9/13/2024 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Disp a atch

One-term Councilman Peter Buas believes his time is now as he seeks to unseat Rick Meehan, who’s pursuing his 10th term. — Page 6

Windmill lease three miles out

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has approved one project and now a hearing is set for one much closer. — Pages 13, 14

Transit gets ready for Calling festivals

Learning from last year’s event, city says it’s good to go. — Page 18

PHOTO COURTESY LAUREN MCGINNIS

9.15 Jason Lee 1-4pm Naked Nation 6-9pm

9.17 Wes Davis 1-4pm

9.18 Jess Arms 1-4pm

9.19 Kasey Briggs 1-4pm

9.20 Joe Esham 1-4pm Lime Green 6-9pm

3-6PM

Bond sale will finance golf course, convention center

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) City officials this week agreed to proceed with a bond sale for projects at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course and the convention center.

During its work session Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted to move forward with improvement projects at two facilities and to schedule the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the sale of general obligation bonds. Finance Director Chuck Bireley said the future bond sale, scheduled for December, will give the town the roughly $5 million it needs for improvements at both Eagle’s Landing and the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

As proposed, $1.2 million will be dedicated to renovations at the Eagle’s Landing clubhouse, while $3.1 million will be dedicated to various improvements at the convention center. City Manager Terry McGean also told council members this week that Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo was seeking their approval to add a flooring project to the bond issuance.

“There have been some discussions regarding flooring at the convention center, and we’ve been waiting on a number for that,” he said.

Perlozzo told officials this week he was seeking roughly $800,000 to install a new flooring surface at the convention center. While the exhibit hall flooring is currently a concrete base, he said a rubberized surface will allow for additional indoor athletic events at the facility.

“It’ll fill in all the expansion

joints,” he explained. “We’ll have a smooth, clean surface to be able to use it for tons of different multi-surface activities including special events such as concerts or any kind of speaking events that we have.”

Perlozzo said promoters who use the convention center for athletic events currently rent flooring, which results in an added expense for users. He said a permanent, multi-use flooring could increase usage at the facility.

“The advantage of this is it’s a rubberized surface we can use all the time …,” he said. “This will make us way more attractive. We will be cheaper.”

Bireley said the $800,000 project would result in an annual debt service of $56,000, or less than $5,000 a month. Councilman John Gehrig, however, said the city would see a return on that investment.

“This opens us up for year-round sports,” he said. “It’s a bargain, it’s a steal.”

As the Town of Ocean City partners with the Maryland Stadium Authority on the convention center, McGean told officials this week the city would need to gain approval from the state to increase the budget for the proposed flooring project. However, he said the debt service would be covered by food tax revenues.

“It’s not unheard of that we do that,” he said. “But that would be a requirement.”

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to proceed with the proposed projects and to move forward with an ordinance authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds with the changes and additions presented on Tuesday.

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) Incumbent Rick Meehan will now face challenger Peter Buas in this year’s mayoral race.

On Tuesday, Buas, an Ocean City councilman and local attorney, announced his candidacy for the office of mayor. Having completed one term on the dais, he will now face off against Meehan in what will be the first contested mayoral election since 2018.

“Our town has grown, thrived, and endured thanks to the guidance and dedication of our residents, busi-

nesses, town staff, and partners,” Buas said in a news release. “Now, we stand ready for a new chapter — one that calls for a fresh perspective and renewed commitment to our shared vision for the future.”

Buas’s foray into municipal politics began in 2020, when he secured the most votes in the November election to gain a seat on the city council. Since that time, he has served on the city’s police commission, coastal resources legislative committee and the risk retention committee.

As part of his campaign announcement Tuesday, Buas said he was eager to take the next step in his run for mayor. Some of his initiatives include growing the city’s tourism industry, making the resort more livable and safer, and maintaining a sound budget with low tax rates, ac-

cording to the news release.

“Ocean City has been my home my entire life. I’ve built a career here, I have a beautiful family here, and I’ve been a councilman for the past four years and I’ve learned more than I could hope for,” he said this week. “Now, I’m running for mayor because I think it’s time for a new perspective to keep us moving forward while carrying on the values that make us special. And Ocean City is very, very special. We’ve got people that work extremely hard and look out for one another, and that’s how I see us moving into our future. No matter what challenges we face, we’re going to work hard and collaborate with our partners, whether it’s our residents, our businesses, or our government at every level.”

Tuesday’s announcement marks the start of the first contested mayoral election since 2018, when Meehan defeated former councilman Joe Hall.

Meehan, who served for 21 years on the city council, took over as mayor in June of 2006, when thenmayor Jim Mathias was named as the replacement for Delegate Bennett Bozman, who passed away in office. Meehan filed to run for his 10th consecutive term earlier this summer.

As a mayoral candidate, Buas must submit his resignation as sitting council member by Oct. 1. Candidates for this year’s municipal election have until Oct. 8 to file. The election will be held Nov. 5.

Peter Buas

Gehrig, Mitrecic join race for open council positions

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) Eight candidates are now vying for the four open seats on the Ocean City Council.

On Tuesday, current Councilman John Gehrig and Ocean City resident Jake Mitrecic, son of Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic and member of the county’s board of zoning appeals, filed to run in this year's municipal election. They will now join six other contenders in the 2024 council race.

As the terms for the seven council seats are staggered, four seats currently held by Gehrig and Councilmen Tony DeLuca, Peter

Buas and Frank Knight will be up for grabs in this year’s election.

Joining incumbents Gehrig and DeLuca in the race are newcomers Larry Yates, George Leukel, Tony DeSanctis, Denis Jenkins, Leslie Smith and Mitrecic. Buas will be relinquishing his council seat to run for mayor against incumbent Rick Meehan, and Knight has not filed for re-election.

This year’s election will be held Nov. 5, and the filing deadline for candidates is Oct. 8. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 15. Information on this year’s municipal election can be found on the Town of Ocean City website.

OC planners ask council to rethink garage code changes

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Ocean City Planning Commission is asking the Mayor and Council to reconsider its recommended code changes on garage parking.

Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis told his colleagues last week he wanted to see the Mayor and Council take a second look at code changes the commission submitted for garage parking last year. As the city enters election season, he said he wanted the recommended changes to go before the council as an election-year issue.

“I’m tired of us wasting a lot of time, doing a lot of work, and it falling on empty ears,” he said.

In May, the Mayor and Council adopted an ordinance amending design standards for off-street parking. While the changes provided larger parking dimensions for residential garages and set a minimum parking space width of 19 feet for a two-car garage, among other things, some argued more could be done to ensure residents park where they reside.

The issue has been of particular interest to the planning commission, which spent nearly two years developing recommendations for the council’s consideration. However, Gillis said those recommendations have been disregarded.

“We are entering an election cycle for four seats for the city council, and it’s been frustrating for me to be on this commission – I think for 11 years – and having a prior planning and zoning commission make recommendations for code changes to the city council and they do nothing,” he said last week.

To that end, Gillis made a motion at the end of last week’s planning commission meeting to resubmit the commission’s original code changes on garage parking to the Mayor and Council for reconsideration. He said 19 feet was not enough space for a two-car garage.

“We could resubmit our code changes to the city council,” he said.

“The city council could adopt them, the city council could put them up for a nonbinding referendum, or the city council could put them up for a binding referendum. And knowing what I know just having a conversation with people, the residents of Ocean City, there’s a lot of concern about what is going to happen to underdeveloped properties in Ocean City, whether that be the Bayside Skillet, the 94th Street shopping center, god forbid Jolly Roger, or any other large parcels of land like that. As leadership, you are supposed to preempt the problems. You are supposed to act and address problems you can see.”

Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said efforts are still being made to address residential parking, as staff had plans to bring a code change regarding driveway aprons before the Mayor and Council at a future work session. Officials, however, said any issue the planning commission wanted the council to consider has to be approved by the council president.

“Sending something and getting it on the council agenda requires the council president approve placing it on the agenda,” City Planner Bill Neville explained. “That’s a procedural issue. Whether that’s a barrier to council considering your proposal or not remains to be seen.”

Commission members said they supported the effort to have the council reconsider the code changes. Commissioner Kevin Rohe said he wanted to resubmit all of the commission’s original recommendations, not just its recommendation on garage parking sizes.

“It is a lot of work we put forth,” he said. “And for them not to review it and go through the measures on their side, I think we should send the whole packet back.”

Commission Chair Joe Wilson said that while he didn’t support some of

Ocean City trams will not return for shoulder season

By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) Despite initial plans to return for select event weekends during the shoulder season, Ocean City’s Boardwalk trams are officially finished running for the remainder of 2024 following an incident last month.

Service has been suspended since the evening of Aug. 20, after a tram driving south on the concrete lane near Dorchester Street struck and killed a toddler who was running back from the beach toward the Boardwalk. The identities of the people involved have not been released.

Transportation officials did not set a date for the trams to return to service, and confirmed Tuesday that they would not be running anymore this year.

City Manager Terry McGean said the incident is still under investigation and did not share any further information.

The Boardwalk trams typically run all day, every day, from Memorial Day to Labor Day every summer, and some weekends in the spring and fall. They were supposed to wind down with modified hours Sept. 3-8 this year and then return for OC BikeFest, which is underway, and Sunfest.

Commission votes to resend changes

Continued from Page 10

the commission’s recommendations, he did support its effort to have their change reconsidered. Gillis’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Pam Robertson, passed in a 7-0 vote.

“To the benefit of the city council, they did increase the garage widths from 18 foot to 19 foot,” Gillis said. “But when they had the joint session meeting, they had asked us to consider parking and storage … A 19-foot, two-car garage doesn’t work. I don’t care what they say. It doesn’t functionally work.”

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A Boardwalk tram is pictured driving south near 3rd Street.

OC mulling legal battle after Fed’s approval of wind farm

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) City officials will be meeting with consultants and attorneys to discuss potential litigation after a federal agency this week announced its approval of US Wind’s offshore wind project.

On Thursday, the Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the approval of the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, a commercial-scale offshore wind energy project to be located roughly 10 miles from Ocean City’s coastline. US Wind reports the agency’s favorable Record of Decision concludes a two-year National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and sets the company on a path to securing all remaining federal permits by the end of 2024.

“Today marks the culmination of years of comprehensive environmental analysis on US Wind’s proposed projects,” Jeff Grybowski, US Wind CEO, said in a news release. “BOEM’s Record of Decision brings us another step closer to securing final approvals later this year and getting steel in the water. We’re eager to advance Maryland’s offshore wind goals and support good jobs in the region for decades to come.”

As proposed, US Wind’s Construc-

tion and Operations Plan considers the full buildout of a federal lease area 10 miles off the coast of Ocean City. The phased project – to include up to 114 wind turbines, four offshore substation platforms, four offshore export cable corridors and one meteorological tower – is expected to generate more than two gigawatts of renewable energy for the Delmarva Peninsula and support nearly 2,700 jobs over the next seven years.

“Today’s milestone marks another giant leap toward our ambitious goal of unleashing 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030,” Laura Daniel-Davis, acting deputy secretary for the Department of the Interior, said in a news release this week. “Our work to approve the nation’s first ten commercial-scale offshore wind projects is the result of the tenacious public servants at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to expedite the federal permitting process.”

In Ocean City, however, officials have announced plans to sue the federal government should it approve permitting for US Wind’s project. In response to Thursday’s announcement, Mayor Rick Meehan said the town was considering its next steps.

See OFFICIALS Page 15

BOEM to host hearing on second lease area

Resort officials report wind turbines could be 3.5 miles from Ocean City coastline

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will hold a public meeting at 5 p.m., Sept. 24, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to present plans for the construction of offshore wind turbines reportedly as close as 3.5 miles from the Ocean City shoreline.

The proposed project would be a new lease area, in addition to the 114 938-foot turbines planned for 10.7 miles from the shoreline that BOEM officials approved Sept. 4.

City government officials expressed concerns about the project in a news release issued this week.

“This new project poses a significant threat to our town,” the release said. “BOEM’s own studies and other independent research have shown that turbines located this close to Ocean City will have devastating effects on our views, local tourism industry, and property values.”

The release encourages members of the public who agree that “it is wrong to industrialize our beach by placing hundreds of wind turbines within view of the shoreline,” to voice their opinions by attending the meeting.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will host a public hearing later this month to discuss a second offshore wind sale in the Central Atlantic region, shown on the map above.

Pitaya Bo Acai Bowls,

Green Bowls, owls,

Officials feel Ocean City concerns ignored

“While BOEM might put the financial interests of a giant foreign owned conglomerate above those of our citizens, we will continue to fight to protect Ocean City,” he said. “We will be meeting with our consultants and attorneys to discuss our next course of action. The last thing we want to do is to go to court but we are prepared to do so if necessary to make sure that all environmental protection laws are complied with and that the safety and wellbeing of all our citizens are respected.”

Meehan this week expressed the town’s disappointment with BOEM’s favorable Record of Decision. He argued the federal agency had failed to consider Ocean City’s concerns throughout the process.

“In their press release it states that this is a result of the Biden Administration’s commitment to expedite the federal permitting process. None of the concerns expressed by Ocean City were addressed during this expedited process. None of the concerns about the impact this project would have on our economy or Ocean City property

values were addressed,” he said. “To date US Wind has not been required to do an economic study on the impact 114, 18 mw turbines 938 feet tall and just 10.7 miles off of our coast would have on Ocean City’s economy. The press release did talk about the power this project would generate and the number of jobs it would create, all of which would still occur if the project was relocated further to the east as we have been asking for the past 7 1/2 years. This request was again ignored during the review process.”

He continued, “Not only does the

Record of Decision allow US Wind to industrialize our ocean, it allows them to kill marine mammals while they do it. Given the numerous whale deaths and strandings that have been occurring up and down the east coast, this is truly unconscionable. Equally disturbing is the fact that despite the recent turbine blade failures that caused beach closures and environmental damage at the Vinyard Wind project, the Record of Decision does not require any additional safety measures, blade testing, or debris containment plans to address

BEST FALL BRANDS

Sports wagering revenues way up

(Sept. 13, 2024) Maryland’s sports wagering market generated nearly $5.6 million in contributions to the state — more than double last year’s total — from a nearly $377.4 million for the month of August.

Sports wagering contributions go to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs.

With the August total, the sports wagering program’s cumulative contribution to the Blueprint Fund has surpassed the $100 million mark.

Maryland’s first retail sportsbooks launched in December 2021, and mobile sports wagering began in November 2022.

In August 2023, sports betting revenues totaled just $2.6 million in contributions to the state. The overall $377.4 million handle this year was also higher than last August by 43.1%.

Another $78,740 in expired sports wagering prizes were also contributed to the state’s Problem Gambling Fund last month.

There were 11 mobile platforms

and 12 retail locations that operated this past August, while 12 mobile sportsbooks and 12 retail locations were in operation in August 2023. Ocean Downs is one of the retail locations that has sports betting kiosks.

A detailed summary of the August 2024 results for each sportsbook, including handle, hold percentage, prizes paid, promotional play, taxable win, and contribution to the state, along with a summary of statewide handle and hold by sport is available for download at mdgaming.com.

State fully supports offshore wind

Continued from Page 15

this type of catastrophic failure.”

In July, BOEM released its final Environmental Impact Statement for US Wind’s Construction and Operations Plan, which details the company’s intent to construct an offshore wind project off Maryland’s coast. Simply put, the EIS evaluates the impact of the proposed project, as well as the range of alternatives presented for consideration.

The full document, published in the Federal Register, also set in motion a public comment period that concluded with BOEM issuing its Record of Decision on Thursday. In a statement this

week, Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky applauded the agency’s approval.

“The approval of US Wind’s Final Environmental Impact Statement for the MarWin and Momentum Wind projects is an important step forward in the effort to bring clean, renewable energy production to Maryland’s coast,” he said. “The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking to avoid and minimize possible detrimental impacts from offshore wind energy development. Today’s announcement underscores the careful, comprehensive and collaborative envi-

ronmental analysis that has gone into these projects. This speaks to the shared commitment between BOEM and the State of Maryland, which together recently entered into an Memorandum of Understanding on offshore wind energy development. These projects have the potential to bring sustainable power to more than 700,000 homes and create thousands of new jobs, moving the state decisively in the direction of Governor Moore’s goals for both clean energy and economic advancement. As we applaud this milestone, we look forward to future successes.”

Ocean City transit officials preparing for music festivals

By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) Ocean City transportation officials are ready to tackle what could be the busiest two weekends of the year for the resort’s beach buses with extra drivers and scheduled shift work.

During the planned Oceans Calling Festival set Sept. 27-29, and Country Calling Festival Oct. 4 and 5, the town is likely to see tens of thousands of people traveling in and out of the inlet area downtown. And while it could be a traffic nightmare, as the first night of last year’s Oceans Calling event showed, officials are optimistic about their plans this year.

“We focused this year on not only all day deployments but we’ve recruited heavily amongst … recent staff that is no longer employed with

us to encourage them to come back and work just those five event days,” Transit Manager Rob Shearman told members of the Transportation Committee at a meeting Tuesday.

Transportation Operations Manager George Peake said staff reached out to 21 extra drivers who are certified to operate buses to take shifts for the event days. Of those, they hired 11, who Peake said are currently in various stages of refresher trainings.

In total, with the new drivers and existing ones, Peake said the city will have 100 deployments for Oceans Calling, which he said he is happy about. Then for Country Calling, he has scheduled another 69 deployments.

“Between the 100 for Oceans Calling, the 69 for Country Calling, plus the additional 49 of these 11 extra

MAPS COURTESY OCEANS CALLING FESTIVAL

A map of downtown Ocean City shows pick-up and drop-off areas, traffic restrictions, shuttle stops and more that will be set up during the Oceans Calling Festival Sept. 27-29.

Worcester approves WCPS budget transfers

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Worcester County Commissioners last week approved several transfers within the board of education budget.

With approval from the school board to make adjustments to the school system’s fiscal year 2024 budget, Worcester County Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert came before the commissioners last Tuesday seeking their support as well. Officials report several transfers needed to be made to cover overages within five categories of the school system’s budget ending June

30. “We reduced instructional salaries, other instructional costs, and fixed charges to cover those overages in those other categories,” Tolbert said. “So there's no increase in our operating budget. It was just a transfer among the different categories of those funds.”

The school system this year recorded nearly $1.5 million in overages among five categories – administration, instructional support, student transportation, operation of plant, and maintenance of plant. To balance the fiscal year 2024 budget, officials proposed taking $957,310 from instructional salaries, $74,000 in other instructional costs, and $468,000 in fixed charges.

When Commissioner Jim Bunting asked about overages within the in-

structional support category, Tolbert said it was largely driven by software costs, but that additional funds from instructional salaries and fixed charges would cover it. Bunting, however, questioned if that transfer had any impact on after-school or summer programs.

“No, it did not,” Tolbert replied.

For his part, Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if the number of transfers within the board of education budget would decrease as the school system changed the way it made its budget. Tolbert said it would.

“We worked hard, as you know, over the last 12 months to realign certain categories,” he said. “And I think because of that, in FY25 and going forward, the amount of budgetary transfers would be much less.”

With no further discussion, the

commissioners voted 5-1, with Bunting opposed and Commissioner Caryn Abbott absent, to approve the school system’s requested budget transfers. The commissioners last week also voted unanimously to advertise and hold a public hearing to amend the county’s fiscal year operating budget.

City adds drivers as events near

Continued from Page 18

CDL drivers, I think we’re looking real good on deployments, “ Peake said. “I feel real good about it.”

The extra drivers will be working at night, when most people leave the event, and will have specific tasks.

“Their sole mission will be to load downtown, take the people up north,” Peake explained. “They will turn around and come back empty, and so they get right back in line, and load again, and load again. That’s their sole mission for the 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. shift.”

Officials also referenced last year’s Oceans Calling Festival, which experienced some significant issues transporting event attendees after the first night.

City Manager Terry McGean said they have clear loading and unloading zones, more bicycle racks, monitoring for the lines and more precautions.

“We learned our lesson from last year,” he said.

Tickets for both festivals, which will feature dozens of bands and artists performing on three stages in the inlet lot and surrounding beach, are sold out. Last year, organizers sold all of about 50,000 tickets for Oceans Calling, however not everyone showed up, so officials said more tickets were sold this year. In any case, downtown is expected to be very busy, and event attendees have been encouraged to take public transportation, walk and bicycle to the venue.

Last week, event organizers released the transportation plan, as well as traffic and shuttle maps, for Oceans Calling, which show road closures and traffic restrictions, pick-up and drop-off areas, shuttle stops, and more. This year will be the second festival held in Ocean City. The first event, which was planned in 2022, was canceled due to weather.

The two-day Country Calling Festival will be held for the first time this year, but some say it could be even more popular.

“Country is number one in the United States,” Councilman and Transportation Committee member Tony DeLuca said during Tuesday’s meeting. “Don’t you think that has the potential to be even be greater?”

County seeks assistance on insurance drops

Commissioner

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) It appears the Worcester County Commissioners will join a growing list of local leaders seeking state assistance on behalf of homeowners struggling to secure insurance for their manufactured homes.

At the end of last week’s commissioners meeting, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic pointed to a recent news article in this paper highlighting the lack of available homeowners insurance for older mobile homes in the area. With insurance companies choosing not to offer, or even continue, policies on manufactured homes older than 20 years, he asked officials to reach out to state representatives.

“I think it’s something we need to be aware of,” he said. “I don’t know if we can talk to the state about it, but I think something’s going to have to be done at the state level as far as some sort of high-risk insurance for these dwellings in the future.”

In recent weeks, area residents and real estate agents have shared stories of their ongoing struggles to

find insurance carriers that will provide policies on older manufactured homes. For some owners, this change has resulted in the loss of a home sale, as the buyer could not find a homeowners insurance policy required by the mortgage company. For others, it has resulted in dropped insurance coverage. Officials say this has impacted homeowners not only in Ocean City’s Montego Bay community, but also in Worcester County’s two campground subdivisions –White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe.

“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,” Montego Bay Realty’s Mike Grimes said earlier this month. “So, because of this current situation, anybody buying those types of homes have to buy in cash because lenders require a homeowners insurance policy.”

Last week, the Ocean City Mayor and Council directed staff to explore options for mobile home owners and to relay their concerns to the state legislature. Mitrecic last Tuesday also urged county officials to take some action.

“I don’t know if any of you have read it in the paper about insurance

companies pulling out of Ocean City,” he said. “Right now, they’re pulling out of mobile homes that are older than 20 years old. They’re not re-upping their insurance. And in some cases, people trying to buy one are not able to get insurance, so they can’t get mortgages to purchase these mobile homes. So some of these people are stuck with them, and can’t sell them and can’t insure them.”

Mitrecic also shared his own recent struggles in securing homeowners insurance. He questioned if the state would consider some sort of state-funded insurance program for homeowners struggling to find policies for their mobile homes.

“I know after 28 years with State Farm and never having a claim, they sent me a letter that they were not insuring people in homes in my zip

code anymore. So I had to go out and find insurance in a very short amount of time. I had a month, basically,” he said. “So I know what these people are going through, and if they are not able to find insurance anywhere else, it’s going to be tough.”

Mitrecic pointed to the homeowners who would be affected, including the White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe residents who attended last week’s meeting for a separate matter.

“We need to work on that with our senators, and I’m sure our senator is well aware of it and our delegates are well aware of it,” he said. “We’re going to have to keep it on our radar because it’s not only going to affect the people in Ocean City but it’s going to affect the people speaking here today in White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe eventually.”

New ethics commissioner named

Town council

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Berlin Town Council approved the appointment of resident David Ranaghan to a threeyear term with the municipality’s Ethics Commission this week.

The council unanimously approved Ranaghan for the commission at their Monday, Sept. 9 meeting. Mayor Zack Tyndall said the appointee has worked with hospital ethics boards in the past and is excited to volunteer his time with Berlin.

“I was very impressed with Mr. Ranaghan’s resume,” Councilmember Jay Knerr said.

The commission’s duties include reviewing and enforcing ethics issues within the Town of Berlin, overseeing the financial disclosure forms, and being “integral in our ability to process elections,” Tyndall noted.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen echoed the mayor’s statements.

“To the point of elections, the portion of the election that this group oversees is the review of the financial disclosure forms,” she said. “Those are filed by incumbents by April 30

every year and by new candidates when they file for office. The election board reviews things for completeness, but the ethics commission reviews the financial disclosures.”

Currently, the ethics group has three members, which is the preferred minimum. Tyndall emphasized that they would like to keep the group to up to five active participants.

Berlin residents may submit their resumes and complete a brief form at https://berlinmd.gov/mayor/become-involved/ to apply to a board, commission, or committee. Current openings can be found on the town website.

The Historic District Commission, the Arts and Entertainment Advisory Board, the Berlin Horticulture Advisory Committee, and the Parks Commission are a few of the teams that residents may lend their time to.

Tyndall wrote in a Facebook post last week that resumes for these roles do not need to be elaborate.

“The reason we ask for a resume is so the selection committee can get to know you before your interview,” he said. “We are not looking for decades of experience. If you live in the Town of Berlin and are passionate about a certain topic, we encourage you to apply.”

Once the proper forms are submitted, an informal interview with the mayor, town administrator, respective department head, and the current chair of the board or commission to which the individual is applying is scheduled.

Once the applicant meetings are complete, the interview committee gathers to recommend who is the best fit for the role. Tyndall notes that even if someone is not chosen, the group may inform them of other openings that better align with their experience and skill set.

Once the interview committee decides, the mayor submits the nomination to the Berlin Council for final approval.

Tyndall emphasized at the Sept. 9 meeting that the number of boards and commissions an individual may sit on is limited. Preferably, members of these groups are not permitted to hold positions on more than one committee.

“The ethics commission is one in particular that should definitely not serve on any other group just for the potential of conflict of interest,” Bohlen said.

The mayor noted that the decision-makers account for district representation if a vacancy receives a large applicant pool.

“We try to spread that out,” he said.

Members of these boards are also primarily residents of Berlin. Tyndall said they often receive applications from individuals who live outside the municipality and want to serve, but as a general practice, recommended volunteers are town residents.

Still, this rule is flexible.

“The parks commission, for instance…,” Bohlen said. “There may be someone out there with expertise that they want to bring in who does not necessarily live in town, so it does offer that opportunity. But that does not apply to every board.”

More information on Berlin’s boards, commissions, and committees can be found on the town’s website.

Court records detail infant mistreatment at facility

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(Sept. 12, 2024) Legal difficulties continue to mount for convicted child abuser Heather Ward and her former employer, the Berlin Activities Depot, as the parent of a child in Ward’s care at the daycare center is suing both parties for what she says was the mistreatment of her immuno-compromised infant.

The lawsuit, filed by Kearston Cox, of Pocomoke City, on Sept. 5 in Worcester County Circuit Court, seeks $30,000 on each of five counts of mistreatment and negligence in caring for her one-year-old daughter. The daughter is listed as a plaintiff in the case as well.

Named as defendants in the suit are Ward, 40, of Berlin, and her employer, Twisters Inc., the parent company of the Berlin Activities Depot, which houses a daycare center.

The suit contends that Ward, a daycare provider at the center, ignored specific training provided to the staff on how to care for an infant fitted with a G-Tube (gastrostomy tube) in her stomach and that Twisters allowed it to happen.

A G-Tube is used in babies and small children to help them breathe and to prevent them from aspirating their food because of their difficulty swallowing.

Because of that circumstance, Cox asserts that a nurse was brought to the center to show caretakers how to handle the infant when the G-Tube was inserted and she was receiving tube feedings. Those instructions, the suit continues, included a strong caution against placing the infant face down or with her face covered by a blanket.

According to the complaint, however, a video recording of Ward

Court action seeks $150K for negligence

showed that she “forcefully threw her (the infant) down into a crib face down, covered her head in a blanket, ignored her cries, and left her in that position, completely ignoring the clear instructions she had been supposedly trained on.”

In addition, the suit says Ward would “forcefully yank [the infant] by her arm and forcefully bend her legs at the knees, and feet back to her ankles, causing [her] to experience severe pain and/or discomfort, and causing her to audibly scream and cry.”

The plaintiff also argues that even though these actions were taken in front of other employees and clients at the daycare, no one “ever reported Defendant Ward’s abusive and aggressive behavior to anyone at Defendant Twisters’ Daycare.”

According to the lawsuit, the consequences of these alleged actions were that the child suffered “great physical pain and has since suffered developmental setbacks causing her

to incur disabilities” that are likely to continue.

The suit accuses Ward of one count each of battery and negligence. It also asks the court to find Twisters Inc. guilty of negligence, of being liable for the Ward’s actions and being liable for the actions of other unknown employees who “repeatedly failed to observe, report, and not engage in physically abusive behavior occurring at the Daycare.

Ward is awaiting sentencing on nine counts of child abuse involving nine children in her care at the center, after pleading guilty to those charges in circuit court on Aug. 19.

Another 81 charges were not prosecuted as part of a deal with the state’s attorney’s office that allowed Ward to enter an “Alford plea,” in which the accused does not admit guilt but acknowledges that the state has sufficient evidence to convict.

Two other former employees of the center, which is owned by Carmella and Mark Solito, of Berlin, have been charged with similar offenses follow-

ing a pair of investigations, one by the county sheriff’s office and another by the Berlin Police Department.

As a result of the sheriff’s office’s investigation into Ward’s conduct, investigators in June arrested daycare classroom worker Catherine Deutsch, 32, of Ocean Pines, on 11 charges of failure to report child abuse and four counts of neglect. An Oct. 2 circuit court trial has been ordered in that case

That initial examination of incidents at the center began last November after the mother of an eight-month-old reported that her child had suffered a broken tibia. Video obtained by investigators showed Ward’s rough handling of that child and several others.

On Aug. 26, Berlin police, acting on a complaint by a parent, charged

Lionel Evans, 57, of Princess Anne, with second-degree assault and second-degree child in connection with an Aug. 13 playground incident. In that instance, Evans is accused of grabbing a 4-year-old by the neck to prevent him from running toward the playground equipment.

When apprised of the situation involving Ward, Carmella Solito said, “We are deeply disturbed and horrified by the circumstances involving the recent arrest of a former employee. The accusations profoundly conflict with our core values and longstanding commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children in our care. We have zero tolerance for any abuse or mistreatment of children. Their safety and well-being are our absolute top priority.”

Ocean City Inlet Lot to closed for fall events

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot is currently closed for public parking through Oct.13 to accommodate several upcoming events.

The lot will be hosting several significant upcoming events. The first will be OC BikeFest, which is set from Sept. 11-15. Promoters started setting up for the concert and vendor area on Sept. 10, which was the first day of the lot closure. Limited motorcycleonly parking will be permitted in the inlet lot during the event. Parking spaces will be on a first-come, firstserve basis. To learn more about the event, visit ocbikefest.com/.

As BikeFest festivities begin to break down, the inlet lot will transition into setting up for the Oceans Calling Festival, which is scheduled from Sept. 27-29. To learn more about the event, visit oceanscallingfestival.com/.

Immediately following Oceans Calling, the lot will transition to host the Country Calling Festival for country music lovers. The inaugural event will take place Oct. 4 and 5. To learn more, visit countrycallingfestival.com/.

After Country Calling, the inlet lot will prepare for the Endless Summer Cruisin’ event, set Oct. 10-13. Participating vehicles will be permitted to park in the lot from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m, but it fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday.

In turn, vehicles participating in the parade are not guaranteed parking at the inlet. During the event, the inlet lot will be available to the public after 5 p.m. each day. The lot will re-

sume normal operations after 4:30 p.m. that Sunday. To learn more about the event, visit specialeventpro.com/endless-summer-cruisin. Several convenient alternatives will be available for municipal and street parking during the inlet lot closure. Those who plan to attend one of the events, or stroll on the Boardwalk during them, can visit the city’s website at oceancitymd.gov/oc/oceancity-parking/ to learn about parking

options.

The overall downtown area is also expected to be congested over the next several weeks because of all of the events. Those traveling downtown are advised to plan to leave early and stay a little later to avoid traffic congestion. Parking will be limited, especially during the Oceans Calling Festival, and the beach bus is an alternative to trying to find parking in the area.

OC candidate forum set for Oct. 16

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Ocean City Firefighters / Paramedic Political Action Committee (OC Fire PAC) is offering a Meet the Candidates Forum for the upcoming Ocean City Mayor and Council election next month.

The groups are inviting community members to engage with the candidates running for mayor and four council seats from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 16, at the Carousel Hotel at 11700 Coastal Highway in Ocean City.

The forum will be moderated by

local reporters, providing a structured environment for candidates to share their views on issues critical to those living and working in Ocean City. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance through email to OCFIREPAC24@gmail.com, or ask the candidates in person if time permits.

Refreshments and light snacks will be provided by the Ocean City Firefighters / Paramedics PAC.

The forum is an opportunity for

members of the public to meet faceto-face with the candidates, ask questions, and learn more about their visions for the future of Ocean City, including public safety and other matters that are important to residents and their families. All community members are encouraged to attend.

Candidates should RSVP to OCFIREPAC24@gmail.com. To submit community questions and RSVP, email OCFIREPAC24@gmail.com.

Berlin election field official as Nichols, Packey to meet

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) Rules and regulations were laid out last week as the Berlin Municipal Election is officially underway.

While the election is mostly uncontested, except for the match-up between incumbent Shaneka Nichols and challenger Daniel Packey for the District 3 seat, the town’s Board of Supervisors of Elections met on Thursday, Sept. 5, to certify the candidates for the Oct. 1 race.

Current Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, District 2 Councilmember Jack Orris, and Nichols were declared eligible to defend their role, while Packey may compete to take the District 3 post from Nichols.

Write-in contenders may still file until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24. However, their names will not appear on the ballots. Granted that no one registers by the deadline, Mayor Zack Tyndall and District 2 Councilmember Jack Orris will hold on to their positions for another four years.

At the Sept. 5 Board of Supervisors of Elections meeting, Town Administrator Mary Bohlen emphasized that absentee ballots, or mail-in voters who cannot physically visit the polls, must submit an application and identify themselves in the correct district to be eligible.

Once the proper forms are certified by appointed town staff, the ballot will be mailed to the applicant. Interested residents can submit their application paperwork by mail by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, or in person at Town Hall on 10 William Street by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.

For those casting their votes in person on October 1, the polling location, St. Paul United Methodist Church at 405 Flower Street, will open at 7 a.m. The booths will close when the last person who joined the line before 7 p.m. has made their selection. The election group will return to Town Hall at the day’s conclusion to tally the tickets.

Bohlen also reminded the board that no campaigning is allowed past a certain point at the polling place. Signs will be present to identify the cutoff point.

“You cannot have election information in so many feet of the facility,” she said. “…In a relatively small and mostly uncontested election like this, you do not tend to see much of that campaign paraphernalia anyway…Candidates can’t stand outside the door and say, ‘Vote for me.’ The election board has the authority to stop that.”

The Board of Supervisors of Elections is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 5:30 p.m. The town’s Facebook page will stream a video of the gathering.

In election news, Mayor Tyndall announced his support for Nichols, who was also supported by her current colleagues on the council.

In a Facebook post, which included a picture of the full council supporting Nichols, “Councilmember Nichols and I are both lifelong residents of the Town of Berlin. We both grew up here and have chosen to raise our families here. Both of our families have called Berlin home for generations. Over the past four years, I have had the honor of working with Councilmember Nichols on issues affecting the entire Town of Berlin. Her advocacy for our community as a whole has allowed us to advance initiatives including one of the projects we are most proud of, the Berlin Community Center on Flower Street.”

Prior to this week’s meeting, members of the Berlin Mayor and Council gathered in a show of support for the re-election bid of Council member Shaneka Nichols, who is seeking a second term on Oct. 1.

Early bus crowding issues addressed by public schools

Budget

retirements of drivers blamed for concern raised in first two weeks

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) The public school system addressed concerns this week about bus crowding over the first two weeks of school.

The Worcester County Public Schools transportation system is experiencing changes in the wake of Fiscal Year 2025’s budget cuts and a last-minute bus driver retirement, according to WCPS Coordinator of Public Relations and Special Programs Carrie Sterrs.

With fewer students riding the bus to and from school since the pandemic, adjustments to routes and pickup and arrival times have been made. Though early school year issues are common as students and bus drivers settle in, many parents have taken to social media since last Tuesday’s start to express concerns about high school students forced to sit three to a seat and some students reportedly relegated to standing or sitting in the bus aisles at times.

Sterrs said buses’ occupancy levels

have increased as four routes to Worcester Technical High School have been reduced. These include two Stephen Decatur High School morning routes, one SDHS afternoon route, and one Pocomoke High School afternoon route. Many high school students report each morning to their home high school before being bused to the tech school for classes.

Sterrs also reported a major logistical issue arose over the summer when a bus contractor elected to end his contract in July, impacting the transportation situation further.

“Based on prior-year ridership data, that route was absorbed into other routes,” Sterrs said.

Sterrs maintained the school system will continue to observe ridership figures while keeping student safety front of mind.

“While occupancy can vary by bus model, WCPS does not exceed the manufacturer’s seating capacity, typically 72 or 73 occupants,” she continued. “As is done at the beginning of every school year, the WCPS transportation department is closely monitoring all of our bus routes to determine and execute any adjustments that may be necessary.”

Worcester asking Sussex to oppose wind farm substation

Letter urges neighbors in Delaware to reject project at Indian River power plant

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Worcester County Commissioners will ask its northerly neighbor to oppose a conditional use request to construct a substation at the Indian River power plant.

Last week, the commissioners voted to send a letter to the Sussex County Council asking for its rejection of a conditional use request from a US Wind subsidiary. While the company has presented its request to construct an electric substation in the heavy industrial zoning district, the county council has yet to issue a decision.

“They did not make a decision last month on a [conditional] use to allow the landing of the power cables from the windmills,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic told his colleagues at the conclusion of last Tuesday’s meeting. “It’s a conditional use that they have to rule on that would allow the cables to come in through the Indian River Inlet, and land up at the power plant

I believe. So, I would make a motion that we send Sussex County a letter asking them not to grant that conditional use to the wind farms, that they will be just as destructive to their ocean as it is ours.”

As proposed in its application to Sussex County, a conditional use approval will allow Renewable Development LLC to construct an electric substation and utility uses on a 140acre property located off of Iron Branch Road in Dagsboro, Del. The project would bring cables from the proposed wind project onshore to connect to the power grid.

In July, the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission considered the company’s request and forwarded the matter to a public hearing, which the county council held on July 30.

However, the council at that time opted to defer its decision following hours of testimony.

With the decision still pending, Mitrecic asked commissioners this week to pen a letter of opposition to the Sussex County Council. Mitrecic’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Eric Fiori, passed in a 6-0 vote with Commissioner Caryn Abbott absent.

Berlin continues pause on planning as director sought

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) Berlin’s moratorium for site plan approval, annexation, and rezoning has been extended once again as the town continues its search for a planning director.

A moratorium, or temporary pause, went into effect on July 8 to halt certain actions of the town’s planning commission amid the absence of a full-time director. Site plan approval, annexation, and rezoning will not proceed until the suspension is lifted.

DISTRICT 03, ACCOUNT 031284

MAP 300, PARCEL 1418

The planning commission’s leader, Dave Engelhart, unexpectedly passed away in April. Since then, Rick Baldwin has provided consulting services to the group. A moratorium was proposed earlier in the summer to lessen the burden placed on Baldwin and staff per the director vacancy and unanimously passed by the Berlin Town Council on Monday, July 8.

“The purpose is because we are down a planning director,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said at the initial meeting. “This is intended to be temporary … This is to give staff a bit of relief from having to approve very complex matters … [consultant] Rick’s assistance has been invaluable, but he is not the planning director. He cannot sign off on things. He gives me solid advice, but he is not the authority.”

The original suspension was set to expire on Sept. 15. It has since been drawn out twice now.

The governing body elected to extend the ban through mid-October on Monday, August 12. Now, per a motion made by councilmember at large Jay Knerr, seconded by vice president Dean Burrell, and passed unanimously by the municipality’s leaders at its Monday, Sept. 9 meeting, the moratorium is valid until November 15.

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The pause will be reviewed at each month’s first meeting of the Berlin Mayor and Council. While the hiatus is set to run through mid-November, it may be lifted at any point if deemed acceptable by the governing body. However, the hiring of a planning director would have to be imminent.

“To reiterate, we are here because we still do not have a planning director,” District 1 Councilmember Steve Green said. “This is the main reason we have a moratorium and are asking for this extension.”

Planning Director Dave Engelhart died after a long illness in April after 11 years in the position. The town has been actively interviewing candidates for the position but officials have not provided any public updates on the process.

“We are working extremely hard to get a planning director in place,” Knerr added.

While the planning commission cannot sign off on site plans, annexation, or rezoning requests under the ban, they can still meet publicly to discuss conceptual issues. For instance, the group gathered on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 5:30 p.m. and is scheduled to assemble again on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

New Ocean City museum opens with grand event

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) Museum staff, town officials, local donors, and representatives with the Bank of Ocean City gathered downtown last week to celebrate the opening of the Museum of Ocean City.

On Sept. 6, representatives commemorated the opening of the new museum with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. With the restoration of the circa 1910 building now complete, the museum welcomes members of the public to the facility to learn more about the history of Ocean City.

“If anything, this building represents the dedication we all have to preserving and celebrating this town’s history,” Christine Okerblom, curator for the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, told the crowd. “I just want to thank everyone for their support.”

In 2019, the Bank of Ocean City closed its downtown branch at the corner of Baltimore Avenue and Dorchester Street. But instead of selling the property, it was donated to the Town of Ocean City for the creation of a new museum.

Since then, crews have been at work restoring the building to its former glory, the results of which were showcased at last Friday’s celebration. For her part, Okerblom recognized the Town of Ocean City, the Ocean City Museum Society, Maryland Heritage Areas, and the Department of Housing and Community Development for moving the project forward.

“Along the way, it was evident that we needed additional funds to fully complete the restoration,” she said. “That is when the Museum Society asked our community for their support. In response, our community, our sponsors, donated over $350,000 to bring this project to a close, which is pretty amazing.”

During his remarks, Meehan recognized the many officials who played a part in bringing the new museum to fruition. He also highlighted the history of the 114-year-old building, which was first home to a store.

“This was a grocery store, McGregor’s Grocery Store,” he said. “So you go back to 1910. It wasn’t until 1916 that it became the Bank of Ocean City and of course was a mainstay of downtown Ocean City for many, many years. As you can see, what’s left behind really adds, I think, to the ambiance of this building, with the safe and some of the other things that are currently right here. I think that

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Museum of Ocean City open after extensive restoration

really adds to the character of this building.”

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza added the museum space reflected the town’s efforts to preserve the history of Ocean City.

“I think today, that’s why it’s particularly nostalgic and emotional, because we need to tell our story so we can protect our way of life,” she said. “And it comes at a time when we are fighting to save Ocean City for so many different reasons.”

Ocean City Museum Society Treasurer Gordon Katz told attendees last week that in the first decade of the 20th century, local businessman Charles McGregor borrowed $2,100 to begin construction on a general store. And in 1911, he opened for

business at the corner of Baltimore Avenue and Dorchester Street, selling to both locals and the summer travelers.

In August of 1913, however, McGregor was forced to sell his general store. And in 2016, the Bank of Ocean City took its place. He added it is also rumored that Ocean City’s former mayor, the late Harry Kelley, was born in one of the upstairs apartment units.

“We do know that Mayor Kelley’s father was renting one of the apartments in 1917, and Harry was born in June of 1918, so it’s very possible that the story is accurate,” he said.

During the winter of 1946 and the spring of 1947, the bank building underwent an extensive renovation in which the second-floor porch was removed and replaced with large columns and a brick facade, Katz said. Inside, a new alarm system and an enlarged bank vault – among other things – were installed.

“Just one side note here, the larger vault was needed in part to store the pennies and nickels that were gathered from the slot machine on the Boardwalk,” he said. “But that is a story for another time.”

Following more than a century of operation, the Bank of Ocean City in 2019 closed its downtown branch. Rather than sell or demolish the building, it was turned over to the Town of Ocean City for the museum society’s use.

Today, the building has been restored to its original condition, and in the coming months permanent exhibits will be added to the museum’s first floor. Upstairs, an archival room and research library will be open to community members who want to view old books, photographs, maps and artifacts.

Continued from Page 35

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum Curator Christine Okerblom, center, leads a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new museum’s opening on Sept. 6.

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Morning bird walk set during Oct. 11 event at sanctuary

(Sept. 13, 2024) Delmarva Birding Weekend and Lower Shore Land Trust are partnering to host a morning bird walk through the Maryland Ornithological Society’s Irish Grove Sanctuary from 8-11 a.m., Oct. 11. as part of the OktoBIRDFest x DogFish Head weekend festivities.

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Thanks to a grant from the Rural Maryland Council, the Lower Shore Land Trust is partnering with Delmarva Birding to offer a bird walk through the Maryland Ornithological Society’s 2,326-acre Irish Grove Sanctuary.

Jim Rapp of Delmarva Birding Weekends, and Jared Parks and Beth Sheppard of Lower Shore Land Trust will guide bird enthusiasts around the Rumbly Point peninsula in southern Somerset County where they’ll encounter a variety of over 235 reported species of birds, including saltmarsh sparrows, seaside sparrows, and Virginia rails.

Along with spotting critical lower shore bird species, participants will also get firsthand experience with marsh migration, where their old trail maps might not match the current route that guides will take them on due to shifting vegetation zones, ghost forests, and sea level rises. Most of the property is less than 5 feet above sea level, with a majority the sanctuary tidal marsh and some pine forest.

Bird watchers are encouraged to dress and prepare for hiking on trails that may be wet and muddy by wearing waterproof boots and other rain gear, wearing and bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, and preparing for ticks. Arriving early to ensure an on-time departure is also considered courteous, as is speaking quietly and turning off cell phones during trips. There are restrooms on site at Irish Grove.

Other events happening during the OktoBIRDfest x Dogfish Head weekend include a Friday evening sunset cruise behind Assateague Island and Ocean City, a biking birding tour Saturday morning at Cape Henlopen State Park, a sunset cruise in Lewes Saturday evening, and a birding tour at the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro on Sunday morning. Registration is currently open, and early registrants get a 50% discount until Sept. 27. There are no cancelations and trips will go on rain or shine. More information can be found online at delmarvabirding.com/friday-oct-11irish-grove-mos-sanctuary/.

For more information, call Jim Rapp at (443) 614-0261 or email dmvbirds@gmail.com.

Mitrecic continues pushing for staggered election terms

Matter will not be on ballot this year, but commissioner wants it kept top of mind

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) County officials will continue to evaluate staggered terms for commissioners.

Last month, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic called on county leaders to evaluate terms ahead of the 2026 election. While all seven commissioner seats are up for reelection every four years, he asked that staggered terms be created.

“We replace the entire board every election, and in an election year we could actually end up with seven new commissioners,” he said. “Looking at the slate for the next election, two years from now, this may in fact be the time to look at staggering the positions in two different election cycles.”

Mitrecic told the commissioners in August that he had considered the possibility of staggering terms since he was first elected. With Commissioner Jim Bunting stating he would not seek re-election, and he himself weighing his options for another term, he said he wanted to have a discussion now.

At the end of last Tuesday’s meeting, Mitrecic said he had been contacted by numerous people since the topic was brought up last month. He said many thought the idea of staggered terms to be a good one.

“This is a constitutional issue … and I would like to see us try to get it in this year’s election,” he said. “Let the people speak to it and let them decide whether they think it’s the right thing to do or not.”

When asked if the county had time

to add the referendum question to this year’s ballot, County Attorney Roscoe Leslie said it would first need the approval of the Maryland General Assembly. He said it would not be decided upon this year.

“That’s something I’d like to see us stay on top of though in the future and keep moving that forward,” Mitrecic responded.

Mitrecic told the commissioners last month that Worcester was one of the few jurisdictions in the state of Maryland to not have staggered terms. And while it was unlikely, he said the entire board in Worcester County could be replaced in any given election.

Worcester County’s most recent election was held in 2022, during which the only uncontested seat was the one held by Mitrecic, who presents District 7 (Ocean City). In District 1 (southern end of the county including Pocomoke), Caryn Abbott defeated incumbent Josh Nordstrom. In District 2 (court-mandated minority district including part of Berlin), incumbent Diana Purnell defeated Catherine Freeman. In District 3, which includes West Ocean City, Eric Fiori pulled ahead in a four-way race to fill a seat left by Bud Church’s departure from the commissioners. In District 4, the western area of the county that includes parts of Berlin and Snow Hill, incumbent Ted Elder won by a six-vote margin. In District 5, (most of Ocean Pines) incumbent Chip Bertino defeated challenger Grant Helvey. And in District 6, (northern area of the county including Bishopville) incumbent Jim Bunting defeated Richard Addis.

Most of the winners were determined in the primary race that summer.

Partnership to hold Marine Debris Plunder

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) Worcester County residents are encouraged to keep local bays, beaches, and streets clean in an organized effort later this month.

The Maryland Coastal Bays Program, in conjunction with the Ocean Pines Association, is gearing up to host its fourth annual Marine Debris Plunder on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The organization will welcome volunteers on foot and by boat as they gather trash from waterways and land.

Participants may fetch debris from the bays, any Ocean City or Assateague beach, or on any road or pathway and take it to the Ocean Pines White Horse Park boat ramp for collection.

Local actor Trey Eversman will play Captain Jack Sparrow to help gather the trash and “rally the troops,” MCBP Out-

reach and Marketing Coordinator Sandi Smith said. He and his team will also ensure that the collected items are weighed and disposed of properly.

The initiative was born out of MCBP’s “ghost pot” program, which was launched in 2009 to retrieve abandoned crab pots, also known as “ghost pots,” from coastal waterways. When the cages are left unattended, they continue to capture and kill sea creatures, including Diamondback terrapins, ducks, and otters, unintentionally for years on end.

Smith said that in 2019, the program received funding to host a “Ghost Pot Rodeo” to educate the community on the dangers of abandoned cages and encourage participation in their removal. That initiative has since transitioned into the annual Marine Debris Plunder. Volunteers may collect any debris they encounter on land or by boat and take it to

the event organizers to dispose of.

“As a boater, you see stuff out there like a big piece of debris, you’ll put it on your boat, but then what are you supposed to do with it?” Smith said. “We are encouraging people to get out there, grab the big stuff, and give it to us. We have had boaters call us and tell them they see stuff but don’t know what to do with it. It is a good outreach event to amend this issue.”

While not required, boaters are encouraged to register online prior to Sept. 22 and will be provided with tools like a bucket, tarp, gloves, and a net. However, if individuals or teams decide to participate the day of, they are welcome.

“Boaters are encouraged to register, but only if they want their equipment ahead of time,” the outreach coordinator said. “If it’s a beautiful day and they decide to hop on their boats, they can just stop by.”

On-land volunteers are also encour-

aged to attend. Any trash found on the beach or on pathways can be taken to White Horse Park for collection and weigh-in. Participants will be given gloves and a tally sheet. Smith said it is vital they keep track of the amount and type of trash for future grant applications.

“It would be great to say we have seen a decrease in trash, but we haven’t,” she said. “It is a coastal issue… When you live in coastal regions, it is windy, and trash blows. In our area, we see a lot of plastic bags, cigarette butts, water bottles, and plastic bottle caps. It is crazy how many of those you find.”

Smith wonders if a plastic bag ban would reduce the number of debris found but maintains that these kinds of restrictions are hardly received well. A ban on single-use plastic bags and a 10cent fee for paper or reusable bags in Salisbury ran into resistance.

The ordinance was amended in October of that same year following feedback from establishments who were already offering paper bags to customers at no cost. According to a press release issued by the municipality on the modification, a business should not charge for any paper bag that “a food service facility gives a customer or third party delivery service to take food sliced or prepared to order from the food service facility; a pharmacy gives to a patient or customer that contains a prescription drug; or constitutes an essential part of the packaging of the product, the product itself, or which was packaged in such manner at the time of manufacture.”

“People will not be receptive to a plastic bag ban,” Smith said. “There is an expense and a behavioral change that comes with it. It is beyond education; it is just what you’re used to…It’s easy to be an armchair advocate, but there are people who don’t understand, and we have to respect each other’s values. You can say the plastic will kill a bird or the turtles, but unless people see it for themselves, they likely won’t change.”

Ron Jon Surf Shop is funding this year’s event, and Smith said that many local businesses have started instituting environmentally conscious measures.

“The good news is a lot of local restaurants are becoming environmentally responsible,” she said. “A lot have started handing out recyclable to-go boxes. More and more of our restaurants understand that this is a valuable addition to our resort.”

Mother’s Cantina, for instance, uses compostable, biodegradable sugarcanebased alternative takeout containers. Additionally, the advocacy group FoodPrint, dedicated to encouraging the least environmentally damaging food choices, reported that in 2020, Maryland became the first state to prohibit restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and supermarkets from packaging foods in foam.

Volunteers may register for the Marine Debris Plunder on the MCBP’s website at mdcoastalbays.org/register-yourtrash/marine-debris-plunder-registration/. A t-shirt will be

while

Md. election board issues text scam warning to voters

(Sept. 13, 2024) Maryland State Board of Elections officials are warning voters to be vigilant of texting scams that are spreading disinformation about the 2024 Presidential General Election.

Specifically, registered Maryland voters have reported receiving a text message that falsely claims that the voter is not registered and urges them to click on a weblink not associated with the state board of elections.

The text message reads:

“URGENT: To vote in the upcoming election, you MUST be registered, but public records show you’re not registered at [voter address]. Click the link to register before the deadline: md-voter.link/4VczM

Reply Stop to end. AC”

State Administrator Jared DeMarinis said in a news release that these types of scams threaten the legitimacy of the election.

“They are designed to steal identities, sow distrust in the election administration and undermine confidence,” he said “With election

scams and disinformation on the rise nationwide, I encourage every Marylander to be vigilant of any election information sent by phone, mail and email.”

He added that voters who want to check their registrations for the upcoming election can do so on the board’s official website, at elections.maryland.gov.

The site provides information on voter registration, polling locations, mail-in ballot status, and available ways to vote. Voters are also encouraged to follow the state board of elections on social media for up-to-date information.

Election board members send official text messages from (833) 5721128 and will only include links to official ”.gov” websites. The messages will never ask for personal information through text messages.

The board has also created a portal for residents to report election disinformation that can be accessed at elections.maryland.gov/press_room/ Dis-Misinformation.html.

NO CONVICTED FELON IN THE WHITE HOUSE VOTE KAMALA HARRIS

Paid for by Peter Ayers Wimbrow III

A Stockton Volunteer Fire Company truck is pictured underneath the Boardwalk arch over the weekend with the Remembrance Beams of Light shining high above. A series of 9/11 tribute events that began last week are sponsored by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department.

48 OC Today-Dispatch SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

LOCAL INTERIOR

REMODELING COMPANY

Will pay $25 per hour to the right person with Carpentry and Drywall Skills. Text 410-430-5027.

New Construction Rentals Available in WOC. Year round / winter rental / furnished / unfurnished. No smoking/pets. Call 410-213-1633 for information.

PoolGeneral 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.

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

RENTALS

House For Yearly Rent. 4BR, 3.5BA, Garage, West OC. No smoking/pets. $2750/mo. + electric. Available November 1. Call 410-213-1633.

WINTER RENTAL

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Commercial Space for Lease.

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

Industrial 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

SERVICES

HEART FULL HELPERS Senior care, companionship, errands & more. Call us today 443-859-5135. MD, DE & VA

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.

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-4076870 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.

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

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® & Southern States® (www.happyjackinc.com).

SERVICES

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

TRUSTEE’S SALE

OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-24-000102 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., at the front door of Borderlinks I Condominium Unit No. Bn/40, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD, all that property designated as Borderlinks I Condominium Unit No. Bn/40, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established by Declaration and Bylaws recorded among the land records of Worcester County in Liber No. 380, folio 369, et seq., as amended, and as further described in a deed recorded at Book: 7865, Page: 463, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.

A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater and water charges, condominium assessments and Ocean Pines Association assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.

For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400.

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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 DE-

CEMBER 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

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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 de-

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

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

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NOTICE

OF 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.

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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

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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

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.

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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 Febru-

ary, 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

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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 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

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:

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

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NOTICE

OF

PROPOSED CHANGE IN ZONING

NORTH SIDE OF PURNELL CROSSING ROAD

EAST OF BISHOP LANE ROAD, BERLIN THIRD TAX DISTRICT

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to Section 1-113 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, Rezoning Case No. 445 has been filed by Kristina Watkowski on behalf of Thomas C. Mason and Shelley Mason, property owners, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change approximately 18.54 acres of land located on the northerly side of Purnell Crossing Road, Berlin, approximately 0.35 Miles east of Bishop Lane Road, in the Third Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from RP Resource Protection District to A-1 Agricultural District. The Planning Commission has given a favorable recommendation to the rezoning application.

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

PUBLIC HEARING on

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024

AT 10:35 A.M. IN THE COUNTY

COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM

WORCESTER COUNTY

GOVERNMENT CENTER –ROOM 1101

ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863

At said public hearing the County Commissioners will consider the rezoning application, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 445 and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions on the rezoning, other appropriate re-

strictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve, or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance.

Maps of the petitioned area, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 445 and the Planning Commission’s recommendation, which will be entered into record at the public hearing, are on file and available to view electronically by contacting the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. (except holidays), at (410) 632-1200 as well as at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of 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 ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-9/5/3t

NOTICE

of Public Hearing

Worcester County FY 2025 Requested Operating Budget Amendment

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed FY 2025 General Fund Operating Budget Amendment on:

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 Government Center, One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

The requested FY2025 operating budget amendment is a result of the Maryland Department of Health’s reduction in the FY25 Local Core Funding Match Requirement. Copies of the detailed budget are available in the County Commissioners’ Office, Room 1103 of the County Government Center in Snow Hill or online at www.co.worcester.md.us.

WORCESTER COUNTY 2025 REQUESTED OPERATING BUDGET AMENDMENT

Increase the following line items:

• 100.1090.070.9010.040

Capital Equipment IT Equipment

• 100.1985.8100.010

$2,500,000

Transfer Out to Other Funds

• 100.1985.8100.020

$1,482,229

Interfund Budget Stabilization

$1,617,219

Decrease the following line items:

• 100.1301.200.7130.020

Matching Appropriation Health Department State Share

$5,599,448

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REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20340 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EMILIO VASCO CALCARA

Notice is given that Maria Venina Marques Figueiredo, 9005 Mediterranean Dr., Ocean City, MD 218425043, was on September 05, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emilio Vasco Calcara who died on July 19, 2024, with a will.

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

by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of March, 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.

Maria Venina Marques Figueiredo 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 12, 2024

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2024 Town of Berlin Elections

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

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

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

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

NOTE: Application for Mail-In

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

TOWN OF BERLIN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS

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Terrapin Certificates, LLC

c/o James F. Truitt, Jr.

20 East Timonium Road, Suite 100 Timonium, Maryland 21093 Plaintiff v.

Anthony M. Soletto, Jr.

Pamela E. Rubio-Soletto

Nancy J. Rubio

9 127TH ST., UNIT 203 and Worcester County, Maryland (for Maryland Annotated Code 14-1836(b)(1)(V) purposes only) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 9 127th St., Unit 203, Ocean City, MD 21842, 10th (Tenth) Election District, described as follows: All that lot of land and imps described as Starfish V Condominium, Unit 203.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY

Case Number: C-23-CV-24-000180

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property 9 127th St., Unit 203, Ocean City, MD 21842 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

All that lot of land and imps described as Starfish V Condominium, Unit 203.

The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 9th of September, 2024 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th day of November, 2024, and redeem the property 9 127th St., Unit 203, Ocean City, MD 21842 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiffs title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-9/12/3t

Terrapin Certificates, LLC

c/o James F. Truitt, Jr.

20 East Timonium Road, Suite 100 Timonium, Maryland 21093

Plaintiff v. Lia Lujan

Melanie Cummings, Trustee

First Alliance Bank, FSB Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage n/k/a Wells Fargo Bank, NA, Servicer 722 MOORING RD., UNIT A305 and Worcester County, Maryland (for Maryland Annotated Code 14-1836(b)(1)(v) purposes only) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 722 Mooring Rd., Unit A305, Ocean City, MD 21842, 10th (Tenth) Election District, described as follows:

All that lot of land and imps described as The Chateau Condominium, Unit A-305. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY

Case Number: C-23-CV-24-000171

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property 722 Mooring Rd., Unit A305, Ocean City, MD 21842 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

All that lot of land and imps described as The Chateau Condominium, Unit A-305.

The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 9th of September, 2024 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th day of November, 2024, and redeem the property 722 Mooring Rd., Unit A305, Ocean City, MD 21842 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiffs title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-9/12/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20325 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF F. RICHARD PATSCHORKE AKA: FRITZ R. PATSCHORKE

Notice is given that Michael Paul Patschorke, 965 Kiefer Trails Dr., Ballwin, MO 63021-6078, was on August 30, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of F. Richard Patschorke who died on July 24, 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.

Michael Paul Patschorke

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 12, 2024

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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-9/12/1t

D. NICOLE GREEN, PA

D. NICOLE GREEN ESQ. 300 EAST MAIN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20344

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Chancery court of Sussex County, Delaware appointed Kenneth R. Kordek, 913 E. Grove St., Delmar, DE 19940-1309 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Arlene Joan Conway who died on March 22, 2024 domiciled in Delaware, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is D. Nicole Green whose address is 300 E. Main St., Salisbury, MD 21801-4925.

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS

NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of NANCY B. GIPE Estate No. 20337 Notice is given that HOWARD STANLEY CHILCOAT whose address is 1216 OCEAN PKWY., BERLIN, MD 21811-1696 was on SEPTEMBER 03, 2024 appointed Personal Representative(s) of the small estate of NANCY B GIPE who died on AUGUST 08,

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 de-

livery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Kenneth R. Kordek

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 12, 2024

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REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ

WILLIAM, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20050 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH A. KUHL

Notice is given that Joan P. Terciak, 418 Erie St., Holbrook. NY 11741-2927, was on January 19, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joseph A. Kuhl who died on January 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 19th day of July, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to

the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

Joan P. Terciak 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 12, 2024

SMALL

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ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DIANE D. ANDERSON Estate No. 20245 Notice is given that MARK ANDERSON whose address is 15 GREENWOOD LN., BERLIN, MD 21811-2033 was on JUNE 21, 2024 appointed Personal Representative(s) of the small estate of DIANE D. ANDERSON who died on MAY 17, 2024 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or

by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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

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

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

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Town of Berlin NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Notice is hereby given to all eligible voters of the Town of Berlin regarding the upcoming Municipal Election scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024. This election will determine the Office of Mayor and the Council Seats in Districts 2 and 3.

The filing deadline for write-in candidates is Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Should no additional writein candidates emerge by this date, the election will only determine the winner for the District 3 Council Seat.

Voters in Districts 3 and 4 will vote at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 405 Flower Street, and if write-in candidates file, voters in Districts 1 and 2 will vote at Buckingham Presbyterian Church at 20 S. Main Street. Both polling places will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Applications for Mail-In Voting must be received by Berlin Town Hall by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, if sent by mail (postmark not accepted) or by 4:00 PM on Friday, September 27, 2024, if delivered in person.

For more information, please call

410-641-4002 or email kdaub@berlinmd.gov.

TOWN OF BERLIN

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS

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Terrapin Certificates, LLC c/o James F. Truitt, Jr. 20 East Timonium Road, Suite 100 Timonium, Maryland 21093 Plaintiff v. Bernard H. White, III Loretta M. White 4000 COASTAL HWY., UNIT 317 and Worcester County, Maryland (for Maryland Annotated Code 14-1836(b)(1)(v) purposes only) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 4000 Coastal Hwy., Unit 317, Ocean City, MD 21842, 10th (Tenth) Election District, described as follows: All that lot of land and imps described as Ocean Point No. 2 Condominium, Unit 317 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY Case Number: C-23-CV-24-000172

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property 4000 Coastal Hwy., Unit 317, Ocean City, MD 21842 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: All that lot of land and imps described as Ocean Point No, 2 Condominium, Unit 317

The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 9th of September, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th of November, 2024 and redeem the property 4000 Coastal Hwy., Unit 317, Ocean City, MD 21842 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered forectosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiffs title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian

D. Shockley JUDGE

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

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY SURF CLUB SURF CLUB DONATION

The Ocean City Surf Club recently donated $1,200 to the Ocean City Recreation & Parks for its kids summer camps. Pictured, from left, with the check are OC Surf Club President Tommy Vach, OC Recreation Superintendent Kate Gaddis and OC Surf Club Vice President Rusty Ruszin.

Volunteer group continuing Berlin beautification efforts

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Berlin Horticulture Advisory Committee continues to prioritize beautification in town.

Since 2022, the committee, in col-

laboration with Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, has worked to create pollinator gardens, areas of flora and fauna planted to produce nectar and pollen and attract pollinating insects throughout downtown.

Pollinator gardens aim to provide

Committee views pollinator gardens as improvements

sufficient energy sources, or pollen, to declining insects like bees and other pollinating creatures. These critters are essential to maintaining a prosperous ecosystem and supplying humans with food to meet nutritional needs.

Berlin has committed itself to the beautification effort by creating these spaces in areas across town, such as Henry Park, Heron Park, Stephen Decatur Park, and Burbage Park. Coneflowers and black-eyed Susans are among the flowers planted.

Committee member Victoria Spice said that the group strives to strike a balance between keeping the gardens effective, tidy, beautiful, and not too wild for Main Street. That means species like goldenrod, often unruly, are not to be planted in excess.

Perennials, plants that grow and come back each year, are prioritized to limit costs, and flora and fauna home to the area are preferred to exotic vegetation.

“We plant things specifically native to Maryland because they are more likely to thrive and grow,” member Georgianna McElroy said.

Chair Andrea Weeg echoed McElroy’s sentiments.

“Also, because of climate change, it is hotter and drier and sometimes rainy; the native plants deal with it better,” she said.

Public works manages the gardens’ ongoing maintenance, which includes weekly watering and regular weeding. Last month, during the scheduled upkeep, the committee was delighted to find monarch butterfly caterpillars in the space, proving that the environmental initiative remains effective.

As summer ends and the gardens are officially established, the committee looks toward their fall priorities. Last week, the group planted flowering kale, ornamental pepper, and pink and purple Aster downtown to prepare Berlin for the changing season.

Spice also hopes the team will begin to focus on outreach and programming. Last year, the group raised money via a wreath-making activity and is looking to host a similar event, like seed starting, this winter to help residents prepare their gardens for spring.

The Horticulture Advisory Committee believes that the pollinator gardens have improved Berlin.

“Anytime you plant gardens, it is so eye-catching,” McElroy said. “It is a calming, beautiful territory.”

McElroy said that the town hopes to create a map soon with all the pollinator gardens numbered so Berlin residents and visitors can take a guided tour. The project is still in the works and might require grant funding to get off the ground.

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy

OC BikeFest, Delmarva Bike Week comes to Lower Shore

(Sept. 13, 2024) It’s officially the shoulder season in Ocean City, which means the kickoff of an array of fall events, beginning this week with OC BikeFest and Delmarva Bike Week.

The annual event attracts motorcyclists from near and far to the resort to show off their two-wheeled vehicles, visit dozens of vendors, and listen to free live music.

Festivities began Wednesday with concerts and vendors at the inlet parking lot downtown, and vendors at the convention center on 40th Street, and will continue through Sunday. Vendor tents have also been set up all week at 94th Street.

OC BikeFest — in conjunction with Delmarva Bike Week offering activities that span the region — annually attracts more than 150,000 bikers to

the lower Eastern Shore. The event is billed as an end-of-season blowout for motorcycle enthusiasts. According to the schedule, vendors will be set up from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the convention center lot, with gates opening at the inlet at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Live music will commence at 5:30 p.m., Friday, at the main stage with The Rockoholics, followed by Tesla at 7:30 and Ted Nugent at 8. On Saturday, the main stage performances will consist of Jet Black Roses at 5:30, Cheap Trick at 7:30, and Styx at 9:30. Ives Brother’s Ball of Steel perform dances are also set for 5, 7 and 9 p.m. both days.

To learn more about OC BikeFest and Delmarva Bike Week, visit the events’ websites or social media.

FILE PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Bikers are pictured riding downtown Ocean City during last year’s OC BikeFest.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

BACKPACKS DONATED

Members of the Worcester Preparatory School girls soccer team are pictured holding backpacks filled with school supplies that they recently loaded up to be distributed during Lord Baltimore Elementary School’s open house. Alum and former teammate, Marissa Grosso (class of 2018) started the tradition of donating backpacks over ten years ago. Coach Carol Hartnett continues the legacy every season, coordinating efforts with the WPS Volunteer Club.

OCES FIRST DAY

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Worcester County Garden Club Scholarship Chair Sandy Buchanan is pictured with the club’s 2024 scholarship recipient, Ellie Johnson. Johnson, who also received the scholarship in 2023, met for lunch recently with Buchanan and committee member Glenda Clarke to talk about her freshman year at the University of Maryland studying environmental science.

PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY GARDEN CLUB

PHOTOS COURTESY OCEAN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Ocean City Elementary School students are pictured last week on the first day of the 2024-25 academic year. (Above left) First graders Sebastian Stewart, Arlo Smith and Graham Artrip pose together. (Above right) Pre-k students Cora Babcock, Tillie Haines, Charlie Wolf, Hope Akins and Abree Wallace are all smiles.

PHOTOS COURTESY WORCESTER PREPARATORY SCHOOL

WPS FIRST DAY

Worcester Preparatory

Pictured are scenes from the first days. (Above left) Third grader Noah Ramadan is welcomed back to campus by Head of School John McDonald and faculty members. (Above right)

The senior class led the morning with a "One Last Treasure Hunt" theme, welcoming underclassmen dressed in pirate attire. Seniors Emma Zajdel, Danielle Carr, Naz Unal and senior class sponsor Hunter Causey are pictured cheering on upper school students as they walk onto campus.

Roast some garlic for warm bread

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) Gastronomy is a field of many facets and limiting one’s education to cookery is a pity. A chef must balance and broaden their repertoire of skills if success is to be achieved.

was prescribed to aid respiration, digestion, and diarrhea. Garlic was also used to treat depression.

the new world by explorers and sailors from France and Portugal.

It is very apparent that garlic has had quite an impact far beyond the boundaries of the kitchen. I am not qualified to vouch for its medicinal qualities but I can attest to its great flavor.

off the top of each head of garlic so the individual cloves are exposed.

This week we will take a detour from conventionalism and discuss the medicinal uses of a plant that is known for its distinct smell and taste. Praise or condemnation fills the arena of personal preference. Can you guess the subject of the day?

Garlic may be small but don’t be fooled by its size. The pungent vegetable is rich in tradition and worth the time for review.

According to an article, “Historic Perspective on the Use of Garlic,” by Richard Rivlin, the earliest known references to garlic suggest the fragrant plant was a daily diet of many Egyptians.

It was particularly given to the working class involved with heavy labor, as in the building of the pyramids. It was believed it increased strength, which ultimately allowed laborers to work longer and be more productive. This not only holds true for the Egyptians but is a reoccurring theme throughout early history.

In ancient Chinese medicine, garlic

Garlic has been associated with the healing process in India from the time of the first available written records. Rivlin suggests the three ancient medical traditions — Tibbi, Unani, and Auryvedic — incorporated garlic into the healing process associated with heart disease and arthritis.

If we skip ahead on our timetable, we will learn that garlic became available in Europe after the Roman legions moved north. During Medieval times, knowledge of the therapeutic use of garlic was expanded and developed by way of the monks. Rivlin notes that the leading text of the Middle Ages, the Hortulus manuscript, includes detailed descriptions of garlic growing in clusters and their wondrous powers.

Believe it or not but the Renaissance, with all its pageantry and cultural rebirth, was a period in time known for medical use of plants. A leading physician of the 16th century, Pietro Masttioli of Siena, prescribed garlic for digestive orders, infestations with worms and renal (relating to the kidney) disorders, as well as to help mothers during difficult childbirth.

As we travel across the Atlantic Ocean and forge ahead in time, Early America is not to be left out. Garlic was brought to

Entertaining is about details and every course deserves the utmost attention. Bread service is no exception.

When hosting a special occasion, consider serving hot bread with butter, olive oil, and roasted heads of garlic. Options always please your guests and roasted garlic is not only delicious but decadent.

The garlic is soft and not nearly as aggressive as it is in its raw state. Just squeeze the garlic cloves and they will pop out. Spread the soft, luscious topping on warm, crusty bread for a memorable meal. Enjoy!

Roasted Head of Garlic

Ingredients

4 heads of fresh garlic extra-virgin olive oil

¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, crushed rosemary, Herbs de Province kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice

3. Slowly pour olive oil onto the cloves, allowing them to soak up the oil.

4. Season heads of garlic with thyme, rosemary, Herbs de Province, salt and pepper.

5. Place garlic, exposed cloves facing up, on a small sheet pan lined with aluminum foil.

6. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the garlic from the oven and again, slowly pour olive oil onto the garlic.

7. Bake for an additional 30 minutes.

8. Using a tooth pick insert the pick to see if the garlic is done. The toothpick should easily slide into the garlic.

9. Serve roasted heads of garlic with warm crusty bread.

* Plan on every guest being served their own head of garlic. You have to place your hands on the garlic and for sanitation purposes, every guest should get their own. This is one time frugality is not on the menu.

Secret Ingredient – Individuality

“Individuality is either the mark of genius or the reverse. Mediocrity finds safety in standardization.”

Frederick E. Crane

DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY Main Street was closed last Saturday for the Berlin Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever Small Town Block Party, featuring live entertainment throughout the day, numerous bounce houses, craft beers and a spice contest.

by Steve Green

TThe Adventures of Fatherhood

here’s nothing more difficult than seeing my Autistic son in turmoil.

It crushes me honestly because there’s a feeling of helplessness. Pam feels the same way. It’s been years since I have seen him in such a disoriented state of tumult as I did on Tuesday morning.

One of the unexpected positives about opening up my life for the last 16 years in this space has been the tremendous feedback and support from readers, especially when it comes to our Carson, 14, who is nonverbal with Autism. Therefore, I will continue to share what I am comfortable with because I know there are others living through similar life circumstances and struggles far beyond the pale of normalcy.

Tuesday began like any other morning with Carson and me following our morning routines. The only difference on this particular morning was he wanted to wear pants after we had already done our Dunkin’ stop on the way to school. Fortunately, we live close and were able to change in time for school. I dropped him at school with his special education team and he waited to board the bus for his first two classes of the day at the tech school.

After being at work for a few minutes, I learned there was a problem on the bus ride from Berlin to the tech school in Newark where Carson takes two morning courses. The details are private and difficult to rehash anyway. Help was needed and I was quickly on my way to try and help the school system employees manage a situation that was about as difficult as I have seen with our guy. It’s been at least two years since I have witnessed this sort of breakdown. He was in a complete meltdown, and I could sense the concern on the faces of the adults trying their best to quell the situation and keep everyone safe.

Putting aside what I was feeling along the drive, it's a complete nightmare predicament when Carson gets to the point of losing his composure. By the time I arrived, our guy was just glazed over. It’s as if the lights were off temporarily as his emotions had him in disarray. He was sweating profusely, kicking and hitting everyone and crying his eyes out. He even tried to kick and hit me because I don’t think he could hear my voice over his wailing and refused to open his eyes.

It was time to just start guessing as to what might work. I came there with the goal of simply getting him off the bus. Whether he was going into school or home or for a long ride I didn’t know or honestly care. The goal was to get him settled and off the bus, while easing a stressful situation for all the staff members trying to help.

It took a few minutes of assessing the situation to figure out what might work. I soon came to the realization he was incredibly hot and was trying to get him to cool down. He was sweating profusely. The plan backfired quickly when Carson wanted to take his pants off. There was no reasoning with him. I thought maybe the other individuals on the bus – all with the best intentions – could have been causing him additional stress. In the past, we have found embarrassment is tremendous when things escalate to the scary place with our guy.

Once a couple individuals on the bus cleared off, Carson seemed to settle down. At one point, I thought maybe going out the back of the bus might be best since there was a group assembled outside the bus helping with the situations. One of the teachers said like a fire drill, and it was then when I realized I was getting our Carson back a bit. He smirked quickly before crying a bit more. We were able to get off the bus and to my truck, and I probably peeled wheel getting out of there.

After a few deep breaths, Carson

and I drove in silence most of the way. I just kept telling him everything is okay, everything is okay. It was for me as much as it was for him. He chugged a water and we cruised home.

It was an emotionally draining process and I never could regain my focus the rest of the day. There was the panic associated with the 20minute drive from West Ocean City to Newark because all I really knew at the time was it was bad enough for a parent to be called. I felt relieved driving away from the school the situation did not become more eventful.

Long gone are the days of embarrassment, which I admit to having in elementary school because the experience was so new and unknown. This is life with our son, and we just commit to figuring out the why. While it’s true there are days the disability wins, and it’s not even close, we can’t stop looking for the why and how to prevent the what from happening again. Pam is the best at figuring this out.

Ninth grade for Carson was off to a solid start until Tuesday morning. I am confident all will get back on track. What these ups and downs do is make us grateful for the good times. The only way I know how to approach this hand we have been dealt is with positivity and support. We got knocked down bigtime Tuesday but Carson –and consequently us – rallied and prevailed by returning to school to finish his day. Even in mid meltdown Carson was nodding he wanted to finish his day at school when I would have been fine honestly hitting the restart button for the next day.

Throughout the nightmare scenario, we felt the school support, which we never take for granted and are grateful for each day.

(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.)

Volunteers needed for Women United reading sessions

(Sept. 13, 2024) Women United, an affinity group of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, is calling for volunteers to support its upcoming season of Read to Succeed and Read With Me.

The Read To Succeed initiative aims to help children read at grade level by the end of third grade, when students must move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” The Read With Me program focuses on reading aloud to preschool children to help them develop a love of reading while improving early literacy. Organization representatives are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals, of all genders, who are passionate about children’s success. Volunteers will work as reading mentors with children during school days in local schools at mutually agreed upon locations and times. Weekly sessions are 30-60 minutes. The programs start mid-October and run through mid-May, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., in Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester and Somerset counties for about 26 weeks. All volunteers will be trained and must pass the background check provided by the county school system in which they volunteer.

Interested individuals can get more information on each program or express interest in volunteering by visiting Women United online, calling 410-742-5143 or emailing RWM@uwles.org (Read With Me) or R2S@uwles.org (Read to Succeed).

SURF REPORT

Chamber announces annual award winners Issues persist at Indian River Inlet

(Sept. 12, 2024) The Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines announced this week its annual award winners.

The chamber will host the 2024 The Best of Us Awards Banquet on Oct. 24, at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. Along with inducting their new slate of Directors for 2025, the chamber will be celebrating several outstanding chamber partners for their innovation, philanthropy and successes in 2024.

Business of the Year: A Bagel And… For over ten years, Mary and Bill Jaeger have served up fresh deliciousness in the form of bagels, pastries, sandwiches, dog treats, and deli items. Many hold business meetings there while others enjoy their weekly get together for mahjong. The business has garnered such a loyal following that hungry people come from all over, not just from within the Pines.

Business Persons of the Year: Brendan and Chrissy Kashuba of Radio Ocean City. After decades of event DJing and as a radio host, “DJBK” and his wife, Chrissy, started a new venture in 2021, taking Ocean City on the road with Radio Ocean City, an internet radio station. You can’t miss their brightly colored billboard for Ocean City of an RV while they provide entertainment for local events or head south for the winter.

Non-Profit of the Year: The CRICKET Center. The CRICKET Center’s main objective is to reduce trauma to child victims by bringing all necessary local agencies together. The multidisciplinary team is made up of law enforcement officers, child protective service personnel, prosecutors, lawyers, advocates, mental health therapists and medical personnel. The multidisciplinary team meets regularly to communicate and collaborate on child abuse cases.

New Business of the Year: PopCe’s Homemade Ice Cream. Bob Miller had a dream. After decades of nursing facility administration, he was finally able to make that dream come true. He and his wife, Celeste opened PopCe’s Homemade Ice Cream in 2023 and haven’t looked back since. Testing the waters with delicious and innovative flavors and combos, Bob then branched out and now provides fresh, homemade ice cream to several local restaurants. It truly is a family operation with many of their children and relatives as employees.

Ambassadors of the Year: Bianca Deacon and Ryan McManus. This husband-and-wife duo never let us down. Whether it’s lending us equipment or a hand, they are always up for volunteering. Bianca is a chamber partner with her business Shore Thing Promotional Products. Always welcoming, always smiling, Bianca and Ryan exemplify what a chamber ambassador should be.

The celebration is a black and gold masquerade dinner. Tickets are available at WorcesterCountyChamber.org.

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) Last week’s surf report concerned problems at the north side of Indian River Inlet in Delaware.

As of this writing, these problems continue to be newsworthy issues via print, broadcast, and internet, and probably will be for some time going forward.

Surfing has a long history at north side.

It’s been designated as a surfing area by the state and is one of the few areas in Delaware where surfable waves are available as long as swell, wind, tide and sandbars are favorable.

The most pressing problem has been

flooding of the Route 1 highway just north of the bridge over the inlet due to erosion and breaching of the dune in vulnerable areas. A sand pumping system has been set up for roughly the last ten years but has been inoperable since 2019. It’s designed to bring sand from the south side of the inlet to the north side. The system is not a permanent fix but only one of mitigation. Hopefully the system will be repaired before the year ends. DNREC, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, is trying to hasten the repair process.

Apparently another issue is the erosion of sand over the north side jetty, into the inlet water, adding to the complexity of the problem and possible need to repair the jetty. Parking has also

become a problem in that the north side parking area is used for construction equipment from dawn to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Even the bridge has been rebuilt multiple times in the last 100 years. Movement of water in and out of the inlet is dynamic enough that scouring of bridge foundations became a dilemma. The newest bridge has its foundations away from the water and is suspended over the inlet.

Problems abound at Indian River Inlet and it’s fair to say that many government agencies will have to co-operate with funding to at least lessen them. Hopefully constructive action will be taken and surfing, as well as other recreational activities, will benefit from it.

Who’s Where When

BLU CRAB HOUSE COURTYARD

410-289-3322

24th Street & Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Sept. 13: Joe Esham

Sat., Sept. 14: The Dickson Twins

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Sept. 13: Aaron Howell

Sat., Sept. 14: Tim Cyphers & The Animal

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. 13: Silver Heart & Lime Green Band

Sat., Sept. 14: Dust N Bones & The Runner Ups

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Fri., Sept. 13: Darin Engh & Full Circle

Sat., Sept. 14: Chris Diller Duo & The Royal Flush Band

Sun., Sept. 15: The Bilenki Duo & Colossal Fossil Sauce

Mon., Sept. 16: Sean Loomis & Remy & Lyons

Tues., Sept. 17: The Jamn Brothers & Shortcut Sunny

Wed., Sept. 18: Jack Bannon & The Dunehounds

Thurs., Sept. 19: Darren O’Neill & On The Edge

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Fri., Sept. 13: First Class Trio

Sat., Sept. 14: Jim Long & Colossal Fossil

Every Sun.: DJ Wax

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Fri., Sept. 13: Dawn Wilson

Wed., Sept. 18: Cup Of Joe

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Fri., Sept. 13: Dust N Bones

Sat., Sept. 14: Risky Business

Best Beats On The Beach

TIM & THE ANIMAL

Buxy s Salty Dog: Saturday, September 14

NAKED NATION

The Wedge: Sunday, September 15

AARON HOWELL

Buxy s Salty Dog: Friday, September 13

DUST N BONES

Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, September 13

Carribbean Pool Bar: Saturday, September 14

Harborside: Friday, September 13 & Thursday, September 19

FULL CIRCLE

Coconuts Bar & Grill: Friday, September 13

SHAKE THE ROOM

Fager s Island: Friday, September 13

SOUTH PENN DIXIE

Seacrets: Saturday, September 14

Who’s Where When

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay Fri., Sept. 13:

Great Train Robbery, DJ Stinson & Shake The Room

Sat., Sept. 14:

Great Train Robbery, DJ RobCee & Radio Hero

Mon., Sept. 6: DJ RobCee

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Fri., Sept. 13: DJ Hook

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fri., Sept. 13:

DJ Billy T, Dust N Bones & Charlie Travers

Sat., Sept. 14: DJ Billy T, Mercury Agenda & DJ Bigler

Sun., Sept. 15:

Opposite Directions & Wayne Blake

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, Sept. 14:

Dunehounds, Six Whiskey Revival & DJ Rampage

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. 13 & 14: Surreal Sun., Sept. 15: DJ Dutchess

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Fri., Sept. 13: DJ Connair, Scott Marshall & The Highway

Souls, Triple Rail Turn, DJ C-Miller & Live Wire

Sat., Sept. 14: DJ E-State, South Penn Dixie , Cellar Sessions, DJ Cruz & Jukebox Heros

Thurs., Sept. 19: DJ Connair & The Permilla Project

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Sun., Sept. 15: Jason Lee & Naked Natoin

Tues., Sept. 17: Wes Davis

Wed., Sept. 18: Jess Arms

Thurs., Sept. 19: Kasey Briggs

FIRST CLASS Coins Pub: Friday, September 13

Things I Like... vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY WITH

By Steve Green

A lively live auction

The mixed feelings of Labor Day Monday

Hearing from my kids about their first days back to school

The sights and sounds from the Inlet jetty rocks

Days with no mail

Rocking chairs on a OC hotel porch

An overnight storm

Dogs running on the beach

An old, lazy dog’s spirit

A big sneeze

Grilled fish atop a salad

BUNK MANN

During the famous March Storm of ’62 so much sand was washed away that the entrances to many hotels along the northern section of the Boardwalk were above what remained of the beach. Much of the old Boardwalk itself was destroyed and had to be rebuilt and raised.

North of 10th Street there was little sand left at all in certain areas and as future storms continued to erode the beach serious problems arose. It is said that in front of Harrison Hall one could cast a line from the Boardwalk and reach water deep enough to catch fish.

The above scene was taken on 13th Street in 1968 where the rebuilt Boardwalk rose over five feet above the beach. Remnants of the old Boardwalk can be seen directly below it.

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

Photo from Bunk Mann’s collection

Chief still learning something new each day

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) This week we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Life Member Jason T. Hearne.

Hearne proudly served our country, retiring as a senior master sergeant with the United States Air Force. He has also experienced a long and distinguished career in fire and emergency services.

Jason is the current fire chief at the Martin State Airport in Baltimore County. During his 20 years of active service with the OCVFC, Hearne served as a Lieutenant and later acting captain.

Hearne joined the OCVFC as a member of the cadet program in 1989.

When asked his reasoning for joining the Volunteer Fire Company, Hearne said: “I found my calling as a firefighter while leaving a little league baseball game in Berlin when I was 13 years old. I witnessed an accident and rendered 1st aid to the victim, using the skills I had learned as a Boy Scout, keeping him alive

Student

art work will be featured at Berlin gallery

(Sept. 13, 2024) Over 250 students in five elementary schools in Worcester County participated in the Worcester County Arts Council’s Summer Arts Camp program this year, and a selection of their pieces are on display now at the council’s gallery at 6 Jefferson St. in Berlin.

The artwork reflects Eastern Shore farming and agriculture, which the students learned about during handson visual and musical performance workshops.

Members of the public are invited to attend an opening reception of the exhibit, set 4-6 p.m., this Friday, Sept. 13.

The Worcester County Arts Council’s Summer Arts Camp program is supported by the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club. The exhibit will be on display until the end of September.

Visit the Worcester County Arts Council’s website at worcestercountyartscouncil.org to see images of students' work and view a video of the performing art workshop.

until the medics arrived on the scene. OCVFC member, Trevor Steedman, my Boy Scout troop leader advised me about the Cadet Program and OCVFC Assistant Chief Mike Hastings inspired me to remain in the program.”

Hearne describes his most significant event in the sire service as follows: “During our overhaul operations at the scene of a house fire on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City, I noticed a little girl (around four years old) standing in the front yard crying. I told her I was sorry about her house and she told me her best friend (a stuffed rabbit) was still in the house in her bed. I reentered the house, found her bedroom, and grabbed every stuffed

animal on her bed. I carried them out to her – her reaction and the smile on her face will stay with me forever.”

Chief Hearne said his greatest accomplishment in the fire service has been discovering that people he served or trained with, as well as those under his leadership, were inspired by him to remain in both the career and volunteer fire service.

Given the opportunity to pass on

advice to members of our cadet program or other young men and women with an interest in the fire service, Hearne said: “Never stop learning and it does not always have to be hands on training. Read books and magazines; watch videos; talk to the ones who have been around; and watch your leaders. Try to learn something new every day.”

We thank Chief Hearne for his years of service protecting our nation’s freedoms and for his many years of service and commitment to the safety and well-being of our Ocean City neighbors and visitors to our community.

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

Jason T. Hearne

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.

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

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

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

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

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ OC DINER

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

Kids’ Menu

Best homemade breakfast and lunch. Local’s favorite breakfast served all day. Dine-in and carry-out. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

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

OCEAN PINES

Marelyn, Zoey and Jake Schuman, of Baltimore

Julia and James Caravelli, of Boyds

Harper Chelolti, of Newark, Delaware

Sage Hall, of Ocean Pines

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you are quick to spend money lately, and that can prove problematic in the long run. It may be a good idea to sit down with a financial planner and sort out spending and saving habits.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, this week you have free rein to follow your intuition and express your emotions to those around you. It’s beneficial to get in touch with how you are feeling and explore things further.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

There is some unfinished business you need to clear up before you can fully focus on the week or even month ahead, Gemini. It may be scary, but you need to put it behind you.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, it is time to rally the troops, as many hands will make much faster work of something you need to get done. Ask your friends or family to pitch in as much as possible.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you’re finally ready to take a sizeable step toward completing a goal that has been on your list for what seems like an eternity. It will feel so great when it is far behind you.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Do you have an appetite for adventure this week, Virgo? You may not have to travel too far for all of the thrills and chills you desire. Look around for options close to home.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You may not be feeling like yourself, Libra. There’s something rumbling beneath the surface that you don’t want to share with others just yet. There’s time to be patient.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, as you move through the week, a certain relationship could begin weighing heavily on you. You’re not sure if you should commit further or move on.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, you’re not just ready to hit the ground running, you have the stamina to sail through at a rocket’s pace. This renewed sense of urgency can help you achieve great things.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, the week may start off on a good note with plenty of entertaining distractions. Keep the fun going throughout the week.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Your attention span is limited this week, Aquarius. You may need to work from home or block out as many distractions as possible if you hope to get a single thing finished.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Make a point of delegating if your todo list gets a little long over the next few days, Pisces. Your phone will be pinging constantly with alerts, so a little help can go a long way.

OCBP clears ocean at end of day

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(Sept. 12, 2024) “17:25. (5:25 p.m.)

The Ocean City Beach Patrol is now up and clearing the water.” This message is broadcasted daily through the Ocean City Communications (911) Center to all Beach Patrol radios. Immediately following this message all SRTs, covering the ten miles of beach, simultaneously whistle and point toward the west with semaphore flags. Following the exodus of swimmers, beach patrons with the same questions, “what’s going on?” or, “why are you clearing the water?” approach many of our lifeguards. We clear the ocean of all swimmers every day at 5:25 p.m. (earlier on some days if conditions are more dangerous), so we know when we leave the beach everyone is safe and out of the water. Furthermore, we do our best to advise people that swimming while lifeguards are off duty is dangerous. Our beach patrol has always taken efforts to let swimmers know when we were off duty. That has included, and continues to include, published hours and a community supported education campaign. Until 1999, we stood on the

platforms of our chairs for the last five minutes of each day (we are off duty at 5:30pm). That practice had been in place for at least the past fifty years and the idea was to indicate to the bathers, still in the ocean, that the lifeguards were about to leave. According to Captain Arbin, the average number of after-hours drownings was as high as 3-4 per summer. A sad statistic from Ocean City is that 98% of all drowning deaths that have occurred in the past 100 years have occurred when the Beach Patrol was NOT on duty.

In 1999, by suggestion of Dennis Dare, the City Manager at that time, we began completely clearing the ocean before our departure. Since we implemented the clearing policy, the average drownings per summer has fallen to 1 or less, in spite of increases in beach population. We have also implemented a before and afterhours mobile patrol (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM), to be available for response should communications receive a 911 call for a swimmer in distress or someone needing assistance on the beach. This is not an effort to expand our guarding hours, since patrols are limited and not stationary to safeguard swimmers.

Through July and August, Ocean City, Maryland will have hosted approximately 3 million visitors. The average weekly number of visitors in town, at any

time in July or August, is three hundred thousand. We are a high-volume resort area, and although the police patrol the beach for criminal activity, there is no provision in the city code that restricts swimming when the Beach Patrol is off duty. Except that it is unlawful for any person, other than police and maintenance personnel, to be on the beaches of Ocean City for any reason from the hours of 12:00 midnight of one day to 5:00 a.m. of the following day. However, it was not unusual in the past for the police, fire/E.M.S or our off-duty personnel to make dozens of evening or early morning rescues or to be involved with C.P.R. related to a drowning. Thankfully, because of our change in policy at the end of our day, our extended mobile patrols and an increased emphasis on education, these numbers have been greatly reduced and needless loss of life has been reduced.

Unfortunately, during my 20 years on the beach patrol, I can recall several before or after hour’s situations in which someone entered an unguarded ocean to swim and found themselves quickly needing assistance. Even more tragic are the ones who do not survive to tell about how they were rescued. Having witnessed some of these rescues myself, I cannot even begin to explain the impact that it has on the

See GUARDS Page 78

Guards call out swimmers daily

Continued from Page 77

family as well as the emergency personnel who respond. One particular situation continues to come to mind even years after it happened, and I think it hits home personally with me because I’m a mother. Several years ago, two small children became stuck in a rip current only about 15 minutes before the guards came on duty. The mother was forced to attempt to rescue the two. Fortunately, the two children were able to use the mother to survive, but sadly the mother did not make it. Another 15 minutes and it would have been a routine rescue for our guards.

Although, each Surf Rescue Technician is fully trained and prepared for any emergency that may occur while they are on duty, they are unable to assist you if you insist on going in the ocean while the Beach Patrol is off-duty. In 2017 we had two avoidable tragedies when people chose to swim both before and after our 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM published guarding hours. The greatest sadness with these totally avoidable drowning deaths is that so many people are affected: Parents, siblings, children, extended family and friends. Yet, had they not made the very poor decision to swim when lifeguards were off duty, this family would have returned home with wonderful memories.

“The single, strongest message that we try to impress on people is that they should stay out of the ocean when the Beach Patrol is not on duty,” said Captain Butch Arbin. “I have been personally involved in cases where, if this simple rule had been followed, many lives and families would not have been scarred by such a preventable tragedy, the death of a loved one. Clearing the water at the end of our shift may seem routine, but we must never take the goal of this policy lightly. Before we started clearing the water of swimmers at 5:25, it is very possible that a swimmer could have entered the water while guards were on duty, only to turn around and find the stands empty and pulled back for the night. In most cases this would not be a problem. However, if the swimmer were to become caught in a rip current, the situation could quickly take a tragic turn, despite their intentions to swim only under the watchful eyes of the Beach Patrol. In contrast, by pulling everyone out of the ocean before we leave the beach, we know that those who enter the water during unguarded hours are taking that risk knowingly. It is critical that we continue our efforts to educate the public, warning them of the dangers of swimming on unguarded beaches, and that we do whatever it takes to make sure people leave the ocean before we make that last turn to the west, leaving our beaches for the night. Please help all public safety agencies by staying out of the Ocean until the SRTs return at 10:00 the next morning.” The last day of guarding the beach this season will be Sunday, September 22nd.

Calendar

Fri., Sept. 13

OC BIKEFEST

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. 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

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

HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Join in for STREAM activities and socialize with other homeschool families. For ages 5 years and older. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONE MARYLAND ONE BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘WHAT STORM, WHAT THUNDER’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Join in for this community read. Copies of the book are available at the library circulation desk. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. Cost is $14 for a one-crab cake sandwich platter, $24 for a two-crab cake platter and $10 for a crab cake sandwich. Platters include green beans, baked potato and Cole slaw. Carryout or eat in.

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994

Sat., Sept. 14

OC BIKEFEST

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. 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

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m.

Cpt. Vince Cannuli will focus his presentation on fishing for Sheepshead, offering insights on habitat and sharing tips on

bait, tackle and variety of easy to make rigs. All are welcome. 410-641-7662

CLOTHING GIVEAWAY

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Anglican), 11021 Worcester Highway, Berlin, 9 a.m.-noon. A gently used clothing giveaway for men, women and children in need.

FREE COMMUNITY SHRED-IT EVENT

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring old documents you want to get rid of. Donations of nonperishable food items are encouraged. Everyone is welcome. Limit 3 boxes per family, no businesses. Also tour the 200-year-old church.

BBQ CHICKEN SALE, BAKE SALE & RAFFLE SALE

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin, 11 a.m. 1/2 BBQ chicken platter with two sides, roll and drink for $15. 1/2 BBQ chicken and roll and drink for $12. Proceeds to benefit St. Paul United Methodist Church Homecoming.

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.

Sun., Sept. 15

OC BIKEFEST

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Featuring Vendor Village and food and beverages from 9 a.m. to 3 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

ANNUAL HOMECOMING

New Bethel United Methodist Church, 10203 Germantown Road, Berlin, 3 p.m. Rev. Dr. Roxie Dennis, guest pastor. Info: Annette Purnell, 443-513-1420.

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Sept. 16

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY REGULAR MEETING Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 10 a.m. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m., bring your own beverage. Speaker will be Dr. Adam Hoffman from Salisbury University. His topic will be “The Elections of 2024.”

STORY TIME: HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 05 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIBER ARTS

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

PRESCHOOL MESSY PLAY

Bayside Park at Third Street, Third Street, Ocean City, 1-2 p.m. Children, 2-4 years old, explore different textures and sensations. Cost is $22, $18 for OC residents. Guardians must participate with their child. 410-250-0125, askrec@oceancitymd.gov

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. Group meets twice a month to discuss selections from the Great Books Foundation. Focus will be on “Kristin Lavransdatter” Book 3 by Sigrid Unset. 410-208-4014, 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, 410-6410157

BRIDGE

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

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: A ONE MARYLAND ONE BOOK EVENT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. The Worcester County Department

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

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of Emergency Services will speak about how to be ready in an emergency situation. One lucky winner will receive a survival pack. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DELMARVA CHORUS OPEN HOUSE/GUEST NIGHT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. All ladies are invited to attend and spend an evening with the group and find out all about the Delmarva Chorus. Mary, 410-208-4009, www.delmarvachorus.org

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Sept. 17

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

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

STORY TIME AT THE PARK Cypress Park Playground, 7 Bridge St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and outside play. Weather permitting. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ‘HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, 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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

LOTERIA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30 p.m. Come sample Hispanic treats and play

Loteria while celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. For all ages. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH COOKING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Join Michelle from Ocean Pines’ Casita Linda as she teaches participants how to make a Mexican dish. All materials provided while supplies last. For ages 6-11 years and 12-18 years. 410-208-4014

1ST ANNUAL QUARTER AUCTION

Worcester County Developmental Center, 8545 Newark Road, Newark, 6-8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 (include 1 paddle). Additional paddles are $5. All In Paddle is $50 (no need to attend to win). Purchase tickets at WCDC or on Eventbrite. 410-632-2382

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

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. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Sept. 18

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts.

For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SENSORY STAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Learn through exploration, curiosity and creativity during the sensory stay and play. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-5241818

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game of strategy that dates back 5,000 years to Mesopotamia and Persia. All skill levels welcome. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with a new one. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. Puzzles must be in their original box. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

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

ONE MARYLAND ONE BOOK TED TALK

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Listen to and discuss the different TED Talks about the 2010 Haitian earthquake. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORYTELLERS THEATER TROUPE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. First meeting of the new theater troupe. Do some simple theater class exercises and learn different roles in a theater production. For ages 6-11 years and 12-18 years. 410-632-0650

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. 19

AGH 31ST ANNUAL FALL GOLF CLASSIC

Ocean City Golf Club, 11401 Country Club Drive, Berlin. Featuring 36 holes of championship golf. Two courses, 18 holes each. https://oceancitygolfclub.com, 410641-1779, ocgy@hotmail.com

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospita’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free to patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointments required:

Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

STORY TIME: POLICE OFFICERS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a story about police officers and meet a real police officer. Songs, a story and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘GRUMPY PANTS’ Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MUSIC LEGENDS MOVIE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. This 2020 film details how The Band was formed and includes interviews with Bob Dylan Bruce Springsteen, Taj Mahal and Eric Clapton. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MAGIC THE GATHERING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Battle it out with sorcery, dragons and giants. Experienced and novice players welcome. BYOC recommended. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PILATES, BARRE, TONING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m.

CerPilates and Barre focus on strength, flexibility, breathing and full body alignment. Both are low impact. Toning adds optional light weights. Class done standing and sitting. 410-208-4014, 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

ONGOING EVENTS

BOOK CHARACTER SCAVENGER HUNT

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, Sept. 16-27, all day. Stop by to grab a scavenger hunt sheet and search the Kids and YA area’s for book characters. Finish the hunt to reveal a secret message. For ages 0-5 years and 6-11 years. 410-524-1818

Crossword answers from page 76

BRING YOUR MOTORCYCLE!

11am-3pm

10am-4pmMe

11am-4pm H

New board members

Lower Shore Land Trust officials recently announced the addition of two new members to its nonprofit board of directors, Rick Pollitt and Dave Saveikis.

Pollitt was born in Salisbury and lived his entire life (so far) in Allen. He’s the son of late Judge Richard M. Pollitt and Margaret Custis Harrington Pollitt, married to Tracy Catlin Pollitt, and father of Ricky and Rachel Pollitt.

He is the fourth generation of the family to hold public office. He is committed to public service after watching President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address, which encouraged people to work for and give to their community. He has a lifelong goal of working within government to improve the lives of people by involving them in the process of self-government and reminds people that while citizenship enjoys certain rights, there are also certain obligations attached.

Saveikis, of Seaford, Delaware, retired from the State of Delaware where he served the public and natural resource conservation and management with the Division of Fish & Wildlife and Division of Water Resources over a 39-year career, including positions overseeing wetland

Sept. 12 - Sept. 19

14 82nd Strreeet,

regulation, aquatic resource assessment, public relations, and regional mosquito control operations.

Saveikis held agency biologist positions earlier in his career, specializing in wetland research, management and regulation. He has bachelor of science in biological sciences, and completed extensive graduate-level biology courses, at Salisbury University.

Saveikis has overseen statewide land acquisition program holding over 60,000 acres of lands and waters and was also a founding member and past president and board member of the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy, a local land trust based in Seaford.

Saveikis enjoys fishing tidal freshwater rivers, particularly the Pocomoke River, and light-tackle saltwater fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as birding and nature study. He and his wife Nancy enjoy traveling, along with wandering and exploring the Delmarva Peninsula by land and water. More information can be found online at LowerShoreLandTrust.org/Board.

New physician assistant

Michael V. Heilman has joined At-

Reither/Coldwell B alnut Hill Dr 377 W Wa r.., Berlin 3BR/3.5BASingle

Rick Pollitt

Dave Saveikis

Md. casino revenues up for August

Ocean Downs facility saw slight revenue decrease for month compared to 2023

(Sept. 13, 2024) Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate nearly $174 million in revenue from slot machines and table games during the month of August, with Ocean Downs contributing more than $9.88 million. Overall, the total was a more than

BUSINESS BRIEFS

lantic General Health System to provide primary care alongside Dr. Kieran Py, in Ocean View, Delaware.

$12.5 million, or 7.8%, increase compared to last year, the ninth-best single-month total in the history of Maryland’s casino program, which launched in September 2010. Locally, however, Ocean Downs saw a slight decrease of 1.8 %.

Casino gaming contributions to the state during for last month totaled over $73.6 million, an increase of 8.1% from last August. Contributions to the Education

Trust Fund were more than $53 million, or 8.1%.

Along with Ocean Downs, Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City reported lower revenues for this August, while MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County, and Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County reported increases.

A native of Worcester County, Heilman enrolled at Wor-Wic Community College before earning a bachelor of science

Michael Heilman

in respiratory therapy from Salisbury University. He was a practicing respiratory therapist at both Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Atlantic General Hospital for more than seven years before returning to school to pursue his master of science in physician assistant studies at University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2021.

Heilman is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Association of Respiratory Care and serves as the Eastern Shore director of the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants.

He will begin accepting new patients at Atlantic General Primary Care in Ocean View in October. To schedule an appointment, call 302-541-4460.

CALL

CAR offering Coastal Area Local Specialist program

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Coastal Association of Realtors (CAR), who represent Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties, now offers a two-day continuing education certification program for licensed Realtors called the Coastal Area Local Specialist (CALS) program.

supervisor in at least ten listing and/or selling transactions in the past two years in Worcester, Wicomico, and/or Somerset counties

The purpose of the CALS certification is to help real estate professionals distinguish themselves by gaining valuable knowledge, skills and proficiency in unique local real estate issues and acknowledge their experience and expertise within the three counties the association serves.

To apply, an application documenting all of the required criteria must be submitted. The following criteria must be met:

• The candidate must be a Realtor member for at least two years (or have taken the GRI training if less than two years) and be in current good standing with their primary Realtor association

• The applicant must provide proof of participation from their broker or

• The candidate must complete the eligibility requirements within two years of certification application

• Payment is $200 for members of CAR or $300 for non-members.

The courses that must be competed are:

• Condominium/second home financing

• Rental property

• Ocean City areas

• Ocean Pines areas

• Well and septic systems

• Flood insurance

• USDA Financing/Renovation Lending

• New construction

Agents who complete the certification will have their contact information displayed on a special “Coastal Area Local Specialist” page on the CAR website, access to a private group Facebook page, receive a bi-annual newsletter, and receive a paper certificate and a logo pin. The second offering of CALS is on Sept. 20 and 23 .Contact CAR for further information at coastalrealtors.org.

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

Application period open for national Elks scholarships

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Elks National Foundation continues to invest in the future of many high school seniors through a variety of grants and scholarship programs. During the 2024-25 academic year, the Grand Lodge will award more than $4 million nationwide to students who qualify through the application process and judging.

The Ocean City Elks Lodge, in conjunction with the ENF, will promote the scholarship programs at the local level.

There are three programs available each academic year which provide financial opportunities and assistance through the Elks National Foundation. Of the three, only the Most Valuable Student competition is open to all high school seniors. The other two are reserved for students whose families are associated with an Elks’ lodge. Brochures explaining the programs are available at the Ocean City Elks Lodge and in the office of senior counselors/academic advisors at the local high schools.

For the most Most Valuable Student scholarship, the Elks National

Foundation will award $2.5 million in each year to 500 seniors nationwide who participate in the competition. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year. The top 20 applicants will receive $30,000 ($7,500/year). The remaining 480 applicants will receive $4,000 ($l,000/year). Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645 also awards local scholarships to selected applicants in the program who represent the lodge.

Any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen is eligible. The student need not be related to an Elk. Judges will choose recipients based on academics, leadership, financial need, and service and applications are available now. For details and to access the application, visit enf.elks.org/mvs.

The senior counselors at the participating high schools will be provided information to assist students with the application process. Participants must submit their application online on or before Nov. 12. Additional

Legacy Awards available to Md., Del. applicants

tained by visiting scholarship@elks.org or calling 773755-4732.

For Legacy Awards, children and grandchildren of a dues-paying Elk (excluding great-grandchildren) are eligible. The applicant must be a college-bound high school senior. Applicants compete against other children and grandchildren from the state of their sponsoring Elks’ lodge.

In order to strengthen the next generation’s ties to the Elks, Legacy Awards recipients are required to perform three instances of service with an Elks’ lodge during the four years they receive the scholarship.

The Elks National Foundation will award 350 Legacy Awards worth $4,000 each. The Maryland, Delaware, and D.C. area has been allocated six awards.

Applicants are judged on knowledge, charity, community service, and integrity. No ACT or SAT is required.

Applications are available online now and applications must be submitted online on or before Feb. 3 at enf.elks.orglleg.

For the program’s Emergency Education Grants, college financial assistance is provided to children of deceased or totally disabled Elks in the form of renewable, one- year grants of up to $5,000.

A student can apply for up to four Emergency Educational Grants during their undergraduate education. The applicant cannot accept more than one ENF scholarship/grant in any one academic year.

Eligible recipients must attend an accredited U.S. college or university as a full-time undergraduate student (12 semester hours), be unmarried and under the age of 24 during the academic year for which assistance is desired, and demonstrate financial need

Applications have been available by request since May 1. To request an application, contact the ENF Scholarship Office at 773-755-4732 or scholarship@elks.org. Applications are due by Dec. 31.

County teacher of year advances

Decatur Middle reading specialist among seven finalists for statewide title

(Sept. 13, 2024) Gabrielle “Gabby” Remington, who was named Worcester County Public Schools’ teacher of the year last spring, is one of the seven finalists who will compete for the state title, the state Department of Education announced Wednesday.

Remington, a reading specialist at Stephen Decatur Middle School, was awarded the county title during the 37th annual Teacher of the Year celebration at the Ashore Resort & Beach Club in Ocean City last April.

She was selected from 14 schoollevel teachers of the year who were interviewed and evaluated by a panel of judges drawn from the community and

the school system.

Remington serves on the School Improvement Team and as a teacherresearcher. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with certifications as a teacher in Special Education, English as a Second Language (ESOL) and Secondary Education English. She also serves as vice president of the Ladies Philoptochos Organization, which promotes philanthropic outreach in the local community and secures funds for community education initiatives.

Most compelling in her presentation to the judges and the audience at the celebration was her admission that her dedication to teaching reading

sprang from her own fear of reading during her early school years.

She said it was through the help of an understanding teacher that she came to love reading and eventually decided to pursue teaching reading as a career.

The other finalists are Kat LockeJones of Baltimore City, Stephanie Gerhold of Baltimore County, Brittany Rigdon of Cecil County, Jessica I. Nichols of Howard County, Kaitlyn Wright of Kent County and Jeremy Hillyard of Talbot County.

The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a reception and dinner at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Baltimore on Friday, Oct. 4.

“I congratulate all of the finalists for their unwavering commitment and exceptional dedication,” Carey M.

See STATE Page 86

G. Remington

TEAM DONATES SUPPLIES

Members of the Worcester Preparatory School girls soccer team are pictured holding backpacks filled with school supplies that they recently loaded to be distributed during Lord Baltimore Elementary School’s open house. Alum and former teammate, Marissa Grosso (class of 2018) started the tradition of donating backpacks over ten years ago. Coach Carol Hartnett continues the legacy every season, coordinating efforts with the WPS Volunteer Club.

State winner set to be announced in April

Continued from Page 85

Wright, state superintendent of schools, said. “Their hard work and passion extend far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of our students and inspiring excellence throughout our communities. We celebrate their contributions and the profound impact they make every day.”

“These educators exemplify excellence and lifelong learning,” Joshua L. Michael, state board of education pres-

ident, said. “They create transformative learning experiences and help our students realize their full potential. On behalf of the State Board of Education, I share our sincere gratitude for their deep commitment to improving the lives of children through public education.”

The Maryland Teacher of the Year will compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced in April, and spend the 2024-25 school

year as a speaker and advisor on statewide education issues. They will be honored by the president at the White House next spring.

The finalists were selected from a group the 24 local teachers of the year, representing all Maryland systems. The selection panel represented key Maryland education organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, labor partners, and families.

Finalists were evaluated against rigorous criteria that included student achievement, teaching philosophy, academic results, community involvement, and knowledge of educational issues.

For over 30 years, Maryland has participated in the National Teacher of the Year Program. Since 2006, three educators from Maryland have been honored with the National Teacher of the Year award.

Ocean Pines turns focus to autumn events

area or obtain additional information, individuals can call the recreation and parks department at 410-641-7052.

ond on Mondays and Tuesdays in October. The classes, which will go from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., are open to boys and girls ages eight to 16.

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) As summer cools down and the leaves start to fall, the Ocean Pines Association is gearing up to host autumnal events, classes, and sports leagues.

The Ocean Pines Fall Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. OPA’s Recreation and Parks online page notes that the event will kick off, rain or shine, at White Horse Park and the community center.

“The indoor/ outdoor flea market welcomes vendors selling gently used clothing, household items toys, jewelry, collectibles and more,” the website says.

It is free to enter the market for shoppers. Vendor space can be rented and will include an eight-foot table and two chairs. To reserve an

A Family Fun Night Bingo event is set for Friday, Sept. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $2 a person and attendees will have the chance to win prizes. Ice cream will be for sale.

Ocean Pines is offering residents, young and older, the chance to enter sports leagues and classes this fall.

Cornhole is among the scheduled athletic events. The games will be held on Thursdays, beginning Nov. 7 and concluding on Jan. 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It costs $50 a person to join and there is a maximum of 16 teams or 32 people. Individuals are also eligible to sign up.

Participants should expect to play at minimum three games a week.

Young skateboarders will have the opportunity to learn from professional Matt Dove. There will be two sessions, the first on Mondays and Tuesdays in September, and the sec-

The cost is $145 a month for OPA residents and $155 for non-residents. Participants are required to bring a skateboard, a helmet, and knee pads. To register, call the recreation and parks department at 410641-7052.

The community is offering line dancing lessons with Lois Ingram on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. from Sept. 24 to Dec. 3. The classes are for individuals 18 and older and will cost Ocean Pines residents $60 and non-residents $75.

For parents looking to get their children involved in sports, OPA is offering a kid’s instructional tee-ball clinic that will focus on softball and baseball skills. The program, which will be held Tuesday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Manklin Meadows Field, is open to boys and girls from four to six years old and will begin Sept. 10.

Community residents are required to pay $40, while non-residents will be charged $50.

A Pee Wee fall soccer league will also be offered by the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department. Four- to five-year-olds will play Tuesdays starting Sept. 10 and sixto eight-year-olds will play Thursdays starting Sept. 12. The events are expected to start at 6 p.m. and go to 6:45 p.m.

In preparation for Halloween, the fourth annual Ocean Pines Haunted House is scheduled for Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26 at the community center near White Horse Park.

The event is $8 a person and will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and conclude around 9:30 p.m. each night. Organizers are looking for volunteers and actors.

To register for the upcoming programs or obtain more information, individuals can visit the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department website or call 410-641-7052.

Pines fire dept. issues bus safety reminders for drivers

Motorists urged to keep rules of road in mind when on commutes around area

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) As kids officially returned to the classroom, Worcester County leaders urge students, parents, and residents to practice safety during school bus encounters and note changes to the educational system’s transportation method.

Drivers across the county must follow all traffic rules when approaching a school bus. In Ocean Pines, first responders prompt residents to practice extra caution during the academic year to avoid unfortunate or tragic incidents.

that takes their attention from the road, especially during peak school bus pick-up and drop-off times.

“It’s crucial to stay focused, especially on side streets where unexpected dangers can arise,” he said. “Always remain vigilant and remember—we must share the road to keep everyone safe.”

‘At the end of the day, everyone needs to slow down and remain fully attentive to their surroundings.’

Ocean

Pines Volunteer Fire Department President Joe Enste

Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department President Joe Enste reminds residents that most of Ocean Parkway is a divided highway. As such, vehicles driving in the same direction must stop completely when coming upon a school bus drop-off or pickup. Drivers traveling in the opposite lane are to proceed with caution. Preferably, cars are to slow down in this situation.

While a median runs the length of much of the Ocean Pines roadway, Enste emphasized that many areas on Ocean Parkway lack a center divider, like from St. Martin’s Lane to 320 Ocean Parkway and on all intersections and side streets. In these cases, vehicles on both sides of the road must yield while kids get on and off the bus.

The fire company president notes that distractions often cause traffic incidents. Drivers should put away phones, headphones, and anything

Enste also provides safety tips for students and parents. While waiting for the bus, kids should stand to the side of the road near a street sign and must be aware of the traffic around them and “never assume that vehicles will stop for pedestrians.” During drop-off, children should take five “giant steps,” roughly 10 feet away from the bus, to stay in the driver’s view and always pay attention to the operator’s instructions during the journey to and from school.

As back-to-school season approaches and traffic congestion increases each year, the OPFVD asks the community to use extra caution on the road. Last week, the fire company posted a graphic on Facebook indicating when drivers must stop for a bus. The image can be viewed on the department’s page.

“At the end of the day, everyone needs to slow down and remain fully attentive to their surroundings,” Enste said.

“Tragic accidents can happen in an instant, often due to distractions that can easily be avoided… distractions, such as using a phone while driving, can have life-altering consequences. Let’s commit to staying focused and driving carefully—especially near school buses and bus stops—so that no one else has to experience a devastating loss.”

SUBMITTED GRAPHIC/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Outreach efforts on the first week of school includes social media graphics, such as above.

Local seniors given thrill through twilight foundation

(Sept. 13, 2024) Two Ocean Pines women made the dreams of two local seniors come true late last month, thanks to the Twilight Wish Foundation.

Lester Mason, 80, and Chauncey Corbin, 70, have each been clients of the Worcester County Developmental Center for several decades. The center, in Newark has helped local people with intellectual disabilities find meaningful employment, gain independence, and increase their self-worth since 1973.

Mason, a WCDC resident for more than 30 years, can often be seen carrying a picture book of his favorite cars. Corbin, a resident at the center since 1999, also loves cars, but was never able to get his driver’s license because of an intellectual disability.

Both enjoy the Cruisin’ Ocean City event where they can interact with classic cars, especially the hot rods.

Last Wednesday, Worcester County Twilight Wish Foundation Chapter Director Carolyn Dryzga and volunteer Barb Peletier introduced Mason and Corbin to Ocean City Cruzers Club President Ronnie Young – and his 1929 Ford Roadster.

Mason took a 10-minute ride in the classic hot rod and posed for pictures next to it. Corbin was a little shy, but still enjoyed touching the car and meeting Young.

Several clients posed for pictures with the car, and Mason and Corbin each received t-shirts, and certificates

that read, “For Maintaining an Inspiring and Uplifting Spirit and Dedication to Others. Know that others remember and care”

The Roadster itself has quite the history, built by Young and his father and brother more than 70 years ago.

“It was built from scratch,” Young said. “My brother bought it in 1953, and when he went in the Marines my dad started on it with me, and it eventually moved on to me and I’ve kept it ever since,” he said.

Young said building the car was a labor of love, and seeing it bring joy to others so many years later is deeply gratifying.

“It’s terrific. I’m glad I could do this for somebody,” he said. “I’m really glad I could help somebody out and help them make a wish come true.”

Dryzga started the Worcester County chapter of the Twilight Foundation in March. The chapter worked with WCDC to grant a client’s wish to meet Minnie Mouse in July, and in August helped a 95-year-old veteran dine at Harrison’s Harbor Watch and watch boats from the White Marlin Open come in.

Peletier, a prolific local volunteer who was given the Sam Wilkinson Volunteer Award from Ocean Pines earlier this month, said she was eager to help this new cause.

“Carolyn told me about it, and I said, ‘I’m in!’” she said. “It’s been great See DEVELOPMENTAL Page 90

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Eighty-year-old Lester Mason is pictured riding in a classic car with Ocean City Cruzers Club President Ronnie Young in a 1929 Ford Roadster.

Developmental Center surprised

Continued from Page 89

so far. Everyone we approach has been so generous with their time.”

Both were familiar with WCDC because of their prior volunteer experience.

“We’ve been going to nursing homes and visiting the Developmental Center, and just asked people to keep their ears open if they had anyone with a wish,” Peletier said.

“We both feel that, if we can make somebody happy, it’s a wonderful thing that we’ve discovered, and it’s great that we can share this together,” Dryzga said.

Dryzga said the Worcester Twilight Wish chapter is currently a two-person operation, but they will start to seek additional volunteers next year.

The Twilight Wish Foundation is a national nonprofit “whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of seniors through intergenerational wish granting celebrations.” Since 2003, the nonprofit has granted more than 6,100 wishes throughout the United States.

For more information on local opportunities through the Twilight Wish Foundation, contact Dryzga at twfworcoa@gmail.com or call 302-889-0040 or 215-519-3670.

For more information on the organization, visit www.twilightwish.org.

DOGS GET POOL DAY

Dozens of dogs enjoyed the pool at Mumford’s Landing in Ocean Pines on closing day last Saturday. The event helped raised funds for the Worcester County Humane Society.

PHOTOS COURTESY NICK DENNY

The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum hosted Full Circle Band last Sunday with a focus on music from the 1980s. The event attracted

Opinions

Wind: Why here and not there?

No offense to the horses, deer, foxes, eagles, racoons, muskrats, opossums, and meadow voles, but it does seem unlikely that they would object to the installation of wind turbines in sight of their beach.

They are oblivious to what goes on out in the underwater neighborhood next door, notwithstanding the vociferous objections of a contingent of horseshoe crabs, mullet, and the various migrating fish species that pass through from time to time.

As ridiculous as the above is, it’s no more ridiculous than the federal government’s rationale for protecting areas adjacent to national parks from wind energy development, while going all out to encourage it near human population centers. Its theory is that the natural beauty of park land and the feel of a place must be preserved so the public can enjoy it. Granted, Ocean City has nowhere near as much natural beauty as Assateague Island National Seashore, but it does have a little, particularly from the beach looking east.

The question, then, is why is that unspoiled horizon any less important than Assateague’s open horizon, when the view from any East Coast beach is pretty much the same?

It just seems ironic that the people who visit Ocean City and look east are the same as those who visit Assateague (often coming from Ocean City) and look east. It isn’t as if one can look east and west at the same time.

The National Park Service estimates that Assateague receives about 3.2 million visitors a year, or substantially less than half the number of people who travel to Ocean City in the same time period.

So, if the sight of wind turbines is disturbing enough to ruin the pleasure of 3.2 million visitors on Assateague, while offending not one inhabitant of the place, why is the alternative of upsetting 8 million people and having a negative impact on a multi-billion-dollar economy the better choice to make?

If offshore energy production is that vital to the welfare of the nation, then all coasts should be opened to it, instead of just the ones with a view the federal government deems expendable.

Besides, a survey of herons, egrets, pelicans, yellow rump warblers, flounder, otters, skinks and snails found that, unlike humans, 100 percent of them did not give a damn about what goes on outside their neighborhoods.

Note: BOEM removed ... a limited number of areas from the Call Area, including areas in which offshore wind energy development cannot occur as a result of law, jurisdiction, or technical considerations. These include: Units of the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, National Marine Sanctuary System, or any National Monument.

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON

EXECUTIVE

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PUBLIC EYE

Keep it simple, folks

It’s time again to comment on the courageous weather reporters who, when severe weather strikes, stand outside to tell how important it is for us to go inside.

By Stewart Dobson

The theory, of course, is that viewers will get a better idea of how serious the situation is when they can see a reporter stretched out in the wind like a pennant on a flagpole.

But to me, there’s not much difference between doing that and standing outside in a hailstorm so viewers can measure the severity of it by counting the knots raised on his, her or their head by an onslaught of hail stones the size of golf balls.

“This is Rob Weatherdork reporting live from Mt. Washington in 100 mph winds and where I’m being pelted by hail stones the size of golf balls and where ... ow ... ungh, owghgh, daaanngg ... losing ... consciousness.”

Just this week, in fact, a well-known re-

OC Today- Disp atch

porter had to lean into the wind of Hurricane Francine at such an angle that you could have used him as a miter box to cut molding.

I suppose the purpose of this live report was to show us that the reporter possessed superpowers of some sort, because he seemed to be unconcerned by the fact that, courtesy of a fair amount of flying debris, that he could end up reporting from multiple locations at the same time.

As it was, you couldn’t understand much of what he was saying through his clenched teeth and the sound of his clothes flapping like he was car surfing on the lead vehicle in the Daytona 500.

“Yeah, it’s ... blooowwwwinnnng... haaaarrrd ... wiittthhhh ... gusts up toooooo ... Aieeeeeeeeeeeee...”

“We’ll be back with Bob in a minute as he’s moving to another location ... involuntarily.”

Here’s a tip, folks: Put a camera outside near some water, trees or signs and stay inside while you tell us what’s happening. Or it’s going to be — Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Weatherman!

oceancitytoday.com Facebook: facebook/mdcoastdispatch.com

OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2024 Stubbornly local, equally

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

This year’s Ocean City municipal election should be fascinating on several fronts.

First, it’s a presidential election with a compelling matchup of polar opposite candidates at the top of the ticket. Election years when the president’s seat is open always feature solid turnouts. Though the Harris-Trump showdown confirms the sad state of affairs in our country, it will nonetheless bring out a solid voter turnout as there is passion for both candidates. I just remain bewildered these individuals are our country’s two options. In Ocean City, unlike what happened for decades, voters participate in the general election process and then can vote in the municipal election. All this takes place on the same day at the convention center but typically in different halls.

Secondly, for the first time in his mayoral career, 18-year Mayor Rick Meehan has a formidable opponent in Councilman Peter Buas, who opted to challenge Meehan rather than seek another term on the council. It’s a bold move from Buas after just one term in office. If he loses, Buas will be out of elected office in Ocean City. What’s intriguing to me about this matchup is the massive experience gap and age difference between Meehan and Buas. If Meehan loses his seat to Buas, it’s a sign change is sought in Ocean City by a majority of voters. It reminds me of the early- to mid-1980s when Meehan and similar minds were elected over stalwarts at City Hall with legacy names to the resort. Back then development was a major issue in Ocean City as well as a desire to bring younger officials into the fold. Today, there seems to be a steady desire to bring in new blood, but growth issues are more about redevelopment of existing property and how to do it without negatively impacting residential neighborhoods (see the movie theater replacement project in north Ocean City).

Over the next several weeks, it will be imperative of Buas, an attorney, to demonstrate his specific differences with Meehan and exactly why he thinks he will be a better mayor for Ocean City. The message needs to go far beyond it’s time for a change, but there’s no doubt it will be a talking point as Meehan has served in elected office in Ocean City since 1985. At least on social media, the change mantra does have some support, but most of the folks who commented this week on the newspaper’s Facebook page do not have votes in Ocean City. It’s going to be an exciting seven weeks ahead.

Finally, with Buas giving up his council seat, it appears at least two new faces will join the council. Incumbents Tony DeLuca and John Gehrig have filed for another term, and word is Frank Knight will not seek a second term on the council. Eight candidates are seeking council seats now, including Jake Mitrecic who is looking to follow his father’s footsteps with a run on the council. Joe Mitrecic served 10 years on Ocean City’s council before filing in 2014 for Ocean City’s county commissioner, a seat he still holds today.

Wow was the reaction when word came out the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is proposing a new lease area just 3.5 miles from Ocean City’s shoreline for a windfarm. This is a classic example of changing the rules drastically in the middle of the game. The announcement BOEM will hold a public meeting on Sept. 24 came within a week of BOEM giving the final blessing to the proposal to build 114 wind turbines 10.7 miles from the resort’s coast.

It’s a stunning development in this wind farm saga. The new lease area – referred to as OCS-A 0557 Lease officially — is far closer to shore and will be clearly visible from Delaware and Maryland as the lease site starts in Maryland to the south and goes north into water off Delaware’s coast. Information available on the BOEM website reported, “Equinor Wind US LLC provisionally won Lease OCS-A 0557 at $75,001,001, which consists of 101,443 acres and is approximately 26 nautical miles (nm) from Delaware Bay.” The distance from Delaware Bay is interesting to use as an indicator. In Ocean City’s press release this week, it states the eastern most edge of the new lease area is just 3.5 miles from the coast. The release hits familiar points stated previously, saying, “BOEM’s own studies and other independent research have shown that turbines located this close to Ocean City will have devastating effects on our views, local tourism industry, and property values.”

County should do more to address food truck issues

Editor,

I feel I must respond to the comments made by the Worcester County Health Department in reference to mobile food trucks and trailers. That they are willing to work with vendors is just wrong.

When I purchased a food trailer several years ago, I had made a custom food trailer with all the necessary NSF equipment, including a NSF smoker. At that time, I was the owner of the winery in Whaleyville. As soon as food trailer arrived, the health department and county permit office started to deny me use of it.

The health department advised me that food trailers were not allowed and if I wanted to use it, it had to be hooked up to the winery. The county permit office said I couldn’t sell food at the winery. So I had to get a text amendment added to the county code. It took a couple months to get that done.

When that was accomplished, it all started. I was told I needed a building permit to hook it to the winery. I applied for a building permit and was told I needed a plumbing inspection and an electrical inspection, a fire marshal inspection, a water test, a grease trap, a sewer connection and two back flow preventers.

The water connection was the hardest to comply with as environmental health kept changing what hose I needed even though the original hose was NSP compliant. Now this is for a legally tagged and titled trailer. It took me about four months of trying to comply with all their rules and thousands of dollars spent to finally end with a mobile food kitchen,

which wasn’t allowed in Worcester County but was legal in surrounding counties.

The County Commissioners need to step up and fix this situation. They have known about this for years. It’s too late for me.

Jack Lord Whaleyville

(The writer is the owner of Costa Ventosa Winery & Brewery.)

Wind turbines needed to address climate change Editor,

I read the news that the plan to build offshore wind turbines off the coast of Ocean City is moving forward and I find that a promising and exciting step for the future of our area. It’s exciting because our area will be part of the solution to the climate-related problems directly impacting our wonderful city.

Look no further than the streets of Ocean City, which flood regularly –whether it’s due to a major rainfall or just a full moon. The flooded streets are more than an inconvenience; they are dangerous, cause significant economic issues and will only get worse unless we start acting.

That means we must expand our use of clean energy, including solar and wind energy, which will help us be less dependent on polluting energy sources like oil, coal and gas, which are exacerbating climate related impacts to Ocean City and up and down the Eastern Shore.

It appears that Ocean City is going to go to court to try to stop the offshore wind project. Wouldn’t it make more sense to spend our tax dollars on raising our roadbeds and in-

Continued on Page 94

stalling reverse storm drains to block bay water from coming up into our streets and intersections instead of paying high-dollar legal fees on a lawsuit against the federal government? We can’t pretend that problems like flooding will get better by themselves. We must do more, and building clean energy turbines far at sea is a very smart way to do that.

Cherie L. McNett Ocean City

Art event participants, supporters recognized

Editor, Our 19th Annual “Artists Paint OC” plein air festival Aug. 14-18 was another impressive success for us and the town. Thank you to the 50 professional artists who spread out around the resort for five days and created 262 paintings of our iconic local landscapes. And thank you to the youth who painted “en plein air” in July to create 84 paintings and be part of our second annual Kids Paint OC Festival.

Our gratitude goes out to our judge Carole Boggemann Peirson, who awarded prizes to our winning artists and also donated a painting she created for an art league fundraising raffle. And to our sponsors of the festival who provided $6,800 in cash prizes for the artists: Emily and Paul Schwab, Peter Glenville Foundation, Laura Jenkins, Mechelle and Charles Nichols, Shore United Bank, Reese Cropper III, Barbara Frankfort-Kollander Patrick, Linda Monigle Guerrieri, Maryland’s Coast, and the Ocean City Development Corp. The Kids Paint OC event was made possible through a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council.

The Art League is proud to announce the 2024 “Artists Paint OC” winners. First place went to Leo Kahl of Dagsboro, Delaware, $2,500; second place to Rhonda Ford of Easton, $1,000; third place to John Eiseman of Hebron, $500; honorable mentions to Eva Rotolo of Lutherville, Jose Ramirez of Cambridge, and Jessica Schlegel of Salisbury, $100 each.

The Spirit of Ocean City Award sponsored by The Town of Ocean City

went to Ricky Sears of Kensington, $500. The Agribusiness Award sponsored by Horizon Farm Credit went to Leo Kahl of Dagsboro, Delaware, $250.

The Best Hospitality Award sponsored by the OC HMRA was awarded to Dennis Young of New Castle, Delaware, $150. The Best Maritime Award sponsored by Ed and Emmy Challenger was awarded to Scott Henderson of Ellicott City, $150. Jon Bandish of Dagsboro, Delaware, won Best Nocturne Award, $150, sponsored by Rina Thaler in memory of Cheryl Taustin. Jim Rehak of Seaford, Delaware, won Best Use of Light Award, $150, sponsored by the Working Artists Forum.

The Quick Paint Awards were sponsored by the Ocean City Development Corp. and judged by Doris Glovier.

Dennis Young won first place, $300. Leo Kahl won second place, $200. And Ronaldo Dorado won third place, $100. The Ray Ewing Artists’ Choice Award went to Ed Lewandowski of Bridgeville, Delaware, $500.

The 2024 Kids Paint OC winners are, in the ages 6-9 group: First place tie, Austin Schisler of Most Blessed Sacrament School and Luna Wierengo of Showell Elementary, $60 each.

Second place, Shiloh Gurung of Showell Elementary, $40. Third place, Rosemary Williams of Norwood Elementary, $25. Honorable mentions: Nora Ruch of Worcester Prep and Adeline Bae of Edgewater Elementary.

In the 10-12 age group: First place tie, Owen Schisher of Most Blessed Sacrament School and Mason Wharton of Wicomico Day School, $75 each. Second place, Tobi Blaska of Worcester Prep, $50. Third place, Michaella Anderson of Southeastern Middle School, $25. Honorable men-

‘Scapes’ on display at Worcester arts

(Sept. 13, 2024) The Worcester County Arts Council recently announced the opening of “Scapes,” a juried art competition and exhibit featuring 33 entries submitted by 23 artists with work in all media.

The competition encourages artists to interpret their representation of “Scapes” in a literal form, such as landscape, cityscape, or waterscape, and challenges them to explore it further through the concept of mindscape, moonscape, or bodyscape in their creative processes. The subject was open to the artist’s expression and interpretation.

Entries in the competition were reviewed and judged by local artist and former art educator Marie A. Cavallaro.

Monetary prizes will be awarded at 5 p.m., during an open-to-the-public reception set from 4-6 p.m., this Friday, Sept. 13. Light refreshments will be offered.

The exhibit opened Sept. 3 and will be on display through Nov. 3.

Along with the featured exhibit, artwork created by 30 local artists and gallery members will also be on display and available for purchase. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

tion, Ellie Hall of Selbyville Middle School.

In the 13-17 age group: First place, Madison Guertler, $100. Second place, Glenna Barnes of Sedona Red Rock School, $75. Third place, Sydney Parker of Worcester Prep, $50. Honorable mention, Faith Ford of Sedona Red Rock School.

Another big thank you to the art lovers and art collectors who came out to support the artists and purchase their work during the Wet Paint Sales. The best of the plein air paintings will be on display and available for purchase at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street vhrough September. The raffle for the painting continues until the drawing on Sept. 30.

Mark your calendars for the next Artists Paint OC Festival on Aug. 1317, 2025. It’s the 20th anniversary of this event, and we’ll be celebrating. Laura Jenkins Chair, Artists Paint OC Vice president, Art League of Ocean City Rina Thaler Executive director, Art League of Ocean City

FIRST FRIDAY

Scenes from the Art League of Ocean City’s First Friday opening reception and neighborhood block party on Sept. 6 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts are pictured. The event celebrated the First Friday new exhibits and the 61st birthday of the art league.

Continued on Page 96

PHOTOS COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

Artist Cathy Gibson poses with her first place “Seeing Sound” exhibit piece.

Artist Frankie Zurla poses with her honoranle mention “Seeing Sound” exhibit piece.

Artist Gary Hemphill poses with his honorable mention “Seeing Sound” exhibit piece.

Attendees are pictured mingling during the event.

Artist Jennifer Roros poses with her second place “Seeing Sound” exhibit piece.

The Moscow Armistice was significant for Finnish reps

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Sept. 12, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, the following Finnish representatives met in Moscow, to sign an Armistice with the U.S.S.R. to end their country’s war with their giant neighbor: Lt. Gen. Oscar Enckell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Enckell, Minister of Defense Gen. Rudolf Walden, and Chief of Finnish Gen. Staff Gen. Erik Heinrichs. Representing the U.S.S.R. was Ukrainian Col.-Gen. and Leningrad Party Boss Andrei Aleksandrovich Zhdanov.

But the Armistice did more than just cease hostilities between the two nations. It also required that those re-

sponsible for taking Finland into the war be prosecuted. As a consequence, the following were prosecuted and convicted: Risto Heikki Ryti, president from 1940-1944, sentenced to 10 years in prison; Johan Wilhelm Rangell, prime minister from 19401943, sentenced to six years in prison; Professor Edwin Johannes Hildegard Linkomies, prime minister from March 5, 1943- Aug. 8, 1944, sentenced to 5.5 years in prison.

Väinö Alfred Tanner, minister of trade and industry from July 3, 1941May 22, 1942 and minister of finance from May 22, 1942-Aug. 8, 1944, sentenced to 5.5 years in prison; Profes-

Continued on Page 97

PHOTOS COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

Artist David Hollander poses with his honoranle mention “Seeing Sound” exhibit.

Artist Deborah Maklowski is pictured with her pieces in the Spotlight Gallery.

Katie Durham and Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan pose together during the event.

sor Toivo Mikael Kivimäki, ambassador to the Third Reich, sentenced to five years in prison; Dr. Carl Henrik Wolter Ramsay, minister of foreign affairs from March 4, 1943-Aug. 8, 1944, sentenced to 2.5 years in prison; Antti Kukkonen, member of parliament and minister of education from Jan. 4, 1941-March 5, 1943, sentenced to two years in prison; Tyko Henrik Reinikka, deputy minister of finance from March 5, 1943-Aug. 8, 1944, sentenced to two years in prison.

The trials were held in the House of the Estates in Helsinki, from November 1945 through February 1946. The court consisted of the presidents of the Supreme Court of Finland, the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland, a professor from the University of Helsinki and 12 members of Parliament appointed by the Parliament of Finland.

Finnish President Juho Kusti Paasikivi paroled Kukkonen and Reinikka in October, and Ramsay in December, when they had served five-sixths of their sentences. The rest were granted parole in accordance with Finnish criminal law when they had served half of their sentences.

On May 19, 1949, Paasikivi pardoned Ryti, who was hospitalized (his health collapsed during the imprisonment and he remained an invalid

until his death in 1956). He also pardoned Rangell, Tanner, Linkomies, and Kivimäki, who were still on parole.

In addition, Finland was required to provide reparations of timber products, paper, cellulose, seagoing and river craft, sundry machinery, valued at $300 million over the next six years to the Soviet Union. Finland also agreed to remove the restriction on the Communist Party and to outlaw all Fascist parties.

The Finns also agreed to remove the Germans from their country, which resulted in the Lapland War between Finland and Germany, when the Germans didn’t withdraw quickly enough.

The two countries agreed that their borders would return to those delineated in the March 12, 1940 treaty, which had ended the “Winter War.” So how did Finland find itself on the verge of extinction at the hands of its neighbor? The answer, quite simply, was its own obstinance!

For more than 100 years, Finland had been ruled by the Russian Czar as the Grand Duchy of Finland. During the upheavals created upon Russia’s exit from The Great War, and its revolution and civil war, Finland, with German aid, secured its independence.

However, its border was less than 30 miles from the Soviet Union’s sec-

ond city, Leningrad. now, and formerly, St. Petersburg. The Soviet Union was concerned with its security, and felt that war with the resurgent German Reich was inevitable.

It was concerned about Finland’s ties with Germany, since it was only with German help that Finland had recently secured its independence. Germany was fostering good relations with all Scandinavian countries so that it would have ready access to Swedish iron ore, Finnish nickel, and other raw materials.

In addition to the proximity of the Finnish border to Leningrad, there was the danger, perceived by the Soviet government, of the exposure of its Naval Base at Kronstadt, in the Gulf of Finland, which was home to the Soviet Baltic Fleet.

The Finns really did not take these feelers seriously, in part because Rybkin’s official position was as a Secretary in the Soviet Embassy in Helsinki. In reality, and unknown to the Finns, he was an agent of the NKVD operating on Stalin’s direct authority.

In any event, Rybkin obtained an audience with Finnish Foreign Minister Rudolf Hosti for April 14, 1938. Although the Finns tried to assure Yartsev that they would remain neutral, he was unconvinced and requested that Finland cede some islands in the Gulf of Finland to protect the seaward approaches to Leningrad, but the Finns refused.

Continued on Page 98

Beginning in 1938, the Soviet Union explained its concerns to the Finnish government and stated that it needed “positive guarantees” to assuage those concerns. Negotiations were begun by Boris A. Rybkin, aka Yartsev, in April of 1938, following the German Anchluss with Austria.

OBITUARIES

RICHARD “DICK” COOKE

Berlin

Richard “Dick” Cooke, 86, died Aug. 26, 2024, at Tidal Health Hospital.

He was born April 2, 1939, in Baltimore. The son of Emmitt and Eleanor Cooke. Richard graduated from Mt Saint Joe High School and Loyola College.

He continued his education at Boston University where he received his master’s degree. He enlisted in the Army then continued his career at the Department of Defense in Fort Meade, as a German linguist where he retired in 1991.

He was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus #9053. He spent most of his retirement working for Piney Island Builders and watching the Washington Capitals. He was a faithful husband of 61 years to Patricia Cooke, who he met in college.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; sister Mary Lou (husband Denny); sons Patrick (wife Susan) and Greg (wife Megan); grandchildren Mckena, Kiley, Marina and Shane; along with other nieces and nephews.

A private service of interment will be held at a later date at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock. Those who wish to remember Richard in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Knights of Columbus #9053 at 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

MARY JANE POWELL

Berlin

Mary Jane Powell, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at Chesapeake Cottages in Snow Hill.

Born in Delaware, she was the daughter of the late Elta Hitchens.

She was an avid harness horse fol-

OBITUARY NOTICES

lower. She also held the roll of American Legion auxiliary president for many years. She is survived by her nephew, Gerald Richardson, and his wife Belinda; as well as her sister, Sara Lee Tapman.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dale Leo Powell; her brothers, Bobby Layton, Junior Layton and Kenny Layton; as well as her sister, Charlynne Richardson.

Cremation followed her death. A celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Legion Post #123 Boggs-Disharoon at 10111 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, MD 21811.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Obituary Notices cost $50 per week for Print and Online Publications. E-mail: editor@oceancitytoday.net Fax: 410-723-6511

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 97

These proposals had been made several years earlier by Leningrad Party Leader Andrei Zhdanov and the Soviet Ambassador in Helsinki, Eric Assmus. As Europe moved toward war, the Soviet government got more serious and sent former ambassador to Finland, Boris Shtein, to negotiate with Finnish Foreign Minister Eljas Erkko.

When Finnish Field Marshal Baron Karl Gustav Mannerheim was asked his opinion, he advised his government to cut its best deal with the Soviets because the Finns were not spending enough money on defense. The field marshal was also acutely aware of the Soviet Union’s concerns — and its determination to satisfy them. The Soviet government summoned the Finnish leaders to Moscow on Octo. 5, 1939, to discuss “concrete political questions.”

When the Finnish delegation met the Soviets, in the afternoon of Oct. 12, even though the Soviets offered territory twice as large as the territories they wanted, the Finns refused.

In making that offer, Stalin queried, “Would any other ‘Big Power’ do that? No, only we are that stupid!” The result was the “Winter War,” and the loss, to the Soviets, of everything that they had demanded, and more, e. g., the loss of Finland’s second largest city, Viipuri; the loss of the nickel-rich area of Petsamo, and Finland’s access to the Arctic Ocean.

So when the Axis invaded the Soviet Union, the Finns leaped at the opportunity the Germans presented to them to recover the lost territory and joined in. This was known in Finland as “The Continuation War.”

At first, things went well for the Finns and their Axis allies. Viipuri and Petsamo were recovered and Leningrad was besieged. But then came Stalingrad and Kursk, and the tide turned.

$1,595.

The cost to the Finns was staggering: 63,204 dead or missing Finnish soldiers and around 158,000 wounded, and 1,000 Finnish civilians dead. Only because of Stalin’s magnanimity was Finland allowed to survive as an independent nation.

Next week: Market Garden 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.

Mary Powell

Dick Cooke

Decatur returns opening kickoff, rolls to win

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Sept. 13, 2024) Last season, Stephen Decatur High School’s varsity football team earned the school’s first championship with a perfect 140 record. This season, they started on a positive note with a 35-6 opening win over the Queen Anne’s Lions last Friday night at Louis H. Taylor Field in Berlin.

The Seahawks started the way fifth-year head coach Jake Coleman likes — to get on the board early (with a kickoff return touchdown) and keep control of the ball. And that’s what his team did, scoring the game’s first two touchdowns with more than six minutes to play in the first quarter.

Kicker Blake Wallace booted both

extra points between the uprights, giving the Seahawks an early 14-0 lead. They added two more touchdowns before the first half ended, with Wallace kicking in two more, for a commanding 28-0 lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Seahawks rallied again in the fourth quarter, scoring 7 more for a 35-0 lead with 11:25 left on the clock. With 1 minute and 17 seconds left on the clock, the Lions scored their first and only touchdown, making the final score 35-6.

One big change in the lineup from last year was the quarterback, junior Johnny Hobgood, who schooled the Lions on how to run and pass.

Wide receiver Trybe Wise made several great plays during the game

as well.

“The coach’s put me in position to do what I do best,” he said. “As a team, I have a lot of faith to do the same thing we did last year.”

It was a packed house with the same enthusiasm that last year ended on with fans, the mascot, the cheerleaders, and a section dressed in white that used phone lights in a wave to show support.

“It’s a lot of returning players, but it’s like anything else the competition we play is different, this team is different and there will be new challenges,” Coleman said. “I told them last year we lived a blockbuster movie. This year is the sequel. it will not be the same, it never is. We have a lot of challenges, we have new guys.

I’m really excited about the off-season effort they put in, happy about the way they practice every day.” Coleman added, “The way they played tonight, we can play even cleaner and better. We jumped up early in the first half. We can be more productive on all three strings of the game.”

This Friday night, the Seahawks travel to Randallstown to face the Randallstown Rams. On Sept. 20, they will continue their triple road trip at Salisbury to take on the James M. Bennett High School Clippers. The following Friday, Sept. 26, the Seahawks fly to Snow Hill for a show down with the Snow Hill Eagles. On Oct. 4, the Seahawks host Easton at home.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR WALLS

The Seahawks varsity cheerleaders are pictured during the first game of the season last Friday against Queen Anne’s.

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR WALLS

(Left) Seahawk quarterback Johnny Hobgood carries the ball during the first game of the season last Friday against Queen Anne’s. (Right) Senior Trybe Wise goes for the touchdown while offensive lineman Anthony Burke has his back.

‘Goal is to find that positive state of mind’

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(Sept. 13, 2024) A recent university graduate is looking to work with local student-athletes on mental wellness while applying what she learned from her studies as well as her personal experiences as a collegiate athlete.

Kylie Ryan, a Forest Hill, Md. native, has spent the last several summers in Ocean City working at Coconuts in between earning her degrees at Salisbury University and Florida State University. The now full-time Sussex County resident recently discussed the goals for her new business, Anchoring Minds, LLC, and how she believes she can help high school and college athletes balance their lives.

Q. Please provide some background as to where you are from, college background, sports, etc.

A. I graduated high school from Fallston High in 2018 where I played four years of varsity field hockey and was a basketball manager for our men’s team. I went on to play Division I field hockey at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. After my sophomore season and my own personal struggles with sports and life, I made the decision to transfer to play at Salisbury University a little closer to home. Unfortunately, this was the time when COVID-19 hit, and I was sent home from my brand-new school and team. Returning for my junior year began with the news we will not have a season and have

a strict practice schedule only. As a result, I began broadening my network and focused on how I could make the most out of my college experience outside of the playing field. I began coaching a local club team, playing on an adult league team for fun and getting in contact with potential graduate schools. Because of my own circumstances and mental health, playing the sport just was not the same, and I decided it was best for me not to play my senior year.

I continued my education by attending Florida State University where I received my master’s in sport psychology this May. While I was at FSU, I was able to gain experience with athletes and teams to work on their mental skills both on and off the field. I am now located in the Delmarva region where I just started Anchoring Minds, LLC where I will offer mental skills coaching to teams and individuals of any age or sport. The idea behind Anchoring Minds, LLC is anchoring is a way to access a certain state of mind or emotion. It is important to have a positive anchoring mindset when it comes to performing at your best. The goal is to find that positive state of mind or emotion and utilize that anchor the most in hopes to reach peak performance.

Q. What exactly is mental and mindset performance coaching and how do you think this can benefit our local student-athletes?

A. Mental performance coaching fo-

cuses on helping athletes enhance their mental skills in order to perform to the best of their ability to reach their peak performance. It is quite common for athletes to train their sport specific skills or strengthen their muscles in the gym but a little less common to do some work on their mental skills. Mental performance coaches work with athletes to improve mental skills like self-talk, visualization, resiliency, confidence, performance anxiety, mindfulness, performance under pressure, goal-setting, breathing techniques, and concentration.

I think what is most important within our community of student-athletes is bringing awareness to these types of coaches available to help maximize your athletic performance. As this type of coach/trainer is new, it is important to educate student-athletes on how much of an impact mental skills coaching can have on your physical play when you are

in the right headspace and equipped with the skills to succeed. A second benefit is that mental skills can be used outside of sport and in life as well. For example, we can say some negative comments in our head when we miss a shot on goal just the same as we may say some negative comments to ourselves after a poor math test grade. By engaging in mental skills coaching, specifically the skill self-talk, we can work on strategies to restructure your self-talk or thought stoppage.

Q. You were an ambassador with Morgan’s Message. Morgan was a collegiate athlete who took her own life at the age of 22 as a result of suffering mentally in silence. How did the experience help you?

A. During my time at Salisbury University, I was the campus ambassador for our chapter of Morgan’s Message. As a huge student-athlete mental health advocate, creating this chapter on our campus felt like the perfect place for me to begin advocating and getting involved in the field. I was quickly able to grasp I was not the only one who had mental struggles during their time as a collegiate athlete. As more and more people began to ask me about Morgan’s Message or just want to talk, I realized I don’t just want to do this as a hobby but as a career. Ryan is excited to begin her journey as a mental performance coach and can be reached at 443-504-8227 or by email at kylieryanmpc@outlook.com.

Kylie Ryan

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Team “Miller Time,” above left, won the Bahia Marina Flounder Pounder with a big 7-pound, 5-ounce flounder worth $7,300. Above right, Bob Haltmeier caught this big 19” triggerfish while fishing the Oceanic Pier in downtown Ocean City.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Captain Dave Caffrey of On the Run put this angler on a big 7-pound flounder from the OC Inlet. Above middle, the crew of the private boat Something Simple had three first timers catch and release their first white marlin. Above right, a nice yellowfin tuna, a pile of mahi and a pile of blueline tilefish filled the fish box of the Primary Search with Captain Austin Ensor.

Below left, Stacey Schindler caught her limit of flounder up to 19 inches fishing the Route 50 Bridge with Rich Daiker. Below middle, this crew had a fantastic time with Captain Anthony Matarese Jr. on board the Reel Chaos catching a blue marlin, a white marlin and a pile of mahi. Below right, a nice keeper flounder came over the rail of the Miss Ocean City.