Sixteen-year-old Decatur student struck by hit-and-run motorcyclist remains in Shock Trauma as friends, family and coastal communities rally around him. — Page 3
Tragedy spurs talk by county commissioners and resort officials about whether it’s time to make it so. — Page 14
Beaches in three-state area suffer as discarded medical garbage washes ashore. Investigation begins. — Page 6
Something big is brewing, as Ocean City’s special events team juggles the spring calendar. — Page 10
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Walshes hoping for miracle following Friday hit-and-run
By Steve Green Executive Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) The coastal community is again rallying around the Walsh family with an outpouring of support and love following last Friday’s hit-and-run collision in Ocean City.
From 2020-2022, area residents came together to support Cory Walsh and his three children, twins Tyler and Emma and Carter, while their wife and mother, Rhonda Walsh, a beloved local teacher at Berlin Intermediate for 21 years, battled brain cancer. Meal trains were coordinated, and an online fundraising platform raised about $30,000 to help the family with expenses. Rhonda succumbed to sarcoma cancer on Oct. 15, 2022, at the age of 50 but not before putting up a courageous fight drawing the admiration of residents in Worcester and Sussex counties.
On Friday night, Sept. 13, the
Walsh family was shaken again. Tyler Walsh, a 16-year-old junior at Stephen Decatur High School, was walking east in a crosswalk around 12th Street in Ocean City when a speeding motorcyclist struck him. The collision led to Walsh being flown immediately to Shock Trauma in Baltimore with life-threatening injuries. As of Wednesday afternoon, Tyler remains in critical condition after having several surgeries and multiple broken bones. Father Cory Walsh said this week he is hoping for a miracle for his son.
“It’s going to take a miracle for this one,” Walsh told Coastal Point Staff Writer Susan Canfora in an interview this week. “His doctors say he’s stable, but he’s very critical and there are many more surgeries to go. He’s going to be sedated another couple of weeks. He’s a good kid. Good grades. Wrong place, wrong time. The guy on
See MOTORCYCLIST Page 78
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No answers to medical waste, yet
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) Local officials continue to investigate the source of trash and medical waste that washed up on shore this week, leading to several ocean closures between Chincoteague and Rehoboth Beach.
On Sunday, the Town of Ocean City and surrounding coastal communities, as well as Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore, announced that ocean access would be restricted after discovering a significant amount of trash and medical waste – including syringes and needles – had washed ashore over the weekend. While the situation had reportedly improved by Monday, officials said they would continue to work with the appropriate public health agencies and local part-
ners to pinpoint the source of the debris.
“We will continue working with our local, state, and federal partners until the matter is resolved,” Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald said in a statement this week.
Marketing and Communications Director Jessica Waters said waste consisting of syringes, wood particles and rubbish began washing ashore in Ocean City over the weekend. The same debris was also reported on social media accounts for the towns of Fenwick Island, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach, Assateague State Park, and Assateague Island National Seashore, which manages the barrier island beaches in both Maryland and Virginia.
As a result, officials on Sunday
closed the ocean to swimming and other water activities at Assateague federal and state parks, and in the surrounding coastal communities spanning north into Delaware. Beachgoers were also encouraged to wear shoes and use caution when walking along the sand.
“We will work closely with the Worcester County Health Department and other public health authorities to investigate the source of the medical waste,” Theobald said in a statement Sunday. “Until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely.”
While the amount of debris found on local beaches decreased significantly in the days that followed, the ocean remained closed throughout the week as cleanup and water testing
continued and the remnants of a coastal storm moved through the region.
“The Town of Ocean City is working closely with the Health Department and awaiting the results of the water quality tests,” Theobald said in a social media update Wednesday. “Due to the current rough surf conditions, limited guards, and out of an abundance of caution, the ocean continues to remain closed to swimmers and surfers at this time. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Safety remains our top priority, and we hope to reopen the ocean in the next few days.”
The Town of Ocean City encourages anyone who finds debris requiring cleanup to contact the non-emergency line at 410-723-6610 with the specific location. In Delaware’s coastal communities, residents are encouraged to report medical debris to DNREC’s environmental hotline, 800-662-8802.
OC shuffling special event calendar for large festival?
April.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) It appears the spring special events calendar will receive a shakeup in 2025, with another large-scale event in the works to replace the traditional Cruisin weekend.
While more information will be provided later this fall, both the Town of Ocean City and Special Event Productions have announced changes to their spring special event lineups, in what appears to be an attempt to bring a new attraction to downtown Ocean City in 2025. The Cruisin Ocean City event, which was originally scheduled for mid-May, will move to May 1-4, while Springfest, which is traditionally held the first weekend in May, will move to April 24-27.
“The schedule change is part of an overall effort to expand our shoulder seasons,” City Manager Terry McGean said in a statement Wednesday. “We do hope to add a new event the weekend of May 16-17 and will make an announcement as to what that event is in the coming weeks.”
When asked this week if another C3 Presents concert is being planned for the mid-May weekend, Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said he “can neither confirm nor deny” it. He said once a contract is signed, more information can be provided.
“But we’re anticipating another large event,” he added. “So we have to shuffle the calendar.”
On Wednesday, Special Event Productions, producer of Cruisin Ocean City, announced it would be moving its mid-May event to May 1-4. As part of that adjustment, the Town of Ocean City reported it would be moving its Springfest activities, traditionally held the first week in May, to late
As part of the arrangement, Special Event Productions said dates for the 2026 and 2027 spring Cruisin events have been solidified, and that those future events will have the full use of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center exhibit hall space, in addition to the Boardwalk parades, kickoff concert and satellite car shows. When contacted this week, Special Event Productions’ Jacklyn Lehr said the promoter is working with registrants who can no longer attend the new 2025 dates.
“We already have over 1,000 people registered,” she said. “So it’s going to be a little bit of an adjustment for our participants.”
The promoter reports those currently registered for the event who cannot attend the new 2025 dates can request a refund or transfer by sending an email to infoevent@specialeventpro.com prior to March 1, 2025.
"We are excited to return to the first week in May of 2025, which historically is the weekend that hosted the first Cruisin' Ocean City," Special Event Productions Meredith Herbert said in a news release Wednesday. "Regardless of the date, we are confident the event will provide the same amazing experience our guests have grown to love over the last 34 years."
Despite its move to late April, the Town of Ocean City reports Springfest will retain its traditional features, including concerts, craft vendors, food and more. The fourday festival will be celebrating its 34th anniversary in 2025.
“As our event calendar continues to evolve and we strive to create the best possible experiences for residents and visitors, we recognized the opportunity to shift the dates,” Perlozzo said in the news release. “We believe moving the event one week earlier will better align with the town’s overall schedule, and we’re confident it will allow us to continue delivering a fantastic experience.”
FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Classic cars are pictured during a Boardwalk parade at this year's spring Cruisin' Ocean City
Offshore wind lease area hearing next week
Public encouraged to share insight on new wind energy developments off the coast
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) City Manager Terry McGean said officials are monitoring offshore wind developments, including a potential new lease area, in the mid-Atlantic region.
On Sept. 24, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will host a hearing at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center for a second offshore wind sale in the Central Atlantic. While public comments will be gathered through Oct. 21, McGean told the Mayor and Council this week that staff have shared the
city’s opposition to the proposed project.
“On the week of Aug. 29, BOEM released this new potential call area for the Central Atlantic,” he said at the end of Monday’s council meeting. “And I'm not exaggerating when I will tell you it is virtually the entire ocean starting three miles out and extending approximately 60 miles out, for basically the entire mid-Atlantic.”
On Aug. 22, BOEM announced it would public a Call for Information and Nominations for a second offshore wind sale in the Central Atlantic. This second call area, the federal agency reports, will span more than 13 million acres off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.
The announcement has since launched a 60-day comment period, during which BOEM will host a series of public meetings in all five affected states. McGean told officials this week that the city had already voiced its opposition during a recent virtual task force meeting.
“I firmly stated our position opposing any visible turbines,” he said. “Many others also spoke at that task force meeting in opposition to the call area.”
In a news release issued last week, the city reported a new call area could bring additional wind turbines as close as 3.5 miles from Ocean City’s shoreline. McGean, however, told officials on Monday that there has been some discussion on establishing a “visibility setback” in this new call area.
“There are some other things that may assist us in hopefully eliminating any lease areas in this call area from being in front of our shore,” he said. “But this is a very concerning new occurrence that we need the public to be aware of.”
BOEM’s announcement that it would be hosting a public meeting on a new call area came one week after the federal agency approved US Wind’s plans for approximately 114, 938-foot-tall wind turbines, which will be located in a lease area roughly 10 miles from Ocean City’s coastline. For that project, the city has announced its intention to sue the agency.
“We are now taking the necessary steps to file suit based on that Record of Decision,” McGean said this week. “The Record of Decision, for lack of a better term, is the federal building permit that allows these projects to be built.”
Regarding the new call area, McGean said BOEM will host a public meeting on Sept. 24, beginning at 5 p.m., at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City. He said the open house would feature information boards, subject matter experts, and opportunities to submit written comments.
“For those who cannot attend that meeting, there will be a virtual meeting that will be held on October 2,” he said. “For either of those events, you need to go to the BOEM website and register.”
BOEM reports the 60-day comment period on the new call area will end on Oct. 21. From there, the federal agency will review and analyze commercial nominations and public comments.
City officials are not the only ones opposing plans for a new call area. The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday also voted to send a letter of opposition to BOEM.
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OC to explore event zone for future Bikefests
By Stewart Dobson Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) With members of the public asking if the strict traffic laws authorized by the special event zone designation should be applied to future Bikefests in Ocean City, local and county officials are now discussing that possibility as well.
On Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners suggested a special event zone designation be applied in the county during Bikefest and recommended that Ocean City’s motor event task force consider doing the same in town.
“I’d like to make a suggestion that ... we look at special event zones within the county,” County Commissioner Chip Bertino said during Tuesday’s session. “I don't believe we could have done it this year, but in
light of the emergency situations that transpired over the past four or five days of Bike Week, I’d very much like for us to move forward in that so that we can protect our citizens.”
The possibility of Ocean City employing the special event zone’s tougher standards is on the table, according to Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who represents the Ocean City district.
“The Ocean City special event task force is meeting I think the end of next week, I believe, and it was recommended by the mayor (Rick Meehan) to make it a special event zone ... the task force for some reason or the other turned that down and that will be discussed at the task force meeting next week,” he said.
The conversation at the Monday night Mayor and City Council session
ran along the same vein, with the exception of some disagreement over the number of Bikefest incidents that required the involvement of the city’s police and emergency services.
Mayor Rick Meehan acknowledged, however, that attaching special event zone status to Bikefest is on the agenda for the Sept. 26 meeting of the resort’s motor event task force.
“That’s exactly why we had the special event zone established,” Meehan said, “to address these types of issues. It was determined by the police department the last couple of years that the special event zone wasn’t necessary during Bike Week. But I think in light of what we saw happen, in comments that Councilmember (Carol) Proctor made, and I think what everybody else has heard, I think that certainly needs to be revis-
ited and that will be on the agenda of the motor vehicle task force, a complete review of Bike Week and what the recommendations will be.”
Proctor went farther than that in her comments toward the end of the evening session, calling on the rest of the council to weigh the impact of Bikefest on Ocean City overall.
“I want to challenge the council to take a look at this event for next year and look at the pros and the cons and the strain that it puts on Ocean City, and to see and determine whether or not it's something that we want to have in the future,” she said.
Citing statistics she said were supplied to her by the Ocean City police and fire departments, Proctor contended that the event places an undue burden on police and emergency services as well as on residents and property owners.
“I ... want to challenge the special task force, the motor event task force, to look into all of these things that I'm mentioning tonight because we had 803 calls for service. Our police department worked very hard. We had five ‘airvacs’ out of this town and the strain that I believe that it puts on the town, I just, I don't feel the benefits outweigh everything that has happened,” she said.
Council President Matt James questioned the statistics Proctor listed, and said they were from a period longer than just Bikefest week, while Proctor insisted they were accurate.
Not all calls for service during that period were Bike Week-related, as Ocean City Fire Department Community Engagement Officer Ryan Whittington pointed out earlier on Monday.
Ocean City Emergency Services responds daily to a variety of medical emergencies and other types of calls, he said, while also handling any uptick in demand for services caused by special events.
Reviewing the past week’s activities, Whittington said EMS handled numerous fire alarms, fires, medical situations and rescues, as well as being involved in a water rescue Saturday night.
Ocean City’s special event zone laws are still relatively new, having been approved in 2020 by the Maryland General Assembly when it responded to local officials’ pleas for the authority to fight back against an annual invasion of modified foreign cars whose owners created havoc on the streets.
The measure, which is an anti-exhibition driving statute, gives Ocean City government the power to reduce the speed limit on state-owned Coastal Highway and to impose much heavier fines and penalties on offenders. A statewide version of the law was passed by the legislature this year.
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Electric bus initiative for OC cools
By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) A tight, state-issued deadline for Ocean City to begin transitioning its entire bus fleet from diesel to electric is no longer expected after pushback over high costs.
“We are still taking the stance that it’s in our best interest to buy diesel until any mandate comes down from the state that requires us to buy electric,” Transit Manager Rob Shearman told members of the city’s Transportation Committee at a meeting last week.
Last fall, Shearman reported that all evidence pointed to state transportation officials requiring systems to begin buying only electric buses beginning this calendar year when replacing and replenishing fleets. Now, though, the tides have changed.
“The state had already mandated Baltimore City become electric and tried to extend that mandate across local systems,” Shearman explained last week. “Local systems kind of pushed back because of the costs, especially to the rural systems that would need to replace one diesel with two electrics to be able to run their all-day service.”
In turn, the mandates are getting rolled back “because of the immense cost of transitioning to electric,” Shearman said.
However, while the mandate is no
longer imminent, resort transportation officials have not halted efforts to complete a zero-emission transition plan to guide the implementation of an electric fleet in the future. The $149,000 study is set to be funded primarily with grants — 80 percent federal and 10 percent state — and will still be needed when and if a mandate is implemented.
“Just because, should the tides shift again, we want to be ready,” Shearman said. “And we don’t want to be caught where we’re within a two-or three-year cycle where we unable to purchase any buses. We feel it’s better to have that study in our pocket and know what the cost will be. And particularly having that study completed makes us eligible for federal grants or electrical vehicles.”
Councilman Tony DeLuca, who
sits on the Transportation Committee, also pointed out that things could change after the upcoming election. Shearman agreed, and added that many factors could facilitate a shift.
“We think it’s well worth it just to be prepared in case a mandate does come down,” Shearman said.
As of last week, the city had 38 regular-sized, 40-foot buses, and 10 larger, 60-foot articulating buses operating on the roads. Shearman said another two articulating, or artic, buses are set to join the fleet in time for Oceans Calling Festival slated for Sept. 27-29.
He added that officials are working toward replacing the smaller buses once they stop running with larger ones, with an ultimate goal to run half 40-foot buses and half artics.
MALLORY PANUSKA AMES/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Ocean City buses are pictured parked at the South End Transit Station downtown.
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Bond sale for two capital projects advances
By Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) An ordinance to authorize a municipal bond sale will advance to a second reading following council approval this week.
On Monday, the Mayor and Council approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds, the proceeds of which will finance projects at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course and the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. While staff last week proposed a bond issuance of nearly $4.5 million, the council ulti-
mately agreed to increase that amount after an additional flooring project at the convention center was proposed.
“This is to authorize the Mayor and City Council to issue and sell general obligation bonds not to exceed $6 million,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said. “This is for the golf course clubhouse improvements and the convention center improvements that were viewed at the September 10 work session.”
As proposed, $1.2 million in bond proceeds 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. Last week, however, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo sought the council’s approval to add a flooring project to the bond issuance.
Perlozzo told officials the flooring at the convention center is made of concrete, and that promoters who use the facility for athletic events must rent flooring, which results in an added expense for users. He said a permanent, multi-use flooring – estimated at $800,000 – could increase usage at the
facility.
“The advantage of this is it’s a rubberized surface we can use all the time …,” he said last week. “This will make us way more attractive. We will be cheaper.”
With the council’s support, the first reading of an ordinance to proceed with the sale of general obligation bonds, not to exceed $6 million, was brought forth on Monday. The council voted 6-0, with Councilman Frank Knight absent, to advance the ordinance to a second and final reading. A bond sale has been scheduled for December.
Route 611 bike path design gets Md. funds
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) More than $1.5 million in state funding will allow the design of a shared-use path along Route 611 to move forward.
Last Thursday, Gov. Wes Moore announced $16 million in grants were awarded for bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects throughout Maryland. Officials report $1.5 million of that funding will be used to complete design work on a shared-use path along Route 611 in Worcester County.
“This investment proves that we don’t have to choose between boosting our outdoor economy, investing in transportation projects, and cutting emissions – we can address all of these goals at the same time,” Moore said in a news release. “In partnership with local leaders, we are building a more competitive and sustainable state from Mountain Maryland to the Eastern Shore.”
The state reports the $16 million in grant funding will support 36 projects, from retrofitting trail-highway crossings to pedestrian improvements within
school zones. The funding – broken into two tranches – includes $13.9 million in federal funds awarded to 26 projects through the Transportation Alternatives Program and Recreational Trails Program and $2.1 million in state funds awarded to 10 projects through the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program.
In Worcester County, $1,542,289 in Transportation Alternatives Program funding will be used to complete the design for the first phase of a shared-use
path along the Route 611 corridor. The state also reports $625,755 in Bikeways Network Program funding will be used to match federal funding for construction and design projects, including those in Worcester County.
“Funding projects to enhance mobility and accessibility is a priority as these assets are an integral part of the state’s transportation system to provide safe, equitable and sustainable connections for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Maryland Department of Transporta-
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Route 611 path effort advances
Continued from Page 18
tion Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “These investments will help provide highquality paths to connect communities, enhance safety for students to get to and from school and help the state reach its climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
In June, Wiedefeld signed a new department-wide Complete Streets Policy to enhance safety for all road users by adding safety features such as bike lanes and pedestrian crossings in projects across the state, according to the news release. The Complete Streets Policy will ensure the Maryland Department of Transportation’s multi-billion-dollar capital program funds a transportation system that is safe, accessible and sustainable for Marylanders across all modes.
Coordinated effort leads to teen’s evening ocean rescue
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) First responders are reminding community members to avoid entering the ocean when lifeguards are not on duty after rescuing a 17-year-old from near drowning last weekend.
On Saturday, Sept. 14, at around 7:37 p.m., the Ocean City Fire and Police departments, with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police, responded to the beach at 98th Street for an incident involving a teen swimmer. The 17-year-old, who had been swimming with his family, was swept out to sea by a strong rip current, while the remaining members of his party managed to safely return to shore.
“The rescue effort took place under dark conditions with rough surf and strong rip currents,” a statement from the fire department reads. “Upon arrival, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) established command and coordinated the search effort, which included off-duty Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) rescue swimmers and officers from the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD). The search utilized advanced tools such as night vision and thermal imaging cameras, as well as a drone, to enhance visibility in the challenging conditions. Vessels from the USCG and MDNRP also supported the search effort.”
Ocean City Beach Patrol Lt. Skip
Data finds typical police activity for bike week event
By Stewart Dobson Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) Marred by the tragedy that left a local 16-year-old boy fighting for his life in Shock Trauma in Baltimore last Friday and a fatal motorcycle crash on Route 50 on Saturday, Ocean City Bikefest last weekend nevertheless saw about the same level of police activity as it did the year before, according to statistics supplied by the Ocean City Police Department.
The Friday hit-and-run accident on 12th Street and Philadelphia Avenue that critically injured Stephen Decatur High School student Tyler Walsh (see story on page 3) sent shockwaves throughout the region and has led to public questioning about whether the Town of Ocean City should institute the “Special Event Zone” traffic laws it imposes during the resort’s semi-annual car cruises.
For better or for worse, however, traffic enforcement data supplied by the department this week was on par with statistics compiled for the 2023 event.
Of the 17 collisions that occurred in Ocean City during the event, two besides the 12th Street hit-and-run were listed as serious.
The investigation continues into the first of two collisions that occurred last Friday afternoon, when police were called to 136th Street just before 4 p.m. and found an overturned car on its roof and a motorcycle in the road.
Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said the occupant of the car was trapped inside, but that police and good Samaritans at the scene freed that individual before Ocean City Emergency Services arrived.
The motorcycle operator suffered severe but non-life-threatening injuries and was flown to Shock Trauma, Miller said.
About two-and-a-half hours later,
Fatal Route 50 accident probed
Continued from Page 20
at 6:34 p.m., police were called to 28th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, where a motorcyclist who failed to yield the right of way apparently caused another vehicle to collide with parked cars.
Police said the motorcycle entered northbound Philadelphia Avenue from the 28th Street shopping center but failed to make way for another a vehicle traveling north.
That vehicle apparently accelerated into parked cars at the 28th Street shopping center, causing enough structural damage to a restaurant there that it was forced to close. The motorcycle operator suffered minor injuries.
On Saturday, a motorcycle collision on Route 50 and Hall Road claimed the life of Jason Irizarry, 40 of Dover, Pa., the Maryland State Police reported.
The investigation is continuing, but police said Irizarry was riding his BMW motorcycle on Route 50 shortly before 5:30 p.m. when, for unknown reasons, he lost control of his bike as he was attempting to pass another vehicle and struck a guardrail.
That caused the operator of another BMW motorcycle, Andrew Strube, 49, of Columbia, Pennsylvania, to lose control of his motorcycle
as well, according to a MSP news release.
Irizarry was taken by ambulance to TidalHealth Regional Hospital in Salisbury, before being transferred to Christiana Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, where he was pronounced deceased. Strube was taken by ambulance to TidalHealth for treatment of his injuries, police said.
Police ask anyone with information related to this crash to contact the Berlin Barrack at 410-641-3101.
In light of these circumstances, numerous members of the public have asked if the city’s “Special Event Zone” traffic laws were in place for Bikefest and if not, why not.
Responding to those inquiries, Ocean City Police Capt. James “Art” Grady, commander of the Patrol Division, said the severe traffic laws imposed by the Special Event Zone designation had never been needed in previous bike rallies.
“The bike week participants, for the most part, are well behaved on the roadway and do not cause a public safety concern to the town and people on the roadways,” he said.
The special event status and the harsher penalties that go with it were brought about when Ocean City’s elected officials wanted to corral the increasing anarchy exhibited by an
“During the vehicle motor events, we’ve seen an increase in traffic law violations, such as speeding, race contests, aggressive driving, spinning tires, and negligent driving,” Grady said of those undisciplined gatherings. “We typically don’t see these traffic related violations during bike week.”
Grady also pointed out that unlike car cruises and tuner car popup rallies, bike week does not draw huge numbers of spectators to the sidewalks, thus relieving the police of that particular worry.
The Special Event Zone declaration is also applied for the hotrod custom car cruises held in Ocean City in late spring and early fall, to discourage vehicular showoffs.
“We have a Motor Event Task Force meeting coming up next week, this is something that could be discussed at the meeting. I’m not 100% sure it is an agenda item or not but usually Chief (Ross) Buzzuro will give a brief update on bike week,” Grady said.
Traffic control, however, was just one aspect of the department’s involvement in last weekend’s bike rally. Police also continue to investigate
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Lee, the agency’s officer in charge during the incident, said he had just finished his shift last Saturday when he responded to the call for a water rescue at 98th Street. He said it took the beach patrol and fire department some time to locate the swimmer, who was eventually found 150 yards from shore in the area of 92nd Street.
“The waves were pretty big, so it took them a while to get back in,” he recalled.
The fire department reports the teen was successfully brought to shore at 8:02 p.m. As a result of the rescue, three individuals were transported by EMS to an area hospital, while one individual refused further medical treatment.
“As a reminder, when the Ocean City Beach Patrol is off duty, no one
should enter the water,” Fire Chief Richie Bowers said in a release this week. “In the coming days, we may experience a storm off the coast, which could result in increased rip currents. We urge everyone to be cautious and stay out of the water when lifeguards are not present.”
For his part, Lee recognized OCFD Battalion Chief Nick Kinhart, who had taken command of the incident, and the 10 off-duty beach patrol members who had responded to the scene. He said the efforts of the first responders resulted in a positive outcome for the swimmer and his family.
Ocean City Public Safety officials remind residents and visitors to always prioritize safety and heed warnings about dangerous surf conditions, especially when lifeguards are off duty.
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more than eight motorcycle thefts that occurred during OC Bikefest, Miller reported.
“Each year, during the event, the Ocean City Police Department handles motorcycle thefts. This year, we saw a few more than usual, and they were occurring throughout town rather than one central location,” she said.
“After speaking to a few owners, we learned that certain motorcycles can be ‘turned over,’ aka started, by anyone if the steering column is unlocked.”
Police subsequently issued an alert to motorcycle owners to take steps to immobilize their vehicles to prevent theft.
OCPD’s internal misconduct probe forwarded to county
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) Allegations of workplace misconduct within the Ocean City Police Department will advance to Worcester County’s charging committee following a months-long investigation.
The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) announced this week it will be forwarding the results of an internal investigation involving five officers on the force to the Worcester County Charging Committee. The five-member committee will be tasked with reviewing the allegations of workplace misconduct reported in April to determine whether the officers involved should be disciplined.
“We promised our community that we would take this matter seriously and were committed to conducting a comprehensive and meticulous investigation into the citizens’ complaint that was received in April,” Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said in a news release Wednesday.
“After an extensive investigation, the Office of Professional Standards submitted its findings to the Worcester County Administrative Charging Committee this week. We want to reiterate our commitment to trans-
parency in this process, ensuring that our community is informed every step.”
On April 24, the Worcester County Police Accountability Board received a complaint detailing one female officer’s alleged interactions with four coworkers – including one supervisor – on separate occasions between 2022 and 2024. In his written statement to Cpl. Michael Karsnitz, the complainant recounted his ex-girlfriend’s relationships with those named.
“On Wednesday March 17th I notified all of the wives involved …,” the complaint reads. “After doing this and consulting with some close friends I decided to call Internal Affairs and got them involved because I knew this wouldn’t stop unless they got involved.”
The complaint detailed several instances in which the female officer conducted the alleged affairs, both on and off duty, with the four named coworkers. In one recounting, the complainant shared explicit text message conversations between the female officer and one of her colleagues, including mentions of a sex tape the two had made in 2022. In
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Police forwarding internal probe to county committee
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another, he shared details of a supposed years-long relationship between her and another coworker. In that instance, the complainant said the pair had confessed to sending inappropriate Snapchat photos while one was on a work trip to Ohio and that the coworker acknowledged an “intimate and emotional” relationship that spanned five years.
In another recounting, the complainant alleged the female officer skipped CIT training at Wor-Wic Community College to meet with a third named coworker. The complaint also mentions a fourth relationship between the female officer and a supervisor. The complainant alleged the two would send Snapchat messages.
In total, the complaint listed five officers from the Ocean City Police Department, including one supervisor and another in a supervisory position within a separate division. As a result of the complaint, the Ocean City Police Department in May suspended three of the named officers pending the results of an internal investigation by the OCPD Office of Professional Standards.
OCPD Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said last week that one officer has since resigned, two remain suspended, and two have returned for full duty.
As a result of the internal investigation, the charging committee will now be tasked with reviewing the complaints and investigation to determine whether the officers involved should be charged with misconduct and, if so, recommend discipline from a state-created matrix to the police chief. Any disciplinary measure not accepted by an officer can be appealed to the Worcester County Trial Board.
“Under the current statutory requirements (Police Reform), when a citizen files a complaint, they will receive a receipt for their complaint, and the complaint will then be forwarded to the Police Accountability Board,” Miller said in a news release Wednesday.
“We want to emphasize that citizens will have access to a database allowing them to track the progress of their complaints through the process. The Ocean City Police Department will examine all available evidence and thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident. Once the investigation is completed, the findings will be sent to the Worcester County Administrative Charging Committee, which will evaluate the findings and relay a determination on how to proceed to the Chief of Police.”
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Berlin residential project tweaked to duplex complex
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) Developers for the proposed Assateague Landing Apartments on Bay Street in Berlin intend to transition the initially approved apartment complex outline to a 12-unit duplex.
The commission green-lit site plans for the Assateague Landing Apartments project last September. The structure, to be placed on a 2.8acre lot on Bay Street, included 20 one-story townhouse rental units, two parking spaces per dwelling, and eight guest parking spots.
The developers returned to the commission last week with changes in mind.
Chris Carbaugh of the Atlantic Group and Associates and property owner Eric Davis went before the planning commission at their Wednesday, Sept. 11 meeting to discuss their fresh plans for the space.
Rather than building the 780square-foot, two-bedroom, one-story townhouse apartments originally intended for Bay Street, the developers plan to construct 12, two-story units, roughly 1,150 square feet. The upstairs will include two master bedrooms with master baths, and the downstairs will serve as the living space, equipped with dining and a kitchen.
The updated design will still incorporate the coastal elements the commission requested last year, including cupolas, covered front stoops, and added concrete back patios.
“The plan would carry the coastal theme that…you guys saw on the one story, and it would be carried to the two stories,” Davis said.
The developers said that since the structure is no longer an apartment complex but a duplex with fee-simple units, they opted to limit parking to two spaces per home. There is also no planned parking on the street. The commission inquired about adding overflow spots to accommodate guests and unforeseen circumstances, to which Davis and Carbaugh were receptive.
“In my world, I do not object,” Davis said. “It would be a matter of Chris letting me know where we could put it.”
The site will include trees on Bay Street between the highway and the complex. Davis and Carbaugh also maintain that the structure will be equipped to handle stormwater management, meaning the developers must control runoff during construction and after.
The Berlin Planning Commission approved the change from the apartments to the 12 duplex units. The commission will meet again on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
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Berlin looks to model county rules
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) The Berlin Planning Commission intends to adapt Worcester County building standards to simplify the design process for developers looking to create new commercial spaces in town.
At the Wednesday, Sept. 11 meeting, the group agreed to adopt the commercial guidelines set forth by the county for building design and construction and adapt them for Berlin use. Members of the commission will meet to remove all mentions of the words “must” or “shall’ from the Worcester document or change the phrases to ‘should’ to avoid pinning hard and fast rules on potential developers.
The preliminary guidelines will act as a quick fix. Currently, Berlin lacks outlined regulations, which has presented conflicts to the commission and builders.
Developers, like in the case of the proposed Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, have struggled to nail down and produce precisely what the town desires in a new structure, and the planning group lacks specific standards to which they can refer them.
During a July 10 meeting of the planning commission, members expressed their dismay with concept plans for the Microtel to be placed off Route 113. The group argued that developers showed a disregard for the historic charm of downtown Berlin despite the addition of cornices, Victorian-style lights, a pool enclosure, and mature trees.
“We all understand what you are trying to achieve. The problem is the manner in which you are trying to achieve it,” Mark Cropper, hotel building applicant Thomas Zambetis’s attorney, said to the commission at the summer presenta-
tion. “At some point, if a developer does A, B, C & D, a developer is entitled to site plan approval … we are trying to be responsive and cooperative, but it’s a twoway street. … we are told to return with something different, but there’s no guidance or details to go by. We are trying to get there, but this is a hard arena to work in when there’s nothing to work through.”
The upcoming construction standards are intended to prevent similar standoffs.
The planning commission maintains that the regulations will be an interim solution. Once a full-time planning director is in place, the hired individual will shape the standards to a more Berlin-centric framework to address some of the issues highlighted by the Microtel situation.
The county-adapted document will create temporary parameters to avoid
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unacceptable spaces, and the planning director, once hired, will adjust them to account for the uniqueness of Berlin. The commission agreed that while the charm of downtown does not need to be massively considered out on the highway, area-specific criteria should be set forth as soon as possible.
The group emphasized that building standards specific to the town remain on hold as they are to be drafted in collaboration with the expertise of a planning director.
Berlin has lacked a leader in the planning department since the previous position-holder, Dave Engelhart, passed in April. Rick Baldwin has acted as a consultant since. Still, to not overburden staff in the absence of a director, the town has elected to halt site plan approval, rezoning, and annexation until someone is hired to fill the vacancy.
A moratorium on these actions passed in July and has since been extended twice. Per the Sept. 9 gathering of the Mayor and Council, the pause will expire on Nov. 15 but may be lifted prior if a director is hired. The governing body will evaluate the suspension at the first assembly of each month.
At the Sept. 11 planning commission meeting, Town Administrator Mary Bohlen noted that Berlin is still actively searching for a director. She confirmed that two separate individuals were offered the position but turned the job
down in the end, citing unaffordable housing as the reason.
Bohlen said that “it does not appear to be a salary problem,” despite the commission arguing that it must be.
“That is not how they indicated it,” she maintained.
Berlin is offering approximately $95,600 to $100,400 for the role.
“This is in line with what we have found that other towns are advertising,” Bohlen said. “Now, at the end of the day, what they are advertising and what they ultimately end up paying, you do not necessarily know how that fleshes out.”
The town administrator also informed the commission that restrictions on annexation requests have loosened, albeit slightly.
“What I am telling people right now … is to send a letter with their intent and the reason they are seeking annexation, and we will start to review it,” she said. “That is the best I can offer right now… The annexation process itself is pretty complex. It is not just a matter of the town saying, ‘Yes, we do’ or ‘No, we don’t want it’…I will say that we are accepting them sending us their requests to be considered for annexation, but there is a certain level of professional skill and knowledge that has to be there.”
The planning commission is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. A video of the meeting will be streamed live via Facebook.
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Pines looking to test market for food operations
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 19, 2024) The Ocean Pines Association has requested proposals from qualified firms to manage the community’s food and beverage service at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, the Ocean Pines Beach Club and the Clubhouse Bar and Grille.
Matt Ortt Companies is the community’s current food and beverage vendor. The group, which also operates Coastal Salt and the Ocean City Rum Shack on the 16th Street Boardwalk, signed a twoyear deal with OPA to manage the neighborhood’s food service locations in March 2018. The agreement involved a $12,500 monthly management fee with eight payments due May 2018 through Dec. 2018, totaling $100,000, and eight payments due May 2019 through December 2019, also totaling $100,000. The first year of the agreement included a budget bonus and a profit bonus. The budget bonus would pay “fifty percent of every dollar of net income generated … that exceeds the budget,” up to $50,000 at each facility. The yacht club budgeted a $92,961 net loss and the beach club budgeted a $101,308 net gain.
Also included is a profit bonus “if the combined net income for the facilities results in a net profit of more than $100,000” based on a sliding scale: 10 percent for $1 to $25,000, 20 percent for $25,001 to $50,000, 30 percent for $50,001 to $75,000, 40 percent for $75,001 to $100,000, and 50 percent for upwards of $101,000. The year-two bonus structure offered a doubled bonus if the combined net income of both facilities in fiscal 2020 was greater than the combined net income of fiscal 2019.
That initial arrangement was extended by five years in 2020, which provides for a half-million dollar payout to the food and beverage service and a $19 per property owner subsidy by the Ocean Pines property owners.
With that accord set to expire next year, community officials have elected to seek proposals from firms outside the Ortt company rather than simply negotiate a renewal agreement with the vendor.
OPA Board of Directors Vice President Rick Farr said the decision was based on advice from the homeowner association’s legal counsel, Bruce Bright of Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy, and Almand, and the community’s governing documents regarding the RFP (request for proposals) process.
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The OPA bylaws state that “all purchases and contracts for services or supplies for the Association shall, to the fullest extent practicable, be made by open competitive procedures.” While Matt Ortt Companies has not been prohibited from bidding on the new contract, they may still vie against additional proposals if they apply for the management slot.
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RFP process will follow bylaws
board members to our community to follow our bylaws and governing documents and ensure all protocols are followed for the recommendations by our General Manager that is in the best interest of all of Ocean Pines membership,” Farr said.
OPA General Manager John Viola reported in 2023 that since the original contract with Matt Ortt Companies “met or exceeded combined operating profit targets of $130,000, $175,000, and $190,000 in consecutive years.”
Most Ocean Pines residents have continued to express their satisfaction with Ortt.
“Matt Ortt and his operations have been doing a fantastic job,” OPA resident Jerry Murphy said during the June 13 Board of Directors election candidate forum. “The Yacht Club used to never have any good food. Matt has put together an operation that attracts.”
On Friday, Sept. 13, the day the community announced the proposal request, Ocean Pines citizen Budd Shea wrote on the community’s online forum that, “Ortt has done an outstanding job, but… nothing helps business better than competition.”
Despite residents’ satisfaction with Matt Ortt, the OPA Board of Directors has elected to hear out new firms interested in managing the community’s food and beverage operations.
The official request outlines the scope
of work for which the selected vendor will be responsible. The document can be found on Ocean Pines’ official website. The contractor will oversee management and operations, including janitorial services, banquet functions, and the handling of live entertainment at the Yacht Club from Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The firm will also ensure that the menu and pricing are of quality and variety that meets Ocean Pines’ needs, administer staffing, coordinate events, and maintain the facilities and equipment.
Proposals from applying contractors are due by Oct. 18. OPA will accept questions from potential consultants through Oct. 4. The official RFP states that firms must include a “detailed operational and business plan for managing the facilities “ in their application.
The outline must describe a management approach, a menu and pricing strategy, a banquet and events plan, a financial proposal, an entertainment schedule, a revenue proposal, a facility maintenance plan, experience, and qualifications, including three references.
OPA officials are seeking a contractor who will cater to the community’s needs.
“I, and I am sure all association members, are looking for outstanding food and beverage services to all our Ocean Pines facilities; ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction are met,” Farr said.
Arts council Paint Worcester County awards slated tonight
(Sept. 20, 2024) This week, from Monday, Sept. 15 until today, Sept. 20, skilled artists from four different states painted outdoor scenes in “plein air” in various locations around the county during the Worcester County Arts Council’s Paint Worcester County event, and will now compete for cash prizes.
The event will culminate with the sale and public exhibit set 5-7 p.m., this Friday, Sept. 20 at the Berlin Library. The exhibit will showcase artwork the artists created during the week.
The sale offers art lovers the opportunity to buy original pieces of art, fresh off the easel, and meet the artists who painted them.
Entries submitted for the competition will be reviewed and winners will be selected by the guest judge, award-winning plein air artist, Jim Rehak. The Paint Worcester County competition offers $2,550 in total cash prizes, including the Maryland Legislators’ Award, Worcester County Commissioners’ Award, Berlin Mayor’s Choice, and the Library Foundation Choice awards.
Originally started in 2010 as Paint Berlin, plein air, the event expanded its boundaries in 2021 to become Paint Worcester County, plein air. T
Anna Mullis, the arts council executive director, said in a news release that
the event allows the organization to meet the goal of focusing on and including all geographic areas of the county.
Paint Worcester County empowers artists to explore and interpret the county’s historic sites, architecture, landscapes, marshes, seaside, and street scenes. It also encourages residents and visitors to view landmarks through the eyes of the artists while they work at their easels in public spaces. To the viewers, the art form can be exciting because it invites them into the creative process, the sight, the sound, and even the smell of the artist’s world. Arts council officials invite visitors of all ages to observe the entire process, from the first brush stroke to the final flourish.
By making people more aware of the beauty of Worcester County, and by weaving art into the social fabric of the community, Paint Worcester County organizers hope to inspire interest in plein air painting, its origins, and its history.
“En Plein Air” is a French phrase that translates to “in the open air,” describing outdoor painting in inspiring settings. Plein air is an admired and well-known approach to art, encouraging painting wherever artists can find a creative spark.
The selection of Paint Worcester County artwork will be on display at the Berlin Library (13 Harrison Ave.) until Oct. 22.
Community arts grants offered in Worcester
in six-month cycles to nonprofit organizations with proposed projects that highlight artistic merit, community need, and public impact.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 19, 2024) The Worcester County Arts Council is seeking grant applications for its Community Arts Development program, which is committed to financially assisting local creative initiatives.
WCAC Executive Director Anna Mullis said the group awards grants
In the first segment of the fiscal year 2025, the WCAC divided $26,000 among ten initiatives, including a kids’ paint event hosted by the Art League of Ocean City, an entire year of Berlin Heritage Foundation ongoings, funding for the Pines Tone Chorus based in Ocean Pines, and creative healing endeavors for groups like the Worcester Countybased Warriors Against Addiction.
The WCAC is again accepting applications for the next round of award handouts. Mullis said the deadline for submission is Tuesday, Oct. 15, and that every group that applies will receive the financial benefit, granted they meet the criteria.
Applicants must represent a nonprofit organization, and the project they seek help for should demonstrate a decent level of artistic pursuit while meeting the community’s needs. The initiatives are also required to be open to the public.
Submissions from groups that act
on behalf of creatively underserved members of the community like the aging population, low-income areas of the county, and the disabled are encouraged to apply.
“It is important for the arts council to focus on electing awards that represent all areas of Worcester County,” Mullis said. “When the grant panel looks at the applications, we try to have an equitable review process.”
The Maryland State Arts Council funds the grant program, which Mullis said allows for art exhibits, festivals, and school projects. The
WCAC director notes that her organization is designated by the state and the Worcester County Commissioners as an agency to support the arts county-wide.
Each year, Mullis’s team applies for general funding from the MSAC and designates a portion, roughly $50,000, of the financial support for local art events distributed to regional organizations over the sixmonth grant cycles.
“We have a close partnership that
Executive Director Anna Mullis
allows us to continue our artistic mission and support the other community missions,” Mullis said of the MSAC.
Each year, the WCAC receives 25 to 30 grant applications, including mini-grants, which are used for emergency events that happen in between grant cycles and require immediate support.
On the submission forms, organizations must indicate how much money they are requesting for their
proposed project. Typically, initiatives are fully funded, Mullis said, but the amount given is at the discretion of the review panel. The artistic merit of the group, the budget, and the impact the event will have on the community are considered to determine the award sum.
“We believe this program … encourages all local arts activities and disciplines,” Mullis said. “We think that equitable funding for the arts on the local level is important to
strengthen the arts and create strong vibrant healthy communities. Art benefits our lives and this program is crucial for that.”
Mullis urges organizations to contact the council with any questions they may have about the grants. The arts group can be reached at 410-6410809.
“I am proud of how the council supports the community through this program,” Mullis said. “This is how we invest in the arts in the county.”
Inauguration for Wor-Wic president slated for tonight
(Sept. 20, 2024) An inauguration ceremony to install Deborah Casey as president of Wor-Wic Community College is set for 10 a.m., this Friday, Sept. 20, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury. The event will cap off several weeks of celebration at the college.
“It is an honor to be inaugurated as the president of Wor-Wic. The investiture and its surrounding events will reaffirm our commitment to serving and uplifting our communities,” Casey said in a news release.
“We are doing exciting and innovative work at the college, and this will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the counties we serve to see the talent, skill and potential our community college has to offer. Together, we will celebrate and continue the journey of visioning our future. Go Fins!”
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Casey was named as president by the Wor-Wic board of trustees after a national search. She previously spent 17 years as vice president of student affairs at Green River College in Auburn, Washington. She started as president of Wor-Wic in August 2023.
Presidential inaugurations are significant occasions in academia, especially at Wor-Wic, where Casey is only the third leader in its history to hold the title. An inauguration is a time for a college to contemplate and communicate its shared mission and values.
2,396 SQUARES FOOT HOME BUILT IN 1834
LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF BERLIN, THIS HOME HAS THREE BEDROOMS, TWO BATHS, ATTIC, SUNROOM, DINING ROOM, KITCHEN, FAMILY ROOM AND LIVING ROOM AREA. SPACIOUS LIVING AREA ON MAIN STREET BERLIN, MD!
ALSO LOCATED ON THE 37,288 SQUARE FOOT LOT ARE TWO BUILDINGS INCLUDING A TWO CAR GARAGE AND A SMALL STORAGE BUILDING. THIS LARGE PARCEL OF LAND IS WALKING DISTANCE TO GREAT RESTAURANTS & SHOPPING. ONLY MINUTES TO LOCAL BEACHES!!!
OPEN FOR PREVIEW: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 FROM 10:00 AM TO 12 NOON & WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 FROM 2:00 PM TO 5:00 PM
The inauguration will feature several speakers consisting of faculty, students and local dignitaries and partners, as well as higher education professionals, such as Brad Phillips, executive director of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges; Sanjay Rai, secretary of education, Maryland Higher Education Commission; Karen Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream; and Josh Wyner, vice president of the Aspen Institute.
Along with the Sept. 20 investiture, there will be service events for students and staff in partnership with Diakonia, the Blood Bank of Delmarva, Wicomico County Habitat for Humanity, the Maryland Folk Fest and an Ocean City beach cleanup. Visit worwic.edu/inauguration for more details on the events.
County arts council names ‘Scapes’ show prize winners
(Sept. 20, 2024) The Worcester County Arts Council recently announced the winners in the juried art competition, “Scapes.”
Entries are featured in the exhibit at the arts council’s gallery in Berlin and consist of 33 pieces submitted by 23 artists with work in all media. Entries were judged by local artist and former art educator Marie A. Cavallaro.
The goal of the competition was to encourage artists to interpret their representation of “Scapes” in a literal form, such as landscape, cityscape, or waterscape, and challenge them to explore it further through the concept of mindscape, moonscape, or bodyscape in their creative processes.
The following have been awarded: First place — “Escape,’ Painting on
Silk, by Mitzi Ash
Second place — “Sunset in Paris,” Mixed Media, by Jiyeong Yun Third place — “Weather on the Edge,” Acrylic, by Carol Gentes
Honorable Mention — “Daybreak,” Pastel, by Gail Stern
Honorable Mention — “MiniGreen Street, Snow Hill,” Oil, by Ellie Scott
Honorable Mention — “Isle of Wight Morning,” Watercolor, by Mary Shelsby
Honorable Mention — “Sunscape Over Green,” Photography, Fred Johnson
The exhibit will continue to be on display through Nov. 3. The artwork is available for purchase. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
sons of pirates
Friday & Saturday Sept. 20 & 21 on the Deck Stage 5:30pm
fantasm
Friday Sept. 20 on the Inside Stage 10pm jumper
Saturday Sept. 21 on the Inside Stage 10pm
PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
Some of the winners in the Worcester County Arts Council’s recent “Scapes” juried competition pose together for a photo. Pictured, from left, are honorable mention winner Mary Shelsby, third place winner Carol Gentes, WCAC Executive Director Anna Mullis, first place winner Mitzi Ash, and honorable mention winners Ellie Scott and Gail Stern.
Shore Craft Beer Fest set this weekend at new spot
(Sept. 20, 2024) Ocean City’s annual Shore Craft Beer Fest, an arm of the town’s OCtoberfest activities set for late October, will commence this Saturday at a new downtown location.
Slated 1:30-4:30 p.m., the event isn its 10th year and is typically the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Ocean City Development Corporation. Along with the location change, from Sunset Park near the inlet to the new Bayside Park at 3rd Street along the bay, the event also moved up about a month this year to September.
In years past it was held later in October along with the other fall OCtoberfest activities.
According to the event website at
shorecraftbeerfest.com, there will be nine featured breweries and seven others offering unlimited tastings of more than 40 different styles of beer, mead, hard tea and seltzers. There will also be live music, food trucks and more vendors than ever before.
The first 1,200 attendees will also receive commemorative pints.
Tickets are on sale now online, priced at $40 for general admission or $65 for VIP.
The remainder of Ocean City’s annual OCtoberfest fall activities are slated to take place during the upcoming Sunfest, Oct. 24-27, in the downtown area, and consist of a Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, a Great Pumpkin Race and more.
Berlin Fiddlers Convention returns for 32nd year Friday
event also features live performances by three bluegrass bands
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) The Berlin Fiddlers Convention is back for the event’s 32nd annual weekend of music, crafts, and vendors.
The convention, scheduled for Sept. 20 to Sept. 22, is a free event hosted by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and features a weekend of bluegrass bands. On Friday, the first day of the series will welcome The Plate Scrapers from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by The High and Wides from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A competition in banjo, fiddle, mandolin, flat pick, and band categories is slated for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday’s headliner, Rebecca Frazier, will perform from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will wrap up around 4:30 p.m. A Sunday gospel jam is also planned for Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the weekly farmers market on Main Street.
Local beer will be available for purchase during the weekend. Proceeds from the sales will help support the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and its events.
Berlin’s shops will be open during the music weekend, and vendors and artisans will be out as attendees enjoy the bluegrass tunes.
The event is chock-full of musical talent.
Friday’s performers, The High and Wides, were born on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Their 2018 freshman album, “Lifted,” deputed on the Billboard bluegrass chart in the top ten, The Maryland State Arts Council’s website says.
According to The Plate Scraper’s website, the band originated in 2014 in Western Maryland and has since released three studio and three live albums. In 2019, the group won the Podunk Bluegrass Telefunken Band Contest. The crew has spent the ten years since its creation touring throughout the East Coast and Midwest.
Saturday’s headline, Frazier, is a Virginia native. Her most recent album, “Boarding Windows in Paradise,” was released on Friday, Sept. 13, on Compass Records.
Additional information on the Berlin Fiddlers Convention can be found on the Berlin Chamber of Commerce’s website.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Attendees to a previous year’s Fiddlers Convention are pictured relaxing on Main Street to one of the featured performers.
September is Menopause Awareness Month
WCPS announces first Hall of Fame Class inductions
Former educators served 216 years in local schools
(Sept. 19, 2024) Six former educators were inducted to the WCPS Hall of Fame by the Worcester County Board of Education and Worcester County Retired School Personnel Association (WCRPSA) during the Board meeting today.
Gladys C. Burbage, Ralph “Rick” Chapman, Roxie P. Connelly, Coralee Fraschetti, Frederick D. Grant, Sr., and Elaine V. Spry were the first class of retirees to ever be inducted into the Worcester County Public Schools Hall of Fame. Collectively, the class dedicated 216 years County and spanned the entire county with their service to the young people of Worcester.
The WCPS Hall of Fame interactive installation was also unveiled at the Board meeting. The installation allows visitors to utilize an iPad to navigate a large screen display through the different classes of inductees as they are added each year, and within each class are vignettes of each inductee along with information about their legacy with Worcester County Public Schools.
The Worcester County Public Schools Hall of Fame program was established in 2022 by the Worcester County Board of Education and Worcester County Retired School Personnel Association. Selection criteria, nomination materials and more for the Hall of Fame can be found online at https://www.worcesterk12. org/o/wcps/page/wcpshof.
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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
The first class of Worcester County Public School Hall of Fame inductees was celebrated this week at the Board of Education. Inductees were Gladys C. Burbage, Ralph “Rick” Chapman, Roxie P. Connelly, Coralee Fraschetti, Frederick D. Grant, Sr., and Elaine V. Spry.
COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS
DIAKONIA DONATION
Pictured from left, are local Kiwanis members Diane Sparzak, President Bob Wolfing, Janet Wolfing, John Hanberry, PJ Sanders, and John Hulit prepared dinner for residents of Diakonia on Sept. 5.
The Kiwanis Club and numerous friends from the Ocean Pines community also contributed muchneeded baby gifts and supplies for three pregnant mothers-to-be at DIakonia.
RANDY’S CREW DOATION
Randy’s Crew Board Member Jill Ferrante is pictured presenting a $1,000 check to the Stephen Decatur High School Cheerleading Team for uniform replacement and competition fees.
NEW WPS PARENTS
The Worcester Preparatory School Parent Association recently hosted a New Parent Coffee event to welcome families who are new to the school. Faculty and staff introduced themselves to new parents while they got to know each other over coffee and breakfast. (Right) Members of Worcester Prep’s Development Department team, Tonya Rayne, Alexis Absher and Maria Zeller, excitingly discussed upcoming events with new parents. (Far right) Head of Upper School Carol Evans, right, meets with Dave and Rebecca Hagner, whose child joined WPS as a fifth grader this year.
CRAB FEAST
The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club held its annual crab feast at Hoopers Sept 8. Pictured, from left, at the event are Bob Rothermel, past president Jerry Selig, and charter president John Lynch. The club was founded in 1972 by Lynch, and other individuals, with the purpose of supporting the youth of our community.
NUMBERS PRACTICE
Ocean City Elementary School second graders, including Morgan Connolly and Can Kucuk, pictured, recently practiced adding numbers within 20 by using the strategy of making a ten. After solving the given problem, they wrote about using the process..
PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.
PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY-BERLIN OPTIMIST CLUB
PHOTO COURTESY RANDY’S CREW
PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Beach Patrol will wrap up season
By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer
(Sept. 19, 2024) I have really enjoyed spreading the word about beach safety each week in the OC Today-Dispatch. The Beach Patrol and I really appreciate the commitment of the editors Stewart Dobson and Steve Green and the opportunity to work together to get the safety messages out to the public.
I wanted to recap some important beach safety tips since this is our last article of the 2024 season and the last weekend this season the lifeguards will be guarding the ocean.
There is no question that only swimming when lifeguards are on duty and swimming in front of a lifeguard is the basic and most important action one can take to ensure beach safety. It seems easy enough, but late in the fall season when our beach coverage is less than 18% of peak season (under 200 yards between stands in July to 1,100 yards (11 football fields) between stands after Labor Day), I keep seeing people that have not gotten the message. As our mobile units tour up and down the beach on our ATV’s, we see large numbers of people that go out to the beach and swim dead center between two lifeguards. Rip currents are unpredictable and simply put, it just makes sense to be close to the expert, the lifeguard, when in need. Remember, just because you can see an SRT in the stand from several blocks away, that SRT is not able to see you well enough to know that you may need help and because of the distance, it takes that much longer to get to you if you do need our help.
Another important tip that is even more obvious than swimming near a lifeguard is learning how to swim. Learning to swim is one of the best things people can do to protect themselves from drowning. Studies show that people learn to swim best during childhood, which makes it a parent’s responsibility to make sure their children learn to swim. If someone does not know how to swim, they should not be in the ocean. Unfortunately, we have rescues where people are pulled into deeper water by a rip current to find out that the person cannot swim. Once someone begins to panic and actively drown, they generally have 10-60 seconds until the situation becomes grave. With so many currents and unknowns in the ocean, people should not be in the ocean if they do not know how to swim. Knowing how to swim and understanding how a rip current works will give you the needed tools to be a successful swimmer in the ocean and therefore a SAFE swimmer. Although it is not a learn to swim program, our Junior Beach Patrol program is a great way to help your children (10 and over) learn more about the ocean and develop some skills to add to the enjoyment of our ocean. The last tip I would like to leave you with pertains to rip currents. If you find
yourself caught in a rip, don’t panic or fight the current. You must swim out of the current by swimming parallel to shore and then into shore. If you are unable to swim out of the current, just float and tread water and call or wave for assistance (this is why swimming ability is critical as well as only swimming while we are on duty). An easy way to remember what to do if you find yourself being pulled away from the beach, in the “Grip of The Rip” is to remember the letters “R.I.P.”. R equals relax and do not panic (panic causes even the best swimmers to drown); I equals I need help (draw attention to yourself so help can start to you); and P equals swim parallel to escape the pull of the current and then swim back to safety on the beach. If you are on a guarded beach, help will be on its way.
I want to give the following warning one more time. the Beach Patrol strongly encourage all beach patrons to restrict any beach or water-related activities to times and locations when and where beach patrol personnel are on duty, never swim alone, always stay within the limits of your swimming ability and never rely on a flotation device in place of your swimming ability (you could suddenly lose your flotation if hit by a wave).
If you or someone you know (No certifications required) would like to begin the greatest adventure of a lifetime as a Surf Rescue Technician with the beach patrol for the 2024 season, visit our website at JoinBeachPatrol.com.
Thanks for reading and have a great winter season. For more information on the Ocean City Beach Patrol and Beach
safety tips you can log on to our website https://oceancitymd.gov/ocbp to get current information as well as daily stats and current conditions, you can follow the Beach Patrol Instagram or “like us” on the Official OCBP Facebook page.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
The Beach Patrol will officially end the traditional guarding of the beach (SRTs on stands) on Sunday, September 22nd.
by Steve Green
OThe Adventures of Fatherhood
ne doesn’t have to be a parent to have an emotional reaction to last weekend’s horrific collision that has resulted in a young teen fighting for his life.
In my specific circumstance, Tyler Walsh is the same age as my oldest son, Beckett, 16. The two played on the same travel soccer team for a couple years. Tyler and Beckett, and the legion of friends each have, are the same age as Gavin Knupp, who died in a hit-and-run collision in the summer of 2021. These are major incidents in the lives of these young people. I feel for them having to experience this level of despair and have these memories associated with growing up in this area.
These young teens have learned in all too real terms about their own mortality. While we all hope and pray Tyler will recover, we also know full well the long recovery ahead is concerning. These kids have also learned how life can change in an instant. Adults know all too well how life can be unfair, and the teens are also incredibly aware of this now. Bad things happen to good people, and it’s tough not to become cynical about turns of fate that can be life ending as well as life altering.
When I first heard about the incident Friday night, I only knew it was a teenager. Slowly, it came became known it was a local male followed eventually by the online calls for prayer for Tyler and the Walsh family. The news was tough to digest. Being a father, my thoughts immediately turned to Cory, father to Tyler and his twin sister Emma and little brother Carter.
Cory lost his wife, Rhonda, two years ago, and the community rallied hard to support him and their children through their grief. Rhonda’s passing hit the community hard as she was a long-time teacher at Berlin Intermediate. A good teacher’s impact is immense and reaches many families. A respected teacher’s loss carries significance for not only the students who had her but also the families who have their own memo-
ries. Indeed, Rhonda’s passing hit the hearts of many.
Last Friday’s collision that hospitalized Tyler left many of us remembering Rhonda’s loss and the efforts made to help the family through impossible times. Today, this new state of despair seems all too unfair for these family members and impacted friends. It’s impossible to not internalize this horrific incident.
With my Beckett the same age as Tyler, I can only envision the magnitude of what Cory is feeling as a father. I have prayed continuous for the Walsh family, and I will be transparent here that my internal conversations include questioning why and how this could happen. I am a man of faith, and I think it’s natural to have these questions.
My faith is often restored, however, through time, trust and eventual peace. There are times in church when the pastor’s sermon hits home more than others. Last Sunday was one of those instances when his phrasing caught my heart. The pastor was making a point about questioning God during times of difficulty and overwhelming heartache. He reminded the congregation without a direct correlation to any specific situation to not fault God for the mistakes of humanity.
I believe the pastor’s exact phrasing was, “don’t blame God for the bad choices of humanity.” The statement has stuck with me in the days following because I think I was questioning God about the fairness of placing all this grief and worry on a single family when so many of us have been spared, including the other friends walking with Tyler that evening. Why did it have to happen to this family? It was truly just misplaced mind wandering.
As the days passed, I keep focusing on all the turmoil this particular grade and high school has been through. It’s all so disturbing honestly. While it’s important for teenagers to understand the concept of their own mortality, these teens have been unfairly crushed by unthinkable incidents. One classmate died three years ago in a hit-and-run collision
that took months to get questions answered and it’s unclear today whether justice will ever happen for the Knupp family. Last Friday, a hit-and-run nearly took the life of their 16-year-old friend but there is some sanity in the suspected drunk biker being apprehended in short order. The family’s focus could center on Tyler rather than the suspect not being held accountable, unlike the Knupp family’s misery dating three years and counting.
It occurs to me we all in different stages of our lives think we are invincible or at a minimum assume we are immune from bad things happening to us. This mindset helps explain why some of us make foolish decisions without a care in the world for our own safety and wellbeing. As we get older, and we experience the ups and downs that life provides each of us inevitably, we become a bit more intimately familiar with the fragility of life.
With our Beckett, pithy conversations seem to be the most productive. By the time I learned it was Tyler, he had already been seeing some posts but was not sure of details. It was interesting to see his reaction. He immediately thought about Tyler and his siblings and made the connection about his mom’s passing. Our son knows all three siblings from growing up here. While he wanted to know if Tyler was going to live, Beckett had no interest in any details of injuries. Later, Beckett did what I would expect most to do. He began questioning how this could happen and why. He also immediately asked if it was like Gavin’s case. I told him there are similarities but the big difference was the driver was caught. He found comfort in that. Each day after he has asked me how Tyler was doing and I shared short responses to let him know he’s fighting. He said one night, “I have no doubt about that.”
(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.)
Lower Shore Land Trust now seeking award nominees
(Sept. 20, 2024) The Lower Shore Land Trust is seeking nominations for the 2024 Stephen N. Parker Conservation Legacy Award.
The award is an opportunity to recognize an individual that has displayed an enduring and distinct dedication to conserving the vital lands of the Lower Eastern Shore.
The inaugural 2019 award was presented to Charles “Buddy” Jenkins, of Worcester County, on Feb. 15, 2019, for a lifelong commitment to conservation and protection of natural resources. Through deed restrictions and the Jenkins Family Trust, Jenkins worked to protect one of the most significant tracts of land in Northern Worcester County — totaling over 2,000 acres of forest, prime agriculture and coastal wetlands — which serves as an ecological anchor for the coastal bays.
Since then, the award has been presented to Larry Leese, John B. Long and Hugh Cropper IV.
Nominees possess leadership, dedication, and noteworthy influence — over a significant period of time — to intentionally and meaningfully bring about permanent conservation of Eastern Shore lands. The characteristics are shown through displayed efforts to permanently conserve large tracts of Eastern Shore land, unique love and dedication to supporting the Delmarva way of life, special understanding of the flora and fauna that exists within the region, and a displayed understanding of the overall community. Other criteria includes positive contributions to impacting the economic, health, and/or overall well-being of the community, while respecting and enhancing the rural lands of the Eastern Shore.
Emailed nominations are due by Sept. 20th.
The award will be presented at the annual Flannel Formal, set from 3-6 p.m., Nov. 9, at Coulbourn Farm in Snow Hill. Tickets are $85 per person until Nov. 3, and $95 per person after and at the door. Purchase tickets and/or sponsorships online at LowerShoreLandTrust.org, call 443-234-5587 or email mresto@lslt.org.
Things I Like... vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY
By Steve Green
Not getting a pile of ones from a cashier
Little victories along the way for my kids
Breakfast-only restaurants
Learning a new appliance
Being stumped by a diverse menu
A fishing trip with a lot of catching
Leaving the office after deadline
Teens who talk to other parents
Wrap-around front porches
When my memory serves me right
Cold fruit and peanut butter
WITH BUNK MANN
Although there had been a few individual surfers in the post WWII era, surfing in Ocean City began in earnest in the early 1960s. With no local surf shops at the time, wetsuits were purchased from the Diver’s Den in Baltimore and paraffin wax from the local supermarket.
Prior to Ocean City’s first surf shop in 1964, surfer Danny Herlihy recalls ordering his boards from California and having them shipped to Salisbury by train.
There were no restrictions on surfing until June of 1963 when the mayor and council decreed no surfing be allowed between 10am and 5:30pm. Some of the surfers moved up the beach to 94th Street (not in the city limits until 1965) while
others surfed at Assateague and near the Indian River Inlet in Delaware.
The documentary film “The Endless Summer,” songs by The Beachboys and Jan and Dean, and the silly but popular Beach Party movies helped spread surfing to a whole new audience. By the mid-l 960s surfing in Ocean City was here to stay.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.
Photo courtesy Danny Herlihy
Who’s Where When
BLU CRAB HOUSE COURTYARD
410-289-3322
24th Street & Coastal Hwy.
Fri., Sept. 20: The Dickson Twins
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY
28th Street Coastal Hwy.
Fri., Sept. 20: Muskrat Lightning
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.
Thurs., Sept. 26: The Dunehounds
COCONUTS BEACH BAR
410-289-6846
Oceanfront At Castle
In The Sand Hotel
37th & 38th Streets
Fri., Sept. 20:
Darin Engh & Monkee Paw
Sat., Sept. 21:
Kevin Poole & Joe Mama & The Lime Green Band
Sun., Sept. 22:
Margot & Valerie, 33 RPM & Tipsy Turtle Party
Thurs., Sept. 26:
Kevin Poole & Joe Mama & The Chest Pains
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza
On Coastal Hwy.
Fri., Sept. 20: Beach Bandits
Sat., Sept. 21: The Rockoholics
CRABCAKE
FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE
Fri., Sept. 20:
Jack Bannon
Wed., Sept. 25: Union Rode
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756
Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.
Fri., Sept. 20:
Black Dog Alley
Sat., Sept. 21:
Skribe
Best Beats On The Beach
SONS OF PIRATES
Fager s Island: Friday & Saturday, September 20 & 21
ALTER EGO
Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, September 20 & 21 DJ ROBCEE
JACK BANNON Crabcake Factory Bayside:
DARRIN
MUSKRAT LIGHTNING
Dry Dock 28: Friday, September 20
SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN
The Wedge: Sunday, September 22
KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday & Thursday, September 21 & 26
JUMPER
Who’s Where When
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay Fri., Sept. 20:
Sons Of Pirates, DJ Groove & Fantasm
Sat., Sept. 21:
Sons Of Pirates, DJ RobCee & Jumper
Mon., Sept. 23: DJ Greg & DJ Hector
Tues., Sept. 24: Latin Night
GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC Fri., Sept. 20: TBA
HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Fri., Sept. 20: DJ Billy T Sat., Sept. 21:
Dust N Bones & DJ Bigler Sun., Sept. 22:
Opposite Directions Thursdays: Dust N Bones
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, Sept. 21: Lies From Granny 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. 20 & 21: Alter Ego
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Fri., Sept. 20: John McNutt Band, DJ Davie, FeelFree, DJ Mary Jane & Kono Nation Sat., Sept. 21: DJ E-State, DJ Cruz, New Normal, FeelFree & The Event Horizon Thurs., Sept. 26: DJ Connair, DJ Cruze, Opposite Directions & Amish Outlaws
THE WEDGE
410-289-5121
806 S. Atlantic Ave. Sun., Sept. 22: Schizophrenic Boogiemen
DUNEHOUNDS Carribbean Pool Bar: Thursday, September 26
BEACH BANDITS
Coins Pub: Friday, September 20
MARGOT & VALERIE
Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday, September 22
Parmigiano Reggiano quinoa dish
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) The element of surprise is a key factor when entertaining. Predictability is a sure way to nullify any hopes of a memorable merriment. That is why expanding one’s repertoire of recipes is so important. With that thought in mind, how familiar is one with quinoa? Even though it is traditionally cooked as a grain, quinoa is actually the seed of the goosefoot plant chenopodium quinoa.
According to “What is Quinoa” by Jillian Gordon, the quinoa plant is native to the Andean highlands of Bolivia and Peru, which currently stands as the pri-
mary exporter of the pantry staple.
Gordon goes on to say that quinoa is pretty close to being nutritionally perfect. Quinoa contains about 8 grams of protein per cup, up to 27 grams of fiber per cup, little fat, and key vitamins and minerals such as iron and manganese.
Generally speaking, quinoa comes in two forms: white and a rainbow of colors, notably red, black, and white. Choose your quinoa by considering if it is the star of your dish or plays a supportive role.
One should wash quinoa before cooking it. This simple step has a fascinating scientific account. Gordon states that quinoa contains saponin, a soapy, naturally occurring chemical that coats quinoa seeds. While saponin discourages birds from eating the seeds, it can also cause painful stomach aches and digestive dis-
comfort. The first time I cooked quinoa, I did not wash it and learned the hard way.
Quinoa by nature is very bland, but don’t let this deter you. One can pick and choose their flavor profile to enhance and coincide with their particular menu.
Quinoa is also a great additive for veggie burgers and meatloaf. The possibilities are endless.
I spent a lot of time as a child on my Aunt Jenny and Uncle Don’s farm in Mt. Airy. Breakfast was a feast and fried potato cakes were a favorite.
Decades later, my waistline has expanded and my palate searches for sophistication. If one is having company, consider Parmigiano Reggiano quinoa cakes as an alternative to your typical starch. These cakes are great for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Parmigiano Reggiano
adds versatility and quinoa adds elegance.
Summer is behind us and fall is upon us. Sleeping in and enjoying the cool air is a refreshing change. A Parmigiano Reggiano quinoa cake topped with a poached egg is divine indeed. The yolk oozes over the crispy, cheesy, garlicky cake, a match made in heaven.
A lunch of sautéed spinach, pan seared salmon over a Parmigiano Reggiano quinoa cake is light and delicious. The quinoa cake is a unique foundation for the delicate fish and vegetables. The components compliment each other and are sure to be a hit with your guests.
If one is a meat eater, a grilled ribeye, glorious asparagus with a side of Parmigiano Reggiano quinoa cakes will not only satisfy but impress your company.
In closing, Parmigiano Reggiano quinoa cakes are adaptable for many occasions.
Parmigiano Reggiano Quinoa Cakes
Ingredients
1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
1 scallion, sliced
2 small cloves garlic, minced ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
¼ cup finely chopped parsley
1 teaspoon finely chopped oregano 1/2 cup unseasoned panko breadcrumbs
1 to 2 large eggs beaten canola oil for frying kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. Follow cooking instructions on the package.
2. In a medium bowl, add the scallions, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, parsley, oregano, panko, salt, and pepper to the quinoa. Mix well.
3. Add half of the beaten eggs to the mixture. Stir until quinoa is evenly moistened. The quinoa should be moist, this acts as a glue and keeps the cake ingredients together. If it isn’t holding together, add a touch more beaten egg.
4. In a large nonstick skillet, heat enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
5. In the meantime, lightly spray a ¼ cup and pack the quinoa mixture very firmly into the cup. It is important to pack the quinoa mixture firmly.
6. Holding the measuring cup over the skillet, lightly tap the bottom of the measuring cup to release the quinoa cake. Fry until both sides are golden brown. Serve immediately.
Secret Ingredient – Inspiration
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking start paving another one.” — Dolly Parton
Film fest tickets
Tickets are on sale now for the Assateague Coastal Trust’s annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival this fall.
Last year the event was sold out and this year’s event, the 14th installment set for Nov. 14 at Seacrets, is expected to be just as popular. The short feature films showcase environmental, action, and adventure, and support the nonprofit’s clean water initiatives.
Tickets are $25 each, or $100 for a bundle of five. The event also includes food, drinks, raffles, and prizes.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the film screenings are set fro, 7-9, on Nov. 14, at Seacrets’ Morley Hall on 49th Street in Ocean City.
Tickets can be purchased through a QR code or online.
Crab feast
The Church of the Holy Spirit at 100th Street and Coastal Highway in Ocean City will host a fundraising crab feast from 2-5 p.m., Oct. 6, with food served until 4:30 p.m.
The dine-in menu will include crabs, fried chicken, corn on the cob, hush puppies, lemonade, iced tea, soda and desserts. Carry-out will also be available. The carry-out meal will consist of six crabs, two pieces of chicken, corn on the cob, hush puppies, dessert and
a drink.
Crabs are medium large/large and will come from Rippon’s Seafood. The chicken will be provided by Higgins Crab House.
In addition to the food, there will be a chance auction and a 50/50 drawing.
The cost for adults is $45; for children ages 6 to 10, $20; and children under 6 eat free.
Tickets are available now by calling Monica at 443-235-8942, or by email at lloydm119@gmail.com. There will be a very limited number of tickets at the door, so pre-sales are strongly encouraged.
Proceeds will benefit the Church of the Holy Spirit and its outreach programs.
Refunds will be provided only in the event that the crab feast must be canceled.
Attendee are asked to bring their own mallets.
Dining with Docs
The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation is hosting a Dining with Docs event, set for 12:30 p.m., Sept. 25, Dockside Pocomoke Restaurant.
The event gives participants the opportunity to connect with a medical providers in an informal, relaxed setting, in which they can ask questions and learn about the provider’s area of
expertise.
Atlantic General Hospital’s diabetes education coordinator will discuss diabetes management techniques, common myths surrounding diabetes and examples of low-carb snacks and drinks. The coordinator will be open to questions throughout the entirety of the lunch.
Participants will be treated to a buffet-style lunch catered by the host Dockside Pocomoke Restaurant. Admission is $20 per person, and RSVPs can be sent to AGH Foundation’s Michael Cylc at duckltd@aol.com.s
Seafood fest tickets
Tickets for the 4th Annual Snow Hill Seafood Festival are currently on sale.
The event, set 1-5 p.m., Nov. 3, in downtown Snow Hill, is hosted by the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce and will feature seafood, bottomless beer, live music, local shopping and more. Tickets are $65 per person and available online at snowhillchamber.com.
The menu will consist of raw local oysters, fried oysters, clam strips, shrimp creole, linguine with clam sauce, cheddar biscuit crab cakes, smoked salmon crostini, crab salad on crispy wontons, fried fish, shrimp salad sliders, steamed shrimp and more.
All dishes will be made by local
restaurants and vendors.
Margo & Co. will Alsop perform live music and a 50/50 raffle will be held for a chance at cash prizes.
Arts council grants
The Worcester County Arts Council Grants Review Committee is seeking applicants for local art events and projects to be presented in Worcester County, Jan. 1 through June 30.
The program is designed to assist local, nonprofit, community-based groups in producing and presenting art projects and activities in Worcester County. It is funded and supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, and aims to foster excellence, diversity, and vitality in arts offerings for Worcester County residents and broaden opportunities for local audiences, artists, and arts organizations.
The deadline for application submission is Oct. 15.
Grant projects are evaluated based on the overall quality of cultural excellence, community outreach and public impact, and financial/administrative merit.
In the first six-month grant cycle of Fiscal Year 2025, the arts council has awarded $26,000 through the Community Arts Development Grants program to 10 art projects and events to be presented by local nonprofit organ-
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Continued from Page 53
izations in Worcester County.
The grant application form and guidelines are available on the Arts Council’s website at worcestercountyartscouncil.org
Pines pickleball tourney
One of Ocean Pines’ biggest annual racquet sports events of the year, the Oktoberfest pickleball tournament, will return for its fourth year on Oct. 11-13 at the racquet center.
The event annually draws several hundred players and spectators and is the only pickleball tournament with cash prizes held on the Delmarva Peninsula.
For players, registration is $45, and the registration deadline is Sept. 27. To register, visit app.pickleballden.com/external-tournament/5282529.
Organizers are also seeking sponsors for the event at three different levels: gold ($1,000), silver ($500), and bronze ($250). For information on sponsorships, contact Debbie Donahue at ddonahue@oceanpines.org.
New 4-H club
An interest meeting for a new 4-H Club in Worcester County is set for 6 p.m., Sept. 25, at Wilson United Methodist Church, 10722 Bishopville
Road, in Bishopville. The club is open to all youth 12 to 18 years old. Worcester County 4-H is a youth development organization within University of Maryland Extension. It is project driven and focuses on developing leadership, civil engagement and life skills.
The new club will be a fun, handson experiential learning opportunity for youth to gain skills in some basics as they grow into adulthood. Topics consist of what’s in your kitchen, how to read a food label, shopping on a budget, easy meal prep, sewing and mending, how to do laundry and use an iron, how to set a table, entertaining and party planning, gardening, knowledge and use of basic hand tools, basic auto care, first aid, credit and banking skills, wants vs. needs, organizational skills, telephone etiquette, dress for success, and career exploration and readiness.
Field trips will be included in the educational activity plan. The club will meet monthly at various locations in the northern part of Worcester County. Registration in 4-H is $10 per calendar year. Club dues are $5 per meeting to offset the cost of field trips.
To RSVP for the meeting, or for more information, contact Susan Childs at 443-235-2926, or Kathy Decker at 410-726-5232. For more information on 4-H, call the extension office at 410-632-1972, or visit 4h.org/.
Randy’s Crew Board Members Jim Hamlin and Dr. Danielle Jackson are pictured
check to Kim Jackson and Tony Morris of Worcester County Pop Warner to pay
fees for the kids to participate.
OC art league hosting three-day symposium
(Sept. 20, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City and Stories Love Music are teaming to host the Creative Engagement: Empowering Caregivers Symposium on Oct 24-26 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts to bring support and coping skills to those who are experiencing the stress and toll of caregiving.
Stories Love Music is an organization founded to guide those who care for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s that uses creative engagement for self-care and stress management. The art league’s mission is to use art to serve the community.
Caring for people affected by memory impairment is daily and around-theclock work. Knowing how to manage stress and practice self-care is essential for the wellness of caregivers, as well as employee retention in health care, senior care, and memory care.
“If you are a caregiver now, in the past, or expect to be one in the future, we invite you to join us for this engaging symposium,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the art league, said in a news release. “Through music, discussions, and workshops, you’ll creatively engage with others and come away refreshed.”
Ilyana Kadushin, founder and executive director of Stories Love Music, said in the release that the symposium will guide attendees through self-care practices and demonstrate new ideas for managing challenging behaviors in the caregiving process.
The symposium consists of three days of events. The opening night party, set Oct. 24, will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, an auction and a special art exhibition created by individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
Oct 25 is the all-day symposium in-
cluding a relaxation room, the Community Art Weaving project with Beth Deeley, shared drumming with Janice Schreibman, “The Sages of Oak Place” book reading with Dr. Carolyn Stegman, and a sound bath with Chrissy Ehrhart. Rose Kavanaugh O’Neil will moderate a panel discussion on creative engagement with panelists Kadushin, Sivan Perdue, Loretta Veney, and Niki Runge. A LegoMusic Workshop with Kadushin, Veney, and James Harrell will also be held be by invitation only, as space is limited.
On Oct. 26, there will be a private tour of the art center’s galleries with artists
CROSSWORD
and their caregivers.
Tickets are $65 for all events, $50 for the opening night party only, and $20 for the Friday symposium only, and are available at OCart.org or by calling 410524-9433. The event is also a benefit for the nonprofit organizations.
Financial support for the symposium is provided by Salisbury University College of Health and Human Services, Salisbury University Fulton School of Liberal Arts, Pohanka Community, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Adrianne and Lewis Kadushin, TidalHealth, Spain Wine Bar, and First Shore Federal Bank.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
A disagreement may have you questioning a relationship this week, Aries. Do not get ahead of yourself, as you’ll figure out that the turmoil will subside soon enough.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Group activities or time spent with a significant other may not go as well as usual this week, Taurus. With your mind elsewhere, it’s hard to focus on having fun and others will catch on.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Do not believe everything you hear this week, Gemini. There are a lot of rumors floating around, and only a portion of what is being said is accurate. Get the facts first.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, you are usually outgoing and easygoing, but this week you may be feeling more reserved and shy. Are you missing someone? If so, get in touch and you’ll feel more like yourself.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Friends or family members may be making more demands on your time, Leo. You want to go along with it, but be careful not to stretch yourself too thin.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, someone close to you might be feeling under the weather and could use a little extra support right now. Perhaps you can make soup or drop in for a visit to cheer this person up?
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Seek out quiet spots right now, Libra, as lately your life has been a bit of a whirlwind. Change is good, but so much change at one time can be exhausting.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, take a step back from all of your responsibilities. Things will not go haywire if you take a break for a few days or even a week. You can commit fully again after some rest .
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
There’s no point getting into an argument over a situation beyond your control, Sagittarius. Instead, wait until the time is right to express your thoughts and work out a solution.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, even though you may want to expand your friend network right now, you aren’t sure how to begin. Social media can connect you with those nearby.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
It is a good idea for you to have set deadlines for your goals, Aquarius; otherwise, you may keep putting things off. With dates on paper, you can check things as they get done.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, you want to return to a relationship right where you left off, but the other person may not be on the same page right now. Give it a little more time.
Sunfest Kite Fest planned for OC
(Sept. 20, 2024) If the weather holds out, Ocean City’s Sunfest Kite Festival should be underway right now downtown.
The 46th installment of the four-day event, which still bears the Sunfest moniker despite the end-of-summer festival moving to late October, was slated to begin Thursday, Sept. 19, and last through Sunday, Sept. 22, on the beach and above the Boardwalk between 3rd and 7th streets.
Attendees can expect general kite flying, kite flying games, candy drops,
sport kite demos, and more. A variety of colorful characters are set to be flying through the air, including mermaids, angels, octopuses, alligators, trilobites, Mel the giant Whale, Whisper the Winged Horse, dragons, Woodstock and Snoopy.
There will also be quad line demos — four-line kites flown in formation similar to the Thunderbirds air planes — throughout the festival. Plans are for as many as16 quad flyers to stand side by side and fly to music in perfect formation, at several times during the
event.
All of the Kite Fest activities are wind and weather permitting. In turn, if not kites are flying, it is likely because there is not enough wind or it’s raining. All of the kites on the beach are owned by the kiting enthusiasts in attendance. Those who want to participate can bring their own kites or buy them at The Kite Loft nearby and fly in the Small Kite Field as shown on the festival map available to view online at kiteloft.com/kite-festival/sunfest-kitefestival/.
Kites are shown flying in the air during a past Ocean City Sunfest Kite Fest downtown.
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 Monday through Wednesday at 4 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday at 11:30 a.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
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-664-5693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We
use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | 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 cooking 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.
Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open: Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open: Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 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
Calendar
Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
Fri., Sept. 20
46TH ANNUAL SUNFEST KITE FESTIVAL
2024
Boardwalk from Third Street to Seventh Street, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All are welcome to witness and participate in general kite flying, kite flying games, Bol races, candy drops, sport kite demos or just plain kite spectating and it’s all free. kiteloft.com
BERLIN FIDDLERS CONVENTION
Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 6-10 p.m. Featuring “The Plate Scrapers” from 6-7:30 p.m. and “The High And Wides” from 8-10 p.m.
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION FOR 7TH ANNUAL PINK RIBBON PICKLEBALL ROUND ROBIN
Held Oct. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry fee is $40 and includes snacks, lunch and prizes. Open to men and women. Register by Sept. 20. Becky Ferguson, 410-446-1816, rcoltferguson@gmail.com
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 PORTRAITS
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m.1 p.m. Give your homeschooler a “School Picture Day” experience and get a free digital copy of their portrait. For all ages. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SURVIVAL SPANISH: HOBBIES
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Join in to learn about the Spanish vocabulary for different pastimes. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
ONE MARYLAND ONE BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘WHAT STORM, WHAT THUNDER’
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Berlin Library circulation desk. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FRIED FLOUNDER DINNER
Bowen Fellowship Church, 8426 Newark Road, Newark, 4:30 p.m. Fried flounder dinner, green beans, Mac &
cheese, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Carryout available. Cost is $10.
KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994
Sat., Sept. 21
46TH ANNUAL SUNFEST KITE FESTIVAL
2024
Boardwalk from Third Street to Seventh Street, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All are welcome to witness and participate in general kite flying, kite flying games, Bol races, candy drops, sport kite demos or just plain kite spectating and it’s all free. kiteloft.com
OCTOBERFEST SHORE CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Bayside Park at Third St., 108 Dorchester St., Ocean City, 12:30-4:30 p.m. More than 15 local craft breweries, unlimited tastings, live music, vendors, food trucks and commemorative pints for the first 1,500 attendees. Pets welcome. Tickets: www.shorecraftbeerfest.com. 410-2897739
BERLIN FIDDLERS CONVENTION
Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Featuring competition from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and “Rebecca Frazier” from 1-3 p.m.
BALLET ON THE BEACH DANCE FESTIVAL
Assateague State Park, 6915 Maryland 611, Berlin, 4-6:30 p.m. Free professional performance (5-6:30 p.m.). Preperformance activities (4-5 p.m.). Rain date is Sept. 22. Parking is $5. Bring beach chairs. Reserve free tickets: www.BalletontheBeach.org.
FALL FLEA MARKET
White Horse Park and Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m.-noon. Indoor/outdoor, welcomes vendors selling gently used clothing, household items, toys, jewelry, collectibles and more. Free admission. Rain for shine. Vendor space: 410-641-7052.
APPLE HARVEST JAMBOREE
Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m.-noon. Celebrate the diverse and unique fall offering of Delmarva and have old-fashioned family country fun. 410-641-7052, oceanpines.org
WALK WITH A DOC
South Gate Pond, Ocean Pines, 9-10 a.m. Atlantic General representative will speak on a topic of their expertise, and then will lead the group for a walk around the pond. First 10 participants receive a $10 Walmart gift card. 410641-9268
FAMILY LIBRARY DAY: CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10 a.m. Join in for a variety of crafts to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. For all ages. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BINGO AND BLUEY’S BRILLIANT LIBRARY CARD PARTY!
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Come sign up for a library card while you play games and make Bluey crafts. For ages 0-5 years and 6-11 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SPEC TENNIS CLUB OF OCEAN PINES OFFERS FREE INTRO CLINICS
Ocean Pines Racquet Center, 11443 Manklin Creek Road, 10 a.m. Free introductory clinic for Ocean Pines residents. Paddles provided and players of all abilities are welcome. RSVP: 516-508-0313, oppaddle2020@gmail.com.
ORIGINALS ONLY
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 6-8 p.m. Musicians, poets, comics and writers converge. All artists welcome. Free event. 410-524-9433, https://artleagueofoceancity.org/event/ originals-only-56/
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. 22
46TH ANNUAL SUNFEST KITE FESTIVAL 2024
Boardwalk from Third Street to Seventh Street, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All are welcome to witness and participate in general kite flying, kite flying games, Bol races, candy drops, sport kite demos or just plain kite spectating and it’s all free. kiteloft.com
MARINE DEBRIS PLUNDER
White Horse Park Boat Launch, Ocean Pines, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Captain Jack Sparrow, MCBP, and Ocean Pines for a bay trash clean up, either bay land or by sea. Visit mdcoastalbays.org or call 410213-2297, Ext. 106.
BERLIN FARMERS MARKET
Sundays through October - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street,
Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Featuring more than 50 farmers, bakers, growers, brewers, food cultivators, distillers, creators and artists. Also free kids art projects, petting zoo, face painting and live music. https://berlinmainstreet.com/farmersmarket/
BERLIN FLEA MARKET
Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656
SEWING FOR A CAUSE
Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
Mon., Sept. 23
STORY TIME: APPLES
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
LEGO STEAM CHALLENGE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for a Lego challenge event. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MAGIC MONDAY
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Magic the Gathering meet-up, fourth Monday of each month. Teens and adults only. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169 Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.
Continued on Page 60
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. 24
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
SENSORY PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m.
Sensory play encourages learning through exploration. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, 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
HOMESCHOOL HISTORY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 12 p.m.
Learn facts about different historical time periods through reading, writing and games. For ages 6-11 years. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MAKE AND LEARN: OYSTER WARS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. During and after the presentation about oysters, the group will make small treasure chests using collage, small shells, oyster shells and twine. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
ARTSCAPE: IN THE GARDEN
Corner Sanctuary Pocomoke Community Garden, 327 Clarke Ave., 5:30 p.m. A casual meetup for artists of all levels to share technique and mediums. Basic painting and sketching supplies are available to use, or bring your own. Weather permitting. 410-957-0878
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP
Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
Wed., Sept. 25
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
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
COFFEE & CRAFTS - OYSTER SHELL PAINTING
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Try painting something new on one shell of a canvas. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
DINING WITH DOCS
Dockside, 2 Riverside Drive, Pocomoke City, 12:30 p.m. Featured provider is Dr. Nikki, PHarmD, BC-ADM, CDCES, Atlantic General Hospital’s diabetes education coordinator. Cost is $20 and includes a buffet-style lunch. RSVP: Michael Cylc, duckltd@aol.com.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m. Providing participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org
CHARMING BOOKS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Come celebrate Banned Book Week by creating a book charm using banned book covers. All materials provided. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014
Make your own first aid kit. Sample some survival food packets. For ages 1218 years. Registration is necessary: 410208-4014.
4-H OPPORTUNITY FOR TEENS
Wilson Community Church, 10722 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, 6 p.m. The club will meet monthly in the northern part of Worcester County and is open to youth ages 12-18 years. Registration cost is $10/year. Club dues are $5/meeting. RSVP: Susan Childs, 443-235-2926.
PAINT & SIP
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Cost is $27 and includes wine and crackers. Register: 410-641-7052.
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. 26
FREE COMMUNITY FLU CLINIC
St. Mary Star of The Sea Parish - Holy Savior Church, 1705 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Providing flu vaccinations for those ages 13 years and older. No appointment required. Highdose vaccines available and billed to Medicare or insurance for those 65 years and older. www.agh.care/flu
STORY TIME: ABUELA
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. What will Rosalba and her abuela see as they travel NYC? A bilingual book celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
LET’S TALK MOVIES
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Join this monthly movie club, where they discuss timeless classics and newer box office hits. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
GUATEMALAN INSPIRED WORRY DOLLS
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Learn about these dolls while crafting your worries away. Registration required: 410957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org
FIRESIDE CHAT
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. Popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books participants have read and
want to share. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET
Thursdays - Nick’s Kitchen + Bar, 14410 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 4-6 p.m. 215385-4993, BeachSingles.org
ONGOING EVENTS
BANNED BOOKS WEEK ACTIVITIES
Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, Sept. 23-28. Celebrate your freedom to read with several activities about banned and challenged books. For ages 6-11 years and 12-18 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
DISCOVER OUR PAST GUIDED TOUR
Historic Berlin History Tour, Tuesdays and Thursdays in September, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A $5 donation is requested for the tour guide. Tours given by Savanna Hastings, granddaughter of Tom Patton. Reservations: 410-629-1716.
FALL-TASTIC SCAVENGER HUNT
Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin, Sept. 23-30. Get outside and explore the library’s backyard this fall. Complete the hunt to win a prize. For ages 0-5 years and 6-11 years. 610-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
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
FIND A SUMMER STAR IN BERLIN
Search outside downtown Berlin to find free handblown Summer Stars by artist Jeffrey Auxer Designs. The hunt lasts all summer with 100 to win. Please register stars found at https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinbubble-project/. The Berlin Bubble Project: Operation Summer Stars.
OCEAN PINES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RAFFLE
Win a 2024 F-150 4X4 Supercrew 5.0L V8. Tickets cost $100. All registration, sale, etc. expenses covered by O.P.V.F.D. Drawing will take place when all of the tickets have been sold. For more information: www.opvfd.com/f-150.
Crossword answers from page 56
SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 OC Today-Dispatch 61
and
Small Engine Mechanic Year-round. Competitive Wages. 443-754-1047
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.
Ocean City, 2 BDRM, 1 BA, Single Family Home. $1,400 per mo. 410-430-9797
WINTER RENTAL
Ocean City
3 BDRM, 2 BATH
Canal Front Single Family Home. $1,800 per mo. 410-430-9797
YEAR ROUND IN WEST OC 2BD/1BA Cottage, unfurnished, central HVAC & W/D. Occp. lmtd. to 2. No smoking/pets. Ref. & credit ck. req. $1,200/mo. + utils. 410-202-6353
OC, YR RENTAL Townhouse on water. 3BR, 2.5BA, boat slip. $2,200 per mo. 410-726-9372
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. $1,600 per mo. + utils. Call Karen, 443-880-5727.
WEEKLY RENTALS
$300-$500 per week. October-May. 301-331-2209
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
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
New Construction Rentals
Available in WOC.
Year round / winter rental / furnished / unfurnished. No smoking/pets. Call 410-213-1633 for information.
ROOMMATES
Houseshare. Furnished rooms in South Ocean Pines. All inclusive. $800 per month. Year-round. No smoking. No pets. Call 443-880-2317.
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 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
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.
AUCTION
The contents of mini storage units will be sold online at Lockerfox.com. Ocean City Mini Storage. Units to be auctioned; S102-S311-S635-L3-L12O25-O40-O145-O151O175-B28-B69-B57. Units are being sold due to nonpayment of rent. Common items in units are household items, furniture, tools, fishing equipment, paintings, antique and vintage items.
Date: Friday, September 27th, 2024 Time: 10:00 am
This will be an online auction. Please go to Lockerfox.com and register. Feel free to call 410-2132029 for any questions regarding the online auction.
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
McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC
312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, MD 20707
www.mwc-law.com
SUBSTITUTE
TRUSTEES’ SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY
762 OCEAN PARKWAY
OCEAN PINES, MD 21811
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Lasharon S. Mills and Tromaine D. Briddell, dated December 10, 2020 and recorded in Liber 7896, folio 43 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on
OCTOBER 8, 2024 AT 3:55 PM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON situated in Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling. The property, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements, encumbrances and agreements of record affecting the subject property, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit in the form of cashier's or certified check, or in such other form as the Substitute Trustees may determine, at their sole discretion, for $27,000 at the time of sale. If the noteholder and/or servicer is the successful bidder, the deposit requirement is waived. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid within ten (10) days of the final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase price at the rate of 5% per annum from date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees, if the property is purchased by an entity other than the noteholder and/or servicer. If payment of the balance does not occur within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages. The purchaser agrees that the property may be resold pursuant to an order of court, waives personal service upon themselves and/or any principal or corporate designee of any documents filed regarding the failure to pay the purchase price within ten (10) days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail of said documents at the address provided by the purchaser in the Memorandum of Sale. The purchaser will not be entitled to any surplus or profits arising from the resale even if they are the result of improvements made by the purchaser. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event settlement is
delayed for any reason. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, and all other public charges and assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, and front foot benefit charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to the date of sale, and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), and all settlement charges shall be borne by the purchaser. The sale is subject to a post sale audit of the loan, including but not limited to an analysis of whether the borrower entered into a loan modification agreement, filed bankruptcy, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. The Substitute Trustees will convey either insurable or marketable title. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey insurable or marketable title or, the post sale audit concludes that the sale should not have occurred, or the sale is not ratified by the court for any reason, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit without interest even if the purchaser has made improvements to the property. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Substitute Trustees. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. The purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the property immediately after the sale. (Matter #24-600169).
Laura H. G. O'Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees
OCD-9/19/3t
JAMES W. ALMAND, ESQ
AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA
6200 COASTAL HWY., SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
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.
OCD-9/12/3t
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 de-
livery 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
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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 February, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Malcolm P. Jones Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: September 5, 2024
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 ob-
tained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of February, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Elizabeth G. Holmes
Kathrine M. Blazek
Personal Representatives
True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: September 05, 2024 OCD-9/5/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES GREGORY SISK Estate No. 20111 Notice is given that BRIAN PAUL SISK whose address is 1989 VALLEY RD., ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-6753 was on AUGUST 26, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES GREGORY SISK who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26th day of FEBRUARY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise
delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
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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 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
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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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 restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve, or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and pur-
PUBLIC NOTICE
The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.
The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.
These three weeks of notification begins on (#6) DATE 09/20/2024
AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police
pose 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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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 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.
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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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
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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.
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.
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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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 prop-
erty 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 re-
deem 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
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
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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NOTICE
OF PASSAGE OF BILL 24-07 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Take Notice that Bill 24-07 (Electrical Standards – Permits and Inspections) was passed by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on September 3, 2024.
A fair summary of the bill is as follows:
§ BR 2-219(f)(1). (Repeals and reenacts this section to increase the amperes of an electrical installation that is permitted to be completed by a licensed and registered electrician without the requirement for a permit.)
This bill becomes effective fortyfive (45) days from the date of its passage.
This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In
addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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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 OCD-9/12/3t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
BID SOLICITATION
P01-25 – Restoration and Painting of Boardwalk Arches and Sign Towers
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Restoration and Painting of Boardwalk Arches and Sign Towers and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
BID Documents for the Restoration and Painting of Boardwalk Arches and Sign Towers may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2024, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2024.
Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2024, BY 3:00 PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2ND, 2024, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Restoration and Painting of Boardwalk Arches and Sign Towers) must be noted on the outside of the package.
Late BID Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
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JOHN F. ROBBERT ESQ. CHESAPEAKE LEAL COUNSEL LLC
29 ATLANTIC AVE., STE. H OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970-9155
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20349 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA A. ABEND
Notice is given that Melissa Virtue, 31039 Surfbird Way, Millsboro, DE 19966-7379, was on September 11, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia A. Abend who died on May 13, 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 11th 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.
Melissa Virtue 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 19, 2024
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NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20350 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JERRI LYNN DICKINSON
Notice is given that Gregory Stepanek, 4 East Wind Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-9627, was on September 11, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jerri Lynn Dickinson who died on August 21, 2024, without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of March, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-
sonal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Gregory Stepanek 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 19, 2024
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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20341
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JANINE WELLEN
Notice is given that Eugene D. Wellen, 12602 Whispering Woods Dr., Ocean City, MD 21842-9327, was on September 09, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Janine Wellen who died on August 12, 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 Reg-
ister 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.
Eugene D. Wellen
Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: September 19, 2024
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SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of NANNETTE S. MAGGITTI
Estate No. 20348 Notice is given that ANDREW MAGGITTI whose address is 94 TAIL OF THE FOX DR., BERLIN, MD 21811-1911 was on SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 appointed Personal Representative(s) of the estate of NANNETTE S. MAGGITTI who died on AUGUST 13, 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
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY,
MARYLAND
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
At 3:00 PM
BAAV 24-053 A request has been submitted for a variance from TOC Code Section 38-71 (a)(2) East of the dune setback line, a minimum freeboard elevation of 15.7 feet above mean sea level and (3) to reduce the 3’ freeboard elevation requirement in the AO-1 flood zone for ground level enclosure and mechanical equipment. Locally known as 14400 WIGHT ST UNIT 1- parcel number 8971A-1
Owner: Dale Ewing Applicant: Robert Purcell OCD-9/19/2t
BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND
US WIND, INC’S QUALIFIED OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT’S COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITIONS APPROVED IN 2017
SKIPJACK OFFSHORE ENERGY, LLC AND US WIND, INC.’S OFFSHORE WIND APPLICATIONS UNDER THE CLEAN ENERGY JOBS ACT OF 2019
CASE NOS. 9628 & 9666
NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
US Wind has filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Maryland requesting authority to revise the schedule, size, pricing, and turbine selection for its offshore wind power project to be located in a federal lease area off the coast of Maryland. Notice is hereby given that a hearing for the purpose of soliciting comments from the public on US Wind’s application will be held
on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. via virtual meeting.
Any person who wishes to speak at the hearing shall send an email to kimberly.schock@maryland.gov by 12:00 noon on Friday, October 11, 2024. Organizations or other entities are strongly encouraged to coordinate and consolidate their comments in a meaningful manner in order to avoid repetitive comments, and they may indicate that they are representing other individuals in their remarks. Participants will generally be asked to speak in the order in which the Commission received the requests.
The virtual hearing will be conducted through a remote meeting platform. People who have requested to speak at the hearing will receive an email with a link to the virtual hearing in order to participate. Anyone wishing to observe the live stream of the public hearing may do so via the Commission’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/MarylandPSC).
Any person wishing to comment on this matter shall submit written comments electronically or by firstclass mail by November 1, 2024 Comments submitted electronically must be submitted through the Commission’s Public Comment Dropbox, which can be accessed through the Commission’s website at www.psc.state.md.us. Instructions for logging into the Public Comment Dropbox are located under the “Tools” section of the Commission’s website under the “Make a Public Comment” tab, which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-apublic-comment/. Commenters using the Public Comment Dropbox for the first-time are required to complete a one-time registration. All comments must include a reference to “Case No. 9666.” If submitted by first-class mail, comments must be addressed to Andrew S. Johnston, Executive Secretary, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. OCD-9/19/2t _________________________________
COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS OF BOARDWALK ONE, INC. P.O. Box 762 Ocean City, Maryland 21843 PLAINTIFF, v. High Hopes, Inc., et al., DEFENDANTS. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-24-000014
NOTICE
By the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 11th day of September, 2024, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 14th day of October, 2024, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, be-
the 7th day of October, 2024.
The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval:
TIMESHARES PURCHASERS: BW1 = Boardwalk One Condominium
$5,689.91
Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, MD
Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki
Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-9/19/3t
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES
ESTATE NO. 20345
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SUPERIOR court of NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE appointed ELIZABETH LOSITO whose address is 302 SOUTHERN RD., WILMINGTON, DE 19804-1026 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of MICHAEL J. HOOD who died on APRIL 01, 2024 domiciled in DELAWARE, USA
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is TRACY COLBURN whose address is 267 THOMAS JEFFERSON TER ELKTON, MD 21921-5167. 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.
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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MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL
NOTICE
OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ORDINANCE 2024-12
NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2024-12 was introduced for first reading at their regular meeting on September 10, 2024.
A fair summary of the ordinance is as follows: clarifying sections of Chapter 137 entitled “Rental Property” related to the rental permit year, the time an owner must register a rental property, and the time frame for an inspection; updating the title of the Town official involved with enforcement; correcting the process for the Town’s annual notice of the rental permit requirement; increasing the fines; increasing the permit fee and other amendments. The second reading will take place on October 8, 2024 at the regular Town Hall meeting. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.
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MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL NOTICE OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ORDINANCE 2024-14
NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2024-14 was introduced for first reading at their regular meeting on September 10, 2024. A
fair summary of the ordinance is as follow: amending Chapter 16, Entitled Ethics, Public to change the days in which a financial disclosure must be filed. The second reading will take place on October 8, 2024 at the regular Town Hall meeting. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024
At 6:00 pm
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110, Division 6. Changes and Amendments, Section 110-143. Procedure for map amendments, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City – an application has been filed to rezone the eastern ½ of Tax Map 111, Parcel 4234, Block 7, specifically Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, from R-3, General Residential zoning district to LC-1, Local Commercial zoning district. The entire property, described as Tax Map 111, Parcel 4234, Block 7, Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, is located between Philadelphia Avenue and Baltimore Avenue and 21st and 22nd Streets, and locally known as Phillips Plaza Shopping Center, master address being 2100 Philadelphia Avenue and associated parking, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: HUGH CROPPER, IV, ESQUIRE, ATTORNEY FOR JAMB, LLC – (FILE #24-14100004)
No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.
Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.
For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JOSEPH B. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON
MAUREEN HOWARTH, ATTORNEY
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RE: Issuance of General Obligation Municipal Purpose Bonds
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2024-23 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of September 16, 2024. Second reading is scheduled October 7, 2024. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the September 16, 2024, agenda packet. This ordinance authorizes the Mayor and Council to issue and sell General Obligation Municipal Purpose Bonds not to exceed $6,000,000 for improvement projects at the golf course clubhouse and at the convention center.
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Latest renters’ rights law to protect tenants
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) A new law taking effect on Oct. 1, is the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024.
The full summary of the HB 693 Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 in bullet point form is:
The law has some significant changes to tenant/landlord law and how leases are required to be drafted and followed. The legislation is significant, specifically notable is that it requires landlords to offer their renters first right of refusal to purchase the home they are renting and limits security deposits to one month’s rent.
711 Mooring Road #5, Ocean City2BR/2BA
• The bill establishes an exclusive negotiation period for tenants to develop an offer to purchase their rental property of one to three units when it is listed for sale. Tenants will have 30 days from the landlord notice to submit a contract offer, with subsequent five-day periods for counter offers. Exceptions to the process occur if a landlord subsequently contracts with a third party for a price 10% less than the tenant’s offer, or, if an unsolicited offer to purchase is received, the tenant is given the opportunity to match it.
• The bill increases court surcharges for eviction proceedings, which are recoverable from the tenant’s security deposit for judgements in favor of the landlord.
• Security deposits are limited to one month’s rent, and publication on tenant’s rights will be included with the lease. This applies to any new or renewing leases.
• Evictions of tenants will be stayed during the duration of an extreme weather event.
Two other tenant/landlord related laws taking effect on Oct 1 are:
• HB 93/SB 162 Termination of Residential Lease - Limitation of Liability for Rent: A tenant’s liability may not exceed two months’ rent if the tenant vacates the premises due to certain qualifying medical conditions certified in writing by a physician.
• HB 139/SB 171 Notice of Utility Bills in Residential Leases - Gas and Electric Services: The current notice requirements for tenant water and sewer charges paid to the landlord are expanded to also include gas and electric utilities unless the tenant directly pays the bill.
Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.
Park pavilion rebuild moving ahead
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) County officials this week gave staff the go ahead to repair the Bishopville pavilion, which was brought down in a May storm.
On Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously to have an independent contractor, Naples Restoration, rebuild the pavilion at Bishopville Park at a cost of $40,171. While the county has received nearly $30,000 from its insurance carrier, LGIT, Recreation and Parks Director Kelly Rados said the remainder of funding would be provided once the project is completed.
“Once we complete the project, we show them the final invoice, then we will be getting that second check,” she
told the commissioners this week.
“That'll fund the project.”
On May 24, a microburst storm moved through northern Worcester County, bringing with it rain and high winds that flattened the pavilion at Bishopville Park. Since that time, the pavilion has been taped off as the county worked with its insurance carrier to determine the cost of replacing the structure.
In a memo to staff, Rados noted the insurance carrier had received a quote from Naples Restoration to rebuild the pavilion at a cost of $40,171. She said two other quotes her department received totaled $81,129 and $77,032.
“Our department is requesting that we do not formally bid this out and accept the lower quote of $40,171.97
from Naples to complete the project,” she wrote. “This option would save money and help to get the project completed in a timely manner as this pavilion is an essential community asset for Bishopville residents.”
During this week’s meeting, the commissioners voted 7-0 to move forward with the department’s request and to rebuild the pavilion at a cost of $40,171, to be paid for by the insurance carrier.
“We have received payment from LGIT in the amount of $29,651.21 for the Pavilion ($30,651.21, less the $1,000 deductible),” Rados wrote. “Once the rebuild is completed, LGIT will be able to issue a final payment in the amount of $9,520.76.”
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
The remains of the Bishopville Park pavilion that was flattened during a “microburst” in late May are pictured.
County considers local match for Route 90
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Sept. 20, 2024) County leaders vocalized their concerns regarding the delay of certain priority projects during a meeting with state transportation representatives this week.
On Tuesday, officials with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) met with the Worcester County Commissioners to discuss the agency’s Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for fiscal years 20252030. While county leaders continue to push for major projects, including the dualization of Route 90, Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said budgetary challenges at the state level have led officials to pause certain projects.
“Regarding MDOT’s finances, to be frank, the department continues to face significant budgetary challenges because of the state’s slow economic growth, historic levels of inflation, rising costs of labor and materials, and revenues not growing at the rate that we anticipated,” he told the commissioner at the beginning of this week’s presentation.
Transportation officials this week reported the state’s six-year spending plan prioritizes projects and programs that maintain Maryland’s transportation system and reduce the number of fatalities and serious in-
juries on Maryland’s roads. Wiedefeld told the commissioners Tuesday those goals were reflected in the draft CTP.
“Getting into the details, the draft CTP is balanced and totals $18.9 billion,” he said. “However, because of fiscal constraints, we had to make tough decisions and reductions to live within our means. This resulted in a reduction of $1.3 billion compared to last year’s CTP. This draft CTP presents a challenging road map, obviously, for the department and for the state. However, the department will continue to make strategic investments to support Maryland families in a fiscally responsible manner. And just like Maryland families who are making tough decisions in their own personal budgets, we also have to do the same with ours.”
State Highway Administrator Will Pines told county leaders this week efforts are being made to improve pedestrian safety and transportation infrastructure throughout Worcester County. He said that included a signalized crosswalk project at the intersection of Route 589 and Manklin Creek Road, an underground pipe replacement in Whaleyville, and shared-use path on Route 611, among other things.
Commissioner Chip Bertino
thanked the State Highway Administration officials for installing the crosswalk at Route 589 but urged them to make additional improvements along the roadway. He said traffic continues to be a problem in the area.
“We have had increased traffic there this year, it seemed like more than ever,” he said. “And I know we've had this conversation every year that you've been here, and we have expressed in multiple ways our interest in seeing the state spend money and assets to improve that roadway.”
Pines, however, said that project remains unfunded. He added that any improvements along Route 589 would require the county to reserve right-of-way.
“We hope you understand the county is reluctant to placing restrictions on people's private property until we have a commitment from the state to determine when, if and how they were going to move forward with the development of route 589 …,” Bertino replied. “I made my pitch again here and unfortunately nothing's going to happen.”
Commissioner Joe Mitrecic also questioned when the Route 90 dualization project would be added back into the state’s CTP. Officials earlier this summer learned that budget constraints had paused the project.
“You say you're about safety,” he said. “Well, Ocean City’s safety depends on Route 90 being dualized, and the Route 50 corridor being taken care of. I see you on here that we still have the Route 50 bridge on our shortlist here and, to me, Ocean City, Worcester County and everybody else has been asking about the Route 90 bridge for I don't know how long now. We finally got some money from the former governor and then that was taken right out from underneath us this year.”
Wiedefeld noted that the project had been paused until additional revenues were found. He said Route 90 was one of the major projects that would likely be revisited during the Maryland General Assembly session.
“As you can imagine that would be, I think, a very large discussion in this upcoming general session in terms of revenues needed to support major projects throughout the entire state,” he replied.
County leaders, however, continued to share the importance of dualizing Route 90. Commissioner Eric Fiori asked if a local match could move the project forward.
“We've all been fighting for this project for quite a while, and I'm just looking for some options for local
NO SEX OFFENDER IN THE WHITE HOUSE VOTE KAMALA HARRIS
Paid for by Peter Ayers Wimbrow III
Motorcyclist faces 12 traffic offenses following collision
Continued from Page 3
the motorcycle was running a red light, and he was going 55 mph in a 35-mph zone. I lost my wife almost two years ago. We’ve been through a lot in the past couple years.”
Tyler Walsh suffered serious brain and internal injuries from the highspeed collision. Cory Walsh, a longtime employee of Taylor Bank where he is currently a vice president and loan and business development officer, acknowledged the severity of his son’s condition this week and the complicated prognosis moving forward. Walsh has been with Tyler in the hospital, while his kids, Emma and Carter, are home with their grandmother, Claudia.
“There are so many injuries,” he said. “They had to stabilize him, and it took a lot of time to get him stabilized and trying to slowly repair everything. His skull is open. He had a seizure, something like a stroke. His brain is swollen, and they had to open his skull to let his brain expand. As for injuries — you name it. They had to open his stomach. There are a lot of things going on.”
The incident
While walking with friends in the marked crosswalk, Walsh was struck by Michael Scot Schneider, 51, of Ballston Spa, N.Y., who was riding his motorcycle south “at a high rate of speed” just after 9:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13, on Philadelphia Avenue toward 12th Street, according to witness statements and video footage.
Schneider initially fled the scene as emergency personnel treated Walsh on the scene. The Ocean City Police Department news release said Schneider, after hitting the teen, lost control of his motorcycle and reportedly hit and damaged a parked motorcycle and motor vehicle before leaving the scene. To find him, officers broadcasted a description of Schneider and conducted an extensive search of the downtown area.
With the assistance of the Maryland State Police, law enforcement officials found Schneider several hours later at the park-and-ride in West Ocean City.
While speaking to him, the release said officers noticed signs of impairment and injuries consistent with a
motorcycle collision.
Ocean City EMS personnel took Schneider to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional for treatment of his injuries, and a blood sample was taken to determine his alcohol concentration level.
Upon his release from TidalHealth, Schneider was taken to the Ocean City Police Department and now faces 12 traffic offenses, including driving under the influence and failing to remain on the scene of an accident resulting in bodily injury or death.
The release said a Maryland District Court Commissioner saw Schneider and held him without bond. He has since been taken to the Worcester County Jail. Records indicate an initial court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 30 at District Court in Ocean City.
The community response
Over the weekend, the counseling office at Stephen Decatur High School, where Tyler Walsh and his two siblings attend, began outreach efforts. Counselors used Facebook to share messages with students and their parents on dealing with the complicated emotions that would inevitably come after the devastating collision. A Facebook post from the school read, “we realize the emotional toll this takes on his friends, teammates, and classmates. So, we want to make sure everyone is aware of the mental health and emotional support resources available for this week.”
Counselors with the school, the Worcester County Health Department and Chesapeake Health Care were made available to students throughout the week. Therapy dogs were at the school’s media center on Monday and Tuesday morning. On Monday morning in the cafeteria, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes held
PHOTO COURTESY OF JP CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY Emma Walsh, left, twin sister of Tyler, is pictured celebrating a goal by Samantha Ruppert that she assisted on Monday.
PHOTO COURTESY NICK DENNY
Tyler Walsh’s younger brother, Carter, a student at Decatur, is pictured being lifted up by students at the end of the Decatur varsity soccer game.
Community shows support, raises funds for Tyler Walsh
a special prayer for Tyler and his family.
Bethann McIntosh, a grief specialist in private practice, was at Decatur on Monday and remarked about the emotions she saw from students as well as adults.
“Yesterday, as I walked the halls of SDHS I encountered many teens, some with blank stares, many sad and many hugging and supporting one another,” she said. “When we ran some small groups, I could tell the kids weren’t sure if they wanted to participate, but they did and within a few minutes of giving them a safe space, we saw some tears, from us as well, more blank faces, and then they smiled and laughed. Sharing stories of the many sides of Tyler brought us all joy, even if it was for just a few minutes.”
McIntosh added, “As we continue to support our kids, let’s not forget that adults need support as well. It is our responsibility as parents, caregivers and friends, to make sure we are expressing our thoughts and feelings in healthy ways. When we are able to say, “I am scared, mad, sad”, accompanied with emotions, or not, we are showing our children it is OK to feel and be honest.”
An example of funneling emotions into a positive came from student Jack Brady, a junior at Decatur who was walking with Tyler when the collision took place last Friday. Brady began a GoFundMe page in his friend’s honor over the weekend. The community had already begun donating to a GoFundMe page that was restarted from the months of support revolving around Rhonda’s cancer journey. Together, the two pages have raised in excess of $100,000. Brady’s page in about five days raised more than $43,000, as of Wednesday afternoon, thanks to 560-plus individual donations.
In an interview with the Coastal Point, Brady said it only seemed right to try and help the family at this difficult time. Of the horrific accident,
Brady said, “It has affected me. It really has. We went to school today (Monday) and it was a hard day. I left early.”
Of his friend Tyler, Brady said, “I was there with him. He was in the crosswalk. We were walking and talking about girls, like we do all the time, and then out of nowhere the motorcycle came — way too fast. We were going to get in the water, so we had nothing on us — no shirt, no phone. I asked a bystander to call 911, and then I saw other people around were calling 911. It hit him straight from the side. He didn’t have a chance to even notice, it was so fast.”
On Monday night, the junior varsity and varsity girls soccer games against North Caroline were dedicated to Tyler and the Walsh family. The crowd size rivaled the draw of last fall’s Decatur football playoff games. In between the junior varsity and varsity games, all attendees were invited to the field to join hands in a ceremonial show of support for Walsh. Everyone who attended wore orange, Tyler’s favorite color. Many attendees sported #tylerstrong or #walshstrong messages.
After the game, members of the student body charged the field celebrating the soccer team’s win and at one point the assembled group lifted up Carter Walsh, Tyler’s younger brother, on their shoulders and passed him around. Emma Walsh, Tyler’s twin sister, played in the varsity game, assisting on a first-half goal. Throughout the evening, there was a sense of palpable optimism among the student body for Tyler’s condition.
On Tuesday, it was announced by the Stephen Decatur Athletic Boosters approximately $11,000 was raised for the Walsh family Monday night through concession sales. All proceeds from the evening will be distributed to the family.
“Tonight was nothing short of amazing,” the Stephen Decatur Athlete Boosters posted Tuesday morn-
ing. “Thanks to our generous community the Athletic Boosters were able to raise over $11,000 for The Walsh Family. Please continue to keep Tyler and family in your prayers.”
Throughout the week, social media posts of support for the family continued. Many who know the family remarked how senseless the incident was while also shining a light on the grieving this family has endured in recent years. At least six local churches were confirmed to have led prayers for the Walsh family on Sunday morning.
On an Ocean City Bike Week Facebook page, Heather Martinelli, a local parent, shared her thoughts on Tyler Walsh.
“The Walsh family has endured more than any family should ever have to,” she wrote. “They lost a loving wife and mother (who was such a beautiful soul and instrumental part of the Worcester County community) to cancer almost two years ago. Now Tyler, who I consider my second son, is fighting for his life … TO know Tyler is to love him. He is a loyal friend and a caring individual who makes you laugh and smile the minute you meet him. He will drop everything to help any individual and give you the world if you asked. He is a warrior and fighting just like his mom did, but with his extensive injuries he has an extremely long road ahead of him. Now it’s time to help the kid who helps so many.”
PHOTO COURTESY NICK DENNY
Hundreds of students and residents turned out for Monday’s soccer games in orange, Tyler Walsh’s favorite color. Above, part of the bleachers is shown during the playing of the National Anthem.
Buckingham project funding solution found
County now expected to fund $47.9 million, state to contribute $25.7 million
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) The process to build a new, improved Buckingham Elementary School continues to work through the county’s internal process.
A construction plan has been recommended by a workgroup studying the Buckingham Elementary Replacement School Project.
Facilities Manager Joe Price presented the outline at the Tuesday, Sept. 17 meeting of the Worcester County Board of Education. The governing body unanimously approved the suggestion to build a replacement Buckingham Elementary School and then proceed with the design of a new Berlin Intermediate School. The first step of the BIS project will be to complete a feasibility study, which will determine whether the existing facility should be renovated or if a new structure should be created.
The board approved the recommendation in a 6-0 vote. Member Donald Smack was absent. Dr. Jon Andes motioned to approve the out-
line, which Elena McComas seconded.
The project's workgroup reviewed five options for moving forward with a new BES. The first choice was to combine Buckingham and BIS, which the team concluded was impossible, as neither facility’s current site was large enough to accommodate a 1,200-student school.
The group considered moving sixth grade from BIS to Stephen Decatur Middle School and constructing a pre-k to fifth grade BES, moving sixth grade from BIS to SDMS and creating a pre-k-grade five BES and adding fifth grade to Ocean City Elementary School and Showell Elementary School, or acquiring all funding for the initiative from the Worcester County Commissioners. These options were determined as impractical and were shot down by the workgroup.
The chosen plan, the construction of a new BES immediately followed by an updated BIS, initially presented challenges, as the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) required that the replacement facilities be built “at or near the IAC Gross Area Baseline size.”
Price said that while the BES conceptual plan accounted for 103,000
square feet, the maximum the state would allow the county to build was 83,446 square feet.
IAC and Worcester County Public Schools staff worked to amend the size discrepancies. The IAC reviewed the original plan, looked at 2032 BES enrollment projections, and amended it to provide additional square footage for cooperative use space and concentration of poverty.
WCPS also agreed to reduce its initial floor plan by 12,163 gross square feet. The two parties compromised to allocate a 90,837-squarefoot Buckingham replacement school.
Price presented the preliminary cost estimates for the project. Bidding for the BES initiative is expected to start in the fall of 2026, construction will begin in May 2027, and the total price tag will be $73,700,000. Of that, $47,944,000 will come from local funding, while $25,756,000 will be provided by the state.
With bidding, the BIS project is expected to get off the ground in fall 2028. Construction will begin in May 2029. The total cost is $80,100,000, with $23,145,000 from state funding and the remaining $56,955,00o provided locally.
“Never in our history have we seen $49 million from the state, and Joe singlehandedly took us to that level …,” WCPS Superintendent Lou Taylor said. “It was a tremendous amount of time and energy, and we were sweating this process because we were not going to let Buckingham go. The county had clearly said to me that they were going to put in $50 million, and that was not even close to getting us there … $49 million
from the state is more than Worcester County has seen, probably if you put everything together, in the last 15-20 years. We are going to build BES and go right to BIS … this is good news for Worcester County.”
Price said the Buckingham Replacement School Project began with a feasibility study in December of 2022.
“We spent the next two years trying to get the state to approve design or construction funding for the project … they did not because allegedly, we had 799 empty seats at Showell Elementary, OCES, and BIS,” said Price.
The IAC then met with the board and the county commissioners and created a set of options to propel the project forward. The workgroup met three times to determine the plan that was approved on Tuesday.
The workgroup includes Dr. Jon Andes, William Gordy, and Donald Smack representing the Worcester County Board of Education; Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38); Ted Elder and Eric Fiori from the Worcester County Commissioners; Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert; and Dr. Chris Welch, principal of Buckingham Elementary School, among others.
Price said that as of now, the BIS initiative is two years behind the BES project, which will be negotiated between the county commissioners and the IAC via a memorandum of understanding. If the MOU is completed and forwarded to the commissioners by Oct. 1, as is the goal, the local leaders will hear a presentation on the recommended facility replacement option on Oct. 15.
Officials search for project funds
Continued from Page 76
community members to keep this moving forward,” he said.
Pines replied that in order to move forward with planning and design, the state would require a $2.75 million local match. For her part, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza said it was the first time she was hearing of any option to advance the project.
“Until Commissioner Fiori actually asked the question, no options were presented on Route 90,” she said. “So, that was a little bit surprising to me because I think we as a community, the Worcester County Commissioners, the Town of Ocean City, and constituents, have made clear this is a priority.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Caryn Abbott also questioned the status of a project to signalize the intersection at routes 13 and 366 in Pocomoke. She said the intersection would only get worse when a Wawa is constructed in the area.
“To me that's a priority for my district,” she said.
Pines said the project is currently being evaluated by the Office of Traffic and Safety. Whether the project moves forward, he said, will depend on its eligibility to receive federal funds.
“If it is federally eligible, then we will be able to move it forward,” he replied. “If it's not … then we may have to defer until the funds are available.”
Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young noted that several intersection projects – including one at Route 611 and Assateague Road – have been paused. He questioned if there was also an opportunity to provide a local match to keep those projects moving forward.
“I think we should have discussions on any intersection improvement that you may want to be looking at,” Wiedefeld replied.
Tuesday’s presentation concluded with updates from MDOT’s other departments, including the Maryland Transit Administration, the Maryland Aviation Administration and the Motor Vehicle Administration. Bertino thanked transportation officials for meeting with the commissioners.
“We didn't necessarily hear what we wanted to hear, but we certainly appreciate you being here and taking the time to drive down,” he said.
MDOT officials on Tuesday met with officials in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties to discuss the state’s draft CTP. The meetings are part of the agency’s engagement process in all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City to discuss the funding plan and receive input from local officials and the public, MDOT reports.
Following the tour, the Maryland Department of Transportation will finalize the Draft CTP and submit the Final Fiscal Year 2025-2030 CTP to the legislature in January for consideration during the 2025 General Assembly session.
Eastern Shore Physical Therapy
Zirkle appointed to manager position in planning division
Internal promotion will fill vacancy caused by veteran staffer’s planned retirement
(Sept. 20, 2024) The Worcester County Commissioners have appointed Cathy Zirkle to serve as the customer service manager within the county’s Development Review and Permitting division.
Zirkle, who stepped into her new role Sept. 3, will replace longtime Customer Service Manager Janet Davis, who will be retiring later this year.
“Cathy has always been willing to go above and beyond to assist the public and her team, taking the initiative to learn new tasks and help wherever she is needed,” DRP Director Jennifer Keener said in a news release. “While she has big shoes to fill following Janet’s dedicated years of service, she has the knowledge and
experience needed to lead customer service.”
Zirkle joined DRP as a license permit clerk I in 2015 and worked her way up to DRP specialist III. She brings 20 years of leadership experience and nine years of government experience to the position. Prior to joining the department, Zirkle spent 20 years in the hospitality industry in Florida.
“I truly love living in and serving the constituents in the Delmarva area,” Zirkle said in the release “I’m happy to be able to help area residents and property owners navigate the planning and permitting processes.”
The customer service manager oversees all aspects of customer service and public outreach for DRP to resolve constituent issues. Duties include investigating all aspects of plan review, permitting, zoning, inspections, housing, and rental licensing, as well as reviewing permits and plans for regulatory compliance, and other regulatory functions.
Auxiliary member Parker finds her service rewarding
By Steve Price Contributing Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize a member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, Brenda Parker.
The members of the OCVFC Ladies Auxiliary support and serve the dedicated OCVFC firefighters. Over the years, they have become known as “the women behind the men behind the hoses.”
However, the Ladies Auxiliary does much more than serve coffee and sandwiches to the firefighter during major incidents. They sponsor events and fundraisers throughout the year to purchase new equipment and support our OCVFC Cadet Program. The OCVFCLA also supports the F. Michael Sacca Scholarship fund and the John Paul Adkins II Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Brenda grew up in the Baltimore area before moving to Ocean City in 1985. She began her career working on the Boardwalk for Granville Trimper at the age of 15. She currently manages the Inlet Lodge (hotel, restaurant and bar) at the south end of the Boardwalk in Ocean City.
It should come as no surprise that Brenda became involved in the OCVFCLA. She joins her two brothers who have been actively involved in the fire service and with the Maryland State Police for many years.
Her husband, Tom, is currently a member of the OCVFC.
When asked why she joined the Ladies Auxiliary, Brenda said: “I wanted to serve my neighbors and
give back to my community.”
During her 20 years of active service with the OCVFC LA, Brenda has served six years as president of the organization (2017-22) and two years (2015-16) as vice president. She was also the recipient of the Member of the Year Award and the Members Choice Award for 2023.
Brenda cited the multi-alarm fire of March 30, 2008, that destroyed the Dough Roller Restaurant on the Boardwalk as the most significant event of her time as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She recalls not only the extraordinary effort by the ladies to provide drinks and nourishment to the hundreds of firefighters on the scene that long afternoon but she was also impressed by the teamwork displayed by the numerous fire companies needed to extinguish the blaze.
Brenda expressed her greatest accomplishment in the OCVFCLA as the support for her leadership during her many years as president of the organization.
Given the opportunity to pass on advice to those with an interest in joining the ladies auxiliary, Parker said: “It is a wonderful opportunity to serve your community, especially the young members of the OCVFC Cadet Program. It also allows you to meet a number of wonderful women in a great organization working together for a common cause!”
We thank Brenda Parker and all the members of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary for their outstanding support of the OCVFC, our Cadet Program, and the Sacca and Adkins Memorial Scholarships.
For membership information, or to learn more about your volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.
Cathy Zirkle
Brenda Parker
Lower Shore Land Trust seeks legacy award nominees
(Sept. 20, 2024) The Lower Shore Land Trust is seeking nominations for the 2024 Stephen N. Parker Conservation Legacy Award.
The award is an opportunity to recognize an individual that has displayed an enduring and distinct dedication to conserving the vital lands of the Lower Eastern Shore.
The inaugural 2019 award was presented to Charles “Buddy” Jenkins, of Worcester County, on Feb. 15, 2019, for a lifelong commitment to conservation and protection of natural resources. Through deed restrictions and the Jenkins Family Trust, Jenkins worked to protect one of the most significant tracts of land in Northern Worcester County — totaling over 2,000 acres of forest, prime agriculture and coastal wetlands — which serves as an ecological anchor for the coastal bays.
Since then, the award has been presented to Larry Leese, John B. Long and Hugh Cropper IV.
Nominees possess leadership, dedication, and noteworthy influence — over a significant period of time — to intentionally and meaningfully bring about permanent conservation of Eastern Shore lands. The characteristics are shown through displayed efforts to permanently conserve large tracts of Eastern Shore land, unique love and dedication to supporting the Delmarva way of life, special understanding of the flora and fauna that exists within the region, and a displayed understanding of the overall community. Other criteria includes positive contributions to impacting the economic, health, and/or overall well-being of the community, while respecting and enhancing the rural lands of the Eastern Shore.
Emailed nominations are due by Sept. 20th.
The award will be presented at the annual Flannel Formal, set from 3-6 p.m., Nov. 9, at Coulbourn Farm in Snow Hill. Tickets are $85 per person until Nov. 3, and $95 per person after and at the door. Purchase tickets and/or sponsorships online at LowerShoreLandTrust.org, call 443-234-5587 or email mresto@lslt.org.
Operation Market Garden recalled
By Dr. Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, 500 gliders and 1,500 air transports flew from their bases in England, destined for Holland. This air armada carried elements of the First Allied Airborne Army to land it behind German lines, along a highway in Holland that stretched for more than 60 miles.
This airborne army was to occupy a corridor leading to the town of Arnhem across the lower Rhine River. The goal of this gigantic air drop was to establish a bridgehead across the Rhine River which would enable the British Second Army to cross it and move into the northern plain of Germany to facilitate the destruction of German
Armeegruppe B.
Like all the other military operations before it, the purpose of this one was to end the war in Europe quickly and send the boys home by Christmas.
After the Allied breakout from Normandy in August 1944, their forces moved very rapidly across France and into Belgium. Attacking on a broad front, the Allied armies shattered German resistance and moved almost unchecked to the German border. The speed of the Allied advance began to place significant strains on their increasingly long supply lines. To address this problem, the “Red Ball Express” was created to rush supplies to the front. Using nearly 6,000 trucks, the “Red Ball Express” operated until the opening of the port of
Antwerp in Belgium in November 1944.
Forced by the supply situation, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander, began to contemplate the Allies’ next move. Gen. Omar Bradley, commander of the Twelth Army Group in the Allied center advocated a drive into the Saar to pierce the German Westwall (Siegfried Line) defenses and open Germany to invasion.
This was countered by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, commanding the Twenty-First Army Group in the north, who wished to attack over the lower Rhine into the industrial Ruhr Valley. As the Germans were using bases in Belgium and Holland to
Continued on Page 86
PHOTO COURTESY LOWER SHORE LAND TRUST
Hugh Cropper IV is pictured accepting the Lower Shore Land Trust’s 2023 Stephen N. Parker Conservation Legacy Award.
City officials face Bikefest quandary
The discussion of what to do with or about Ocean City’s Bikefest presents elected officials with a complicated dynamic that guarantees the absence of a one-size-fits-all answer.
Aside from what Bikefest means for its participants and sponsors, it is different things to different resort constituencies. For one, it is a huge money-maker, for another it’s a fourday lull in sales and for a third it is an overwhelmingly noisy and intimidating intrusion to be endured.
It’s an accepted fact that lodging and restaurant industry operators (and some retailers) love Bikefest because of the flood of money it brings in during what would otherwise be the offseason. In addition, and in the interest of full disclosure, this event greatly benefits this publication via a substantial boost in advertising sales.
The real estate sales community, meanwhile, most likely finds Bikefest weekend something to be scheduled around, as tens of thousands of motorcycles rumbling around Ocean City aren’t necessarily conducive to selling prospective buyers on the relaxing resort lifestyle.
And then there are residents. It’s safe to stay that unless they have a business or job in or near town, most of them are not fans of this rally because of its noise, heavy traffic and, for some, its takeover of one more weekend from what used to be referred to as “the locals’ time of year.”
Elected officials face a real dilemma, as they weigh the conflicting interests between business, which has the influence, and residents, who have the vote.
As officials discuss the possibility of invoking Special Event Zone traffic laws during Bikefest, the issue they will have to address is whether doing so will do more than put minds at ease for now.
Either way, a solution that will satisfy everyone is an elusive thing in the best of circumstances. In this instance, finding one may be impossible.
A real stoolie arises
This has been one of those weeks when so much has been going on that many people are liable to overlook some exceptionally notable events that deserve attention.
NEWS
EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN
With our presidential politics dominating the news, for instance, many people probably don’t know about the exciting news coming out of the mayor’s debate in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
I know that like me, many people are brushing up on their Portuguese just in case, but then I was stunned to discover that things aren’t that much different there.
During the recent mayoral debate in Brazil’s capital city, one candidate insisted on taunting another relentlessly on national television despite being advised to, “Pare agora! (Stop it!), “Pare agoraaaaaaa!) (Stop iiiiiiit!).
It got to the point where the taunter declared that the tauntee once threatened to slap him but then had chickened out because he wasn’t man enough to do it.
I have yet to find out who prepared the taunter for this debate, but I’m guessing they forgot to review the section in the playbook where it says, “Keep it up, smart guy, and the next thing you know your opponent is going
to break your rib!)
No sooner did Candidate Smart Guy snidely cast doubt on his opponent’s masculinity than his opponent rushed over and knocked the snide right out of him. With a metal stool, no less.
Yessir. It looked to be the size of a bar stool and he brought that thing up about shoulder high and swung it like Aaron Judge going after a hanging curveball.
WHAP! He’s going, going, gone ... to the hospital with a broken rib.
Seriously. It made that infamous Will Smith slap at last year’s Oscars look like mama patting biscuits.
Meanwhile, news reports from Brazil say the police are investigating the incident, as if there is some doubt about whether the tauntee actually swung the stool or just happened to be standing next to the stool when it levitated on its own because it was tired and cranky.
I do have to say, though, I found the episode reassuring because the debate apparently just kept going without the injured party present, proving that their politics are more fractured than ours.
***
Note: November is National Bladder Month, so there’s plenty of time to get a card, make arrangements to celebrate, or just stay up all night with it ... which is going to happen someday, my young friends, I guarantee it.
Between the Lines
By Steve Green
Ocean City is all in on “festival tourism,” the concept of holding music festivals in destinations to attract guests with disposable incomes to support the lodging, restaurant and retail segments. The first Oceans Calling Festival last fall, despite inclement weather two of the three days, had an overall positive impact on the area’s economy, especially in Ocean City, and introduced thousands of people to the resort area. Many resort businesses reported last year’s Oceans Calling weekend to be among the busiest of the entire year. The only question is whether the festivals will continue to be huge draws or whether it was a first-year novelty. Based on ticket demands and advance lodging bookings, long-term popularity seems reasonable.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise Ocean City tourism folks see opportunities here. A two-day Country Calling is on the books already for the weekend after Oceans Calling, and now word comes this week another large-scale festival is planned for mid-May in 2025. Though officials were officially mum, it’s widely being discussed another large music festival is on tap for mid-May. It’s why the city is realigning the May special event calendar, as Springfest has been bumped to April in a situation similar to what happened to Sunfest, which was pushed to October for Oceans Calling. Additionally, the spring Cruisin’ event, the larger of the two classic car events put on by Special Event Productions, will now be held the first weekend in May.
The outward messaging from the city was holding Springfest and Cruisin’ on consecutive weekends provides a “cohesive experience for our guests,” according to Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s director of tourism and business development. While that may be true on some logistical level, it’s important to realize the shuffling of event dates has more to do with the large-scale event’s likelihood of happening. Another music festival may not be a done deal yet, but there must be some level of private certainty to necessitate significant changes to the special event calendar.
“Never in our history have we seen $49 million from the state … $49 million from the state is more than Worcester County has seen, probably if you put everything together, in the last 15-20 years. We are going to build BES and go right to BIS … this is good news for Worcester County.”
This is what Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said during this week’s Board of Education meeting about a preliminary plan between the state’s Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) and the county on building a new Buckingham Elementary and Berlin Intermediate in Berlin. A workgroup consisting of school officials, three Board of Education members, two County Commissioners and Senator Mary Beth Carozza presented a funding plan this week that appears to represent a middle ground of sorts and a major commitment from the county. The new school’s proposed building was trimmed by 12,000 square feet to fall in between the county’s desired 103,000 square feet and the state’s wish of 83,400. Construction is now estimated to begin in May 2027 with total cost estimated at $73.7 million — $47.9 million from the county and $25.7 million from the state.
After a long bumpy road and tremendous community support, including a “Build the Bear” parade last year, it’s looking like a new Buckingham Elementary is now on track. It’s also interesting to note preliminary state approval also appears to be in place for a new Berlin Intermediate approximately two years after Buckingham is completed.
If Route 90 dualization is the priority elected officials indicate it has been, it would be wise for Worcester County to offer up a local match to the state to keep the project on the state’s five-year Consolidated Transportation Program. When these projects get relegated to the back burner, as happened last month with Route 90 and dozens of other transportation projects in Maryland due to a budget crisis, they typically stay there. There was a bit of a revelation at this week’s County Commissioners meeting when Commissioner Eric Fiori wondered whether a local match would keep Route 90’s study moving ahead. A state representative said it would certainly help, but it would cost $2.75 million from the county. State Senator Mary Beth Carozza was surprised to hear there were any options to keep Route 90 progressing in a positive direction. Up until Fiori’s question, she said the state’s answer as to other considerations was an indefinite “pause” has been placed on major transportation funding projects.
It’s certainly not ideal to spend local funding on a state road, but the commissioners should give much thought to contributing the $2.75 million to keep the project on the state’s radar. Otherwise, with all the bold talk about gloomy state finances in the future, it could be many years before any action is taken.
Kamala Harris the better choice for president
Editor,
Your column this week was sickening as you said: “Though the HarrisTrump showdown confirms the sad state of affairs in our country … I just remain bewildered these individuals are our country’s two options.”
What a disgusting false equivalence to smear VP Kamala Harris! Dick Cheney is voting for Harris and you use your column to pretend she is not 1,000 times better than the felon and adjudicated rapist,
Time for you to retire from writing columns if you care nothing about the future of democracy in the USA.
Roger Fitzgerald Berlin
Windmills don’t pass ‘common sense’ test
Editor,
The term “first do no harm,” long used in the medical profession, should be a guiding principle of all environmental endeavors aimed at healing the planet we live on. If this were the case, eighty-story windmills made of plastics, fiberglass, and other toxic materials planted deep into the ocean floor would never pass the “common sense” test.
One day, perhaps in the not-toodistant future, I suspect that chemotherapy treatments will be viewed as an antiquated treatment for cancer. Much like chemotherapy, offshore wind platforms inject one form of poison into the earth’s bloodstream with the hope of preventing other problems in our atmosphere.
But there is hope on the horizon. For better and for worse, the advent of artificial intelligence and quantum
computing will dramatically and, in a short period of time, change the world we live in. Answers to longsought questions will be revealed. Solutions to many global problems will likely present us with an array of options that, if used wisely, will guide us into the future. Some current technologies, such as massive offshore wind platforms as they are currently designed, will quickly become obsolete monuments of an environmental movement that is neither clean, sustainable or financially sound.
Artificial intelligence and quantum computing are not just futuristic concepts but powerful tools for developing clean energy today. Their emerging role in managing energy usage more efficiently is a testament to the potential of utilizing futuristic and existing technologies to shape a sustainable future. In just the past year, these technologies have begun to significantly reduce the worldwide energy expenditure used in agricultural production. It is very conceivable that environmentally friendly ways to harness solar, wind, and even nuclear energy might soon be the power that lights the way to our future.
With billions of tax dollars up for grabs to invest in green deals, common sense can sometimes be distorted. George Washington was likely killed by well-intentioned doctors who bled him to death while trying to cure him from an infection. Many thanks to Mayor Rick Meehan and everyone opposing this assault on the natural resources that define the beauty of Ocean City and Assateague Island.
Brian R. Morrison (The writer is the President/ Founder of the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation.)
We invite you to share your opinion, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410-723-6397.
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launch V-1 “Buzz” bombs and V-2 rockets at Britain, Eisenhower sided with Montgomery. If successful, Montgomery would also be in a position to clear the Scheldt Islands, which would open the port of Antwerp to Allied vessels.
To accomplish this, Field Marshal Montgomery developed “Operation Market-Garden.” A two-phase operation, the plan called for troops from Lt.-Gen. Lewis Brereton’s First Allied Airborne Army to land and capture key bridges in Holland.
While these troops held the bridges, Lt.-Gen. Brian Horrocks, commander of the XXX Corps, would advance up Highway 69 to relieve Brereton’s men. If successful, Allied forces would be over the Rhine in a position to attack the Ruhr Valley, the industrial heartland of Germany, while avoiding the Westwall by working around its northern end.
Montgomery’s plan required precise coordination between the airborne and the ground elements. “Market” was the code name for the airborne element which called for about 35,000 troops to be dropped behind German lines to capture major roadway bridges in the Dutch cities of Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem.
The airborne forces would hold these key bridges until Gen. Horrocks’ XXX Corps, which was moving over-
land, code-named “Garden,” from the Belgian-Dutch border, could link up with the isolated airborne forces and advance across each strategically captured bridge.
Gen. Horrocks’ XXX Corps’ timetable to travel the 64 miles to Arnhem Bridge was two to three days at the most. Upon Market Garden’s success, the Allies would have outflanked the fixed German fortifications of the Siegfried line and established a bridgehead across the Rhine. This was not to be the case.
Unknown to the Allied planners was the presence of the II SS Panzerkorps, which included the crack Hohenstaufen and Frundsberg Panzer Divisions. The divisions were resting and refitting in the areas north and south of Arnhem.
On Sept. 17, 1944, the airborne element conducted the largest daylight drop in history. The pre-airborne drop bombardment by B-17s of the Eighth Air Force was very effective in reducing German anti-aircraft defenses.
The heavy flak that was so instrumental in breaking up the formations of the C-47 troop carriers in the Normandy drop and thereby causing the paratroopers to be scattered in the wind, wasn’t present in Holland.
For Market, the airborne component of the operation, Maj. Gen. Maxwell Taylor’s 101st Airborne Division was to be dropped near Eind-
hoven with orders to take the bridges at Son and Veghel.
To the northeast, Brig. Gen. James Gavin’s 82nd Airborne Division would land at Nijmegen to take the bridges at Grave. Further north, the British 1st Airborne Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Roy Urquhart, (played by Sean Connery, in the movie) and Brig. Gen. Stanislaw Sosabowski’s Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade were to land at Oosterbeek and capture the bridge at Arnhem.
Due to a lack of aircraft, the delivery of the airborne forces was divided over two days. Sixty percent arrived on the first day and the remainder, including most of the glider-born infantry, arrived on the second.
On Sept. 18, the second day, Gen. Horrocks’ XXX Corps, composed of the Guards Armored Division, 43rd, and 50th Infantry Divisions, began to make the progress expected of them. Their tanks, moving up on a very narrow road, covered 20 miles in a few hours, hooking up with the Americans at one of the intact bridges near Grave.
On the third day, they reached Nijmegen, where the Americans were still fighting in the streets in their efforts to reach the bridge across the Waal River. As aircraft flew over, the Allied guns began a huge barrage to hit the Germans guarding the road ahead.
Due to stiff German resistance and the slow advance of Gen. Horrocks’ XXX Corps, Allied troops were forced to abandon their positions near the bridge and to try and fight their way out. Three miles from Arnhem, British paratroops were holding a pocket of land at the village of Oosterbeeck. By now Gen. Horrocks’ XXX Corps was on the other side of the river from the airborne troops. However, they could not cross.
German artillery controlled the river and Horrocks decided to evacuate the British survivors. Only some 2,000 troops eventually made the
crossing. The parachute division had left behind nearly 1,500 dead, and more than 6,500 prisoners, many badly wounded. Eighty percent of the British 1st Airborne Division would become casualties. The division never saw action again for the rest of the war.
Operation Market-Garden had failed. It would be another four months before the Allies crossed the Rhine again and captured the German industrial heartland of the Ruhr. The war dragged on, costing the lives of thousands of civilians and servicemen.
Operation Market-Garden was a complete failure. After the Germans stopped the Allied offensive at Arnhem, the Allies retreated to Nijmegen to establish a defensive position. The highly specialized shock troops of the American 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions remained under British operational control until November 1944.
They were misused as conventional infantry in stagnant defensive positions. Arnhem remained in German hands until the war’s end. Allied forces would not set foot on the northern bank of the Rhine again until April 1945.
Arnhem proved to be “a bridge too far.” In 1977, Richard Attenborough directed the epic movie “A Bridge Too Far” which dramatized the struggle of the British 1st Airborne Division in Arnhem against the German II SS Panzerkorps. Arnhem would be, finally, and officially, liberated on April 14, 1945, by the British West Riding Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Stuart Blundell Rawlins.
Prior to the publication of this article, Dr. Ghaleb passed away. At the time of his passing, he was retired from the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, in Ridgecrest, California. He was also an ajunct professor at Cerro Coso Community College, teaching physics.
Next week: Aachen
MONA (GOLDENBERG) STRAUSS
Ocean City
Mona (Goldenberg) Strauss, of Chestertown and Ocean City, passed away in August 2024, after a brief illness. She was 92. Mona came from a family with roots in Maryland’s Eastern Shore community. Her Grandfather, Nathan Rapoport, operated many businesses on the Boardwalk, starting in 1912, until his retirement there 60 years later, and her father, Bernie Goldenberg, operated Bernie’s Super Discount Store, selling beach equipment in the middle 20th Century. As a small child, Mona was evacuated with her family in the great hurricane of August of 1933, which created the inlet separating Ocean City from Assateague Island.
A powerhouse of energy and a multitalented, trailblazing woman, Mona was born on November 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the eldest daughter of Bernard and Gertrude (Rapoport) Goldenberg. She attended Girls’ High and then graduated from Gratz High School in 1949, as one of only two women achieving the title of distinguished graduate.
She began her university education at Women’s College of the University of Pennsylvania but did not complete the degree, instead marrying Bob Strauss in 1951. They had met in Ocean City while she was in high school, and Bob attended Washington College and later the University of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia; they were married for 58 years.
Mona worked as a seamstress at Nan Duskin (Philadelphia) and with family businesses in Ocean City during summers. Mona worked in many different fields, including starting in her own business with two high school friends, designing and wholesaling women’s clothing; as a decennial census worker; and for the second half of her life, as a commercial real estate broker and then general contractor for multiple real
estate projects. Avocationally, she sewed, served as the secretary and newsletter publisher for the Wellesley (MA) League of Women Voters, and tried her hand at many forms of fine art and craft, excelling at all. She was a voracious reader, an avid gardener and decorator, doing much of her own interior design, including upholstering and draperies.
With the coming of the internet, she enjoyed the opportunity to explore many areas of interest as a detailed researcher. She loved finding “gold” at thrift stores and surprising family members with her finds.
After “retirement,” Mona and Bob moved first to West Ocean City, and later to Chestertown, and she continued to be very active in the communities, including serving in leadership roles at Temple Bat Yam, the Chestertown Havurah, the MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra, Atlantic General Hospital, and becoming the Operating Partner for Nathan’s Associates, maintaining and operating the building near the inlet, which was her grandfather Nathan’s, legacy. Her artistic skills were directed to architecture, as she designed and built their first retirement home in West Ocean City, according to 18th Century Williamsburg detail and specifications.
She was also instrumental in the design and construction of Temple Bat Yam’s building and directed modifications and upgrades to Nathan’s Building, site of the iconic Dumser’s Dairyland, to keep it up with the times. At the time of her death, Mona was completing major renovations and redesign on another family property in Ocean City, in which she planned to reside.
Mona was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Robert R. Strauss; her son, Michael Alexander Strauss; and her sister Zina (Goldenberg) Wexler.
She leaves behind daughters, Jane Strauss Esq (Rex Bryant) and Dr. Sarah Strauss (Dr. Carrick Eggleston); five granddaughters; three grandsons; and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She
will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
ELLEN KATHERINE FISHER
Snow Hill
Ellen Katherine Fisher, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Berlin.
Born in Ocean City, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Earl Pierce and Imogene Taylor Pierce.
She was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, both in education. She taught for two years at Snow Hill High School. She left teaching to be a
full-time, stay-at-home mother to her son, Robert. Later in life, she became the executive director for Furnace Town in Snow Hill, where she retired after 30 years of service.
She is survived by her son, Robert and his girlfriend, Michelle; grandchildren Cassidy, Ashlea and Madyson; and sister-in-law Patricia Parker. She was also survived by her caregiver and friend, Laura.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert A. Fisher, in 2023.
A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, Sept. 21, at All Hallows Episcopal Church (109 West Market St. in Snow Hill). Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at All Hallows Episcopal Churchyard immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be
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Mona Strauss
Ellen Fisher
made to Furnace Town Foundation or the Worcester County Historical Society.
Letters on condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.
MARY ELIZABETH BROCATO
Ocean City
Mary Elizabeth Brocato, 95, of Ocean City, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Kelmartin and Mary Doyle Kelmartin. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years, John (Jack) J. Brocato. They met on the Ocean City Boardwalk in September
of 1947, were engaged on Valentines Day, and married in June 1948. She and Jack raised their five children in Towson, and retired to Florida in 1984, while still keeping their Ocean City home for the summer months. She enjoyed a long and happy retirement with Jack, sitting on the beach, collecting seashells, raising orchids, watching the Ravens win and following the warm weather. Mary also loved to travel and took her daughters on a River Cruise last October, which she very much enjoyed and talked of fondly. She was very proud of her children and loved to be with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
While wintering in Florida, she volunteered at the Kiwanis Thrift
Shop and belonged to a neighborhood dance club.
She had a passion for walking and could often be seen in the morning on Coastal Highway during the 40 years she spent her summers here. She was a member of St Luke’s Catholic Church and had a special friendship with the pastor, who was a seminary student of her brother’s.
To know Mary was to love her. She had the Irish twinkle in her eye and loved to laugh. She will be remembered for her love of family, both immediate and extended, and her absence will be deeply felt by many.
She is survived by her son, John Brocato; daughters Theresa Valente (William), Rita Temes, Dolores Bert (Gary), and Mary Ferrell (Frank); eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother-in-law Raymond and wife Mary Brocato; and many caring nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers; Father John J. Kelmartin, Thomas Kelmartin, James Kelmartin and William Kelmartin; a sister, Ann Kelmartin; and a son-in-law Simon Temes.
Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.
Services will be private for the family. A donation in her memory may be sent to St. Luke Church, 14401 Sinepuxent Ave, Ocean City. MD 21842.
WILLIAM DAVID DENNIS
Berlin
William David Dennis, 79, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.
Born in Berlin, he was the son of the late Luther Preston Dennis and Clara Smack Dennis. William Dennis served in the United States Navy on a destroyer in the 1960s. He was a carpenter by trade for the employment years of his life.
In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, observing wildlife, and reading.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Dennis; daughter Wendi Dennis; a sister, Ruth Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter Dennis and Richard Dennis; and a sister, Shirley Woroniecki.
Cremation followed his death. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A visitation will take place from 1-2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Worcester County Meals on Wheels program, worcoa.org/mealsonwheels, or to Friendship Church of Berlin, are encouraged.
Letters of condolence can be sent
to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.
DEBRA LYNN (SMITH) DEWALD
Berlin
Debra Lynn (Smith) Dewald, 73, passed away after a brave and prolonged battle with Parkinson’s Disease on Sept. 12, 2024, in Ocean Pines. Known for her quick wit and tenacious spirit, Debbie spent a lifetime caring for others and, quite literally, fixing broken hearts.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 3, 1951, Debbie was the eldest of four children born to the late Beverly and William D. Smith. Debbie was a graduate of John Dickinson High School in Wilmington, Delaware, and Salisbury State College in Salisbury, as well as a certified emergency medical technician and cardiovascular technician. Debbie and her former husband moved to Ocean Pines with their three young children in 1977. There, Debbie quickly became an active member of the community, volunteering at her children’s schools as a member of the PTA, teaching “Great Books,” and helping build the awardwinning Showell School Christmas Parade Floats. She also volunteered with the Ocean Pines Swim Team, Delaware Regional Ballet Company and Berlin Little League. An emergency medical responder, Debbie was a founding member of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department EMS Division.
As her children grew older, Debbie began a successful career in healthcare as an electrophysiology and cardiac catheterization technician, starting at Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury. In 1992, she moved off the Eastern Shore to pursue her career, eventually settling in Annapolis. She worked at both Sinai Hospital and Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. Respected in her field, Debbie became Clinical Supervisor of the Cardiac Cath Lab at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., and later at the National Institutes of Health Heart Center in Bethesda. Shortly after her Parkinson’s diagnosis at age 60, Debbie returned to the Eastern Shore and lived with her youngest daughter Melissa Esham and grandson Brady in Berlin. Soon, not only her own grandchildren, but friends and neighbors throughout the community came to know her as “Mommom Debbie.” Mommom Debbie loved children, dogs, and a day at the beach.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Beverly Smith. She is survived by her children, Paul Chistopher Dewald and his partner Stephanie Boyd of Annapolis, Lisa Dewald Stoll and her husband
Debra Dewald
Mary Brocato
William Dennis
Adam of Los Angeles, and Melissa Dewald Esham of Berlin; five grandchildren, Brady Esham (21), Lauren Stoll (18), Benjamin Stoll (16), Rebecca Stoll (15), and Paul Christopher Dewald Jr., aka “Bo” (5); as well as her three siblings, William D. Smith Jr., Linda Duckworth, Jody Rossi and their families.
Debbie’s children wish to express their gratitude to the staff in Cottage A at Catered Living of Ocean Pines for their loving care.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at noon.
Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. Remembrances can be made through contributions to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org/, or Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County at paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YGMPX3UEMKNKC#.
ROBERT JUDE VANDORNICK JR.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Robert Jude VanDornick Jr., 54, passed away on Sunday, Sept.15, 2024, in Horntown, Virginia.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, he
was the son of Robert VanDornick Sr. and wife Barbara of Newark, Delaware, and Ocean Pines, and mother Nancy Carole Mock VanDornick Cleveland of Salisbury.
Rob was raised in Salisbury, and attended Parkside High School. He moved to Hockessin, Delaware, where he attended Thomas McKean High School and later received his diploma in Delaware. He spent time living in Florida before returning to the Eastern Shore.
Rob loved the water and all it offered — surfing, fishing and boating. Rob was a long-time resident of the Ocean City area before moving to Horntown, Virginia, where he was a resident of Trails End. He enjoyed living in that close-knit community with his many dear friends who were like family to him.
Rob was a manager at Mumford Shellfish Oyster Company in Chincoteague, Virginia. He worked hard each day taking pride in growing, harvesting, and preparing oysters for shipment. He truly loved working on the water where he often began at sunrise and finished at sunset.
Rob was a caring and faithful father to his three children. He was a devoted son and brother. In his spare
time, Rob cherished time with his children, his ex-wife Deanna and her husband Chris, his parents and extended family, and his many dear friends from Trails End and Ocean City.
Rob was very fond of cooking- especially the fresh abundant seafood near his home in Virginia. He was a highly creative person and musician.
Rob was a friend to all. A hardworking, fun-loving man who was devoted to those he loved. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his three children, Ava VanDornick, Jude VanDornick, and Dane VanDornick all of Ocean City; the mother of his children and her husband, Deanna and Chris Shanahan; father and stepmother Robert VanDornick Sr. and Barbara VanDornick; mother Nancy Carole Mock VanDornick Cleveland; sister Nicole Smith (Matthew) of Par-
sonsburg; twin sister Patricia Brummer (David) of Hays, North Carolina; half-sister Debra VanDornick Caires and her five children from Pennsylvania, California and Massachusetts; nieces and nephews Matthew Smith, Andrew Smith, Caroline Smith, Catherine Smith, John Smith, Joshua Smith, Thomas Smith, Chloe Smith, William Smith, Matthew Roy and Rachel Brummer; and stepbrothers, Mark Hopkins and his wife Sarah from Baltimore, and their three children, and Brian Hopkins of Snowmass, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, James Cleveland.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a..m, Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin with Rev. Jason Shelton of Providence Presbyterian Church in Salisbury officiating. Visitation will be one hour
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R. VanDornick Jr.
OBITUARIES
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prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. A graveside service will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin.
A Celebration of Life at Shotti’s Point Luna’s will be held at 4 p.m., Sept. 24.
Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.
NORMAN JAMES WALSH Ocean Pines
Dr. Norman James Walsh, longtime resident of Ocean Pines, died on Thursday, Aug.15, in Edmonds, Washington. He was 95 years old.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Norm was born in Clinton, Iowa on Nov. 17, 1928, to parents Oliver and Louise Walsh. He and his twin Norma were the third and fourth of five children, preceded by William and Mary, and followed by Tricia. He was raised in Clinton, graduating from Clinton High School in 1946.
While attending St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, Norm enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve. After graduating he applied for and was accepted to Officers Candidate School and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Murrelet from 1952-
54 as a surface warfare officer during the Korean War, participating in combat operations including minesweeping, fire support and anti-submarine warfare, receiving the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Following his service in Korea, Norm was assigned to the USS PC-579, where he served as the executive officer from 1954-55. From 1955-58 he served as the communications officer with the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleet, London, UK, attaining the rank of lieutenant.
Norm went on to spend most of his life working to better public education. He championed every child’s right to a quality, free education. He taught math and biology in California, before returning to school to receive a masters degree in from Colorado State College. Norm went on to earn a doctorate of education at Columbia University in New York. During his career, he served as associate superintendent of schools in Norwalk and Stamford, Connecticut; St. Louis, Missouri; Baltimore, Maryland; and Charlotte, North Carolina. He worked to develop curriculum, integrate technology, and ensure equity for the students in the school districts he served. He was very proud to be
part of the team that worked to pass a $50 million bond to renovate St. Louis’ beautiful, but crumbling school buildings. It was the largest bond of its kind at the time of its passing in 1989.
While attending Columbia University in New York, Norm was introduced, by his lifelong friend Terry McGovern, to Terry’s cousin Mary Ann Evans, also of Clinton, Iowa. Norm and Mary Ann were married at St. Jean Baptiste Church in New York on Sept. 19, 1964. They raised four children, and welcomed four grandchildren during their 56 years of marriage. Family was at the center of Norm’s life. He loved and supported Mary Ann, his children and grandchildren with generosity, selflessness, wisdom, and good humor. Later in life, as Mary Ann’s health declined, he cared for her with devotion and unwavering love.
Beyond his family, Norm had a lifelong love of nature. After retiring to Ocean Pines, he became an avid nature photographer and bird watcher. He enjoyed kayaking and fishing the waters off Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
He was also a devoted dog-dad and grandpa, making wonderful friends as part of an early morning dog park and coffee group in Ocean Pines. After Mary Ann’s death in 2020, Norm relocated to the Pacific
Northwest to be closer to family.
Norm is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann (Evans) Walsh.
He is survived by his children, Christina Walsh-Davis, David (Eilee) Walsh, Catherine (Patrick) Bear, and Matthew (Elizabeth) Walsh; grandchildren Amanda and Benjamin Davis, and Evlin and Nolan Walsh; as well as his sister, Tricia (Momsen) Jensen.
Norm lived a life of service to his family, to his country, and to the students he helped to educate. He was steadfast, patient and kind. We are grateful to have had him in our lives. He was loved immensely and will be dearly missed.
Funeral services will be held at noon, on Friday, Oct. 11, at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Norm’s honor can be made to the Worcester County Humane Society in Berlin, where he adopted his beloved dog, Muffin.
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Norman Walsh
Sports & Recreation
Seahawks feast on Crisfield Crabbers with 8-0 shutout
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) Last Friday the 13th was anything but bad luck for the Stephen Decatur High School varsity boys’ soccer team, who earned their second win of the season over Crisfield High Crabbers in an 8-0 shutout.
“We played better tonight than we have,” Seahawks head Coach Jamie Greenwood said after the game.
The Seahawks entered Friday’s match with a one-and-one record.
The first game was a loss of 2-1, against Kent Island on Sept. 10, with the second game a 4-0 win against Washington on Sept. 12.
Girls soccer team cruises to shutout win in sea of orange
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) Stephen Decatur girls varsity soccer team is on a roll so far with an early season winning Bayside Conference record. On Monday, the record improved to 4-0 with a 7-0 win against North Caroline High School at home.
Coach Will Cooledge was proud of his players for the win, but equally proud of all the fundraising they did for the family of classmate Tyler Walsh, who was critically injured by a speeding motorcycle in downtown Ocean City Saturday night. Tyler’s twin sister
“We didn’t have a bad Kent Island game,” Greenwood said. “What really cost us that game was we made a couple mental mistakes after a two-hour bus ride. At Washington High School … we played well, but we didn’t execute some things and we talked about them … on the bus ride back home. We came out today and we executed much better.”
The Seahawks made 23 attempts at the net and scored eight. In the first half, they set the stage with four
goals made by Elijah Isett, Isaiah Rodriquez, Holden Bunting and Mason Edelman. The goals were followed by four more in the second half.
Senior Meyer Henson scored the next two goals. Seahawks Collin Pennington and Juan Hinojosa scored the last two. Holden Bunting had three assists. Goalie Sam Krasner made two saves.
“Two and one, I am happy with where we are right now,” Greenwood said.
Emma plays on the team.
“This family has been through a lot, they lost their mother to cancer two years ago and now this,” Cooledge said.
On Sept. 6, the Seahawks traveled to Wicomico County where they stomped the Wi-Hi Indians 16-2.
The Seahawks soccer team then made a trip to Queen Annes County High School to defeat the Lions 2-1.
For their third victory, they played Parkside High School at their own nest,
winning 3-0.
A sea of orange flags, T-shirts, hats and banners — Tyler Walsh’s favorite color — waved at arriving sports fans during Monday night’s games. The flags were a reminder of the tragic collision that injured 16-year-old Walsh, who is still hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. When the final buzzer went off, the bleachers cleared and the emotional crowd poured onto the field in a celebration of the victory.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR WALLS Seahawk Holden Bunting gets the ball from the goalie to set up another goal during Stephen Decatur’s game against Crisfield last Friday. Also pictured is Mason Edelmann.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR WALLS
Seahawk Juan Hinojosa battles two Crisfield Crabbers during Friday night’s game. He scored the last goal of the evening.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR WALLS
Seahawks Maddie Bell and Maddy Tapley charge down the field during Stephen Decatur’s game Monday against North Caroline.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR WALLS
Seahawk Ava Lynch takes control of the ball while teammate Lilly Phillips waits during Stephen Decatur’s game Monday against North Caroline.
Seahawks volleyball scores straight set win over Wi-Hi
By Bruce Walls Contributing Writer
(Sept. 20, 2024) On Monday, Stephen Decatur’s varsity volleyball team won 3-0 against Wicomico High School.
“We like to play Wi-Hi they are very competitive,” Seahawks head coach Sara Patrick said.
Patrick said she was proud of her team got out and played considering the tragedy that occurred over the
weekend involving one of their SDHS classmates, junior Tyler Walsh, who was critically injured by a speeding motorcycle in Ocean City on Saturday night.
A sea of orange flags, tee shirts, hats, and banners – Tyler Walsh’s favorite color — waved at arriving sports fans during both the volleyball and girls soccer games on Monday. The flags were not celebratory, but a reminder of the tragic hit and run col-
lision that left Walsh fighting for his life at Shock Trauma in Baltimore. The school and community raised money by selling the orange tee shirts to help with Walsh’s medical bills. The school, Worcester County Health Department and Chesapeake Healthcare also provided counselors to help
the students process the tragedy.
Earlier in the season, the Seahawks lost to Queen Annes County High School 3-0, and won against Snow Hill High School 3-0.
Next up, the Seahawks will play Mardela High School at home on Sept. 25.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Seahawk Mariya Jackson bumps a return during Stephen Decatur’s game Monday game against Wicomico High School.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Seahawk Julia Knerr, right, returns the ball during Stephen Decatur’s game Monday game against Wicomico High School.
PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC
Before the wind started Captain Shawn Gibson, above left, of the Wound Tight found this crew three nice yellowfin tuna. Above right, Captain Chris Mizurak of the Angler had an awesome tilefish trip last week that resulted in several beautiful fish like these.
PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC
Above left, Mike Behney of Rick’s Bait & Tackle and Jeff Behney fished on board the private boat Lead Farmer and landed this big 88.5 pound wahoo at the Hot Dog. Above middle, I caught this 51ich red drum fishing the Chesapeake Bay with Captain CL Marshall of Tangier Sound Charters. Above right, Linda Stauffer of Mechanicsville, Pa. caught this 8.5-pound doormat flounder with Captain Dave Caffrey of On the Run Charters.
Below left, Young “Captain” Sammy displays a nice catch of mahi in the cockpit of the Pumpin’ Hard. Below middle, The Tortuga out of Bahia Marina has seen some good flounder fishing lately with keepers on most every trip. Below right, Mike Brockmeyer and Stan Tzsyco had keeper flounder of 17.5” and 25.5” in the East Channel on live spot.
