Preorder: 619-922-9950 by Sept. 6. Dine in or carryout.

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Come in for a time just for you and your teeny tiny. Stay after to socialize with other families. For children younger than 2 years and their caregivers. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MERRY MAKERS: EPSOM SALT LUMINARIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m.

Make Epsom salt luminaries. All materials provided, but if you are a favorite jar, bring it along. Limit 10. Registration required: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30-2:30 p.m. The group provides discussion and education on the topic of diabetes. Darlene Jameson, 410-208-9761, djameson@atlanticgeneral.org

PROMO-VISION!

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Dive into the world of movie trailers in this showcase analyzing the origins, trends and tropes of movie marketing. Featuring outrageous previews of films. For an adult audience. 410-524-1818

JUNIOR MAKERS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4:30 p.m. Explore science and the arts through fun learning activities and stories. For ages 6-8 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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., Sept. 7

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free service for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. By appointment only: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

STORY TIME: ‘BECAUSE’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Celebrate Classical Music Month with “Because” by Mo Willems. 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

BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘UNBROKEN’ BY LAURA HILLENBRAND

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

the book are available at the Pocomoke Library circulation desk. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

LEGO ZIPLINE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 4 p.m. Can you build the perfect contraption to ride the LEGO zipline? For ages 8-12 years. 410-632-3495, 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

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 703-731-6515.

Crossword answers from page 36

LOCAL INTERIOR REMODELING COMPANY

Will Pay $25 Per Hour to the Right Person with Carpentry & Drywall Skills. Text 410-430-5027.

Beachwood Custom Builders

Now Hiring for Experienced Full-Time Trim Carpenter

Valid Driver’s License a MUST Vacation and Benefits

Contact Lauren@ beachwoodinc.com

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.

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

MODEL ATTENDANT/ SALES ASST.

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

Outlets Ocean City

Full-Time, Customer Service Representative

Provide exceptional customer service to shoppers, tenants, vendors and visitors to our outlet shopping destination. This person will handle customer inquiries and successfully meet marketing and operational goals to ensure a positive experience. Candidates must be able to work a flexible schedule including some nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

- Assist customers/retailers/vendors with questions, route incoming phone calls appropriately

- Answer incoming phone calls, accurately maintain data bases, complete reports/logs, order supplies

- Provide vendor waivers, assist with check-ins

- Inform shoppers of promotions/special events, distribute coupon books

- Participate in special events/projects

- Able to navigate computers, complete documents in a variety of programs

- Report all accidents/incidents according to policy in absence of GM

Qualifications

- Ability to accurately use math skills, type documents, maintain databases, demonstrate attention to detail, utilize a computer effectively, assist with customer situations, multi-task, etc.

NOW HIRING

Year-Round Bartenders

Day Shifts and Night Shifts Available

Johnny’s Pizza & Pub 443-880-2486

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

for staffing furnished model in WOC. Real estate license preferred, but not required. Call 410-213-1633 to set up interview. OFF

Avison Young/Outlets Ocean City is committed to employing the best talent with the most fair and equitable recruitment practices. Additional information and apply at: https://us-avisonyoung.icims.com/jobs/3743/ customer-service-representative/job

Ocean Pines, Year Round, 3BR, 2BA Rancher. Refurbished. Large screened porch. Lovely back yard. Good credit. No smoking. No pets. $1950 per month plus all utilities. 301-509-6515

Seeking YR & Seasonal

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

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

Commercial Warehouses 600 and 800 sq. ft. spaces

West Ocean City and Bishopville, MD

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.

FOR SALE

Two (2) Black Leather Recliners. Good Condition. $400/OBO. Ocean Pines. Call Art 410-251-2666.

Jet Ski For Sale. 2012

HIRING

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

ROOMMATES

Fully Furnished Room for Rent in South Gate Ocean Pines. $700 per month includes all utilities. $200 deposit. No Pets - No Smoking. 443-880-2317

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

Yearly Leases Only Call 646-812-1212 Hiring Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Housekeeper, Liquor Store Attendant, Boat Mates, Receivers Apply

Warehouse/Contractor Shops/Storage/ Flex Building for Lease/ Option to Purchase 1000-10,000 sq. ft. In town Ocean City on 142nd St. 410-723-4400 or 410-430-8332

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

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

RENTALS

2BR, 1BA, Small Condo, 5th Street, OCMD. 1 block to the Boards. No smoking/pets. $875/mo. Utilities & basic cable included. Oct. 5-Apr. 1. 410-952-5234

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

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK FOR SALE

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

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.

MISC. SERVICES

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

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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 assumed 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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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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

NOTICE

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

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

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.

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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 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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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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 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

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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 OCD-8/24/3t

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

To all persons interested in the estate of IRVIN CHILDS JR. Estate No. 19529 Notice is given that BETTY J. FARINA whose address is 5160 BILLY BLAIR LANE, CRISFIELD, MD 21817 was on AUGUST 18, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of 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 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-8/31/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MERRILL TRADER CAMPBELL Estate No. 19867 Notice is given that MICHAEL ANTHONY CAMPBELL whose address is 8018 LIBERTYTOWN ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on AUGUST 22, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the estate of MERRILL TRADER CAMPBELL who died on APRIL 3, 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 represen-

tative 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/31/1t

REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of SHARON L TAYLOR Estate No. 19874 Notice is given that KIMBERLY MUMFORD whose address is 106 QUILLIN DRIVE BERLIN, MD 21811 was on AUGUST 28, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SHARON L TAYLOR who died on AUGUST 11, 2023 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th 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 de-

livery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

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

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

WORCESTER COUNTY

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

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

6:30 p.m. Case No. 23-51, on the lands of Avalon Hall, on the application of George E. Young, III, requesting a variance to reduce the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Buffer from 100 feet to 50 feet (to encroach 50 feet) for a proposed 10’ x 290’ driveway through nontidal wetlands and the 100 foot buffer, pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 3-219 (c) (4) and NR 3-211 and Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(l) located on Hickory Point Road about 985 feet east of 250 Hickory Point Road, Tax Map 90, Parcel 13, Lot B, Tax District 1, Worcester County, MD.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 23-67, on the lands of Beverly Glass, on the application of Mark Cropper, requesting a special exception to allow a 6-foottall fence in a front yard setback, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(3), & ZS 1-305(k)(3) located at 9177 Old Ocean City Road, Tax Map 19, Parcel 49, Lot 2, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 23-55, on the lands of Janet & Daniel Trimper, IV Revocable Trust, on the application of Mark Cropper, requesting a variance to reduce the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Buffer Management Area from 50 feet to 33.67 feet (to encroach 16.4 feet) and a variance to exceed the 30 percent allowable forest clearing to 46.4 percent associated with a construction of a single family dwelling, Pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 3104 (c)(4), NR 3-111 and NR 3-107 (c)(4) and Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(m), located at 11031 Piney Island Drive, Tax Map 15, Parcel 90, Lot 19, Tax District 5, Worcester County, MD.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 23-60, on the lands of Martha’s Landing Resort, LLC, on the application of Mark Cropper, requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 25 feet to .03 feet (to encroach 24.97 feet) for the proposed replacement of an existing building in the CM Commercial Marine District, pursuant to Zoning

Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1214(b)(1) and ZS 1-305, on the southeast corner of Sunset Avenue and Golf Course Road, Tax Map 27, Parcel 447, Lot 78 (79 & 80), Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 23-56, on the lands of Martha’s Landing Resort, LLC, on the application of Mark Cropper, requesting a variance to the front yard setback off of Harbor Road from 50 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 25.91 feet (to encroach 24.08 feet) and a variance to the front yard setback off of Golf Course Road from 75 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 57 feet (to encroach 18 feet) for the proposed replacement of an existing building in the CM Commercial Marine District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-214(b)(1) and ZS 1305, on the northeast corner of Harbor Road and Golf Course Road, Tax Map 27, Parcel 447, Lot 78 (86 & 87), Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:55 p.m. Case No. 23-65, on the lands of Martha’s Landing Resort, LLC, on the application of Mark Cropper, requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 25 feet to 18.5 feet (to encroach 6.5 feet) and a variance to the minimum lot size from 5,000 square feet to 1,920 square feet for a proposed pavilion for aquaculture in the CM Commercial Marine District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1214(b)(4) and ZS 1-305, located on Harbor Road, approximately 291 feet east of Golf Course Road, Tax Map 27, Parcel 372, Lot 96 (96 & 97), Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19873

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF NANCY JANE POWELL

Notice is given that Cheryl Holland, 8625 Circle Road, Berlin, MD 21811 and Charlotte Powell, 11428 Gum Point Road, Berlin, MD 21811, were on August 25, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nancy Jane Powell who died on August 15, 2023, with a will.

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

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

Cheryl Holland

Charlotte Powell

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

August 31, 2023

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 23-074 A request has been submitted to construct a 3’ x 26’ parallel platform with a 3’ x 8’ walkway over rip-rap. To construct a 6’ x 20’ parallel platform with a 3’ x 10’ walkway over rip-rap, and to install (1) one boatlift with associated pilings maximum channelward extension of 14’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 314 S HERON GULL CT Parcel # 6069A-91 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Keith Coffin

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 23-080 A request has been submitted to install (5) 10” x 16’ piles against existing bulkhead and also install (5) 10” x 16’ batter piles. To install a new 5’ x 30’ perpendicular pier and one boat lift with (4) associated mooring piles; all maximum channelward extension of 35’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 13305 PEACH TREE RD Parcel # 8020A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: William L. Cummings

APPLICANT: Ocean Services of DE, Inc.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

BOARD OF PORT WARDENS

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

Thursday, September 14, 2023

At 2:00 p.m.

PW 23-068 (Carried over from August Meeting) A request has been submitted to repair with vinyl replacement ~60lf of deteriorated timber bulkhead using batter piles; construct a 4’ x 50’ dock with a 6’ x 44’ pier and install two (2) boatlifts and two (2) PWC lifts with associated pilings a maximum of 50’ channelward of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 313 OLD LANDING RD Parcel #1751A12 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland

OWNER: Marc Schneebaum

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-073 A request has been submitted to install 105’ +/- of replacement vinyl bulkheading (85’ canal front w/a 20’ return); construct a 6’ x 25’ parallel dock and install (1) one boatlift with associated pilings. Maximum channelward extension 13’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 316 S HERON GULL CT Parcel # 6069A-92 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Keith Coffin

PW 23-075 A request has been submitted to remove existing pier and construct a new 6’ x 50’ pier, to install (2) PWC lifts, and (1) boat lift all with associated pilings. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 806 32ND ST Parcel # 4481 -23 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Donna Bialozynski

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 23-076 A request has been submitted to install (1) one 10’ x 14’ floating PWC dock a maximum channelward extension of 20’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 772 94TH ST UNIT F Parcel # 9649 -F in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Mark & Meredith McCoy

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 23-077 A request has been submitted to install two (2) 6.5’ x 13’ PWC floats a maximum channelward extension not to exceed past existing piling 20’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 4603 COASTAL HWY UNIT 302 Parcel # 7010 -302 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Santosh Viswanathan APPLICANT: Hidden Oak Farm, LLC

PW 23-078 A request has been submitted to install 75’ of engineered replacement vinyl bulkhead 18” channelward of existing bulkhead; construct a new 5’ x 40’ parallel platform, a new 5’ x 30’ perpendicular pier; and install (1) boatlift with 4 mooring piles. All construction a maximum channelward extension of 36’6” The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 194 BEACHCOMBER LN Parcel # 8020A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Daniel Hudak

APPLICANT: Ocean Services of DE, Inc.

PW 23-079 A request has been submitted to remove existing parallel platform, pier and pilings and to install a new 6’ x 33’ parallel platform, a 6’ x 30’ perpendicular pier, (2) boatlifts with four associated pilings, maximum channelward extension 36’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 118 SEABREEZE DR Parcel # 1872A- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Charles Gray

APPLICANT: Ocean Services of DE, Inc.

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

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

at 6:00 PM

RESCHEDULED FROM AUGUST 10, 2023 AGENDA - Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-95(1)(a) requesting a variance to the front yard setback on 15th Street to have a covered patio deck for outdoor dining leaving a minimum remaining setback of .33’. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 6-10 and Lot 43, Block 18, of the Edward Shute Plat, further described as located on the north- west corner of 15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, and locally known as 1501 Philadelphia Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: SP BURGER, INC. C/O BRANDON PHILLIPS – (BZA 2658 #23- 09500009) at 6:20 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(1) requesting a special use exception to allow a private boat dock on a property that has no established principal use on the premises. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 59 of the Caine Harbor Mile Plat, further described as located on the east side of Shipwreck Road north of Jamestown Road, and locally known as 11614 Shipwreck Road in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: DEMETRIOS G. KAOURIS FOR CHRISTOPHER J.

FONTANA – (BZA 2650 #2309400007)

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

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman

Maureen Howarth, Attorney

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NOTICE OF APPEAL

Pursuant to the Town of Berlin’s Code Sections 108-188, 108-189, 108191 and 108-375, the Berlin Board of Appeals will hear an appeal for a Conditional Use received from Mr. Eric Davis to construct 20 multifamily rental units at 534 Bay Street at its meeting to be held at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD.

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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

Tide Room set to debut this Friday at Ashore Resort

(Sept. 1, 2023) The Ashore Resort and Beach Club, formerly the Clarion on 101st Street, is officially opening a new restaurant.

According to a news release, Tide Room, a new coastal-inspired restaurant poised to elevate Ocean City’s culinary landscape, was set to to open this Friday, Sept. 1, with live music and other offerings.

The release said Tide Room is one of the region’s only exclusive beachfront restaurant, featuring oceanfront views, as well as indoor and outdoor dining on the terrace.

Situated on the terrace level of the hotel Tide Room is the centerpiece of the resort.

The 5,800 square-foot restaurant features a 35-seat cocktail bar serving inventive cocktails alongside an extensive wine list. The release said it offers “a cool ambiance, unparalleled views, a chef-driven menu, and live entertainment.”

The restaurant is open for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. The dining room features banquette rooms with unobstructed water views, and outdoor terrace seating that directly looks onto the beach and ocean.

Call: 410-723-6397

Fax: 410-723-6511

or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net

Executive Chef Ronald Marvel Jr. brings years of culinary expertise to his position.

The menu focuses on sustainable seafood and classic Maryland flavors, including staples such as halibut, blackened rockfish, an organic

Page 52

PHOTOS COURTESY ASHORE RESORT AND BEACH CLUB

The dining room of Tide Room, the new restaurant inside the Ashore Resort and Beach Club on 101st Street, is ready for patrons.

Overtime hours declining in nearly all OC departments

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor

(Sept. 1, 2023) According to an internal audit report for the spring and early summer quarter, nearly every Ocean City department is seeing a decline in a specific area of employee payroll — overtime.

“There’s some positive movement in the number of hours of overtime being spent,” Internal Auditor Karin Scott told City Council members at a work session Tuesday.

The report, which included summaries of all of the internal spending habits of the city over the last quarter, showed drops in overtime hours from 2022 to 2023 in the fire, police, public

works and recreation departments for the months of April, May and June.

All other departments also saw a decline in the amount of overtime clocked for April and May, but a small uptick in June.

Councilman John Gehrig, who was one of several council members who has expressed concerns about the amount of overtime some public safety employees were racking up, said the news that the rates are falling is good. However, he anticipates he will ask more questions after receiving the report on the next quarterly audit.

The chart also shows, for the first time ever, overtime hours clocked for

See BEACH Page 51

CHART COURTESY TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

A chart showing overtime hours for city departments for the spring and early summer quarter shows a decline in the totals for nearly all departments in April, May and June.

Beware of new deed fraud efforts

By Lauren Bunting

Contributing Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) There have been lots of reports in recent years regarding the prevalence of deed fraud, but lately scammers are not even bothering with trying to change the deed to their name first, and are simply impersonating the true owner.

This listing fraud form of a scam is on the rise throughout the area, and real estate agents are warned to be wary when they receive a random lead from an unknown source, especially for vacant lot listings.

Deed fraud is when a person records a deed that appears to be valid, but it is not, either by forgery of the owner’s signature, or the deed may be signed by a trust or entity that looks like it has ownership of the property. This newer real estate scam skips the process of deed fraud, and just attempts to trick local real estate agents into listing the property through impersonating the true owner.

The criminals search public records to identify property that is free and clear of mortgages, and then pose as the property owner and contact local real estate agents to list the property.

They are creating fake driver’s licenses using primary home addresses of the true owners, and will usually demonstrate a preference for a cash buyer and a quick sale under market value.

They will also make up a story of why they can’t sign in person and request a remote notary signing (they would then also impersonate the notary and provide fake documents).

When agents are listing a home, they need to take extra steps to ensure who they are speaking with is in fact the owner because the burden of verification is on the real estate and title companies. The U.S. Secret Service website offers good tips on how to prevent this from happening to you:

• Independently search for the iden-

tity and a recent picture of the property seller.

• Request an in-person or virtual meeting and to see their government issued identification.

• Be on alert when a seller accepts an offer below market value in exchange for receiving the payment in cash and/or closing quickly (“sounds too good to be true” rule of thumb).

• Never allow a seller to arrange their own notary closing.

• Use trusted title companies and attorneys for the exchange of closing documents and funds.

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

Beach Patrol clocks first hours

Continued from Page 50

Beach Patrol employees.

Before this season, lifeguards, or surf rescue technicians, were not legally able to receive overtime, as they were considered recreation employees. But in an effort to incentivize more applicants and increase the department’s roster, council members voted to offer employees $1 an hour in

NEW LISTING

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Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, a 9-hole mini-golf course, a shuffleboard court, a pickle ball court, an 8-acre wildlife sanctuary with large pond and blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $396.00 a year! $425,000

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133 SEA BREEZE DRIVE OCEAN CITY

12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com

overtime after they work 43.5 hours in a week. According to the audit report, 1,414 hours of overtime were clocked for the month of June.

Scott also reported on efforts to replace non-working, zero-read utility meters, employee procurement card purchases and other contracts and franchise agreements in the quarterly audit report.

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NEW LISTING

Located in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in quiet North OC, this 3- bedroom/2-bathroom home features a completely remodeled interior and is being sold fully furnished...all furnishings are BRAND NEW! Upgrades include new a/c system, new stainless- steel appliances, new granite counters, new bathrooms, all new plumbing, all new lighting, new washer & dryer, new drywall, new interior trim/doors, new subflooring, new luxury vinyl plank flooring, new insulated windows, new exterior doors, and new storm doors. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, a 9-hole mini-golf course, a shuffleboard court, a pickle ball court, an 8-acre wildlife sanctuary with large pond and blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $396.00 a year! $339,900

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500 NAUTICAL LANE OCEAN CITY

12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com

Restaurant offers dining with beach lookout year-round

half chicken, and New York strip. Starters include mussels, grilled shrimp, and blackened tuna.

On the weekends, Tide Room will serve brunch.

The menu features items such as house-made monkey bread with poached rum raisins and a sweet glaze; crab cake Benedict made with Maryland crab cakes, poached eggs, sautéed spinach, and cheese sauce over freshly made biscuits; and a Chesapeake Mary — Tide Room’s take on a classic Bloody Mary made with a house-made mix and garnished with a bacon wrapped shrimp.

Tide Room’s beverage offerings feature an array of cocktails made with fresh ingredients. An expansive wine list includes labels from around the world, and over 32 varieties of rosé, sparkling wine and curated selects of white and red offerings by Restaurant General Manager Gabriel Berecz. A selection of craft and rotating local beers are also available on tap.

Tide Room will host live music Thursday through Saturday nights beginning at 8 p.m., and a music

calendar with confirmed artists is available online.

Oceanfront floor-to-ceiling windows are fully adjustable, allowing for all-season open dining and a refreshing sea breeze throughout the space. Tide Room’s beachfront loca-

tion is incorporated into the design palette, pulling through rich earth tones and reflective surfaces to create “a serene yet striking atmosphere.” Multiple sections for seating through the bar, lounge, and main dining area offer comfortable places for large and small groups.

Ashore Resort & Beach Club opened earlier this year, debuting 250 fully renovated guest rooms and suites. Along with the accommodations and dining options, the hotel offers 14 meeting rooms with 40,000 square

feet of indoor and outdoor flexible function spaces, a ballroom with 7,500 square feet that can accommodate up to 1,000 people, and a beachside pavilion perfect for wedding receptions, private beach parties and team-building activities.

Tide Room is now open for reservations. To make a reservation or learn more about the restaurant, visit tideroomoceancity.com. For more information about Ashore, visit atashoreresortoceancity.com or call 800-638-2100.

PHOTOS COURTESY ASHORE RESORT AND BEACH CLUB

The terrace of Tide Room, the new restaurant inside the Ashore Resort and Beach Club on 101st Street, gives patrons a picturesque view of the ocean.

Anglers catch tons of cutlassfish around MD

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) A snaggle-toothed chrome fish is hitting the hooks — and dinner plates — of some local anglers this year in unusually high numbers.

Anecdotal reports and fishing logs suggest the Atlantic cutlassfish, known to some as ribbonfish or silver eel, have been rising in population around Maryland waters, particularly in Ocean City and the Chesapeake Bay, for the last three to five years.

“It’s like a big mystery. Nobody really understands why they’re prolific now,”

said Capt. Jeff Stewart of the 50-foot Ocean City Girl out of Talbot Street.

Stewart estimated that his charter guests caught about 50 cutlass fish three years ago, 100 last year, and 600700 this summer season.

“Three years ago, they just showed up and just seem to get thicker every year,” Stewart said.

Stewart has chartered in Ocean City for about 30 years, and for the first 25 years he said he only came across three or four cutlassfish.

Cutlassfish can generally be found about 10 miles off the coast, all the way

Lois James d.d.s.

GENERAL DENTISTRY

from the Carolinas to New Jersey, he said.

Angler’s don’t consider cutlassfish a nuisance, Stewart said, though the species tends to be caught while fishermen are targeting Spanish mackerel or bluefish. Many enjoy using them for swordfish bait, king mackerel bait or eating the fish themselves, which has a taste that some find comparable to flounder.

With large, sharp teeth that resemble something like the jaws of a moray eel, cutlassfish often slice through fishing lines and cost fishermen some

BUSINESS BRIEFS

AGH new pediatrician

Atlantic General Hospital and Health System officials recently announced that Dr. Cristian F. Salgado is joining the health system on Sept. 11 to provide pediatric care to Worcester County and the surrounding area.

According to a news release, Salgado completed his pediatrics residency at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, after attending the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

He achieved high honors throughout his education, graduating summa cum laude from both the University of Maryland, College Park, and medical school, where he was also inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society.

Salgado was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. He is excited to be relocating to the Eastern Shore with his wife, who was born and raised in Berlin.

Salgado will be seeing patients at

tackle, Stewart said. But toothy fish are anything but unheard of in coastal fishing. Bluefish and sharks, among other species, also pose a threat to leaders.

Stewart speculated that with higherthan-average water temperatures, the species has made a larger showing up North.

“Typically, cutlass fish were always thought of as a very deep-water fish. Well, apparently not because … we’re catching them on the lumps, like the shoals, so there goes that theory,” Stew-

Page 55

Atlantic General Pediatrics in West Ocean City until the practice’s new office space at the Gudelsky Family Medical Center in Ocean Pines is complete.

To schedule an appointment, families can call 443-728-1004.

AGH retirement

After five decades of dedicated and compassionate patient care, women’s health nurse practitioner Nicki Akstinas has announced her retirement. Akstinas spent the last 12 years caring for women of Worcester County and the surrounding area with her colleagues at Atlantic General Women’s Health. Sept. 29 will be her last day. Patients can transfer care to another provider within Atlantic General Women’s Health by calling the office at 443-728-1050. Women who plan to seek care outside of Atlantic General Health System can call Atlantic General Hospital’s Medical Records Department at 410-6419616 to request their records.

Cristian Salgado

Nicki Akstinas

See SOME

Some say cutlassfish good to eat

Continued from Page 54

art said.

Kevin Smith, executive director of Maryland Coastal Bays, also thought warmer waters might be causing cutlassfish populations to expand their range, but he said it isn’t unusual to find them in the area.

Smith said Coastal Bays hasn’t caught a cutlassfish in one of its seine netting surveys in one or two years. The netting usually happens in water that’s six inches to three feet deep, he said.

Erik Zlokovitz, fisheries biologist and recreational fisheries coordinator at Maryland Department of Natural Resources, confirmed that MDNR has noticed an uptick in cutlassfish for the last three or four years based on their weekly Maryland Online Fishing Report and the DNR’s Maryland Angler’s log, where anglers can submit photos of their local catch.

The MDNR doesn’t collect cutlassfish statistics in its scientific surveys, which are more geared toward striped bass, bluefish, flounder and other more historically endemic or commercially fished species, Zlokovitz said.

“The cutlass fish is sort of a new species for us, and it’s the reason we don’t really have hard scientific data on them at this point,” he said.

He too believes that this year’s warm water temperatures has attracted the fish.

Maryland’s lower rainfall this year also contributed to high-salinity in the Chesapeake Bay, Zlokovitz said, another area where cutlassfish are getting hooked in high numbers, presumably even more than Ocean City.

“We’re seeing a couple of (angler log) submissions in the Chesapeake all the way up to Annapolis at the mouth of the Severn river, and I wouldn’t be surprised that they even travel a little bit further up this summer,” Zlokovitz said.

Zlokovitz expects the species to move back south as fall weather cools the water.

Historically, cutlassfish have always been found in Maryland waters, but nothing like the populations that have been seen over the last several years, he said.

While it’s true that anglers tend to find the species offshore in deeper waters, cutlassfish often come close to shore in places like the Gulf of Mexico, Zlokovitz said.

The fish exhibits feeding behavior similar to spanish mackerel where they feed mid-water and on the surface. Likewise, they tend to strike lures anglers use for mackerel, including shiny spoon retrieval baits.

Cutlassfish are a predatory species and are likely eating smaller, silvery baitfish, but they are also prey to larger fish like king mackerel.

“I would say at this point they’re sort of neutral overall for the ecosystem and beneficial for some of our summer anglers,” Zlokovitz said.

Dillon Waters, reports editor FishTalk magazine, hasn’t fished for cutlassfish around Ocean City, but has

been using metal spoon baits and paddle tails to catch them in the central Chesapeake Bay.

Like all the rest, Waters attributed the cutlassfish fish population boom to warm water and high salinity in the bay. He said that fisherman have found them as far north as the mouth of the South River.

This isn’t the only fish population with an unusual distribution this year, he said. Anglers have seen young red drum farther north than usual, and black sea bass have been seen all the way up to the Patapsco River near Baltimore. These fish usually aren’t discovered there until the later winter months, Waters said.

“Over the past, say a couple of years, I’ve definitely seen the ecosystem in the bay changing, getting more of those oceans species or species from higher salinity water move further up,” Waters said.

It’s been becoming more common to find the cutlassfish near Virginia Beach and the mouth of the bay, where its popular to troll for them, he said.

Waters said that he has seen anywhere from five to 20 Ospreys feeding on schools of cutlassfish at any one time, presumably because the fish’s reflective body makes them easy to spot from above.

Some humans are enjoying them too. Waters said they can be eaten raw as sashimi with sesame seeds and soy sauce.

They can also be baked, broiled, fried and pair well with crab meat, he said.

“It doesn’t take a lot of skill to get out to them. You can get out and troll for them, jig for them. It’s a lot of fun, so just take advantage of them while

they’re here,” Waters said.

To check out what anglers are catching around Maryland, or to log your own catch, visit the Maryland Angler’s log at https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pa ges/recreational/anglers_log.aspx.

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ATTENTION SELLERS! We are still seeing demand for beach properties. Combine that with a smaller inventory of properties to sell and we still have an active market. Call or e-mail us today!

PHOTO COURTESY CAPT. JEFF STEWART

Capt. Jeff Stewart, who operates the charter boat named the Ocean City Girl, has caught hundreds more cutlass fish this year than ever before in his 30-year career. Charter boat guests are pictured posing with cutlassfish, which are at the front of the table, and spanish mackerel toward the back.

C C RS, , ePro, , GR RII, ,

OCEAN CITY JEEP FEST 2023

JEEPIN’ AROUND

Ocean City Jeep Fest ran from Aug. 24-27, drawing an estimated total of 2,000 to 3,000 Jeeps 1,400 to 1,500 of which were registered for the event. Jeeps are seen on Friday, Aug. 25, parked near, and driving on, the event’s custom sand course, which was set up on the beach between Somerset and Wicomico streets.

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

MD covid cases rise, but positivity rates remain low

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) Despite an increase in Maryland’s total number of covidrelated hospitalizations, Atlantic General Hospital had no covid-positive patients as of Monday morning.

On Aug. 28, 196 total hospital beds in the state were being used for covidpositive patients, a number that has steadily increased over the summer since hitting a low point of 50 on June 28, according to the Maryland Department of Health’s covid data.

Heather Snyder, director of quality and infection prevention at Atlantic General Hospital, said that covid tests and wastewater testing show that Maryland and Worcester County remain at low-level covid hospitalizations, which is less than 10 people per 100,000.

The relative increases in positivity rates, which are occurring in pockets nationally, can seem high when represented as a percentage, Snyder said.

“This causes confusion among the general public due to this data not being coupled with positivity rates,” she said.

Maryland’s covid hospitalizations peaked around 3,462 on Jan. 11,

2022, according to the MDH covid data.

In July, Atlantic General had a “handful” of covid patients, though all of them were mild cases that became worse due to secondary health conditions, Snyder said. Some required ICU admissions and ventilation.

Health officials are aware of two dominant covid strains that are circulating nationally. They are the variants Eris and Fornax, Snyder said. Both variants are descendants of the XBB lineage, which was an Omicron mutation that became apparent earlier this year.

Severity of recent covid cases have been comparable to past Omicron variants, but there is concern that new mutations could be more transmittable for vaccinated individuals and people who have already been infected with covid, she said

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

As of Monday, there were no covid-positive patients at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin even though parts of the state have experienced an increase in cases. Pictured is one of the entrances to the parking lots of AGH.

AGH reports no current covid hospitalizations

Continued from Page 58

Snyder suggested that residents continue health practices like vaccination, testing and masking when exposed, staying home when sick and handwashing.

“This fall’s anticipated uptick of cases closely mirrors what we have seen since the advent of covid. While we wait for true “seasonality” of this virus, as we see in the flu, we should continue to apply lessons learned around basic mitigation,” Snyder said.

Since covid is no longer officially considered a public health emergency, free covid testing kits that were available during the declaration are no longer around. Synder said it would be good for residents to buy a few test kits or know where they can get tested locally, just in case.

The current covid booster vaccines, which came out last fall, are bi-

valent, meaning they are based on two strains of covid; the original virus and the Omicron variant. Updated boosters, which are expected to come out in the fall, are monovalent, and are based on the XBB strain only.

As for how many boosters an individual is recommended to have, it depends on their covid vaccine history, age and immunity status, she said.

People are still recommended to keep “up to date” on vaccines, Snyder said.

“Currently, there is no authorized “annual” use [for covid vaccines]; however, in their June meeting, FDA vaccine experts expressed the goal to move towards such dosing once seasonality of Covid can be established,” Snyder said.

The national rate for people taking the current bivalent booster is around 17 percent, which is much lower than anticipated, Snyder said. Maryland’s

average is 24.3 percent, and Worcester County has a rate of 20 percent booster uptake.

Flu season

As schools get back into gear and fall waits around the next corner, Snyder said that there are concerns about a heavy flu season.

“The seasonality of the virus, combined with a return to closed door, close contact environments, permit ease of transmission,” Snyder said.

As always, health officials are recommending people get their flu shot, which is the most effective form of prevention, Snyder said.

The flu shot this year is a quadrivalent vaccine that contains components of Flu A and Flu B. Although different flu strains make their way around each year, the World Health organization estimates that Influenza A makes up about 75 percent of the

total annual flu cases.

The CDC estimates that between Oct. 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023, 2754 million people caught the flu, 300,000-650,000 people were hospitalized for it, and 19,000-58,000 people died from the flu in the U.S., according to its preliminary in-season estimates.

Snyder said that health officials are preparing for another “tridemic,” since, along with the flu, there are anticipated rises in covid and RSV cases.

Besides vaccination, individuals can take other preventative measures to prevent the flu, including handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick.

“Certain individuals may also benefit from pre- and post-exposure prophylactic treatment with antivirals as determined by their provider,” Snyder said.

First in 40 yrs: locally acquired malaria in MD

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) Locally acquired malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, hasn’t been reported in Maryland for 40 years. Yet, on Aug. 18, the Maryland Department of Health announced that it had confirmed a positive case in a Maryland resident who lives near Washington D.C.

The individual, who was hospitalized but is now recovering, did not recently travel outside of the country or state, according to an MDH press release.

Maryland has about 200 travelrelated malaria cases each year, but none actually acquired in the state until now, said Heather Snyder, director of quality and infection prevention at Atlantic General Hospital.

While there are mosquito species in the state that can transmit malaria from an infected person to a healthy one, there are no “malaria-produc-

ing” mosquito species present here, she said.

Due to the health scare, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced on Aug. 6 that the department would conduct unscheduled spraying of an insecticide solution around a small area in Oxford in Talbot County, to control mosquito populations.

Other mosquito spraying programs were also conducted in central Maryland around Aug. 18.

“The risk of acquiring malaria when remaining within Maryland is rare. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk of severe infection. The best way to minimize infection is through prevention,” Snyder said.

Snyder said Marylanders are always encouraged to prevent mosquito bites regardless of mosquito-based infections.

“These measures include avoiding

areas with high mosquito activity (especially after dusk) and using an Environmental Protection Agencyapproved bug spray,” she said.

It can take anywhere from seven to

30 days for symptoms of malaria to appear, according to the MDH press release. Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting.

Spotlight on fire company captain

Local firefighter with history in public safety dedicated to helping out community

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) This week we recognize current active member Alan L. Jarmon Jr.

Alan currently serves as captain of the “C” Platoon in the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. He has been employed as a firefighter/EMT with the Seaford Fire Department in Delaware for the past seven years.

Alan has previously held various positions in the field of public safety, including corrections officer in Wicomico County, 911 dispatcher with Worcester County, and career NREMT with the Blades Volunteer Fire Company in Delaware.

Capt. Jarmon grew up in Ocean City and lived in the area before marrying his wife in 2013 and moving to Delaware. He always had friends involved in the fire service and joined them as a member of the OCVFC Cadet Program in May 2001.

Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Jarmon joined the OCVFC as a firefighter in November

2001 and decided to pursue a career in fire/EMS.

During his 21 years of active service, Capt. Jarmon has participated in a wide array of training opportunities including Fire Officer I & II, Firefighter I & II, Fire Instructor I, HazMat Technician, Maryland and Delaware Emergency Medical Technician, National Incident Management System Incident Command Courses, and many more.

Capt. Jarmon recalls his deployment with the Town of Ocean City and the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, in 2005 to participate in Operation Lifeline as the most significant event in his fire service career. The team was tasked with assisting local agencies in re-establishing medical facilities/services within the communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

Capt. Jarmon cites his greatest accomplishments in the fire service as receiving the Maryland State Governor’s Citation from Gov. Robert Ehrlich for his efforts in the Operation Lifeline response to assist the post-Katrina recovery efforts in Jefferson County, Louisiana. Jarmon has also received three Sussex County

Phoenix Awards for his actions in successfully reviving patients in cardiac arrest.

We thank Capt. Jarmon for his willingness to respond to communities devastated by natural disasters. We also acknowledge and appreciate his life-long dedication and commitment to the safety and security of the residents and visitors to Ocean City, and Seaford and Sussex counties in Delaware.

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

Worcester County offices to be closed on Labor Day

(Sept. 1, 2023) Worcester County Government offices, including the central landfill in Newark, homeowner convenience centers, Worcester County Recreation Center, and the five branch libraries, will be closed

Monday, Sept. 4, for the Labor Day holiday.

The county offices will resume standard operating hours on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Staff members wish one and all a happy and safe holiday weekend.

Alan L. Jarmon Jr.

As school begins, cheer for teachers

Let’s hear it for Worcester County’s public school teachers, who are about to embark on another academic year of helping and encouraging children and young people to become productive citizens.

As Worcester County’s public school system opens next Tuesday for the state-required 180 days of instruction, many teachers will be engaged in delivering a modernized version of the basic three R’s of readin’, writin’ and ‘rithametic and other fundamental subjects.

At the same time, however, educators here and throughout the country will also be inclined to adopt some variation of the three W’s — Wary, Worried and What now?

It’s unfortunate, but in the last few years, teachers have become a convenient target in this country’s culture wars, as judgment is leveled on what they say and what they teach according to the undefinable standard of appropriateness.

The definition of appropriate is, after all, a matter of personal interpretation, thrusting teachers into the midst of thousands of potential critics all too ready to file what could be a career-ending complaint in some parts of the country.

That hasn’t happened here, fortunately, but it doesn’t mean teachers are any less concerned about the possibility of a parent or public official insisting that one parent’s right to control curricula should supercede the right of all children to learn something.

Equally frustrating, of course, are the parents who could not care less about their children’s education, leaving teachers to act as the sole positive influence on a child’s future.

Although it is routinely argued that public school teachers in this county make plenty as compared to residents employed in other fields, it is clearly worth it considering that their primary focus is helping the children of these residents to do even better.

It must be hard to press ahead as politicians falsely accuse public education of being a failed system, but teachers should take heart in knowing that they are the antidote to that kind of ignorance.

Remember that and have a great year.

Ocean City Today

11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson

MANAGING EDITOR ............................ Mallory Panuska

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

Miss school? Nope

Contrary to what most people might assume, given my tendency to admire a little anarchy now and then, I honestly did look forward to the first day of school.

You got to see friends you hadn’t seen since the summer, had a bunch of new school supplies that you would either ruin or lose within a few days, and you could more or less enjoy a clean slate, a new beginning, and other notions you led yourself to believe before reality set in.

rate of morality?”

I don’t think that teacher liked me much either.

It wasn’t that I set out to be a smart alecky kid, it just kind of happened because I was generally bored or disinterested in whatever they were trying to get me to learn.

This is not to say they weren’t good teachers, but there are only so many times you can hear a biology teacher remind you that a rotifer is a microscopic animal that propels itself with little internal pinwheels and not feel the urge to respond, “Gee, I thought a rotifer was a garden implement, you know, like a roto-tiller but for tiny gardens.”

By Stewart Dobson

It was the subsequent 179 school days that I had a problem with. Or, as my 12th grade English teacher would want me to say, “It was the subsequent 179 school days with which I had a problem.” Whatever, he didn’t like me much anyway, and probably had good reason, since I was a terrible student almost from the beginning. I recall, for instance, one teacher’s remarks on an early report card: “Lacks stick-to-it-iveness.”

I think I was in third grade when I brought that little sparkler of a report card home to my parents, who took one look and asked, “Why do we see this ‘Lacks stick-to-it-iveness?’”

“Maybe,” I replied, “she couldn’t spell perseverance?”

It was comments of that nature that got me into trouble in school, such as when another teacher asked why the population of some country or another was growing so rapidly.

The right answer, of course, was a “low rate of mortality.” But I quickly volunteered, “Low

Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t a bad kid in school and didn’t cause a great deal of trouble, except for the one time I gently folded a generous block of fruit-laden strawberry JellO into the pages of a friend’s (up until that point, anyway) geometry book when he wasn’t looking.

He went to geometry class, flipped open his book, and, where he should have found an explanation of the Pythagorean theorem, was what appeared to be a biology experiment gone awry.

Beyond that, all I will say is that we could hear him from way down the hall as he fled the scene in distress.

I got punished for that and had to buy the school a new geometry book out of my allowance, which, being zero at the time, meant I had to borrow it from my parents and work it off by performing chores.

“Well, young man,” my father said, “when you’re finished cutting the grass, your mother says you’re to pull weeds around the hedge. And, by the way, I’m told you had better do it with plenty of stick-to-ive-ness.”

Heron Park development deal dies with vote

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) The verdict is in on the short-term future of Heron Park, or at least parcel 57, where the old Tyson’s building still stands. The town council on Monday voted three to two to walk away from a land purchase and development deal with Palmer Gillis of Coastal Ventures Properties and to proceed with partial demolition of the building on its own.

Council members Jay Knerr, Dean Burrell and Shaneka Nichols voted to move on, while Steve Green and Jack Orris voted against the decision.

Only 10 months remain before the $500,000 demolition grant provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development expires, and the process to demolish even some of the building is months long. That includes drafting a request for proposals, review of proposals, awarding the contract and the actual demolition.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen expressed concern that the town will probably have to ask for an extension to spend the grant money.

“Even if we move forward, we cannot guarantee that we can get an extension on the grant,” she said.

Also unclear as of Monday was whether the terms of the contract would be met if the town did not have

a plan in place for development of the property.

“The grant exists because it recognizes that the fund looks to redevelop gray field development,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

“We need to make it clear that we plan to sell the land. We are still open to economic possibilities on the site,” Nichols said.

Before the council made its lastminute decision, the discussion moved in some unusual directions. During public comment, developer Jack Burbage came in and distributed a plan for the entire Heron Park property.

“I think the whole park should be planned out before we do anything,” Burbage said.

He said he had an architect create a plan for him, which he said included the project that Gillis submitted.

Burbage suggested turning the Tyson’s building into an office and commercial warehouse, with catering and mini-storage. He also suggested a pool, a village green, train depot, affordable workforce housing, and a daycare center.

But the mayor and council only gave him the standard five minutes to present his plan and there was no further discussion.

Another discussion point came up related to Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU), a water and wastewater capacity measurement, that are required for virtually all development projects.

Prior to the decision, council members Orris suggested the town should charge Gillis for the EDUs.

“EDUs are attached to the property. You don’t charge additional fees for the EDU,” Bohlen said.

“The process has been disturbing from the RFP to the subcommittee. We are back to where we started,”

Berlin council members walked away from a deal with Costal Ventures Properties for the development of parcel 57, which is the location of the old Tyson’s Processing Plant. The council decided to move forward with demolition of the building on their own.

CINDY HOFFMAN/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

Green said.

Gillis said he and his wife Sandy were shocked when they were notified of the late-night outcome of the meeting.

“The optics look horrible for the town. Their reputation is going to be diminished because of this,” Gillis said.

He also took issue with the fact that the town entertained a proposal from a competing developer [Burbage] before it terminated the exclusive negotiating period with his company.

Even so, Gillis said he would be willing to help the town navigate the demolition process.

During the mayor/council work session, Opteon Appraisal presented its updated appraisal of parcel 57. In 2022, the property was appraised at $800,000 as residential zoning. The updated appraisal assessed the property at $1.2 million as B2 business zoning, based on the assumption that demolition of the building would be complete.

Gillis’s original bid for three parcels, or about 20 acres, on the Heron Park tract was $1.7 million. The town owes $2.3 million on the property.

Ocean Pines residents elect three new members to board

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) With the validation of the 2023 election results Saturday, the Ocean Pines Association gained three new members of board of directors: Elaine Brady, John Latham and Jeff Heavner.

Election Committee

Chair Tom Piatti reported that the validated voting totals showed that Brady was the top vote getter with 2,293 votes and Latham came in second with 2,237 votes. Both of these candidates will serve threeyear terms.

Heavner, with 1,849 votes, will serve out the remaining one-year term of Frank Daly, who resigned before the end of his term in office to move to Florida. Candidate Jerry Murphy received 1,460 votes.

After her victory became official, Brady said, “I’m looking forward to serving this wonderful community and appreciate the community’s support in allowing me to. My highest priority is to proactively work to expedite cleaning up unkempt properties along with continued maintenance of our amenities. It is imperative to maintain property values in any aging community.”

“I would like to send a sincere thank you to the owners of Ocean Pines for putting their confidence in me to help lead the future of our community,” Latham said.

“I am humbled by the overwhelming support that I received during the campaign. I had the opportunity to speak with many residents and discussed many subjects that are top of mind for them. I want to help support the needs of our community.”

In looking toward the first couple of months, Latham said his focus would be on becoming more familiar with the budget process and some of the larger projects that may be coming along, such as the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department Station, golf irrigation and the racquet center.

“I am happy and humbled to have gained the confidence of Ocean Pines to

execute the responsibilities of a director,” Heavner said. “I ran on a theme of independent thinking to [make] decisions that are in the best interest of supporting our lifestyle and home values.

“I will refine my perspective by listening to the opinions of homeowners, drawing from my past leadership experience and applying a commonsense approach.

“As a board, I want to help us be fair, equitable and transparent, engage in open team discussion and work within the rules. I do have a couple of ideas to float concerning a 12-month playbook and advisory committee board meeting involvement.”

Regarding potential roles on the board for Brady, she said that decision remained with the other board members. Heavner, citing his strong organizational and communications skills, said they might be utilized in the secretary position.

AAA proclaims OC’s Jolly Rogers road-trip worthy

(Sept. 1, 2023) AAA magazine recently named Jolly Roger Amusement Park in Ocean City one of seven Road-Trip Worthy Amusement Parks.

According to a news release, the local park joins large amusement venues such as Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Six Flags Magic Mountain in California on the list.

The magazine included a positive endorsement for Jolly Roger.

“How about an amusement park

with a view?” the text said. “Visitors can take a spin on the Ferris wheel at the Jolly Roger amusement park in Ocean City while taking in a beautiful ocean sunset. This seaside amusement park has been an Ocean City tradition since 1964.”

Dawn Dillon, the park’s director of sales and marketing, said in the release that staff are “thrilled” to be included on the list.

Jolly Roger operates parks on 30th Street and at the pier off of the Boardwalk downtown.

Elaine Brady

John Latham

Jeff Heavner

COOL TEACHER

Allied forces invade Italy then remove Mussolini 80 yrs ago

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) This week, 80 years ago, the Commonwealth’s Eighth Army, under the command of Gen. Sir Bernard Law Montgomery (“Monty”), invaded the Italian Peninsula in “Operation Baytown.”

Monty was initially opposed to this operation, as he didn’t believe that its objective of drawing Axis forces away from the Allied landings at Salerno would be achieved. The reason that the Allies were there at all was because of British Prime Minister, Sir Winston S. Churchill’s belief that Italy was, “the soft underbelly of the Axis.” It would prove to be anything but soft!

This had been the foundation of the British argument for the invasion of Italy at the Casablanca Conference. The Americans were opposed, wanting to throw all of their resources into an invasion of France. The British won that argument.

Mussolini was toppled and arrested, and King Victor Emmanuel III appointed Marshal Pietro Badoglio as prime minister on July 25, 1943. Even though the new prime minister announced that Italy would continue to fight with Germany, Hitler knew better, and began to prepare for Italy’s withdrawal from the war by quietly moving German units into the country.

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was given command of those troops in the north, while Luftwaffe Field Marshal (“Smiling”) Albert Kesselring commanded the troops in the south.

The two German field marshals disagreed on the defense of Italy. Field Marshal Rommel advocated

withdrawing north of Rome, while Field Marshal Kesselring advocated establishing a defensive line south of Rome.

Field Marshal Kesselring’s plans were the ones adopted, for three reasons: 1) to keep the Allied air forces as far from the Fatherland as possible; 2) after Mussolini was rescued and reinstalled as the Italian Duce (leader), the Germans were able to maintain the fiction that Italy was still a viable member of the Axis; 3) Field Marshal Kesselring was convinced that he would be able to mount an effective defense — and he did, brilliantly.

But even Field Marshal Kesselring did not intend to defend the “heel” and “toe” of Italy. He merely wanted to slow the advance of the Allied troops so that his forces would be able to prepare a defense — the Gustav Line.

Although the great Napoléon had

See GERMANS Page 65

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean City native David Simpson sports his “Art Teacher: Like a normal teacher only way cooler” tee shirt as he resumes instructing fine art classes at Crisfield High School. Simpson, who also teaches art classes for the Art League of Ocean City, is shown in front of his landscape paintings at his resident studio at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street.

Field Marshal Albert Kesselring wearing Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords

Germans move in quietly after Brit. invasion

Continued from Page 64

advised that the boot of Italy should be entered, like all other boots, from the top, the Allies did not feel that their advantage of air power would extend that far north.

Gen. Montgomery began the invasion, on Sept. 3, after a massive artillery barrage, by sending the XIII Corps, commanded by Sir Miles Dempsey, across the narrow Straits of Messina, to Reggio di Calabria, on the “toe” of the Italian “boot.”

That city today has a population of nearly 200,000. Gen. Dempsey’s XIII Corps consisted of the British 5th Infantry Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Gerard Bucknall, and the Canadian 1st Infantry Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Guy Simonds.

Gen. Bucknall’s 5th Infantry Division landed on the north side of the “toe,” while Gen. Simonds’ Canadians landed at Cape Spartivento on the south side. These landings on the mainland were virtually unopposed. The only resistance encountered were mines, roadblocks, and destroyed bridges.

That same day, Gen. Giuseppe Castellano secretly signed an armistice on behalf of Italy. The execution of the armistice was an-

nounced by the Americans on Sept. 8, catching the Italians, who had not expected the announcement for several days, by surprise. The Germans, who suspected Italian perfidy, moved quickly to disarm their former allies.

Marshal Badoglio and the Royal Family hustled out of Rome, early the next morning, and headed for Brindisi.

What little opposition there was, was provided by a regiment of the 29th Panzergrenadier Division, commanded by Gen. Walter Fries. Gen. Fries’ division was a part of LXXVI Panzerkorps, commanded by Traugott Herr, which, with the rest of Tenth Army, commanded by Heinrich von Vietinghoff, was responsible for the defense of southern Italy.

On Sept. 8, Monty’s forces occupied the city of Catanzaro, which today has a population of 86,000, and is located on the narrowest point of the toe of Italy, on the Ionian Sea. At the same time, the Italian surrender was announced.

The next morning, the British 1st Airborne Division, commanded by Major Gen. George Hopkinson, seized the 2600-year-old Port of Taranto on the inside of the heel of the Italian “boot.” That same day,

U.S. forces began landing at Salerno. Until the devastating carrier-based air attack by the British, in November 1940, Taranto had been the principal anchorage for the Italian fleet. It currently boasts a population of 200,000.

After Gen. Hopkinson’s paratroopers captured Taranto, they proceeded north toward Castellaneta, a town of 17,000, about 25 miles north of Taranto. There, they encountered the 1st Parachute Division, commanded by Richard Heidrich. In the ensuing firefight, Gen. Hopkinson was killed by machine gun fire. He was the only British general of the airborne forces to be killed in the war.

The British occupied the Adriatic ports of Bari and Brindisi on Sept. 11. Since they were only garrisoned by Italians and Italy had already surrendered, there was no opposition. Bari currently has a population of 315,000, while the 2200-year-old city of Brindisi, on the outside of the heel of the Italian “boot” has 87,000.

For the rest of the Italian Campaign, Eighth Army, first under Monty, then Sir Oliver Leese, and finally Sir Richard McCreery, proceeded up the eastern, Adriatic, side of the Italian Peninsula — “the soft

underbelly of the Axis” — at a cost of 123,254 casualties.

Next week: Duce rescued Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

Gen. Sir Bernard Law Montgomery (“Monty”)

CYNTHIA “CINDY” PARKIN MAYCOCK

Ocean Pines

Cynthia “Cindy” Parkin Maycock, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Aug. 26, 2023, at the age of 87. She was surrounded by her loving family in Ocean Pines.

Cindy was born on June 4, 1936, in Ripley, Derbyshire, England. She grew up in Ripley and later married her childhood sweetheart, the late Dr. John Norman Maycock, an internationally recognized scientist.

In 1961, Cindy made the bold decision to move to the United States with her husband, settling in Catonsville. Norman called Cindy his hero for taking such a leap of faith with him. Together, they raised their two daughters, Susan Pamela and Sally Patricia.

A lifelong athlete, Cindy found her passion in field hockey. She joined the Baltimore Field Hockey Association and excelled as a goalie. Her dedication and love for the game led her to serve as the president of the association for an impressive 30 years. Cindy was also a valued member of the Southeast Field Hockey Tournament Team, where she hosted a pre-

Thanksgiving feast for her teammates and friends every year.

After retiring from field hockey, Cindy discovered new passions. She enjoyed flounder fishing and clamming on her boat, Sally Sue. She was a longtime active member of the Maryland Kennel Club and Ocean City Golf Club, where she served as the hospitality chairperson and president of the Nine Hole Ladies, respectively. Cindy was also a devoted fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

“Miss Cindy,” an affectionate moniker given to her by her daughters’ friends, will be best remembered for her sense of humor, her ability to tell a joke, and her warm hugs. She had a love for music, played the organ, and possessed a beautiful soprano voice. Her sparkling blue eyes and love for Christmas and a roaring fire brought joy to those around her. Cindy’s dinner table was always welcome to all.

Cynthia “Cindy” Parkin Maycock is survived by her daughter Susan and son-in-law John Mendoza; grandchildren Alexandra (Christian) Pallazola of Scituate, Massachusetts, Captain Ian (Camille) Mendoza of Surf City, North Carolina, and Jack and Anna Watsic of Mt. Airy; son-inlaw Dana Watsic; and great-granddaughters Adrienne and Paige Pallazola, and Emilia Mendoza.

She was preceded in death by her

beloved husband, Dr. John N. Maycock; her daughter Sally Watsic, her parents John “Jack” and Freda Parkin; and her brother John Parkin.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her name to Coastal Hospice at Catered Living of Ocean Pines (P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802) in honor of the exceptional care and respect they provided to Cindy.

RAYMOND JOSEPH (BUD) SHANLEY

Berlin

Surrounded by his loving family and close friend Ron DeCarlo, Raymond Joseph (Bud) Shanley passed away peacefully at his home in Berlin, Maryland, on Aug. 17, 2023, from cancer.

He was 83 years old.

Born in Washington, D.C. on Feb.10, 1940, Bud was the son of Raymond Joseph Shanley Sr. and his wife Irene Butler Shanley.

He attended Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. for two years before entering the Augustinian minor seminary where he completed his high school education at the Augustinian Academy in Staten Island, New York. He remained in the seminary for seven more years, dur-

ing which time he earned degrees in English and philosophy from Villanova University.

Upon leaving the seminary, Bud taught history, Latin, and English at Archbishop Carroll High School while earning a graduate degree in international law and relations at Catholic University of America. He always felt a deep debt of gratitude to the Augustinian community for the life-long impact they had on his spiritual, personal and professional life.

In 1968, he entered the executive training program at Chemical Bank in New York, which led to a lifetime career in banking and trade finance. At the time of his death, he was CFO for Second Factor, Inc.

Bud is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean Neubeck Shanley; his beloved children, Suzanne Savage (Scott), Raymond Shanley (Julianne), Kevin Shanley (Melissa), and Jean Marie Shanley; his treasured grandchildren, Caroline, Sarah and Colin Savage, Sophie, Annika and Gavin Shanley, and Rutger and Connor Shanley; his sisters, Irene Shanley and Patricia Ray (Ed); and numerous cousins; nieces; and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Doris Earle and Ann Hoyle; his brothers-in-law, George Earle, John Hoyle and Jim McKnight; his sister-in-law Kitsy Neubeck; and niece Annie Neubeck.

For those of us whose lives he dearly touched over the years, Bud will be remembered for his deep spirituality, his integrity and work ethic, his deep love and loyalty to family and friends, and his delightful Irish sense of humor.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 8, at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Augustinian Fund for the Care of Sick and Elderly Friars, 214 Ashwood Road, Villanova, PA 19085, in memory of Raymond J. Shanley.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., Berlin, Maryland 21811. To send condolences to the family, visit easternshorecremation.com.

Cindy Maycock

Bud Shanley

James Patterson Mike Lupica

Record payout for white, blue marlin in MidAtlantic tourney

(Sept. 1, 2023) Last Friday, the final fishing day of the 2023 MidAtlantic, saw only 11 boats head offshore into a stiff southerly breeze and sporty sea conditions.

By early afternoon the sun began to peak through high clouds though the gusty wind made for a rough ride home.

With nearly the entire 181-boat field having wrapped up their eligible days of fishing as of Thursday evening, little change in the standings was expected.

When the scales at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, New Jersey, and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland, closed officially at 9 p.m. on Friday, the leaderboard remained unchanged and it was time to celebrate as over $5.79 million was handed out to nearly three dozen different winners. (Note: payouts to the winners varies based on their level of calcutta participation).

In the white marlin category, Clint Clement of Cape May Court House, New Jersey, aboard his Common Sense, took the Heaviest White Marlin award with his 87-pounder and won $201,388.

The largest payout in the white marlin category went to a 76-pounder taken aboard Howard Berger’s Boss Hogg from Edgewater, Maryland.

Although Boss Hogg finished in second place, the crew still netted $1,406,938 – a tournament record payout for the category.

The Catch 23 of Jupiter, Florida, and NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, finished in third place and won $462,318 with a 75-pounder.

All three of the winning white marlin were weighed on day four.

The blue marlin division saw Ocean, New Jersey’s Chip Caruso aboard his Pipe Dreamer walk away with the Heaviest Blue Marlin award with his 889-pounder which netted $1,180,342 – a tournament record for a blue marlin.

Shon Craig’s Amarula Sun hailing from Tarpon Springs, Florida, held on to second place with his 548pounder, which was good for $494,886.

Mount Airy, Maryland’s Jay Keller aboard his Tighten Up took third place with his 528-pounder and received $112,148.

All three of the winning blue marlin were weighed on day three.

Once again, bigeye tuna showed up just in time at the tournament.

While several large yellowfins were brought to the scale, of the 58 tuna weighed nearly two dozen were bigeyes.

Christopher Little of Pasadena, Maryland, aboard his Talkin’ Trash, took the Heaviest Tuna award with his 253-pound big eye and was presented $361,353.

Summit, New Jersey’s Bob Hugin on his The Right Place, finished in second and received $552,483 for a big eye tuna weighing 234 pounds.

Ken Hager of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, aboard his Taylor Jean, earned $159,574 for his 216-pound big eye.

All three of the winning tuna were weighed on day four.

Kyle Dougherty of Cape May Court House, New Jersey, aboard his YKnot, took the Heaviest Wahoo award with a 56-pounder caught on day three and won $51,129.

Shillington, Pennsylvania’s Jim McCarthy aboard his Covert Mission, finished in second place and won $67,666 for his 52-pounder caught on day four.

Ocean City, Maryland’s Wayne Odachowski and the crew of his Water Damage weighed a 51-pounder on day three and held on to win $17,894 for finishing in third place.

The dolphin category saw David Schockley of Jupiter, Florida, on Liquidity, take the Heaviest Dolphin award for his 45-pounder weighed on day one, which was good for $67,321.

Joe Bernert of Hatboro, Pennsylvania, on his Quick Raise, weighed a 34-pound dolphin on day four and won $51,474 for second place.

Jeff Kogok of Saint Michaels, Maryland, finished in third place with a 33-pounder weighed on day two from his Too Many Martinis.

• Most Points White Marlin: Trashman, Geno Sowers, Savannah, Georgia, 1,950 (ties tournament record)

Billfisher, Jon Duffie, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 1,725

Sweet Spot, Chris Kubik, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, 1,650

• Most Points Blue Marlin: Big Stick, David Bowen, Suwanee, Georgia, 300

Get Reel, Brian Arni, Nottingham, Pennsylvania, 300

Reelin’ Feelin,’ Adam Youschak, North Wildwood, New Jersey, 300

• Most Points Tuna:

Lovin’ Life, Billy Wrede, Randolph, New Jersey, 328

Talkin’ Trash, Christopher Little, Pasadena, Maryland, 224

Big Deal, Brian Rabbitt, Carlstadt, New Jersey, 163.5

• Most Points Overall: Trashman, Gene Sowers, Savannah, Georgia, 2,010 (new tournament record)

Catch Report:

White marlin released - 735

White marlin boated - 15

Blue marlin released - 36

Blue marlin boated - 8

Tuna weighed - 58

Wahoo weighed - 7

Dolphin weighed - 15

Of the 750 white marlin caught, 735 were released, which is the third highest in tournament history. That’s also a 98 percent release rate as well.

Further, with 181 boats fishing three days for a total of 543 boat days of fishing that’s a catch rate of 1.46 white marlin per-boat per day.

The MidAtlantic tournament prize

structure features large payouts to multiple winners rather than one large check for one fish.

This year, two winners received more than $1 million in prize money while three others were awarded $460,000 or more. Four others earned $112,000 or more and seven additional winners took home $50,000 or more.

For further information, contact Tournament Director Aaron Hoffman at 609-884-0177 or visit the tournament’s web site at www.themidatlantic.com for all the facts, figures and information about this year’s MidAtlantic including a complete rundown of calcutta payouts, rules, points, tournament records and photos.

On social media follow the MidAtlantic on Facebook at The MidAtlantic Tournament; on Twitter @midatl and on Instagram @themidatlantictournament.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE MIDATLANTIC FACEBOOK

In the blue marlin division of The MidAtlantic, New Jersey’s Chip Caruso aboard his Pipe Dreamer, came in first with an 889-pounder caught by Andy Confortini on Aug. 23. The team won $1,180,342 – a tournament record for a blue. The crew is pictured at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City.

OC fall season anticipated, but bittersweet

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Sept. 1, 2023) The fall season is a much anticipated, but bittersweet, time of year in this area.

For most it’s a time of release especially for those who have worked the long hard summer season. Assuming that an adequate amount of money has been made, a business owner or employee can breathe a sigh of relief and hopefully get a bit of time off.

This doesn’t hold for everyone though, because the fall season, even with a shifting of gears, still stays busy. Maybe it becomes more of a psychological aspect of how a person feels.

One of the biggest factors is a change in the weather. The air cools but still stays comfortably warm.

Probably the single most significant advantage is how the air becomes drier due to the lower humidity. So the sweat notion may become less and almost forgotten. One can still work up a sweat, it’s just not as instantaneous.

The weather forecasters or meteorologists will say that the fall, or au-

tumn season as it’s also known, will consist of the months of September, October, and November. The astronomers will more reference the tilt of the Earth and the angle of the sun figuring that the fall season starts on or about the 20th or 21st of September.

For the surfer the season becomes a time of less restriction and the beach becomes wide open with surfing allowed at all hours. No longer does one have to leave the water at 10 in the morning and not be allowed back in until 5:30 in the afternoon.

Granted, the restrictions have become more favorable in recent times with a widening of surf beaches and surfing being allowed in a downtown section between the pier and inlet jetty. It’s obvious, though, that no restrictions are a better situation.

The surfer, especially at this time of the year, should remain alert to anyone needing assistance in the water. This mindset should always be part of a surfer’s thinking — especially during this fall season. Two large factors contributing to this idea is that the water remains relatively warm and the beach patrol ranks are greatly diminished.

Regarding surf conditions, hopefully the quality will increase. For bet-

ter or worse this season is statistically the height of hurricane season. Ideally any storm will stay out to sea and not threaten land but bring good surfable conditions.

For residents, whether in town or on the outskirts, as well as visitors, frequent or infrequent, this fall season has become known as one of the best. It seems as though it use to be almost a secret with a lot of people thinking

that the beach town only came alive during the summer.

All in all there should be less traffic and abundant parking, despite planned weekend car shows and the like. The town and surrounding areas don’t shut down. Surfer or not, the fall season is, once again, one of the best.

Ocean Pines Chamber to host mini golf event Oct. 10

(Sept. 1, 2023) The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce will host a Mini Golf Tournament at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Nick’s Dino Golf Course on 125th Street in Ocean City.

Following the same rules and side bet contests as a real golf tournament, the event is for golfers and nongolfers.

A news release said prizes will be on hand for closest to the pin, hole in one, ball drop, and other fun contests. Mulligans are available to gain an advantage and beverages will be for sale

along the course. Happy Hour will follow at Grotto’s Pizza next door. Teams are twosomes, $50/team, shotgun start at 2 p.m and sponsorships are available.

To register a team and obtain a hole sponsorship, visit business.oceanpineschamber.org/events/details/mi ni-golf-tournament-15149 . Those who register must be at least 21.

For more information, visit OceanPinesChamber.org, call 410-641-5306, or email kerrie@oceanpineschamber.org.

— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City