The owners of a proposed houseboat rental unit are going to court to challenge Ocean City government’s assertion that local zoning forbids rentals of that nature. Sea Rocket OC Houseboats LLC contends that city zoning doesn’t apply to the bay bottom and that its rental is a state-regulated vessel, not a structure. — PAGE 3
Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday newsletter. — Page 12
A state law that pushes owners of large structures to reduce emissions and switch to all-electric will be financially devastating to businesses and gov’t. — PAGES 12, 14
The dispensary on Route 611 will gain a massive amount of space when it moves into the empty pharmacy building.— PAGE 79
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By Bethany Hooper
(Oct. 11, 2024) The future of a short-term houseboat rental hangs in the balance as a lawsuit works its way through the court system.
Earlier this summer, Sea Rocket OC Houseboats LLC filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of ordinances aimed at banning the operation of houseboat rentals within Ocean City’s municipal limits. As the case proceeds in Worcester County Circuit Court, the company has been ordered to move its houseboat from a Dorchester Street marina until the matter is resolved.
In April, the Ocean City Council directed staff to develop recommendations for banning houseboat rentals after discovering listings for a short-term rental operation at the
Dorchester Street marina. While the town views houseboats as floating structures – which are prohibited by town code – representatives for the operator, Sea Rocket OC Houseboats LLC, argue they are vessels consistent with marina use.
Despite objections from Sea Rocket’s manager, Will Wangel, and threats of litigation from the company’s attorney, Demetrios Kaouris, the council in June adopted an ordinance prohibiting the commercial use of houseboats within corporate limits, as well as a companion ordinance assigning fines for any violations. Days later, Sea Rocket Houseboats LLC filed suit in Worcester County Circuit Court seeking declaratory judgment and injunctive relief.
See COURT Page 6
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“There is a clear dispute as to the actions taken by the Town through the enactment of the Ordinances,” the initial complaint reads. “It is Sea Rocket’s position that the Ordinances are invalid and not an appropriate exercise of police power. The Town disagrees with that position, and contends the Ordinances are valid and fully enforceable against the Sea Rocket. An actual controversy therefore exists between the contending Parties, that the Sea Rocket does not believe the Town’s actions are lawful.”
From the outset, city officials have voiced two concerns regarding houseboats – the preservation of marinerelated activities and the proliferation of short-term houseboat rentals throughout the resort. They also noted that the Sea Rocket houseboat
had not applied for a short-term rental license.
In his complaint filed this summer, Kaouris argued the ordinances were invalid, as the town had no authority to regulate subaqueous lands within the state’s jurisdiction, nor did it have the authority to regulate vessels used on state waters. He added the houseboat – a 42-foot Catamaran Cruiser – had been registered with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and had met all certifications and safety requirements.
“The zoning authority granted by the State of Maryland to the Town does not authorize it to enact zoning legislation that would preclude the berthing of State-registered vessels in subaqueous portions of the land that are governed by the State of Maryland,” the complaint reads. “Despite
this fact, the Town did so through its enactment of the Ordinance.”
Judge Beau Oglesby has since issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the city from enforcing its ordinances as the lawsuit works its way through the legal system. In its response, the city argued the restraining order could allow Sea Rocket “to begin operating a previously unauthorized rental business concept in Ocean City, in the absence of any Code provision allowing it, and in the absence of any issued business license or rental license,” and lead to the proliferation of similar operations.
“The TRO, which has been widely publicized may (or will) result in a proliferation and expansion of this new business concept, on an unregulated basis, that will drop into the al-
ready dense footprint of Ocean City dozens (if not more) newly created rental housing units, each one housing five, ten, or more people throughout the season, housed in floating dwelling units carrying with them all the obvious concerns and issues – including parking capacity, attendant vehicular traffic, safety, law enforcement, fire and rescue access, environmental impact, and waste management, holding and disposal,” the motion reads.
On Aug. 2, a temporary restraining order halting the town’s enforcement of its ordinances was extended until a final decision could be made in the case. The order also directed Sea Rocket to move its houseboat while the case is pending in circuit court. As of Monday, the houseboat remains docked at the Dorchester Street marina.
Days after the restraining order was extended, Kaouris came before the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals to appeal a letter City Manager Terry McGean sent to his client stating the town’s position on houseboat rentals in the DM downtown marine district. However, the board opined that the letter was not appealable, as it was not a zoning determination from the town’s zoning administrator.
Bruce Bright, attorney for the Town of Ocean City, said last week that both parties are now working through the discovery phase of the lawsuit. The court has yet to schedule a trial date.
three buildable lots.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) A local couple will be able to build on their land after having successfully petitioned county leaders to re-zone a portion of protected acreage.
The move will allow property owners Chris and Shelley Mason to set aside 18.54 acres of their 80.95-acre property off Purnell Crossing Road as agricultural. The remaining 62.41 acres will stay zoned as a Resource Protected. They propose to subdivide the area into three “farm-ette” lots, in a cluster near the road, on that rezoned land. The couple already has an application pending with county planners for the
“There’s this sprawl from people that move here and want to change what it is that we kind of already have,” said Kristina Watkowski, an attorney representing the Masons, at an Oct. 1 public hearing before the Worcester County Commissioners.
“And, while I think Worcester County (offers) a wonderful opportunity for growth, I think slow, smart, and steady is probably the best way,” she said.
Zoning regulations impose limits on development in property zoned as Resource Protected. To subdivide the land, or to build a house or agricultural structure, a special exception is required. Agricultural land, however, does not impose such restrictions.
Previously used for timber harvesting, the acreage in question does
not receive public water or sewer service. There are five approved sewage reserve areas and three wellwater locations identified in the petitioned area.
The Masons will make no changes to the still-protected portion of their acreage, which is forested.
“We’re not really asking to do anything with that other than preserve it,” Watkowski said.
The land had been zoned agricultural since 1964. Additional county zoning efforts in both 1978 and 1992 maintained that ag status. However, in 2009, the property ended up being rezoned by the county as a Resource Protection District.
Watkowski noted that the zoning designation in 2009, which she characterized as “a mistake,” was as accurate as it could be, given the available resources.
At the hearing before the commissioners, Watkowski called up veteran land surveyor Frank Lynch Jr. to support this argument.
Lynch explained how the 2009 rezoning relied on guidance from wetland maps to determine which land would be best suited for a Resource
Protected zoning status.
“But that big term, guidance – it was probably wetlands, but maybe not,” Lynch said. “And that’s what happened in this particular case. They thought the site was a majority non-tidal wetlands, they zoned it as resource protection. In fact, a larger portion almost 19 acres adjacent to the road was all uplands.”
Worcester’s planning commission already had sent the zoning request to the County Commissioners with a favorable finding. The Maryland Department of the Environment also has reviewed and verbally approved the wetland delineation, according to Watkowski.
District 6 Commissioner Jim Bunting made a motion to approve the re-zoning request, followed by a motion to second from District 4 Commissioner Ted Elder. The motion passed with unanimous approval without discussion.
The Masons are long-time Worcester County residents. Shelley has worked for the Board of Education, and Chris is part of a generational farming family, according to their attorney.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) Worcester County officials voiced their opposition to “devastating” state mandates that would force condos, hotels, shopping centers, and government buildings to meet future emissions standards by converting their power sources from fossil fuels to electricity.
“This could be devastating to businesses throughout the county that would have to change over from oil or natural gas to electric energy to run their buildings,” said District 7 Commissioner Joe Mitrecic. “The first-year fines would not be that bad, but they would escalate
after that and cost a lot of money.”
Commissioners voted unanimously at their Oct. 1 meeting to send a stronglyworded letter opposing the measures.
Officials also expressed concern that enforcement of the statewide electrification requirements, being overseen by the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE), would be pushed to the local level.
“While some larger counties have existing programs and dedicated staff to handle this, Worcester does not,” wrote Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young in a memo to commissioners.
The county also will need to conduct a study to review the regulations and evaluate alternatives for conversion, including proposed penalties for non-compliance and an overall timeline to convert the affected buildings,
Young noted in his memo.
Policy changes here are tied to the state’s Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. The goal of the legislation is for certain buildings – the policy doesn’t apply to facilities under 35,000 square feet – to have net zero greenhouse emissions in the next 15 years.
The law doesn’t require that all buildings go fully electric. Rather, it’s asking for buildings to meet emissions standards based on averages for specific building types, according to a legislative analysis provided by the office of Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C).
Very efficient buildings may already meet these standards. Other buildings may be able to meet them by implementing energy efficiency measures, such as weatherization improvements, the analysis notes.
Building owners would be asked to
start logging emissions data next year to set a baseline, which would then be measured against increasingly stringent standards every five years between 2025 and 2040. Those standards are expected to be finalized by next month, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). For non-compliant buildings, the state’s meter starts running by 2031: properties that fail to meet emissions standards will have to pay an “alternative compliance fee.” The fee starts at $234 per metric ton of excess greenhouse gases emitted. That fee rises to $270 in 2040, and increases by $4 annually from that point forward.
Data provided by MDE shows the policy would impact 269 facilities in Worcester County, public and private, totaling more than 20 million square feet. Of those, 80 percent are in Ocean City, and include 150 dwellings such as condos, 52 hotels and motels, a handful of retailers, as well as the resort’s convention center.
Other affected buildings in the county would include Atlantic General Hospital, a Lankford Sysco warehouse in Pocomoke City, the West Ocean City shopping outlets, and Walmart stores in Berlin and Pocomoke City.
Government buildings affected would include the county’s headquarters building, the jail, the county recreation center, and the Snow Hill health department building.
Exceptions to the law include carve-outs for public and private K12 school buildings, manufacturing or agricultural facilities, certain historic properties, and federal government buildings.
District 3 Commissioner Eric Fiori said “it just doesn’t make any sense” to burden large commercial buildings without research to say the power grid locally could support all-out electrical conversions.
“I think it’s putting the cart before the horse on this,” he said. “I think it would be very detrimental to everything economic within the county. I just can’t agree with it.”
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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Oct. 11, 2024) While Ocean City Council contender Leslie Smith and her attorney argue Smith meets the town’s domicile requirements, a majority of the current council this week did not see it as such when they voted against a motion to accept her as a qualified candidate in this fall’s municipal election.
Smith’s candidacy was quickly called into question at the start of Wednesday’s special meeting, during which two residents came before the council to challenge her residency. And following a lengthy public hearing, a motion to accept Smith as a candidate in the November election failed with Councilmen Matt James, Will Savage and Frank Knight opposed, Councilman John Gehrig and Councilwoman Carol Proctor in favor, and Councilman Tony DeLuca abstaining.
“I’m struggling with the fact that I’m a candidate, and now I’m voting on basically a competitor. It’s like asking us to count the votes too,” Gehrig said, arguing that a charter amendment was needed. “Everything we do up here has some sort of committee that reviews the facts, makes the recommendation, brings it before the council, and we discuss it at that point. So I understand
that’s not how it is, but maybe that should be how it is. Because this is broken. How it is doesn’t make sense.”
At the beginning of Wednesday’s meeting, during which the council convened to accept the list of candidates in this year’s municipal election, two residents came before officials with concerns regarding Smith’s residency.
Caine Woods resident Dennis Dare, a former city manager and council member, said several residents had approached him about the issue and that he wanted the council to be aware.
“I have been approached by several residents questioning the residency and domicile of Leslie Smith and feel obligated to bring those concerns forward to the city council,” said Dare, who is a campaign manager for candidate Larry Yates. “It is of paramount importance to preserve the integrity of the election process, and I trust the city council will give this matter its full attention.”
Acknowledging Smith’s candidacy to be challenged, the council this week held a hearing and accepted testimony from Smith, her husband and Smith’s attorney, Joe Moore. For his part, Moore acknowledged that Smith owned a home in Bishopville, but argued that she lives and is registered to vote in Ocean City.
See CANDIDATE Page 20
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Oct. 11, 2024) As the state works toward bringing large-scale buildings into compliance with new energy standards, local leaders and hospitality groups are questioning the impact those regulations could have on both the public and private sectors.
On Wednesday, the Maryland Department of the Environment closed its public comment period on proposed regulations that will require large buildings such as hotels, multifamily buildings and certain government facilities to meet net zero emission standards by 2040. But some officials argue such mandates could harm local governments and business owners that rely on fossil fuels to power their buildings.
“It’s really not practical,” Del. Wayne Hartman said this week.
In 2022, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Climate Solutions Now Act, which sets emission reduction goals and tasks the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) with developing plans for achieving those targets. From that legislation, Building Energy Performance Stan-
dards were introduced.
Simply put, the state’s goal is for certain buildings over 35,000 square feet to move away from fossil fuels and achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Next year, building owners must start reporting emissions data, which will be measured against newly developed emissions standards beginning in 2030. Penalties for buildings that do not meet set standards will be implemented in 2031.
“Efficient net-zero emissions buildings improve comfort, resilience, and reliability, and provide savings on energy costs compared to old, inefficient buildings that run on fossil fuels,” MDE’s website reads.
“Investments in achieving these standards are investments in the buildings that will pay dividends to occupants and building owners for decades to come.”
MDE reports the regulations exclude parking garage areas, as well as certain historic properties, school buildings, manufacturing buildings, agricultural buildings, or buildings owned by the federal government. Hartman added that the standards do not require applicable buildings to fully electrify, but rather meet standards for direct emissions based on averages for that specific building type.
“So they would take the square footage use of a hotel based on national averages and create an average of buildings for that type,” he said. “If your consumption is above the average by 2030, you will start paying penalties … These standards will get more stringent by 2035, and by 2040 the expectation is for buildings to have zero net emissions.”
A list provided on the MDE website shows the regulations would affect 269 buildings in Worcester County. A majority of those, officials say, are hotels, condos and stores located within Ocean City’s municipal limits.
“The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce has been closely monitoring regulations and legislation this fall, and there have been several with the potential to impact area businesses,” Amy Thompson, the chamber’s executive director, said. “The proposed Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) is one we’ve been particularly concerned about.”
Amy Rohrer, president and CEO of Maryland Hotel Lodging Association, said her organization is now focused on making sure hotels across the state have both the “time and flexibility they need to comply with the standards, especially given current limitations on technology and grid capacity.” Some hoteliers, however,
say the regulations would result in costly retrofits.
“The Harrison Group has strived to be a leader in energy efficiency initiatives,” a statement from the Harrison Group reads. “While we recognize the good intentions behind the State’s Building Energy Performance Standards, we have significant concerns about the practical implications of the legislation. Mandating that commercial property owners retrofit existing buildings with costly electrification measures or face substantial penalties — potentially in the hundreds of thousands of dollars — is neither fair nor feasible. The law, as written, reflects a lack of understanding of the real-world challenges it poses to property owners.”
Rick Staub, managing director for Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, said the impact will not be immediate, as the first few years hotels will only be required to submit emissions data. He said he was more concerned about finding the capital required to convert his facility once state emissions standards are applied.
“I look at my building and predominantly our heating system is gas generated,” he said. “To move to all electric without some type of government assistance, I don’t see how anyone will be able to afford it … It’s a
See HARTMAN Page 16
Adding new members is vital to sustaining the ability to carry out the mission of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City. On Oct. 2, the newest member of the club, Jerry Corso, was inducted. Pictured from left to right are Sponsor Ron Wildgust, Corso and Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing. A former assistant DA and later a presiding judge in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania for the Court of Common Pleas, Corso bought his first house in Ocean Pines in 1990 and moved to his current residence in 2000 in the Pines.
Continued from Page 14
great idea, but the cost burden for owners is going to be astronomical, and I don’t know where the money is going to come from.”
Hartman said he has been in contact with constituents concerned about the electrification requirements. He said one hotelier had reported his energy costs would increase from $500,000 a year to $2.1 million if he moved away from his current boiler system.
“It would be incredibly expensive,” he said. “And it’s near impossible to retrofit.”
The same concerns are also being shared at the municipal level.
Terry McGean, city manager for the Town of Ocean City, said the regulations would apply to three municipal buildings – Northside Park, which is already all electric, the convention center, which recently switched to a natural gas fueled boiler system, and the public safety building.
“One major issue is the public safety building which is covered by the standard. It is designed to remain operational after a major disaster and one of the key ways that it is able to do so is it uses a generator and heating system that operate off the same diesel fuel that is stored on site in an underground tank,” he explained. “That way if the city loses power after a storm or other event, we have the ability to stay in operation and have ample available fuel for power, heat, and cooling. If we are forced to go to zero emissions, that means a huge upfront cost, not just for our heating system but for a much larger generator. In order to keep the generator safe, it is fully enclosed on the second
floor of the building. Unknown if a larger generator will even fit in that space.”
Hartman said he is drafting two bills ahead of next year’s General Assembly session. One, he said, would exclude hotels from the mandates, while another would exclude buildings used for public safety, shelter or utilities.
“This has been a nightmare for governments, as they haven’t been exempt from most of their buildings,” he said. “What I’m trying to do is protect us and other counties from having to succumb to this. And if we have a natural disaster, like the one currently being experienced in the southeast, we can’t go that long on electric. That’s the reason for that legislation.”
Officials argued the new standard could also have other unintended consequences for the PJM electric grid.
“With only eight grids in the US, and the PJM in the northeast, there is only so much distribution,” Susan Jones, executive director for the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said. “While we are not opposed to reduction of greenhouse gas, it is alarming that the PJM would not be able to service the requirements of the legislation. It seems like bills are being rushed to pass because they sound like a great idea, and the thorough evaluation is an afterthought.”
At the county level, the Worcester County Commissioners last week voted unanimously to send a letter to the state voicing their opposition to the regulations. They also shared concerns that enforcement would be handed down to the county governments.
Resort leaders report daily attendance of 51K for firstever country music festival
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Oct. 11, 2024) While more arrests were reported last weekend, officials say traffic improvements and sunny skies contributed to the success of the first-ever Country Calling Festival.
More than 50,000 concertgoers converged on downtown Ocean City last Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Country Calling Festival, held at the south end of the beach and Boardwalk. Learning from the recent Oceans Calling Festival, which started out with heavy rains and transportation delays, officials say they were better prepared for this weekend’s event.
“Country Calling weekend went very smoothly,” City Manager Terry McGean said this week. “We carried around 27,000 bus riders each day and the promoter helped out by providing additional buses and drivers to supplement our fleet at the end of each day. This helped to significantly reduce wait times leaving the event. EMS and police calls from within the festival grounds were also minimal. Great job by the Ocean City team and the promoter.”
Earlier this year, promoter C3 Presents shared plans for a two-day country music festival to follow its popular, three-day Oceans Calling event. And last Friday, against the backdrop of sunny skies, the first-ever Country Calling Festival kicked off in downtown Ocean City.
Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said 55,000 tickets were sold ahead of Country Calling and roughly 51,000 attended each of the two days. In preparation for the influx of visitors to downtown Ocean City, officials said improvements were made to the transportation system that attendees used going to and from the festival grounds.
“The biggest change was that the promoter contracted with an outside school bus company to provide additional buses for the 8 p.m. and beyond timeframe to get people from the festival to their destination,” Transit Manager Rob Shearman said. “We were skeptical coming in as to how smoothly that would go because of the inability to communicate between the two services. But we used some unused radios to get people on the same channel, and they performed admirably.”
Shearman said bus ridership was comparable to the previous Oceans
Calling weekend, and that no major issues were reported on the buses. However, Ocean City Police Department Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said more arrests were reported during Country Calling.
“Country Calling was another successful weekend from a public safety standpoint,” she said. “We did see a few more arrests this weekend than compared to Oceans Calling. We had eight arrests between Friday and Saturday in or just outside the festival grounds. With Country Calling being the second weekend, we improved the traffic detail. We used what we saw during Oceans Calling and made some minor adjustments to ensure traffic continued to flow on the south end. It was noticeably different this go-around. Transportation was able to secure additional buses, which I am sure played a helping hand in this.”
Overall, officials praised the festival’s promoter, as well as city employees, for pulling off another successful festival weekend. For her part, Ocean City Marketing and Communications Director Jessica Waters said both events were the culmination of years of work from both the city and C3 Presents.
“In the beginning, there were a lot of people who questioned whether or not we could pull it off – and many
who believed it wouldn’t be possible to host a festival of this size on our beach and Boardwalk,” she said. “However, our staff, the Boardwalk businesses and the phenomenal team at C3 kept pushing for the dream, which ultimately resulted in the two incredible events for music fans.”
Mayor Rick Meehan agreed, saying, “Country Calling was another huge success.”
Meehan added, “The concerts were great, our hotels were full and businesses throughout town also busy. Everyone I saw was having a great time. We introduced a lot of new visitors to our town, and I think it just proves that Ocean City is a great venue and we need to continue to capitalize on our assets. Thanks again to C3 and our city staff for making this happen.”
Like Oceans Calling, Country Calling utilized the same setup, with the beach and Boardwalk south of North Division Street included in the festival footprint. Ocean City Hotel-MotelRestaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones said the weather, combined with friendly visitors and great music, made for a successful weekend for businesses in and around the resort.
“Businesses that I have spoken
See BUSINESS Page 22
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) While no formal action was taken, the Berlin Planning Commission and the Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham developers reached an agreement this week.
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the town’s planning commission once again were presented concept plans for the proposed Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham planned for Berlin. The
outline includes an authentic brick exterior, mature trees around the pool, cornices, plate glass storefronts, and other elements similar to the Victorian downtown area.
Developers initially approached the planning team in March with a proposal to build a four-story, 78-unit Microtel Inn and Suites on the east side of Route 113 near Franklin Avenue. The builders went before the committee again in July, and the group criti-
cized the outlined structure for a lack of Berlin charm. The commission's priority has been to ensure the hotel matches the town’s historic aesthetics.
In particular, a few planning group members were unhappy with the proposed building’s overall “box” appearance.
“Looking at the current plan, it doesn’t work for me,” Commissioner Pete Cosby said at the summer meeting. “The colors, the architecture, it
Continued from Page 13
“The issue is where is someone’s domicile,” he said. “Domicile is where they intend to make their home and where they reside. You can have 10 residences, but you can only have one domicile.”
Moore said his client had moved from Bishopville to her residence on Convention Center Drive in January. He noted, however, that she had arranged to rent out her property on Airbnb during the month of July. During that time, he said, Smith and her husband, Ocean City Police Department Sgt. Doug Smith, traveled.
“You are required to be domiciled for
four months in Ocean City prior to the election, and she is a registered voter of Ocean City in advance of four months ahead of the election. But when the time came, she had a choice … If she had terminated her Airbnb contracts, it would have cost her thousands of dollars …,” he said. “So what she did was take an RV and went to Castaways on 611 and she went to Chincoteague so she could honor her Airbnb in July. Since then, she has come back, and she resides there.”
James, however, said he had heard from Bishopville residents claiming Smith to be their neighbor. He also presented reports from Airbnb and Deckard Technologies – a short-term
rental tax collection company the town uses – showing bookings being made at her Ocean City property for stays in July, August and September. He said her residence was rented out for 60 nights throughout the summer.
But Smith said Ocean City continued to be her primary residence. She told the council she maintained her Bishopville home.
“I do have a very large home office I still use because everything I have real estate wise is in there,” she said, “and I go back and forth to use that office. But I’m literally there two or three hours a day and I leave. That’s it.”
Moore said Smith comported with Maryland law of being a domiciliary of Ocean City. In response to the short-term rental Smith had established at her property, Moore said, “I’m entitled to do what I want with my property as long as it’s my intent to return to my property and live there.”
City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told council members Wednesday the town charter had tasked the council with determining a candidate’s qualifications. In this specific instance, she said, they must consider where Smith lives and where she is registered to vote.
“As for where she lives, that seems to be, perhaps, of some controversy,” she said. “So you all need to make a finding of where does Ms. Smith live … If she lives in the Ocean City address, then Mr. Moore is correct. You have to make a finding that she had the intent to abandon that domicile.”
Doug Smith said he believed his wife to be a qualified candidate. As a city police officer, he said he would not let his wife do something he thought was illegal.
“I don’t know where you all live, so don’t assume where I live,” he said. “I can tell you right now, my head lays in a bed on Convention Center Drive.”
Following an hour-plus-long hearing, a motion to accept Smith as a qualified candidate failed in a 2-3 vote, with James, Savage and Knight opposed and Gehrig and Carol Proctor in favor. DeLuca abstained from the vote, and Councilman Peter Buas, an attorney in Moore’s law firm, left the room for the hearing.
just doesn’t work … We talked about getting Victorian street lamps; you have three, but not throughout the project. It is just incoherent.”
Through early discussions, the planning commission told developers they wanted to see architecture more aligned with downtown Berlin’s oldschool style. The developer’s legal team encouraged the commission to provide specific design guidelines, which the town does not currently have to provide to prospective developers. The builders were told to regroup and return, which they did this week. This time, as more aspects similar to Berlin’s uniqueness were added and enhanced, the commission was receptive to the upgraded proposal.
The revised elevations for the hotel were inspired by various structures throughout Berlin. The upgraded design presented replaces brick veneer with authentic brick instead.
The material, placed on the left side of the hotel from the top of the cornices down, will be sourced and repurposed from old buildings nearing the end of their lives.
“It will be authentic, used, old, 100year-old brick on a third of the hotel,” site applicant Thomas Zambetis said.
To capture Berlin's historic charm, the developers’ plan includes simple geometric forms like Outten’s Delites, flat roofs with parapets similar to
Heart of Gold Kids, and large plate glass storefronts like those at Beach Memories Studio.
Brick is planned as the material underneath the glass storefronts in the proposed hotel. The commission recommended that developers use paneling instead, as seen at Beach Memories Studio, to remain cost-effective.
The developers also note the roof will be constructed to support solar and maintain it will not be visible.
Mark Cropper, attorney for applicant Zambetis, said the goal was to have the elevations approved at Wednesday night’s meeting. However, per the discussions with the town’s planning commission, the developer agreed to make additional minor modifications and return within the next few weeks to get the concept plans approved.
The current moratorium that prohibits the planning commission from signing off on final site plans, annexation requests, and rezoning until a new planning director is hired does not apply to Microtel’s impending elevation authorization. The project must undergo a few more design phases before ultimate approval, allowing the commission to confirm the preliminary outline.
“The intent was not to stop everything in its tracks,” Berlin Administrator Mary Bohlen said of the pause. “It was to get everything as far as it could but stop just shy of the final site approval.”
• The history of Ocean City, Md., from its beginning in the 1870s to the present day. Over 500 photo images.
• A hardbound, 220-page coffee table book featuring cover by noted artist Paul McGehee.
• Over seven years in the making with personal memories of Ocean City’s locals and visitors. Recall your own favorite memories of Maryland’s famous beach resort.
• Revisit the old restaurants and long-vanished hotels, relive summer nights on the Boardwalk, go fishing on the ocean or the bay, and learn about the fires and storms that changed the town forever.
Vanishing Ocean City is available for $49.95 at select locations in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and Salisbury. It can also be ordered online at vanishingoc.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.
Continued from Page 18
with were certainly pleased with the crowds,” she said. “We had a family weekend at the festival. It was so awesome to see so many enjoying Ocean City.”
Bull on the Beach Manager Brad Wells agreed, reporting his Boardwalk establishment was well prepared for Country Calling and had even changed its menu to better serve concertgoers.
“It was great,” he said. “The weather was absolutely perfect, and I think there were a lot of people out and about that wouldn’t have been there if it was raining. We were actually a little busier Friday than we were for Oceans Calling. I also think our food resonated with fans. We just adjusted our menu a little bit and did some country-type cooking on there.”
Even business owners outside of the festival footprint reported a strong weekend. Johnny Brooks, owner of Crabcake Factory restaurants in north Ocean City and West Ocean City, said the back-to-back festival weekends “extended the season very nicely and they are great right before the Cruisin event.”
“Both our Ocean City and West Ocean City locations fared very well
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both weekends,” he said. “Breakfast crowds were lined up every day at the original location in north Ocean City and stayed steady till late. West location did all-you-can-eat open to close for the first time and had a recordbreaking weekend at Country Calling. Hopefully, they will add another day to Country Calling next year.”
Crawl Street Tavern owner Wendy DiBuo said her business remained open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and reported record breakfast sales throughout Country Calling. She said both Oceans Calling and Country Calling festivals provided the economic boost local businesses needed, particularly after a slow summer start.
“Many of our business owners chat and a lot of us had a slow start in May and early June, and having these events have really helped the overall picture of the season …,” she said. “These events brought a lot more revenue that many people did not gain in the spring. It was almost like a little shift in the season. We’re grateful for that.”
DiBuo also recognized both the city and C3 Presents for bringing both festivals to Ocean City. While noting that improvements could be made, DiBuo was impressed with the organization’s advanced planning and communica-
tion.
“When business owners feel like we’re included in the planning and there’s communication about what is actually happening, I think it greatly improves the overall experience of the event goers,” she said. “I give them an A-plus.”
Michael James, president of James Hospitality, which manages several hotels throughout the resort including the landmark Carousel in north Ocean City, agreed. While occupancy rates did not match that of Oceans Calling, he said he was pleased with the business last weekend’s event brought.
“It was good, not great,” he said. “Again, a good crowd in terms of behavior and average rates. It was not as strong as Oceans Calling, but it was nice to see it in town, and the town putting these weekends together. And I hope they do it again next year.”
During Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, Councilman John Gehrig concluded his remarks by recognizing town staff and the promoter for putting together another successful festival weekend. He also recognized the attendees to this year’s Oceans Calling and Country Calling events.
“There was no disruption …,” he said, “250,000 in attendance and 14 arrests. So these people don’t bring problems, they bring smiles.”
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This charming Colonial home features built-in seating at the front stoop, brick walkways, picket fencing, lamp post & long driveway. The exterior was fully painted, water heater, front-loading washer and all windows were replaced in 2023, a new roof in 2015. Includes a beautiful brick wood-burning fireplace, an island in the kitchen, & LVP flooring. Plenty of outdoor space on the 13x10 screened porch, or in the rear yard with shed. Located on a lovely cul-de-sac street! Cindy Crockett
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) Berlin’s event calendar is chock-full of autumnal and Halloween ongoings this October.
Berlin’s Fall Cruisers, a vintage car show, is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is $10 the day of the event and free for spectators.
Attendees can enjoy all Berlin offers while checking out the old vehicles.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Berlin will welcome Worcester County residents to its annual Oktoberfest. Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said the the town partnered with Shore Craft Beer, a company dedicated to highlighting regional beers at festivals, to add more local craft breweries to the event this year.
Burley Oak Brewing Company, Berlin Beer Company, Dewey Beer Company, Burnish Beer Company, Big Oyster Brewery, Dogfish Head, Fin City Brewing Company, Heavy Seas Beer, Freedom Brewery, Calvert Beer Company and Cypress Roots Brewing Company will offer a variety of beers to try.
“Historically, our beer selection has been limited,” Wells said. “We listened to what the people were saying and added on.”
Beer tents will be set up, and beer trucks with various taps will be stationed on Pitts and Commerce streets. Attendees can purchase $5 tickets from the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, take them to one of the breweries and they’ll service the draft of choice.
Children’s entertainment will also be provided for free. Cascading Carlos will perform and teach the kids how to juggle, Scales-n-Tails from Assateague State Park is bringing “critters,” young attendees can partake in a fall-themed craft, and face painting will be available.
Oktoberfest will provide live music to its visitors. Two stages, sponsored by Ocean City Tourism and a Maryland Main Street Improvement Grant, will be set up. The stage near the Atlantic Hotel will host The Edelweiss Band and The Dunehounds are slated to perform at the other, near the Sterling Tavern.
Local restaurants’ bratwurst, gluten-free baked goods and Baked Dessert Cafe’s famous pretzels will be for sale.
Wells said that Oktoberfest grows annually. While unfavorable weather conditions hurt last fall’s attendance, the town sold 10,000 beer tickets the year before. Officials hope to see the same, or a higher, number this October.
Parking for the Oct. 19 event will be available at Berlin Intermediate School. Attendees can take the free shuttle into downtown, which Wells said will run on a continuous loop from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No rain date has been set. In the case of inclement weather, the festivities will move indoors.
Berlin is also hosting a pumpkin scavenger hunt. Wells said the event has been going on for a few years and was started to “get people to walk around.”
Local artist Jess Hall of Happy Now Creations painted 24 pumpkins in shop windows. Participants may pick up an entry from the Berlin Welcome Center’s foyer, which is open 24/7, walk around downtown, find the autumnal decorations, and record their discoveries.
On Halloween, a random drawing of the completed forms, which can be dropped off at the Berlin Welcome Center, will occur. The winner will receive $100 cash. Wells maintained that for a participant to have a chance at the prize, they must have found all the pumpkins.
On Oct. 25, the Berlin Horticulture Advisory Committee will hold its first Pumpkins in the Park event, from 7-9 p.m. at the Stephen Decatur Park Pond. Attendees can vote for their favorite pumpkin creations. Businesses and individuals can donate $25 to the group, which will be used for Berlin beautification efforts. In return, they will receive a pumpkin and glow light. They may decorate the fall gourd however they desire, and it will be displayed around the pond at Stephen Decatur Park for spectators. Town residents and visitors can browse the decorated and carved pumpkins and vote on their favorite. If you want to carve and enter a pumpkin, call or email by Oct. 15 at 410-629-1716 or aearly@berlinmd.gov.
The Town of Berlin Utilities Department, in coordination with the Berlin Police Department and other agencies, is hosting a Truck and Treat on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stephen Decatur Park. Officials will bring emergency response vehicles and trucks and will host demonstrations.
Wells said bucket trucks, police vehicles and other town equipment will be on display. Kids can also sit in the drivers’ seats and get up close and personal with Berlin’s official auto machines.
“The kids just love it,” Wells added.
Candy will also be passed out to make it a “Truck and Treat” and fit neatly with the town’s additional Halloween/ fall events.
Upcoming Berlin events are on the town’s website and Facebook page.
Tours, free admission, new programs
(Oct. 11, 2024) The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum will be celebrating Worcester County History Month with a lineup of events over the next two weeks.
The museum, located on the south end of the Boardwalk, will offer programming that accommodates all ages, including the Station 4 Museum tour, aquarium program and an historical figure costume contest.
Those who want to relive some of the best memories from the 1960s should attend guest author Mark Millikin’s discussion as he takes attendees back to Ocean City of the 1960s with slides and plenty of music from the decade. Additionally, local’s week offers free admission to the museum for all Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia residents.
The following events are planned to begin on Oct. 14 with a free fall photo opportunities offered in front of a display of fall flowers, pumpkins, and our 2.5-ton anchor.
Throughout the month, nominations for the Annual Spirit Award will be open. Do you know someone who has helped preserve local history? If so, readers are invited to nominate them for the Spirit Award. Both individuals and organizations are eligible. Please visit ocmuseum.org for nominee requirements.
Oct. 12: Harbor Days at the Docks will be offered from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the commercial harbor in West Ocean City. The museum will have a booth at the event, which features artisan exhibits, seafood cooking demonstrations, tales of the sea, children’s activities, and much more.
Oct. 14-20: Locals Week: The museum will offer free admission to all Eastern Shore locals.
Oct. 14: Station 4 Tour, 1 p.m. Take a free tour of the former lifesaving station with Keeper Allan and learn about the building’s history.
Oct. 15: Creatures Close Up Program, 1 p.m. Learn more about native aquatic wildlife as visitors feed aquarium fish all while taking a close look at the museum’s commercial and sportfishing exhibit.
Oct. 19: Ocean City in the 19602, 11 a.m. Join author Mark Millikin at the new Museum of Ocean City at the corner of Dorchester Street and South Baltimore Avenue at 11 a.m. as he takes attendees back to Ocean City of the 1960s with slides and plenty of music from that decade.
Oct. 20: Historical Figure Costume Contest, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Come dressed as a historical figure to be entered to win a museum prize. For more information visit
Digital, television, print campaigns accounting for 86% of total advertising
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) Drumming up new tourists to visit Maryland’s Coast using Google and Facebook will account for a majority of advertising dollars spent by Worcester County’s tourism office in 2025.
“The most targeted, effective and measurable medium is digital,” wrote county tourism director Melanie Pursel in a memo to the county commissioners. She introduced the fiscal 2025 ad budget items at the board’s Oct. 1 meeting in Snow Hill.
Overall, the county is budgeting $587,481 on destination advertising in the next fiscal year, with marketing buys earmarked for digital, TV, outdoor, print, and radio platforms, according to Pursel.
One specific approach to digital advertising involves what’s known as a programmatic campaign. This is a direct media buy that delivers niche messaging, either using Google ads or social media ads, to pinpoint target
(Sept. 27, 2024) Worcester County Democrats will host a Spirit of the Party Breakfast on Oct. 19 at Worcester Commission on Aging’s Ocean City 50+ Center directly across from the north end of the convention center. The event will feature a Board of Education Candidates Forum.
The forum will allow attendees to learn more about several of the upcoming candidates. All candidates have been invited to the forum. So far, incumbents Jon Andes and Elena McComas have agreed to participate.
Candidates Angela Alsobrooks (U.S. Senate), Blane Miller III (U.S. House) and Peter Buas (Ocean City mayor) have also agreed to provide short presentations.
Former delegate and senator Jim Mathias will be the official greeter and give a welcome talk to get the festivities started. Pocomoke Mayor Todd Nock will be selling arm’s length auction tickets for cash.
Pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, coffee and tea will be served from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $15 per person if paid in advance, and $20 at the door.
Registration forms can be found at worcesterdems.org. Mail forms checks payable to DCCWC, PO Box 1582, Berlin, Md. 21811. Call or text Tish at 410-804-3971 for more information or questions.
markets like golfers, outdoor enthusiasts, or fishermen, for example.
The projected digital ads spend of $245,000 accounts for 42 percent of the budget. Television ads on local TV stations and Comcast are $162,000 (28 percent), and marketing in print will be $94,625 (16 percent).
Lesser campaigns will include $54,856 for local radio spots (9 percent) and $31,000 for billboards and outdoor displays (5 percent).
Worcester County approved $456,000 toward the tourism advertising budget. Another $173,396 is coming from a state tourism grant.
That brings the total advertising allocation to $629,396 – though Pursel noted she’ll hold back about $42,000 in the budget for other spending opportunities that may arise during the fiscal year.
Some of the advertising agreements, like those with Salisburybased television stations WMDT and WBOC, are contracted 12-month media buys. Each TV agreement is a customized plan based on seasonality, which includes saturating the airwaves with tourism ads during the spring season leading into summer.
Most of the print and outdoor advertising is aimed at local audiences (or “in-market” to use ad jargon), to inspire overnight guests in the north end of the county to consider visiting other nearby points of interest – for instance, a family visiting Ocean City could be gently reminded of opportunities to visit a state park in Snow Hill, or a retail shop in Pocomoke City.
“This creates more interest in the
region, thus extending stays or generating repeat visitation,” wrote Pursel.
This month marks four years since Worcester County’s tourism department rebranded as “Maryland’s Coast.” Pursel said the campaign has been a success, especially among locals who are evangelizing the brand on their own social media pages.
“It’s really been an opportunity for us to take it in so many different directions,” she said in an Oct. 7 interview. “It creates that sense of place. We’re the only place in Maryland where the Atlantic coast meets the land. We wanted to kind of own that space and identify who we are as a recognizable destination. We are tourism-based, agriculture-based, water-based – it’s that sense of identity we’ve created.”
Worcester County Public Schools’ Coordinator of Instruction Cassidy Hamborsky was recently named the recipient of Wilson Language Training’s 2024 Mary Ann Bonneau Administrator Award.
The award is given in honor of Mary Ann Bonneau, a veteran special educator in Worcester (Massachusetts) Public Schools who passed away in May 2004. She worked tirelessly for over 30 years as a special education teacher and chair of the Learning Disabilities Department. Bonneau was an active member of the Wilson community and was involved in several area literacy associations, including the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Her dedication to helping children with disabilities was an inspiration to many.
Hamborsky, as recipient of this
award, embodies Bonneau’s endless commitment to carrying out the Wilson mission in a collaborative effort to make reading a possibility for everyone. Hamborsky was presented the award at Wilson’s National Conference this summer.
Meet prospective employers from across Worcester County and choose from hundreds of seasonal and yearround jobs at the Worcester County Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company from 3-6 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Come prepared, ready to network and take the next step towards your professional goals. Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to advance your career or a recent grad-
uate ready to embark on your first job, this event caters to individuals at every stage of their career journey. This event is being hosted by Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED) in partnership with the Maryland Department of Human Services. For more information, contact WCTED Workforce Development Specialist Nancy Schwendeman at nschwendeman@co.worcester.md.us or (410) 632-3112 x2120.
Coastal Hospice has announced the return of the Coastal Walk & 5K Run presented by Beachwood, Inc. Custom Builders on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Assateague State Park. This event is hosted by Beachwood Inc. and sponsored by Assateague State Park and Park Services, benefiting Coastal Hospice for the support of
charitable care at the Macky & Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines. Participants can choose to compete (or not) in a 2-mile walk or 5K run at this year’s event at Assateague State Park. The 5K course run will start on the paved bike path, for approximately one mile and then move on to the beach, for the remainder of the run. The 2-mile walk will be completely on the paved bike path and will be an out-and-back course. Participants will be able to run down near the water’s edge (hard sand) or up near (but not on) the dunes for soft sand. We are excited to have our furry friends run or walk alongside you as long as they are leashed.
Participants should arrive at 8 a.m. for registration, refreshments, and music with a 9 a.m. start. Each participant will receive a long sleeve shirt. Medals will be awarded to the placing participants in each of the categories following the race. Registration for this event is $30 per participant with sponsorship opportunities available. Register or sponsor now at www.coastalhospice.org/coastal-walk-run.
More than just a morning of fun activity, this is an important event benefiting the Macky & Pam Stansell House of Coastal Hospice, a state-ofthe-art hospice residence and community outreach center in Ocean Pines. Stansell House offers hospice residence, short-term acute care intervention for hospice patients who need intensive symptom management, and respite care, giving caregivers the opportunity to take a break knowing their loved ones are in good, expert care.
The Ocean Pines Association will host a town hall meeting with Republic Services on Friday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. in the Clubhouse Meeting Room. The event will offer residents and homeowners the opportunity to ask questions directly to Republic personnel regarding their trash service.
For additional information, including a FAQ from Republic Services, visit the Ocean Pines Association website at www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/f aq.
(Oct. 10, 2024) Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity), a local nonprofit organization, is seeking donations of new basic needs items for its annual “VAULToberfest” fundraiser.
The VAULT (Vast Amounts of Useful Little Things) is a room in GOLD’s office where eligible residents can privately shop for necessities like diapers, wipes, car seats, clothing, household items, hygiene products, and shelf-stable food.
“In Snow Hill and Pocomoke, 50% of households don’t earn enough to afford their basic needs, with even more one step away from an emergency. Last year, GOLD’s VAULT served 227 households with $20,000 worth of items we believe all people should have access to,” said GOLD Executive Director Nick Cranford. According to Cranford, “Our clients are
referred to us by agents employed with our fourteen community partners including the Department of Social Services, Health Department, and Diakonia. During our over 25 years of experience in Worcester County, we’ve developed strong relationships and an effective and efficient system for impactful and immediate assistance. Our neighbors are desperate for help, so we’re asking for donations of items to keep the VAULT’s shelves from going bare.”
To support this fundraising effort, supporters can drop off items at GOLD’s office at 201 River Street in Snow Hill, Md, 21863 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or you can visit their website at www.WorcesterGOLD.org to donate online or shop their Walmart or Amazon registries and have items shipped directly to GOLD’s office.
(Oct. 11, 2024) Hardwire LLC, military armor manufacturer and leader in advanced ballistic technology, recently donated two emergency response shields to Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore. This contribution underscores Hardwire’s commitment to enhancing safety in educational institutions locally and nationwide.
These shields will be in place as students return to the Junior Achievement facility beginning Oct. 10. The Hardwire Emergency Response Shield® (ERS®) is designed to provide crucial ballistic protection in the event of an active shooter emergency situation, helping to create a safer environment for students, educators, and volunteers. This donation is subsequent to a series of donations made by Hardwire in 2022, outfitting Worcester, Somerset, and Wicomico counties’ public schools with over 1,700 Emergency Response Shields.
The ERS® has recently been designated by the Department of Homeland Security under the SAFETY Act as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT). Much like a fire extinguisher, the ERS® is a helpful tool that offers protection until first responders arrive. As schools and public facilities face increasing safety concerns, Hardwire recognizes the
importance of equipping educational institutions with the necessary tools to respond effectively.
“Our mission is not only to protect our communities but also to support the institutions that shape the future of our youth,” said Emily Tunis, President & COO at Hardwire LLC. “We are honored to partner with Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore and contribute to a safer learning environment.”
Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore empowers young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a global economy. The ad-
dition of the shields will further enhance the organization’s ability to provide a secure and productive educational experience.
“We are so grateful for the generous donation from Hardwire,” said Jayme Hayes, President and Chief Experiential Officer at Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore.
“The Emergency Response Shields are crucial in providing an added layer of protection, ensuring the safety of students and staff in today’s uncertain environment. It reflects a strong commitment to creating secure learning spaces for everyone.”
Hot rod, custom car show held at convention center
(Oct. 11, 2024) The 27th Annual Endless Summer Cruisin Car Show has returned to Ocean City and runs through Sunday, Oct. 13.
The four-day automotive event continues to be one of the eastern region’s best fall car shows with hot rods, cool classics, customs and more. The headquarters of the event will be the Inlet parking lot with activities at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street as well as businesses around town.
Scheduled to appear at the event is television star Cristy Lee from the hit shows Steal this House, Garage Squad, All Girls Garage and more. Lee will be at the Inlet parking lot Friday and inside the OC Convention Center on Saturday. Also joining the fun from the classic show Different Strokes will be Todd Bridges, who will be inside the convention center on Thursday and Friday and at the Inlet on Saturday. Additional entertainment includes a pedal car show, a neon light car show, deejays, live music, a beard contest and more.
Some of the top national names in the country will be on display at Manufacturer’s Midway located at the Inlet including Advance Auto Parts, Advantage Lifts, AMSOIL, Bruno’s Classic Muscle, Capital Vacations, CarCapsule, Carroll Shelby Racing, Classic Auto Mall, Creations Auto Body, Maryland Lottery, Photo Magic OC, T-Mobile and many more. Also make sure to check out Gateway Classic Cars and Wildfire Lifts that will be on display inside the convention center as well as a vendor showroom with automotive vendors, plus jewelry, arts and crafts and a swap meet.
Another Endless Summer Cruisin Car Show highlight are the special Boardwalk parades that will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Parades begin at 8 a.m. leaving 27th street and slowly moving south along the Boardwalk to the Inlet.
Being held in conjunction with Endless Summer Cruisin is the Hot Rod & Custom Car Show taking place indoors at the convention center Oct. 11 and 12. Some of the hottest show cars on display will be competing for cash and trophy awards.
Spectator tickets for Endless Summer Cruisin are $15/day Thursday, Friday and Saturday and $10/day Sunday. Four-day event passes are also available for $40 at the event. For more information on Endless Summer Cruisin or to register to be a participant visit www.EndlessSummerCruisin.com or call 410-7986304.
Clients
During her 80th birthday party gathering, the Taustin family surprised Trudy Stock last weekend with the dining room at The Embers now being referred to officially as “Trudy’s Dining Room.” Stock served at The Embers for 55 years, making her a well-known icon around Ocean City. During the birthday event, Cole Taustin of The Embers surprised Stock with the new designation. Above, Taustin is pictured with Stock before the new plaque affixed to the interior wall.
Free concerts, kid friendly activities, bonfires, bike show, fireworks planned
(Oct. 11, 2024) Set for Oct. 24-27, Sunfest, billed as the Town of Ocean City’s “thank you for the season” event and one of the largest outdoor festivals in the region, will feature an exciting lineup of entertainment, delicious food, arts and crafts, and endless fun for the whole family. Admission to Sunfest is free.
Visitors to Sunfest can expect some new additions with its new and later date on the fall calendar.
Live entertainment: Sunfest is known for its outstanding live performances, and this year is no exception. Enjoy four days of free musical acts including Vertical Horizon, All Revved Up “Meat Loaf Tribute”, The Gathering Gloom “The Cure Tribute”, and multiple genres ensuring there is something for every music enthusiast.
Delicious food: Savor the flavors of Ocean City with an array of mouthwatering dishes and treats. Sunfest’s selection of food vendors offer tasty made-to-order eats so you won’t go hungry.
Arts and crafts: Discover unique
treasures and one-of-a-kind creations from talented artisans and crafters. Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, you'll find it here.
Kid-friendly activities: Kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including a beach maze, beach tractor rides, pumpkin races, OC Jeep Club’s Drive-n-Disguise & Halloween Trunk or Treat, and more. For some of the events, come dressed in your costumes.
Dog Days of Sunfest: With the Ocean City’s Boardwalk and beach open to pets in October, Sunfest brings activities tailored to the furry friend member of the family. Opportunities include State and County K9 demonstrations, the Howl-O-Ween pet parade, expert trainer PETx talks, a “Try-It” agility and weave pole course, and the return of Dock Dogs with a National Points Competition. Novice dogs who love toys and water can enter the Dock Dogs event online at DockDogs.com.
Bike events: Saturday brings bicycle fans for the third annual Show-NShine & Swap Meet. Showcase your vintage, modern or custom bike or
sell and trade bicycle-related products and parts. All are welcome and participation is free. If you wish to showcase your wares, register online at ococean.com/sunfest/activities.
Saturday Bonfires and fireworks: As the sun sets, Ocean City’s Sunfest comes alive. Gather on the beach Saturday evening for a cozy bonfire and music, followed by fireworks, creating a magical family-friendly evening.
“Sunfest has always been a beloved tradition in Ocean City and is our way of saying thank you for a great season,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “We are thrilled to welcome locals and visitors back for another incredible year.”
Parking is restricted at the festival grounds so it is advised visitors take advantage of the Town’s Park and Ride services. The West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50 just west of the bridge provides a convenient location for attendees with free parking and affordable shuttle service to and from the South Transit Center on S. Division Street, just one block from Sunfest. Shuttle service is $4 to ride all day.
(Oct. 11, 2024) Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $159,510,910 in revenue from slot machines and table games during September 2024, an increase of $4,413,131 (2.8%) compared to September 2023.
Casino gaming contributions to the state during September 2024 totaled $68,698,479, an increase of $2,257,334 (3.4%) compared to September 2023.
Contributions to the Education Trust Fund during September 2024 were $49,528,174, an increase of $1,679,744 (3.5%) compared to September 2023. Casino gaming revenues also support the communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minority- and women-owned businesses.
Maryland’s six privately owned casinos offer both slot machines and table games: MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County; Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County; Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City; Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County; Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County; and Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County.
Ocean Downs Casino, with its 866 slot machines and 19 table games, brought in $8,758,104 in revenue in September 2024, an increase of $24,564 (0.3%) from September 2023.
The gaming revenue totals for September 2024 were as follows:
MGM National Harbor (2,287 slot machines, 212 table games): $66,952,859 in September 2024, an increase of $4,982,879 (8.0%) from September 2023
Live! Casino & Hotel (3,873 slot machines, 179 table games): $59,595,589 in September 2024, an increase of $1,183,146 (2.0%) from September 2023
Horseshoe Casino (1,344 slot machines, 115 table games): $13,119,567 in September 2024, a decrease of $1,332,169 (-9.2%) from September 2023
Hollywood Casino (731 slot machines, 23 table games): $6,660,049 in September 2024, a decrease of $62,405 (-0.9%) from September 2023
Rocky Gap Casino (629 slot machines, 16 table games): $4,424,740 in September 2024, a decrease of $382,885 (-8.0%) from September 2023
(Oct. 11, 2024) Wor-Wic Community College recently installed its third president, Deborah Casey in a ceremony held at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Casey has held the role since August 2023, and in her first year, she has worked to advance the institution, announcing new initiatives and goals for the college as it approaches its 50th anniversary.
During the investiture ceremony before an audience of state and local officials, community members, guests from other colleges and universities as well as Wor-Wic students, faculty and staff, Casey spoke about her vision for ensuring another 50 years of success for the college.
“When I was hired to serve you, the trustees charged me to lead with courage, to inspire with vision and to serve with humility, while upholding the values that have made Wor-Wic Community College a beacon of hope and opportunity in our three counties,” Casey said. “For 50 years, this college has been providing accessible, affordable and high-quality education to countless students and our local workforce. This institution is our place of learning; it is a cornerstone of our communities. Wor-Wic has been pivotal in shaping the futures of individuals and families across the Lower Shore, fostering economic growth, and empowering generations to dream bigger and reach higher.”
Casey noted the many successes that Wor-Wic has had over the past year.
“This fall we offered two sevenweek terms or one 15-week term for students to enroll in classes; in partnership with the Maryland Higher Education Commission we financially incentivized full-time student status; we implemented a standardized course schedule; opened our beautiful Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center building, offering more
credit and non-credit programs; received our first National Science Foundation grant for advanced technologies; started a fire science program; created a new risk management and insurance concentration; signed a transfer agreement with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore into the School of Pharmacy and a two-way transfer degree with Salisbury University in forensic science; taught at Eastern Correctional Institution; successfully completed 10-year accreditation for occupational therapy assistant and physical therapist assistant programs; our radiologic technology students had a 100% success rate on their licensure exam followed by our licensed practical nursing program being ranked No. 1 nationally by the Mountain Measurement report; and we graduated our 93rd police academy class.”
Casey said she wants the next half century to build upon that success.
“As we look ahead, my vision for Wor-Wic is clear,” she said. “Our focus will remain steadfast on our one-college model increasing student access and success while creating pathways from K-12 school districts, dual enrollment, Junior Achievement Center, industry, apprenticeships and career and technical education programs to Wor-Wic and from Wor-Wic to our transfer partners or the workforce. We will continue to create pathways that are flexible, inclusive and innovative, ensuring that every student who walks through our doors has the tools they need to thrive, whether in furthering their education, the workforce or life.”
By Steve Green
A farmer on a combine talking on his cell
When I don’t forget something important
Berlin’s Halloween spirit already
Stopping on Assateague for horses crossing the road
The ride to a little getaway
The ride home from a little getaway
A wrap over a bun
Movies that keep my teens’ attention
Driving in silence
When a hearty salad fills me up
A surprisingly clean public restroom
WIth Bunk Mann
This artist’s conception of Ocean City purports to show how it appeared in 1895. Published to promote the Baltimore, Chesapeake, and Atlantic Railway, it pictures the hotels and cottages available for rent for summer visitors of that era.
The first permanent Boardwalk was built in 1885 and can be seen along the hotel frontage. At the time of this image the Inlet did not exist; it would be created as the result of a hurricane in 1933. The beach appears much wider than it actually was in the 1890s – possibly an attempt by the artist to make it more appealing to prospective visitors.
The large “L” shaped hotel on the lower left was Congress Hall and the block long building in the center was the original Atlantic Hotel. Behind it and a block from the Boardwalk was the Seaside Hotel. All three of these hotels would be lost to fires in the early 20th century.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Image courtesy the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum
BLU CRAB HOUSE
COURTYARD
410-289-3322
24th Street & Coastal Hwy.
Thursday, October 17: TBA
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY
28th Street Coastal Hwy.
Saturday, October 12: Muskrat Lightning
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk
In The Courtyard Marriott
Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano
COCONUTS BEACH BAR
410-289-6846
Oceanfront At Castle
In The Sand Hotel
37th & 38th Streets
Friday, October 11:
Heather Vidal & The Permilla Project
Saturday, October 12:
Rick & Regina & Secondhand Reggae Band
Sunday, October 13:
Shortcut Sunny & Lauren Glick Band
Thursday, October 17: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.
Friday, October 11: Wes Davis
Saturday, October 12:
DJ Giddy Up & Identity Crisis
CRABCAKE
FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE
Friday, October 11: True Country
Wednesday, October 16: Brian Bishop
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756
Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.
Friday, October 11:
Dust N Bones
Saturday, October 12: TBA
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay
Friday, October 11:
The 8-Trax, DJ RobCee
PISTOL WHIPPED
Pickles Pub: Saturday, October 12
RICK & REGENIA
Beach Bar: Saturday, October 12
IDENTITY CRISIS
Coins Pub: Saturday, October 12
OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
Harborside: Sunday, October 13
Thursday, October 17
Fager’s Island: Monday, October 14
CECILIA’S FALL
Harborside: Saturday, October 12
DUST N BONES
Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, October 11
Harborside (Duo): Thursday, October 17
& Lithium & Candy
Saturday, October 12:
Bad W/ Names, DJ Mary Jane & Deep Space 90’s
Monday, October 14:
Tranzfusion & DJ Groove
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Saturday, October 12:
TBA
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Friday, October 11:
DJ Billy T
Saturday, October 12:
Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler
Sunday, October 13:
Opposite Directions
Wednesday, October 16:
DJ Billy T
Thursdays:
Dust N Bones
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays:
Beats By DeoGee
Saturday, October 12:
Pistol Whipped
Sunday, October 13:
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
Friday & Saturday, October 11 & 12: Party Fowl
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy.
Friday, October 11:
DJ Flight, DJ Connair, DJ Davie, Laura Lea Duo & The Way Outs
Saturday, October 12:
DJ E-State, DJ Davie, John McNutt Duo & Kicking Sunrise
Thursday, October 17: DJ Connair
THE WEDGE
410-289-5121
806 S. Atlantic Ave.
Sunday, October 13: Jason Lee
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
Are you ready for some football?
Months of anticipation leaves fans in a frenzied state. While watching your favorite team at a local pub is fun, the comforts of one’s home saves money and is more relaxing. Stay true to your style and budget, and kick pretentiousness out the door.
Specialty drinks are fun and enhance the overall adult beverage theme. Quarterbacks, like thoughtful hosts, leads the festivities with a great opening drive. A Spiced Apple Fizz, created by Naren Young features vodka, pear brandy, hard apple cider, fresh
lemon juice, and honey syrup for a lipsmacking aperitif. Simply mix 1 ½ ounces vodka, ½ ounce pear brandy, ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ ounce honey syrup, hard apple cider to top, garnish with a slice of apple and sprinkle of cinnamon.
At the same time, do not get penalized for skipping those who do not partake of adult beverages. A tea and coffee service with an assortment of teas, coffees, cream, and sugars will be greatly appreciated. Don’t forget to remove any seeds from the slices of lemon. A “false start” is not a good way to start the game.
Usage of space is a major consideration in any level of entertaining. As your company cheers their team on, it is imperative to provide ample legroom for proper celebration and frustration. In-
corporate appetizers and lite fare throughout the entire surroundings. This consideration prevents predictability. Tradition is a good thing but this culinary philosophy can be overturned in a split second. Vegetable platters have graced menus for ages. Football enthusiasts are elevated to an emotional level beyond comprehension. Raw carrots and broccoli aren’t going to measure up to the hype of the game. Fans need substance that will give them hope to the very last second of the game.
Tempura string beans, cauliflower, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are the difference between an extra point or a twopoint conversion. Tempura batter can be purchased at your supermarket. Simply follow instructions according to the package. Chilled tempura batter is the key to
a winning dish.
When the score is tied, time to present the secret “play.” Grape jelly meatballs are a favorite on the Eastern Shore. Two pounds mini frozen meatballs, 1 ½ cups ketchup, and ¾ cup grape jelly is all you need. Place in a slow cooker and garnish with fresh parsley and a dusting of chopped peanuts. The peanuts are optional but add a contrast in texture. It can’t get any easier than this. No fuss and that makes a host happy.
Yes, watching football is an exhausting American pastime. Blood pressure skyrockets and praying to the Almighty are just a few “given” while watching the tube. Offering a grilled dish makes for a memorable game. Grilled pork and veggie sliders will have guests giving you the high-five.
Pork loin can be tough, but it is cheaper in price. Brining it for two days will yield tender bites. Place the pork loin in a large Ziploc bag and add 1/8 cup of table salt. Fill the bag with enough water to cover it. Then double the Ziploc bag, place in a bowl and refrigerate for two days.
Remove the pork from the bags and rinse thoroughly. Allow the meat to rest in fresh cold water for 10 minutes. Repeat this process and pat dry with paper towels.
Apply a thin layer of Dijon mustard to the pork. Add a heavy coat of onion and garlic powder. Then add a dusting of dried oregano and crushed rosemary, followed by a heavy coat of black pepper. Grill on a charcoal grill until it is blackened on all sides. Place in a 325-degree oven and cook until it reaches 140 degrees. Remove and place on a cooling rack and pour olive oil on the meat to help cool it down. Slice the pork into very thin slices once cool.
For the vegetable component, grill whole zuchhini, yellow squash, red onion, baby portobellas, and colorful bell peppers. Once cool, remove all stems and seeds. Coarsely chop, and place in a metal sieve over top of a bowl. Place a saucer over the vegetables and press firmly to squeeze all of the natural juices out. Put veggies in a bowl and lightly toss with extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt.
Presentation: Place the grilled pork on the bottom of a slider roll, followed with grilled veggies and add the top bun. Your team may not come out on top but grilled pork sliders with veggies are sure to be a big hit.
Secret Ingredient = Power
He is the most powerful who is himself, in his power.
- Seneca
(Oct. 11, 2024) Freeman Arts Pavilion recently announced an upcoming event with Clear Space Theatre Company that will take guests behind the curtains of a major theatrical production.
Tickets are on sale now for “Producing an Iconic Masterpiece: Sweeney Todd,” which offers a glimpse into the creative process of creating one of Clear Space’s biggest and most challenging shows to produce for the stage. Guests will see the creative process of how a show gets put together — from vision to performance. The event will highlight what goes into casting a show and how costumes, sets and other production elements are created. A brief performance and Q&A session may also take place.
This event will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in the Town Hall of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation Office Building, located at 31255 Americana Parkway, Selbyville Del. 19975. Tickets are $25, plus fees and can be purchased at freemanarts.org. This event is sponsored in part by the Carl M. Freeman Foundation. To learn more about Clear Space Theatre Company, visit clearspacetheatre.org.
(Sept. 27, 2024) Members of the Ocean City Recreation and Parks department are inviting invite families and residents to a Halloween "Spook Out" Party, from 103 p.m., Oct. 27, at the Northside Park Ballfield.
The free community event promises to deliver thrills and excitement for all ages, with no pre-registration required.
Participants are required to bring one full bag of individually wrapped candy per child to help keep the festivities sweet and safe for all. The party will offer can array of activities, including carnival games, a corn maze, and plenty of snacks. Whether you're young or just young at heart, the event has something for everyone.
Attendees are asked to come dressed in their most creative costumes and take part in a costume parade. Parents and children can strut participate, with plenty of opportunities to capture the moment at various photo spots and selfie stations set up throughout the event.
The event will take place rain or
In case of inclement weather, it will
held inside
(Sept. 27, 2024) As part of ongoing efforts to simplify and expedite Worcester County’s permitting process, development review and permitting is now accepting applications for electrical and one-day liquor per diem permits online.
“We’re listening to our constituents and looking for better ways to do business,” DRP Deputy Director Matthew Laick said in a news release. “Making it possible for our constituents to go online, fill out a form, and submit it whenever and wherever is most convenient to them is just that. Good business.”
(Sept. 27, 2024) The Lower Shore Land Trust is hosting a Halloween fundraiser, Haunted Harvest: Pouring for Preservation, in partnership with Burley Oak Brewing Company from 6-8 p.m., Oct. 28. Burley Oak Brewery is donating a portion of proceeds from the event to the organization.
Along with raffle prizes and live music, attendees can buy Burley Oak brews, poured by two celebrity guest bartenders — Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day and former Lower Shore Land Trust Executive Director Kate Patton. Attendees are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes.
Day grew up in, and eventually became the mayor of, Salisbury, serving from 2015-23. Last year, Gov. Wes Moore (D) nominated Day to serve as the
Maryland secretary of housing and community development. Day has championed initiatives and programs that strengthen local communities and help protect what makes the Eastern Shore a great place to live, work, and play.
Patton served as executive director of the land trust from 2006 until earlier this year. During her time with the organization, she increased the staff of one to six, and helped preserve over 20,000 acres of the lower shore’s working and natural landscape. She continues to serve the Land Trust and its partner organizations in a consulting role and on various boards and committees.
Both Day and Patton are strong supporters of the Lower Shore Land Trust’s mission to protect and restore the lands of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester.
A one-day per diem permit allows any qualified, bona fide religious, fraternal, veterans, political, civic, or other nonprofit organization to sell and serve beer, wine, or liquor at a one-time event. Applicants are able to fill out and submit applications and upload required documentation. Once applications are processed, approved permits are emailed.
Registered electricians may apply for electrical permits, attach any necessary documentation, and click submit. Staff will follow up with applicants if more information is needed.
“You submit the information, and we’ll work with you,” Laick said. “This new process allows DRP staff to better document and communicate with each electrician and to work with the electrical inspection agency of each electrician’s choosing to inspect the work once it is completed. The two processes work well together and make what was once a manual, time-consuming process far more streamlined.”
There is a 3% service fee for credit and debit cards. However, there is no service fee for using the automatic checking option.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you might have been thinking about making changes for a very long time. One of the biggest changes could be moving home base. Look at real estate.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, even if you’re not sure what to do this week, you may have to make a decision quickly. Take an innovative approach when mulling your options if need be.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Nothing but pleasant energy will surround you this week, Gemini. Use it to your advantage to get a lot of things done at your own pace. Then you can enjoy a night or two out this week.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Don’t let a cranky beginning to the week ruin the rest of it. There are plenty of days to recover and have a good time with friends and family.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, typically you enjoy being the center of attention and being gregarious with others. This week you might want to step back and enjoy some quiet time at home.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Just when you thought you wouldn’t hear back from someone you thought was out of your life, he or she turns up again, Virgo. You are not sure how to feel about this.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
This week could prove to be all about the unexpected, Libra. Some things may not go according to plan, but it can be fun to be on a little bit of an adventure.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, you are in a home-driven mood, with plans for renovation on your mind. While you are full of inspiration, the only thing holding you back is the budget.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, if someone had predicted last year where you’d be right now, you might not have believed it. But just look at how far you have come in such a short amount of time.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
You might be walking on shaky ground, Capricorn. Certain variables are shifting, and you need to plan for a way to navigate the new situation. Trust your gut.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
You are always there for other people when they need you no matter how inconvenient that can be for you, Aquarius. This week someone else steps up and take the weight off you.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, you are in a dreamy mood and everything seems like you are looking through rose-colored glasses. Have fun while it lasts, but don’t venture too far away from reality.
A group of WPS Upper School students traveled last month to WBOC as a part of the Worcester Prep WORX program. The newly created WORX program is designed to introduce students to the vast opportunities within the community and beyond. The program combines academic preparation with realworld observation to enhance students’ learning and create opportunities for career exposure. The WORX program features a speaker series, site visits to area businesses, and opportunities to shadow local professionals across various industries. Last week, students learned about the news media industry by reviewing production procedures, discussing on-air responsibilities, and participating in a Q&A with the WBOC team of Steve Hammond, Mike Lichniak and Jacqueline Karli. They were also able to practice delivering weather reports in front of the green screen. Above, program students stand on set behind the WBOC news team. Back, from left, are Stephen Carullo, Grant Crothers, Marina Farlow, Livi Owens, Renata Lovitt, Rori Holland, Avery Roselle, Frankie Miller and Briar Parsons.
by Steve Green
n his 1993 legendary speech, late great Jim Valvano offered some thoughts on what should be included in every great day – laughter, tears and thought.
Just eight weeks before he died from cancer, Valvano, a long-time college basketball coach, said at the ESPYs, “To me, there are three things we all should do every day. … Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”
With two teenagers, 16 and 14, in the house, most days feature laughing, thinking and emotions. I can’t say I am moved to the point of tears each day, but I am humbled often by my emotions because so much of my heart is tied to these kids. I think this is how most engaged parents feel. There were a few moments this week when I did get choked up due to be surprised by Carson. On Monday night, as I was about to watch some football, Pam said, “you are never going to believe this, but Carson wants to go to Homecoming and he wants to take a date.” I did not see that coming at all, but maybe it was wrong of us to believe Carson would not want to go to Homecoming.
In the past, when we have talked about school dances and gave him the option of whether he wanted to attend, Carson quickly shut down the idea. There was no interest whatsoever as shown by a adamant head shake. Though nonverbal, Carson communicates easily with us through body language.
Over the last few weeks, especially during Beckett’s Homecoming weekend, we made a couple dives
with Carson into whether he wanted to go to his approaching Homecoming dance, which is this Saturday. He never made it clear how he felt about it. I think Pam and I were assuming he would pass as he always has previously. After all, Carson does not like crowds and has intense social anxiety. Furthermore, we have always wondered how a dance would even logistically look for Carson, as he requires a one-on-one educational assistant’s help to navigate through his school day. Therefore, we never pushed the idea of a school dance.
Now it seems Carson does want to go to Homecoming and it’s a surprising turn of events. Though Carson frowned on the idea of it initially, I think Pam will probably chaperone from afar if it’s permitted. I suspect Carson will not want to stay the entire night and we have no idea how things will shake out. I do like that his big brother Beckett will be at the dance as well with his girlfriend. What hits my heart about the whole thing is Carson’s mentality. There seems to be some changes and maturity taking place. Though his disabilities are real and serious, the kid clearly wants to be included with the other kids. This is what we are seeing from him lately. Carson knows he’s different. He seems intently selfaware, and there are times when I think he’s sad about his differences. As a young kid, he laughed a lot. When I look back at photos of him younger, I see big belly laughs and silly giggles. We still see them these days privately, but I worry others don’t get to see his fun side. Above all, I love his new sense of wanting to be included.
For instance, a few weeks back we asked if he wanted to take part in the Unified Tennis program at school. He said yes from the beginning, and I seriously wondered to myself how much, if anything, he knew about tennis. The first practice we did not attend because we did not want to distract. I attended the last few min-
utes of the second session, and once he saw me and didn’t seem into participating further.
On Monday, he had an intrasquad scrimmage. Pam and I hid nearby and watched from afar. He was involved and participated, thanks to some teachers and fellow student volunteers. It was a lot of fun to watch him be involved. It’s never about how he plays. It’s that he is given the option of playing. I love that he wants to be included nowadays.
Later, as I reflected on it, the emotions did get hit. It was later the same night when Pam said he let it be known he wanted to go to Homecoming.
It hits deep when Carson communicates in his own way that he wants to not only go to Homecoming but even take someone. The idea of taking a friend, or two in this case, was equally shocking. Pam and Carson schemed on how to ask his two friends he has lunch with many days, settling eventually on a simple card to ask them both.
Thanks to his special education team, we were able to see pictures of the girls opening the card from Carson, who was standing behind them with his head down smiling. The photos hit Pam and me in the biggest way. I never thought he would ever want to go to a Homecoming dance. I could have never dreamed he would want to go with someone else, let alone two friends.
One of these days I will learn to never underestimate Carson. He’s nonverbal with major disabilities but he seems to connect. He’s amazing in this way. As Valvano said, this was “a heck of a day” full of those three things he recommend doing every day.
(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) Another Surf Into Integrity program has been inaugurated in conjunction with the Ocean City Surf Club. Originally started in 2016 we are well into our ninth season. The class of 24 students meets twice a week, once in the classroom and once on the beach. The program is based on a book by Shaun Tomson, a top 10 professional surfer, and world champion in 1977. Its title, Surfer’s Code, 12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life, are life lessons not only confined to surfing.
Each student is expected to read two lessons, or chapters, per week. Discussions are then held, monitored by teachers from the OCSC. The beach sessions or classes feature in the water instruction made difficult by large wave conditions. Even the instructors have a hard time with keeping their balance in the tough conditions. Hopefully smaller wave features will prevail making ocean conditions easier for everyone.
The OCSC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of surfing with the Surf Into Integrity program an important part of its overall activity and advocacy. Surf Into Integrity is greatly anticipated each year as school begins and the Autumn season progresses. It’s a very popular program and fills up quickly. The OCSC and Surf Into Integrity will come together and be a greater sum than of its parts. This is one of the few times when the desire is for the wave conditions to become smaller as opposed to larger.
A nod of gratitude goes out to all the students, Stephen Decatur Middle School, and teachers and Ocean City Surf Club for their involvement with the program. Let’s keep it going. We’ll all be better because this is such a good program.
— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
(Oct. 11, 2024) The Worcester County Commission for Women has announced this year’s honorees for the Gems Tea event.
Set to be celebrated for their community contributions will be Neelam Strom, Davida Washington, Velda Henry, Carolyn Dryza, Barbara Peletier and Nancy Howard.
The event will be held Oct. 20, from
2-4 p.m., at the Worcester Technical High School at 6290 Worcester Highway, Newark, Md. 21841. Tickets are now available.
To purchase tickets, which cost $35 each, please make checks payable to Friends of Worcester County Commission for Women and mail to Friends of WCCW, PO Box 211, Snow Hill, Md. 21863.
(Oct. 11, 2024) The Downtown Pocomoke Association is hosting the Annual Downtown Pocomoke Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m..
There is no admission charge at this fun-filled family event. Guests can enjoy hayrides, a corn pit, pumpkin painting, petting farm, bounce house, live entertainment, food, sidewalk vendors, and much more.
Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and trickor-treat in participating downtown businesses with the Passport to Pocomoke Game. Children can pick up a Passport and treat bag at Enchanted Florist the day of the festival to participate.
Children can also have their pictures taken in the Spooky Gazebo on the corners of Market Street and Second Street to entire the Virtual Halloween Costume Contest on the Wulfhause Productions Facebook page. Prizes will be awarded to the top three pictures with the most likes on Facebook.
Tour local downtown museums including the Costen House, Sturgis One Room School, and the Delmarva Discovery Museum to learn more about rich Delmarva heritage. In the event of inclement weather, the festival will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, Oct. 19.
■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$
■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted
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. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
29th to 90th streets
■ 32 PALM
32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!
■ THE BONFIRE
71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com
Celebrating 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.
■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL
3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-6846, castleinthesand.com
A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean Citybased surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule.
■ FAGERS ISLAND
201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com
$$ | Full bar
Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.
■ HOOKED
8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-723-4665, hookedoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-664-5693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and pre-
mium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | Full bar
Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.
■ SEACRETS
49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | 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.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com
Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-5393020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cook-
ing at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com
Reservations | Kids’ Menu
“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE
100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining
$$ | Full bar
Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open: Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB
1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, www.OPYachtclub.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open: Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
■ BREAKFAST CAFE
12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com
All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.
■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL
12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com
$$ | 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.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Oct. 10, 2024) Berlin’s Calvin B. Taylor House Museum has a busy slate of events this month.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, the facility will show the Halloween classic “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” at 7 p.m. on its lawn. The event is free, but donations to the museum are welcome. Snacks will be for sale and attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or a blanket for comfortable viewing.
Taylor House President Melissa Reid said years ago Berlin hosted movie nights in the summer throughout the town, like at Henry or Stephen Decatur parks and Jefferson Street. Reid added the museum did a miniature Berlin Film Festival about six years ago and played Tuck Everlasting, which was based in Berlin. Berlin’s movie tradition has slowed down, but the Taylor House hopes to bring it back. The summer showing of “Runaway Bride” for the 25th anniversary of the film’s release was “well attended,” and Reid said she has heard interest from residents.
“Things like this are important because we are a museum and not just an event space,” Reid said. “We want to support the idea of being a museum. ‘Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ is an American story that fits with our historic house.”
The museum is also hosting a bingo
night fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Sterling Tavern. The funds raised will go back to the museum’s general fund for initiatives.
The Taylor House Museum’s October events also include the Saturday, Oct. 19 book festival from noon to 4 p.m. Local authors and publishers will be in attendance.
“The Taylor House motto is telling the stories of Berlin, so what better way than highlighting local authors and books?” Reid noted.
The Salisbury-based Secant Publishing, Ocean Pines’ Capricho Books and Berlin Greyhound Books will be present, along with authors Joe Moore of “Murder on Maryland’s Eastern Shore” and Clara Smalls, who will be hosting readings.
New to the book festival this year is the Berlin Book Award. Local independent publishers were asked to submit books in categories like adult fiction, adult nonfiction, young adult fiction, young adult nonfiction and children’s. Glass blower Jeff Auxer has created a physical trophy for the award. Also added to the festival this year is spoken word poetry.
“We are always appreciative when people come out and support the museum,” Reid said. “We hope people see that we are preserving the stories of Berlin. We live in a great small town with lots of great amazing stories.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Randy’s Crew recently presented the Pocomoke High School Cross Country Team a $1,800 check to purchase new uniforms.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC
GUEST SPEAKER
Pine’eer Craft Club President Sharon Puser was the guest speaker at a recent Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City meeting. Pictured, from left, are Candy Foreman and Diane Denk, two Kiwanians who are also crafters, Puser and Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing. Puser shared the club was formed 50 years ago and that all the items they sell in the store, the Artisan Gift Shop located in White Horse Park of Ocean Pines, are handmade. The club currently has about 60 members, some of whom are not crafters but help in club activities and come from all over the local area. The next big event is the “Holiday Craft Fair” on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Ocean Pines Community Center.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Linda Boarman won the original painting “A Subtle Breeze” from the Art League of Ocean City’s Artists Paint OC raffle. The painting was donated by 2024’s plein air judge, Carole Boggemann Pierson, and was produced in oil paint and cold wax.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
With the help of the community, Freeman Arts Pavilion was able to provide six Title I Indian River School District elementary schools with supplies for their art rooms. Additionally, through a matching grant via the Carl M. Freeman Foundation (a separate foundation from Freeman Arts Pavilion), the music departments of each school also received $1,000. Above left, Freeman Arts Pavilion Community Engagement Coordinator Haley Calhoun, left, and Community Engagement Director Lindsay Richard, second from left, presented Georgetown Elementary School Art Teacher Michelle Fox and her students with supplies collected via the recent Arts Supply Drive. Above right, students and teachers from John M. Clayton Elementary School were presented with a check from the Carl M. Freeman Foundation (presented by Community Engagement Director Lindsay Richard, center) for $1,000 for the music department. The school also received art supplies via the Freeman Arts Pavilion’s recent Arts Supply Drive.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Rotary clubs of Ocean City/Berlin and Snow Hill recently provided funding for computers, monitors and installation of workstations for Worcester County Development Center. Pictured, from left, with the donations are Bob Smith, of Snow Hill Rotary; Stephanie James, executive director of WCDC; Cliff Berg, of Ocean City/Berlin Rotary, and Diana Nolte, of Snow Hill Rotary.
27TH ANNUAL ENDLESS SUMMER CRUISIN’
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Also held in the Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot. Admission is $15, Thursday-Saturday and $10, Sunday. Free to those 13 years and younger. Schedule: https://specialeventpro.com/ endless-summer-cruisin.
OCEAN PINES OKTOBERFEST 2024 PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Ocean Pines Racquet Center, 11443 Manklin Creek Road, Oct. 11-13. Open to the public. Guaranteed more play with Round Robin Format. Registration fee $45 plus bracket fees ($0-$30). https://app.pickleballden.com/externaltournament/5282529, 410-641-7228
MAHJONG CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring our own tile set. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Join in for STREAM activities and socialize with other homeschool families. For ages 5 years and older. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
QUILTERS BY THE SEA GUILD’S 2024 QUILT SHOW
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, noon to 7 p.m. Quilt show, boutique, fabric sale, raffle baskets, raffle quilt, and more. Free Admission.
ALL AMERICAN & MRS ALL AMERICAN NATIONAL PAGEANTS
Grand Hotel, 2100 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, 1-4 p.m. Honoring women of all ages, sizes and statuses for personal achievements. Cost is $20 general admission, $15 seniors and military and free to those 14 years and younger. 609-224-3115
SURVIVAL SPANISH: COLORS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Join in to learn about the Spanish vocabulary for every color of the rainbow. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB: ‘THE HOUSE OF SPIRITS’ BY ISABEL ALLENDE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Ocean Pines Library’s circulation desk. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
RAINBOW REVERIE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m.
Create some rainbow-inspired crafts to celebrate National Coming Out Day. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER
Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. Cost is $14 for one-crab cake platter, $24 for twocrab cake platter and $10 for crab cake sandwich only. Platters include green beans baked potato and Cole slaw. Bale sale table. Carryout or eat in.
KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994
27TH ANNUAL ENDLESS SUMMER
CRUISIN’
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Also held in the Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot. Admission is $15, Thursday-Saturday and $10, Sunday. Free to those 13 years and younger. Schedule: https://specialeventpro.com/ endless-summer-cruisin.
OC BEACH CLASSIC
On the beach in Downtown Ocean City, 2 N. Atlantic Ave. Details and registration are live at https://ocbeachultimate.com.
CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE
First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Church rummage sale.
FREE COMMUNITY FLU CLINIC
Bethany United Methodist Church, 205 Market St., Pocomoke City, 8 a.m.-noon. Providing flu vaccinations for those ages 13 years and older. No appointment required. High-dose vaccines available and billed to Medicare or insurance for those 65 years and older. www.agh.care/flu
POCOMOKE HEALTH FAIR
Bethany United Methodist Church, 205 Market St., Pocomoke City, 8 a.m.-noon. Free screenings including carotid artery, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose (fasting required), bone density and more. Alyce Marzola, 410-641-9268, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN’S 23RD ANNUAL WALK FOR AWARENESS
The Centre At Salisbury, 2300 N. Salisbury Blvd., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets $30. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and walk begins at 10:30 a.m. Vendors will be set up throughout the walking route. Registration: https://secure.frontstream.com/ wsw-23rd-annual-walk-for-awareness.
QUILTERS BY THE SEA GUILD’S 2024 QUILT SHOW
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Quilt show, boutique, fabric sale, raffle baskets, raffle quilt and more. Free admission.
OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. Dave Allen will talk about the oyster restoration program, the process of growing oysters and his own experiences with it. Charter fishing opportunities, regulation updates. All welcome. 410-641-7662
BOOK SIGNING: ‘COMPASS POINTS VOL. IV’ BY DR. CLARA SMALL
Germantown School Community Heritage Center, 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin, 10 a.m.-noon. Book Signing: “Compass Points Vol. IV” by Dr. Clara Small. 410641-0638
ALL AMERICAN & MRS ALL AMERICAN NATIONAL PAGEANTS
Grand Hotel, 2100 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, 1-4 p.m. Honoring women of all ages, sizes and statuses for personal achievements. Cost is $35 general admission, seniors and military and free to those 14 years and younger. 609-224-3115
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.
27TH ANNUAL ENDLESS SUMMER CRUISIN’
Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Held at the Inlet Parking Lot only. Admission is $10. Free to those 13 years and younger. Schedule: https://specialeventpro.com/endless-summer-cruisin.
OC BEACH CLASSIC
On the beach in Downtown Ocean City, 2 N. Atlantic Ave. Details and registration are live at https://ocbeachultimate.com.
6TH ANNUAL THE ROBERT DYE SCHOLARSHIP FUND FUNDRAISING EVENT
Tequila Mockingbird, 12919 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 1-4 p.m. Featuring 50/50 raffle, cash bar and snacks. For local nursing students at Wor-Wic Community College. Lynda, 410-430-5089
FRIED CHICKEN CARRY OUT DINNER
Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 10709 Bishopville Road, 1-5 p.m. This is a fundraiser to help support the bishopville volunteer fire department new building fund. 619-922-9950
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
THE ART OF BERLIN
Sundays through October - The Berlin Welcome Center Lot, 14 S. Main St., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Merry Haven presents A Local Makers Market.
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
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169 Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-6410157
MOVE FOR THE CURE
Pure Family Fitness W. Ocean City, 9936 Stephen Decatur Highway, 5:30-7 p.m. Advance registration is $10 and includes goodie bag and door prize ticket. $15 registration at the door. Contact: zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com. 410-726-2604
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. This workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research, followed by Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information, if you can. Registration requested: 410-208-4014.
POP-UP FARMERS MARKET
Flower St. Field across from Henry Park, 125 Flower St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP - WIC & seniors) checks and WIC Fruit & Vegetable checks welcome here.
STORY TIME: ‘LLAMAS’
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: APPLES
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 02 years. 410-632-3495
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
WRITING FOR WELLNESS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. This group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CHAIR YOGA
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m.
Certified yoga instructor, Therese O’Boyle, teaches this class that stretches and strengthens in a gentle manner. Registration required: 410-524-1818. www.worcesterlibrary.org
KONBIT @ THE POCOMOKE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Pocomoke Community Garden, 327 Clarke Ave., Pocomoke City, 3-6 p.m.
Drop by and help with fall prep at the garden while learning about one of the oldest Haitian traditions still practiced today. Weather permitting. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CHIC BOUTIQUE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m.
Create some relaxing spa goodies to use and share. All material provided. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach HeroesOC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725
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. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
BUS TRIP TO SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM AND NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
Picks up and drops off at the Art League of Ocean City, Oct. 16, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost is $89 for members and $110 for nonmembers. Register: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org/c lasses/1921.
2024 OCEAN CITY MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM
Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:308:30 p.m. A community candidate forum with the mayor and city council candidates. Light refreshments served. Submit questions and RSVP: OCFIREPAC24@gmail.com. In person questions also if time allows. 410-641-7228
BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP
Meets online via Zoom the third and fourth Wednesdays of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568
SENSORY STAY AND PLAY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Learn through exploration, curiosity and creativity during the sensory stay and play. Squish, build, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818
BACKGAMMON CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game of Backgammon, weather you’re an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PUZZLE SWAP
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with a new-toyou puzzle. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be in their original box. 410-641-0650
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-548-7880
TRIVIA WITH JIM MECKLEY: BITS AND PIECES
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3 p.m. Prizes and refreshments provided by the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CANDY PUMPKIN CHALLENGE
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 4 p.m. STEAM activities and candy pumpkins. Are you up for the challenge? For ages 6-11 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORYTELLERS THEATER TROUPE
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Theater troupe program with activities and instruction. For ages 6-11 years and 12-18 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
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.
CPAP MASK FITTING
Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointments required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.
STORY TIME: ROOM ON THE BROOM
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Can a dog, a cat, a frog and a bird fit on a
broom? With a little teamwork, they try to manage. Join the adventure with us. For ages 2-5 years 410-208-4014
STORY TIME ‘DON’T WAKE UP THE TIGER’ Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MUSIC LEGENDS MOVIE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. John Lennon made an indelible mark on music. This 1988 documentary features home movies as well as interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Fred Astaire. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
HONEY IN THE KITCHEN
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Learn what makes honey unique as a sweetener and how it acts as an ingredient. Learn tips on how to cook and bake with it. Samples included. Register: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org
MAGIC THE GATHERING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Battle it out with sorcery, dragons and giants. Experienced and novice players welcome. BYOC recommended. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PILATES, BARRE, TONING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Pilates and Barre focus on strength, flexibility, breathing and full body alignment. Both are low impact and can be done standing, sitting or holding on to a chair. Toning adds optional light weights. 410-208-4014
FREE PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING EVENT
John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-7 p.m. Men over 50 years of age, those with a family history of the disease, and African American men are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Pre-registration is required: 410-6296313.
BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, Fen wick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 215-385-4993, BeachSingles.org
Crossword answers from page 54
o
Worcester County Health Department
OFFICE SERVICES CLERK - Full Time, State Benefits located in Berlin, Maryland. This position performs clerical duties at the Community Dental Center while assisting the Program Coordinator in implementing clinic policies and procedures. This position requires a high level of confidentiality and is responsible for maintaining positive interactions with patients and families on the phone, in person and through other means of communication before, during and after treatment.
$37,271.00 - $47,788.00/year with potential growth to $58,911.00/year Background check required.
APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by October 15, 2024.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.
Small Engine Mechanic Year-round. Competitive Wages. 443-754-1047
• DRIVER Call Pam 410-726-7061 or apply within 56th Street
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.
Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor: Physician Assistant- Faculty Position
The School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites applications for the position of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. This is a fulltime, tenure-track, 12-month position.
The position will report to the Program Director and will collaborate with other PA faculty, and staff to support the program’s mission and ensure compliance with ARC-PA accreditation standards. The program is dedicated to allotting time and resources for the professional development of all faculty and staff. Salary and rank for the position is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Required Qualifications
• Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• Two to three years of clinical experience.
• Current license or eligibility for licensing as a physician assistant in the State of Maryland.
Job posting link: https://umes.peopleadmin.com/ postings/3895
For more questions, email nkwooten@umes.edu
Responsibilities include:
■
and
■ The ability to sell print and digital products while meeting deadlines.
■ Collaborate with our creative team to create compelling ads tailored to clients’ needs and budgets.
■ Meet and exceed sales targets and goals.
Ideal candidate should be highly motivated, positive attitude, good
skills, organized and detail oriented. Computer skills with Microsoft office and reliable transportation are necessary.
Please send resume to adsales@coastalpoint.com
HOUSE FOR YEARLY RENT 3BR, 2BA, West OC. No smoking/pets. $2,250/month plus electric. Available November 1. Call 410-213-1633 for information.
WINTER RENTAL Downtown OC 2BR, 2BA. Renovated Apt. Central HVAC, W/D, cable TV. WiFi included. Occup. lmtd. to 2. No smoking/pets. Ref. & credit ck. req. $800/mo. + utils. 410-202-6353
YEARLY RENTALS
WEST OCEAN CITY
PETS WELCOME
2 Bedroom / 1 Bath Laundry on premises. 877-289-1616 www.bbapartmentsoc.com
SWANN KEYS: 3/2 turnkey canal front home with bulkhead. Available 9/19/2024-5/31/2025. $1,550/month + elec. Call 443-278-3993, leave message.
WINTER RENTAL DOWNTOWN OC, BAYSIDE 1BR, 1BA. Fully furnished. Private parking. Avail. 11/14/30. $915 + elec., cable incl. 410-603-9453
YEAR-ROUND RENTAL, DOWNTOWN OC, BAYSIDE
1BR, 1BA. 3rd Floor. Completely Renovated! Fully furnished. Private parking. $1,950. Includes Elec., Cable, Internet.
410-430-7675
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
Well-appointed Bay Front Home for rent in West Ocean City. 3900 sq. ft. featuring 4BR, 2.5BA, and in-ground pool with newly renovated pool house. $4,250/month. Call Moses: 410-449-1434.
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
WEEKLY RENTALS
$300-$500 per week. October-May. 301-331-2209
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
WINTER RENTAL
Nice 2BR, 2BA, on the water in Ocean City, MD. $1,450 per mo. + utils. Call Karen, 443-880-5727.
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 Office Space in West Ocean City. 800 sq.ft. w/high ceilings, bathroom, climate controlled, great lighting, end unit. Totally re-done. $1,200 per mo. + utils. Avail. Now. 301-748-1977
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
a
+ Inter-
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SALE Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
VEHICLES WANTED
DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org
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 Advertise in MDDC
ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A.
128 East Main Street
Salisbury, Maryland 2l801
1996 Cedr Mobile Home Trailer
The Farmers Bank of Willards (“Secured Party”) will offer for sale at public auction a 1996 Cedr Mobile Home Trailer registered in the name of Brian Douglas Gifford located at Lot 18 Four Seasons Park, 12024 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842, together with 115 shares of stock in Four Seasons Park, Inc., with proprietary lease appurtenant to stock ownership. [Note: Park rules prohibit the lease of any lot to a person who does not own stock in the corporation.] The auction will be held at the aforesaid location of the mobile home on
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 AT THE HOUR OF 10:00 A.M.
TERMS OF SALE. The property will be sold to the highest bidder, who will be required to tender on account of the purchase price at the time and place of sale cash, certified funds, or check acceptable to the undersigned, in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), with the balance of the purchase price to be paid on or before November 15, 2024. The deferred portion of the bid price shall be evidenced by the Promissory Note of the Buyer, bearing no interest provided settlement is made and the full price tendered on or before November 15, 2024; otherwise, the deferred portion of the bid price shall bear interest from the date of sale at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum. Buyer shall be entitled to possession upon payment of the purchase price in full, time being of the essence. Real Estate taxes for the current fiscal year re Lot 18 will be pro-rated to the date of closing.
Secured Party makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to the mobile home. The successful bidder(s) will take the mobile home in its AS IS and WHERE IS, with all faults and defects, if any.
Take notice, the mobile home is situated within the Four Seasons Park and is therefore subject to the park’s rules. The successful bidder(s) may or may not be approved as tenants of the mobile home park. If the mobile home is to be placed in a mobile home park, the park may have rules and lease provisions that affect you and the mobile home. You should contact the park office to obtain and carefully review a copy of the lease and rules for the park before you enter into a contract to purchase a mobile home. Due to land restrictions in some areas in the State, a mobile home may be placed only on property that is within a mobile home park.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact Mary W. Dryden, AVP Special Assets for The Farmers Bank of Willards, at 410-
835-8906. For information regarding the lease and park rules, contact Charles Aldinger at 717-683-8807.
Pete Richardson Auction Sales, Inc. 410-546-2425
OCD-10/10/3t
McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC
312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, MD 20707 www.mwc-law.com
OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY
5 EVERGREEN COURT BERLIN, MD 21811
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Kelley E. Galyen a/k/a Kelley E. Gaylen, dated December 26, 2006 and recorded in Liber 4859, folio 684 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 22, 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 $8,000 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 docu-
ments 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 #2013-42873).
Laura H. G. O'Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees
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COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.
RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
ESTATE NO. 20354
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ Court of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania appointed Ty Alan Hoke, 16 Bass Ln., Pine Grove, PA 17963-7921 as the Administrator of the Estate of Ruth E. Hoke who died
on January 31, 2021 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates Jr. whose address is 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.
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.
Ty Alan Hoke
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 26, 2024
OCD-9/26/3t
_________________________________
MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of WAYNE ALAN HARRISON Estate No. 20357 Notice is given that CAPRI IRENE HARRISON whose address is 112 AUSTIN CIR BERLIN, MD 21811-1057 was on SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WAYNE ALAN HARRISON who died on AUGUST 07, 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 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.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-9/26/3t
BWW Law Group, LLC
6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852
Carrie M. Ward, et al.
6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852
Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs.
LILLIAN H. GREY (DECEASED)
8649 Saddlecreek Drive Berlin, MD 21811
Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case No. C-23-CV-22-000037
Notice is hereby given this 19th day of September, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 8649 Saddlecreek Drive, Berlin, MD 21811, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 21st day of October, 2024, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 14th day of October, 2024.
The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $390,000.00.
Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland
True Copy
Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
OCD-9/26/3t
RAYMOND D. COATES JR, ESQ COATES,COATES, & COATES, P.A.
6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD M CERV Estate No. 20361 Notice is given that DOUGLAS ELMER CERV whose address is 300 MULBERRY DR CHRISTIANSBRG, VA 24073-4708 was on SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of
the estate of RICHARD M CERV who died on SEPTEMBER 06, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20th 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.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE
SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-9/26/3t
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20362
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BRENDA BEATRICE HOLDEN
Notice is given that Linda Collins, 5720 Castle Hill Rd., Snow Hill, MD 21863-4434 and Donell Davis, 107 Gunby St., Snow Hill, MD 218631120, was on September 20, 2024 appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Brenda Beatrice Holden who died on September 06, 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 20th 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.
Linda Collins Donell Davis
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 26, 2024
OCD-9/26/3t
The purpose of this public hearing is to hear comments on petitions to sell an agricultural easement to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) on the following properties in Worcester County:
1. Guy, Larry Dean and Deborah, TM 99, P 27; Hall Road, Pocomoke City; 96.75 acres
2. Maddux, Percy, S., TM 91, P 59; New Bridge Road; 144.92 acres
3. Maddux, Percy S., TM 99, P 49; 1226 Colona Road, Pocomoke City; 130.02 acres
The public hearing on these applications will be held on TUESDAY, October 15, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 –Government Center One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
Additional information is available for review at the Department of Environmental Programs, Worcester County Government Center, Suite 1306 (3rd floor), One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863 during regular business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm . Questions may be directed to Katherine Munson, Planning Manager, by calling (410) 632-1220, extension 1302 or email at kmunson@co.worcester.md.us
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCD-10/3/2t _________________________________
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20360
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Surrogate court of Bergen County, New
Jersey appointed Joseph Beringhelli, 33 Charwalt Dr., Hawthorne, NJ 07506-3101 as the Executor of the Estate of Rose Beringhelli who died on February 21, 2024 domiciled in New Jersey, USA.
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Robert Pineda whose address is 7845 Belle Point Dr, Greenbelt, MD 20770-3338. 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.
Joseph Beringhelli
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 26, 2024
OCD-9/26/3t
IN
NORTH SIDE OF CROPPER’S ISLAND ROAD EAST OF US ROUTE 113 (WORCESTER HIGHWAY), NEWARK FOURTH TAX DISTRICT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Pursuant to Section 1-113 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, Rezoning Case No. 446 has been filed by Mark Cropper on behalf of Island Resort Park, Inc. and Ewell Family Revocable Trust, property owners, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change approximately 196.11 acres of land located on the northerly side of Cropper’s Island Road, Newark, east of US Route 113 (Worcester Highway), in the Fourth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from A-1 Agricultural District to A-2 Agricultural District. The Planning Commission has given a favorable recommendation to the rezoning application. Pursuant to Sections 1-113 and 1114 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, the County Commissioners will hold a
2024 AT 10:30 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. 446 and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions on the rezoning, other appropriate restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve, or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance.
Maps of the petitioned area, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 446 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. 20366 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WADE NEFF ROTH
Notice is given that Debra Mullen, 315 5th St., Walnutport, PA 18088-1318, was on September 24, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wade Neff Roth who died on June 25, 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 24th 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.
Debra Mullen
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: October 03, 2024
OCD-10/3/3t
BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a "B" B/W /L 7 Day and Request to designate as Multiple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Marc Anthony Custodio, 10215 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Sherri Elizabeth Custodio, 10215 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.
For: Don't Be Jelly, LLC
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Jolly Jellyfish Beach Club 9800 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842
There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: October 16, 2024 @ 1:00 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.
OCD-10/3/2t _________________________________
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B/W/L 7 Day and Request to designate as Multiple License #3 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Meghan Leigh Newberger, 475 Dueling Way, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Heather Welch, 6834 Shockley Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; Jason Welch, 6834 Shockley Road, Snow Hill, Maryland
21863.
For: Oaked at the Globe, LLC
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Oaked at the Globe 12 Broad Street Berlin, Maryland 21811 Formerly: Braddah Barney's LLC
There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: October 16, 2024 @ 1:10 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.
OCD-10/3/2t
NOTICE TO
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of LORRAINE G. SIGISMONDI Estate No. 20355 Notice is given that PHYLLIS LARKINS HACKEL whose address is 985 COUNTRY CLUB DR., WOOSTER, OH 446911409 was on SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LORRAINE G. SIGISMONDI who died on AUGUST 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 25th 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.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/3/3t
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN COLEMAN TIMMONS Estate No. 20365 Notice is given that LINDA L. TIMMONS whose address is 7276 CHERRIX RD., SNOW HILL, MD 21863-4176
was on SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN COLEMAN TIMMONS who died on JULY 05, 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 24th 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.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-10/3/3t
HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH GEORGE COOK Estate No. 20363 Notice is given that DANA LYNN FELTON whose address is 4540 LASATER TRL., COLORADO SPGS., CO 80922-1619 was on SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSEPH GEORGE COOK who died on SEPTEMBER 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 24th 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.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/3/3t
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES
ESTATE NO. 20369
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the CIRCUIT court of WINCHESTER CITY, VIRGINA appointed JENNIFER P. SCHAEFER whose address is 301 TAMARACK CIR., WINCHESTER, VA 22602-6764 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of THERESA ANN PEACHEY AKA: THERESA MARKS PEACHEY who died on OCTOBER 21, 2023 domiciled in VIRGINIA, VIRGINA, USA
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is JAMES E. CLUBB JR. whose address is 108 8TH ST., OCEAN CITY, MD 218423831. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER
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 OCD-10/3/3t
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 22, 2024
At 7:00 PM
To consider amending Chapter 110, entitled Zoning, Article V, entitled Supplemental Regulations, Division 3, entitled Off-Street Parking, Section 110-935, entitled Design Standards, to allow tandem parking design, which does require another vehicle to be moved, to satisfy a portion of required residential parking (not including hotel and motel uses).
APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (PZ FILE #24-14100005)
At 7:05 PM
To consider amending Chapter 110, entitled Zoning, Article II, entitled Administration and Enforcement, Division 8, entitled Site Plan Review, Section 110-184, entitled Amendments and Additions to allow Zoning Administrator to exempt minor structures less than 500 gross square feet from Planning Commission review in certain circumstances.
APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (PZ FILE #24-14100006)
At 7:10 PM
To consider amending Chapter 110, entitled Zoning, Article V, entitled Supplemental Regulations, Division 1, entitled Generally, Section 110-886, entitled Employee Housing- Accessory and Non-Accessory, and Division 3, entitled Off-Street Parking, Section 110-932, entitled Minimum Number of Spaces, to allow, in certain circumstances, leased off-street parking to satisfy requirements for accessory employee housing, and to allow a reduction in required parking spaces for accessory employee housing.
APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (PZ FILE #24-14100007)
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 P. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON
MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ., ATTORNEY OCD-10/3/3t
RKW LAW GROUP
DIANE S. KOTKIN ESQ. 10 N. JEFFERSON ST., STE. 200 FREDERICK, MD 21701-3500
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
ESTATE NO. 20370
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ court of York County, Pennsylvania appointed Mark C. Magness, P.O. Box 313, Bel Air, MD 21014-0313; Catherine M. Young, 3017 Rocks Rd., Jarrettsville, MD 21084-1714 as the Executors of the Estate of Charles R. Magness Sr. who died on December 06, 2023 domiciled in Pennsylvania, America.
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Diane S. Kotkin whose address is 10 N. Jefferson St., Ste. 200, Frederick, MD 21701-3500.
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.
Mark C. Magness Catherine M. Young Foreign Personal Representatives 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: October 03, 2024
OCD-10/3/3t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
P02-25 – Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
BID Documents for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements 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 re-
sponsible 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, OCTOBER 24TH, 2024, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2024
Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 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 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, 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 (Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements) 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.
OCD-10/3/5t
BRIAN PETER COSBY NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP 12417 OCEAN GATEWAY #B-13 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20374 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JUDY R. FISHER AKA: JUDY RICKARDS FISHER Notice is given that Barbara Lynn Fisher, 518 Manor Rd., Glen Burnie, MD 21061-3715, was on October 03, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Judy R. Fisher who died on August 28, 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 3rd day of April, 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 pre-
sented 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.
Barbara Lynn Fisher 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: October 10, 2024
OCD-10/10/3t
ARLETTE K. BRIGHT ESQ. THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, #B
SALISBURY, MD 21804
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20142 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MARION BAKER
Notice is given that Robert Brooks Baker Sr., 12311 Hidden Bay Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-2750, was on October 03, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Robert Marion Baker who died on February 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 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.
Robert Brooks Baker Sr. 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: October 10, 2024
NOTICE
NOTICE
OCD-10/10/1t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
B01-25 – Northside Park Fence Replacement
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Northside Park Fence Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
BID Documents for the Northside Park Fence Replacement 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) 7236643 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.
A pre-proposal meeting will be conducted on OCTOBER 29TH, 2024 AT 10:00AM AT NORTHSIDE PARK RECREATION CENTER, 200 125TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MD, 21842 IN THE WEST GYM CONFERENCE ROOM. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2024, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH, 2024
Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, 2024, BY 10:00AM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2024, AT 1:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Manager; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Northside Park Fence Replacement) 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.
OCD-10/10/9t
To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT LEROY TWIGG Estate No. 20309 Notice is given that JEREMY TWIGG whose address is 47 SPLIT ROCK DR., DELTA, PA 17314-7910 was on OCTOBER 03, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ROBERT LEROY TWIGG who died on MAY 10, 2024 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of
the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/10/1t
JACOB DEAVEN, ESQ. PARKER, SIMON & KOKOLIS, LLC
110 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 500 ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18162 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PERRY HAVEY Notice is given that Thomas J. Kokolis, Esq., 110 N. Washington St., Ste. 500, Rockville, MD 20850-2230,
was on October 01, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Perry Havey who died on August 08, 2013, 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.
Thomas J. Kokolis, Esq. 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: October 10, 2024
OCD-10/10/1t
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of P PATRICIA A. COLLINS Estate No. 2 20373 Notice is given that STEPHEN R. COLLINS whose address is 3230 COON CLUB RD., HAMPSTEAD, MD 21074-1730 was on O OCTOBER 03, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of P PATRICIA A. COLLINS who died on S SEPTEMBER 26, 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 3 3rd day of A APRIL, 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-10/10/3t
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:
Thursday, October 24, 2024 AT 6:00 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request (1) a variance of 5.2 feet from the 10-foot separation distance requirement for a 6’ X 12’ proposed addition to be 4.8’ from a neighboring unit; (2) a variance of 0.2 feet from the 5-foot side yard setback for a 6’ X 12’ proposed addition to be 4.8 feet from the side property site line; and (3) a variance of 4.8 feet from the 10-foot separation distance requirement for a proposed covered deck to be 5.2’ from a neighboring unit. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 110 of Sundowner Mobile Home Park Plat It is further described as being located on the south side of Denny Lane and is locally known as 111 Denny Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: JOHN L. STANTON (BZA 2690 #24-09400012)
Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.
Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-10/10/2t
The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2024-2025 Board of Directors.
Board officers include Chair Phillip Cheung, CG Accounting Group, LLC; Chair-Elect Steve Pastusak, Jolly Roger Amusement Park; Treasurer Salvatore Fasano, LaQuinta Hotel & Suites; Secretary Joe Magnolia, 5 Star Plumbing, Heating & Cooling; and Immediate Past Chair Bob Thompson, Tier 1 Construction. Ex-officio board members include John Gehrig, Ocean City Council and D3, and Joe Mitrecic, Worcester County Commission and Mitrecic Builders.
Board of Directors members are Billy Apostolou, Direct Mortgage Loans; Elaine Davidson, RE/MAX Advantage Realty; Gary Figgs, Seacrets; Joe Groves, Spoondrift Management Group; Ashley Harrison, Harrison Group Resort Hotels; Bobbi Jones, Ocean Downs Casino; Toni Keiser, Atlantic General Hospital; Lyndsey Odachowski, Positive Energy; Trisha Seitz, Effectv; and Joe Wilson, Coastal Life Realty Group.
The only incoming board member is Bobbi Jones, general manager of Ocean Downs Casino. Jones has been with Ocean Downs for five years and has served in several leadership roles, including overseeing marketing, food & beverage and property EVS. She was installed at the monthly board meeting on September 19.
Mayor Rick Meehan was present to administer the oath to the board members.
Peninsula Home Care recently announced its official rebranding and name change to TidalHealth Home Care.
“TidalHealth Home Care team members strive to provide compassionate, high-quality and personalized care that meets patients where they are most comfortable – at
home,” said Steve Leonard, president/CEO of TidalHealth. “We believe as an integrated healthcare system that by delivering care in familiar environments, we can enhance the quality of life, foster independence through care tailored to a patient’s need, and support holistic health outcomes.”
The decision to rebrand under the new name, TidalHealth Home Care, was driven by the desire to better align with core values, enhance service offerings, and embrace a more modern and forward-thinking identity, while being more visibly linked to the largest regionally based integrated healthcare provider in the region.
“We are excited to embark on this new chapter as TidalHealth Home Care,” said Beverly White, Vice President of Operations. “This rebrand and the transition to the TidalHealth brand represents our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for our patients and reflects the growth we’ve achieved as a trusted home care provider.”
NAI Coastal announced Advisor George Merritt successfully represented Elevated Mind and Wellness in the purchase of the iconic Kitty’s Flowers building at 733 S Salisbury Boulevard in Salisbury. The property will soon be home to a new cannabis retail business, expanding offerings within the city and contributing to the local economy. Merritt, a seasoned commercial real estate advisor, takes pride in guiding his clients through successful transactions, and this latest sale marks a significant step forward for Elevated Mind and Wellness.
“Helping businesses bring their vision to life is what drives me, especially when they are committed to positively impacting the community,” said Merritt. “I’m proud to have worked alongside Elevated Mind and Wellness, and I look forward to seeing their contributions to the local economy and workforce.”
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By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
The National Association of REALTORS® offers a training program for its membership called C2EX, or the REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence. Under this program, REALTORS® strive for excellence in a number of competencies, including the NAR Code of Ethics, the laws and regulations affecting real estate, and one’s advocacy efforts on behalf of strong real estate markets and healthy communities.
The C2EX program also extends to the way REALTORS® interact with one another and with consumers and to the need to maintain one’s professional education. The commitment also asks broker-owners and principals of real estate companies to maintain an environment that promotes excellent customer service.
REALTORS® who choose to enhance their professionalism and complete this course start with a skills assessment which produces a selfpaced, facilitated path through a per-
sonalized education program, specific action steps and tailored tools/resources based on the skills assessment results. Each REALTORS® journey on C2EX will be unique, as the program identifies the best possible path for that particular individual toward excellence in the various C2EX competencies.
Once a REALTOR® completes the Action Steps and Learning Prospects in their C2EX program, they are awarded Excellence Badges that can be used to promote their progress and serve as encouragement along the way. Once an Excellence Badge is unlocked, a new C2EX Action Step and Learning Prospect is introduced and at the end of the program the C2EX Endorsement is achieved. Being C2EX endorsed is a unique market advantage, one that identifies REALTORS® as a well-rounded professional, committed to providing superior customer service and representing the professionalism, knowledge and ideals of the REALTOR® organization.
Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Oct. 11, 2024) Resort planners will consider a request to rezone a portion of the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center property.
Following a public hearing Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning Commission agreed to advance a rezoning request to a work session later this
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month. Attorney Hugh Cropper told commission members this week his client was seeking to rezone the eastern half of 2100 Philadelphia Highway – better known as the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center – for future redevelopment.
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Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy told commission members Tuesday that Cropper, the applicant, JAMB LLC, the landowner, and Phillips Plaza Inc., property owner and lessee,
Nanette Pavier/Holiday 4pm 12346 Old Bridge Rd, West OC3BR/2BA
Familystarting at $239,750Shelly Wilson/Salt Life 4pm 12346 Old Bridge Rd, West OC2BR/1BA
Familystarting at $179,900Shelly Wilson/Salt Life 722 Mooring Road, Ocean City2BR/2BA
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$899,900 Laurreen Bunting/Keller W 36 Juneway Lane, Ocean Pines5BR/4BA
01 Edgewater Ave. #202 Ocean City 2BR/1BA
23 Seagrave Lane, Ocean Pines3BR/2BA
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73 King Richarrd d Road, Berlin4BR/2.5BA
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had requested that the eastern half of the property – currently occupied by a parking lot – be rezoned from R-3 residential to LC-1 light commercial, the same zoning designation found on the western half of the property adjacent to Philadelphia Avenue. She added that a 50-year lease that had recently been renewed on the property restricted the property’s use.
“The applicant has indicated that a 50-year lease condition established in 1968 and currently renewed limits residential use of the entire property and supports the request for commercial zoning,” she said.
Gordy said since 1946, mid-block properties have been divided between LC-1 along Philadelphia Avenue and R-3 along Baltimore Avenue. The only exception, she noted, was found in the block just south of the shopping center, which is zoned entirely LC-1.
Cropper said for years, both parcels – the shopping center and the former Phillips Crab House – had operated as a joint commercial operation, and that state assessment records had even identified the entire shopping center property as commercial.
“For 55 years, there was a sign on Philadelphia Avenue that said Phillips Square,” he said. “There was a sign on Baltimore Avenue that said Phillips Square. There was a ticket booth that had Phillips Square on top of it. The shopping center was the same architecture as Phillips Crab House. It had the mansard roof with the shingles. And for all intents and purposes this appeared to be one single property. It was indeed a unified development by one group, which was the Phillips family.”
Cropper said he believed the city had made a mistake in its zoning. He also argued that the uses of surrounding properties had changed.
“If we just talk about the neighborhood and look around what’s happened since 2000, every single direction, we see change,” he said.
Cropper told commission members that should the entire block be rezoned to LC-1, he said it would allow for mixed-use, infill development. He argued the easternmost part of the property could not accommodate any hotel or condominium development permitted in the R-3 zone.
After a lengthy presentation, and testimony from Ramadan, JAMB LLC’s Lisa Garfield, and surveyor Frank Lynch, the commission voted unanimously to move the request to a work session, which will be held Oct. 22. While some commission members expressed concerns about how the rezoning would impact parking, others said they liked the idea of protecting the property from condo developments.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) West Ocean City
could end up with the state’s largest cannabis dispensary, in terms of square footage, after Hi Tide completes a move into a former retail pharmacy space along Route 50 by early 2025.
However, the amount of parking required by law at any Worcester County cannabis dispensary is now up for debate. Officials last week launched into public scrutiny of the zoning code as it relates to dispensaries.
The county’s Planning Commission at its Oct. 3 meeting agreed on a zoning amendment that would tighten parking restrictions for licensed cannabis dispensaries over and above regular retail facilities.
The bill would set parking requirements for dispensaries to a minimum of one space for every 150 square feet. The original version of the legislation would have set the minimum at 50 square feet. Retail parking now requires one space for every 300 square feet.
Since the advent of legalized medical cannabis in 2017, Worcester County has treated dispensaries as
the equivalent to a retail pharmacy, which is a permitted use of a commercially zoned property, according to Planning Director Jennifer Keener.
However, since the expansion of cannabis from medical only to adult use in July 2023, it “has generated a significant amount of additional (vehicular) traffic impacts that were not originally contemplated” under medical-only sales, Keener wrote in a Sept. 26 memo to members of the planning commission.
This conversation about dispensaries and parking started in early September. County attorney Roscoe Leslie had conferred with the County Commissioners about an inquiry into a possible new retail cannabis dispensary location, according to county spokeswoman Kim Moses.
“During the discussion, commissioners asked (the planning department) to begin the process of drafting legislation to amend the parking requirements for cannabis dispensaries for their consideration,” she said in an email.
The parking bill now moves from the Planning Commission to the County Commissioners. If at least one commissioner introduces the See DISPENSARY Page 80
amendment as a bill, then a hearing date will be set to obtain public input. If passed, the bill is written to take effect immediately as emergency legislation.
Worcester County has two licensed cannabis dispensaries, Positive Energy and Hi Tide, both located less than two miles from each other in the West Ocean City area. Positive Energy is located off Route 50, while Hi Tide is situated off Route 611.
Hi Tide will soon relocate. Owner and clinical director Bob Davis said he’s now in the process of renovating a former Rite Aid pharmacy and will complete the move in a few months.
“We’re growing. It’s a growing business,” Davis said. “We’re striving to give a great vibe and maintain customer satisfaction. It’s because of our customers, both patients and recreational, that we’re making this move. That’s what it’s about. Everything is about the customer experience for me.”
According to a building permit filed Aug 13 with Worcester County, Hi Tide’s build-out plans include a public-facing waiting room and merchandise area, with a separate area for sales and check-out. Employee spaces would include offices, inventory room, and an employee break room. The old Rite Aid drive-through will be put to use for Hi Tide customer pickup.
David added that he hopes for a December opening, but that may be delayed until January. That’s because Hi Tide cannot open both locations simultaneously, and must shutter the original Hi Tide, located off Route 611, before opening the new facility.
Under the original parking restriction floated by the planning commission, Hi Tide would have needed 240 parking spaces because Rite Aid is approximately 12,000 square feet. The bill currently under consideration would lower the minimum spaces needed to 80. That building currently has 74 parking spaces.
Maryland’s 98 dispensaries have sold $775 million in product in 2024, according to data compiled by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA). Since retail sales of adult-use cannabis became legal on July 1, 2023, sales to date have exceeded $1.3 billion.
The state levies a 9 percent tax on cannabis sales (from which medical patients are exempt) and distributes a percentage of all revenue to dedicated state funds as well as the general fund. Maryland counties by law get a 5 percent share of that revenue. Despite the fact cannabis remains a controlled dangerous substance under federal law, about a million people each month are customers of adult-use cannabis in Maryland, according to MCA data dating to March.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Oct. 11, 2024) The Town of Ocean City will proceed with a bond sale following a council vote this week.
On Monday, the Ocean City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds, which will finance future projects at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course and the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. While staff initially presented the council with a $4.5 million bond sale, the council last month agreed to increase that amount after an additional flooring project was added to the list of capital projects.
“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 reviewed by you at your September 10 work session.”
As proposed, $1.2 million in bond proceeds will fund renovations at the Eagle’s Landing clubhouse, while $3.1 million will be dedicated to various improvements at the convention center. Last month, however, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo asked the council to include a flooring project, estimated at $800,000, to the bond issuance.
Perlozzo noted that promoters who use the convention center for indoor sporting events must rent flooring to cover the facility’s concrete base, resulting in additional costs for users. He said a permanent, multiuse flooring could increase usage at the facility.
“The advantage of this is it’s a rubberized surface we can use all the time …,” he said last month. “This will make us way more attractive. We will be cheaper.”
The council last month voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance authorizing a bond sale not to exceed $6 million. And this week, the council voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance on second reading, but not before resident John Medlin came before councilmembers to oppose the bond issuance.
“I think there is an alternative that is better than this and that is to take it out of the reserves,” he said. “One, it will save $180,000, the cost of issuing the bonds. Two, it would bring down the reserves a little bit. People are complaining that we've got too much money in the reserves. I’m one of those people. And number three, it will remove any question about the 50% from the Stadium Authority contributing their contribution to the convention center improvements.”
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Oct. 11, 2024) The Ocean City Council this week approved requests to hold both the Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim and the We Build You Play Beach Tournament Series in 2025, but officials say the town’s event fee structure could be revisited later this year.
As part of its consent agenda Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to approve two private event requests – one for the hospital’s annual New Year’s Day Penguin Swim and another for the We Build You Play Beach Tournament Series, to be held on the beach next May and June. As part of the request, the hospital will pay the town $408 in private event and support fees, while the sports promoter will pay $1,050 for the entire event series.
In recent months, however, Coun-
cilman John Gehrig has stressed his dissatisfaction with the town’s fee structure, which was revised late last year and implemented at the start of 2024. Following this week’s vote, he asked staff to take another look at the fees being charged to local nonprofits and community organizations.
“When can we address this once and for all?” he asked. “These fees are driving me nuts.”
Gehrig noted that the town last year charged the hospital $170.50 in special event fees for its use of the beach and public services. This year, he said, the organization was charged an additional $238 to hold the same fundraising event.
“I don’t think $238 is going to save the Penguin Swim,” he said. “But I feel bad asking for $170.50, much less going to $408.”
City Manager Terry McGean acknowledged Gehrig’s concerns but asked that the town get through the shoulder season before it re-evaluates its event fees.
“I’m happy to bring it back to you in the offseason,” he said.
As approved this week, Atlantic General will hold its 31st annual Penguin Swim on Jan. 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the 91st Street beach in front of the Princess Royale Hotel, where hundreds of participants will take a dip in the cold ocean waters to raise funds for the community hospital.
The We Build You Play Beach Tournament will also return to town next year, with events set for May 2425, June 7-8 and June 21-25. As the series will conflict with other June events, promoters are moving it to the beach between 1st and 3rd street.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) Two of the four Worcester County Board of Education candidates attended a town hall last Thursday to discuss current matters ahead of next month’s election.
Sponsored by the Democratic Club of Worcester County, the town hall allowed members of the audience to ask the contestants. Incumbent Jon Andes is defending his District 3 seat against Cheryl Middleton. Incumbent Elena McComas is facing challenger Dorothy Leslie Shelton in District 5. Although no reason for her absence was forthcoming from the Middleton camp, Shelton wrote on Facebook last week that a scheduling conflict prevented her from attending the forum.
The absence of the challengers to
Andes and McComas left them with the floor, and they used their time to give voters recaps of their backgrounds and to answer questions.
Andes, who was Worcester County Public Schools superintendent from 1996 to 2012, began as a social studies teacher from Pennsylvania. He eventually moved to Maryland, accepting a position at Havre de Grace High School in Harford County, where he worked his way up from teacher to principal.
Under his leadership, the school became the first nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in Harford. As a result, he said, he was promoted to assistant superintendent of the school system. Andes moved to Worcester County in 1996 to accept the superintendent position and served until 2012.
During his 16 years as superintendent, Andes was involved in six capital projects, including the construction of Stephen Decatur Middle School, the expansion of Stephen Decatur High School, the building of Ocean City Elementary School and the opening of Worcester Technical High School in 2005.
At the time, he told the audience, the vocational facility offered only nine programs, The technical school now offers 26, including culinary arts, cosmetology, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR), biomedical sciences, welding, pre-engineering, and interactive media production.
Andes was also involved in Pocomoke High School’s 2010 renovation and the planning process for Snow Hill High School’s update, completed in 2017.
“When we go back to 1996 when I became superintendent,” he told the audience, “we were 19 out of 24 in the state for student achievement,” he said. “When I retired, we were number one.”
Andes said the “magic formula” to make the leap from the state’s number 19 school system to the first was to look at individual students, determine which kids may require remediation, hire talented faculty and staff and retain them, focus on data analysis, implement “rigorous and robust” after-school and summer academies and keep class sizes small.
Andes continues to exercise his teaching skills as a Salisbury University professor.
McComas grew up in Salisbury, graduated from Wicomico High School, received a bachelor’s degree in science education from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a master’s in molecular biology from Johns Hopkins. She worked in Montgomery County and California. McComas taught biology for 25 years across all grades, particularly at the high school level. While living and working in Temecula, California, McComas helped open two high schools and acted as the science chair for both. She eventually left public education and worked as a science education instructor at California State University, Long Beach.
McComas moved back to the Maryland Eastern Shore 11 years ago and settled in Ocean Pines. She said she ran for the school board to focus on and give back to the community. Given her experience in learning facilities, she opted to run for the Worcester County Board of Education in 2016 and will be seeking her third term.
“I know I never taught in Worcester,” she acknowledged. “But I have so many experiences having taught in other places to know exactly what works and what doesn't … I love education. It is my passion.”
Since being elected to the board, McComa said her greatest achievement remains her involvement in school safety efforts.
“I am proudest of the fact that throughout this past year, with all the turmoil, particularly about safety, that we have come out on the other side,” she said.
During the last school year, the education system and the county’s law enforcement were mired in a public war of words over safety within the schools, where police argued that Worcester County Public Schools was not doing enough to address a spike in violent crime.
Law enforcement claimed in February that the 2022-2023 school year was the most violent on record, with a rise in attacks, fighting, and bullying committed by students against each other and staff.
McComas said that to address these concerns, the school system started a safety task force, of which she was a member. Fellow board members Bill Gordy and Katie Addis also served, along with Sheriff Matt Crisafulli, Chief Deputy Nathaniel Passwaters and Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser.
“When those frontal lobes get hit with hormones, a lot of time these kids do not think,” McComas said. “You want to deal with that with consequences, so we went ahead and created a safety task force.”
For a while, the team assembled each week and collected and analyzed data from the beginning of 2023. In the summer of that year, district personnel met with the sheriff’s department. It revised its memorandum of understanding for how the law enforcement and school system would work together to improve safety. The updated MOU was instituted in September 2023, and McComas said that in March 2024, incidents had dropped 28%.
The MOU guidelines revised in summer 2023 state that “children under the age of 10 are not criminally responsible for their actions and they will be referred to behavioral resources; children aged ten to 12 are only criminally responsible for crimes of violence, and firearm-related offenses; children aged 13 to 17 can be criminally charged for crimes of violence and firearm-related offenses, as well as certain misdemeanors. (Threats of mass violence, threats of arson, violation of protective orders, etc.)”
“That is the greatest accomplishment for me,” McComas said. “Are we always 100% safe? No, we will always be working towards being better, but we saw tremendous improvement.”
Andes said his most significant accomplishment while on the board was securing the recent funding commitment to build a new Buckingham
Elementary School.
He served on a feasibility study with fellow board members William Gordy and Donald Smack and Worcester County Commissioners Eric Fiori, Jim Bunting, and Diana Purnell to meet with BES staff and architects to design the new facility to replace the old and run-down current structure.
The process depended on the Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC). The IAC, or “the bank,” provides state funding for projects like replacing BES. Initially, the group was steadfast in not providing the county school systrem with any money for the school project because neighboring schools were not crowded.
“I went ballistic,” Andes said. “The kids at Buckingham and the community at Buckingham deserve a new school.”
A work group was put together in May to start looking at options and meeting with IAC leadership to find a compromise. Andes said that after “a lot of talking,” the IAC offered $26 million for the BES project.
The workgroup included Andes, Gordy, and Smack representing the Worcester County Board of Education; Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38); Ted Elder and Fiori from the Worcester County Commissioners; Chief Fi-
nancial Officer Vince Tolbert; and Dr. Chris Welch, principal of Buckingham Elementary School, among others.
“Moving the state from zero dollars to $26 million for BES is my biggest accomplishment,” the former superintendent said.
According to Andes, the IAC also committed $28 million to replace or renovate Berlin Intermediate School sometime in the future.
The BES project will cost $73 million. Of that, $47.9 million will come from local funding, and $25.8 million will be provided by the state.
On Oct. 15, IAC leadership, the school board, and the county commissioners will gather in an open public meeting. At that point, the IAC will detail the building plans to the commissioners. Andes hopes the county leadership will vote to move forward with the BES replacement initiative.
Former SDHS Assistant Principal Katherine Cater asked the board candidates about their priorities, particularly regarding funding and teacher salaries.
“We have got to draw those teachers to this county,” Cater said. “Back when I started teaching, this county was the primo county … because of class sizes and salaries. We drew the best of the best. Not to say we don’t have them right now. We are holding onto those people, but other places
are getting on board with that, and they are coming up with the money.”
Worcester is the wealthiest county in Maryland based on a state formula that uses property values. As a result, the school system relies on local government for around 80% of its funding. For the fiscal year 2024 budget, the county commissioners provided the school system with the maintenance of effort formula: the lowest amount of money they were legally allowed to give, and teacher salaries suffered. The county committed to more funding for the 2025 budget than in the previous year. Still, it was less than what the school system requested.
McComas said that addressing the funding and teacher salary issues requires communication, particularly with the county commissioners.
“I am excited that we … have lines of communication open with the commissioners that probably weren't there before,” she said. “Our teachers need to be compensated, no question. Yes, I want to keep smaller class sizes. How do we get the findings? That is going to be communication and elections.”
Andes said that the school system's biggest challenge over the next several years is complying with Blueprint funding.
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is an educational reform program that
will increase state funding over the next 10 years to “transform public education in the state into a world-class education system.” Individual systems will be required to raise teacher salaries and expand learning offerings to their students to meet set standards.
“Unfortunately, the state is not giving us enough money to implement the Blueprint,” Andes said. “… when they allocate money, they send it out in two ways. One is a wealth-based formula, and the other is a body count, which is the number of multi-language students, those qualify for free and reduced meals and special education kids. We get a specific dollar amount per student for those students, and everything else is wealth-equalized. So, the more wealth you have, the less state aid you get…Worcester County is considered to be the wealthiest county in the state of Maryland, even though 50% of the kids are eligible for free or reduced meals. That is a significant challenge. We have to rely on the county government for a significant portion of our budget. We have no choice. The state is not going to change the formula for Worcester.”
Worcester County residents living in District 3 or District 5 may cast their ballots for the board of education on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting runs from Oct. 24-31.
To get right to the point, Jon Andes, Elena McComas and Donald Smack have our endorsement in this year’s Worcester County Board of Education election.
These three incumbents have done their jobs over the past four years — through some exceptionally tough times — and should be returned to serve four more.
Andes, who was the school system’s superintendent for 16 years, is running in District 3, the Sinepuxent District, which encompasses the South Point/West Ocean City area and a sliver of Berlin. McComas is running in District 5, the Ocean Pines District, and Smack is running in District 2, the Central District, which stretches from Berlin to Pocomoke City.
As it happens, these same three candidates have been endorsed by the Worcester County Teachers Association, which recognizes the work these members have done during the school board’s acrimonious budgeting battles with the adversarial Worcester County Commissioner majority.
Given the commissioners’ nickel-and-diming of the school budget the last couple of years, their apparent lack of enthusiasm for public education in general, and their desire to dictate school spending and, to some extent, the curriculum, the last thing this county’s schools need is school board members who agree with them.
Andes, McComas and Smack do not and therefore not only deserve to be reelected but should be returned to office to help protect the public school system from the commissioners’ annual inquisition.
It is also worth mentioning that the challengers in these three districts did not make themselves available for interviews by the teachers association, nor did they show up at the District 3 and District 5 forum last Thursday.
We can only speculate what the reasons were for their noshows, but we do know where this trio of incumbents stand, which is why we stand with them.
I have never taken compliments well, and generally I’ll try to deflect them with goofy remarks such as, “Excuse me, but you might want to get a second opinion,” or, “You’re probably confusing me with my twin brother, whom my parents gave to a gypsy paving crew many years ago in exchange for a new driveway.”
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By Stewart Dobson
I know, it’s hard to believe that buried deep within my DNA is a Humility Gene that I apparently inherited from a great-great-great-somethingor-the-other who would say, after being complimented on the tilt of his colonial-era three-corner hat, “Thanks. It only sits well because I have a triangular head.”
The truth is that I have found that the proverb, “Pride goeth before a fall,” is a fact. In other words, just when you think you’ve reached the peak of coolness, something will happen to remind you that you’re not.
Like, for instance, the time I noticed a good-looking girl walking by and decided to impress her by dashingly jumping into my little, low-slung sports car and swashbuckling myself in with a cavalier flourish.
Great concept, but lousy execution, you might say, as I miscalculated the size of the door opening.
All I know is that most of me landed in the car seat. The rest, that being everything above hatband level, hit the door sill with, shall we say, great authority.
Whap! Not only did I see stars, I saw
Christmas tree bubble lights, Hanukkah menorahs, a couple of “Walk/Don’t Walk” flashers ... and a good-looking girl holding her sides and trying to catch her breath as she guffawed her way up the street and out of sight forever.
But wait, it gets worse. That would be the time many years ago when I was young and poor (as opposed to being old and middleclass beyond my wildest dreams) and was called on to emcee a good-sized banquet.
Because it was a coat-and-tie affair, I put on the only suit I had, a 100% virgin polyester model I picked up at a special discount from the already discounted collection of Bob’s Sartorial Salvage and Marginally Acceptable Menswear.
Thusly attired, I stood up from the table, microphone and stand in front of me, and quipped and quoted, joked and carried on until the entire room was laughing uproariously.
I had them in the palm of my hand, as they say, until the person next to me slipped me a note: “Take your hands out of your pockets.” “Why?” I mouthed the word between cracking jokes.
Furious scribbling ensued and the note came back, “Because your fly is down and you’re making it worse! Incidentally,” the note continued, “they’re not laughing, they’re gasping in suspense. You know, barn door, livestock, etc.”
I’ve been humble about certain things ever since, which is why this week when someone thanked me for giving her a chuckle now and then, I shuffled and replied, “Thanks. Is it something I’m wearing?”
By Steve Green
It’s a bad look for Ocean City’s council members to serve as decision makers on who can run for public office. It’s what the charter says but it’s wrong and inappropriate for the city’s elected officials to be the ultimate authority and become investigators into Airbnb records and fielding calls from neighbors alleging heads are being rested at night outside the municipality.
This week’s review was different than past residency challenges of candidates because specific conflicts of interest existed at each turn. Councilman Tony DeLuca, rightly so, recused himself because he’s a candidate in the same election as the challenged candidate, Leslie Smith, whose husband is an Ocean City police officer. Councilman Peter Buas left the room for the discussion about Smith presumably because he works at the same law firm as her attorney, Joe Moore. Councilman John Gehrig has a conflict as well that he acknowledged as a candidate in next month’s election, but he still participated in the dialogue. Gehrig said, “I’m struggling with the fact that I’m a candidate, and now I’m voting on basically a competitor. It’s like asking us to count the votes too.” Gehrig is right the process of a sitting council reviewing a candidate’s residency is “broken,” but it will require a charter amendment to affect a change. Gehrig and Carol Proctor supported Smith’s candidacy, while Councilmembers Matt James, Will Savage and Frank Knight (who himself has been mired in residency questions since his election four years ago) voted to remove Smith as a candidate. Resident Dennis Dare, who articulated his residency concerns about Smith to the council, is the campaign manager for fellow candidate Larry Yates. Small town politics usually means conflicts of interest exist, and this fact was on full display Wednesday night.
This week’s challenge is not the first time a city council candidate’s residency has been questioned. Back in 2014 and 2010, candidate residencies were challenged at City Hall, and the sitting council at the time rejected the candidates. It was clear back then the primary residences were ofn the western shore for those candidates, who were not present to defend themselves during the council discussion. There is precedent for sitting council members to make this decision, but it’s inappropriate, nonetheless. It should be a matter for an independent elections board. The outcome might be the same but at least the process would be clean. My guess is this is not the last we have heard about this case. As City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council, “You have to make a finding that she had the intent to abandon that domicile.” That’s a question of judgment. It could be a matter for a court to decide, raising questions about the election’s ballot on Nov. 5.
***
The most unique aspect of the Oceans Calling and County Calling festivals is the footprint. It’s something Ocean City should be proud of, as it separates these festivals from others held in other beach resorts. What’s especially special about the layout is it includes the Boardwalk and its businesses as well as Jolly Roger at the Pier. In between concerts attendees can take part in the amusement rides for free including the Ferris wheel, which I highly recommend, or pay to take a spin on the Slingshot.
Though no announcement has been made, it seems clear another “calling” brand festival will be coming in mid-May. The entire spring special event calendar was changed for something big. It could be festival talk, but word circulating among the festival-goers over the last two weekends was the new mid-May festival would center on classic rock. City officials are mum on the genre and whether a festival will even take place at this point. Based on the timelines of previous festival announcements and ticket sales, news should come next month at the latest. ***
Can Ocean City pass a law banning the lodging rental of a 42-foot houseboat docked in state waters? Attorney Demetrios Kaouris, on behalf of Sea Rocket OC Houseboats LLC, says the law is clear -- the houseboat moored on Dorchester Street in a marina can be rented. The city disagrees clearly as it passed an ordinance to prevent the rental early in the summer.
In his complaint, filed as part of a lawsuit against Ocean City, Kaouris wrote, “The zoning authority granted by the State of Maryland to the Town does not authorize it to enact zoning legislation that would preclude the berthing of State-registered vessels in subaqueous portions of the land that are governed by the State of Maryland.” There is no court date set at this time, but a temporary restraining order was handed down in August until a decision was reached. The ordered required the boat to be moved, but it was still there this week. It was not rented this summer, however.
Editor,
Our community is kind and generous. We see it time and time again, when we rally to support fellow locals in need. This is why I am so disheartened to see the addition to Dorothy Shelton-Leslie's campaign sign at the entrance to North Gate in Ocean Pines. No matter your feelings on transgender rights, there are very real children in our community who will see this sign. Small children who will wonder at the meaning, teens whose hearts will ache for their friends, and trans children who will begin to think their community hates them. Has Mrs. Shelton-Leslie, who is running for a seat on the Board of Education, not considered the children? There are other ways to fight a crusade against transgender equality than this boorish display. We have enough vitriol at the national level. Let’s keep our local elections civil and positive. Furthermore, as a parent, I am more interested in how our school system can hire and retain excellent teachers, keep class sizes small, and provide opportunities for students to excel. These are the real issues facing our Board of Education. Mrs. SheltonLeslie, let’s see your plan for these goals on your signs instead of provocative and insensitive nonsense.
Rachel Geiger Berlin
On Thursday and Friday, Oct. 4-5, a plea for help was issued to citizens of Worcester County to bring much needed supplies that were needed in North Carolina for towns that were ravaged by the remnants of hurricane Helene. Large amounts of rain, wind and horrific flooding literally wiped out small towns in the hills and valleys near Asheville, NC. Roads and bridges disappeared, homes, cars and businesses were washed away and
many lives were lost in the disastrous conditions that sprang up so quickly. There was no electric, food, drinking water, wi-fi and most roads were impassible. News of the disastrous conditions were slow to come forward as there was basically very little means of communication.
As updates were reported, pleas went out for help for emergency services, rescue, utilities and basic every day needs for those who lost everything. Ocean Pines jumped in.
I am a volunteer at the Ocean Pines library and was happy to help receive and sort donations. I cannot tell you enough about the overwhelming response from people and businesses around Ocean Pines who so very generously donated in a matter of 24 hours half of a trailer load of diapers, food, dog and cat food, bottled water, medicine and medicinal needs, paper goods, buckets, shovels, baby food, snacks, canned goods, gloves, socks, bedding, eating utensils, Depends, flashlights, gloves, bug repellent and the list goes on.
On Friday afternoon the donated materials were loaded and early Saturday morning it was on the way to the unfortunate victims of the hurricane.
People and businesses of Ocean Pines, you deserve a huge pat on the back and many accolades for your compassion, generosity, kindness and efforts. On behalf of those who are in a state of shock and despair, thank you, thank you, thank you. God bless all of you and know that someone is very thankful for your efforts and understanding.
Jim Meckley (The writer is the president of Friends of the Ocean Pines Library (FOPL).)
Editor,
In response to your article regarding liquor violation hearings, I have
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the following comments. While our business takes full responsibility for the violation and respects the verdict and fine imposed, I do take issue with the publishing of the name of our employee who was charged with this offense (the first two words of the article).
If you are going to publish these names then you should have published the names of the 11 others who were charged. To then include her every move including a trip to the bathroom was a bit much. As reported, this was her first job (working two jobs) in a foreign country for the first time. We could have easily released her but given her integrity, her work ethic and her responsible acceptance and remorseful heartfelt written apology to the board we chose not too.
I only hope in your need to publish her name that this does not impede her chances of being able to return to work again next season. We highly value our J-1 students and treat them as family. It was a mistake and all parties took accountability. Perhaps you should consider this in your reporting. Do better OC Today as this is surely not The Dispatch style of journalism.
Kim Holloway (The writer is the operations manager at Lombardis 94th Street.)
Editor, Ronald Reagan famously joked, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management open house meeting at the Convention Center perfectly illustrated that quote. We are in deep trouble if their presentation preludes what’s to come. Ten information stations were positioned around the room and staffed by BOEM scientists, analysts, and spokespeople who seemed incapable or unwilling to answer many of the legitimate questions from those attending. One question for the technology and power transmission staff was about the approximate weight of each offshore turbine and mooring platform. Amazingly, there did not appear to be a single member of the BOEM staff who knew the answer. At the economics table, the staff could not answer the approximate percentage of each turbine that will be manufactured overseas. In their attempt to answer the question, they mentioned that environmental efforts needed to be multinational and that many countries might manufacture turbine components because European countries had much more offshore turbine experience than the U.S. That was
alarming.
Parts of the federal government tend to be so inefficient that they inadvertently do more harm than good. Created in 2010 under the Obama administration, BOEM became one of several new government agencies that have grown significantly in scope and staffing size. Under the current administration’s Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, BOEM has been mandated to dramatically expand offshore wind turbines in the U.S. With diversity, equity, and inclusion ranked as a top BOEM priority in their 2024 -2028 Strategic Plan, it would be fair to ask if their focus is where it should be. With a string of spectacular federal agency failures in the past several years, it is unsettling to expect that BOEM can safeguard environmental issues related to offshore wind construction while simultaneously trying to meet the goal of assisting foreign-based corporations building massive turbines on the continental shelf of the United States. Consider that the U.S. Department of Transportation was provided with 7.5
billion dollars in 2021 to spearhead an effort to build hundreds of thousands of electric vehicle charging stations nationwide. As of this past June, only 14 charging stations had actually been built.
It is not a surprise that the BOEM open house was a waste of energy. What is a surprise is the expectation that they will be capable of safely overseeing this massive project. The questions that I asked at the meeting that were not answered are: What is the fossil fuel energy expenditure to build a 90-story tall turbine weighing hundreds of tons of steel, plastic, fiberglass, and concrete, and to service each turbine with gas-burning boats? Is the benefit of offshore wind technology greater than the amount of fossil fuels it takes to create and maintain wind energy? And if so, where is the data to prove that?
Voting for federal, state, and local elected officials who oppose offshore wind turbines in Maryland is the fastest way to make a difference.
Brian R. Morrison Berlin
We invite you to share it, 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.
It is the policy of Atlantic General Hospital/Health System (AGH/HS) to provide medically necessary services to those who do not have the resources to pay, or at a reduced cost to all eligible patients whose healthcare coverage does not pay the full cost of their medical bills. Services will be provided without discrimination on the ground of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or national origin or creed. In addition, the patient’s citizenship or immigration status will not be used as an eligibility requirement for Financial Assistance (FA). Eligibility is based on income and family size. Interest-free payment plans are offered for any portion of the bill not eligible for FA, which will not exceed 5% of the patient’s adjusted monthly income. FA applies only to bills related to services provided by the AGH/HS. Eligibility is also determined by participation in a means-tested program such as food stamps, WIC and free/reduced school lunches.
The Polish American Club of Delmarva recently held a crab feast at Higgins Crab House in Ocean City. More than 90 people showed up to indulge in crabs, chicken, corn-on-the-cob, shrimp, hush puppies and beverages. Pictured, are some of the attendees enjoying the meal. (Top) Joe Ratajczak, Polish American Club member, poses with his daughter at the crab feast. (Above) Polish American Club member Patti Jarosinski poses with a crab at the crab feast.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, soldiers of the Red and Royal Romanian Armies were assaulting the Hungarian city of Debrecen, which was defended by the German Wehrmacht and the Royal Hungarian Army.
With a population of 200,000, the 700-year-old city is the secondlargest in Hungary. At the time of the battle, it was half as large.
The assault was begun by the Soviet Second Ukrainian Front, with 860,000 soldiers, 750 tanks and selfpropelled guns and 10,200 guns and mortars, commanded by Marshal Rodion Malinovsky of Ukraine, as it was making its way toward the Hungarian capital of Budapest, 140 miles distant. Included in Marshal Malinovsky’s Second Ukrainian Front were 22 divisions of the new Soviet ally, Romania, plus 42 Soviet Rifle Divisions.
Marshal Malinovsky attempted an envelopment of the Axis forces with two pincers. The southern pincer included the Forty-Sixth Soviet Army, commanded by Ivan Timofeyevich Shlyomin, the First Romanian Army, commanded by Nicolae Macici, and the Cavalry Mechanized Group Pliyev, commanded by Issa Alexandrovich Pliyev.
The northern pincer consisted of the Sixth Guards Tank Army, commanded by Ukrainian Major General Andrei Grigoryevich Kravchenko, Fifty-Third Army, commanded by Ivan Mefodyevich Managarov, and Cavalry Mechanized Group Gorshkov, commanded by Sergey Ilyich Gorshkov.
Opposing Marshal Malinovsky’s
Joseph “Jaybird” Eugene Vinciguerra, age 63, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Jaybird, a Maryland native and life-long resident, was the son of Matthew John Vinciguerra, Sr. and Frances Irma Vinciguerra, both deceased. He is survived by his sister, Debra Vinciguerra, and his nephew, Richard M.D. Husk. Jay is also survived by his large and loving OG family who have loved him & shared his daily life for over 30 years.
Jaybird will always be remembered for his vibrant spirit, and his loyalty and dedication to family and friends. He was a devout fan of all football, but the Redskins were his team for over 50 years, and he rarely missed watching a game. He had a passion for life that touched everyone he met, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love. Jay had many friends from junior high school that became OC residents, continuing their deep and abiding friendships for decades.
His warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial gathering to celebrate and honor Jaybird will take place on October 19, 2024, at 4PM on the beach in Ocean City, MD, at 120th Street. Friends and family are invited to bring a chair and join us in celebrating his life and sharing memories.
When tom row starts wi out me, Don’t ink we’re far apart, F every time you ink of me, I am right ere, I’m in your heart.
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Second Ukrainian Front was Armeegruppe South Ukraine, commanded by Johannes Frießner, with 430,000 men, 300 tanks and assault guns and 3,500 guns and mortars. Gen. Frießner’s Armeegruppe South Ukraine included Sixth Army, commanded by, Gen. Maximilian FretterPico, and the recently created Third Hungarian Army, commanded by Lt. Gen. Vitéz (Count) József Heszlényi. The count would commit suicide on June 2, 1945, while in Soviet captivity.
Marshal Malinovsky launched the assault on Oct. 6, with the southern pincer attacking Gen. Heszlényi’s Third Hungarian Army near the 900year-old Romanian city of Arad, which is 120 miles south of Debrecen.
This force covered about 45 miles in the first 24 hours. Gen. Heszlényi’s Third Hungarian Army, being both poorly trained and poorly equipped, was no match for the Red Army.
Meanwhile, the northern pincer, attacking toward the Romanian city of Oradea, made little progress, having met the 1st and 23rd Panzer Divisions, commanded by Eberhard Thunert and Joseph von Radowitz. The 800-year-old city, with a population of 185,000, is the ninth-largest in Romania, and is 72 miles northeast of Oradea, and 52 miles southeast of Debrecen.
$1,595.
Gen. Fretter-Pico sent the 76th Infantry Division, commanded by Generalleutnant Erich Abraham, to relieve Gen. von Radowitz’ 23rd Panzer Division, which was then sent to stiffen Gen. Heszlényi’s Third Hungarian Army near Oradea. The Soviets, after block-to-block fighting, finally occupied the city on Oct. 14. Soviet troops crossed the Tisza River by Oct. 10, and advanced toward the 600-year-old city of Kecskemét, which is 53 miles from Budapest. The next day, elements of Gen. Pliyev’s cavalry reached the suburbs of Debrecen, and the Axis began entrenching on the southeast of the city.
During the evening of Oct. 19, the 2nd and 3rd Romanian Mountain Divisions, as well as the Tudor Vladimirescu Division of Lt. Gen. Sergei Trofimenko’s Twenty-Seventh Army, captured the city. The Tudor Vladimirescu Division, commanded by Nicolae Cambrea, the “Red General,” was composed of Soviet POWs, and named for a 19th Century Rumanian hero. As a result of the good work of Gen. Cambrea’s Tudor Vladimirescu Division, it was renamed, at Stalin’s request, Tudor Vladimirescu-Debrecen Division.
Three days after the capture of Debrecen, Gen. Pliyev’s forces captured Nyíregyháza, which today has a population of 117,000 and is 30 miles north of Debrecen. However, Gen. Pliyev’s forces were now trapped in the Hungarian city. Gen. von Radowitz’ 23rd Panzer Division recaptured Nyíregyháza on Oct. 26.
Gen. Frießner desribed what the Germans found upon their return, “Women of all ages were raped, and sometimes murdered. Parents were nailed to doorposts, while their children were mutilated.” Any Soviet wounded that had been left behind, were summarily executed by the Germans. But, four days later the Red and Romanian armies recaptured Nyíregyháza.
Losses for the Axis were: 15,000 Germans killed or wounded; 20,000 Hungarians killed or wounded; 18,000 captured; 200 tanks and 490 guns lost. The Red Army suffered: 19,713 killed; 64,297 wounded or sick, while the Romanians suffered 33,500 casualties. The Red and Romanian Armies lost 500 tanks and 1656 guns. Now, it was on to Budapest for Soviets and their new allies!
Next week: Invasion of Leyte
Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) Just ask Stephen Decatur High School football head coach Jake Coleman and he’ll tell you that each year’s team is different from all the others as it should be. Though this year’s team looks a lot like last years, he sees differences that make the squad unique.
This year’s quarterback is Johnny
Hobgood, who replaces all-everything Brycen Coleman, who plays tight end for Vanderbilt University now. Of his skillset, Hobgood said, “I play baseball so I have a descend arm from baseball and that’s why I quarterback. But I like to run it, I can throw it sometimes but I like running it the best.”
Those differences were a big factor in last Friday’s 38-0 win over Easton
High School. The Seahawk defense is strong as seen by the lack of scoring from the other team during the game against Easton. Offensively Vernon DeShields and Johnny Hobgood both scored two touchdowns and Zakhari Baker made the fifth, giving Stephen Decatur a comfortable 35-0 cushion over the Easton Warriors at half. Then Blake Wallace in the fourth quarter with 2:10 on the clock made a field goal for a 38-0 final score.
The difference between Stephen Decatur and Easton was evident in first downs with the Seahawks having 19 and the Warriors having just two.
Stephen Decatur had 151 passing yards while Easton had only 27.
“I was very happy,” Coleman said after the game. “We have to eliminate some penalties and some mistakes, but anything is possible with this team, they dominate. We had more penalties in the second half and we need to clean that up.”
In the second half, Coleman changed the quarterback to Blake Caccamo, “because in the second half we were ahead 38-0 and he is good.”
The Seahawks host Kent Island on Friday night for the annual Homecoming game.
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Oct. 11, 2024) A new mercy rule for boys high school varsity soccer forced the conclusion of a game last Thursday evening at Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin.
According to the new mercy regulation, if one team is trailing by eight, or more goals, and there are 20 minutes or less to play the game is over.
That’s what happened at Louis H. Taylor Field in Berlin when the Warriors of Mardela High School visited the Seahawks of Stephen Decatur High School.
In the first half with 30:51 on the clock Juan Cervantes with the assist of Holden Bunting scored the first goal. This set the tone and Bunting scored again followed by Eddie Quick, Isaiah Rodriquez and Gio
Gregg.
“My goals are to get bigger and stronger and finding my trend and will do track as well,” said Rodriquez.
At the beginning of the second half, the score was 5-0.
“It was a really good night to get some of the boys in that don’t play, they got out there having fun and scoring goals that normally they wouldn’t get to, and I was happy,” said Coach Jamie Greenwood.
To start off the second half, Juan Hinojosa scored with 38:40 seconds on the clock. With less than 20 minutes to play, Xander Wakefield quickly slammed in back-to-back
goals that ended it, 8-0.
The Stephen Decatur Seahawks were on a six-game win streak until they tied Queen Annes on last Tuesday.
“We needed this, we had a tough game Tuesday night at Queen Anne’s, tied 1-1, we played two regulation overtimes,” said Greenwood. “It was a really rough game, a lot on the boys’ legs so tonight it was a really good night.”
A new winning streak was started, however, for Decatur. In a hardfought game, the Seahawks were shutout by Bayside rival Parkside by a score of 2-0.
