Adding jobs to the to-do list without adding people to do them means working longer
That’s the crux of what the Ocean City Council was told during a review of the increasing number of hours being worked by members of the police, fire and public works departments. — PAGE 10
Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday
Insurance woes will be related to legislature
Now aware of the difficulty some are having obtaining homeowners insurance for older manufactured homes, the City Council calls on the General Assembly. — PAGE 16
OC election shapes up
Ocean City’s bienniel election is looking more interesting all the time as more candidates file for a council run.— PAGE 10
VAYA CON DIOS
The Nao Trinidad replica tall ship is pictured Monday sailing through the Route 50 drawbridge on its way back to Spain after spending the past two months docked in Ocean City.
PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BACK TO SCHOOL
For some on Tuesday morning, returning to school was reason to dance and celebrate. At least, it was the case in this classroom at Buckingham Elementary School. See more first day photos on pages 88 and 89.
9.6 Lime Green 1pm-4pm Nick Hundley 6pm-9pm
9.7 Jason Lee 1pm-4pm
9.8 Schizophrenic Boogiemen 1pm-4pm
9.10 Wes Davis 1pm-4pm
9.11 Jack Bannon 1pm-4pm
9.12 Kasey Briggs 1-4pm
Baltimore Ave. project work announced for week days
(Sept. 6, 20234) The Town of Ocean City will begin working this month on the next phase of the Baltimore Avenue corridor project.
The portion of the project will focus on Baltimore Avenue between 15th and 33rd streets. Public Works Department staff plan to start working at the beginning of September. Weather permitting, the work will be limited to Monday through Thursday each week.
The project’s first phase will start on the southbound lane side of Baltimore Ave at 33rd Street and work south. During the timeframe, public works crews will replace sewer maintenance hole lids. Once the southbound lane is complete, crews will transition to the northbound lane of Baltimore Ave from 15th to 33rd streets.
Along with the sewer-related improvements, staff will complete the sidewalk project on the east side of Baltimore Avenue from 26th to 33rd streets. The project will focus on en-
suring the sidewalks are ADA-compliant.
The final aspect of the project, the milling and resurfacing of Baltimore Avenue, is expected to begin on Oct.14. This effort is weather-dependent and will typically occur Monday through Thursday. If weather causes delays during the week, crews may continue the work on Friday.
Residents and visitors can anticipate the milling and resurfacing in about four-block-long intervals. During the milling and paving, north and southbound travel in those blocks will not be available. Cross traffic from east to west and vice versa will be limited and at the discretion of a traffic flagger.
City officials encourage everyone to use alternative routes during the work, if possible. Those who are unable to use alternative routes are advised to add travel time to their trips.
Motorists are also reminded to drive slowly and stay alert for workers when driving within a construction zone.
BREAKFAST
Monday-Thursday 9-11am Friday-Sunday 8am-Noon
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS
Monday-Friday Drinks Noon-6pm Food 3-6pm
HLIVE ENTERTAINMENTH UNCLE WARD FRIDAY 9/6 • 5PM FIL RHYTHM WEDNESDAY 9/11 • 5PM WE HAVE THE NFL
RICE BOWL MONDAY: Tuna, Salmon, Brisket, Shrimp or Chicken $18 each
SMOKIN’ WEDNESDAY: From the Dinner MenuSmoked Baby Back Ribs, Brisket or Meat Lovers Smokin’ Combo 25% off
TUNA TUESDAY: Nachos, Tacos or a Melt w/ Chips $12 each THIRTY THURSDAY: Three Courses for $30 • Soup of the Day or Salad
• 10oz Prime Rib, Shrimp Pasta or Stuffed Flounder
• Bread pudding or Brownie & scoop of ice cream Dine in with beverage purchase. Subject to change/availability
SEPTEMBER SPECIALS — 11am to close — OFF SEASON SPECIALS START IN OCTOBER
FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Baltimore Avenue is pictured near 24th Street downtown. Ocean City Public Works crews are set to begin working on the next phase of the corridor improvement project between 15th and 33rd streets.
NANCY REITHER-SMITH
BRAND NEW BERLIN
3BR/3.5 BA HOME
This condo was completely remodeled in 2019 and is gorgeous! This exquisite 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo, completely remodeled in 2019, offers a seamless blend of modern elegance and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views. Wake up to invigorating sunrises and the soothing sounds of waves crashing from your primary oceanfront bedroom. Step out onto your expansive, oversized balcony to soak in the panoramic ocean vistas or unwind on the bayfront balcony as you enjoy stunning sunset views. As you enter, you'll immediately appreciate the open layout and neutral color palette that sets a sophisticated tone throughout. The gourmet kitchen features gleaming granite countertops, white custom cabinetry with easy-close functionality, and a generous pantry. The adjacent family room boasts floor-to-ceiling glass sliders that frame the ocean view, providing a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. The primary bedroom is a sanctuary of comfort with direct ocean access and a spa-like en-suite bath, complete with a large custom tile shower and heated floors. The spacious second bedroom is ideal for guests or family, with access to a well-appointed second bath featuring a tile shower and tub combo. This condo is outfitted with luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, a newer HVAC system, and a water heater for added comfort. Enjoy the convenience of a full-size washer and dryer within the unit. Boasting one of the largest oceanfront balconies on the beach, this condo offers unparalleled space for relaxation and entertaining. MDWO2023026
377 WALNUT HILL DRIVE BERLIN, MD 21811 • $734,900
Stunning newly constructed 3BR/3.5BA home by RBR Homes has just been completed in "America's Coolest Small Town". From the minute you pull up you will fall in love with the covered front porch and attention to detail. The warm welcoming feeling continues as you walk in the front door and see the custom finishes and abundance of light. The gourmet kitchen will delight the chef in your family with the beautiful center island, Cafe appliances and upgraded cabinetry. The dining area and family room flow off the kitchen. This open floor plan is perfect for entertaining family and friends. You will love having the primary bedroom en suite on the first floor as well. The primary bath is lavish with a spa like shower and custom tiles. There are double sinks, upgraded cabinetry and walk-in closets. The laundry room is on this level as well. On the second level there are two additional bedrooms with two full baths and a second family room loft area. There is a separate two car garage with unfinished space that could be used as an office or craft room. MDWO2021496
304 S. HERON GULL COURT OCEAN CITY $1,399,000
open floor plan with a spacious family room with a 2-story stone fireplace. The family room flows into the kitchen which has plenty of cabinet space, a center island, breakfast bar and additional storage.
MLS MDWO2020204
13110 COASTAL HWY #903
BRAEMAR TOWERS OCEAN CITY • $539,900
Welcome to your
This desirable complex also offers a wealth of amenities, including a sparkling pool, well-maintained tennis courts, and a fully equipped fitness center. With direct beach access just steps away, your days will be filled with sun, sand and sea. This unit was used as a second home, shows immense pride of ownership, and is being sold fully furnished. The HVAC was replaced in June of 2023. Cable and internet are included in the condo fees as well. Whether you're seeking a year-round residence or a vacation getaway, this condo offers the perfect blend of comfort and coastal living. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of paradise in Ocean City! MDWO2022078
11602 S HILLS DRIVE BERLIN,
Recently remodeled 5BR/4.5BA waterfront estate on 2+ acres with boat slip hits the market! If you are looking for an incredible home on a beautiful piece of property with breathtaking views overlooking Assateague Island, look no further. This home boasts 6,482 sq. ft. of luxury and comes with boat slip #3. Upgrades recently completed: Outside exterior painted, interior painted, complete remodel of all bathrooms throughout the home, new kitchen floor, upgraded lighting, new refrigerators, landscaping, HVAC system are newer as well. You could not build this home for the asking price. MDWO2020966
Welcome to your serene retreat just minutes away from Ocean City, Maryland, Assateague Island, and the vibrant downtown of Berlin! Nestled in a tranquil setting, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rancher offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, situated on over 1 acre in the Stray Fox development just off Assateague Road. Upon entering, you'll appreciate the classic layout featuring a spacious living room, a formal dining room ideal for gatherings, and a well-appointed kitchen with a cozy breakfast area. Adjacent to the kitchen is a delightful Florida room, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or relaxing with a book. Step outside to discover a generous deck area, perfect for hosting crab feasts and summer barbecues, overlooking a peaceful backyard setting. The primary bedroom is a true retreat and features a custom shower in the primary bath. Two additional bedrooms provide plenty of room for guests or family members. For added
733
Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market! This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant foyer with marble flooring greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard. MDWO2014714
This is a prime location in sought-after Fenwick Island! This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase C-1 commercial land in Fenwick Island DE close to the beach and Atlantic Ocean. A salty breeze carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on these 4 commercially zoned C-1 parcels in Fenwick Island.
BRADLEY ROAD OCEAN CITY • $2,950,000
Remembrance events begin Friday with beams
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) In remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company will lead a series of events on the boardwalk beginning Friday evening.
For the fourth consecutive year, the fire company will host its Remembrance Beams of Light display at the Ocean City Firefighter Memorial at N. Division Street on the Boardwalk. Starting Friday, Sept. 6, and continuing nightly through Sept. 10, the beams will light up the resort skyline to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of 9/11.
“We vowed to never forget, and this entire project, this entire mission, is all about educating our young and to serve as a remembrance, and to spark a little
bit of patriotism back in all of us,” said Kevin Knowles, OCVFD firefighter and chair of the memorial committee.
Last week, the Ocean City Fire Department announced that it began testing its Remembrance Beams of Light display over Ocean City and adjusting its beams in preparation for its annual Sept. 11 memorial events. The nightly display will officially begin Friday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m., with a lighting ceremony at the firefighter memorial. Community members are invited to pay homage to the lives lost in the attacks.
“This solemn occasion marks the beginning of our multi-night remembrance activities, which will continue through Tuesday, September 10th,” a Facebook post reads. “We invite our community to join us in quiet reflection as we honor the memory of those lost and affected by the events of September 11, 2001.”
The Remembrance Beams of Light will illuminate the Ocean City skyline from dusk until dawn through Wednesday, Sept. 11. There will also be video tributes on a beach movie screen at 7 p.m. each night, Friday through Tuesday, as well as representatives from area fire departments in Worcester, Wicomico and Sussex counties greeting the public and receiving donations for the lights, which were purchased this year after previously renting the equipment.
Knowles said those unable to donate
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC
Attendees to last year’s Remebrance Beams of Light display are pictured near the Ocean City Firefighter Memorial on N. Division Street.
Understaffing to blame for overtime spike
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) Officials say the city continues to report an uptick in overtime within two departments.
During last week’s quarterly audit report, Internal Auditor Karin Scott presented the Mayor and Council with a review of overtime for the months of April through June. When compared to the same quarter last year, officials noted that overtime had increased, particularly within the police and fire departments.
“It is higher this year than last year,” City Manager Terry McGean said. “The scale is different.”
In a graph presented to the council, the police department recorded 16,831 overtime hours throughout the second quarter, while the fire department recorded 8,237 overtime hours and
public works recorded 5,654. That represented a 13.5% increase for police, a 24.5% increase for fire and a 11.9% decrease for public works.
“For payroll and the overtime hours, during the quarter, there were 34,274 overtime hours in 2024 versus 32,724 overtime hours in 2023,” Scott said. “You can see, of course, the highest ones are police and fire, followed closely by public works.”
Scott said the main drivers of overtime varied by department. For police, the most overtime hours were recorded for academy training and canceled leave, in which officers work five, 10hour shifts instead of four.
“You simply don’t have enough people,” she explained. “You have them doing things like crime suppression initiatives, you want more visibility on the Boardwalk, you have them now on the beach
riding ATVs. All of that requires time.”
For the fire department, Scott said the most overtime hours were recorded for callouts and contractual overtime. She added that overtime was also accrued for training and workers compensation.
“For the fire department, I know they did their quarterly report recently for you, but they are now tracking some overtime codes …,” she told the council. “We’ll be able to make those compar-
isons as we go forward.”
While the number of overtime hours has increased for police and fire, Scott said the composition of those overtime hours have remained largely unchanged.
“When they are putting in hours, and they have a reason for those hours, they have a project code,” she said. “So that’s how we can drill down to figure out what the overtime is for.”
Six candidates file for open Ocean City Council seats
By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) With a little more than a month left before Ocean City’s municipal election filing deadline, several more people have been added to the pool of candidates vying for mayor and three council seats.
According to an email from City Clerk Diana Chavis, Mayor Rick Meehan has filed to run for a tenth consecutive term, while six candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for council. Among them are incumbent Councilman Tony DeLuca, who is the only sitting member who has filed to date; Larry R. Yates, who filed in January; and George Leukel, who filed in late July. Since Leukel declared his candidacy, newcomers Tony DeSanctis, Denis
Jenkins and Leslie Smith have joined the race.
The election is set for Nov. 5, with the filing deadline for candidates Oct. 8. By Oct. 1, any sitting council member who wants to run for mayor must resign.
Four at-large council seats — currently held by DeLuca and Councilmen Peter Buas, John Gehrig and Frank Knight — will be on the November ballot, along with Meehan’s seat. The seven council seats are staggered and elected every four years, while the mayor is elected every two years. All positions are non-partisan.
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming election is Oct. 15, and more information is available online at oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/cityclerk/election/
Memorial to host public events
Continued from Page 6
in person can send donations to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, with the denotation “Remembrance Beams of Light Project.”
“No general fire department donations have been used for this, so we’re looking for help …,” Knowles said. “We will have boots on the boards, graciously accepting any donations towards the Remembrance Beams of Light project.”
The memorial events will conclude at the firefighters memorial on Sept. 11. From 8:46 a.m. to 10:28 a.m., the Ocean City Fire Department will be paying tribute with moments of silence during six different time stamps denoting the four plane strikes and two tower collapses. Then at noon, the fire department and the Maryland Red Knights Motorcycle Club Chapter #3 will hold a joint memorial service.
“All are welcome to attend,” Knowles said.
Pension contributions save OC $1.4M
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) More than $8 million in contributions will be made to two pension funds following council approval this week.
On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council agreed to make the recommended fiscal year 2024 contributions to both the general employees and public safety employees pension plans. City Manager Terry McGean
said the recommended amounts were less than what was budgeted for the year.
“The recommended contribution for FY24 for the general employees plan is $3.2 million, which is a de-
crease of $330,600 from the previous year,” he said. “And the recommended contribution for the public safety employees plan is $5,076,749, which is a decrease of $628,234 from the previous year.”
Last month, the Ocean City Pension Committee voted unanimously to advance the actuarially determined pension contributions to the council with a favorable recommendation. According to the town’s actuary, the general employees pension is funded at 84.9% and the public safety employees pension is funded at 83.2%, both well above the national average of 73%.
During Tuesday’s meeting, McGean presented the council with the pension committee’s recommendation. When asked what the town had budgeted, McGean said the contributions represented $1.4 million in savings for the general fund.
“We were actually budgeting an increase,” he replied. “The budget manager and finance manager will be coming back to you with recommendations as to what to do about that. The first thing we’d like to do is, if you all recall, we were taking about $600,000 out of the dedicated fund balance for the pension fund to cover what we thought was going to be the overage. So, the first thing we’d want to do is not do that.”
The council ultimately voted 7-0 to approve the recommended pension contributions.
Stay informed with our digital newsletter
Interested in getting more information more quickly than our weekly OC TodayDispatch delivers? Our five-days-a-week digital newsletter might be just what you need.
We have developed an in-your-morningemail product (with updates for breaking news) and invite you to give it a try.
If you sign up now, you’ll get a free threemonth trial subscription, to what will become available by paid subscription only for a nominal charge. How nominal? $1 a month or $10 a year to cover our production costs.
up and get three months free by
BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
A recommendation for fiscal year 2024 pension contributions approved this week by the Ocean City Mayor and Council came in significantly under budget.
Amended strategic plan to serve as resort’s road map
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) Resort officials this week voted to approve Ocean City’s 2024 strategic plan.
City Manager Terry McGean presented the Mayor and Council on Tuesday with the town’s final strategic planning document for 2024. The document sets the Mayor and Council’s visions, goals and objectives and provides staff with guidance for achieving those goals.
“The whole idea of strategic planning is to translate the vision that we have for Ocean City into firm action items,” he said. “So that is the process that you go through, and that’s the goal that we have.”
Every two years, the Mayor and Council, along with staff, update the town’s strategic plan, a road map that determines the town’s desired direction. The intent of the strategic plan is to identify what is working, what is not, and what long-range goals the town wants to see achieved in the future.
While the first strategic plan was adopted in 2012, a strategic planning exercise is held every two years. In May, for example, Lyle Sumek & Associates facilitated a strategic planning workshop with the Mayor and Council and
department heads. And in June, a report and draft planning document were submitted to the city manager.
“I then go over that draft report with each department head,” McGean told the council this week. “I also sit down with each of you all. I amend the draft report based on the feedback I get both from the department heads and the Mayor and City Council.”
McGean said those meetings resulted in four proposed amendments. He told the council this week he was seeking approval of the 2024 strategic plan with those changes.
“First, under the executive summary, under key customers, there’s a request I believe both from the mayor and from Councilman [Will] Savage to add recreational fishermen to that,” he explained.
“There’s a request to move the beach replenishment contract extension from high priority to top priority. There was a request to move anti offshore wind advocacy from management top priority to policy top priority. And finally there was a request to add public safety staffing to the management top priority. The only staff changes to the documents were date adjustments.”
With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the 2024 strategic plan as amended.
BEST FALL BRANDS
Council OK’s airport hangar project
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) A roof replacement project will move forward at the Ocean City Municipal Airport following approvals from the city council this week.
On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to appropriate $250,000 from the town’s capital reserve fund and to award a bid to Willow Construction for a roof replacement project at the airport. The decision comes more than two years after the roof at one of the airport’s large maintenance hangars was blown off in a summer storm.
“My goal tonight is to finally move forward,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins told the council this week.
In June of 2022, a storm moved through the area, destroying a maintenance hangar roof at the municipal airport. Adkins told officials this week that the hangar is currently covered by an old roof located underneath the damaged one.
“The roof that was ripped off was the second roof,” he explained.
In the two years since the incident,
Adkins said temporary measures have been taken to patch the existing roof and fix the guttering until a new roof could be installed. He said the town also pursued payment through its insurance provider and had sought project bids from local contractors to complete the work.
“Soon after the event, we put a bid package together with a design to put back what was there,” he said. “The terminology that is used is in-kind, not betterment. The only betterment, dare you say that, would be the fact that we had to make the 1972 building code compliant.”
As the airport is located outside municipal limits, Adkins told the council this week the town must comply with county regulations in replacing the roof. He said the project has been made more complicated by the fact that the hangar is still occupied.
“Add to that, you have an active building with multiple tenants,” he said. “So therefore we have to work around them and around their offices. For example, in the second floor of that building, directly under the roof, is your skydiving operation. To reinforce the roof in accordance with the county’s wind loads and codes, we basically have to remove the entire ceiling within that office, a large por-
tion of their HVAC system, and other things that are in the way to insert what are known as purlins up and into the roof structure, so that the new roof has something to be attached to.”
Adkins said Easton-based Willow Construction had submitted the lowest bid of $617,000 to replace the roof, and that insurance would provide $392,000 toward construction costs, leaving the town with a shortfall of roughly $225,000. He said he was seeking $250,000 to cover that shortfall, as well as any unanticipated costs.
“I rounded the numbers up to $250,000, out of the capital reserve fund, with the full intention that if we are lucky we don’t have to spend any of the additional $25,000,” he said.
Adkins said construction could begin as early as November. He said work must be completed by April, when business picks up at the airport.
“If it’s postponed, it’s postponed a whole other year,” he said. “And then most likely I really doubt Willow will hold the price for that much longer.”
After further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to provide $250,000 in supplemental funding from the capital reserve fund and to award the project to Willow Construction.
City eyes legislative help for insurance issue
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) City officials, highlighting residents’ struggles in securing homeowners insurance for their manufactured home, directed staff this week to bring their concerns to the state legislature.
At the end of Tuesday’s Mayor and Council meeting, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca questioned what more could be done to help residents in the Montego Bay community. With insurance companies choosing not to offer, or even continue, policies on decades-old manufactured homes, he requested staff explore options for those property owners.
“I’d like to request that we follow up with more and other options for Montego Bay, the insurer issue that has been brought up,” he said.
In recent weeks, local residents and real estate agents have shared stories of their struggles in finding insurance carriers to provide policies on manufactured homes 20 years of age or older. Those manufactured homes, according to local Realtor Mike Grimes, account for more than half of the 1,523 properties that make up Montego Bay.
“To the best of my knowledge, there’s no insurance carriers at the moment that will hand out homeowners insurance policies for single-wide, double-wide or
buildovers, which is a single-wide that’s been added onto,” he said last week. “So, because of this current situation, anybody buying those types of homes have to buy in cash because lenders require a homeowners insurance policy.”
For some owners, this change has resulted in the loss of a home sale. For others, it has resulted in dropped insurance coverage. To that end, DeLuca this week asked what more could be done to help Montego Bay residents.
“Is there something more we can do or recommend?” he asked.
City Manager Terry McGean said the only thing the Mayor and Council could
do is include the issue as a legislative initiative. He suggested the city bring the matter to the attention of the Maryland General Assembly.
“It’s not something that the town is able to regulate,” he said. “Even from my understanding, some of the reinsurances might be out of the control of the state.”
McGean said that in recent years, both the city and the Montego Bay homeowners association had changed their regulations to allow stick-built buildings within the community. However, the issue of obtaining homeowners insurance was a matter for state legisla-
tors.
“Some time ago, we did change our ordinance and Montego Bay changed their homeowners association rules, where in the past they were prohibited from doing a stick built building in Montego Bay. We now allow that,” he said. “So some of that at least allows the rebuilding in Montego Bay. As far as the ability to obtain insurance for an older mobile home, I think that’s something we need to take to the General Assembly.”
With no further discussion, the council directed McGean to relay the city’s concerns to the General Assembly.
Council revisits rental regulations
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) Following some confusion regarding last week’s vote, the city council this week opted to postpone its discussion on occupancy limits for short-term rentals until the town’s planning commission can consider limiting those restrictions to the residential and mobile home districts.
Last week, the Ocean City Council agreed to move forward with additional regulations on short-term
rentals, specifically as it pertains to minimum lengths of stay in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts and maximum occupancy. At the end of this week’s meeting, however, Councilwoman Carol Proctor asked to amend her vote after learning occupancy limits would be applied to shortterm rentals in all districts and not just the R-1 and MH zones.
“I do want to amend my vote against encompassing all of Ocean City,” she said. “I think it’s very critical
for R-1 and MH communities because they are single families, and I think that’s a step in the right direction.”
Last Tuesday, staff presented the Mayor and Council with additional regulations on short-term rentals. And after a lengthy discussion, officials voted to move forward with imposing a weeklong minimum length of stay for rentals in the R-1 and MH districts, as well as restricting short-term rental occupancy to two people per bedroom
See OCCUPANCY Page 18
Next safe boating class set Sept. 10-12 at Pines library
(Sept. 6, 2024) With calm waters this summer, members the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary have reported a decrease in boating accidents, which they say is all the more reason to maintain high levels of safety through educational efforts such as safe boating classes.
Anyone who needs to obtain or update a boating certificate can attend the next Maryland Safe Boating Class set for 6-9 p.m., Sept. 10-12, at the Ocean Pines Library.
Boating certificates earned during the three-day class are NASBLA approved and valid in all states.
The course is taught by certified instructors from the Ocean City Coast Guard Auxiliary and all the required material is covered, along with information on local waters and nautical navi-
gation.
The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that anyone born after July 1, 1972, must possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat in the state. Those who attend the class and pass the test will receive the certification.
A fee of $20 covers the cost of the course and materials. Checks should be made payable to: USGCAUX 12-05 and mailed to: USCGAUX 12-05, PO Box 1682, Berlin, MD 21811. Payment through PayPAL is also accepted.
For more information, contact Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807 or CGAUXOC@gmail.com.
Occupancy limit regs questioned
Continued from Page 16
plus two additional guests, with no children under the age of 10 counted toward the limit.
Proctor, however, told the council this week she was requesting to amend her vote, stating her desires to see occupancy restrictions only apply to the R-1 and MH districts as well.
City Manager Terry McGean noted that the current direction from the council was to bring forward an ordinance setting occupancy restrictions in all districts.
“Just to be clear, there were two pieces to what was presented to you all about short-term rentals at that time,” he said. “The first piece had to do with minimum length of stay. If I misinterpreted, I apologize, but my understanding – and what we put in the package – was that it would apply just to R-1, and then what was added was MH neighborhoods. Because there is a zoning component to that, that has to go back to the planning commission. The second piece of it, that Councilwoman Proctor is referring to, was the maximum occupancy. That was going to apply to all short-term rentals. That did not have a zoning component to it. So that would be coming straight to you all as an ordinance.”
McGean noted that in order for Proctor’s changes to be considered, it must go before the planning commission, as it would now have a zoning component. After a lengthy debate over procedure, the council unanimously agreed to stay any action or presentation on the occupancy restrictions voted on last week, and to remand occupancy restrictions as it relates to the R-1 and MH districts to the planning commission along with the minimum length of stay regulations.
“We’re going to pause one, do the other, bring them back and discuss them,” Councilman John Gehrig said.
PHOTO COURTESY U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
Members of the U.S. Coast Auxiliary patrol team are pictured in the bay off the coast of Ocean City.
Open Everyday 4pm
Company offers county broadband updates
High speed internet project expected to provide service to even more in Worcester
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) Representatives with Choptank presented officials this week with an update on ongoing broadband improvements throughout Worcester County.
In July, the Worcester County Commissioners asked staff to arrange a meeting with the county’s internet service providers to provide a broadband update. And on Tuesday, officials heard from Choptank representatives regarding the company’s efforts to expand broadband access.
“Overall, we have offered broad-
band service to 1,112 locations in Worcester County,” Valerie Connelly, vice president of government affairs and public relations for Choptank, told commissioners this week. “Today we have 471 active customers.”
During Tuesday’s presentation, Connelly reported Choptank Fiber began deployment in 2021 and has since passed more than 13,000 locations. In Worcester County, the company has either acquired service locations from Bay Country Communication or has launched its own projects, many of which were funded through ARPA dollars, state infrastructure grants, or county grants.
Officials told commissioners Tuesday that roughly 42% of county residents with service availability have subscribed to Choptank Fiber. They
added that they expect to surpass their subscription estimates as more people have a chance to sign up for broadband.
“So all 1,100 could take service,” Connelly said. “Not everyone’s taken it immediately. Sometimes people are waiting to live out a contract that they have with another provider. But each one of those locations has availability at the end of their driveway, or the end of wherever their property is. So whether the current resident or the next resident wants to come in and take service, we can make service available most likely within two weeks because it’s already there at the end of their lane or the end of their driveway and ready to go.”
Connelly added that Choptank is also exploring other opportunities for future projects. For example, she said
the Office of Statewide Broadband recently awarded Worcester County $1.1 million in grant funding to reach residents with long lanes or a “difficult to reach” premises.
“It provides $1.1 million for the county to partner with internet service providers to reach people that may have got skipped along the way because they have very long lanes and it was expensive and they didn’t want to pay the $7,000 or $10,000 or $15,000 they were quoted in the past by a provider to bring service to their location,” she said.
Connelly said Choptank is also working to secure federal BEAD funds, which can be used to extend broadband to unserved locations. She said the state is currently in the “challenge process,” during which the county and internet service providers can challenge locations that report no service.
“It’s important that any location that is known to be unserved be identified during this process so that this grant funding money can be used to serve those locations in the future,” she said.
Company officials also reviewed Choptank’s pricing for residential customers, as well as programs to assist low-income households. When asked how much money the county has provided Choptank to expand broadband access, Connelly said it was more than $1 million.
“You’ve made significant funding available,” she said, “and we appreciate that because it’s really helping us reach people who didn’t have an opportunity before.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners also approved their consent agenda, which included two broadband expansion grant agreements – one with Choptank and another with Talkie Communications. Each company is proposing a $500,000 match to a $500,000 county grant.
Interested in getting more information more quickly than our weekly OC Today-Dispatch delivers? Our five-daysa-week digital newsletter might be just what you need.
We have developed an in-your-morning-email product (with updates for breaking news) and invite you to give it a try.
If you sign up now, you’ll get a free three-month trial subscription, to what will become available by paid subscription only for a nominal charge. How nominal? $1 a month or $10 a year to cover our production costs.
Sign up and get three months free by emailing subscriptions@oceancitytoday.net or
Another day care worker charged
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) Charges have been filed against a former Berlin Activities Depot employee following an incident earlier this month.
On Tuesday, Lionel Evans, 57, of Princess Anne, was arrested on one felony charge of second-degree child abuse and one misdemeanor charge of second-degree assault following an investigation into an incident that occurred at the Berlin Activities Depot playground Aug. 13. Steve Rakow, attorney for Mark and Carmella Solito, the facility’s owner, said his clients have cooperated through the investigation and have since notified parents of Evans’s arrest.
“Mr. Evans was initially suspended from his position while law enforcement conducted its investigation into the allegations, which is only fair to him,” he said in a statement Wednesday. “Mr. Evans is now no longer employed by Berlin Activities Depot. The Solitos published a notice to parents today – the day after the arrest.”
According to charging documents, an investigation was launched earlier this month after a parent of a fouryear-old attending the Berlin Activities Depot had contacted Berlin police about an incident that oc-
curred on the playground Aug. 13. The parent told officers Evans had grabbed his child by the back of his neck, leaving a red mark, scratches and bruising. The parent said the child was not listening and had run away from Evans on the playground.
“Child protective services was contacted and a forensic interview was conducted on August 14, 2024,” a statement of charges reads. “The child disclosed during the interview that he had marks on his neck. The child stated that Lionel (Evans) did it while he was playing on the playground. The child stated that Lionel (Evans) put his hand around the child’s neck and that it caused his neck to hurt. The child stated that afterwards, he was crying and Lionel stated to the child he was going to be in timeout for what he did.”
Police report that footage obtained from the Berlin Activities Depot showed the child running toward the playground equipment and Evans chasing after him. According to charging documents, Evans grabbed the child by the back of the neck, and the child fell to the ground.
“Evans is seen forcefully grabbing the child’s right upper arm and lifting him to his feet,” a statement of charges reads. “Evans is seen speaking with the child briefly, but there is
no sound. Evans escorts the child to the picnic table area; the child is holding the back of his neck while being escorted.”
During the course of the investigation, officers attempted to speak with Evans, who denied grabbing the child by the back of the neck, according to charging documents. Rakow said this week the Solitos had also reviewed video surveillance footage after learning of the incident and had reported the matter to the Office of Child Care and the Department of Social Services.
“At about that same time, the Solitos were contacted by the Berlin Police Department, which was conducting an investigation into the incident based on a complaint made by the child’s parents,” he said in a statement. “The Solitos complied with the subpoena request for surveillance video.”
Evans was arrested on charges of child abuse and assault Tuesday and has since been released on bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 27 in Worcester County District Court.
Evans’s arrest comes on the heels of another child abuse investigation, which resulted in two former daycare workers at the Berlin facility being ar-
See LAWYER Page 22
OCVFC DONATION
A $20,000 portion of the funds raised during this year’s Huk Big Fish Classic were recently presented to members of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department. Pictured with the donation this week are Stephen Lewis, Brian Roberts, Sean Welsh and John Lewis with the Huk Big Fish Classic; Steve Price, president of the OCVFD; Deputy Chief James Jester; firefighter/EMTs Helen Odenwald and David “Coconut” Hedges; and former fire chiefs Roger Steger and David Cropper.
Lawyer: Day care notified parents of arrest
rested earlier this year. On Aug. 19, Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Brian Shockley found Heather Ward, 40, of Berlin, guilty of nine counts of second-degree assault on which she had tendered an Alford plea, which acknowledges that the state has enough evidence to prove Ward guilty beyond a reasonable doubt should the case proceed to trial. The remaining 81 counts in her case, including 10 felony charges, were not prosecuted as part of Ward’s
plea agreement with the state. In June, a second classroom worker, Catherine Deutsch, 32, of Berlin, was arrested on 11 charges of failure to report child abuse/neglect and four charges of neglect of a minor.
In a message to parents sent Wednesday, Carmella Solito provided additional details on this month’s incident.
“On August 13, during outdoor playtime, an incident occurred on our playground,” the message reads. “A child tripped while playing and then
threw rubber pellets from the safety surface at other children. One of our staff members, a gymnastics coach, intervened to redirect the child’s behavior and separate the child from the group for a timeout. As the coach attempted to detain the child, the child ran from the coach. While running away, the child tripped, resulting in a minor scrape. We want to assure you that our coach followed our standard protocols for managing children’s behavior and ensuring playground safety. Thankfully, the
child will be OK.”
The message noted that the child’s parents had contacted police following the incident. And after a police review of security footage, the employee was taken into custody Aug. 27.
“Our center remains committed to providing the highest standard of care for your children,” the message reads. “We are continuously evaluating and improving our practices to ensure we meet and exceed all safety and care requirements set forth by the state of Maryland for childcare.”
Pines man arrested after punching neighbor in face
(Sept. 6, 2024) An Ocean Pines man is facing vandalism and assault charges after puncturing a neighbor’s tire and punching the neighbor in the face at a home on Newport Drive late last week.
According to a news release from the Ocean Pines Police, Joseph R. Pavese, 38, reportedly used a screwdriver, unprovoked, to puncture a tire on his neighbor’s vehicle, which the neighbor saw, around 5 p.m. last Thursday, Aug. 29. The neighbor
called the police and went outside, and Pavese “punched him in the face with a closed fist,” according to the release.
The release said police learned through an investigation that Pavese’s actions were apparently unprovoked. They arrested him and took him to the police department, where he was processed on charges of malicious destruction of property and second-degree assault and taken in front of the district court commissioner for an initial appearance. Pavese was subsequently detained in the Worcester County Detention Center without bond. Joseph Pavese
Berlin mayor unopposed for second term
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) With the filing deadline passing last Friday, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall and Councilman Jack Orris have unofficially been re-elected, while Council member Shaneka Nichols faces a familiar challenger for her second council term.
The Berlin Municipal Election is underway. On Tuesday, October 1, town residents will cast ballots for their preferred mayor and District 2 and District 3 councilmember candidates.
The filing deadline for this fall’s municipal election was Friday, Aug. 30. The four-year terms of Mayor Zack Tyndall, Councilmember Jack Orris (District 2), and Councilmember Shaneka Nichols (District 3) have expired. The three incumbents have opted to defend their seats, and all but
Nichols are running unopposed. The election is planned for Tuesday, Oct. 1 where District 3 voters will decide between Nichols and challenger Daniel Packey, whom she beat in 2020. Nichols captured 199 votes to take over the position left vacant by Elroy Brittingham, a public official for 32 years. Packey, who was new to Berlin then, received 41 ballots.
Daub noted that the write-in candidate deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 4:30 p.m. These individuals will not appear on the printed ballot. This deadline is only thing standing between Tyndall;’s securing his second term as mayor and Orris earning his second term on the council.
Nichols is a Worcester County Public Schools special education teacher. She has deep Berlin roots, as her family has lived on Flower Street for 10 gen-
erations. She is also a mother to six children and is focused on supporting the community’s youth.
At the time of the last election, Nichols said constructing a community center was at the top of her priority list. She currently serves on the town’s steering committee for the community center. The effort is inching closer through a partnership with the Berlin Community Improvement Association, SHOREUP! Inc., and the Worcester County Commissioners, where four parcels of Flower Street property have been combined to accommodate a recreational building. The site is the former home of Flower Street School, an African American education facility that operated in the first part of the 20th century.
The Town of Berlin was also awarded $100,000 from the Maryland
Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant last month for the center. An outline published by DHCD online said the funds would be used for the project’s preliminary architectural and engineering services.
Challenger Packey moved to Berlin in 2019. The candidate spent his career as an economics professor in the US and Australia and is currently listed on the Salisbury University website as an adjunct faculty member.
Orris, the incumbent from District 2, has no challengers. The council member currently works at the Wicomico County Health Department.
The councilman’s website outlines his priorities, including a budget process emphasizing opportunities to reduce expenses, parking, continuing to work and collaborate with the town’s fire company and stormwater management, a passion of his during his first term.
“I ask questions,” Orris said. “What is the reasoning behind the stuff we do? I bring a sense of curiosity … If something is being brought to the council, I ask, ‘Is it responsible, and is it reasonable?’ I think that I bring a lot of information …It comes down to an individual who wants to continue serving his community.”
Tyndall, initially selected to serve as mayor four years ago after serving as a council member for one term, is running for reelection unopposed. In 2020, Tyndall opted to step down from his District 2 seat on the council and throw his hat into the mayoral ring. Tyndall won against a crowded field in 2020 including incumbent Gee Williams, receiving 69% of the 1,226 ballots cast.
The mayor’s priorities remain affordability, community, and infrastructure. During his first four years in the position, Tyndall increased the Unassigned Fund Balance from $15,782 in 2019 to $3.2 million in 2024, established a Capital Reserve Fund, Health Insurance Reserve, LEOPS Stabilization Reserve, Debt Service Reserve Fund, Disaster Recovery Reserve
Orris to serve 2nd Berlin term
Fund, and a Stabilization Reserve Fund.
The incumbent also secured a $1.2 million grant to promote bike and pedestrian safety and improve the “ interconnectability of neighborhoods and a grant for the implementation of hard-stop vehicular barricades for town events,” added ping-pong tables to Burbage Park, and installed speed cameras in the Flower Street Neighborhood, among other community projects.
In terms of infrastructure, Tyndall’s work as mayor since 2020 includes the replacement of Water Well #3, “a well that was constructed in the 1940s and helps provide drinking water to Berlin,” updated street signs, “continued the transition of the power plant generators to natural gas through a $425,000 grant,” and used a $500,000 grant for the Heron Park demolition project.
In his next term, Tyndall intends to address housing affordability, “advocate for changes in Wastewater System Operations to save taxpayers more than $10 million in future capital costs,” continue the Flower Street community center initiative, and enhance public spaces with artwork and landscaping. He also hopes to update park amenities, like the new playground equipment at Dr. William Henry Park,
promote community involvement through local events, complete the installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure for Electric Meters and Fiber Optic Internet, replace lead water lines, and invest in aging water, sewer, stormwater, and electric infrastructure.
Tyndall said that he is satisfied with the current makeup of the town’s council.
“I think the current council and mayor’s office have worked well together the last four years,” he said. “My goal is that we can keep the team intact. We bring a lot of diverse backgrounds and opinions to the table … We might not always agree, but we have great debates and come up with good solutions for Berlin through that process.”
The District 3 polling site will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 405 Flower Street. Berlin residents must be registered with the Worcester County Board of Elections to cast their ballots.
Additionally, voters have the option to cast their ballots via mail or in person. A mail-in voting application must be submitted directly to the town and received by mail by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, or received in person by Friday, Sept. 27, by 4 p.m. at Berlin Town Hall at 10 William Street.
Berlin scores $216K in Md. funds for new playground
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 5, 2024) The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the Town of Berlin’s funding request of $216,000 for the new playground equipment at Dr. William Henry Park last week.
The monetary reward is part of a $2.7 million total Community Parks and Playgrounds Program package that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is divvying up across the state.
According to DNR’s website, the Community Parks and Playgrounds program “provides funding to municipal governments to restore existing and create new park and recreational facilities throughout the state.”
The $216,000 will be used to replace current structures at the park. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said that while the purple/green play unit for ages two to five at the front section of the playground closest to Flower Street and the blue twobay swing will remain, the portion behind that, the equipment intended for five- to 12-year-olds, will be included in the renovation project.
“This investment will bring updated and safer play spaces for our children and families to enjoy,” Tyndall said in a post on Facebook. “I look forward to seeing this project come to life and continuing to en-
hance our town’s recreational facilities.”
The mayor said that the initiative is expected to cost slightly more than what the grant provided. It was reported last year that the project total will reach around $240,000 and that the Town of Berlin will commit $24,000 in matching funds to complete the endeavor.
Tyndall said the grant application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources was submitted in August 2023. That same month, the town received a bid from Gametime, a construction company, for $236,000 for new equipment compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“This is something we have had on long-term planning documents,” the mayor said. “When the opportunity arose to select a project, this one fit. We have been trying to keep it in good repair, but the equipment entering its last part of its useful life was next up on the list.”
Tyndall hopes the work will begin in the spring of 2025 and be completed by National Night Out, typically at the beginning of August.
“Playgrounds are something our residents use daily,” he said. “They are part of our community…updating Henry Park will improve our neighborhoods. It will allow children to play after school. This is priceless.”
sionalism
Berlin’s community center dream list survey open to all
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) The process to develop Berlin’s Community Center is continuing as the town is seeking input from the public on desired amenities and features.
The community center will be located at 130 Flower Street, formerly the site of Flower Street School, a learning institution that operated in the early 20th century. The goal is for the new recreational space to offer meeting rooms, services, and fitness and sportsrelated activities to which Berlin residents will have access.
Last month, the town was awarded $100,000 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant for the initiative. The money will be used for preliminary architectural and engineering services.
“Not only are we just building a community center, but we’re preserving a site of history for our town and our community that goes back generations,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “… there’s that fabric of who we are and what we stand for. And we will bring that to life in our new community center.”
Special Projects Administrator Kate
Daub said efforts to create a functional center are moving forward, as residents can now complete a survey on what kinds of activities they would like to see offered. The survey is in partnership with BEACON (Business, Economic, and Community Outreach Network) at Salisbury University) and is open to the public, not just Berlin residents.
The form includes options that participants can choose from, like fitness classes, arts and crafts workshops, health and wellness services, federal and state programs like WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), educational programs like job readiness and enrichment classes, social events like community meals and game nights, sports and recreation, summer camps and after school tutoring, and senior activities.
On the survey, Berlin community members can also indicate which features they believe are important to include in the center, such as a gymnasium, a swimming pool, art studios, a kitchen, a computer lab, exercise equipment, and community gathering space.
DISTRICT 03, ACCOUNT 031284
MAP 300, PARCEL 1418
2,396 SQUARES FOOT HOME BUILT IN 1834
LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF BERLIN, THIS HOME HAS THREE BEDROOMS, TWO BATHS, ATTIC, SUNROOM, DINING ROOM, KITCHEN, FAMILY ROOM AND LIVING ROOM AREA.
SPACIOUS LIVING AREA ON MAIN STREET BERLIN, MD!
ALSO LOCATED ON THE 37,288 SQUARE FOOT LOT ARE TWO BUILDINGS INCLUDING A TWO CAR GARAGE AND A SMALL STORAGE BUILDING. THIS LARGE PARCEL OF LAND IS WALKING DISTANCE TO GREAT RESTAURANTS & SHOPPING. ONLY MINUTES TO LOCAL BEACHES!!!
OPEN FOR PREVIEW:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 FROM 10:00 AM TO 12 NOON & WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 FROM 2:00 PM TO 5:00 PM
Citizens are to note how often and what timeframe they and their household expect to use the community center upon its completion.
Survey participants are encouraged to complete the form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5X W8L7K or pick up a paper copy at Berlin Town Hall, the Berlin branch of the Worcester County Public Library, the Berlin First Baptist Church, Pentecostal Baptist Church, Church of Christ, Saint Paul United Methodist Church, Buckingham Presbyterian Church, Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Tyree ACME Church, or Temple Bat Yam.
The completed hard copy can be returned to Berlin Town Hall in an envelope labeled with the BEACON return address. The survey will close on Friday, Oct. 4. The responses will be sent directly to the Salisbury University group to ensure no personal information is shared.
At the conclusion of the survey, responders who live in the Town of Berlin can enter a drawing to win one of five $100 gift cards or a certificate for a scoop of Ice Cream from Island Creamery Main Street.
Elections board finalizes presidential ballot
Voters can review choices at state website ahead of time or wait for paper mail
(Sept. 6, 2024) The Maryland State Board of Elections announced Monday that the 2024 presidential general election ballots have been certified and posted for review on the board’s website any elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/index.html #pballots.
Following the close of the judicial review of the certified ballots Wednesday, board of elections members were set to review verified submissions from registered state voters and make any necessary changes before beginning the ballot printing process.
In honor of National Voter Regis-
tration Month this September, board of elections members also encourage eligible residents who are not registered to vote to do so using the online registration system at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov /OnlineVoterRegistration/InstructionsStep1. The site also allows voters to change party affiliations, update their addresses, and update their names if they have changed. A voter registration form can also be printed (in English or Spanish) and submitted to the office of residents’ local boards of elections by visiting elections.maryland.gov/about/county_b oards.html.
For the 2024 presidential general election, registered voters can cast ballots in one of three different ways: early in-person at select locations, via mail-in ballots, or in-person on Elec-
tion Day at their designated polling places. Mail-in ballots can be requested online at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineMailinRe quest/InstructionsStep1.
Marylanders interested in serving as election judges may visit SBE’s election judge webpage at elections.maryland.gov/get_involved/election_judges.html.
Public invited to comment on bicycle/pedestrian study
(Sept. 6, 2024) Worcester County Public Works officials invite area residents and visitors to comment on a recently completed bicycle-pedestrian path feasibility study.
The study addresses a proposal to develop a hiking and biking trail on Route 611 from Route 50 to Assateague State Park. To view the study, visit co.worcester.md.us. Under Important Links, click on “MD 611 Feasibility Report.”
“The main purposes of the study were to determine which side of MD Rt. 611 would best be suited for a path, what it would cost to design and construct the path, and what regulatory needs exist if the project receives the greenlight to move forward,”
WCPW Director Dallas Baker said in a news release.
Baker added, “We are currently working to secure grant funding to cover the design and construction costs.”
The study was conducted by McCormick Taylor and funded with grants from the Maryland Department of Transportation.
The completed study does not guarantee the path will be designed or built, although grant applications have been submitted to MDOT for the initial design.
Submit comments to Charde Tunnell at ctunnell@co.worcester.md.us by Sept. 30. For more information, call WCPW at 410-632-5623.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
Ocean City, MD Inlet Park-
Where the Boardwalk Begins
Sept. 6 & 7, 2024
Friday & Saturday 11am – 7pm
Wine Tastings 11am – 6pm Plus Stage in the Sand with Local Live Music Featuring Byrd Dog & the Road Kings
Visit our website for NEW music lineup!
Featuring Wineries from Maryland Micro-Brew & Domestic Beer for purchase (no samples)
Delmarva Cuisine & Quality Arts & Crafts
Tickets
Buy $35 Tickets online @ www.winefest.com
Tickets are Limited.
$45 General Admission includes:
One Day Admission, Commemorative Wine Glass & Wine Samples with Photo ID.
Children $15 Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by parent. Under 12 years of age free.
Bring Your Chairs & Blankets & Enjoy Our Bands in the Sand. No Outside Food or Beverages allowed.
Advance Ticket Sales
OC Convention Center For additional information
Call 410.280.3306 or Visit www.winefest.com
Tech school students plan to open Pines cafe Monday
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) Worcester Technical High School’s Culinary and Pastry Arts Department will officially open its teaching café at the TidalHealth Ocean Pines Campus on Monday. The café will offer baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and salads prepared by WTHS students to patients, staff, and OPA residents.
The Pines Café is located between
the main lobby and the pharmacy in building number one of the Ocean Pines TidalHealth Campus, near the community’s North Gate Entrance.
The food site is an interactive project created by Phil Cropper, the culinary and pastry arts program’s head chef, to offer students real-life experience running a retail food business. The location will officially welcome customers starting Monday, September 9 at 9 a.m.
Worcester Technical High School’s new café will open to the public next week and be staffed and stocked primarily by students.
The Pines Cafe dream for school culinary program
Cropper said he has been working on the space since June, updating the wallpaper retail area, installing new equipment, and stocking it with cookbooks and necessary culinary items in preparation for the grand opening.
One student, a senior in the cooking program, will be on-site during the café’s hours of operation, typically 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, to service patrons. The young learner will also be joined by two part-time managers who will act as mentors and daily overseers at the location.
The remaining students in the culinary and pastry program will work within WTHS to prepare the menu items.
“The school will act as a commissary, in a way,” Cropper said.
The director hopes that his students will gain knowledge in entrepreneurship through the program, as well as proper knife skills, cooking techniques, menu development, basic bookkeeping, customer support, food safety and sanitation, culinary math, inventory management, leadership, and adaptability. The café is meant to provide juvenile chefs with real-world experience.
“WCPS has work-based learning opportunities …, and The Pines Cafe is just another example of our commitment to growing our local workforce and meeting community needs,” Worcester County Public School Career and Technology Education Coordinator Brian Phillips said in June.
Cropper curated the menu in collaboration with his 2023-2024 students. It includes turkey and provolone sandwiches, avocado toast, BLTs, paninis, coffee, tea, pastries, and more.
The chef said that the items may be adjusted and tweaked as he and his students receive feedback.
The café will operate similarly to Panera Bread. Customers will order their food and beverages and receive them at a pick-up window. There will also be a grab-and-go area for premade meals.
Patrons will be able to order online at thepinescafe.com and choose their pickup time from a list of 15-minute increments.
“This is great for people working in the Ocean Pines area to come in, grab their lunch, then head back to work,” Cropper said.
Additionally, the space has 12 seats available for individuals who wish to enjoy their meal in the café.
After the overhead costs, all profits will be put back into WTHS’s culinary program.
“We are excited to open,” Cropper said. “It has been a dream since December last year, and now it is the start
Eastern Shore Physical Therapy
Firefighter began career as cadet through Ocean Pines
By Steve Price Contributing Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Associate Member Helen Odenwald.
Helen currently serves as a firefighter/ EMT basic with the Millville Volunteer Fire Company; the Roxanna Volunteer Fire Company and the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company.
Helen has enjoyed giving back and helping others. So, “in an effort to figure out her career options and ways to learn new skills,” Firefighter Odenwald began her career in the fire service as member of the Fire Cadet Program with the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. She then joined the OCVFC as an associate member on Sept. 4, 2019.
Odenwald recalls her most significant event involving the fire service occurred back in 2019 as she was serving as a public safety aide with the Ocean City Police Department. She was directly involved with a trauma patient members of the Ocean City Fire/EMS Division were treating. As she observed the team-
work and efficiency of the team while providing patient care, she was convinced she had found the department she wanted to join as a volunteer member.
Firefighter
Odenwald said that achieving her emergency medical technician certification and earning the opportunity to begin paramedic school are her greatest accomplishments in the fire service.
Helen offers the following advice to our OCVFC cadets and other young men and women with an interest in joining the fire service: “I was once told that the Fire Service is always developing and ever evolving - be teachable!”
We thank Firefighter Odenwald for her commitment to the safety and well-being of our neighbors and visitors to our communities.
For membership information, or to learn more about your volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.
Helen Odenwald
Worcester County’s upgrade in bond rating celebrated
(Sept. 6, 2024) Fitch Ratings, one of three major credit rating agencies, has upgraded Worcester County’s Issuer Default Rating and general obligation bonds to AAA.
In the rating commentary, a news release said Fitch recognized the county’s financial resilience, for both revenues and expenditures, as well as the planned build-up of reserves in recent years as key ratings drivers for the upgrade. The county’s ability to manage long term debt and related liabilities was also cited as being well above comparable counties and Fitch concluded that the county’s credit outlook is “Stable.”
“We’re very pleased that our conservative management of taxpayer money and county assets has been recognized in this elevated rating that will improve
our ability to borrow money at a reduced cost,” Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino said in the release.
Those better borrowing costs will serve the county well as major capital projects advance, Finance Director Phil Thompson said.
“The recent rating upgrade from AA to AAA from Fitch Ratings rewards us for years of prudent fiscal management and responsible budget decisions,” Thompson said in the release. “This rating will provide lower borrowing costs that the county will use to provide needed capital projects including schools and infrastructure improvements that will provide long lasting benefits to the residents of Worcester County.”
Decatur Middle designated Apple Distinguished School
(Sept. 6, 2024) Worcester County Public Schools officials announced this week that Stephen Decatur Middle School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2024–27 for its commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to create exemplary learning practices.
According to a news release from the school system, Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized as some of the most innovative in the world. They are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals.
At SDMS, teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, empowering students to lead, learn, and thrive, to discover new opportunities, and to make their world a better place.
“Our school believes firmly that instruction is at its best when we inspire our students to be creative, collaborative, critical thinkers,” Theresa Torpey, principal of Stephen Decatur Middle School, said in the release. “The use of Apple technology in our classrooms does all of this and also empowers our students to not only engage with their learning, but to take ownership of it.”
The selection of SDMS as an Apple Distinguished School highlights the school’s success as innovators and creators of com-
pelling learning environments that engage students and provides tangible evidence of academic achievement.
“I continue to be amazed how our schools are successfully infusing technology into their instructional practice to more effectively reach this generation of learners,” Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said. “We began the journey to bring cutting edge technology to our schools in 2020, and to have now four of our schools be named Apple Distinguished Schools within that time demonstrates how impactful this investment is for our both our students and staff.”
The three-year designation as an Apple Distinguished School comes with the expectations SDMS will continuously innovate and explore cutting-edge opportunities for using technology.
The school joins Berlin Intermediate School, which was named an Apple Distinguished School for 2022-25 and will reapply for another distinction this school year; and Pocomoke and Snow Hill high schools, which were named Apple Distinguished Schools for 2023-26.
Students and staff at all four schools will work with members of the Apple Education team, along with a worldwide network of school leaders, to investigate and support the integration of new education products and curriculum.
HAPPINESS
Art League selling tickets for annual
(Sept. 6, 2024) Tickets are currently on sale for the Art League of Ocean City’s annual pARTy of the Year , set from 6-9 p.m., Oct. 9, at the Embers Restaurant at District 24.
The theme for this year is Wonderland, and the party will feature Alice in Wonderland-inspired décor and an evening full of surprises. Tickets are $150 and available online at OCart.org, by calling 410-524-9433, or at the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th St., bayside.
Proceeds from the event support the many outreach and community programs of the art league, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Rina Thaler, executive director of the art league, said in a news release that a limited number of tickets are available, and encouraged people who ant to attend to reserve their spots early.
The event will also feature Wonderland characters brought to life by the Lower Shore Performing Arts Company; special drinks at the open bar; an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres including a raw bar, sushi and ceviche; desserts from Candy Kitchen; and music and dancing with the Hot Sauce Band.
Attended will be able to bid on auction items, including a raffle where the winner receives $5,000 cash or a travel voucher sponsored by Oasis Travel.
“Our party is the one everyone talks about every year,” Thaler continued, “and this year will be no exception. Your support allows the Art League to keep the doors of the Ocean City Center for the Arts open seven days a week and free to all, and to reach out into the community with enriching programs.”
Corporate and personal sponsorships are also still available. Those interested in sponsoring the event can contact Jessica Bauer, development director of the art league, at development@artleagueofoceancity.org.
Fenced-in private yard. Community features outdoor pool, clubhouse, fitness center, and more. Close to historic downtown Berlin and short drive to Ocean City & Assateague beaches.
Wow! Almost 3,500 SF with 5+ Bedrooms, 4 full baths, in-law apartment, and parking for multiple vehicles at the end of a cul-de-sac, a stone's throw from the golf course. So much is brand NEW! Vaulted ceilings, a Family Room with skylight, 2 Primary BRs. Walk across the "Bridge" to the game room. Oversized double car garage. A very nice 2 BR apartment on the lower level has a private porch, and separate laundry facilities. 6-foot fenced in backyard.
Townhome close to historic Berlin's shopping, dining & events! Popular beaches are just a short drive away. Community Swimming Pool, Fitness Center & Playground. The Roof and Heat Pump have recently been replaced. Lots of closets PLUS a garage for extra storage. Extra loft area on 2nd level. Laundry Room, 2 walk-in closets and overflow guest parking area.
Showcase your new home on this beautiful, wooded corner lot located in Ocean Pines! Just a short ride to parks, dining & services. Only a few miles to the Ocean City beaches, boardwalk, entertainment and amusements, Assateague Island National Seashore or antiquing and events in nearby historic Berlin. This destination truly has it all!
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 OC Today-Dispatch 47
PRIMO HOAGIES
Cahiers Needed Full and Part Time
Visit 133rd Street & Coastal Highway
LOCAL INTERIOR
REMODELING COMPANY
Will pay $25 per hour to the right person with Carpentry and Drywall Skills. Text 410-430-5027.
Maintenance Person Needed full time. Light maintenance for condo building. SeaTime Condo, 135th St. Apply in person. 410-250-2262
Small Engine Mechanic Year-round. Competitive Wages. 443-754-1047
Pool -
General Maintenance. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne.
RENTALS
OCEANS CALLING, 9/27-9/29; COUNTRY CALLING 10/4-10/6.
Nice 2BR, 2BA, on the water in Ocean City, MD. $1,800 per mo. + utils. Call Karen, 443-880-5727.
WEEKLY RENTALS
$300-$500 per week. October-May. 301-331-2209
OC WINTER RENTAL
Oct.-May, 3BR, 2BA Condo. Fully equipped, 4 TVs, WiFi, W/D. 128th St. No smoking, No pets. $1,200/mo. + utils. Must have income. Call 610-507-1298.
WINTER BAYSIDE CONDO near Jolly Rogers. 2BR, 2BA, W/D, AC, cable, WiFi, fully furnished. 2 units available Sept.-May. Call Mike at 410-603-6120. www.mbjcproperties.com
YR RENTAL, DOWNTOWN OC
1BR, 1BA Newly remodeled, central air, new bathroom, fully furnished, new flooring, private parking. $1450/mo. incls. cable & elec. No pets. 2 people max. 410-603-9453
WINTER RENTAL
Large 1BR, 1BA Condo. 2 floors, close to Northside Park, 127th Street.
$1,000 per mo. + elec. Refs. & sec. dep. 267-254-0111
YR RENTAL
3BR, 2BA HOUSE
Wooded lot off Griffin Rd., Berlin, MD. Call for details: Beach Real Estate, 410-629-0224, Joanna Laslo, Broker YR RENTAL
3BR, 2BA TOWNHOUSE
Boat dock located in North Ocean City off Rt. 54 on Wilson Ave. Newly renovated. Call for details: Beach Real Estate, 410-629-0224, Joanna Laslo, Broker
YEAR ROUND RENTAL
4BR/3BA Home in Ocean Pines. Furnished/No Pets. $2250 per month plus utils. Coldwell Banker Bud Church Realty. Call 410-524-7888
SWANN KEYS: 3/2, turnkey, Canal Front Home with bulkhead. Available 9/19/2024 - 5/31/2025. $1550/month + elec. Call 443-278-3993 leave message.
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
Waterfront Bayside - Newly remodeled 2BR, 2BA Condo in North OC. 4 steps to ground level off your private balcony. Full kitchen, LR, DR, W/D, balcony w/tables + seating for 6. Seasonal/ monthly Dec.-April, $2,000. Contact Julie 443-223-4623
WINTER RENTAL, OCEAN BLOCK CONDO: 2BR, 2BA, recently updated. Exceptionally stocked kitchen. Non-smoker/ no pets. $1,250 per mo. Utils, basic cable & internet incld. Available 10/1/20245/31/2025. 610-405-8942
LOTS & ACREAGE
16 ACRES
Perked, surveyed and ready to build your own private oasis, dream home, man cave, horse farm, etc. Just outside of Bishopville on Rt. 610. Close to tax free shopping, schools & hospital. $325,000 Call Howard Martin Realty, 410-352-5555.
Commercial Space for Lease. 2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 800-1000 sq. ft. ea. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885 for more information.
Commercial Office Space/Warehouse West Ocean City. Kitchen & Full Bathroom. 800 sq. ft., High Ceilings. Available Sept. 1st. $1,200 per month. Two units available, side by side. Call 301-748-1977.
Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.
2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200
Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.
PONTOON BOAT
2007 22’ Palm Beach Anniversary Model. Includes 115 HP Evinrude Motor w/2022 Trailer. Good Condition/Great Price! $11,995. Call for details, 610-316-3850.
Eyes that taught themselves, Deep drought from your baby blues, To quench my heart’s fire. Still hot to the touch, Over shoulder glance!
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258
CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK
FOR SALE
Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
MISC. FOR SALE
Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719
net! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855407-6870
VEHICLES WANTED DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org
BWW Law Group, LLC
6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101
Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555
SUBSTITUTE
TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON
8649 SADDLE CREEK DRIVE
A/R/T/A 8649 SADDLECREEK DRIVE BERLIN, MD 21811
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated June 29, 2009, recorded in Liber 5302, Folio 223 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $727,500.00, 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 10, 2024 AT 4:05 PM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.
The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit of $39,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage
to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 353881-1)
Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees
OCD-8/22/3t
MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP
P.O. BOX 910
115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20308 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ALLEN LEE DEWARD
Notice is given that Ryan L. Deward, 284 Chestnut Hill Loop, Gerton, NC 28735-9702, was on August 15, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Allen Lee Deward who died on May 30, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of February, 2025.
Any person having a claim
against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Ryan L. Deward
Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: August 22, 2024
OCD-8/22/3t _________________________________
JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ
AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of NANCY D MILLER Estate No. 20315 Notice is given that ROBERT L JESTER whose address is 13009 ANCHOR CT OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-5073 was on AUGUST 19, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NANCY D MILLER who died on JUNE 30, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of FEBRUARY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other 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
OCD-8/22/3t
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20235 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EILEEN MICHELE PITCHER
Notice is given that Dennis Riordan, 1308 Dartford Dr., Tarpon Spgs., FL 34688-7649, was on August 06, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eileen Michele Pitcher who died on May 16, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of February, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Dennis Riordan Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: August 22, 2024
OCD-8/22/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM CURTIS PAUL II Estate No. 20310 Notice is given that
JAMES WRIGHT PAUL whose address is 302 PARK ROW, SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1050 was on AUGUST 16, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM CURTIS PAUL II who died on AUGUST 08, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of FEBRUARY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/22/3t
TIMOTHY P SCHWARTZ ESQ BREGMAN, BERBERT, SCHWARTZ & GILDAY, LLC 7315 WISCONSIN AVE STE 800 WEST BETHESDA, MD 20814-3202
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES
ESTATE NO. 20326
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SUPERIOR COURT court of NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA appointed HELEN S FAUQUIER whose address is 6600 PROVIDENCE RD WILMINGTON, NC 28411-9772 as the ADMINISTRATRIX of the Estate of JAMES W FAUQUIER JR who died on DECEMBER 01, 2023 domiciled in NORTH CAROLINA, USA
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is TIMOTHY P SCHWARTZ whose address is 7315 WISCONSIN AVE STE 800 WEST BETHESDA, MD 20814-3202. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of
the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/29/3t
MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF
MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20322 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MELVIN JOHN ODACHOWSKI
Notice is given that Matthew Jay Odachowski, 405 South St., Key West, FL 33040-3137 and Mark Reid Odachowski, 12254 Greenridge Lane Rd., Ocean City, MD 21842, were on August 23, 2024 appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Melvin John Odachowski who died on October 19, 2020, 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 23rd day of February, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Matthew Jay Odachowski
Mark Reid Odachowski
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 29, 2024
OCD-8/29/3t
MAUREEN F. L. HOWARTH
AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A.
6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN HUGH WILSON Estate No. 20319 Notice is given that DEBORAH J WILSON whose address is 7704 ALTHEA AVE HARRISBURG, PA 17112-3801 was on AUGUST 21, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN HUGH WILSON who died on FEBRUARY 16, 2008 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 21st day of FEBRUARY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE
SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-8/29/3t
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 12, 2024 2:00 p.m.
PW 24-046 A request has been submitted to remove and dispose of existing parallel platform and to install a new 5’ x 15’ perpendicular pier with two associated mooring piles, maximum channelward extension of 15’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 607 94TH ST UNIT 1A Parcel # 8946 -1A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
OWNER: John Rakowski
APPLICANT: Erin Rogers
PW 24-047 A request has been submitted to demo existing parallel platform, install 50’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead 18” channelward; to install a new 5’ x 20’ parallel platform maximum channelward extension 6’6”. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 14141 SEA CAPTAIN RD Parcel # 9900A-10 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
OWNER: Catherine Bocci
APPLICANT: Erin Rogers
PW 24-048 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with associated pilings not to exceed past existing pilings and pier maximum channelward of 18’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2804 PLOVER DR UNIT D Parcel # 4950 -330D - in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
OWNER: Todd Baer
APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.
PW 24-049 A request has been submitted to install two boat lifts with associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 30’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 73 HARBOUR ISLAND CM Parcel # 3486 -73 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
OWNER: Sean Ream
APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.
PW 24-050 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 40’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 929 EDGEWATER AVE UNIT 15 Parcel # 3739 -15 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
OWNER: Denise Del Vecchio Gelbaugh
APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.
PW 24-051 A request has been submitted to construct a 6’ x 18’ pier, drive two mooring piles, install one boatlift with associated pilings, and install one 12’ x 16’ floating platform not to exceed 18’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 768 94TH ST Parcel # 9654 -192 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
OWNER: Daniel Walburn
APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.
PW 24-052 A request has been submitted to repair with vinyl replacement ~52’ deteriorated bulkhead; repair in-kind existing 2’ x 52’ walkway; construct a 6’ x 27’ pier with a 8’ x 12’ “L” dock and install
one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 39’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 14123 CAINE STABLE RD Parcel # 7099A-8 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
OWNER: Patrick Zurgable
APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.
OCD-8/29/2t
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland.
6:30 p.m. Case No. 24-60, on the lands of Jeremy Ayars, requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 50 feet from the center of the road right-of-way to 38 feet (to encroach 12 feet) for a proposed single family dwelling in the R-4 General Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1208(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 11812 Steam Mill Hill Road, Tax Map 13, Parcel 64, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:35 p.m. Case No. 24-56, on the lands of the Kaeleigh Naughton Irrevocable Trust, requesting a special exception to allow construction of a single family dwelling in the RP Resource Protection District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1-215(c)(1), and ZS 1-305, located on Bunting Road about 522 feet east of Turtle Mill Road, Tax Map 15, Parcel 92, Lot 1, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:40 p.m. Case No. 24-54, on the lands of Paul D. Weiger, requesting an after the fact variance to the right side yard setback from 6 feet to 0.2 feet (encroaches 5.8 feet) for an existing shed in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1206(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 12353 Meadow Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 346, Lot 34, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:45 p.m. Case No. 24-59, on the lands of Gary Figallo & Anthony Palmisano, on the application of Kayla Short, requesting a variance to the side yard setbacks on Lot 74 & 75 from 6 feet to 0 feet for a proposed shared dock with two boatlifts in the R-3 Multi-family Residential District, pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 2-102(e)(2), Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(n)(3), ZS 1-207(d)(6), and ZS 1-335, located at 34 & 42 Wood Duck Drive, Tax Map 21, Parcel 260, Section 14D, Lots 74 & 75, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:50 p.m. Case No. 24-55, on the lands of Dereck Boone, on the appli-
cation of Gil Fleming, requesting an after the fact variance to a rear yard setback from 5 feet to 4.7 feet (encroaches 0.3 feet) for an existing manufactured home in a Campground Subdivision pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-305, and ZS 1-318, located at 221 Timberline Circle, Tax Map 16, Parcel 90, Lot 221, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:55 p.m. Case No. 24-58, on the lands of Eric Glaeser, Sr., on the application of Kristina Watkowski, requesting an after the fact variance to a rear yard setback from 50 feet to 34.1 feet (encroaches 15.9 feet) for an existing open deck and steps, in the R-1 Rural Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-205(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 11302 Marie Drive, Tax Map 10, Parcel 181, Lot 4, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland.
7:00 p.m. Case No. 24-53, on the lands of Karen Odachowski, on the application of Kristina Watkowski, requesting a variance to reduce the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area buffer from 100 feet to 48 feet (to encroach 52 feet), for a proposed deck and small pool, stairs with a landing and a walkway, pursuant to Natural Resources §§ 3-104(c)(4) and NR 3111 and Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(m)(1), located at 12312 Pine Rest Drive, Tax Map 26, Parcel 444, Lot 16A, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.
7:05 p.m. Case No. 24-57, on the lands of Angela Gould, on the application of Kristina Watkowski, requesting a variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 19 feet (to encroach 11 feet) and a variance to the front yard setback from 50 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 45.1 feet (to encroach 4.9 feet) for an addition and an open deck in the R2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1305, located at 12417 Meadow Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 346, Lot 42, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.
OCD-8/29/2t
Town of Snow Hill
REQUEST FOR BIDS
Sturgis Park and Byrd Park Picnic Tables
The Town of Snow Hill is soliciting sealed bids for the grant funded purchase of outdoor picnic tables. Bids will be opened to the public on Friday, September 13, 2024. Bids will be accepted until 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at the Snow Hill Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863 where they will be opened publicly and read aloud. Three copies of the bid package are required, in sealed envelope marked SEALED BID: PARK PICNIC TABLES. Bids must remain valid for a minimum of 90 days from the date of bid opening. Late bids will not be accepted. Email submissions will not be accepted. For a copy of the complete REQUEST FOR BIDS- Sturgis Park and Byrd Park Picnic Tables, visit
the Town web site at www.snowhillmd.gov or pick up at Town Hall. For any questions, contact, Paul Bessette - Grants Administrator - 410.632.2080grantsadmin@snowhillmd.com OCD-8/29/2t
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Pursuant to the provision of the Snow Hill Town Charter Section 108 and Section 4-304 of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at the Old Fire Hall, 212 West Green Street, in Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863. The purpose of the Public Hearing is for public comment on:
1.Charter Resolution 2024-01, Amend Sections 18(b) and 74(a)(3) of the Town Charter of Snow Hill to include the head of the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department in the list of department heads.
2.Charter Resolution 2024-02, Amend Section 11 of the Town Charter of Snow Hill to revise and clarify the process for adopting ordinances.
3.Charter Resolution 2024-03, Amend Section 13 of the Town Charter of Snow Hill to revise and clarify the process for referendums.
4.Charter Resolution 2024-04, Amend Section 58 of the Town Charter of Snow Hill to eliminate the requirement that a bond shall be submitted to referendum
The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410-632-2080.
OCD-9/5/1t
THE CARTER LAW FIRM K LYNN CARTER 124 E. MARKET ST. SALISBURY, MD 21801-4927
NOTICE TO
CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20324
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Probate Court of Sussex County, Delaware appointed Tarry Harris, 412 West Rd., Portsmouth, VA 23707-1228 as the Executor of the Estate of Edna E. Woolford who died on June 13, 2013 domiciled in Delaware, USA.
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is K. Lynn Carter whose address is 124 E. Market St., Salisbury, MD 21801-4927.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before
the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
Tarry Harris
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: September 5, 2024
OCD-9/5/3t
Fair Summary
2024-02
Surplus Personal Property
A Fair Summary of Ordinance 2024-02 is as follows: Creating Chapter 26, “Personal Property, Disposition Of,” to establish a procedure for disposing of surplus, obsolete, or unused town-owned personal property.
Key Provisions for Ordinance 2024-02:
• Determination: Department heads and the Town Manager will identify surplus items and prepare an itemized list for the Mayor and Council’s final determination.
• Disposition Methods: Property may be sold, auctioned, or destroyed if no value is realized. Sales and auctions can be conducted online.
• Authorization: The Mayor and Council may authorize the sale of such property by resolution, under terms deemed in the public’s best interest.
OCD-9/5/1t
Fair Summary ORDINANCE
2024-03
Amendment to Chapter 134, Property Management
A Fair Summary of Ordinance 2024-03 is as follows: Amendment to Chapter 134, Article II, “Vacant and Blighted Building Registration,” to address issues related to vacant buildings and prevent neighborhood decline.
Key Provisions for Ordinance 2024-03:
• Purpose: Establish mechanisms to protect neighborhoods from blight, ensure security of vacant properties, and reduce vacancy by encouraging occupancy or sale of vacant buildings.
• Definitions: Updates needed definitions.
• Applicability: This applies to non-residential and mixed-occupancy buildings vacant for at least 90 consecutive days and buildings in
specific zoning districts with more than 50% ground-level vacancy.
• Establishes a process and factors to determine vacancy.
• Owner Responsibilities: Owners must register vacant buildings, maintain them, and ensure they are secure.
• Update of Information: Owners must ensure registration information remains valid and notify the Department of any changes within 15 days. New owners must update the Department within 30 days of property transfer.
• Removal from Registry: Owners must notify the Department if a vacant building becomes occupied, with corroborating documentation, to remove it from the registry.
• Fees: Establishes registration fees that increase annually. Fee waivers are available for properties undergoing renovations or with recent fire damage\
• Violations and Penalties: Established fines and other penalties.
• Appeals: Property owners have 30 days to appeal a vacancy determination, with a hearing before the Housing Review Board for a final decision.
OCD-9/5/1t
Fair Summary ORDINANCE
2024-13
Amendment to Chapter 101, Housing Standards
A Fair Summary of Ordinance 2024-13 is as follows: Amendment to Chapter 101, Article IV, Section 10121, “Housing Review Board,” to update the powers and duties of the Housing Review Board.
Key Provisions for Ordinance 2024-13:
• Administrative Review: The Board may also hear appeals regarding property vacancy determinations under Chapter 134, Article IV.
OCD-9/5/1t
Town of Bethany Beach NOTICE
Request for Beach Concession Proposals
The Town of Bethany Beach will be accepting proposals for a concession to rent beach equipment (e.g. beach chairs; beach umbrellas) on the public beach in the Town of Bethany Beach.
The Town will be awarding only one concession license. The concession license shall be for the period beginning January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2029. Bids and Proposals must be submitted on the Town of Bethany Beach Bid Proposal Form which can be obtained at the Town Manager’s Office, Bethany Beach Town Hall, 214 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE or by calling 302-537-3771.
The minimum proposal for the annual fee that will be accepted by the Town for the first year shall be $105,000. The proposed annual fee for the first year shall increase by a minimum of 4.5% for each subsequent year.
Proposals must be accompanied by a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Town of Bethany Beach in the sum of ten percent (10%) of the annual bid price. The successful bidder’s ten percent (10%) shall be retained and applied toward the annual license fee.
Sealed proposals addressed to the Town Manager, Town of Bethany Beach, and clearly marked “Beach Concession Proposal” shall be received at Town Hall, 214 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at which time they will be publicly opened and read in the Town Meeting Room.
The Town Council may, in their absolute discretion, refuse to award any concession it if is their determination that none of the applicants or proposals are acceptable.
OCD-9/5/1t
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING
OCTOBER 7, 2024 AT 6:00 PM TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
RE: PUBLIC PROPERTY - ALLEY CLOSURE AND CONVEYANCE
A Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council, in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. The purpose of this public hearing is to consider the closure and conveyance of Bayview Lane between 1st and 2nd Street. The hearing will allow public input for Mayor and Council consideration as to whether or not it is in the public’s interest to determine that the property is no longer needed for public use and move forward with the abandonment, closure and property conveyance. Additional information is available online at oceancitymd.gov in the August 27, 2024, Mayor and Council agenda packet or can be obtained from the City Clerk’s office by calling 410-2898842.
OCD-9/5/1t
B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES
204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293
SNOW HILL, MD 21863
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20335 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF VERNON C. JONES
Notice is given that Malcolm P. Jones, 6721 Swarthmore Dr., Alexandria, VA 22307-1664, was on August 30, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vernon C. Jones who died on August 09, 2024,
with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of February, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Malcolm P. Jones
Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: September 5, 2024
OCD-9/5/3t
ANN KARWACKI GOODMAN ESQ PARKER COUNTS
129 N WASHINGTON STREET PO BOX 1209 EASTON, MD 21601
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM M SHETTLE II
Estate No. 20332 Notice is given that RENEE W SHETTLE whose address is 808 BEVERLY LN POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-3154 was on AUGUST 30, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM M SHETTLE II who died on AUGUST 11, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of FEBRUARY, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-
sonal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-9/5/3t
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class "A" BEER-WINE License, 7 Day, By Barbara Ryan Spicer, 8805 Caribbean Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.
For: OCSpicer's 9404, LLC
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: 7-11 #24093 9404 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Formerly: North Bend, Inc.
There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: September 16, 2024 @ 12:00 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.
OCD-9/5/2t
JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20318 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GARY E. GERMAN
Notice is given that Shirley R. German, 2826 Gull Way, Ocean City, MD 21842-5428, was on August 30, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Gary E. German who died on May 31, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills
within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
Shirley R. German Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: September 5, 2024
OCD-9/5/1t
B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293
SNOW HILL, MD 21863
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20336 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
IN THE ESTATE OF RONALD E. GEESEY
Notice is given that Elizabeth G. Holmes, 16 Milton Rd., Barrington, RI 02806-1102 and Katherine M. Blazek, 5609 Boxhill Ln., Baltimore, MD 21210-2003, were on August 30, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald E. Geesey who died on August 06, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of February, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Elizabeth G. Holmes
Kathrine M. Blazek
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: September 05, 2024
OCD-9/5/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES GREGORY SISK Estate No. 20111 Notice is given that BRIAN PAUL SISK whose address is 1989 VALLEY RD., ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-6753 was on AUGUST 26, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES GREGORY SISK who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26th day of FEBRUARY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-9/5/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA ANN BLACK Estate No. 20327 Notice is given that MICHELLE M. DIDDLEMEYER whose address is 37119 LORD BALTIMORE LN., OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970-3242 was on AUGUST 28, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA ANN BLACK who died on JULY 30, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills
on or before the 28th day of FEBRUARY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-9/5/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of LYNN M. HARRIS Estate No. 20331 Notice is given that ERIKA C SCHMALE whose address is 3901 ELLWOOD AVE., RICHMOND, VA 23221-2613 was on AUGUST 29, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LYNN M. HARRIS who died on JULY 08, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of FEBRUARY, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County
County chamber plans role in middle school civics bee
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) The Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines is hosting its first National Civics Bee for middle school students in conjunction with the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students from public, private and charter schools, as well as homeschool groups, are encouraged to participate.
Worcester County Chamber of Commerce President Kerrie Bunting said the sole requirement is that contestants be enrolled in middle school and residents of the State of Maryland.
The Civics Bee is divided into segments that students must qualify for to proceed. The first portion, open to everyone, will include a civics essay contest. A panel of judges will select the top 20 entries to advance to a local in-person competition, where the young learners will be subjected to two rounds of civics inquiries followed by a questions-and-answers sequence.
The essay will be judged by individuals selected by the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines. The organization will also host the live regional event.
The top three students from the local challenge will move to the statelevel contest. The first-place winner of that match will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national championship for prizes worth approximately $50,000.
“Hosting this event is important because it’s an election year, and everyone is bombarded by political issues,” Bunting said. “At the middle school level, it is important for them to know civics-related knowledge so they can be educated and thoughtful voters and leaders in the future…they need the foundation of government and civics… the contest could even kickstart a potential career path for some of these kids.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched the Civics Bee in 2022. The organization partners with state-level chambers, which communicate with the local chambers and then advertise the event to public, private, and homeschooled students. Allegany, Baltimore, Greater Crofton, Frederick, and St. Mary’s counties are the other participating Maryland areas. The Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines is the first Eastern Shore group to get involved.
Students from any part of the state, including Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, Montgomery, or Harford counties, can submit an essay to be considered by the Worcester County chamber.
“Any kid can join any chamber,” Bunting said.
The local in-person competition is
slated for spring 2025, the state contest will occur in June 2025, and the national championship is set for fall 2025. While the first-round essay has yet to be given a concrete due date, Bunting said the U.S. chamber mandates it be judged sometime in the winter to allow ample preparation for the live regional match. The Worcester County organization’s website will post timeline updates and more information as they are provided.
Bunting added that the chamber is actively seeking judgesor the essay segment. The organization hopes to secure a diverse panel of individuals with expertise in writing, social studies, history, and government, such as elected officials and educators. The group’s president also noted that she is interested in reaching out to businesses and local civic bodies like the American Legion so they may help promote and sponsor the event.
Anyone interested in providing their services in any aspect may contact the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines at 410-6415306 or Bunting at kerrie@worcestercountychamber.org.
Local leaders like Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) and Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C) have endorsed the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce’s involvement in the Civics Bee.
“This type of competition is a great way to promote civic participation and create enthusiasm for our youth,” Hartman said in a letter asking the Worcester County Board of Education for their support. “I am looking forward to the introduction of the National Civics Bee on the Eastern Shore.”
Bunting emphasized that every sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade student in Maryland is eligible to enter the Civics Bee. Eastern Shore facilities like Worcester County Public Schools, Worcester Preparatory School, and Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School have announced their participation. Finalized essays are to be turned into the contest’s point person at each of these learning institutions or as stated by their administration.
Middle schoolers in the area who are homeschooled or whose school is not outwardly encouraging the competition may still enter. These families should contact the Worcester County chamber to receive the necessary information and submit their papers directly to the organization.
“We need to get kids involved because there is so much voter apathy going on,” Bunting said. “How do we convince people that their vote does matter? We teach them at a young age. Teach them to vote and be thoughtful about it and who you feel is best. It is especially important because the political landscape is so crazy now.”
Friday Sept. 6 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm
making
Saturday Sept. 7 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm
betty
Monday Sept. 9 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm
petty
Tom Petty Tribute: Thursday Sept. 12 on the Deck Stage 6pm
Offseason
By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer
Although Labor Day marks the traditional end of the summer season and begins what the Ocean City Beach Patrol refers to as “fall guarding,” we all know that there will be a lot of beautiful sunny beach days ahead, well into the fall. Even though it’s fall we still have safety messages. What we want you to understand is that fall guarding is different from guarding during the summer months and it comes with many unique challenges. During this period, we are in a reduced coverage mode with fewer lifeguard towers and surf rescue technicians patrolling the beach. We had already lost over 70% of our seasonal staff of 215 a full week before Labor Day. This reduction in personnel is an annual occurrence with the start of college classes and the return of our education professionals to school systems throughout the U.S. These teachers are some of our most experienced SRTs and mostly in supervisory roles on the beach. However, now that Labor Day has passed, we have lost most of our educators during weekdays, although many will return to help cover our beaches on weekends. The Town of Ocean City is committed to providing the safest beaches possible until the end of each season and has provided several incentives, including a travel stipend to offset the cost of traveling back to Ocean City for our Surf Rescue Technicians who have moved away, so they can provide additional coverage.
Additionally, tropical storm activity in the Atlantic is usually at its peak during this time and contributes to rougher surf, which has been an issue these past few weeks as tropical activity entered the MidAtlantic basin. This heavy surf causes an increase in the frequency and severity of rip currents, which account for 95 percent of surf rescues. With fewer guards on the beach and stands that are farther apart, a guard may have to run four blocks or more (as far as 800 meters or ½ mile) to rescue a victim whereas in the summer they need only run 50 meters. To increase safety and coverage of the beach, the beach patrol will rely more heavily on its motorized support vehicles to patrol between stands (The Town has increased our ATV fleet to assist with coverage). This enables them to provide back up if the need should
GUARD
arise, compared to the summer when the SRT in the stand on both sides of the rescue are responsible to back up the rescue and give support if needed. Additionally, each Surf Rescue Technician will be issued a hand-held radio as well as binoculars to assist with coverage of the area between stands (the use of semaphore at these distances becomes less effective).
Although we have less available personnel, the beach patrol remains committed to provide surf rescue technicians along the entire beach for all visitors and residents. So rather than have unguarded areas, the number of available lifeguard towers are equally distributed along the beachfront. While nearby beaches in Delaware and Assateague are unguarded, have reduced hours and days or where the guarded area is reduced to just a few blocks.
As this redistribution occurs, the location and distance between stands changes (sometimes daily). We will continue to provide coverage from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. along all 10 miles of Ocean City beaches until Sunday, September 22nd. This coverage will be done with fewer personnel and lifeguard stands; however, the increased number of mobile rescue units patrolling the beach will provide added coverage. These mobile units are first aid, PPE and AED 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 mobile rescue unit (ATV) certified.
Surfing locations is another difference you may notice during the fall season. OCBP Captain Arbin will modify the ordinance that restricts surfing and allow surfing along the entire beach, except where guards are posted. The beach patrol keeps the swimmers in front or near their stand and surfers are encouraged to con-
gregate away from the swimmers. This is a time of the year the surfers enjoy. They can surf while the patrol is on duty and not be confined to designated surfing beaches like during the summer.
Surfers must still utilize an ankle leash and remain 50 yards from the nearest swimmer. Having surfers in the vicinity often proves valuable in saving lives. It is helpful to have the extra flotation devices in the water at this time of year when the coverage is spread over larger spans of beach. It is not unusual for surfers to aid a distressed swimmer and keep them afloat until a surf rescue technician can reach them and take them safely back to shore. Remember that if you need our assistance and are between two stands the SRT may have needed to run quite a distance before swimming out to help you. Although surfing restrictions have been modified, the beach patrol still reserves the right to prohibit surfing in certain areas or under certain conditions. Another difference is the standup paddle board rule. Beginning the Monday following Labor Day, September 9th, stand up paddle boards (SUPs) will be allowed, Monday through Friday during the day. Stand up Paddle boarders must follow all applicable Maryland state boating laws and enter and exit the water away from the areas where we are encouraging people to swim. The use of skim boards and other watercraft (kite surfers, windsurfers, prone paddle boards, kayaks, etc) is still prohibited by City ordinance (Law).
For additional information, please call Beach Patrol Headquarters. Guard stand placement may relocate daily as conditions change. To locate the closest stand to your beach you may go to the official Beach Patrol website (ococean.com/ocbp) and scroll down to the “Beach Conditions” table and click on the stands location link or by calling Beach Patrol Headquarters at 410-289-7556 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Boat Lifts & PWC Sales, Installs & Repairs
Spicy dip best with cooked shrimp
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) Labor Day has passed, the crowds are gone, and locals can breathe a sigh of relief.
But one knows when you live at the beach, company is understood. So, it’s important to have a few dishes that are delicious and sure to be a hit with guests.
The Eastern Shore is known for its seafood, and shrimp has to be in the running for the most popular seafood. Steamed shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp tacos, shrimp scampi, and shrimp salad are just a few of the delectable dishes that we love to feast on. But how often do you see shrimp dip
listed as an appetizer? No worries, homemade shrimp dip is delicious and can give crab dip a run for its money. Following are some tips for Spicy Shrimp Dip, Eastern Shore Style.
First and foremost, it is perfectly acceptable to use frozen shrimp. There are some types of seafood that do not freeze well, but shrimp is not one of them. Also, frozen shrimp are much more affordable.
Shrimp are sold by size and sizes are packed per pound. For example, 16/20 count means there are approximately 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. The fewer the shrimp per pound, the larger they are and the more expensive.
I prefer to use 41/50 count shrimp for the dip. They are considered medium and more affordable, especially when they go on sale.
Also, smaller shrimp can actually have a sweeter taste as opposed to larger shrimp. In addition, I like to leave the shrimp whole. It makes for a prettier presentation and intensifies the shrimp flavor.
Overcooked seafood is the first sign of a novice chef. When you are sautéing shrimp, you only want to heat them to the point where the opaqueness starts to turn color.
One might ask, “Why bother cooking the shrimp?” I tried that and shrimp have a lot of natural juices. As a result, the sauce for the dip became soupy.
This same philosophy holds true for the veggies. After they are cooked, you must strain them of any excess liquid, otherwise, the sauce becomes soggy and loses its flavor and creamy texture.
Lastly, the addition of Old Bay captures the essence of the Eastern Shore and gives the dip a unique twist. If you reside in Ocean City, Old Bay is a must in your repertoire of spices.
Football season is finally here. Gooey, mouthwatering Spicy Shrimp Dip and a cold mug of beer is the perfect pairing for the big day. Enjoy!
* If you have a food processor, now is the time to use. It will save you so much time when it comes to chopping the vegetables.
Spicy Shrimp Dip
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds 41/50 frozen deveined shrimp, tails and shells removed
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup combined finely chopped red, orange, and yellow peppers
2 poblano peppers, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 large scallions, white and green parts, finely chopped
3 stalks celery, including the leaves, finely chopped
1 (12-ounce) container cream cheese
½ cup good quality mayonnaise
3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup shredded Mexican style four cheese blend
kosher salt to taste
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set aside an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
2. In a large nonstick pan, cover and cook shrimp in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low just until they turn an opaque color. Place on paper towels to absorb any moisture.
3. Turn heat to medium-high, add the remaining butter and sauté veggies for 7 minutes. Place cooked veggies in a mesh strainer and push down to remove any excess liquid.
4. In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, and crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Add cooked shrimp, veggies and ¾ of the shredded cheese to the base of the dip and mix well.
6. Place dip the baking dish and top with remaining cheese and a garnish of Old Bay seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
7. Bake for 25 minutes and serve with favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or Tostitos Scoop chips.
Secret Ingredient – Individualism
“The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.”
Henrick Ibsen
KIDS
of the Summer
Who’s Where When
BLU CRAB HOUSE COURTYARD
410-289-3322
24th Street & Coastal Hwy.
Fri., Sept. 6: Margot & Valeria
Sat., Sept. 7: Fil Rhythm
Thurs., Sept. 12: Rockaholics Trio
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY
28th Street Coastal Hwy.
Sat., Sept. 7: Aaron Howell
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk
In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano
CARRIBBEAN POOL BAR
410-289-6181
In The Plim Plaza Hotel
109 N. Atlantic Ave.
Fri., Sept. 6: TBA
Sat., Sept. 7: TBA
Wed., Sept. 11:
True Country
Thurs., Sept. 12:
The Mike Mead Band & Pistol Whipped
COCONUTS BEACH BAR
410-289-6846
Oceanfront At Castle
In The Sand Hotel
37th & 38th Streets
Fri., Sept. 6: Darin Engh & Colossal Fossil Sauce
Sat., Sept. 7: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama & Zion Reggae Band
Sun., Sept. 8: Joe Hickey & Rick & Regina
Mon., Sept. 9: Nate Clendenen & Fil Rhythm Duo
Tues., Sept. 10: Doug Kaetz Solo & Bell Bottom Blues
Wed., Sept. 11: Heather Vidal & Endless Ember
Thurs., Sept. 12: Cup Of Joe & Kevin Poole & Joe Mama
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza
On Coastal Hwy.
Fri., Sept. 6: Eagles vs Packers
Sat., Sept. 7: Jim Long & On The Edge Every Sun.: DJ Wax
Thurs., Sept. 12: Alan The DJ
CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE
Fri., Sept. 6: Uncle Ward
Wed., Sept. 11: Fil Rhythm
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756
Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.
Fri., Sept. 6: Mike Pinto
Sat., Sept. 7: Rogue Citizens
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay
Fri., Sept. 6: DJ RobCee, No Go Romeo & The Cover Up
Sat., Sept. 7: DJ Groove, Making Waves & So Fetch
Mon., Sept. 9: Betty White Stripes
Best Beats On The Beach
PETTY COAT JUNCTION (TOM PETTY TRIBUTE) Fager s Island: Thursday, September 12
VERTIGO RED Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, September 6 & 7
ROGUE CITIZENS
Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, September 7
KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA
Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, September 7 & Thursday, September 12
MARGOT & VALERIA
Blu Crabhouse: Friday, September 6
ZION REGGAE BAND
Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, September 7
ON THE EDGE
Coins Pub: Saturday, September 7
SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN
The Wedge: Sunday, September 8
PISTOL WHIPPED
Carribbean Pool Bar: Thursday, September 12
OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
Harborside: Sunday, September 8
11
Who’s Where When
& DJ Hector
Thurs., Sept. 12:
Petty Coat Junction (Tom Petty Tribute)
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Sat., Sept. 7: TBA
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Fri., Sept. 6: DJ Billy T
Sat., Sept. 7: DJ Bigler & Dunehounds
Sun., Sept. 8: Opposite Directions & Wayne Blake
Wednesdays: DJ Billy T
Thursdays: DJ Billy T, Dust N Bones & DJ Harvey Cinco
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Saturday, Sept. 7: Dunehounds
Sundays: Beats By Styler
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wood
Wednesdays: Beats By Styler
Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee
PURPLE MOOSE
SALOON
410-289-6953
Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Fri. & Sat., Sept. 6 & 7: Vertigo Red
Wed., Sept. 11: Doc Marten & The Flannels
Thurs., Sept. 12: High Voltage (AC/DC Tribute)
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy.
Fri., Sept. 6: Full Cirlce, DJ Connair, DJ Davie, 9 Mile Roots & The Benderz
Sat., Sept. 7: DJ C-Miller, DJ Cruz, DJ Flight, New Normal, 9 Mile Roots & The Gab Cinque Band
Sun., Sept. 8: DJ Davie & Dear Zoe
Mon., Sept. 9:
Light Up The Moon & DJ Wax
Tues., Sept. 10:
Light Up The Moon & DJ Wax
Wed., Sept. 11: DJ E-State & Tripe Rail Turn
Thurs., Sept. 12: DJ Connair, DJ Cruz, Scott Marshall & The Highway Souls, Triple Rail Turn & Grand Illusion & Heartless
THE WEDGE
410-289-5121
806 S. Atlantic Ave.
Fri., Sept. 6: Lime Green & Nick Hundley
Sat., Sept. 7: Jason Lee
Sun., Sept. 8: Schizophrenic Boogiemen
Tues., Sept. 10: Wes Davis
Wed., Sept. 11: Jack Bannon
Thurs., Sept. 12: Kasey Briggs
DOC MARTEN & THE FLANNELS Purple Moose: Wednesday, September
LIGHT UP THE MOON Seacrets: Monday & Tuesday, September 9 & 10
Atlantic General Hospital offering annual flu clinics
(Sept. 6, 2024) As a service to the community, Atlantic General Hospital & Health System is once again providing community flu vaccination with a series of free clinics for people ages 13 and older.
No appointment is required. Clinic dates are subject to change based upon flu vaccine availability.
The schedule is as follows:
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 26, St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Savior Catholic Church at 1705 Philadelphia Ave. in Ocean City
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Oct. 2, Stevenson United Methodist Church at 123 N. Main St. in Berlin
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 3, Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company at 1410 Market St. in Pocomoke
• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 4, Ocean Pines
Community Center at 235 Ocean Parkway in Ocean Pines
8 a.m. to noon, Oct. 5 and 19 Gudelsky Family Medical Center (Drive-Thru) at 10614 Racetrack Road in Ocean Pines
High-dose vaccines are also available at the clinics for patients 65 older and will be billed to Medicare or insurance.
For updates on the Atlantic General Hospital Community Flu Clinics, including new clinic dates, visit agh.care/flu.
(Sept. 6, 2024) Ocean City Film Festival officials are partnering with members of the Academy Art Museum in Easton and Chesapeake Film Festival to present the 48-Hour Video Race , organized by filmmaker Francisco Salazar.
Filmmakers of all ages, either as a team or solo, will create 1-to 7-minute videos that will be screened at the Academy Art Museum at 6 p.m., Sept. 20. Films must incorporate a word and theme that will be provided to competitors by email at 5 p.m., Sept. 13. Filmmakers will have 48 hours to shoot, edit, and submit a video by 5 p.m., Sept. 15.
A panel of judges consisting of Chesapeake Film Festival Director Cid Collins Walker, Ocean City Film Festival Director B.L. Strang-Moya, and Sundance Filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris will choose the winners.
There will be two Best in Show categories — Student/Family (at least 50% of the filmmaking team are under 18) and Adult —and a People’s Choice Award. Best in Show winners will receive a day pass to see films in this year’s Chesapeake Film Festival. Winners will also get the chance to showcase their films at the Ocean City Film Festival in 2025. Registration is open now through Sept. 13 at bit.ly/48videorace2024.
VOLUNTERR SPIRIT CELEBRATED
During the Volunteer Spirit of Worcester Awards ceremony at the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill Aug. 20, the commissioners named Maryland Coastal Bays Program volunteer Sue Latour a Lifetime Achievement Spirit recipient. Since becoming a volunteer as a water monitor and seal steward for MCBP in 2012, Latour has donated countless hours to protect water quality and seals. Her photographs have helped the National Aquarium determine whether seals that come ashore only need rest or if human intervention is needed. She is pictured displaying her award with the commissioners at the meeting.
Dining Guide
■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$
■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted
DOWNTOWN
South end to 28th Street
■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON
DRY DOCK 28
28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com
Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.
■ CABANAS BEACH BAR & GRILLE
Located in the Plim Plaza Hotel, 109 N Atlantic Ave., 2nd Street & the boardwalk, Ocean City, 410524-1776, www.cabanasoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open to the public. A full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner inside and Signature smash burgers, fresh cut fries, handhelds, signature salads, and much more. Indoor and outdoor bar. Fresh squeezed crushes, frozen drinks, tropical libations. Dine in or carry out. Open 7 days a week. Breakfast on weekends, 8-11 a.m. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at least 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bar is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at least midnight Friday and Saturday.
■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE
15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192, captainstableoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.
■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT
28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.
■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR
17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ CRAWL STREET
19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com
Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.
■ DISTRICT 24
BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & ICE CREAM, THE EMBERS
2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-3322, district24oc.com
Come visit all your culinary options at this block of fun, including the landmark Embers Restaurant with a new, innovative vision as well as Blu where fresh seafood is king. Be sure to stop in Jay’s for a tasty treat as well as an ocean of caffeinated offerings. There’s fun activities for kids of all ages here as well with a miniature golf course and an arcade.
■ FISH TALES
2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 410-289-0990, ocfishtales.com
Bayfront marina dining offered here with a huge menu to satisfy guests of all ages. Enjoy a drink from a hanging chair or fish tacos at your table while the kids play in a playground build in the sand. Food and drink menus offer enough of a variety to meet all needs.
■ HARBOR WATCH
806 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com
$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Celebrating our 40th anniversary with fresh seafood,
an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open everyday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call for banquet and large-party details.
■ PICKLES PUB
706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-4891, picklesoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.
■ PIT & PUB
2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com
Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.
■ THE WEDGE BAR
806 S. Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, www.thewedgeoc.com
$-$$ | Full bar
Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and grilled burgers. Happy Hour, Sunday through Thursday, 3-6 p.m. Open Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
MIDTOWN
29th to 90th streets
■ 32 PALM
32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!
■ THE BONFIRE
71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com
Celebrating 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.
■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL
3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-6846, castleinthesand.com
A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean Citybased surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule.
■ FAGERS ISLAND
201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com
$$ | Full bar
Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.
■ HOOKED
8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-723-4665, hookedoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-664-5693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and pre-
mium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | Full bar
Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.
■ SEACRETS
49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouthwatering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.
■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS
118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com
Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Nightly Ice Shows starting June 24.
■ THE CRAB BAG
13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR
12203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6647075, tailchasersoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A coastal casual farm to table restaurant with a fun dockside family friendly atmosphere. Menu changes with the seasons and cocktails are handcrafted with care. Bring the whole family for lunch or dinner along the canal. Kids playground available to keep the littles entertained.
■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.
FENWICK ISLAND
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com
Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-5393020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cook-
ing at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
Reservations | Kids’ Menu “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open: Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open: Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
WEST OCEAN CITY
■ BREAKFAST CAFE
12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com
All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.
■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL
12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com
$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar
Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.
■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND
West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com
This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.
■ GREENE TURTLE WEST
Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500
Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.
■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
■ OC DINER
12744 Ocean Gateway, Rt 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-390-5112
Kids’ Menu
Best homemade breakfast and lunch. Local’s favorite breakfast served all day. Dine-in and carry-out. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
■ SHRIMP BOAT
9724 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City, 410-213-0448, shrimpboatoc.com
Since 1989, a spot for locals and visitors to enjoy fresh local seafood straight off the boats. Dine-in seating also available. It’s all sourced local and fresh and a free shrimp sample available.
OCEAN PINES
Things I Like... vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY
By Steve Green
The dazed look of a newborn parent
Laughing and crying at a funeral
Tight baseball divisions
The view looking south from the Inlet
When change turns out to be good
A heavy overnight rain
New shoes that feel old
A baby announcement in the mail
Tom Petty’s music
A big pot of spaghetti
A quick fantasy football draft
WITH BUNK MANN
The English Diner opened in 1939 on the corner of Wicomico Street and Baltimore Avenue. Moved to 21st Street and Philadelphia Avenue in the last 1950s, it was one of Ocean City’s most popular family restaurants.
It was known as “Little City Hall” for the daily breakfast gatherings of Ocean City’s political elite during the years that Hugh Cropper, Harry Kelley and Roland “Fish” Powell served as mayors.
The English Diner was demolished in November 2005 and the Mariner’s Watch condominium was built on the site the following year.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.
collection
Photo from Bunk Mann’s
OPEN HOUSE FRI, SEPT. 6 • 12:30-5PM & SUN, SEPT 8 • 10:30AM-3:30PM price reduction
2 48th St #804 GATEWAY GRAND • OCEAN CITY
$1,150,000
This 3 BR, 3 BA condominium is a perfect beach sanctuary with1,790 Sq. Ft. of living space. Sweeping panoramic views of the Ocean and the Bay. Open floor plan blends spaciousness & sophistication. Tasteful accents adorn & show the professional design & craftsmanship of the living, kitchen & dining areas. The Gateway Grand offers an array of exclusive amenities: heated outdoor pool, sun deck, indoor pool, fitness center, private storage lockers plus covered & secure parking. BONUS: Seller pays CONDO FEES for 2 YEARS! Don't let this opportunity slip away. Seize the chance to make this unparalleled coastal retreat your own. Schedule your showing today and embark on a journey to elevate your coastal living experience to new heights.
Indian River Inlet issues carry surf impact as well
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) There’s been difficulty up north at Indian River Inlet.
A few weeks ago during Hurricane Ernesto, a section of dune was breached resulting in flooding of traffic lanes just past the bridge on Route 1. To my knowledge, this was the second dune breach this year with another one occurring back in March.
by Steve Green
BThe Adventures of Fatherhood
ack to school brings a mix of feelings but this year relief above all.
We have two kids, Beckett, a 16-year-old junior at Worcester Prep, and Carson, a 14-year-old freshman at Stephen Decatur High. They are as different as they come and their approaches to the school year reflect the contrasts.
stances at play that year, as the school was undergoing a major renovation and there was no Summer Academy within the school building that year. It was a big deal as Carson did not have time to get settled and learn his new surroundings.
the entire school day with Carson.
Government agencies were quick to respond and rebuild the dune with copious dump truck loads of sand and reenforcement of rock rip-rap. Unfortunately, some of the rock can loosen and be a hazard to unsuspecting ocean goers. I had been alerted to this situation by friend Gregg Rosner with information coming from the Cape Gazette and WBOC.
Regarding surfing, the north side beach at Indian River Inlet has been designated as a surfing area for quite a long time. Sand erosion has been a problem there for quite some time as well. A replenishment system was set up to pump sand from the south side of Indian River Inlet to the north side but has been out of operation for about the last five years. The intention is to repair the system before this year ends but the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working to accelerate the process.
Typically the problem is funding and where to acquire it and put it to good use. DENREC’s funds are limited and cooperation from other government entities will apparently be needed to solve the situation. The pumping system was never meant to be a permanent solution. North side is not only open to surfing but is also a popular fishing area as well. Hopefully at least a temporary fix can be accomplished as well as a more permanent one going forward.
- Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
Since he plays varsity soccer, Beckett has been in school mode for a while now with practices starting a couple weeks back. He also had work throughout the summer associated with AP classes. I suspect Beckett views the start of school like most neuro-typical kids his age. Mixed emotions of returning to a set schedule of academics while bidding farewell to lazy summer mornings and afternoons in the ocean.
Junior year at his school is known for being full of rigor while also getting prepared to seriously consider college options in the years ahead. The first night of the first day seemed to confirm the academic load, as he had a couple hours of homework after soccer practice. He was asleep before 10:30 and that was not seen all summer. With Beckett, I would say mixed feelings is a good way to describe his feelings about heading back to school.
For our Carson, who is nonverbal with a rare chromosome disorder that presents most simply as Autism. The worry about the new school year begins almost as soon as the previous year ends, as Carson struggles mightily with changes in his routine and transitions. With all these realities in mind, there was a strategy for this summer and the days ahead of Tuesday.
We have learned from the past. There have been rough starts to the school year before and the drama that unfolded on his first day of seventh grade remains fresh for Pam and me. There were some unique circum-
While he was able to get to know his new one-on-one, Summer Academy was held at Berlin Intermediate School that summer instead of at his new school, Stephen Decatur Middle. It was just an unfortunate reality, one that could not be averted due to construction and safety. The result for our Carson was horrific anxiety on the first day of seventh grade.
On that particular first day, all seemed fine until we got to the school doors. He froze and clinched on to his mom for dear life. Panic mode was setting in. We have seen it before, and there’s no easy fix when he has so much internal turmoil. All hope for a fun and the happy drop and roll – the goal each morning – was gone. When he loses his composure and gets embarrassed, his parents are his safety zone. Breaking free from him outside without a scene was not going to happen. We spent the next hour trying to reason with him inside school so we could leave. Every time it seemed he was good, confirmed by a thumbs up, he would then chase after us.
I had a few weak moments when I thought maybe we just start over tomorrow. Giving up would have been a horrible decision. It’s not even what Carson wanted. He was just in a bit of a crisis and had to be pushed through. Things were getting so tough (and not to mention hot) we had to get strategic, starting with getting Pam away from him. Carson’s favorite person is his mom, and she provides him comfort like nobody else. Pam loves hard. Her heart is huge, and she was not okay with leaving him in a panicked state. I did not want this outcome either, but it was time for desperate measures unless we wanted to spend
Once we were able to get him settled emotionally, the education team and I had to get strategic. The only way was for me to desert him essentially while he was distracted. Evidently, once he realized I was gone, he melted, but regained his composure quickly once he realized there was no other recourse.
Fast forward to this year, we had a perfect morning to start his freshman year, as Carson met his team and walked into school. I was even able to walk into the school nurse’s office without any issues separating from our guy. The maturity and composure was wonderful to see.
Unfortunately, we heard from some friends on Tuesday night the first day of school mirrored our struggles from a couple years back. I feel for them because we know how gut wrenching it can be. While Carson has a host of struggles, we feel blessed these days with his continued progress and the support we receive through the public school system. We do not take it for granted and feel blessed and grateful for the kind, compassionate hearts that work with our son.
The reality for Carson is high school is going to be a social struggle. Based on the sheer volume of teenagers in the school and the newness of it all, there is a feel of chaos at times I know for him. I feel it myself, but Carson has adjusted tremendously well through his anxiety, and I have no doubt it’s due to the strategies the school has put in place while working with us as his parents on best approaches to keep him successful.
We are off to a great start, and that’s all we hoped for as we thought about the new school year in the last weeks of summer.
(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)
GO GREEN OC RECEIVES VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
During the Volunteer Spirit of Worcester Awards ceremony at the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill Aug. 20, the commissioners named Go Green OC a Group/Team Spirit Award recipient. The organization, consisting of 24 community volunteers, runs the largest composting operation on the Eastern Shore, diverting millions of pounds of waste from the landfill and promoting recycling and composting at community events, such as OC Bikefest and Oceans Calling Festival. Pictured are members of the group with the commissioners at the meeting.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
It’s easy to lose perspective when it comes to the important friends and family in your life, Aries. Start rethinking where to devote your attention and energy.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, if you feel adventure is calling you, you can always take a break and get out there and answer that call. Take a road trip this week or even explore a new neighborhood nearby.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, be sure to get off to an early start regarding plans this week. Let others involved know that you’ll probably be picking them up bright and early.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, if you are not up for a night out on the town or much socializing the next few days, it’s perfectly fine to stay close to home. Everyone needs a break from time to time.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, when you are in a good mood, it’s hard for people around you to keep up with your level of energy. Don’t be surprised if some people in your posse tire out before you.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, you’ve never been good about asking for help. This week you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly a family member jumps in to give you the boost you need.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Typically you are very easy to get along with, Libra. But this week others may describe you as uncompromising and uncooperative. Think about what is prompting this change of tune.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, you aren’t about to settle without getting what you want. When road blocks come up this week, you may be frustrated when things don’t go your way. Stay the course.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Try to fill your days with the arts and music this week, Sagittarius. They are what you need right now to put you in a positive mood and turn things around.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Things have been busy in your life, Capricorn. That mile-long list doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter. You might need to call in some help to get through all of the tasks.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, someone has been keeping tabs on what you have been doing from afar. You don’t know whether to be flattered or concerned about this attention. You’ll learn soon enough.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, it is time for loved ones to get together and have a serious conversation about something that involves the whole family. You just don’t know if you’re ready to deal with it.
ALOC to host birthday block party
(Sept. 6, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City is hosting an expanded First Friday opening reception, which includes the organization’s second Neighborhood Block Party and a celebration of its 61st birthday tonight.
The event is set from 5-7 p.m., tonight, Sept. 6, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th St. bayside and admission is free.
“This is a golden opportunity to come out and meet your neighbors at our second end-of-summer First Friday block party and birthday party,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said in a news release.
“You’ll enjoy a taste of the neighborhood eateries plus art projects you can put your hands on and family fun for all ages. We invite everyone to join us. And it’s free!”
The block party will include an art league 61st birthday cake, live music by eScape hAtch, and a pottery demonstration by Robert Johnson. The party will also have a bake sale, photo spots with the OC Film Festival robots, raffles, and games for children.
Three plein air painters will demonstrate their work – Jacki Bruce-Yamin, Kathy Huegel, and Gerilyn Gaskill – and Barbara Buford will demonstrate painting in Studio A. Art projects include felted soap
making with Alicia Rappold, a community weaving project with Beth Deeley, and decoupage oyster shells with Lisa Guerriero.
In the bayfront courtyard and parking lot of the arts center — or indoors in case of rain— complimentary refreshments and tastings from area restaurants will be available. Area businesses contributing to the event including Blue Fish, Lombardi’s Pizza, Kirby’s Pub, Coffee Beanery, and Clare’s Nutty Concoctions. Art League Corporate Partner Montgomery Financial is sponsoring complimentary beverages. Kona Ice will be selling snowballs.
Inside the arts center, the Sisson Galleria is continuing the exhibition and sale this year’s plein air paintings, the original landscapes created during August’s Artists Paint OC Festival during which 50 artists painted scenes around the area, including the award-winning pieces.
The Thaler Gallery will host the “Seeing Sound” all-media group show visualizing music through art. Eric Shuster, a classically-trained percussionist and lecturer of music at Salisbury University; and Tara Gladden, an interdisciplinary artist and cultural affairs and engagement specialist for SU, will judge the show and award cash prizes to the winners.
Susan Macintire, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is showing her paintings in Studio E. A painter and pastelist, she uses fun and bold colors to make her style unique. Flowers are her specialty, and the former nurse paints from still life, plein air, memory and photos.
Deborah Maklowski, of Ellicott City, is the Spotlight Gallery artist. Her mixed media “Beadscapes” are a fusion of two-dimensional, wallmounted art with the kinetic vitality of three-dimensional work, bearing a deep connection to the familiar forms of the landscape.
Alicia Rappold, of Ocean Pines, shows her felting creations in the Artisan Showcase. Felting is an ancient textile art form of rolling and pressing wool, and Rappold transforms it into modern art and collectible whimsical creations.
The Staircase Gallery will continue showing “Different Imagination” by Elizabeth Grey.
Art shows at the Art League’s satellite galleries also continue through September. Joel Trotta is exhibiting his work at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street and Coastal Highway. Siobhan Duggan is showing her artwork in the Princess Royale lobby at 9110 Coastal Hwy.
Calendar
Fri., Sept. 6
WINE FEST
Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Featuring artisans and crafters, Delmarva food specialities and flip flop favorites performing on the oceanfront stage. Tickets include a wine glass and wine samples with photo ID. www.winefest.com, 410-280-3306
TOWN CATS ADOPTION EVENT
PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., Berlin. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Town Cats adoption event.
MAHJONG CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring our own tile set. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FIRST FRIDAY BLOCK PARTY
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Featuring new exhibits, food and refreshments, live music, children’s games, raffles, community weaving, artist demos and make and take crafts. Free event. www.artleagueofoceancity.org
KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994
Sat., Sept. 7
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.
WINE FEST
Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Featuring artisans and crafters, Delmarva food specialities and flip flop favorites performing on the oceanfront stage. Tickets include a wine glass and wine samples with photo ID. www.winefest.com, 410-280-3306
BERLIN SMALL TOWN BLOCK PARTY
Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., Berlin, 12-6 p.m. Free, familyfriendly event. Local live music, bounce houses and slides, local craft beverages, curated mouth-melting hot sauces and Hot Wing Trivia. https://www.facebook.com/events/1031595321735272
OSG MID-ATLANTIC REGIONALSTRONGEST MAN/WOMAN COMPETITION Roland E. Powell Convention Center,
4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Impressive events such as: the Log and Axle Press, Circus Dumbbell, Axle Deadlift, Sandbag Toss, Timber Frame Carry and the famous Husafell Carry. www.strongman.games/2024-osg-midatlantic-regional, 919-389-2270
SHOWELL VFD YARD SALE & CHICKEN
BBQ
Showell Volunteer Fire Department, 11620 Worcester Highway, Showell, 8 a.m.-noon. Cost is $12 for chicken, chips, soda and a roll. Cost for yard sale table is $10. Set up starting at 6:30 a.m. Reserve tables: showellvfdauxiliary@gmail.com.
ANNUAL DOGGIE SWIM
Mumford’s Landing Pool, 7351 Yacht Club Drive, Ocean Pines. Small dogs (under 20 lbs.) from 10-10:30 a.m. All dogs from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $8 per dog. Handlers must be at lease 18 years of age. Benefits Wor. Co. Humane Society. Rain date Sept. 14. 410-6415255
SATURDAY WRITERS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m.-11:59 p.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
CRAFTY SATURDAY: FALL FEELS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Can you see the changes fall has brought? Create some fall crafts and celebrate the new season. For ages 0-11 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
TOWN CATS ADOPTION EVENT
PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., Berlin. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Town Cats adoption event.
BARBEQUE SPARERIBS / FRIED CHICKEN / BAKED CHICKEN PLATTERS TO GO
Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin, 10:30 a.m. BBQ ribs, two sides and roll for $15. Fried chicken, two sides and roll for $12. Baked chicken, two sides and roll, $12. Also corn bread, drinks, bread pudding, pies, cakes, etc.
BEARHOLE FARMS FALL ART FESTIVAL
Bearhole Farms, 37756 Bear Hole Road, Selbyville, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring plein air artists, artist booths, music entertainment, food and more. Rain or shine. Free admission and parking. bearholefarms@gmail.com, www.bearholefarms.com, 302-542-1885
CHICKEN SALAD AND SHRIMP SALAD CARRYOUT
Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 10709 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, 12-
2 p.m. Homemade chicken salad cost is $8 per pint. Homemade shrimp salad cost is $15 per pint. Preorder by Sept. 1: 619-922-9950.
PORT CITY QUARTET CONCERT
Back Creek Fellowship Church, 11707 Back Creek Road, Bishopville, 7 p.m. Port City Quartet will present a gospel music concert. Pastor Paul Sherwood, 443-523-5116
’80S PARTY WITH DELOREANS
Fenwick Inn, 1200 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, 7-10:30 p.m. Featuring the Deloreans. Tickets available on eventbrite or by calling or at the door. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-deloreans-80s-tribute-band-at-fenwickinn-tickets-921714923147
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Impressive events such as: the Log and Axle Press, Circus Dumbbell, Axle Deadlift, Sandbag Toss, Timber Frame Carry and the famous Husafell Carry. www.strongman.games/2024-osg-midatlantic-regional, 919-389-2270
FREE CONCERT ON THE LAWN
Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 6 p.m. Featuring 80’s Party with Full Circle. Also Totally Awesome Outfit Contest. www.taylorhousemuseum.org
FLOUNDER POUNDER
Bahia Marina at Fish Tales, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Participants may fish from their own boat or rent a skiff, skimmer or pontoon from the marina. This tournament is great for the kids. Free to watch, fees to enter tournament. www.ocfishtales.com, 410-430-1157
BERLIN FARMERS MARKET
Sundays through October - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Featuring more than 50 farmers, bakers, growers, brewers, food cultivators, distillers, creators and artists. Also free kids art projects, petting zoo, face painting and live music. https://berlinmainstreet.com/farmersmarket/
BERLIN FLEA MARKET
Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656
SEWING FOR A CAUSE
Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
Mon., Sept. 9
STORY TIME: BACK TO SCHOOL
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
WRITING FOR WELLNESS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
TRUE CRIME BOOK CLUB: ‘A MURDER IN HOLLYWOOD’ BY CASEY SHERMAN
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Join in for an afternoon of true crime. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MONDAY MOVIE MATINEE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Come see a movie you might not have had a chance to see in the theaters. Light refreshments provided. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
GENEALOGY RESEARCH
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3-6 p.m. Need help finding your roots? Come by the library and the local history librarian can help you navigate the print and online sources. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
WARHAMMER
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Use the library’s armies or bring your own. Tutorials and demos will be available, so novice and veteran players alike are welcome. For ages 12-18 years. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community
CALENDAR
Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
Tues., Sept. 10
STORY TIME WITH A HERO
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time featuring a community hero. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME @ THE DELMARVA DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Stories, crafts and a visit with the animals. A different animal will be featured every month. For ages 0-5 years. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC KNITTING GROUP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
Atlantic General Neurology at the Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. Providing discussions and support, along with education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. Kay Kinnikin, 410641-4765, kkinnikin@atlanticgeneral.org
ONE MARYLAND ONE BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘WHAT STORM, WHAT THUNDER’
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4:30 p.m. Join in for this community read. Copies of the book are available at the library circulation desk. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BOOK CLUB: ‘IN THE HEART OF THE SEA’ BY NATHANIEL PHILBRICK
Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 5:30 p.m. An evening of books and wine. Stop by the library to pick up a book anytime, then meet for a discussion at Tides & Vine. Must be at least 21 years of age. 410-632-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SAFE BOATING COURSE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-9 p.m. Held Sept. 10-12, 6-9 p.m. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.
SONG CELEBRATION
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. Bring a song you love to the library and share it
with other players and writers in a welcoming and encouraging space. Originals encouraged. Listeners welcome. 410-641-0650, 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. 410289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP
Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
Wed., Sept. 11
OC BIKEFEST
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Featuring Vendor Village and food and beverages from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Ocean City Inlet will feature concerts, Wall of Death, official merch, food and beverage from 3-11 p.m. https://ocbikefest.com
2024 9/11 PARADE OF BROTHERS
BOARDWALK RIDE
Firefighters Memorial, 10 S. Boardwalk, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Red Knights Motorcycle Club 9/11 Parade of Brothers motorcycle ride down the Boardwalk to honor 9/11 victims. Cost is $20 per motorcycle. 610-470-6071, mikefiazzo@gmail.com
BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP
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. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
TRIVIA
Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. The group will be playing Maryland History Trivia with Erin. 410-632-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MERRY MAKERS: VEGETABLE PRINTING KITCHEN TOWELS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. In this adult craft class, the group will use cut vegetables and paint to print kitchen towels. All supplies provided. Registration required: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org
NATURE WALK & ART JOURNALS
Cypress Park, 7 Bridge St., Pocomoke City, 2:30 p.m. Meet at the pavilion, take a walk on the nature trail and stop and sketch what you observe. Materials provided. Weather permitting. Registration necessary: 410-957-0878. For all ages.
UNIVERSAL YUMS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Are all snacks created equal? Taste test some snacks from around the world and find out. All food provided. For ages 1218 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
TABLE TOP ROLE PLAYING GAME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Come play a selected role-playing game for adults and teens. Registration required: 410-632-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org
FLAMENCO FUEGO: AN ELECTRIFYING EVENING WITH GLADIUS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 5:30 p.m. This all ages program has been described as an original performance where’Carlos Santana meets Eddie Van Halen.” 443-783-6164, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SQUARE DANCE LESSONS
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 7-8:30 p.m. Starting Sept. 11, the first four lessons are free. After that continue with a 12-week course for $4 per person, per session. Couples and singles welcome. Barbara, 908-229-8799; Dee, 302-222-4448
KIWANIS CLUB MEETING
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.
Thurs., Sept. 12
OC BIKEFEST
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Featuring Vendor Village and food and beverages from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Ocean City Inlet will feature concerts, Wall of Death, official merch, food and beverage from 3-11 p.m. https://ocbikefest.com, 410-289-6733
2024 ROBERT E. WARFIELD MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT RESERVATION DEADLINE
Held Sept. 19, rain or shine at the Ocean City Golf Club. Team reservations by Sept. 12: www.agh.care/golf. Benefiting Atlantic General Hospital. Raffle tickets available online. 410-641-9858
KONBIT @ THE POCOMOKE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Pocomoke Community Garden, 327 Clarke Ave., Pocomoke City, 9 a.m.noon. Drop by and help with fall prep at the garden while learning about one of the oldest Haitian traditions still practiced today. Weather permitting. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: THE NAPPING HOUSE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Shhhhh!!! People and animals are sleeping! Will they wake up? Find out at story time! We will have a fun craft, songs and a story. For ages 2-5 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. A variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
GROWING UP WILD: WHO LIVES IN A TREE?
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Learn all about the kinds of animals that live in trees through a variety of activities. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET
Thursdays - Nick’s Kitchen + Bar, 14410 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 4-6 p.m. 215385-4993, BeachSingles.org
Crossword answers from page 74
State appointment
Katherine Rodgers, the director of community health initiatives at Tidal-
Health and a former Worcester County Health Department employee, was recently appointed by Gov. Wes Moore (D) to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board of Trustees.
Rodgers, as a result of her population health experience, will join the board as an “expert member” to represent the unique interests and socioeconomic challenges of many residents of the Eastern Shore. She
managed the first MHBE Lower Shore Connector Program while previously employed with the Worcester County Health Department. The connector programs provide free in-person assistance with health coverage, education, eligibility, and enrollment for Marylanders.
The MHBE is responsible for the administration of Maryland Health Connection, the state’s health insurance marketplace.
Rodgers’ appointment is for two years and will fill the remaining time of a four-year term previously held by Dr. Rondall Adams of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
The MHBE has a nine-member board of trustees that includes the secretary of the Maryland Department of Health, the commissioner of the Maryland Insurance Administration, and the executive director of the Maryland Health Care Commission. Three board members represent employer and individual consumer interests and the remaining three, including Rodgers, are appointed by the governor.
The group is tasked with ensuring high-quality, affordable health coverage for all Maryland residents and has a goal of keeping healthcare coverage costs at a reasonable level.
New staff in place
The Lower Shore Land Trust re-
cently hired two new program specialists.
Maddie Mowl will be serving as a program specialist through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program, and Brooke Orr will serve as a program specialist through Salisbury University’s ShoreCorps Americorps Program.
Both Mowl and Orr are recent graduates of Salisbury University’s environmental studies program.
During her senior year at Salisbury University, Mowl served as a communications and outreach intern at the land trust, making a mark with her enthusiasm and creativity. She gradu-
Continued on Page 82
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Katherine Rodgers
Maddie Mowl
Brooke Orr
Continued from Page 81
ated this past spring with a bachelor’s in environmental studies and a minor in outdoor education leadership.
With a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a minor in urban and regional planning from Salisbury University, Orr is looking for ways to blend her interests in conservation, planning, and interpretation. Her time at Salisbury University was marked by extensive research, leadership, and collaboration.
Chamber loses director
The Worcester County Chamber of
SIDE
DAAYY/TIME
Daily 11am-3pm
Commerce in Ocean Pines is looking for a new leader following the resignation of executive director Kerrie Bunting.
On Friday, Board Chair Derrick Elzey announced in a letter to chamber members that Bunting is leaving “to pursue an opportunity that aligns perfectly with the next chapter of her life.”
“This decision was not made lightly, as her commitment to our chamber and the business community has always been a top priority,” the letter said.
Bunting joined the chamber in September 2018, marking almost six
CONDO with BO
Y Yooumustseethew from this adorable 1 Beach & Boardwalk fully (& tastefully) re smaller 10-unit com Flooring is easy ma Kitchen has quartz counte close by dry-bar area. Full energy-efffficient mini-splits furnished. Has been an Ai seller & used personally. O GRI ('23 GRI $18K, anticip parkingspot&additional
CITY parking spot & additional 1st-serve. Right next to f you'll enjoy bike rides on hotspots like the Reel Inn completed reserve study
water view down Butterfish Cove st floor 2 BR/2BA condo! just 2 blocks away. Unit was novated in '21. Blue Lagoon is plex with waterfront deck. aintenance L LVVPthroughout. rs, shiplap accents on walls & -size washer/dryer in closet & in every room! Sold fully rbnb rental, self-managed by pportunity to improve rental ated '24 GRI $20K). 1 assigned guest spot available 1st-come, amous White Marlin Open, boards & walks to local favorite ! Association recently & stairwells were just replaced.
years exactly in the position.
Elzey added in his letter that the chamber has “seen significant strides in economic development, community engagement, and partner support” under Bunting’s support.
The letter said board members will keep the public up-to-date on efforts to find a new leader, and that interested candidates can send resumes to Elzey at derrick@myberlinagent.com once the job description is posted.
First ED director
The City of Pocomoke recently hired Karah Lacey as the jurisdiction’s first director of economic development after an extensive interviewing process.
The City Council approved her hire,
and she is expected to assume her role Sept. 9.
The position was created in early 2024 to enhance the prosperity and quality of life in Pocomoke City, and Lacey, the former events and downtown coordinator, is the first person to fill it.
Lacey is a Pocomoke native and alumnus of Pocomoke schools.
Those who hired Lacey say she is a unique blend of local knowledge, professional expertise, and passion for Pocomoke City . The qualities position her to effectively champion the city’s economic development efforts. She is committed to advancing initiatives that will bring new opportunities, support existing businesses, and enhance the overall vibrancy of Pocomoke City.
Stay informed with our digital newsletter
Interested in getting more information more quickly than our weekly OC Today-Dispatch delivers? Our five-days-a-week digital newsletter might be just what you need.
We have developed an in-your-morning-email product (with updates for breaking news) and invite you to give it a try.
If you sign up now, you’ll get a free three-month trial subscription, to what will become available by paid subscription only for a nominal charge. How nominal? $1 a month or $10 a year to cover our production costs.
Sign up and get three months free by emailing subscriptions@oceancitytoday.net or visit the OC Today-Dispatch online.
Sept. 5 - Sept. 12
Fri-Sun 10am-4pmMem
Fri-Mon 11am-4pm H
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 11am-
Saturrdday 2-4pm
Saturrdday 11am-1pm Jef Friday 11am-1pm13110 Hwy
14 82nd Strreeet, Ocean City 4BR/3BA T Toownhomes frroom $800,000’sDan Clayland/Coldwell B ory Lane, Harbour Court, West OC3BR/4BR/5BR/6BRSingle Family frroom $799,900 Joe Wilson/Coastal L on Harbour erro r, , 120th St., Bayside 1BR/2BR/3BR/4BR+ Condos, T Toowns & SF - Nanette Pavier/Holiday 4pm 12346 Old Bridge Rd, West OC3BR/2BA Single Familystarting at $239,750Shelly Wilson/Salt Life 4pm 12346 Old Bridge Rd, West OC2BR/1BA Single Familystarting at $179,900Shelly Wilson/Salt Life 353 Schooner Lane, Berlin 3BR/2.5 BA Single Family$314,900 Debbie Hileman/Hileman 36 Juneway Lane, Ocean Pines 5/6BR/4BA Single Family $639,900 Debbie Hileman/Hileman 13416 Jefffferson Ave., Ocean City5BR/4BA Single Family$999,000Kim Heany/BHHS Pen . #903 Braemar T Coastal Hwyy. Toowers, OC 2 BR/2BA Condo $550,000Nancy Reither/Coldwell B
Saturrdday 10am-1pm 11604 Hwy
Saturrdday 11am-1pm Saturrdday 1-3pm
Saturrdday 2-4pm
Sunday 10am-Noon
4 Coastal Hwy., Unit 1406, Ocean City 2BR/2 BA Condo $789,900 Nancy Reither/Coldwell B 8814 Hunting Hound Rd, Berlin3BR/3BA
Family$649,995Nancy Reither/Coldwell B alnut Hill Dr 377 W Wa r.., Berlin 3BR/3.5BASingle
Reither/Coldwell B 733 Bradley Road, Ocean City 5BR/6BA/2 Half
Reither/Coldwell B alnut Hill Dr 377 W Wa
Sunday 11am-1pm 11604 Hwy
Sunday 1-3pm
T Tuuesday 10am-1pm
W Weednesday 11am-1pm 304 Her
W Weednesday 2-4pm
Saturrdday Noon-2pm 108 Park Side Cirrccle, Berlin
Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty
Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty
National program’s goal to educate Realtors on safety
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) September is Realtor safety month.
The National Association of Realtors has a Realtor Safety Program with a goal is to educate members about the potential dangers faced on the job. This is to raise awareness in different situations, but also prepare to keep agents safe and reduce the risks of meeting new people on a regular basis. This is done by creating and implementing a Safety Strategy that should be followed every day, with every client, every time.
Some statistics from NAR on agent safety are:
• 56,000 Realtors were victims of a crime while performing their duties
• 322,000 Realtors felt fear for their safety while on the job
• 406,000 Realtors don’t have safety protocols in place to protect themselves
Some examples of what NAR sug-
gests for Safety Strategy procedures include:
• Always meet new clients at the office or in a neutral location, such as a coffee shop
• Show properties before dark. If you are going to be working after hours, advise an associate of your schedule
• Turn on lights and open shades prior to taking client inside
• Share your schedule with a colleague, assistant, or family member
• Communicate safety concerns on your listing (poor cell phone signal, etc.)
• Do not overshare about your personal life
• Do not host open houses alone
• Check your cell phone battery and signal before heading to an appointment
• Direct clients to walk in front of you when touring a property, do not lead them.
• Never go into attics, crawl spaces, or garages where you could be trapped
Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.
Route 90 widening process paused for now
Bridge project tabled as transportation department faces projected shortfall
By Bryan P. Sears Contributing Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) Worcester County officials are scrambling for options — and money — after learning that state transportation officials are pausing a top transportation priority — the widening of Route 90 and the replacement of its two bridges.
Worcester is just one of the counties given tough news in the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s release of an updated draft of the Consolidated Transportation Plan, the state’s sixyear transportation plan.
“The way it was explained is they’re telling everybody to stop immediately wherever they are in the design process, the planning process, like hard stop,” said Worcester County Administrative Officer Weston S. Young. “It sounds like they’re heading towards a fiscal cliff with what their projections are now.”
Worcester County leaders were told the Route 90 project will be “paused” when the state releases its draft plan for fiscal years 2025-2030.
“Route 90 was the one that was mentioned. We don’t know of the
other projects that they were proposing to do in Worcester, which ones are getting stalled as well,” said Young.
“We were told when the draft CTP comes out … it will have this project along with a whole bunch of projects throughout the state — I don’t know if the word is paused or deferred — because they can’t afford it based on their projections,” he said.
Young and Worcester County are not alone in the disappointing news. County leaders from around the state met with Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld and his staff during the four-day Maryland Association of Counties summer conference in Ocean City.
The news on the transportation front was not good.
“It was not as bad as we thought,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “You could say it another way: It was better than we thought, but it’s not good. I mean, basically, unless you’ve got a shovel in the ground, you’re not going to see money to put shovels in the ground.”
Elrich said it is not clear what projects will take a hit in Montgomery County.
“We didn’t get a list of specific projects,” he said. “Their basic message was, if there’s a shovel in the ground
that we made an investment in, that funding is what we’re going to be able to continue. They may not be able to continue planning for a project.
“If you delay planning, you just further delay even the time you can put a shovel in the ground. It was pretty clear that even shovel-ready projects aren’t going in the ground with the amount of money they have,” Elrich said.
Maryland continues to struggle to find funding for road and transit projects. Gas taxes and other revenues that make up the Transportation Trust Fund lag behind a seemingly endless supply of projects.
In December, Gov. Wes Moore and Wiedefeld delivered dire news at the winter MACO convention in Cambridge: A $3.3 billion projected structural gap over six years between requests for transportation projects and available money meant tough cuts were coming and soon. Gobsmacked county leaders left Cambridge worried about priority road projects and funding for local transportation networks.
Requests for transportation projects — roads, bridges, sidewalks, and transit — always outpace federal, state, and local funding sources. That $3.3 billion estimate in December, while eye-popping, was always based
on an unrealistic expectation that every jurisdiction would get every project over the six-year period. Multiple sources with knowledge of current fiscal projections say the shortfall this year is much closer to $1.3 billion. Moore and the legislature added $150 million from the state’s rainy day fund to ease pressures on the transportation trust fund. The General Assembly also passed several targeted fee increases this spring meant to bolster the flagging fund, but the one-time infusion and targeted revenues were not expected to fully solve the issue.
“The Maryland Department of Transportation continues to face significant budgetary challenges due to slow economic growth, which places downward pressure on transportation revenues, alongside increased costs for materials and labor,” Wiedefeld has said. “Last year, the Maryland Department of Transportation was able to balance the budget thanks to Gov. Moore’s one-time $150 million in funding and additional revenue sources passed by the General Assembly.”
A blue-ribbon panel is expected to meet this year to develop recommendations before the start of the 2025 legislative session.
Elrich that with the state worried
Worcester officials question future funding
“about the ability even to fund preliminary planning for projects, not knowing what the basis of funding is going to be,” the situation is “kind of what we expected.”
“You know, there’s no reason to believe that they suddenly saw a massive infusion of money into the state that would enable them to build the trust fund back up. So, you know, there are going to be efforts to put money into the trust fund, but it’s not going to be the trust fund that they thought they had,” Elrich said.
Wiedefeld said “stagnant economic growth combined with revenue forecasts for several important funding sources for the Department being revised downward leaves the Maryland Department of Transportation with limited state dollars to leverage federal funding for highway, transit, and aviation projects.”
“Despite these challenges, the Maryland Department of Transportation continues to prioritize safety, maintaining the current system for Maryland families and businesses and reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” Wiedefeld said.
On Tuesday, county leaders got their first look at a draft of the state’s Consolidated Transportation Plan. The document, updated annually, shows spending for projects in the
pipeline and what will be funded over the next six years.
Wiedefeld and his staff then head out into the counties for feedback on what is most important to each jurisdiction.
In Worcester County, the Route 90 project remains their top priority.
“It’s one of multiple requests we’ve given the state,” Young said. “If we had to prioritize it, it’s our No. 1. Gov. Hogan helped get it started, but we’ve always known we were going to have to fight to keep it in. So, this news is disappointing.”
The highway and its bridges are nearly 50 years old. Worcester County officials want to “dualize” the highway and its bridges. An additional east and west traffic lane will likely mean replacing the existing spans over the St. Martin River and Assawoman Bay.
“I call it a Hail Mary project,” said Young. “It’s going to be really expensive for us. When you compare it to mass transit, it’s probably going to be a fraction of that, but it’s a big request for the county to have. But if you’ve heard any of our statistics, 8 million unique visitors every year. That road is used frequently, and when there’s an accident or like the sinkhole we had, or we need to get on or off the island for any reason, that is a choke
point.”
Young and other county leaders said state officials did offer a ray of hope — projects that require a match to leverage federal aid might move forward. But to do so, already cashstrapped counties will have to come up with the match.
“For these types of projects, we don’t usually pay towards them,” Young said.
“So, we’re in an information gathering phase at this point, I would need to bring it to my commissioners,” Young said. We haven’t budgeted for this. We’re two months into our fiscal year ’25 budget. We would need to figure out how we would identify funding sources.”
It’s unclear how much of a match the counties would be required to contribute. Young thinks it could be
as high as 25%.
“This is a new process for us,” he said. “We just want to know, is it 20%? Is it 25%? What’s the state’s estimated costs are in our match, and then would the commissioners be willing to prioritize that over something else?”
Young said there is also the concern that in picking up the match, it sets a precedent of shifting project costs to the counties that were previously paid for by the state.
“I’m a professional civil engineer. The bridge section is just, it’s going to be expensive. It’s not just expanding a road,” he said, adding that not finding the local funding may also be a poor option.
“There’s also the project doesn’t happen for a decade now because they stopped it,” he said.
(Republished from Maryland Matters)
Campground subdivision amendment tabled
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 6, 2024) Citing an abundance of information shared this week, the Worcester County Commissioners agreed to table a bill that would amend accessory building and off-street parking regulations within Worcester’s two campground subdivisions.
Following an hour-long public hearing, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-2 on Tuesday to table their decision on a proposed zoning code amendment that would allow a second, unenclosed accessory building on campground lots, the elimination of a six-foot separation distance between accessory buildings and other buildings, and a reduction of parking spaces from two to one within campground subdivisions.
While Commissioner Eric Fiori agreed last month to sponsor the text amendment, he told colleagues this week more time was needed to consider the testimony brought before them by several homeowners in White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe.
“I sponsored this mainly to make some changes to it …,” he said at the conclusion of Tuesday’s hearing. “It definitely needs to be tightened up in some areas. But also, a lot of what we learned here today is there's a lot of things to discuss and I don't think we have enough information right now, me personally, to make this decision. I think we owe it to the residents of both these communities to examine some of these do's and don'ts, things that have come up in this particular hearing, and let us re-address this at a later date.”
While the zoning code for Worcester County’s campground subdivisions – White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe – allows one detached accessory building per campsite and requires two parking spaces, White Horse Park homeowner Tracey Barnhart submitted a text amendment application earlier this year to change those regulations. The amendment proposes allowing an additional unenclosed, detached accessory building on each lot, eliminating the six-foot separation distance between accessory buildings and other buildings on the same or adjoining sites, and reducing the number of onsite parking spaces from two to one.
According to county staff, the text amendment stemmed from a recent
request to permit buildings such as canopies and gazebos within campground subdivisions. However, the department of development review and permitting could not process the permit application, as such a structure would be considered a second accessory building. It was then that the department was notified of several similar, unpermitted buildings within both the White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe communities.
“Inspections were conducted of both campground subdivisions and notices were sent to the owners,” a memo to the commissioners reads. “Various aspects of the proposed bill language were included by the applicant to capture as many existing circumstances as possible.”
On July 3, the Worcester County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed text amendment and voted to forward an unfavorable recommendation to the commissioners.
During Tuesday’s public hearing, Barnhart said she and other residents were simply seeking an amendment to permit canopies and gazebos within campground subdivisions.
“They are not wooden structures, they would not be permanent,” she explained. “We're not asking for that. They are temporary.”
Commissioner Jim Bunting said
he would not support a bill that was not supported by the county’s planning commission. He argued the elimination of a six-foot separation and the reduction in required offstreet parking could impede fire access.
Fire Marshal Matt Owens echoed those concerns, adding that such accessory structures could allow fires to spread to neighboring properties.
“It’s devastating enough if we lose one property in these campgrounds, and maybe even lose a life,” he said. “But if we allow these structures to be so close that one fire spreads to another and then to another unit and that causes a catastrophic event where we’re losing multiple lives and multiple properties, and the stress that puts on not only the campground community but then the fire service has to respond to that and deal with that, it’s incredible.”
However, several property owners in White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe came before the commissioners this week to seek some sort of approval. Many said they were willing to remove the parking reduction or implement other changes to allow their canopies and gazebos to remain.
Assateague Pointe homeowners Stacy Bitner and William O’Brien
White Horse Park, Pointe owners address proposals
added that properties within their campground subdivision were different from those at White Horse Park, as they featured courtyards that provided enough separation for gazebos and canopies. Another resident, former fire marshal Dennis Gentzel, added that a six-foot separation was not listed in the codes and standards from the National Fire Protection Association.
“Now it's OK to have local amendments that do those things, but as a former fire officer and a former fire marshal I don't really see the need for the six foot …,” he said.
For his part, White Horse Park homeowner Phil Wood said the additional structures being proposed were unenclosed and would not impede fire access. He added that there were several accessory buildings in his community that were permitted without the 6-foot separation.
“That is what’s in the law now,” Development Review and Permitting Director Jennifer Keener said of the six-foot separation. “Back in the 90’s there was an appeal to the board of zoning appeals that overturned that separation that had been in the 1992 code, and a 3-foot separation was applied for fire. So a lot of what is out there is subject to that code.”
White Horse Park homeowner Liz Snowden said there were other residents within her community who had
received permits to construct permanent, wooden gazebos on their properties. Keener said she wasn’t aware of her department issuing any permits for those structures.
“It's my understanding that there were lot coverage permits issued by another department for lots that are in the critical area, but that is not the same as us issuing a permit for a building,” she replied. “That is what triggered the amendment. There were several that had them that wanted to keep them and we had to turn them away. We said we could not permit it because it's a second accessory structure that was over the limitation.”
White Horse Park property owner Charlie Macola said he was one of those residents who had secured a critical area permit, unaware that he had to seek an additional zoning permit from development review and permitting to construct his gazebo. While Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell said an additional zoning permit was not needed, Keener said it was.
“Obviously there are issues that need to be resolved,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said.
At the conclusion of Tuesday’s hearing, the commissioners voted 42, with Bunting and Bertino opposed and Commissioner Caryn Abbott absent, to table a decision on the proposed text amendment.
Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean CIty President Bob Wolfing is pictured awarding a Kiwanian Of The Month certificate Diane Sparzak for her dedication to the club's scholarship awards.
Cedar Chapel Special School
Buckingham Elementary School
Stephen Decatur High School
Snow Hill Elementary School
Berlin Intermediate School
BACK TO SCHOOL
FIRST DAY PHOTOS
About 6,800 students returned to the 14 public schools in Worcester County on Tuesday. Pictured are scenes from a majority of the schools. Throughout the opening day, Superintendent Lou Taylor, administration members and Worcester County Board of Education members visited the schools to meet students, teachers and administrators.
PHOTOS COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Showell Elementary School
Stephen Decatur Middle School
Pocomoke Elementary School
Ocean City Elementary School
CHURCH’S WORK RECOGNIZED
During the Volunteer Spirit of Worcester Awards ceremony in Snow Hill on Aug. 20, the commissioners named the Whatcoat Church Opportunity Shop volunteer group the Faith-Baised Award recipient. The group has been likened to a village that works together to help make the Opportunity Shop a blessing to the people of Snow Hill and all of Worcester County. Pictured are group members with their award and the commissioners at the meeting.
PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT
MSO announces
27th season will kick off Sept. 26
(Sept. 6, 2024) The concerts for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s 27th season, “Adventures in Classical Music,” are officially set and begin later this month at venues across the region.
This season will include six Masterworks Series programs, consisting of 17 full orchestra performances, conducted by Grammy-winning Music Director Michael Repper, who is beginning his third season with the orchestra.
There will also be four Ensembles Series Concert programs, consisting of eight performances, played by quintets and quartets from the orchestra’s woodwind, brass and string sections.
The season’s first concert cycle, “Violin Virtuoso,” is set for 7:30 p.m., Sept. 26, at the Church of God in Easton; 3 p.m., Sept. 28, at the Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes; and 3 p.m., Sept. 29 ,at the Community Church in Ocean Pines.
The September concert begins with Johannes Brahms’ “Tragic Overture” and ends with Felix Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto,” performed by Grace Park, winner of the Naumberg International Violin Competition. The concert will also feature the rarely heard “Symphony in A Minor” by Alice Mary Smith.
The 2024-25 season will continue on Oct. 20 and 26 with MSO Woodwind Quintet performances; Nov. 8, 9, and 10 with the full orchestra performing “Fireworks of Fate” featuring Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 1” and “Symphony No. 5,” and Louise Farrenc’s “Overture No. 1” and “Overture No. 2.”
The symphony’s “Holiday Joy” concerts are set for Dec. 5, 7, and 8, with the orchestra, featuring tenor Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, who is an award winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Young Artists Program, performing holiday favorites.
December concerts also include the perennial Holiday Brass Quintet ensemble on Dec. 21 and 22, and the Toast to the New Year, New Year’s Eve concert with renowned soprano Kresley Figueroa, who is currently a member of the Kennedy Center’s Cafritz Young Artist Program.
The Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition at the Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills, set for March 23, will feature three young instrumental soloists performing, backed by the entire Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. This past spring’s event attracted 155 instrumental solo musicians competing from 12 countries and 24 states.
The spring concerts will continue with “Mozart’s Jupiter”, featuring Mozart’s “Symphony No. 1,” “Sym-
Local Optimists raise $17K for scholarship fund
Successful
golf tournament attracted 56 participants
(Sept. 6, 2024) The Ocean CityBerlin Optimist Club recent held its annual golf tournament at Ocean City Golf Club, Newport Bay course. The tournament raised funds for the club’s youth foundation, which provides scholarships to Stephen Decatur High School students.
Thanks to the 56 golfers who participated, and to sponsors throughout the community, nearly $17,000 was raised. Charles Smith has been running the tournament for 14 years and, in that time, the club has placed over $200,000 in the foundation.
PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY-BERLIN OPTIMIST CLUB
Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club members Melva Middleton and Charlie Dorman are pictured at the club’s recent annual golf tournament, where they worked checking in golfers and selling tickets.
Opinions
Ask candidates what they’ll do
As the ballot for Town of Ocean City’s municipal election begins to take shape, voters should begin to ask themselves not just what they want in a candidate, but what they want from local government overall — aside from the usual rant about lower, or at least flat, property taxes.
Since insisting on an ever-receding tax bill is like demanding an end to the changing of the tides, residents need to look at other ways local government might make their lives better and then determine which of the candidates for office this year will attempt to make those things happen.
As it is, the advantages and disadvantages of living in Ocean City are tourism-related. On one hand, residents benefit from excellent public safety programs, public transportation, good streets, trash collection and, of course, more recreational and entertainment venues than would be found in any other town of a similar size.
The downside, however, is a great deal of noise, congestion, the high cost of housing and the disintegration of formerly peaceful and somewhat insulated neighborhoods by the rise of shortterm rentals.
Interestingly, one of the primary goals of Ocean City government’s strategic plan has always been achieving a “more livable community for residents,” and it is that particular objective on which every candidate city office should be questioned.
What are their plans to make life better for residents AND encourage the business growth necessary to support the benefits residents enjoy?
It’s a given that tourism in Ocean City could survive without residents, and although residents could continue to live here without tourism, they probably wouldn’t want to without the level of services that tourism money provides.
So, how does Ocean City government plan to accommodate the desires of these two competing interests? That’s a good question for all candidates leading up to the November election.
And anyone who can come up with an elegant solution to this conundrum is certainly worthy of everyone’s vote.
You can’t offend a dog
Rule No. 1: When all else fails, write about your dog.
That’s how I proceed when the vessel of my creativity runs hard aground, and it’s because I can say whatever I want without getting the canine cold shoulder.
NEWS
EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN
OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397
content copyright 2024
By Stewart Dobson
Simply put, a dog cannot be offended, which leaves it open to all sorts of fun-poking. You can call a dog whatever you want — he, she, they, it, knot head, crumb hound and even the illegitimate result of a brief but disturbing encounter at the dog park — and it will still look upon you as the great benefactor from whom all good things flow.
Unlike cats, dogs just don’t know resentment. I say that because I had a friend with a cat that apparently expressed quite a bit of resentment in a shoebox in the closet of someone with whom he was not getting along.
Sure, some would argue that it was more of a convenience thing for the cat, but he insisted the cat sensed his displeasure with the circumstances and followed up with an appropriate, but not necessarily lovely, parting gift ... preferably to be opened at a later date.
A dog, obviously, wouldn’t do that, dogs being more inclined to be guided by opportunity ... and food.
My dog, for instance, has eaten — and this is just a guess — three dozen cicadas so far this summer, even though it’s highly unlikely that she ever encountered one in her previous surroundings.
It’s not as if she was raised on them or that
whatever she was fed in her former home contained, “Lamb, Chicken, Rice and Farm Fresh Cicadas.”
Or, cicadas: crunchy on the outside ... She’s pretty fundamental about things like that: if it moves, she’ll eat it. If it doesn’t move, she’ll eat it. If she has no idea what it is and whether it’s good to eat, she’ll eat it, apparently in an effort to place whatever it is in one of three categories: 1. To be eaten; 2., To be rolled on. 3. To be carried around because it’s hers, by golly, and no one is taking it away.
Which is why we ended up spending the equivalent of a monthly payment on a Lamborghini at the doggie emergency room not that long ago.
“What did she eat?” the very nice veterinarian asked.
“I can’t say for certain,” I replied, “since her basic food groups are animal, vegetable, mineral, acrylic fiber, cotton blend, small stones, with an occasional side of something unidentifiable and things that might be identifiable but you really don’t want to know.”
So, many hundreds of dollars later, she returns and picks up where she left off as if nothing ever happened and looking up happily when I say, “Noooo! Don’t eat that, you little idiot!”
That’s what I like about dogs. You can’t insult them. In fact, she’s about the only one I can talk politics with these days without getting into trouble.
“So,” I say to her most mornings, “who are you supporting for president? What? You can’t be serious! You’re a moron if that’s what you believe!”
And she replies: wag, wag, wag.
Between the Lines
By Steve Green
One of my last conversations with former Worcester County Commissioner Louise Gulyas before she passed in 2017 had to do with the Route 50 Bridge. She said she would never see the Route 50 Bridge addressed by the state in her lifetime and predicted I would not either. Fast forward to 2024, it seems her prediction is accurate. The same might now be said for hopes of widening Route 90 and the two bridges, as Maryland seems to be sending signals a major financial crisis is ahead and spending on transportation projects will be slashed drastically, despite all the rosy talk from state elected leaders about positive financial results since the last gubernatorial election.
It was reported this week an updated draft of the state’s Consolidated Transportation Plan revealed a pause is in store for planning work on Route 90 improvements. In the draft, Route 90 study funding is clearly among dozens of projects listed as “deferrals.” How long the halt will take is unknown but it could be for fiscal years 2025-2030. Worcester County Administrative Officer Weston Young shared his insights this week. He told Maryland Matters, “The way it was explained is they’re telling everybody to stop immediately wherever they are in the design process, the planning process, like hard stop. It sounds like they’re heading towards a fiscal cliff with what their projections are now. … If we had to prioritize it, it’s our No. 1. Gov. Hogan helped get it started, but we’ve always known we were going to have to fight to keep it in. So, this news is disappointing. … I call it a Hail Mary project, … it’s a big request for the county to have. But if you’ve heard any of our statistics, 8 million unique visitors every year. That road is used frequently, and when there’s an accident or like the sinkhole we had, or we need to get on or off the island for any reason, that is a choke point.” Another important factor is the emergency need to rebuild the Key Bridge on I-695. This is a state priority that will likely consume a tremendous amount of the state’s transportation budget for several years. Above all, most concerning is evidently some awareness among state leaders about gloomy financial projections that require slamming the brakes on many significant projects to local jurisdictions across Maryland.
***
Governments should not pass laws that have no chance of being enforced. Though Ocean City is not there yet, a proposal is on the table for the council as well as the planning commission to consider calls for limiting the amount of people above the age of 10 who can sleep in short-term rentals as well as placing a seven-night minimum, for example, on these types of bookings. With nearly 9,000 rentals in Ocean City with a majority now being for private short-term rentals, it’s a tall task to enforce these sorts of requirements even if limited to certain zoning districts within Ocean City to protect single-family housing areas. The intent is sound. But, before an ordinance is considered, how these rentals will be monitored must be considered followed by who will be in charge of enforcement. These have been issues in the past when it comes to short-term rentals. It’s a big unknown whether these proposed changes can be realistically followed up on by staff. It would be expected City Hall staffers to say the work can be done, but the elected officials need to be able to determine whether it’s realistic the monitoring and enforcement will happen.
***
Unlike two years ago, there seems to be a lot of activity surrounding the Ocean City Mayor and Council election this fall. With five weeks to go before the filing deadline, there are six candidates seeking the four open council seats. Two years ago, Mayor Rick Meehan was unopposed and just four candidates sought three council seats with newcomers Carol Proctor and Will Savage gaining seats along with Matt James retaining his seat for a third term. Four years ago, there were six candidates filing for the four open council seats with the top voter getters being Councilman Peter Buas (1,137) followed by John Gehrig (1,036), Tony DeLuca (919) and Frank Knight (797). Mayor Rick Meehan was unopposed once again for the seat he has held since 2006. As for this year, thus far, incumbent DeLuca is looking to continue the service he began in 2014, and Meehan has filed for the mayor’s seat. It’s unclear if all the incumbents will seek re-election with the filing deadline Oct. 8, but the picture is expected to clear next week with a major announcement on tap.
Another vision needed for resort community
Editor, I do not wish to come across as harsh, but there always was another version of Ocean City, MD, one that for a long time resisted both name brand restaurants and hotels. Imagine every developer taking a wrecking ball to every blighted house rented out to 30 Bulgarians for the summer like the dilapidated Atlantic House was in ‘24, ripped down every single cheap hotel new or old, and built homes. Quick turnaround on investment, year round business, larger tax base, higher rental incomes, higher level clientele, it seems like a no
brain’r really. Anything you cannot sell for a ton, you can rent. But I think we’d become more residential while the county tax base actually increased. No town like ours ever sent full on Miami Beach like some would like around here. The vision for ferries to the shore, tourism throughout the whole county, etc no longer jives with quick one night jaunts for that cheap room for a night or two. But that and silly events should never have outweighed the actual beach and bay that Maryland has in Ocean City. Let’s stop ruining it and start enjoying it.
BPW approves funding for local water system upgrades
(Sept. 6, 2024) The Maryland Board of Public Works last week approved up to $777,000 for the improvements to the water transmission and distribution system in Pocomoke City.
“Clean drinking water is a priority for public health and safety,” Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38), said in a news release. “I am glad to see this funding has come through for Pocomoke to be used to improve the overall water quality for local residents.”
Carozza represents Pocomoke City and surrounding areas,
The Pocomoke City Water Line Improvements project consists of cleaning, inspecting, lining and replacing water mains; replacement of pipes, fittings, and various valves; and all associated appurtenances in various parts of Pocomoke City.
Phases 1 and 2 of the project are set to handle the cured-in-place pipe lining, and Phases 3 and 4 would handle replacements of distribution lines. Pocomoke City’s water source is the Pocomoke Aquifer, which is accessed through drilling wells — about 140 feet in depth — and pumping the water to the surface for distribution.
Pocomoke City staff routinely monitor for contaminants in the drinking water per federal and state law, and the new grant will assist in complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act, the release said.
The Board of Public Works consists of the governor, comptroller, and the treasurer, and is responsible for the expenditure of all capital appropriations and the superintendence of nearly all state public works projects.
Greg Gunther OC/Snow Hill
ALOC’S KIDS PAINT OC
PLEIN AIR FEST
Young artists recently participated in the Art League of Ocean City’s Kids Paint OC event, a part of the 19th Artists Paint OC Plein Air Festival. Children ages 6 through 17 painted outdoors during the month of July and exhibited their work at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on Aug. 18, where winners were announced and awarded cash prizes. The event was made possible by a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council. Pictured are some of the young artists with their paintings and awards.
Symphony plans Pines concert
Continued from Page 91
phony No. 40,” and “Symphony No. 41” on April 3, 5, and 6. “Symphony No. 1” was written by Mozart as a child, and “Symphony No. 41” was his final symphony, regarded as one of the most ingenious works of Western music ever written.
It will be followed by “Romantic Triumph & Celebration” on May 8, 10, and 11, including brother and sis-
ter Felix Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 4” (Italian) and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel’s “Overture,” and Schumann’s “Cello Concerto” with Sphinx Competition-winning cellist Gabriel Martins.
The MSO String Quartet will perform concerts on Feb. 8 and 9. Concluding the season, the MSO’s Woodwind & Strings ensemble will perform on May 17 and 18.
The winners in the 6 to 9 age group are pictured with Judge David Simpson.
PHOTOS COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY
Luna Wierengo, 9, of Showell Elementary, poses with her painting, which earned her first place in her age group.
Nicole Tsvetanov, 6, of Ocean City Elementary, poses with her painting.
ALOC’S KIDS PAINT OC
(Far left) Shiloh Gurung, 9, of Showell Elementary poses with his painting, which earned him first place in his age group. (Left) Mason Wharton, 10, of Wicomico Day, poses with his painting, which earned him first place in his age group.
(Left) Owen Schisler, 10, of Most Blessed Sacrament, stands with his painting, which earned him first place in his age group.
Austin Schisler, 6, of Most Blessed Sacrament, points out his painting, which earned him first place in his age group.
Nicole Sebastian, 7, of Worcester Prep, poses with her painting.
Art League of Ocean City fundraiser raffle tix on sale
Limited opportunities to win $5,000 in travel, cash while supporting mission
(Aug. 30, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City is holding a fundraising raffle, in which the winner will receive $5,000 toward travel or cash, to support the organization’s community programs.
Raffle tickets are $100 each or six for $500, and a limited number of tickets will be sold. The art league will announce the winner at its annual “pARTy of the Year: Wonderland” on Oct. 9 at the Embers Restaurant in Ocean City. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.
"This could be your lucky day, a chance to check that vacation you have always dreamed of taking off your bucket list, thanks to our sponsor, Oasis Travel,” Rina Thaler, exec-
utive director of the Art League, said in a news release. “The good news is that we all win, because when you take a chance on hitting it big, you’re also supporting your local nonprofit arts organization.”
She added that community members buying raffle tickets keeps the doors of the center for the arts in north Ocean City open and free to the public.
“It allows us to go into our community’s schools with enriching art programs, assist those with disabilities in expressing themselves through art, and provide a safe and nurturing space for everyone to express their creative sides,” Thaler said.
Raffle tickets are available to buy online at OCart.org, in person at the front desk of the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside, Ocean City, or by calling the art league at 410-524-9433.
Second Québec Conference (code name of ‘OCTAGON’)
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer
This week, 80 years ago, President of the United States Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the Wartime Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Winston S. Churchill, met in Québec City, Canada, together with their respective country’s military leaders.
The meeting came at the insistence of the British prime minister. He began pushing for it in the spring of 1944. When he first suggested it, he proposed that it be in Scotland, but Roosevelt rejected that. Then the two thought that Stalin should be invited, but he too rejected any meeting at that time.
However, Churchill pushed ahead and suggested a meeting in Bermuda or Québec in September. After Churchill learned that the hot weather and humidity in Bermuda, at that time, would render it too uncomfortable, he focused on Québec.
At 10:10 p.m., on Sept. 9, the president left the White House for his special railcar, U.S. Car No. 1, the “Ferdinand Magellan,” located at the Bureau for Engraving and Printing. Because of the modifications to the Pullman Private Car, such as 5/8-inch armor plate and bulletproof windows, at 285,000 lbs., it was the heaviest railcar in the country.
The president arrived at the train 15 minutes after departing the White House. Two minutes later the train departed and 20 minutes later it joined other cars. Accompanying the president were his Chief of Staff, Admiral William D. Leahy; his personal physician, Vice Adm. Ross T. McIntire; his private secretary, Ms. Grace Tully, and her assistant, Mrs. D. J. Brady; and Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr.
Awaiting the president on the train were: his press secretary, Stephen Tyree Early; his naval aide, Adm. Wilson Brown; and his military aide, Major Gen. Edwin Martin "Pa" Watson. Fifteen members of the White House staff and three members of the press also accompanied the president.
From Washington, the train traveled to Highland, New York, arriving at 7:30 a.m., where it was met by the first lady. The president, Mrs. Roosevelt, Gen. Watson, Secretary Early, and Adms. Leahy, Mclntire, and Brown were transported by car to the Roosevelt estate at Hyde Park, where they spent the day, leaving at 4 p.m., for Highland, where they entrained for Québec.
The presidential train arrived at Québec at 9 a.m. the next morning. It was met by Canadian Prime Min-
ister W. Mackenzie King and the Canadian governor-general and his wife, the Earl and Countess of Athlone.
Both couples came aboard the train to welcome the president and first lady. At exactly 10 a.m., the British prime minister’s train arrived from Halifax. He, and the British delegation, had crossed the Atlantic aboard the Queen Mary.
By this time, the president was in his car, awaiting the prime minister’s arrival. Prime Minister King boarded the train and greeted the British prime minister. Then all left the train and walked to the president’s car and exchanged greetings. By now, the welcoming committee included the mayor of Québec City, the premier of Québec Province and other ministers and officials.
Accompanying the British prime minister were Mrs. Churchill; Lord Moran, the Prime Minister’s private physician; Lord Leathers, British minister of [war] transport; Lord Cherwell, British paymaster general; Admiral of the Fleet Sir Andrew B. Cunningham (“ABC”), first sea lord; Field Marshal Sir Alan F. Brooke, chief of imperial general staff; Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Charles Portal, chief of air staff; Gen. Sir Hastings L. Ismay, chief of staff to the prime minister as minister of defense; and Maj. Gen. R.E. Laycock, chief of combined operations.
The dignitaries then drove up to the Citadel, where they were officially welcomed to Canada by an honor guard composed of equal detachments of Royal Canadian Navy, Army and Air Force personnel. In addition, the Royal Twenty-Second Regiment Band played the American National Anthem.
After these proceedings, the president and first lady went to the governor-general’s summer home within the Citadel, where they were accommodated during the conference. The prime minister and his wife stayed there as well.
The remaining conference attendees stayed at the iconic Chateau Frontenac Hotel, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, which served as official conference headquarters. At 1:30 p.m., the governor-general and his wife hosted a luncheon, attended by the president, the prime minister, their wives, and Prime Minister King.
That evening, the governor-general and his wife hosted a formal dinner attended by the Roosevelts, Churchills, the Kings and the British and American brass.
The following days followed the same general schedule. The first lady
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Pictured are the Earl of Athalone, United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Winston S. Churchill and Canadian Prime Minister W. Mackenzie King.
OBITUARIES
OLIVIA HARRISON PHILLIPS
Ocean City
Olivia Harrison Phillips, 78, died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at her home in Ocean City.
Born in Salisbury, she was the daughter of the late Joseph George Harrison and Beatrice Wyatt Harrison, and was part of the tenth generation of Harrisons born on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Olivia was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School (1964), University of Maryland College Park (1968), and the University of Baltimore Law School (1996).
As a young woman, Olivia played an active role in Vice President Hubert Humphrey's 1968 Presidential campaign, traveling the country
aboard Air Force II as an aide to the campaign. Following this, she briefly joined the Washington bureau of the New York Times, where she assisted renowned journalist Tom Wicker. After her marriage in 1970 to former husband Steve Phillips, she spent two rewarding decades operating restaurants with the Phillips family, mentoring and employing hundreds of young people who often fondly remembered her guidance.
In 1993, Olivia fulfilled a long-held dream by enrolling at the University of Baltimore Law School. She was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1996 and began practicing law with Williams, Moore, Shockley, and Harrison, LLC, in Ocean City. She earned particular distinction as a mediator, becoming a favored selection by local judges for her skill in bringing opposing parties to settlement.
Upon her retirement in 2008, Olivia embarked on global travels, visiting every continent, including two trips to Antarctica.
She is survived by her four children, Brice Phillips (Jennifer) of Riva, Joanna Phillips (Mark Malby) of Severna Park, Aaron Phillips (Marisol Villegas Velazquez) of San Antonio, Texas, and Jessica Phillips (Beth Schermerhorn) of Baltimore. There are eight grandchildren. She is remembered by her children as a generous mother who loved sharing her bayside home in West Ocean City, regularly welcoming full houses of friends, grandchildren, in-laws and more.
She is also survived by her sister, Sandra Dewey (John) of Washington, D.C.; and brothers Joseph Harrison (Robin) of Ocean City, and Alfred Harrison (Betsy) of Ocean City; and several nieces and nephews.
Also surviving are her two beloved friends, Javier Garibay and Imperia Guzman, who provided care and companionship in her later years.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6, at The Burbage Funeral Home, 108 William St. in Berlin, with the Rev. George Patterson officiating. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service. A reception will follow at Harrisons Harbor Watch.
Interment will be private for the family on Saturday in Buckingham Cemetery in Berlin.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Coastal Hospice P.O. Box 1733 Salisbury, MD 21804.
Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.
WORLD WAR II
Continued from Page 97
departed Québec for Hyde Park on the afternoon of Sept. 14. The president followed two days later, accompanied by Adm. Leahy and one of the president’s doctors.
The president’s train left Québec at 6 p.m., Sept. 16. It crossed the Canadian border at 12:15 a.m., Sept. 17. The president arrived at Hyde Park at 9:30 that morning, where he was met by the first lady.
Other members of the president’s party remained on the train and traveled to Jersey City, New Jersey, where the car in which they were riding was detached, and hitched to the B & O’s “Capitol Limited,” for the trip to Washington, arriving at Union Station at 5:10 p.m.
The president and other members of his party stayed in Hyde Park and entertained the Churchills, who arrived on Sept. 18, at 11 a.m.
The Churchills left Hyde Park at 10:30 p.m., Sept. 19, and traveled by train to New York, where they
ROSEMARIE FLORENCE KUCINSKI
Grenbackville, Virginia
Rosemarie Florence Kucinski, 84, of Greenbackville, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024. She was the daughter of the late George William Deitsch and Marie (Zoch) Deitsch. She was the loving wife of the late David Kucinski. She is survived by her children, Christopher Kucinski (Katherine), Joe Kucinski and Laurie McWilliams (David).
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings Charles, Jimmy, Johnny, George, Josephine and Cecilia.
Cremation followed her passing. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Condolences may be shared with the family via burbagefuneralhome.com.
JUDY ROSS RICKARDS FISHER
Berlin
Judy Ross Rickards Fisher, 76, of Berlin, died on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.
Born in Selbyville, Delaware, she was the daughter of the late Virginia McCabe Rickards Wimbrough and George Ross Rickards.
Judy graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1965 and earned a business degree from GoldeyBeacom College in Wilmington, Delaware. She worked as a travel planner for AAA in Wilmington before moving back to Berlin and working for Barrett Chevrolet and later in the treasurer’s
boarded the Queen Mary for the return to England. The president finally returned to the White House on Sept. 21.
The conferees had agreed, inter alia, that the Royal Navy would participate in the subjugation of the Japanese Empire. They also agreed that, to the extent possible, the Royal Air Force would also participate, recognizing that the American B-29 Superfortresses would be doing most of the work. Agreements were also reached regarding the respective occupation zones of Germany.
Next week: Moscow Armistice Between Finland and the U.S.S.R.
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.
Olivia Phillips
Judy Fisher
OBITUARIES
office for the Town of Ocean City. For the majority of her career, spanning several decades, she worked for Worcester County Public Schools as a secretary and bookkeeper. Judy kept the offices of Stephen Decatur High School, Buckingham Elementary, Berlin Intermediate and the board of education, operating at maximum efficiency.
A tap dancer and member of the Rainbow Girls as a child, and later of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she also served as a Deacon at Buckingham Presbyterian Church. Judy was an old movie buff, enjoyed Victorian architecture and décor, and encouraged her children to value education and themselves. Judy is remembered by her family and friends for her love of family history.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandfather, Capt. Ebe T. Chandler; sisters Jane Rickards and Barbara Rickards Godwin; niece Dawn Godwin Stevens; brother-inlaw Norris “Buck” Godwin and stepfather Calvin Wimbrough.
She is survived by daughters Amanda Fisher and her husband David; Barbara Fisher, her husband Stephen and their son Colson; niece Liz Donaway and family; cousin Suzanne Hibler and family, and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 203 Williams Street, Berlin. Friends and family are invited to attend from noon to 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Worcester County Meals on Wheels program (worcoa.org/mealsonwheels), are welcome. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Condolences can be shared with the family via burbagefuneralhome.com.
GERALD ALLEN ROSE
Berlin
Gerald Allen Rose, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury.
Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he was the son of the late John Rose and Ellen Meyers Rose. Jerry owned Jerry’s Den for Men Barbershop in Wheeling, and continued his 50-year plus barbering career at Hamill’s Barber Shop in Salisbury. He created beautiful stained glass art pieces, which he shared with family and friends. Jerry loved the outdoors, including biking and walking through the town of Berlin and its parks. He especially enjoyed scenic nature walks at Assateague Island.
Above all, Jerry was a family man who loved spending time with wife, his children and grandchildren. They
will be honored to celebrate his life this spring in West Virginia at a private ceremony.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Rose, of Berlin; son Christopher Rose (Christine) of Frederick; daughter Amy Field (John) of Berlin; grandchildren Hadley Poss, Keaton Rose, Emerson Rose, Graham Field and Joseph Field; two nephews, Jack Rose and Jeff Rose; and a niece, Jodie Rose.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Glen and Jack Rose; and his sister, Violet Clouse.
A visitation for friends and neighbors will be held at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin from 4-3:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12.
Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home
Berlin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
ALFRED J. KUTCHER
Ocean City
Alfred J. Kutcher, 93, beloved husband of 64 years to Joan Kutcher, father of Theresa Evans (Steve), Steven Kutcher, grandfather of Jennifer Warwick (David), and greatgrandfather to Dalton Warwick, passed away on Sept. 1, 2024.
Alfred was a retired metal worker who worked for Ackerman & Baynes for 43 years. After his retirement to Ocean City, he became an avid fisherman, crabber, and metal detectorist. He was also an
avid gardener. He was a good neighbor and was always ready to help when and where he was needed.
He was the nest of everything a person could want in a husband.
The family would like to especially thank the staff of Catered Living for all their care and compassion during Alfred’s final moments.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his name.
A one hour viewing will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.
A private interment will be held the following day in Baltimore at Holly Hill Memorial Garden.
Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.
Gerald Rose
Alfred Kutcher
Sports & Recreation
Local resident honored with jersey retirement from Navy
(Sept. 6, 2024) Bob “Reif” Reifsnyder, an Ocean Pines resident for more than 30 years, was once the top college football player in the country, winning the Maxwell Award in 1957 for the Navy Midshipmen.
Reifsnyder had his jersey number, 58, retired during halftime ceremonies last Saturday, Aug. 31, at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.
“It’s a great honor and they only do it for a few people,” Reifsnyder said in a news release. “But the big thing is, I’ve always looked upon those type of things as honoring your team, because if you weren’t on a good team with good players, you wouldn’t go and get that kind of recognition.”
Navy would only lose two games from 1956-57 during Reifsnyder’s heyday, and the team finished ranked number five in the country in 1957.
“We worked hard, and we also had great coaching,” he said. “It was a good couple of years that I had there.”
During halftime at Saturday’s game, Reifsnyder stepped back onto the field for what he said was a surreal and humbling experience.
During his playing days, the crowd would chant, “Reif! Reif!” when he was on
the field. On Saturday, Reifsnyder said he could hear some of his former classmates doing that familiar chant from the stands.
“It was just a great feeling, and it brought back a lot of great memories,” he said. Reifsnyder stuck around for the game, as the Navy Midshipmen went on to win 49-21 over visiting Bucknell.
Reifsnyder said he still enjoys attending Navy games on a regular basis.
“It’s one of the benefits of living over here in Ocean Pines – we’re only a couple hours away,” he said. “I watch some of the spring practices, and every once in a while a full game. And, of course, I got season tickets. I’ve never lost touch with people there.”
Despite not playing his senior year due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, Reifsnyder was drafted into the NFL by the Los Angeles Rams. However, he never played for the team because of his injury.
“They didn’t have MRIs in those days, so I got hurt in August and they didn’t operate on me until March, and you can imagine what happened in the meantime,” he said.
The Rams later traded Reifsnyder to the New York Giants, where he re-
Pickleball Smash planned in Berlin, tourney in October
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 6, 2024) Pickleball novices are invited to attend free community clinics to learn tips and tricks from volunteer coaches to expand their prowess.
PKLN, a Berlin-based Pickleball group, is hosting Pickleball Smash on Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Worcester Preparatory School’s courts. It is open to anyone looking to learn the sport’s basics, enhance their paddle-wielding techniques, or play a few friendly matches and drills with fellow community members. The clinic is set to begin at 6 p.m. and end around 8 p.m. Paddles and balls will be provided.
Mike O’Malley, PKLN’s founder, said the free event will be held monthly. The first clinic was held on August 1, attracting approximately 30 pickleball newbies. Paddles and starter sets were given away in a random drawing, and the coaches ran drills to get the beginners used to hitting soft shots over the net.
O’Malley said the Sept. 19 event will be similar but “bigger and better. “ Local vendors are expected to supply food and
mained on injured reserve.
“The next year, the AFL opened up, so I took a jump and I went over there. But I just couldn’t compete anymore,” he said. “You have to be 100% to play in pro football, and I never was.”
Reifsnyder would go on to have a long career as a school teacher and administrator – and as a coach.
“I was a dean of students in charge of
discipline at two big high schools on Long Island, and the head football coach,” he said. “And in between those two high schools, I coached for six years at Columbia University.”
Reifsnyder and his wife, Sandy, ended up in Ocean Pines after his sisterin-law introduced them to the area.
“We love what Ocean Pines has. It has everything,” he said.
refreshments, and a curated music playlist will be played over a speaker.
A giveaway like the Aug. 1 event is planned, except this time, with winners determined by competitions.
“We might have coaches come up with a game and see who the best player is,” O’Malley said. “There are so many games we want to try, like Pickle Pong.”
PKLN hopes to expand the regular clinics. While the first two were scheduled for Worcester Prep, organizers are looking to change it up each month and expand the event throughout Delmarva. Delaware, Chincoteague, and other spots on the Virginia shore are at the top of their list.
“I love Berlin, and Berlin will always be PKLN’s home, but we want to spread it out,” O’Malley said. “We are trying to appeal to a younger crowd, so we want to show up in different towns and get more people involved with pickleball … all of Delmarva will be our initial target.”
The coaches will be at each of the clinics. There are five instructors in total, two of which are twin brothers Kevin and Ben O’Malley (no relation to Mike O’Malley) from Berlin. The pair have been
playing pickleball for roughly 10 years.
The brothers and O’Malley connected over their mutual passion for the sport and brainstormed how to “get more paddles in hands and bounced around the logistics of a free community clinic,” the founder said. “From there, the first PKLN Community Smash event was born.”
The primary mission of PKLN is to bring Pickleball to the Berlin and Delmarva areas.
The program was launched earlier this year. Organizers hope to continue their community smash clinics, host a charity tournament in October, and expand PKLN in 2025.
The organization’s website, pklnpick-
leball.com, and Instagram and Facebook pages provide schedules, tournament and clinic updates, and additional information.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. According to a Sports and Fitness Industry Association report, participation in the game has grown an average of 158.6% over the last three years.
“There is an ease and appeal of getting out there, and in the outdoors, with people you love having fun,” O’Malley said. “It is easy for anyone to pick up. People as young as six, for example, can compete... It is just a weird pop feeling on the paddle that is addicting. It gets you hooked.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Famed Navy football player and longtime Ocean Pines resident Bob Reifsnyder, left, was among the former greats who had their jersey numbers retired last weekend.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
About 35 people of all ages participated in August’s PKLN clinic in Berlin.
FISH IN OC WITH SCOTT LENOX
PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC
Above left, this 38-pound yellowedge grouper is a new Maryland state record and was caught on board Chasin’ Tides Charters with Captain Chase Eberle. Above right, Bret Gladfelter fished the ocean off of Assateague Island where he caught this big 50” cobia on a live eel.
PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC
Above left, this lucky angler had double header keeper sea bass on board the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Above middle, Captain Kane Bounds of the Fish Bound says ocean flounder fishing is picking up and by the looks of this catch, he’s right. Above right, I caught this awesome 29.25” blueline tilefish on board the WOP with Captain Nick Sampson.
Below left, Captain Will from Local Hooker Charters fished inshore to catch this nice 47” cobia. Below middle, Captain Mark Hoos of the Marlli put this group on a great catch with three white marlin and a box full of mahi and blueline tilefish. Below right, anglers fishing on board the Pumpin’ Hard with Captain Mike Burt had five white marlin releases.
