10/25/2024 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Disp a atch

Tram delay slightly clearer

With questions being raised about whether the Boardwalk tram will be deployed next summer, there’s been speculation that the city’s hesitancy is because of possible legal action. That is not the case. For for one thing, no actions have been filed. — PAGE 16

The public will have to wait until December to see the plans. That’s when the redevelopment of the 94th Street Mall property will go before the planning commission.— PAGE 10

During virtual hearing, mobile home owners tell official they need major help.— PAGE 74

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK DENNY PHOTOGRAPHY

September lodging report

solid, tourism officials say

Resort beats competitors in latest evaluation of hotel, short-term rental stays

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 25, 2024) Tourism officials say Ocean City hotels outperformed its competitors throughout September and during the early weeks of October.

On Monday, Zartico’s Bill Obreiter presented members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission with hotel and short-term rental metrics for the months of September and October. While September saw decreases in occupancy, average daily rates and revenue per room, he noted that the month had fewer weekends than in 2023.

“Right after Labor Day we saw a bit of softening midweek, but weekends were very strong,” he said. “They were very strong at the end of September.”

Obreiter said Zartico gathered lodging data from 21 hotel properties, which represents 2,776 rooms. He said when compared to Ocean City’s competitor markets, the resort recorded a higher average stay value and hotel occupancy.

“When we looked at competitors, you outpaced your competition,” he said. “Your occupancy was 7% higher.”

Obreiter also highlighted Ocean City’s top feeder markets, or the place of origin from which visitors traveled. He noted that Pittsburgh represented 4% of the market share, but that those visitors spend more than others. He added that Baltimore, the second largest feeder market for Ocean City, spent less.

“Pittsburgh really jumped out,” he said. “When they came in September,

they spent $224 more than the average visitor … Generally the further they come the longer they stay, and the further in advance they book, the more they spend.”

Obreiter added that Ocean City also outperformed competitors in warmer climates, including Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach.

“Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach are bigger than Ocean City …,” he said. “Virginia Beach has a population seven times Ocean City’s total resident population. Myrtle Beach has about six times the population … They have more room demand than you, but not so much in September.”

He noted that larger fall events, such as Bikefest and Oceans Calling, played a large part in driving visitation on September weekends. He said that trend continued in the early weeks of October, during which the city hosted Country Calling and Endless Summer Cruisin’. He added that short-term rentals also benefited.

“The vacation rental market has gone crazy because of these events,” he said. “They are staying for long lengths of time where they can cook in their rentals.”

Commission members this week also reviewed lodging data for the month of November. Obreiter noted that while short-term rental bookings were down, hotel bookings were up.

“Vacation rentals are taking a bit of a hit for November,” he said, “but hotels are performing strong.”

Council President Matt James, however, said he wanted to see similar reports for the months of July and August. He noted that room tax revenues were down 20% in July.

“The off-season was great,” he said, “but we are talking about small numbers relative to our prime time.”

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 25, 2024) Code amendments pertaining to tandem parking, site plan reviews and accessory workforce housing will advance to the Mayor and Council following approvals from a resort commission this week.

The Ocean City Planning Commission on Tuesday held public hearings on three proposed code amendments. The first amendment changes the code to allow residential properties to meet its off-street parking requirement through tandem parking, or stacked parking in which one car is parked behind another.

“The overall goal is to allow tandem parking for residential uses and to clarify this to ensure we don’t have to take this issue to the BZA,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told commissioners this week.

The topic of tandem parking was first discussed earlier this year, when a townhouse project utilizing tandem parking was brought before the city for approval.

Last month, the commission agreed to advance the code amendment to a public hearing. While tandem parking requires approval from the city’s board of zoning appeals, a code amendment would make it a permitted use in residential areas, so long as

See RESORT Page 10

Resort planners advance code amendments

Continued from Page 6

tandem parking spaces are not shared with other properties and that no more than one space is stacked behind the other.

During Tuesday’s public hearing, Commissioner Palmer Gillis shared his concerns about the minimum width of parking spaces. He said the width should be at least 10 feet.

“I have a problem with the 9-foot width …,” he said. “There’s no way you can open a car door with a 9-foot width within a closed space.”

Officials, however, noted that the parking dimensions were not included in the proposed code amendment. With no further discussion, the commission voted 5-0 to approve the amendment as presented.

“I think instead of having people not put in an extra step with BZA, it’s

worthwhile to have,” Commission Chair Joe Wilson said.

The commission this week also held a public hearing on two other code amendments. The second code amendment would require applications for improvements greater than 500 square feet – rather than the current 250 square feet – go before the planning commission for approval.

“We believe this is a reasonable ask to have the staff review this and limit commercial projects from having to come in that have minimal impact,”

Bendler said.

With no discussion, members voted unanimously to approve the changes, as well as a third code amendment that relaxes parking requirements for accessory employee housing projects.

Bendler said the change would allow accessory housing projects subject to

a conditional use process to establish required parking on the same lot or a lot no more than 2,400 feet from the building being served.

“In any case where the required parking spaces are not located on the same lot with the building or use served, or where such spaces are collectively or jointly provided and used, such parking spaces shall be established by a lease valid for the total period the use or uses for which the parking is needed are in existence,” Bendler said. “The lease shall be provided to the department and approved

by the zoning administrator.”

Bendler added that the code amendment also reduced the number of parking spaces for employee accessory housing to one space per sleeping room for the first four sleeping rooms and a one-quarter space for every room thereafter.

“These considerations are put in front of you to attract more employee housing specifically accessory projects,” he said.

With the commission’s approval, the code amendments will be forwarded to the Mayor and Council.

94th Street redevelopment projects eye site plan review

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 25, 2024) Plans for the new ACME Supermarket, retail space and 116 townhouse units at the current 94th Street shopping center will come before the city’s planning commission later this year.

On Tuesday, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler presented members of the Ocean City Planning Commission with a review of upcoming meeting agendas. He said three of the site plan applications to be presented in December involve the redevelopment of the 94th Street shopping mall.

“94th street will be coming before you in regards to the active redevelopment and townhouses there,” he said.

On Dec. 17, the commission will hear presentations from the applicants, who will introduce plans to redevelop three of the four parcels at the existing shopping center.

Bendler said this week that OCTC Holdings, Parcel A LLC has submitted a plan to construct a 48,000square-foot ACME store and an attached 10,000-square-foot retail site at the location of the current Roses department store building. To

the rear of the property, where the ACME is currently located, applicants OCTC Holdings, Parcel C LLC and OCTC Holdings, Parcel D LLC have submitted plans to develop a combined 116 three-bedroom townhouses on the two lots. Parcel B, which currently hosts a bank and Blue Fish Restaurant and Bar, will not be redeveloped.

The upcoming site plan presentations will come months after the planning commission voted to approve a preliminary subdivision plan for the 17-acre tract of land. The plan essentially called for the property to be subdivided into four parcels for future redevelopment.

“It’s a concept, I think, that allows us to truly take what may well be the largest single piece of underdeveloped property in Ocean City and bring it into something of which Ocean City is very proud,” Joe Moore, the applicant’s attorney, said in March.

Other items to be considered by the commission in the coming weeks include a site plan application for a residence and townhomes at 141st Street, a public hearing on proposed rental ordinances, and a site plan application from Dead Freddies.

Springfest, Easter conflict concerns tourism officials

Resort leaders say they are exploring options for 2026

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 25, 2024) Officials say a scheduling conflict in the spring special events calendar could impact Ocean City’s traditional Springfest celebration in 2026.

Councilman John Gehrig told members of Ocean City’s tourism commission this week that he wanted to discuss Springfest as it relates to the Easter holiday weekend. While Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said there were no scheduling conflicts in 2025, he said that wasn’t the case for 2026.

“We want to talk to you about that

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BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission are pictured discussing a potential scheduling conflict with Springfest in 2026.

Yearly event in question as scheduling solution sought

so we can get some direction …,” he said. “2025 we’re okay with Springfest. Everything thereafter requires some discussion.”

During Monday’s meeting, Special Events Director Frank Miller acknowledged a change in the Easter holiday weekend created a potential problem for Springfest. He told Gehrig officials were exploring options for accommodating the traditional spring event.

“It’s a much bigger conversation that needs to be had around that …,” he said. “We’re going to take what’s happening with Springfest and look to create new opportunities.”

As the city will not host Springfest on Easter weekend, officials say it leaves very few weekends to choose from. With the spring special event calendar filling up, Perlozzo said staff have floated the idea of moving Springfest inside or combining it with another event, such as Cruisin’.

“These are just brainstorming things. Nothing’s been decided,” he told commission members. “I’m concerned about Springfest and I want to make sure everyone is aware of what will happen. And we need to figure out a way to resolve it.”

City Manager Terry McGean

agreed.

“When you look at the constraints, we are starting to run out of weekends,” he said.

Earlier this fall, the Town of Ocean City announced the spring special events calendar would change in 2025 to make way for another largescale event on the traditional Cruisin’ weekend. Officials could not confirm or deny the event to be added was another music festival produced by C3 Presents.

In an effort to bring a new offering to Ocean City, officials announced it would come with some changes to long-standing events hosted in Ocean City, particularly Cruisin’ and Springfest. Last month, Special Event Productions, producer of Cruisin’ Ocean City, announced it would be moving its mid-May event to May 14. As part of that adjustment, the Town of Ocean City reported it would be moving its Springfest activities, traditionally held the first week in May, to late April.

In an interview this week, Perlozzo said the goal was to keep Springfest at that late-April date in the coming years. However, he said that has presented some challenges for the 2026 calendar.

CLEARANCE OUR BIGGEST SALE

MCBP not taking position on wind

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 25, 2024) A discussion on a local organization’s conservation management plan quickly turned into a conversation about offshore wind and its position on the US Wind project occurring off Ocean City’s coastline.

with regard to the species and to really the ecosystem of this entire area. And whether or not there’s a philosophy of whether or not wind is better than gas, or wind is better than oil, this is about how one particular project right in our backyard addresses our backyard. And I think it’s important that we be realistic about the effects it could have on our areas and everything that you do.”

When asked for the council’s input, Councilman Peter Buas kickstarted the discussion by asking about migratory birds and the impact offshore wind would have on them.

“Has anyone looked into the potential issues with those migratory bird patterns with the offshore wind project?” he said.

Good Buy Summer!

Last week, representatives with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) briefed the Mayor and Council on revisions to the organization’s Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan, a strategic plan that guides the MCBP over a 10-year period. However, when asked about the organization’s stance on the US Wind project being developed off the coast of Ocean City, Executive Director Kevin Smith said they had not yet taken one.

“I think it’s important, as this becomes possibly closer to becoming a reality, that those types of stands do take place,” Mayor Rick Meehan replied. “Just as you are stewards of our back bays and the coastal bays, you know they’re all connected to the Atlantic and they’re all connected

During a work session last Tuesday, Smith and MCBP Watershed Coordinator Steve Farr sought the Mayor and Council’s input on the program’s 10-year Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. As the last update was completed in 2015, officials say they have begun the process of revising the management plan for 2025.

“The CCMP is a 10-year plan,” Farr said. “It is basically a strategic plan we work with our partners on to implement as a roadmap to success. And EPA requires us to revise it every 10 years to reflect changing conditions, challenges and opportunities in the watershed.”

Farr said the plan had four themes – providing healthy waters, protecting fish and wildlife and their habitats, creating resilient communities and ecosystems, and developing public engagement and partnerships.

Smith said studies had been conducted, but not by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Councilman Will Savage then asked for the organization’s position on wind farms. For his part, Smith said MCBP supported the use of clean energy sources, such as geothermal, solar and wind. However, the organization had not made a determination on the US Wind project.

“In terms of the specific project here, we have not taken a stand in terms of supporting or not supporting that particular project because what we do know is that in order to harvest energy, there is going to be some impact,” he said. “I don’t know of any energy source that exists that has no impact. But what we have seen is that wind in terms of the impact on things like our species and the environment is far less than other sources of energy harvesting, oil, things like that. So in terms of whether or not it is an innocuous practice, we know it’s

On offshore wind, nonprofit taking ‘balanced approach’

not, of course. But is it a practice that generates enough power with little impact or the smallest amount of impact? These are the things that we’re looking at and so we’re trying to take what I would consider to be a balanced approach to whether or not wind here is a positive or a negative.”

Smith said MCBP continues to evaluate the impacts the wind farm could have on wildlife and water quality. But he acknowledged that there was a lot of information saying a lot of different things.

“So we’ve been pretty diligent in terms of trying to look at all of the studies and research that’s going on with regard to wind and how it may affect our environment,” he said. “There’s studies that provide, I’ll say, some good information, both positive and negative, in terms of the impact that wind farms are going to have on certain species of fish, birds, critters.”

Meehan then asked if US Wind

had become a sponsor of MCBP. Smith said the organization had received grants from the company.

“We’ve received grants from the US Wind,” he replied. “And those grants, I should add, go directly to our coastal bird conservation efforts.”

Councilman John Gehrig then asked if those grants had any stipulations to not speak against the project. Smith said they didn’t.

“And we wouldn’t accept the money if there were,” he said.

Smith concluded last week’s presentation by thanking the city for supporting the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. He said he was working with city officials to gather input for the organization’s management plan.

“We do want to thank you for your long-term support of our Coastal Bays Program,” he said, “because it’s been a good partnership for a lot of years.”

Legal action not impacting Boardwalk tram decision

Council president expects ‘clear direction’ soon on future operation in resort

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 25, 2024) While city officials continue to work through undisclosed legal questions related to the Boardwalk tram operation, they say its suspension is not the result of any pending lawsuit.

In September, a month after a tram struck and killed an unidentified toddler running west from the beach onto the Boardwalk, transportation officials announced that trams would not run for the remainder of the year.

While it is unclear when, or if, the operation will return in 2025, Council President Matt James said Monday the city has not been notified of any pending litigation related to the accident.

“I can confirm that as of this morning, there is no pending lawsuit and that OCPD has not concluded its full investigation,” he said. “I would imagine that we will have clear direction on the future of the Tram operations in the next month or so.”

Following last week’s transportation committee meeting, Transit Manager Rob Shearman said a decision to return the Boardwalk trams next year had not yet been made. While officials will soon begin the process of recruiting bus drivers for the 2025 summer season, staffing of the trams was not discussed during last Tuesday’s gathering.

“A decision hasn’t been reached on that,” he said last week. “There are some legal questions that need to be worked out first.”

Shearman said once the police department’s investigation into the Aug. 20 fatality concludes and those results are provided, tram operations would adjust accordingly.

Phillips Plaza rezoning moves ahead in OC

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 25, 2024) Resort commissioners this week agreed a portion of the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center should be rezoned, opining its original designation was a mistake.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted 5-0 to send the Mayor and Council a favorable recommendation to rezone the eastern half of 2100 Philadelphia Avenue from R-3 residential to LC-1 light commercial. Officials said they believed the current zoning to be inaccurate and inconsistent with surrounding properties.

“I do like the idea of a mistake if it’s going to limit the precedent set for other areas,” Chair Joe Wilson said. “I do think it’s unique. I think the fact that it’s one plaza is really unique. It’s just easy to say the whole entire piece should have been zoned LC-1.”

Earlier this month, attorney Hugh Cropper came before the commission to seek a rezoning of the eastern half of 2100 Philadelphia Avenue, better known as the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center. He said his client, Mike Ramadan, was looking to redevelop the site.

“I can tell you that the plan for Mr. Ramadan would be to upgrade and sort of double the size of the shopping center,” he said this month, “build a mirror on the east side and have attractive facades facing both ways, and have more employee housing and offices above it.”

designation found on the western half of the property adjacent to Philadelphia Avenue.

In their application to the commission, Cropper, landowner JAMB LLC, and property owner and lessee Phillips Plaza Inc. requested that the eastern half of the property currently serving as a parking lot be rezoned from R-3 to LC-1, the same zoning

From the outset, Cropper argued that the city had made a mistake in its zoning designation. While mid-block properties have been divided between LC-1 and R-3 since 1946, officials noted the only exception to be 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 earlier this month. “There was a sign on Baltimore Avenue that said Phillips

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

An elevated perspective shows the property in question on 21st Street in between Philadelphia and Baltimore avenues. Retail space is currently on the Philadelphia Avenue (Coastal Highway) side with a parking lot to the east along Baltimore Avenue.

County’s eligible voters continue right shift at 47%

Worcester now has 42,577 registered for Nov. election

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(Oct. 24, 2024) The latest data shows the Republican Party is growing in Worcester County, but independent filings have also increased. In Worcester County, there are currently 42,577 registered voters eligible to let their voices be heard in the general election. Of those, 19,748 (47%) are Republican, while 13,586 are registered Democrats (32%). There are 9,070 unaffiliated, or independent, voters, representing 21% of the county’s electorate.

Comparatively, in the 2020 presidential general election, there were 40,665 voters eligible in Worcester County – 18,275 Republican (45%), 14,134 Democrats (35%) and 7,565 unaffiliated (19%). Further, in the 2016 presidential election, of the 37,979 registered voters, the breakdown was Republican, 16,216, 43%; 14,431 Democratic, 38%; and 6,721 unaffiliated (18%).

Based on the last 14 years of data, about one-tenth of Worcester County voters will participate in the state’s early voting opportunity that began Thursday ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election day.

For the presidential general election, early voting across Maryland opens Thursday and runs through Thursday, Oct. 31. In Worcester County, the Roland E. Powell Con-

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.”

After a lengthy discussion, the commission earlier this month agreed to move the request to a work session, which was held Tuesday. And upon reviewing the facts and arguments of the case, a motion was made this week to forward a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and Council on the basis that the current zoning designation was a mistake.

They added that the change was consistent with the town’s comprehensive plan.

Early voting underway for general election

vention Center is the sole early voting site and will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

On the local election front, the most significant choices before voters have to do with two contested seats for the Worcester County Board of Education. The school board seats representing Districts 3 and 5, respectively, feature incumbents Dr. Jon Andes against Cheryl Middleton and Elena McComas against Dorothy Shelton-Leslie.

Andes’s district includes parts of Berlin and West Ocean City and the entirety of South Point, while McComas’s district includes most of the densely populated Ocean Pines community. The school board races are non-partisan so political party affiliation of the respective candidates are not included on the ballot.

Historically, general elections see higher voter turnouts than primaries due to political party affiliation limiting the number of voters to weigh in for contested races in the primaries. Additionally, presidential elections will draw more voters to the polls than gubernatorial elections, which are staggered as to not coincide.

In Worcester County, the primary turnout in May was 24.1% with 8,340 voters of the 34,536 eligible turning

out. Statewide the primary election turnout was 19.7%. Breaking the primary down further, early voting attracted 1,240 voters for a 3.59% turnout of all registered voters in Worcester County (state average was 4.12%).

Dating back to 2010, early voting turnout figures in Worcester County have been difficult to trend, as different years bring varying turnout data.

For instance, in the 2022 gubernatorial general election, of Worcester County’s 42,116 eligible voters, 4,171 turned out to take advantage of early voting (9.90%). After all votes were cast on election day and the provisional and absentee, the county’s voter turnout was 45%.

In the 2022 gubernatorial primary election, where countywide turnout came to 29.8%, early voting was light

at 3.70%, or 1,208, of the 32,654 eligible voters.

Early voting turnouts in previous elections were as follows with percentage of total voter turnout: 2020 presidential general election, 32.4%; 2020 presidential primary, no early voting due to the pandemic; 2018 gubernatorial general election, 17%; 2018 gubernatorial primary election, 6.535; 2016 presidential general election, 19.28%; 2016 presidential primary election, 7.55; 2014 gubernatorial general election, 9.63%; 2014 gubernatorial primary election, 3.85%; 2012 presidential general election, 7.8%; 2012 presidential primary election, 2.94%; 2010 gubernatorial general election, 7.8%; and 2010 gubernatorial primary election, 3.16%.

In a press release this week, the

Maryland State Board of Elections reminded voters the deadline to request a mail-in ballot for the general election is approaching. To receive a mail-in ballot by mail, the request must be received (not just mailed) by Oct. 29. The deadline to request a web delivery mail-in ballot is Nov. 1. Mail-in ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by or before 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.

To date, more than 816,000 Maryland voters – including 6,551 in Worcester — have requested mail-in ballots, which can be secured through the state’s elections website.

“I urge every voter who wants to cast a mail-in ballot to act before the approaching deadline,” said Jared DeMarinis. “Mail-in ballots are a secure and convenient option for casting your vote.”

Wor-Wic eyes new athletics department, student center

Funding for a $55M project will be shared by the state, Worcester, Wicomico

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 25, 2024) Wor-Wic Community College is planning for a $55 million capital project that not only would see construction of a dedicated student center on campus, but would introduce the school’s first-ever athletic department.

“The vision for the building is to be a holistic environment for students’ well-being – making them comfortable belonging on campus, making spaces for student clubs and activities,” said Jennifer Sandt, vice presi-

dent for administrative services. “We really want to give the student a hub, a place to go when they’re not in classes. We hope it becomes the heart of the campus.”

At an estimated 70,000 square feet, the future Student Success and Wellness Center may end up being the largest building on campus, she added.

Students will have input on what the building will be used for and may look like inside, Sandt noted, right down to the furniture.

Plans for now are calling for various gathering spaces, from lounges to cozy cubby holes, to breakaway study rooms. Other areas would be reserved for student clubs and support services.

Office space would be reserved for campus staff and employees in the areas of mental health and disabilities services, student success, events, and public safety.

A multipurpose room and stage with a capacity of 200-300 people could house campus activities, or host outside groups having their own events. Additional areas would include a new school bookstore, a concessions area and catering kitchen, and a dedicated room for competitive online gaming, or e-sports.

Not only will the student center house a workout space and locker rooms, but the project will include construction of a multipurpose gym and outdoor field with a track –paving the way for competitive athletics to emerge at Wor-Wic for the first time in its almost 50-year history.

Sports under consideration include soccer, lacrosse, golf, track & field, basketball, and volleyball. The school will have to join a league, hire an athletic director and coaches, and consider funding for teams and transportation. The new athletic department would get their own dedicated office space as well.

Wor-Wic is the only community college in Maryland that does not field athletic teams, according to Sandt. For now, the school is looking at founding some intramural teams and club sports, and student will be surveyed for which sports interest them most, she added.

“We don’t have any recreation space on campus,” Sandt said. “We have a half-gym, but it’s really used by our criminal justice department for their programming. It’s available to students but only for a few hours a week. It’s more of a criminal justice lab than recreation space.”

The project is estimated to cost $55 million. Funding would be shared by the state, Wicomico County, and Worcester County. While the state will pay for 75%, the remaining 25% is shared between the

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

A capital project at Wor-Wic Community College will bring a new student center and athletic department to the campus.

“VANISHING OCEAN CITY”

• 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 vanishingoceancity.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

counties, based on which county has more students attending. Wicomico would pay about 2.5 times more than Worcester, per Wor-Wic’s last five years of pro-rated enrollment, Sandt said.

The college is now in the process of submitting formal capital improvement plan requests to the counties: Worcester County is being asked to contribute $3.78 million, and Wicomico County is being asked for $9.97 million.

Each county’s share will help fund engineering and design, construction, and equipment and furnishings. Those requests would be fulfilled in fiscal years 2028-2030.

The Baltimore-based firm of Whiteman, Requart and Associates is helping Wor-Wic compile its planning documentation and a preliminary needs report, which then will be submitted to the state by March 2025, according to Sandt.

Then, a long wait: the state won’t reveal until early 2027 whether funding is approved. The school would then hire an architect, and schedule ground-breaking for July 2027. If all goes to plan, the student center would open its doors by June 2030, Sandt said.

Wor-Wic’s last major construction project was the 50,000 square foot Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center, which opened in April 2023 at a cost of $36 million.

“THE BIG LIE” AND THE BIG LIAR VOTE KAMALA HARRIS

Paid for by Peter Ayers Wimbrow III

Officials discuss mounting planning issues

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2024) The Berlin Mayor and Council discussed the controversial Microtel hotel proposed for town last week.

The facility, a four-story, 78-unit building, brought to the town’s planning commission by developers on March 13, is planned for the east side of Route 113 near Franklin Avenue, across the street from Berlin Intermediate School.

Since the idea was presented earlier this year, the hotel has been mired in controversy. The Berlin Planning Commission struggled to approve the facility because it lacked unique, historic charm like downtown. Members of the planning commission said the structure was too much like a “computer box” initially but efforts have been made by the developer to revise the designs to fit Berlin. Most planning commission members said two weeks ago they

supported the new elevations.

The Berlin council met on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and the hotel issue was again raised. To avoid arguments over the look of new structures, the town will adopt and modify the Worcester County design guidelines and rework them to fit Berlin.

The standards for Berlin will use phrases like “may” and “should” as well as “will” and “shall.” Councilmember Jack Orris asked if these adjustments were still too flexible, but Mayor Zack Tyndall argued that the document is preliminary.

“Right now, we have nothing,” he said. “When somebody wants to do a project in Berlin, it is like throwing something against the wall. You do know what to expect. This is a starting point…it helps tee up a developer with a potential conversation with the planning commission.”

Orris proposed a joint meeting between the Berlin Mayor andCouncil and

the planning commission to discuss this and other issues. Tyndall also recommended that infill development be a topic of the gathering.

“It would be good for us to understand what is available and what we would like to see,” Tyndall said. “Some infill development has come up before the planning commission, and I think we should all be on the same page.”

The combined meeting will be scheduled for sometime early next year.

The placement of the Microtel has also stirred an uproar among Berlin officials and residents.

Councilmember Shaneka Nichols said the location, across from the school and near a healing arts center, is not optimal.

“Someone should have said, ‘I do not think this is the right location,’” the councilmember maintained. “We missed the mark here. We should have

said this location is not good. I know it is planned. I know this is zoned commercial…but right across the street is a school. Right behind you is a daycare. There is a healing arts center nearby. Someone should have shown them some other spots. That is where we, as the Town of Berlin, completely missed the mark when it comes to this project.”

While the hotel’s proposed location is zoned commercial, Nichols said it was previously designated residential. However, that was years ago, before any current member had been elected to the council.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen argued that every potential issue is often not considered when making zoning guideline changes.

“When talking about zoning, look at the time when zoning was implemented, and folks who implemented the zoning at that time did it thoughtfully with the knowledge they had that day,” she said. “They maybe did not anticipate some projects coming into small towns. But they did what they felt was right at the time. Later, a new group changed that zoning based on a new culture, philosophy, and business, and you may make additional changes. But it is very difficult to look at something and say, ‘No one ever wanted that here,’ because nobody may even think such a thing existed. Don’t beat up past councils or yourself for every single possibility that could occur within a specific zoning. Sometimes, we do not know something is a problem until it arises.”

Nichols said intentionally making decisions on zoning and project location is how to protect Berlin from unwanted structures.

“We need to be more aware,” she said. “That’s what this all boils down to.” Councilmembers Jack Orris and Steve Green, on separate occasions, prompted the Microtel conversation based on the topic gaining traction last week on the We Heart Berlin Facebook page. Residents expressed concerns about not being able to stop the hotel with at least one planning commission member saying the town’s elected officials have not given the planning body the ability to address these sorts of projects.

At the project’s initial planning commission meeting in March, Operator of Zenna Wellness Studio Chrissy Ehrhart, whose facility is close to the proposed hotel, said she was nervous about the dangers of sex trafficking, which she believes may be made possible by the potential 28day stays permitted at the Microtel.

The potential problem is made more dire given its proximity to BIS and the Bundles of Joy daycare. Earlier last week, Ehrhart again voiced her concerns on Facebook, writing, “I did my diligence in researching and obtaining facts about this type of proposed business. If anyone took it seriously, this next step wouldn’t even be a thought. It’s disgusting to see the interest in monetary gain rather than preservation.”

Despite concerns from residents, businesses, owners and officials, Microtel is set to move forward.

MACKY’S DONATION

Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill in Ocean City recently hosted a dine and donate to support the Worcester County Humane Society, donating 20% of all sales to the Worcester County Humane Society. In addition to the dine and donate sales, Macky’s collected monetary donations and raffle items from local community businesses to help the Society raise extra funds. Pictured, from left, are Kat Norton, shelter manager; Julie Hemp, Macky’s general manager; Alyssa Shannon, shelter volunteer; and Terri Mahoney, shelter volunteer.

BEAUTIFUL OPEN BAY VIEW 3 BR, 3.5 BA CONDO

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Sunfest featuring longtime favorites, themed activities

49th annual festival offers traditional fare, free music, Halloween-related events

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 25, 2024) Sunfest, a free, four-day event featuring arts and crafts, live entertainment and family friendly activities, returns to the Ocean City Inlet this weekend.

The 49th annual Sunfest event kicked off yesterday, Oct. 24, and continues through Sunday, Oct. 27. Billed as one of the region’s largest outdoor festivals, this year’s Sunfest will feature new additions to go with its new, later date in the fall calendar.

“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.”

This year, Sunfest will feature free, live entertainment across two stages. Musical acts include Vertical Horizon, All Revved Up “Meat Loaf Tribute,” The Gathering Gloom “The Cure Tribute,” and more. The four-day festival will also feature handmade art,

jewelry, pottery, specialty foods and more from talented artisans and crafters. More than 200 vendors will be selling their one-of-a-kind creations.

As this year’s Sunfest is held later in the season, the traditional festival activities will be paired with Halloween events, including a pumpkin race, Saturday evening beach bonfires and fireworks, and an OC Jeep Club Drive in Disguise and Trunk or Treat. This year’s festivities will also include a beach maze and beach tractor rides.

City officials also invite visitors to bring their pets, as both the beach and Boardwalk open to four-legged friends in October. Sunfest will also feature a lineup of pet activities and events, including K-9 demonstrations, a Howl-O-Ween pet parade, a “Try-It” agility and weave pole course and a Dock Dogs National Point Competition, to name a few. Novice dogs who enjoy toys and water can enter the Dock Dogs event online at DockDogs.com.

Bicycle fans are also invited to join in on the action at the third annual Show-N-Shine & Swap Meet. Participants can showcase their vintage, modern or custom bikes, or sell and trade bike-related products and parts. Those interested can register for the free event online at ococean.com/sunfest/activities.

This year’s Sunfest will also feature a wide selection of food vendors selling ready-to-order eats. Officials encourage festivalgoers to come hungry.

“From classic festival favorites like funnel cakes and hot dogs to more unique options like crabby pretzels and homemade treats, there’s something to satisfy every appetite,” the Sunfest website reads.

“Visitors can enjoy their meals while taking in the lively atmosphere and listening to the live music performances.”

As parking is restricted at the festival grounds, visitors are encouraged to 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 South Division Street, just one block from Sunfest. Shuttle service is $4 to ride all day.

Special Event express shuttle service is also available at the convention center on 40th Street, where you can park for free in the south lot and ride the express shuttle directly to Sunfest.

Fare is $4 to ride all day. Passes purchased for either express service are also valid all day aboard the Coastal Highway Beach Bus.

Fall in Love!

Security cameras, new vestibules on school project list

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2024) The Worcester County Board of Education is requesting small capital expenditures from the local government.

Chief Operations and Human Relations Officer Dr. Dwayne Abt said that in years when the Worcester County government has supplemental funding, the school system is permitted to request onetime capital expenditures of less than $250,000 per project. In collaboration with Maintenance and Operations Manager Sam Slacum, Abt presented the 20item list of potential initiatives to the school board at their Tuesday, Oct. 15 meeting.

The request includes updated security cameras for Buckingham Elementary School, Showell Elementary School, the Board of Education office, and security vestibules for Ocean City Elementary School, Berlin Intermediate School, BES, Snow Hill Middle School, Cedar Chapel Special School, and Pocomoke Middle School.

Additionally, the board hopes to receive local funding for new radios for all schools, water heaters at Stephen Decatur Middle School, and exhaust fan replacements at Snow Hill Elementary School, Pocomoke Elementary School, PMS, SHMS, and CCSS.

Slacum said that Shawn Goddard, the manager of school safety, reviewed many of the security items included in the request, such as the cameras and vestibules.

“A lot of these items are direct products of our school safety committee as well as school safety best practices,” Slacum added.

Board of Education member Katie Addis asked how new security cameras at BES would move forward, given the school’s impending reconstruction.

Slacum maintained that the devices would equip the school while the new facility was being built.

“The cameras there are well beyond their useful life spans,” he said. “We have a security gap in that school. The harsh reality is that we are five years before a new Buckingham falls out of the sky. During the in-between time, we felt it was prudent to look at putting a security camera system in that school.”

If approved, the proposed radios will also improve school safety. According to Goddard, the potential funding will buy 35 devices for each school, guaranteeing quality communication.

Each school has its own set of radios, and some are better than others. The upgrade will eliminate dead spots for all buildings, which remains an issue with the older devices.

While public school officials refined the expenditure request list in collaboration with county government, Superintendent Lou Taylor maintained that the commissioners had yet to approve the

Rotary’s Merry Marketplace run in Berlin planned

(Oct. 25, 2024) Merry Marketplace, a holiday market organized and coordinated by the Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club and sponsored by Berlin Main Street, will take place on the four Saturdays following Thanksgiving, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., next to the Welcome Center at 14 S. Main Street.

Visitors will have the opportunity to shop from a variety of vendors offering handmade and homemade items, perfect for holiday gifts.

The market will also feature seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate, and a special edition “Brrrlin” mug will be available for purchase.

All proceeds from vendor space rentals and hot chocolate sales will support the Rotary Club’s charitable initiatives, including high school scholarships, the ‘adopted’ PreK3 classes at local elementary schools, and other community donations.

Vendor spaces are still available. For more information or to apply, please contact the Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club at ocberlinrotary@gmail.com.

‘Trees for the Arts’ contest to serve as ALOC benefit

(Oct. 25, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City invites local artists, nonprofits, and businesses to compete in the annual tree decorating contest, “Trees for the Arts,” at Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park in Ocean City.

The Art League supplies the six-foot artificial trees, and decorators compete for the most votes and the honor of taking home a cash prize. The public will tour the trees during Winterfest and vote on their favorite decorations at $1 per vote. The tree with the most votes will win $1,000 in cash, sponsored by Park Place Hotel and the Town of Ocean City.

“Embrace the holiday spirit and show your creativity by transforming a Christmas tree into a stunning masterpiece that reflects your unique style or your organization’s mission,” Aubrey Sizemore, Art League Trees for the Arts coordinator, said. “Let your imagination run wild with lights, ornaments, ribbons, and other decorations. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shine.”

Sizemore warned that the number of available trees is limited, and the earliest reservations get the trees. The entry fee is $40. The trees will be decorated at Northside Park on Nov. 13-14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and will be on display during the Winterfest of Lights opening Nov. 21 and running through Dec. 31. Proceeds from votes will benefit the youth outreach programs of the Art League. To enter or for more details contact Sizemore at aubrey@artleagueofoceancity.org or 410-524-9433. Open Friday-Sunday 4pm

Brick dedication for ‘Sarge’ Garlitz on tap for Nov. 1

(Oct. 24 2024) Six months after his passing, Friends of William Lawrence “Sarge” Garlitz will host a brick dedication ceremony at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines on Friday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m.

Garlitz served in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, and was a tireless volunteer. He died in April.

A Lonaconing, Maryland native, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961, serving in various locations including French Morocco during the Vietnam era and Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He later joined the U.S. Army in 1974, providing security at Fort Meade, and returned to the Air Force in 1988, where he was involved in major operations, including a record-breaking drug bust in Texas. Garlitz earned multiple commendations and medals throughout his career, ultimately retiring with the rank of master sergeant after serving in locations such as England, Japan, and Dover Air Force Base.

Garlitz was a dedicated community member involved in various organizations, including the Boy Scouts, VFW, American Legion, and Vietnam Veterans of America. He worked closely with former Sen. Jim Mathias to pass legislation benefiting veterans, such as allowing slot machines for nonprofits in Worcester County, displaying POW/MIA flags at state buildings, and allowing veterans to have “veteran” on their driver’s licenses. He also served in leadership roles within the American Legion and was active in his local church, St. Mary’s Refuge of Sinners.

The ceremony will include a brief dedication and the placement of the new brick into the existing memorial.

The Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines draws thousands of people each year for Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, along with hundreds of local schoolchildren for annual educational programs.

The Veterans Memorial broke ground on Veterans Day 2004. The main part of the memorial is a large circle of brick pavers honoring U.S. military men and women, surrounded by brick-wall monuments for each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and flags for each branch flying high in the air. Under each brick wall is sand from the beaches of Normandy.

“The bricks and pavers tell the story. Those are the veterans that local families wanted to honor,” Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said. “Anyone can purchase a brick for $75, and it’s inscribed with the name of someone who has served, or a paver for $150, which allows four lines of information.”

Proceeds help support the memorial and its education and outreach programs.

For more information, visit wocov-

Berlin to host Fall Just Walk through downtown area

(Oct. 25, 2024) The annual Fall Just Walk event will be held on Friday, Nov. 8.

The walk kicks off at Stephen Decatur Park and covers a scenic 4.5-mile route through downtown Berlin. To light up the night, all participants are asked to bring and wear glow-in-the-dark gear. A limited supply of glow items will also be available at registration.

Representatives from the Worcester County Health Department and the Atlantic General Health System will be onsite to offer blood pressure checks, prediabetes screenings, health information, and free giveaways.

Pre-register by contacting Special Projects Administrator Kate Daub at 410-6414002 or kdaub@berlinmd.gov. Day-of registration will begin at 5 p.m. at Stephen Decatur Park, located at 130 Tripoli Street, with the walk starting promptly at 5:30 p.m. The event is family-friendly and strollers and leashed dogs are welcome!

All participants will receive a free raffle entry for a chance to win a Berlin Basket filled with local goodies.

To volunteer or for additional information, reach out to Kate Daub at 410641-4002 or kdaub@berlinmd.gov.

Annual Flannel Formal eyed for Coulbourn Farm

(Oct. 25, 2024) The Lower Shore Land Trust is hosting its annual Flannel Formal event at the Coulbourn Farm on Nov. 9, from 3-6 p.m.

The Coulbourn Farm, located at 7538 Whiton Road, has a rich history in Snow Hill with land acquired from 1850 to 1882. The farm has gone through many names but the original and patented name is Wickers Neck from 1695. The farmhouse on the property was first built in the late 1800s by Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Powell and two additions were completed later in the early and mid 1900s. In 2018, the farm was bought by the current owners, Jill and Coard Bounds.

Since then, the family has renovated the farm and structures including the barn in a way that respects the history of the property but allows for lasting use. The farm is now used for corn, soy, and lavender production. The Lower Shore Land Trust is thrilled to partner with Coulbourn Farm for the first time.

The event will showcase live music by Fil Rhythm Band w/guest Margot Resto, Pit ‘n Pub BBQ, Modern Graze charcuterie, Baywater Seafood oyster bar, George’s Mixes bloody mary bar, yard games, fine wine and craft beer, fire pits, silent auction, and fun for everyone. Attendees are urged to wear flannel.

Purchase tickets at www.LowerShoreLandTrust.org or call the Lower Shore Land Trust at 443-234-5587.

Outdoor space plan moving ahead after board approval

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 25, 2024) A Berlin restaurant and distillery is making plans to extend its footprint to a new familyfriendly and expansive outdoor space.

Forgotten 50 Distilling, located on Old Ocean City Boulevard, on Oct. 16 received approval from Worcester County’s Board of License Commissioners to expand its licensed premises to include 54,450 square feet of existing backyard.

Dotted by old-growth trees, the fenced-in acreage would be home to live entertainment on a small stage, cornhole, picnic tables, and an outdoor bar, according to owner Eric Fiori.

“When we built the original building, we got a bunch of rocks from the Adirondacks, and we re-used them. We made some tables out of them. Our idea is to do as much natural seating and kind of natural setting as we can in that area,” Fiori said.

The 3,500 square foot restaurant opened about a year ago. Its interior décor, with the look and feel of a cozy village square, evokes a sense of the past – and that’s on purpose, Fiori said.

“This was a 1940s Plymouth car dealership,” he said. “The front area where the bar is, that was the actual showroom. It was important that we stayed with the ‘40s, ‘50s theme, that we capture that.”

The restaurant already has a patio with outdoor seating. For this new outdoor space, which will be kidfriendly and dog-friendly, Fiori said he’ll start soliciting ideas from his guests as to its details.

“We are going to let our customer base decide what they want it to be,” he said. “We’re excited about the outdoor area and the potential that’s going to have.”

The outdoor space at Forgotten 50 will be open from April through October, from 11:30 a.m. to dusk. A slid-

Berlin restaurant planning

kid, dog friendly yard area

ing gate will separate the parking area from the outdoor area when it’s not in use.

Fiori, who is also an elected member of the Worcester County Board of Commissioners, also runs two local boat dealerships.

Also at the Oct. 16 Board of License Commissioners meeting, the board granted a liquor license expansion to Ember Restaurant and Blue Crabhouse in Ocean City. Owner Cole Taustin came before the board asking to include an existing 6,000 square foot arcade into the liquor license footprint, so dinner guests can legally walk through the gaming space with drinks in hand.

“This isn’t like an arcade on the boardwalk where kids walk in off the

street – every single person who goes to this arcade is with their family eating dinner,” said attorney Mark Cropper, representing Embers before the board.

“It is incredibly cumbersome that folks with an alcoholic beverage, let their children go play, (and) have to stop and leave it on a windowsill to grab their kids,” he said.

The board also cited three establishments for selling alcohol to a minor: Sello’s Oven & Bar, Lighthouse Sound Restaurant, and Leon’s at the Beach.

Sello’s and Lighthouse Sound both received letters of reprimand for their file.

Leon’s at the Beach had its liquor license suspended until Nov. 1.

Chicken, waffles with maple syrup

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

The pairing of chicken and waffles is not new, but does one know the history of this classic combination?

The earliest version of chicken and waffles traces back to the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1600s, where waffles were served pulled chicken and gravy.

In the early 1800s, a Virginia breakfast consisted of fried or baked meats with hot bread that could be made on the “fly.”

After the Civil War, some formerly enslaved men sold fried chicken and biscuits to travelers on the railroad station platform.

A different interpretation emerged much later with the opening of Wells Supper Club in Harlem, New York, in 1938. The restaurant became a favorite nocturnal meeting place for jazz performers, which eventually sparked interest in the notorious culinary duo.

Specificity does not always allow for clear conclusion, but one thing is for sure. Superb fried chicken is a must if one hopes to serve fried chicken and waffles. So let us take a look at the secrets to yummy, lip-smacking fried chicken.

Marinating your chicken in buttermilk the day before you fry it is an essential part of fried chicken. The buttermilk’s acids and enzymes break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and moist. Using the right oil is also a major factor. Lard, Crisco, and canola oil are your best options.

The subject of fried chicken is not complete without discussing the smoke point. The smoke point is also called the burning point of oil and the temperature can range from 325 to 520 degrees. Chicken should be fried in oil that has reached a temperature of 375 degrees.

The dredging is the next consideration. Adding cornstarch to your flour enhances crispiness by absorbing moisture and preventing gluten development.

The next logical question is what type of seasonings go into the flour? Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, crushed rosemary, poultry seasoning, pepper, and salt will add zing and zest and make your dish finger licking good. You do not need a deep fat fryer to fry chicken. A Dutch oven or cast-iron pot will do the trick. Both retain heat and deep enough for frying.

When your chicken is done, do not let it rest on a plate lined with paper towels. Instead, place the fried chicken on a cooling rack. Crispy chicken and soggy paper towels do not mix.

In closing, as the seasons change, so must your menu. Fried chicken and waffles with a maple, bourbon syrup is so, so good.

Fried Chicken

1 whole chicken, cut up

2 cups buttermilk

2 tablespoons hot sauce

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon crushed rosemary

2 ½ teaspoons pepper, divided 2 teaspoons poultry seasonings

kosher salt to taste

canola oil to fry

1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.

2. In a pie plate, combine flour, cornstarch, and seasonings.

3. In a large cast-iron skillet, fill enough oil to cover chicken, and heat to mediumhigh heat.

4. Taking the chicken pieces one at a time, allow excess buttermilk drip off. Coat in flour mixture, and allow to sit for a few minutes.

5. Fry until both sides are crispy and golden brown.

6. Allow to rest on a cooling rack and add a dusting of salt.

Waffles

1 package of favorite waffle mix

1. Follow the instructions on the box.

Maple, Bourbon Syrup

1 cup maple syrup

2 to 3 tablespoons bourbon 2 tablespoons honey

splash of heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon vanilla

three pinches of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper two pinches of ground nutmeg and ground allspice

1. Combine ingredients in a small sauce pan. Heat over medium heat until warm. Presentation

Place chicken over 2 waffles and serve warm syrup on the side.

Secret Ingredient – Fried Chicken

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy fried chicken.

- Anonymous

Smile About!

My name is Larry Yates, and I am running for a seat on the Town of Ocean City Town Council. I hope to join others to make the Town of Ocean City a place for residents , and visitors a Place to Smile About! PlacetoSmileAbout! , and (full and part time) own of Ocean City a p To I hope to join to own of Oc I o at on the T ate seat o a is Larry Y My name L d visitors a esidents place for r o make the own Counc o cean City T es, and I am running for r a

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Friday, October 25: TBA

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 25: Beach Bandits

Saturday, October 26:

Kevin Poole & Joe Mama & Homeskool Dropouts

Sunday, October 27: Darren O’Neill & Monkee Paw

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, October 25: Dueling Pianos

Saturday, October 26:

DJ Giddy Up & One Night Stand

Thursday, October 31: DJ Wax

CRABCAKE

FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Friday, October 25: Jason Lee

Wednesday, October 30: Monkee Paw

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, October 25: Supervillains & LNJ Halloween Party

Saturday, October 26: Bill Dickson & MTT

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, October 25:

Hydrafx & DJ Vybe

Saturday, October 26:

The All Star Band, Mad Decent & DJ RobCee

Best Beats On The Beach

ALL STAR BAND

Fager’s Island: Saturday, October 26

ALTER EGO

Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, October 25 & 26

JASON

PICKIN’ PARTY Harborside:

ONE NIGHT STAND

Coins Pub: Saturday, October 26

Fager’s Island: Friday, October 25

KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA

Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, October 26

Island: Saturday, October 26

BEACH BANDITS

Coconuts Beach Bar: Friday, October 25

THE WAYOUTS

Seacrets: Saturday, October 26

CECILIA’S FALL

Harborside: Saturday, October 26

CHERRY CRUSH

Seacrets: Friday, October 25

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Thursday, October 31:

Halloween Party & DJ Rupe

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Friday, October 25:

Halloween Party & DJ Billy T

Saturday, October 26: Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler

Sunday, October 27: Pickin’ Party

Wednesday, October 30: DJ Billy T

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, October 26:

Beats By DeoGee

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Styler

Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, October 25 & 26: Alter Ego

Saturday, October 26: Halloween Party

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, October 25: DJ Davie, DJ Wax, Element K Duo & Cherry Crush

Saturday, October 26: DJ E-State, DJ Cruz, DJ C-Miller, DJ Bobby O, Full Circle, The Wayouts & The Event Horizon

Thursday, October 31: DJ Wax & Full Circle Duo

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Sunday, October 27: Closing Party

HYDRAFX

LNJ

Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, October 25

MONKEE PAW

Coconuts Bach Bar: Sunday, October 27

Crabcake Factory: Wednesday, October 30 (Duo)

MAD DECENT

Fager’s

Ladies Auxiliary ‘truly a family’ for Anderson

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(Oct. 24, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize another member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, Laura Anderson. The members of the OCVFC Ladies Auxiliary support and serve the dedicated OCVFC firefighters. They sponsor events and fundraisers throughout the year to purchase new equipment and support our OCVFC Cadet Program. The OCVFCLA also supports the F. Michael Sacca Scholarship fund and the John Paul Adkins II Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Anderson grew up in Ocean City and has spent most of her adult life serving others. She has served as a Drug and Alcohol Abuse counselor; an Operating Room nurse/tech and a certified dialysis tech. She is also an MIEMS Certified Emergency Medical Technician. However, she cites her most important occupation in life as being a mom and a grandmother.

Anderson joined the OCVFCLA in September 1984. Her father was a member of the OCVFC, and she recalls visiting the firehouse “since the age of three”. When asked why she joined the Ladies Auxiliary, Laura responded: “My mom was in the Ladies Auxiliary

– it was always in my blood, and I wanted give back to my community.”

During her 40 years of Active Service with the OCVFCLA, Laura has served several terms of office as President, Vice President, and Recording Secretary of the organization. She has also been Captain of the OCVFCLA Canteen – this apparatus provides food, drinks, and other services to firefighters and other emergency responders at long-term incidents such as multiple alarm fires, major accidents and search and rescue operations. She has also been actively involved with the Ladies Auxiliary – Maryland State Firefighter’s Association for many years.

When asked to select the most significant event of her career in the OCVFCLA, Laura responded: “It is very difficult for me to select a single significant event that I have witnessed over my 40 years – there have been so many. I do know that whatever emergency incident faced our community – large fires, challenging rescues, or strong storms, our Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, supported by the women of the OCVFC Ladies Auxil-

iary were always there to meet the challenges. Always there to protect the lives and property of our neighbors and visitors to our community!”

Anderson expressed her greatest accomplishment in the OCVFCLA as her involvement in the Miss Fire Prevention Contests and her participation in the annual OCVFC Ladies Auxiliary Oyster Fritter Booth during Sunfest.

Given the opportunity to “Pass On” advice to those with an interest in joining the Ladies Auxiliary, An-

CROSSWORD

derson responded, “the OCVFC and the OCVFC Ladies Auxiliary is truly a family, and the members will stand by you for the rest of your life!”

We thank Laura Anderson and all the members of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary for their outstanding support of the OCVFC; our Cadet Program; and the Sacca and Adkins Memorial Scholarships.

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

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You’ll feel a strong urge to take initiative, especially in areas related to your career or personal projects, Aries. However, be careful to avoid overextending yourself.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you might find yourself evaluating your spending habits or considering new ways to increase your income. It’s a good time for financial planning and budgeting.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, be open to new information and perspectives, as they could lead to valuable insights. Social interactions may be particularly rewarding, so make time for friends.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You may find yourself reevaluating your work-life balance, Cancer. It’s a good time to establish healthy habits and set realistic goals for self-improvement.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Romantic relationships may experience a boost this week, so it’s a great time for connection and fun, Leo. Just be mindful of avoiding overindulgence and don’t stray from your principles.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, it’s a good week for practical projects that enhance your daily life. Think about what you can change around the house to be more efficient with your actions and time.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, engage in activities that stimulate your mind and encourage personal growth. Pick up a new skill or engage in thought-provoking conversations with loved ones.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, explore your deeper values and how they align with your financial goals. Embrace this opportunity to make strategic decisions that will benefit you in the long run.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Personal goals and self-improvement are on your mind this week, Sagittarius. You may feel a surge of motivation to pursue your ambitions or start new projects.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, set aside time this week to work on personal goals and address any unresolved issues. Quiet activities and solitude can provide valuable insights and inform your next steps.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

You may find yourself drawn to group activities or collaborative projects, Aquarius. It can be challenging to cede control, but you can learn from others as you go along.

PISCES – FEB 19/MAR 20

Pisces, you might feel a stronger sense of responsibility in your work if you switch up your tasks. If you feel the work is getting stale, figure out what you can change.

SCHOOL DONATES COMPUTERS

Worcester Preparatory School has continued its partnership with Lumiere University in Haiti through the donation of retired computer equipment. For several years, WPS alumnus Garvey Heiderman has facilitated the delivery of these machines. This year, following the renovation of the WPS Lower School computer lab, the school was able to donate 20 Mac Desktops to Lumiere University. While these computers may no longer meet the software demands of WPS classrooms, they remain perfectly suited to support educational programs at the Haitian university. Above, WPS Technology staff Mandi Carmean and Jerry Woroniecki wheel out a cart of retired computer monitors to be donated. Below, Director of Technology Carmean hands off a computer to be donated. Second from bottom, Heiderman carefully loads the donated computers into the back of his work vehicle. Bottom, Heiderman loads a box of computer monitors donated by WPS onto a boat for Haiti.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

This early postcard image shows wooden sidewalks and railroad tracks along Baltimore Avenue at the turn of the 20* century. The train depot would move to Philadelphia Avenue in 1903.

In the distance a tower marks the location of the electric power plant built in 1892 and beside it the four-story Seaside Hotel on the corner of Wicomico Street. A fire which began in the power plant on December 29, 1925 would destroy over two blocks of downtown including the Seaside and Atlantic Hotels, the Pier Building and Fishing Pier, and Dolles Candy and the Casino Theatre.

Ocean City would be without electricity for 10 days following the fire. To this day, it remains the worst blaze in resort's history.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

A N.J. turnpike trip with no stops

Being around young kids

A wrap over a bun for a sandwich

Stopping for Assateague horses

A dog’s energy burst after hitting the beach

Learning background from old newspaper articles

When my memory serves me right

Cold fruit and peanut butter

Tax credits of any kind

Seeing a young athlete’s improvement

A stocked fridge after a grocery run

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

Postcard from Bunk Mann’s collection

by Steve Green

WThe Adventures of Fatherhood

hen it comes to parenting, the aphorism, “fake it till you make it” seems fitting some days. It occurs to me parental guilt is a real social phenomenon. Perhaps it’s always been this way, but I know personally I experience it. With my boys older now at 16 and 14 years old, respectively, the guilty feeling after taking time away with my wife is not as prevalent. It probably has more to do with my teens seemingly carefree approach about our attention or presence these days in contrast to when they were young when walking through the door was met with hugs and screams of excitement.

It's quite true that parents mature and grow right along with their kids. My parenting journey has made me a better person on deep levels. First, Pam and I were unable to have children the natural way. After years of trying, we turned to adoption and both our boys were adopted from Pennsylvania at birth under trying circumstances. The process was eye-opening and tortuous at times but ultimately made us stronger. Carson’s diagnosis of a rare chromosome disorder as a toddler was a curveball neither of us could have ever imagined. For varying reasons, Beckett and Carson have been my life’s greatest teachers.

As my kids have gotten older, I have realized I can be myself. I don’t have to always say the perfect thing because for heaven’s sake I know I don’t. I often to struggle to find the right words. I often tell Beckett I am a better writer than speaker. He flips it around, as he has a learning difference that makes writing more difficult for him than most of his peers. However, he’s articulate through speech and I see his future as bright due to his instincts and gift of gab.

Nowadays, I can let a curse word slip from time to time because some-

times it’s needed. I can lose my cool about something they did because they need to know it’s not acceptable and they must do better. I no longer need to sugarcoat my reactions to protect their feelings. I can apologize for something I wish I hadn’t said because they need to know I am far from perfect and make mistakes.

I can share with them stories about something in my past I am ashamed of, as they need to know accept there are things they, too, have done they probably regret but whatever the case might be we must own it and learn to get better. It’s okay to admit change is hard. While it’s true through change we grow as people, it doesn’t mean it’s fun to go through. It can be painful. This is part of parenting. I think I can admit my faults, while still being a reasonable model for them to how an adult should live, most days.

Though it’s four years old now, this letter – presumably metaphorical and never actually delivered to her kids –comes to mind on this topic. It was written by author Jess Johnston and posted to her Facebook page in the summer of 2020.

“Dear Kids,

I'm sorry I was a jerk.

I wish you knew that sometimes when the house is dark and quiet, I come in and watch you breathe for a minute. I wonder there in the stillness if you know how much I love you. I think about the things I could have said differently, and I wonder if you let my mistakes roll off of you or if they stuck. I hope and pray there in the stillness that you would know how deeply and widely I love you.

You saw me at my best today, and you saw me at my worst. We cuddled on the couch this morning and your bed head was pressed into my chest. I smelled your hair and whispered I love you. I also lectured you about LISTENING and NOT INTERRUPTING, and was way grumpier than I needed to be. Later, I laid on your bed and apologized for being a jerk.

You’ve seen me in all my colors and I have no facades with you. I am just one mess of a Mama that apologizes often and loves you with every fiber of my being.

I don’t really know what I’m doing. I wish I did, but I don’t. I do my best and I trust my gut, but sometimes I make mistakes.

Sometimes I say things that shouldn’t be said. Please keep telling me when I hurt you and I will make it right. We are learning and growing together.

Sometimes I can’t find the words to let you know how I feel about you. I want to, but I can’t.

Though sometimes I am overwhelmed and stressed I wish I could push pause and keep these days forever and ever.

I am proud of you. I tell you that, but I know you don’t fully understand what that means yet. I’m proud of you in a way that doesn’t depend on your successes or failures. I’m proud of who you are and I will always be your greatest fan…no matter what.

I hope my imperfection gives you permission to be imperfect too. I hope you always let me see your flaws and your mistakes because you know I’m safe. I hope you never hesitate to tell me when you’ve screwed up, because this imperfect mama will love you no matter what.

My love will wrap itself around you whether you want it or not. There’s nothing you could ever do that would make it stop. Not ever.

I am yours.

We’re in this together for the long haul my loves, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than here.

I love you.

Love, Mama”

(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.)

An intermediate stage surfer could need board swap

Retaining beginner board always good for conditions

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Oct. 25, 2024) In the last report the question of how an individual might choose a proper surfboard was introduced. It was suggested the person should make an honest assessment of where they stand in their surfing progression, such as beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Granted, more increments could be considered but for the sake of brevity it was limited to these three. Let’s talk about the intermediate stage.

At this point. the individuals will probably be starting to get an idea of what direction to take. Are they beyond the beginner stage? Are they catching waves consistently? Are they getting to their feet quickly enough? Are they starting to introduce turns and moving the board into the most powerful part of the wave instead of just going straight?

Questions such as these can help the budding surfer get an idea of “where-they’re-at” in their surfing. A surfer could also consider how often he or she would have the opportunity to get in the water. For many different reasons everyone can live only so close to good surf able waves. There are many life considerations such as school, work, and family.

The intermediate surfer would probably want to acquire a board that can get them further down the line in their surfing prowess.

The factors of floatation and stability should always be remembered, but at this intermediate stage the surfer would probably be looking for more performance. If the surfer is satisfied with their beginner board that would be just fine. Surfing, after all, is more of an individual activity and one can approach it in any way that they desire. But if one is interested the next step might be a good idea.

If this next step were to be taken a suggestion of hanging on to the beginner board would be advisable. It could be good reference to go back and review the basics, use in less than stellar waves, which we are often faced with, or to help another surfer in their introduction to surfing. There are many factors to consider but all are challenging and fun at the same time.

- Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean

Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

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.

■ 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.

■ 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 Friday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal High-

way, 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 Friday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

■ 32 PALM

32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!

■ THE BONFIRE

71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

Celebrating 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-6846, castleinthesand.com

A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean Citybased surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule.

■ FAGERS ISLAND

201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com

$$ | Full bar

Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.

■ HOOKED

8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-723-4665, hookedoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-664-5693, longboardcafe.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30

a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

■ SEACRETS

49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

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.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com

Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-5393020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY

Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

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

OCEAN PINES

■ 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.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

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

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

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

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ OC DINER

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

Kids’ Menu

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

■ SHRIMP BOAT

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

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

County complex improvements to be celebrated

(Oct. 25, 2024) Area residents are cordially invited to join the Worcester County Commissioners as they cut the ribbon on the new scoreboard and playground at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex, located off U.S. Rt. 113 in Berlin, on Nov. 6, at 1:30 p.m.

Worcester County Recreation and Parks professionals contracted with Daktronics to install the scoreboard measuring 8’ H x 18’ W and positioned 10’ above the ground. The scoreboard will be utilized by Pop Warner Football and other leagues and tournaments that use the field.

The new playground includes 4,465 square feet of play space. The playground is comprised of sports themed equipment, including a tower structure, rope climbers, inclusive seesaw, and an arch swing. Inclusive components in the play structures allow children of all abilities to play and adults of varying ages and abilities to actively engage with their children.

Essay contest seeking entrants from students

(Oct. 18, 2024) The General Levin Winder (GLW) Chapter of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution (DAR) invites students to participate in the American History (Grades 5-12) or Patriots of the American Revolution (High School) Essay Contest.

The essay contest is open to youth that live or go to school or are homeschooled in Worcester County.

“This gives students the opportunity to explore and write about key events in the history of this Country. We have been pleased to have state winners from our area in the past,” said Sharon Moak, Regent for the GLW Chapter of the DAR.

The Middle School age students essay topic is entitled “A New Kind of Tea Party” choosing between two different events coordinated by women in North Carolina during the same era as the Boston Tea Party. The Patriots of the American Revolution for high school students are asked to write about a person who contributed in some way to the founding of this Country between 1773 and 1783.

First and second place winners will be recognized in the spring General Levin Winder DAR Chapter event and first place winners will be competing at the State level for recognition by the Maryland State Society of the DAR.

There are specific guidelines and forms that must be submitted electronically by email along with the essay by Nov. 20 either through your school or to the local DAR representative.

Contact your School Administrator or BJ Cain at 302-559-4718 or bjteach45@yahoo.com for more information or to request an electronic packet.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

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STRAWLEY TOURNEY DONATION

Michael J. Strawley, Sr. Memoriall Golf Tournament Committee recently presented a check for $15,000 to Coastal Hospice for the support of charitable care at the Macky & Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines. The tournament has donated its proceeds to the organization since 2017, and the $15,000 raised in 2024 contributes to over $78,500 raised over the years. Pictured, from left, are Holly Stone Murray, Coastal Hospice Interim Chief Clinical Officer; Richard Stone; Cindi Strawley; George McKelvie; and Kerrie Bunting, Coastal Hospice Director of Advancement. Committee member Steve Silverman was not available for photo.

OUTREACH CLASS

Pocomoke Elementary School held their first after-school art class, an outreach program of the Art League of Ocean City. Instructor Maya Benson and the “Art Blazers” studied artist Alma Thomas, a public school teacher in Washington, D.C. They discussed how her artwork used many colors and different designs, and they used her as inspiration to design art squares.

MCBP GUEST

SPEAKER

Liz Wist, education coordinator for Maryland Coastal Bays Program, was the guest speaker at a recent Worcester County Garden Club meeting. Members heard an informative overview on its State of the Bay Report Card and the many opportunities for preserving wildlife in the five watersheds. Wist is pictured with WCGC President Joan LaHayne.

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CHRISTMAS BAZAAR PLANNING

Atlantic United Methodist Church’s 46th Annual Christmas Bazaar will be held Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 4th Street, Ocean City. Fran Robinson and her elves have been working tirelessly creating holiday decorations which will be featured in our Christmas Home Place. Also featured at the bazaar, Bakery Delights & Gifts, Vintage and New Jewelry, Silent Auction, luncheon featuring Roadside BBQ chicken and sides. Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, with some elves will be available for pictures. Volunteers are pictured taking a break from event planning.

SUSY YOUNG CELEBRATED

Worcester County Garden Club member Suzy Young, pictured, was awarded the Joanna Lloyd Tilghman Award of Special Recognition at the recent District 1 Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc. semi-annual meeting. The award, which consists of an engraved nine-ounce pewter Alabama Julep cup, is presented to a District 1 member who exemplifies the objectives of the by special dedication to District 1 work. Young has been a member of the Worcester County Garden Club since 2006 and has served in leadership positions at both club and district levels. She is committed to improving the environment through gardening, practices “reduce, reuse and recycle” principles, and supports the club in community efforts to nurture healthy habitats for all living beings.

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WPS RECOGNITIONS

The Worcester Prep Alumni Association in partnership with the school’s development team recognized outstanding individuals at the 10th Worcester Honors Awards Ceremony. Family, friends, and guests celebrated the following 2024 honorees: Alana Parker/Service to Worcester; Trip Dyer/Athletic Achievement; Erin Hagar ‘92/Distinguished Alumnus. Above, Parker is pictured with her granddaughters and current WPS students, Sydney Parker ’27, left, and Lena Parker ’26. (Above) Service to Worcester honoree Parker stands with her granddaughters and current WPS students, Sydney Parker ’27 (left) & Lena Parker ’26 (right).

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MSO orchestra’s upcoming shows include OC stop

(Oct. 25, 2024) Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) announced this week its upcoming November concerts, featuring a captivating program of classical masterpieces.

Concertgoers will experience Louise Farrenc’s Overtures No. 1 in E-flat Major and No. 2 in E Major, alongside Ludwig van Beethoven’s celebrated Symphony No. 1 in C Major and Symphony No. 5.

Performances will take place on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Del., and the following day, Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Ocean City. The concert series will conclude on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. at the Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills.

Louise Farrenc (1804-1875) was a pioneering French composer and virtuoso pianist, recognized during her lifetime as a leading figure in the musical landscape of her era. She made history as the first woman to hold a position as Professor of Piano Performance at the Conservatoire de Paris. Although her remarkable contributions to music faded into obscurity, the MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra is proud to perform her Overtures No. 1 and No. 2. Each overture features a striking adagio introduction, followed by vibrant allegro sections that showcase Farrenc’s unique thematic development and energy.

In addition to Farrenc’s works, the symphony will present Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 and Symphony No. 5. Symphony No. 1 marks the composer’s emergence in Vienna. Completed in 1800, this symphony exhibits a lighthearted charm, blending traditional classical elements with Beethoven’s innovative spirit. The work features playful motifs and demonstrates Beethoven’s burgeoning harmonic explorations, offering a glimpse into the genius that would redefine the symphonic form. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is one of the most iconic works in classical music, known for its powerful four-note motif that opens the first movement. Completed in 1808, this symphony showcases Beethoven’s spirit, blending rhythmic vitality with dramatic tension. The work, a hallmark of coherence and economy, explores the full expressive potential of its simple musical ideas, ultimately transforming the symphonic landscape.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony invites audiences of all ages to come and enjoy a performance of orchestral music, celebrating both the pioneering spirit of Louise Farrenc and the genius of Ludwig van Beethoven.

A complete schedule of the 20242025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

Calendar

Fri., Oct. 25

SUNFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Music, arts & crafts, food, kidfriendly activities, tractor rides, craft beer, Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-OWeen Pet Parade, Trunk or Treat and more. Free admission. https://www.ococean.com/sunfest/

OCEAN PINES 4TH ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per person. Volunteers and actors needed. Debbie Donahue, 410-641-7052, ddonahue@oceanpines.org, oceanpines.org

CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT; EMPOWERING CAREGIVERS SYMPOSIUM - OPENING PARTY & FUNDRAISER

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets for Opening Party ($50), Symposium ($20), bundle ($65). Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/ e/creative-engagement-empoweringcaregivers-symposium-tickets909348274167?aff=oddtdtcreator. 410-524-9433

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 CREATIVE WRITING

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. A creative writing program that will help students with their vocabulary, imaginative thinking and social enrichment. Fr ages 8 years and older. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HOMESCHOOL CAFÉ

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Come see what’s brewing at the library and join in on some STEAM activities. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

HAUNTED CREEK ADVENTURE

Beach Bum West-O, 12308 Old Bridge Road, West Ocean City, 6-9 p.m. Local brews, food and a haunted trail. Bounce house, face painting, fall themed games and crafts for kids. Cost is $5 for adults and free to those 4 years and younger. https://beachbumwesto.com, 410-2131441

COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATION WITH OPA OFFICIALS

Ocean Pines Yacht Club, 1 Mumfords Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. Cocktails and conversation with OP Board of Direc-

tors, GM and various department heads and staff in a casual setting. Happy hour prices. Fundraiser for 31st Annual AGH Penguin Swim.

CHESAPEAKE GHOST TOURS: INTO THE HAUNTED FOREST

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 7 p.m. Tour includes a night time walk through the haunted forest and a walk through town with stories of Pocomoke’s haunted history. Registration required: 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994

Sat., Oct. 26

SUNFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809

S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Music, arts & crafts, food, kidfriendly activities, tractor rides, craft beer, Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-OWeen Pet Parade, Trunk or Treat and more. Free admission. https://www.ococean.com/sunfest/

HALLOWEEN/FALL FESTIVAL

White Horse Park, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Carnival games, costume contests, face painting and food and refreshments. Free event. Volunteers needed. 410-641-4052, www.oceanpines.org

OCEAN PINES 4TH ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per person. Volunteers and actors needed. Debbie Donahue, 410-641-7052, ddonahue@oceanpines.org, oceanpines.org

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716

Sheppards Crossing Road, Whaleyville, 7-10 a.m. Buffet includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for child.

OC RECREATION BOOSTERS’ SWING FOR YOUTH GOLF OPEN

Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, 12367 Eagles Nest Road, Berlin, 10 a.m. Fourperson Florida scramble with all-inclusive price of $150 per player, $600 per team.

https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/, 410-213-7277

CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT; EMPOWERING CAREGIVERS SYMPOSIUM - OPENING PARTY & FUNDRAISER Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St.,

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets for Opening Party ($50), Symposium ($20), bundle ($65). Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creativeengagement-empowering-caregiverssymposium-tickets-909348274167?aff= oddtdtcreator, 410-524-9433

FREE COMMUNITY FLU CLINIC

Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Dept, 4718 Snow Hill Road, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 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

BERLIN ROTARY CLUB BASKET BINGO

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 2-5 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets: www.ocberlinrotary.com, ocberlinrotary@gmail.com.

KANGA-BOO!

Coastal Wilds, 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, Del., 3-7 p.m. Trick or Treat through the park, spooky animals maze, games, glow sticks, pumpkin decorating and carving station. Bring your own pumpkin. Limited supply for sale. Tickets: www.coastalwilds.org.

HALLOWEEN IN THE FOREST

Furnace Town Historic Site (Nassawango Iron Furnace), 3816 Old Furnace Road, Snow Hill, 5-7:30 p.m. A family-friendly evening of Halloween fun in the enchanting setting of the Pocomoke forest with activities and treats for children. www.furnacetown.org/events

HAUNTED CREEK ADVENTURE

Beach Bum West-O, 12308 Old Bridge Road, West Ocean City, 6-9 p.m. Local brews, food and a haunted trail. Bounce house, face painting, fall themed games and crafts for kids. Cost is $5 for adults and free to those 4 years and younger. https://beachbumwesto.com, 410-2131441

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., Oct. 27

SUNFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Music, arts & crafts, food, kidfriendly activities, tractor rides, craft beer, Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-OWeen Pet Parade, Trunk or Treat and more. Free admission. https://www.ococean.com/sunfest/

ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SPOOK OUT PARTY

Northside Park Ballfield, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 1-3 p.m. Featuring carnival games, a corn maze, a costume parade and plenty of tasty snacks. Participants are required to bring one full bag of individually wrapped candy per child. Rain or shine. 410-250-0125

TRUNK OR TREAT

Wilson Community Church, 10722 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, 1-4 p.m. Fun, food, fellowship, games and door prizes. All are welcome. Candy donations accepted. Mary Feeheley, 302-858-2051

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

Mon., Oct. 28

STORY TIME: HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Wear your favorite costume and join in for crafts, songs and stories all about Halloween. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MONDAY MOVIE MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Come see a movie you might not have had a chance to see in the theaters. Light refreshments provided. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S HAUNTED LABORATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2-5:30 p.m.

410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MAGIC MONDAY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Magic the Gathering meet-up, fourth Monday of the month. Teens and adults only. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157

BOOBS & BUBBLY: MAKING STRIDES FOR BREAST CANCER

Crawl St. Tavern, 19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 6-10 p.m. Enjoy drink specials, a complimentary nacho bar and exciting raffles. https://crawlstreet.com, 443-3732756, marketing@sharpsoc.com

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Oct. 29

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: HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Dress up in your favorite costume and join in for stories, songs and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SENSORY PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Sensory play encourages learning through exploration. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet?

Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S HAUNTED LABORATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2-5:30 p.m. 410-641-0650, 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

HALLOWEEN STEAM!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for some candy corn chemistry, stream your own spider web and build a boney bridge. For ages 6-11 years. 410208-4014, 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 Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Oct. 30

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for imaginative play and social inter-

action. For ages 0-5 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COFFEE & CRAFTS - PUMPKIN GARLAND

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Looking for some Fall decor? This one is as easy as pumpkin pie. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S HAUNTED LABORATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ENGINEERING CHALLENGE: RIGAMAJIG

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 4 p.m. Use the library’s Rigamajig building kit to complete the challenges. For ages 6-11 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

NONFICTION AUTHOR PANEL

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6 p.m. Local authors, Tom Rapsas, Joanne K. Guilfoil, Caroline Hee Jeon Gale and Jim Loveless, will discuss an array of topics, from spirituality to military history. 410208-4014, 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.

Thurs., Oct. 31

OC RV & VAN LIFESTYLE SHOW

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 12-7 p.m. Motorhomes, trailers, custom van builds, watersports, powersports and numerous special events and activities. Show schedule: ocrvshow.com. Tickets: tickets.ocrvshow.com/e/ocrvshow/tickets.

HAUNTED HIGHWAY: TRICK-OR-TREAT BASH

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 4:30-7 p.m. Trick-or-treat through the OC RV & Van Life-style Show. Free admission with costume. https://ocrvshow.com/show/

STORY TIME: CORDUROY’S HALLOWEEN AND COSTUME PARADE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Come dressed in your favorite costume for a story and a parade through the library. Trick or treat around the different areas and make a craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014

STORY TIME ‘NOT SO SPOOKY STORIES’ 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

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S HAUNTED LABORATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HALLOWEEN MURDER MYSTERY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Someone was killed in the library. Help the Ocean City Library solve this case before time runs out. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books participants have read and want to share. Come find your next great read. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, Fen wick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 215-385-4993, BeachSingles.org

ONGOING EVENTS

HAUNTED GARDEN AT SNOW HILL

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., Oct. 25 through Nov. 1. Explore the Haunted Garden with a ghost hunt, local legends and more haunted activities. All ages. 410-632-3495

NATURE TRAIL GHOST HUNT

Berlin library, 220 N. Main St., Oct. 2531. Go on a not-so-scary ghost hunt through our nature trail. Find all the ghosts to win a prize. For all ages. 410641-0650

HALLOWEEN SCAVENGER HUNT

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, Oct. 21-31. Stop by to grab a scavenger hunt sheet and search the Kids and YA area’s high and low for all things Halloween. Finish the hunt and reveal a secret message. For ages 0-5 years and 6-11 years. 410-524-1818.

BERLIN PUMPKIN SCAVENGER HUNT

Find all of the painted pumpkins for your chance to win $100. Pick up and return your entry form at the Berlin Welcome Center foyer. Open 24/7. Contest runs Oct. 1-30.

Crossword answers from page 52

LOOKING FOR DRIVER

Driver w/car needed for occasional trips from Ocean Pines to doctors in Salisbury, MD. Call 410-208-6513.

NOW HIRING! PT Dental Hygienist for busy office in Ocean City, MD. Please call 410-213-1032.

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

PoolGeneral Maintenance. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne.

RENTALS

LOOKING FOR A WINTER RENTAL? Call Joe 443-610-4644 or Tricia 443-610-4665

PT/YR FRONT OFFICE POSITION

12-24 hrs. More hours available. Good customer service skills. Detail oriented. Check-in’s and light office duties. Send resume to: fred@paradiseoc.com

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy seeks Office Assistant

Growing Flight Academy with campuses in Berlin, Maryland and Georgetown, Delaware seeks Exceptional Candidate to join our team. Professional Friendly office environment. F/T Weekend availability is a plus. Year Around Position. Responsible for student interaction, dispatch and check in of flights, filing, retail sales and keeping our offices neat and clean. Must be customer oriented and be proficient in data entry and have good computer skills. Previous office or educational experience necessary. Please forward resume to mike@flyoceanaviation.com

We prefer initial contact be through e-mail only. Qualified applicants will be contacted for in person interviews.

YR RENTAL WEST OC 3BR, 2BA House. No smoking/pets.

$2,250/month plus electric. Available November 1. Call 410-213-1633 for information.

YR RENTAL WEST OC 4BR, 3.5BA, 1-CAR GARAGE. No smoking/ pets considered.

$2,750/month + Elec. Call 410-213-1633 for info.

WINTER RENTAL Nice 2BR, 2BA, on the water in Ocean City, MD. $1,450 per mo. + utils. Call Karen, 443-880-5727.

MONTH TO MONTH RENTAL

2BR, 1BA Apartment, West OC off Golf Course Rd.

$1,100/mo., security deposit ($1,100) and first month’s rent due at move in. Please contact Pauline at 410-390-1374.

WEEKLY RENTALS

$300-$500 per week. October-May. 301-331-2209

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

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

www.bbapartmentsoc.com

YEAR ROUND FOR RENT

3BR, 2BA TOWNHOME - Boat dock located in North Ocean City off Rt. 54 on Wilson Ave.

3BR, 2BA HOUSE - Wooded lot off Griffin Rd. in Berlin Both full furnished!

Call for more details Beach Real Estate 410-629-0224

Joanna Laslo, Broker

Plover

ROOMMATE Older woman seeking same to share 2BR, 2BA Cozy Midtown Apt. For 11/1 occupancy. No pets, smoking outside ok. $600/mo. + sec. dep. Must submit application. Please call 443-513-1421.

Houseshare. Furnished rooms in South Ocean Pines. All inclusive. $800 per month. Year-round. No smoking. No pets. Call 443-880-2317.

LOTS & ACREAGE 16 ACRES

Perked, surveyed and ready to build your own private oasis, dream home, man cave, horse farm, etc. Just outside of Bishopville on Rt. 610. Close to tax free shopping, schools & hospital. $325,000 Call Howard Martin Realty, 410-352-5555.

COMMERCIAL

2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200 FOR RENT 1000 sq.ft. Space located at Assateague Square Center at 9808 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West OC. Please call 443-783-2125 for more information.

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

COMMERCIAL DONATIONS MISC./OTHER

Industrial Space

Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

STORAGE

STORAGE UNITS

AVAILABLE

RT. 50

Polyzos Mini Storage

1 Unit - 185 sq. ft.

2 Units - 60-85 sq. ft.

301-537-5391

17708 Grays Corner Rd. Berlin, MD 21811

MARYLAND STATEWIDE

MISC. FOR SALE

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

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

Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

ESTATE SALE

LARGE ESTATE SALE

Sat., 10/26 and Sun., 10/27

9am-5pm. 287 Powell Cr., Berlin MD 21811

Bind me with old cord! Tight,

Classifieds

www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com

Classifieds Deadline is 5pm Monday

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

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

REAL ESTATE

We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929

SERVICES

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

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 responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, 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 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.

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA A. COLLINS Estate No. 20373 Notice is given that STEPHEN R. COLLINS whose address is 3230 COON CLUB RD., HAMPSTEAD, MD 21074-1730 was on OCTOBER 03, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA A. COLLINS who died on 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 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 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

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

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 third-party 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

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND

Monday, November 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of the Town of Snow Hill Section 110-134 notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at the Old Fire Hall, 212 West Green Street, in Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider an ordinance to amend: CHAPTER 200, ENTITLED ZONING, ARTICLE II, ENTITLED DEFINITIONS; ARTICLE VIII, ENTITLED PERMITTED USES; ARTICLE IX, ENTITLED SUPPLEMENTAL USE REGULATIONS; AND ATTACHMENT 1 - TABLE OF PERMITTED USES OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND to address through reasonable zoning requirements the State’s legalization of adult use cannabis and creation of adult use cannabis dispensaries by addressing which zoning districts licensed dispensaries may be allowed in and the location of the same and to address the location for growers and processors of cannabis.

The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing or for a copy of the ordinance please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410632-2080.

OCD-10/17/2t

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMAN 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 JOSEPH T. PASKO Estate No. 20367 Notice is given that

JOSEPH JAMES PASKO II whose address is 8453 BAY RD., PASADENA, MD 21122-2925 was on OCTOBER 11, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSEPH T. PASKO who died on AUGUST 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 11th 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 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-10/17/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CLARENCE THOMAS POULSON Estate No. 13438 Notice is given that TYKISHA POULSON whose address is 680 FITZWATER ST., SPT. 103, SALISBURY, MD 21801-5120 was on OCTOBER 09, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CLARENCE THOMAS POULSON who died on APRIL 29, 2009 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 9th 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 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-10/17/3t

IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF:

ANTHONY F. CITRANO SR. ESTATE NO. 20151

PUBLIC NOTICE TO CAVEAT

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

Notice is given that a petition to caveat has been filed by Anthony Citrano Jr., 18934 Shore Pointe Court, Unit 2903, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 challenging the will dated 02/09/2024.

You may obtain from the Register of Wills the date and tie of any hearing on this matter.

Name of newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: October 18, 2024

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

OCD-10/17/2t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of BARRY E. FISHER Estate No. 20320 Notice is given that LILIAN A. GASTON whose address is 4216 CHILTON WAY, HIGH POINT, NC 27265-9582 was on SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BARRY E. FISHER who died on AUGUST 23, 2023 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th 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-10/17/3t

ABANDONED VESSEL

Seeking last known owner/title of abandoned 23 ft. sailboat. Vessel registration MD 131AW, Haull ID MACW1504E989. Vessel has been abandoned for more than 2 years at Montego Bay community in Ocean City, MD. If not claimed within 30 days of publication date, applicant will seek title. Catarina Lore, 100 Sea Lane, Ocean City, MD. 203-6676973

OCD-10/24/4t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20384 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET A. REEVEMOHRFELD

Notice is given that Kathleen A. Storm, 6011 Deer Creek Dr., Pittsville, MD 21850-1311, was on October 15, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret A. Reeve-Mohrfeld who died on September 20, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of 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.

Kathleen A. Storm 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 24, 2024

OCD-10/24/3t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING NOVEMBER 18, 2024 AT 6:00 PM TOWN OF OCEAN CITY RE: PUBLIC PROPERTY - ALLEY CLOSURE AND CONVEYANCE

A Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council, in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842. The purpose of this public hearing is to consider the closure and conveyance of Bayview Lane between 1st and 2nd Street. The hearing will allow public input for Mayor and Council consideration as to whether or not it is in the public’s interest to determine that the property is no longer needed for public use and move forward with the abandonment, closure and property conveyance. Additional information is available online at oceancitymd.gov in the August 27, 2024, Mayor and Council agenda packet or can be obtained from the City Clerk’s office by calling 410-2898842.

OCD-10/24/1t _________________________________

GINA D. SHAFFER SHAFFER LAW OFFICE

836 S. MAIN STREET, SUITE 101 BEL AIR, MD 21014

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20389 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KENNETH CAMPBELL

Notice is given that Gina D. Shaffer, 836 S. Main St., Ste. 101, Bel Air, MD 21014-4169, was on October 15, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Kenneth Campbell who died on October 02, 2023 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Gina D. Shaffer

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 24, 2024

OCD-10/24/1t

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

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO 20390

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the COURT OF CHANCERY court of SUSSEX COUNTY, DELAWARE appointed CHARLES S REHAK JR whose address is 32638 POWELL FARM RD FRANKFORD, DE 19945-3346 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of SHARON A REHAK AKA: SHARON ANN REHAK who died on OCTOBER 23, 2020 domiciled in DELAWARE, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is REGAN J R SMITH whose address is WILLIAMS, MOORE SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 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 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-10/24/3t

CYNTHIA B. MACDONALD ESQ

208 CALVERT ST., P.O. BOX 33

SALISBURY, MD 21803

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20391 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT SCOTT MILLER JR.

Notice is given that Mary Stalnaker, 10262 Broken Sound Blvd., Ocean City, MD 21842-9186, was on October 17, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Robert Scott Miller Jr. who died on May 11, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment 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.

Mary Stalnaker 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 24, 2024

OCD-10/24/1t

PHILIP C. WIDDOWSON ESQ.

PHILIP C. WIDDOWSON, P.A. 11791 SOMERSET AVENUE

PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of THOMAS W WILKINS Estate No. 20392 Notice is given that BEVERLY T WILKINS whose address is 3923 WHITESBURG RD POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-3651 was on OCTOBER 17, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of THOMAS W WILKINS who died on AUGUST 01, 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 claims 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-10/24/1t

BID SOLICITATION

Nuisance Abatement –842 Colona Road, Pocomoke City

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for the purpose of abating the nuisance conditions per Nuisance Abatement Order No. 24-1 located at 842 Colona Road, Pocomoke City, Maryland in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing

the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

The last day for questions will be noon on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – Nuisance Abatement –842 Colona Road, Pocomoke City”, in the lower left-hand corner.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-10/24/1t

BID SOLICITATION

Overhead Door Replacement –Solid Waste

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for the removal and replacement of five (5) overhead shop doors and openers at the Central Site Landfill in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents. Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid conference will be held on site at the Central Site Landfill, located at 7091 Central Site Lane, Newark, MD 21841, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 10:30am. The last day for questions will be noon on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Late Bid Documents will not be

Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – Overhead Door Replacement”, in the lower left-hand corner.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer

Worcester County, Maryland

OCD-10/24/1t

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

Worcester County Housing Study

Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified Vendors to contract with a consulting firm for the purpose of updating the 2004 Affordable Housing Report and Substandard Housing Study in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, November 4, 2024. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, and will be opened and only vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Proposal Solicitation – Worcester County Housing Study”, in the lower left-hand corner.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-10/24/1t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20380 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CONRAD ENNALS

Notice is given that Ke’Essence Ennals, 604 8th St., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-1575, was on October 15, 2024 appointed Personal Represen-

tative of the estate of Conrad Ennals who died on November 19, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th 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 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.

Ke’Essence Ennals

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 24, 2024

OCD-10/24/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20381 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA M. ROGERS

Notice is given that Janet Rogers, 26 Watergreen Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-1546, was on October 17, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia M. Rogers who died on October 02, 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 17th 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 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.

Janet Rogers

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 24, 2024

OCD-10/24/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ALAN FRANKLIN FUNKHOUSER Estate No. 20387 Notice is given that KATHRYN FUNKHOUSER whose address is 90 TAIL OF THE FOX DR., BERLIN, MD 21811-1911 was on OCTOBER 15, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ALAN FRANKLIN FUNKHOUSER who died on NOVEMBER 07, 2022 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-10/24/1t

REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

1321 MOUNT HERMON RD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO 20395

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHAN'S COURT court of DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed GLORIA JEAN GRUBIC whose address is 830 BETHEL DR HARRISBURG, PA 17111-3159 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of MICHAEL J LALLI who died on AUGUST 19, 2024 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is REENA J PATEL ESQ whose address is 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/24/3t

MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL MD NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Mayor and Town Council of Snow Hill MD will conduct a Public Hearing to obtain the views of citizens on community, economic development, and housing needs to be considered for submission of an application to the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Citizens will have

the opportunity to discuss proposed projects and to provide input on other needs to be considered. The hearing will be held at the Old Fire Hall, 210-212 W Green St. in Snow Hill, at 7:00 pm, November 12, 2024. The draft application will be available for the public to review on 11/13/2024 until 11/29/2024 at Town Hall during normal business hours.

Citizens will be furnished with information including but not limited to:

* the amount of CDBG funds available for State Fiscal Year 2025;

* the range of activities that may be undertaken with CDBG funds; and

* the proposed projects under consideration by (Jurisdiction).

The Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a federally funded program designed to assist governments with activities directed toward neighborhood and housing revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities and services. It is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

The Maryland CDBG Program reflects the State's economic and community development priorities and provides public funds for activities which meet one of the following national objectives, in accordance with the federal Housing Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, that:

1. benefit to low and moderate income persons and households;

2. aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight;

3. meet other community development needs of an urgent nature, or that are an immediate threat to community health and welfare.

Efforts will be made to accommodate the disabled and non-English speaking residents with seven days advance notice to Kandice Ringenary 410-632-2080.

Janet Simpson, Mayor

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Advisor named co-chair

SVN|Miller Commercial Real Estate Senior Advisor Meredith Mears has been appointed by SVN International Corp as Co-Chair of the National SelfStorage Product Council. Mears joins Kristen Wilson-Asman in leading the Product Council and the National SelfStorage Team, enhancing SVN’s presence and expertise in the self-storage real estate sector.

Mears has demonstrated a strong track record of closing complex sales and leasing deals and has closed over $33,000,000 in self-storage transactions in the past year. Her diverse client base includes equity fund operators, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), private buyers, sellers and investors.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to further integrate with the SVN National Self-Storage Product Council and our National Team. Kristen, along with our past leadership, has set a very strong example in collaboration, support, mentorship and teamwork, and I look forward to continuing on in that manner.”

Mears is a member of the National Self Storage Association and the Maryland Chapter of the Self-Storage Association. She has served in a variety of roles such as Regent for the

University System of Maryland, Board Member of Leadership Maryland, Board Member of the Maryland Economic Development Association and others. In 2020, she was named a Top 100 Woman in the state of Maryland by the Daily Record for her vast contributions in business, community and mentoring.

Health system recognized

TidalHealth announced it has achieved numerous accolades for clinical excellence from Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. Healthgrades 2025 Star Report of hospital achievements shows TidalHealth is rated among the nation’s best health systems in several clinical services.

Among them, and new in the 2025 Star Report, is TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s orthopedic surgery program being rated third best among all Maryland hospitals. The Salisbury institution is the only hospital ranked by Healthgrades on the Eastern Shore for orthopedic surgery.

The orthopedic service line was also awarded the 2025 Healthgrades Spine Surgery Excellence Award, placing it Top 10% in the Nation for Spine Surgery, both are new awards in

2025. It retains from last year its designation as One of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery (2024-2025).

Orthopedics also earned a 5-Star ranking—Healthgrades highest rating—for back surgery and outpatient total knee replacement. Those are also new awards for TidalHealth in the 2025 report.

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is also again One of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery. This is the eleventh consecutive year earning that recognition (2015-2025). The vascular team also maintains the Healthgrades Vascular Surgery Excellence Award for an eleventh consecutive year (2015-2025), placing it, this year, among the Top 5% in the Nation for Vascular Surgery.

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional was also the only hospital in the state to earn a 50 BEST Hospitals for Vascular Surgery designation, for a second consecutive year, and the only Maryland hospital 5-Star rated for the Treatment of Abdominal Aorta.

At TidalHealth Nanticoke, the team retained, for a third year, a 5-Start ranking for the Treatment of Sepsis (2023-2025) and 5-Stars for a second consecutive year for The Treatment of Respiratory Failure (2024-2025).

Mobile home residents seek improved insurance choices

Comprehensive coverage policies for manufactured homes scarce, officials say

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

beginning to limit their coverage for these homes, for example, by excluding wind coverage, or only writing [policies for] homes that are less than 20 or 25 years old.”

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(Oct. 25, 2024) Residents and local officials are seeking the state’s help in finding insurance options on mobile and manufactured homes in Worcester County.

On Wednesday, the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) held a virtual hearing to gather the public’s thoughts on the lack of available insurance coverage for manufactured and mobile homes in this county and its coastal areas.

Marie Grant, the agency’s acting commissioner, noted that the meeting would help the state to identify the scope of the problem and to collect potential solutions.

“Based on the MIA team’s preliminary research, it appears many homeowners are unable to find full coverage on the standard market for mobile and manufactured homes in certain coastal areas in Maryland,” she said at the start of this week’s hearing. “Our research has also shown that surplus line carriers are

Oct. 24 - Oct. 31

In recent months, the Town of Ocean City and the Worcester County Commissioners have called on state representatives to help property owners struggling to secure insurance for their older mobile and manufactured homes. For some, the change has resulted in the loss of a home sale, as the buyer could not find a homeowners insurance policy, which is required by the mortgage company. For others, it has resulted in dropped coverage.

From Ocean City’s Montego Bay community to Worcester County’s two campground subdivisions –White Horse Park and Assateague Pointe –owners desperately seeking insurance, particularly on mobile and manufactured homes older than 20 years. To that end, the Maryland Insurance Administration set up the Wednesday hearing.

“The team at the MIA has corresponded with consumers as well as elected officials on behalf of consumers who are concerned about the ramifications of this decreasing in-

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Wilson/Salt Life 4pm 12346 Old Bridge Rd, West OC2BR/1BA

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Resident insurance policies weak

surance availability,” Grant said. “When they cannot find insurance coverage, owners of mobile and manufactured homes in our coastal areas are forced to bear risks they were previously able to insure against. And we’ve been hearing from owners of mobile and manufactured homes on the Eastern Shore that when they are ready to sell their homes, the pool of prospective buyers will be limited to those who can pay cash because other prospective buyers may be unable to obtain the insurance coverage required to secure a mortgage on the home.”

More than 120 people logged into Wednesday’s hearing, during which state and local representatives, insurance agents, advocacy groups and Ocean City residents expressed their concerns. For his part, Del. Wayne Hartman said the unavailability of insurance is an increasing problem locally.

“I’m concerned about the neighborhoods in Ocean City, such as Montego Bay, Isle of Wight Park and Warrens Park, who are experiencing a significant decrease in property valuation if insurance cannot be acquired,” he said.

Hartman said he is also working alongside the Maryland Joint Insurance Association (MJIA), which of-

fers coverage to property owners who are unable to obtain insurance elsewhere. While the association’s rules include a carveout for mobile and manufacured homes in Ocean City, it requires that structures be built in compliance with the Southern Standard Building Code, which Hartman said no longer exists.

“It is likely that the current set of rules is hindering many property owners’ ability to obtain coverage here in Ocean City,” he said.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said he first learned of the issue through a constituent in the Montego Bay community. He said the lack of insurance, or insurance that is affordable, affects more than 1,000 resort property owners.

“How is it that a recreational vehicle, which travels up and down the highway, and can literally be parked in the driveway of a manufactured home in Ocean City, has no problem getting insurance, but take the wheels off that same vehicle and put it on a concrete foundation and now it can’t be insured?” he said. “How can that make practical sense? This agency needs to take action now to address this issue.”

Meehan added that mobile and manufactured homes provide affordable housing options for retirees and

low-income families. However, he said they were the ones being penalized by the lack of insurance options.

The insurance sales climate should be better than it is currently, City Manager Terry McGean said, noting that since the 1970s, Ocean City has adopted strict building codes and zoning restrictions to address flooding and high wind hazards. He said those efforts have resulted in fewer insurance claims.

“Since Ocean City’s entrance into the National Flood Insurance Program in 1971, FEMA has paid just over $10 million in claims on property insured for over $7 billion in Ocean City. Compare that to Anne Arundel County, which entered the program 12 years after us and where FEMA has paid over $46 million in claims for property with an insured value of just $1.5 billion,” he said.

“Ocean City homeowners, whether they have mobile/manufactured homes, or conventional stick-built homes, should be able to get affordable homeowners insurance. Multinational companies should not deny coverage in Maryland based on events that occur in other states. Our location, our stronger codes, and lower claim history deserve better than that.”

Representatives with the MJIA See PROPER Page 78

ESTATE MARKETPLACE

Berlin moratorium extended again

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 25, 2024) The Berlin Town Council unanimously passed the extension of the temporary moratorium on specific actions of the planning commission, including rezoning, annexation, and final site plan approval, until the start of next year.

The Berlin Mayor and Council agreed to stretch the moratorium, or temporary suspension, on the specific actions of the town’s planning commission until Jan. 15. The decision was approved at the municipal leaders’ Tuesday, Oct. 15 meeting.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen emphasized that the moratorium can be lifted at any point if deemed appropriate by the Berlin Mayor and Council. The pause was initially im-

plemented in July after former planning director Dave Engelhart's passing in April so as not to overburden staff. Since then, Rick Baldwin has provided consulting services to the group but cannot act as the final authority on site plans, annexation, and rezoning requests. The plan was to resume normal operations once the position had been filled and the candidate settled, yet the town has struggled to find a new person to fill the vacancy.

“Just so that everybody knows, we are not sitting on our hands in this process,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “We have extended offers to other candidates. We have been unsuccessful with those getting across the finish line.”

However, things are looking up, and a new planning director may be

imminent. The mayor maintained at the recent meeting that a potential new hire is coming in for “hopefully the final process” at the end of this month.

“It is looking favorable, and hopefully this will be the last time we have to extend it,” he said.

Still, the council opted to push the moratorium until 2025 to give whoever is hired time to settle into the role as well as acknowledging the holiday season.

“I think extending it to January with the asterisk that we know we can pull it back if we do get somebody in and hit the ground running, but I also think we need to be realistic that we are in the middle of October and that time goes slow in this process,” Councilmember Steve Green said.

Proper coverage options needed

Continued from Page 75

said they were working to incorporate International Building Code standards into their rules and regulations. And while they do not write homeowners policies, they said they will provide dwelling policies to owners of mobile and manufactured homes.

“We’re not here to take business from the standard market,” MJIA’s Mark Stiller said. “We’re here to provide coverage for those who can’t get it.”

Yet local insurance agents noted those dwelling policies do not provide replacement coverage, which many mortgage lenders require. They added that there are no available, or affordable, homeowners policies to provide to their clients.

“It is a growing concern from our clients and a severe hardship in order to get them any sort of coverage …,” said Colleen Nichols of Landmark Insurance and Financial. “We just need help. That’s it.”

Emily Nock of Nock Insurance agreed.

“It’s kind of impossible to write the mobile homes anymore,” she said. “I think it’s the first sign of a growing problem, not just with mobile homes but with stick-built homes eventually. Already, some of the surplus line carriers are getting stricter with updates for some of the older homes we have in Ocean City.”

Ocean City resident Norma Jean Curreri said she and her husband purchased an investment property in Montego Bay. And while she was able to find a policy for her home, she said she was “grossly underinsured,” as no company would insure her mobile home for its worth.

“$10,000 on a $305,000 home gives me stress every day of my life,” she said.

Montego Bay resident Tony DiPaula said he also had concerns about the coverage on his buildover, or a mobile home that has been added onto.

“Ours comes up for renewal in January and I’m sweating like crazy because I don’t know if I can renew,” he said.

When asked if this unavailability of insurance applied only to older mobile homes, Greg Cathell of Cathell Insurance said he was also having trouble finding coverage for newer mobile homes in Ocean City. Nock agreed.

“We also have no outlets in Ocean City,” she added. “We haven’t for a while.”

During the hour-plus-long hearing, state officials heard from more than 20 individuals, including those representing insurance agencies and advocacy and special interest groups. Grant said written comments can be emailed to listening.sessions@maryland.gov through Nov. 6.

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Oct. 25, 2024) Customary in the state of Maryland is a split of transfer and recordation charges between a buyer and a seller. Section 14-104(b) of the Real Property Article, Annotated Code of Maryland provides that, unless otherwise negotiated in the contract or provided by State or local law, the cost of any recordation tax or any State or local Transfer Tax shall be shared equally between the buyer and seller.

In Worcester County, the transfer and recordation fees total 1.66% of the purchase price. Recordation tax is an excise tax imposed by the State of Maryland for the privilege of recording a sale in the land records. The current recordation tax is $6.60 per thousand of value, and this number does not change if the transaction is for the purchase of a home. However, discounts are available for refinances.

Real estate transfer taxes are taxes imposed on the transfer of title of real property. In most cases, it is an ad valorem tax that is based on the value of the property transferred. In Maryland, the transfer tax is a total of 1% of the sales price. One-half of the 1% is payable to the county, and the other half is payable to the state. Discounts are available for primary residences and first-time homebuyers:

If a buyer is going to live in the home year round, the first $50,000 is exempt from the .5% county transfer tax, which nets to a $250 discount (.5% of $50,000). This discount is customarily split between buyer and seller in our area unless otherwise agreed upon.

If a buyer is a first time Maryland home buyer and the home is going to be a primary residence, one half of the state transfer tax is waived, and the other half of the state transfer tax is paid for by the seller. There is no additional cost to a seller to work with a first-time homebuyer, unless the first-time homebuyer addendum states otherwise. This is a state program, so there is no break on the county side.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

REQUESTED

FY 2026 through FY 2030

Worcester County, Maryland

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on the REQUESTED Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal year (FY) 2026 through FY2030. The CIP is a planning document the County will use in preparing future operating budgets, to anticipate future financial needs of the County and to identify possible funding resources. Inclusion of a project in the CIP does not constitute a guarantee of funding from the County. Some capital projects will be added, deleted and/or amended as necessary. As with the Operating Budget, the projects for each fund have to be balanced with the resources available in that fund. Copies of the Worcester County REQUESTED Capital Improvement Plan for FY2026 through FY2030 summary may be obtained online at www.co.worcester.md.us. For additional information, please contact the County Administration Office at (410) 632-1194.

The public hearing will be held on:

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 10:35 a.m. in the County Commissioners Meeting Room Room 1101 - Government Center One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

Building DREAM HOMES

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

Rural Legacy Area eyed for northern county

Conservation easements available for landowners through state grant funds

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 25, 2024) Landowners in the Bishopville and Showell communities have a new opportunity to preserve their land forever from residential development – and get paid for it.

The state has pledged grant funding in the amount of $800,000 for what is being called the BishopvilleShowell Rural Legacy Area (RLA). The preservation tract will encompass approximately 11,753 acres and is one-third farmland. The land is also viable for forestry.

“Maintaining the rural landscape here is of huge importance to the local agricultural economy that depends upon contiguous farmland for productivity,” said Katherine Munson, planning manager for the county’s Department of Environmental Programs. “Continued significant residential and commercial development of these watersheds will inevitably lead to further degradation of streams, the river and the bays.”

Funds will be used to secure con-

Funding for conservation effort through open space

servation easements in the county with willing landowners. The Worcester County Board of Commissioners at its Oct. 15 meeting voted to approve an agreement with the state to proceed with this new RLA.

Another $525,000 in grants will be available also for an existing RLA straddling the Somerset County border, called the Dividing Creek RLA, officials said. Worcester and Somerset counties share the Dividing Creek RLA.

There is no cost to Worcester County to participate. Funding for RLAs comes from the state’s Program Open Space, which is sourced by a tax on real estate transfers. Munson said the county’s environmental team has been working for months to obtain this grant funding to purchase and preserve property.

The state’s Board of Public Works, which greenlit Worcester’s RLA plan at its August 28 meeting, is the body that eventually give final approval to release Rural Legacy funds, after getting a full report on applicant properties, Munson said.

Securing a portion of your property for a Rural Legacy Area can take up to two years, Munson said. The

application process for each easement includes reviewing the property for environmental hazards, assessing land for value, a border survey, clearance of title, and then a final OK from the Board of Public Works.

Properties up for conservation, however, must have development potential. In exchange for a buyout, no residential development will ever be allowed on the land. The landowner will still own their segment of preserved property, and the county will hold the easement. The easement runs with the property in perpetuity.

Once RLA status is granted, it doesn’t end there. County officials will continue to visit the property every three years to make sure that the landowner is remaining in compliance, Munson said.

Nine landowners expressed interest in joining the Bishopville-Showell RLA, connecting with the county through flyers mailed home or at a public meeting. Munson said two to four conservation easements will be purchased this cycle.

It’s the first time a new preservation tract has been introduced for Worcester County since 2008. The

See RLA’S Page 82

RLA’s goal to protect farmland

Continued from Page 81

state created the Dividing Creek RLA in 2008 and the Coastal Bays RLA in 1999.

The state also will be allowing up to $925,000 to transfer from the existing Coastal Bays RLA to the new Bishopville RLA, officials noted.

“There are still great properties to protect in the Coastal Bays RLA,” Munson said. “So, we will keep offering the option to landowners there and can apply for more funds in the future if there is interest.”

To date, Worcester County has protected 13,372 acres of farmland and forest through the Rural Legacy program, with a goal of protecting another 2,000 acres in the BishopvilleShowell RLA in the next decade. Cropland accounts for about 89,000 acres, or about a third of Worcester County, Munson said.

The state already has one existing land preservation program, called the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Program, or MALPF. This program is available only for properties under 50 acres. The county has preserved 10,788 acres with MALPF easements since 1993.

Munson said her office had been approached by eager landowners who wanted to participate in MALPF but did not qualify based on acreage.

“There are a number of family farms under 50 acres that do not meet the minimum lot requirement to participate in (MALPF), so this new RLA area opens new doors of opportunity for them to protect their farms in perpetuity,” Munson said. “This may be our last chance to preserve the farmland and woodland in this area.”

State examination of school system finds nothing wrong

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(Oct. 25, 2024) A state Department of Education investigation into accusations that Worcester County Public Schools employees were misusing school money to pay for meals and other expenses unrelated to official business has come up empty, according to a letter from the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education.

The letter dated Oct. 18 from Inspector General Richard P. Henry to Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said investigators could not substantiate the allegations that meal money was misused or that school system employees bought meals and were reimbursed above the allowable per diem rate.

“While we anticipated that the resolution of this complaint would affirm that school system officials continue to be trusted stewards of taxpayer dollars, we appreciate the Office of the Inspector General for Education issuing this formal report dismissing any impropriety in our school system practices,” Taylor said Wednesday.

Investigators did find two areas where the Worcester school system’s policy on reimbursements needs to be brought up to date to reflect federal and state standards.

Last revised in 2008, the policy apparently is not in line with current guidelines in the Code of Maryland Regulation or Federal Travel Regulations and should be reviewed, the letter said.

Otherwise, Henry’s letter said, investigators interviewed school system employees and reviewed purchasing card statements and receipts. They also reviewed the system’s policy governing official travel and reimbursement procedures and the school board’s agreements with the Worcester County Teachers Association and the Worcester County Educational Support Personnel Association (WCESPA).

“In closing, the [inspector general’s office] could not substantiate the allegations and is referring this matter back to the Worcester County Public Schools and the Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education for further review and consideration,” the letter said.

Regarding the author of the complaint and other information pertaining to its filing, the inspector general’s office does not release that information to the public.

All complaints are treated confidentially, the office says on its website, and are not subject to the state’s Public Information Act.

Opinions

Insurance woes national problem

Arguing that property insurance companies are simply a bunch of pirates who won’t make their homeowner’s policies more affordable and available is too simplistic to be true.

For one thing, it fails to recognize that the industry itself doesn’t know what to do about its own rising costs and how they affect its ability to do business.

An article published by the federal Office of Financial Research last December said, “The property insurance sector is under heavy pressure [because of] unexpectedly high inflation, a shift of exposures to higher-risk areas, and rising reinsurance costs.”

It added, “the industry is incurring rapidly growing losses from modest sized but more frequent weather events such as severe convective storms resulting in large cumulative losses.”

That article came out long before Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused billions of dollars in property damage in Florida and the southeastern U.S.

Although that damage happened there, we’ll be paying for it here, as the affected companies spread that and other storm-related expenses to consumers.

The bottom line is that everyone is going to be paying more for insurance — if it can be obtained — because of the increase in the number of extreme weather events.

Unfortunately, insurance companies have been trying to cut their losses by ending coverage of properties in what they say are risk-prone areas — like coastal Worcester County, for instance. That’s a real problem, because the only way around it is to call on the government to help save homeowners who otherwise could lose everything.

The Biden administration began looking into the situation last year and now the Maryland Insurance Administration has joined the effort.

So far, though, all anyone knows is if there is an answer to this worsening problem, it won’t be an easy one.

Time travel at home

By Stewart Dobson

The switch from Daylight Saving Time to Eastern Standard Time in the fall is part of an evil hoax perpetrated by media types who cheerfully advise us, as we roll back the clock an hour before slipping under the covers, that we will get an extra hour of sleep in the morning.

Conversely, they will also tell us that we will lose an hour of sleep in the spring, when we set the clocks ahead.

I’m sure that were it not for the constraints imposed on these people by their bosses that they would also tell us, despite substantial evidence to the contrary, that the earth really does sit on top four space elephants that are themselves mounted on a giant turtle.

very existences as well.

On reflection, this could be what led to the extinction of the Neanderthals, who vanished some 30,000 years ago. Although scientists continue to ponder their mysterious disappearance, the evidence suggests that Neanderthals could not tell time and so overslept until they died.

Modern humans, on the other hand, fashioned instruments to track the solar cycles and therefore knew what time to get up in the morning.

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Besides, this extra hour of sleep business hinges on two faulty assumptions.

If we really do gain an hour, this would assume that a cog in the global axis actually jams one time each year to give us a 25-hour day. According to most scientific authorities, this does not occur.

Secondly, the implication is that we do not occupy the top rung on the ladder of all creation. Even the lowest of barnyard animals, for instance, more or less automatically know when the sun rises and sets, whereas those of us who walk upright apparently require a clock to alert us to this phenomenon.

It all comes down to the conclusion that no one gets up on a Sunday morning until the clock says it is time to do so and that since we apparently do not have the innate ability to awaken on our own, we are at great risk should a power outage arise.

In other words, if an extended blackout did take place, we might not wake up for weeks, thus jeopardizing not just our jobs, but our

It is therefore conceivable that someday scientists will discover and decipher an ancient cave wall pictograph that says, “Note to self: must do hunting and gathering, set rock to fall on head at 7:30 sharp. Otherwise we’ll starve in sleep and go extinct.”

Besides, it is not as if getting an extra hour of sleep is some sort of gift over which we have no control. Obviously, the people who argue that this is the case don’t own a recliner.

For those who don’t realize it, we have more than just two time categories: Standard Time, Daylight Savings Time and Recliner Time, with the latter having a certain property on weekends that allows for the suspension of time altogether.

I can’t speak to anyone else’s recliner experience, but I do know that mine provides me with many hours of extra sleep no matter what the clock says.

I’m sure that some law of physics applies to Recliner Time, although I have researched it thoroughly without result. All I have been able to find so far is that there is a possibility that my recliner resides on a giant cosmic turtle out in the timeless cosmos. That elephant business, on the other hand, is just crazy.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Things got awkward at City Hall last week during a banal discussion about the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan revisions. MCBP representatives were asked about the organization’s position on offshore wind and whether grants had been received from US Wind. Though the issue was off topic from the matter being presented, it was clear Ocean City officials wanted to know the organization’s opinion on offshore wind. The city and local business owners are fighting offshore wind, assembling funding to mount a legal battle against the federal government. The tactic appears clear – stall the process in the hopes there is legal recourse ultimately but, more realistically, slowing the effort enough the project may run out of steam and exhaust resources. It’s worth noting there have been successful legal challenges in New Jersey, however. MCBP Executive Director Kevin Smith indicated the organization would be staying neutral, saying, “… we have not taken a stand in terms of supporting or not supporting that particular project because what we do know is that in order to harvest energy, there is going to be some impact. I don't know of any energy source that exists that has no impact. But what we have seen is that wind in terms of the impact on things like our species and the environment is far less than other sources of energy harvesting, oil, things like that. So in terms of whether or not it is an innocuous practice, we know it's not, of course. But is it a practice that generates enough power with little impact or the smallest amount of impact? These are the things that we're looking at and so we're trying to take what I would consider to be a balanced approach to whether or not wind here is a positive or a negative.”

Though city officials surely frowned on that answer, Mayor Rick Meehan was diplomatic. Meehan, who believes offshore wind turbines as proposed will be disastrous for Ocean City, said, “I think it’s important, as this becomes possibly closer to becoming a reality, that those types of stands do take place. … And whether or not there's a philosophy of whether or not wind is better than gas, or wind is better than oil, this is about how one particular project right in our backyard addresses our backyard. And I think it's important that we be realistic about the effects it could have on our areas and everything that you do.”

Furthermore, MCBP acknowledged it has received grants from US Wind to support “coastal bird conservation efforts,” according to Smith. When asked by Councilman John Gehrig if the funding came with a pledge to not publicly oppose offshore wind, like the funding package offered to coastal towns last year, Smith replied no, saying, “We wouldn’t accept the money if there were.”

Ocean City clearly does not have a partner in the MCBP in its battle against offshore wind. The MCBP, after all, is a natural estuary program funded primarily by federal and state programs and has throughout its history not gotten involved in political battles. It’s no secret offshore wind is supported by the federal and state governments. ***

It was an interesting exercise to see how much the official demographics of Worcester County voters have changed in recent years. While it’s clear the trend toward a more conservative voter base is in effect, the situation was different for many years. When I was growing up here, it was thought registering as a Democrat was necessary to have a say in local elections even if most of the folks held Republican core values. It’s far different today. Two years ago, all but one of the contested districts for the Worcester County Commissioners seats were decided in the primary election on the Republican side. For instance, in Districts 3 and 4, there were four Republican candidates in each race for voters to choose from in the 2022 primary with no Democratic names on the ballot in the general election. Only District 1 (Pocomoke) had a contested general election with Republican Caryn Abbott unseating Democrat Josh Nordstrom.

The shift to the right has been dramatic over the last 15 years. In the 2000s, the gap between Democratics, with the majority, and Republicans shrunk. In the 2012 presidential general election, of the 36,079 registered voters, there were more Democratics (14,997, 42%) than Republicans (14,423, 40%) with 6,080 independents (17%). Moving forward to 2016, the significant flip occurred with voter base growing a tad to 37,979 – Republicans, 16,216, 43%; Democratics, 14,431, 38%; and independents, 6,721, 18%. In 2020, a significant spike in registered voters was seen with 40,665 eligible to cast ballots in the presidential general election. The Republican surge took place in 2020 with 18,275 on the rolls, or 45% of the total electorate in the county, outpacing Democrats, 14,134 (35%) and independents, 7,565 (19%). In the Nov. 5 presidential general election, there are 42,577 registered voters in the county. The breakdown confirms the Republican trend with 19,748 voters, or 47%; Democrats, 13,586, 32%; and independents, 7,565, 19%.

Wind turbines not worth the concerns in OC

Editor,

Wind turbines are not an existential threat to Ocean City. Doing nothing about climate change and sea level rise is. We are a coastal community and at risk for the impacts of both. You can already see the impact of sea level rise downtown every time it rains or there is a high tide. The flooding under the Route 50 bridge gets worse every year. So, if the city council and mayor don’t want wind turbines what are their plans to address our environmental risks?

In addition, they say they want to give the police and EMTs salary increases and have more money for better services. Why, then, are they wasting all that money on the lawsuit to fight the wind turbines. The nearest turbine will be 11 miles offshore and so low on the horizon that you will rarely be able to see the turbines moving. They should either accept the wind turbines or propose another solution for the detrimental impacts of climate change on our community. Taking action on a real threat would be better than a lawsuit to fight turbines.

Joan Roache Ocean City

Clearing the record on school misinformation

Editor,

As Superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools, I feel it is necessary to address the rhetoric and misinformation about our schools that is circulating throughout this election cycle. While candidates are entitled to their own opinions, I will not stand idly by while our students, teachers, and staff are attacked with hateful and inaccurate discourse.

To learn that some Board of Education candidates and their supporters have referred to our school system as a “swamp” that needs to be drained or implied that our dedicated teachers

are “poisonous apples” or used hateful language against some of our most vulnerable students is beyond distasteful or demeaning. This rhetoric clearly shows a willful ignorance to what is actually occurring in our schools simply to mislead community members who are not connected to or informed about our schools in order to gain votes on election day.

So, let’s clear the record: Worcester County Public Schools is the highest performing school system in the State of Maryland. While we acknowledge there is always more work to do, our success is the envy of the State, and you can see it for yourself on the Maryland State Report Card website (https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov ). To get a first-hand perspective on how we support students’ success, I encourage you to speak with your neighbors and friends who are actual parents/guardians in our school system.

Worcester County Public Schools continues to provide safe and welcoming learning environments for all students. Our data continues to trend in a positive direction in terms of school safety with 2023-2024 data showing a 28% decrease in incidents. Our work in implementing Standard Response Protocols for safety incidents was recently highlighted by the Maryland Center for School Safety. Worcester County Public Schools has robust policies and procedures in place to vet and review instructional and school library materials. All instructional and school library materials are vetted prior to being implemented by our school system. Additionally, families that have concerns about any materials have a process available to them to initiate a review of said material. Parents/guardians also have the right to restrict what their child(ren) are able to check out from the school library as a part of this process.

Lastly, in Worcester County Public Schools, we believe every student is deserving of respect and care. I want to use this opportunity to impress

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upon everyone in our community that as we talk about issues related to students or any subset of students, at the heart of these discussions are children. No child should be villainized or looked at as less than a valued member of their school community. To that end, any accommodations made for children in our schools are done in compliance with the law while ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. A great example of this is the availability of a private restroom(s) to all children at all schools.

While I could continue, I hope that instead, you will take this information

and use it as a springboard to educate yourself on the non-partisan candidates running for election to the Worcester County Board of Education. Reach out to them, find out where they stand on the important issues facing our schools today, and cast your vote on November 5, (or before) for those you feel best represent the path forward for our school system.

Louis H. Taylor Newark

The future of county’s schools on the ballot

Editor,

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Town of Ocean City 2024 Municipal Election

The Town of Ocean City is holding the Municipal Election in conjunction with the Presidential Election. Registered Ocean City voters are able to vote in both elections at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Municipal Election will be held in Hall A; the Presidential Election will be held in Hall B. Voters must sign in at both the municipal and the federal/state registration desks that day.

Free bus service is offered for all users on Election Day. The “no-fare” policy for buses and ADA service will be in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. ADA service requests require a 24-hour advanced trip reservation. The building is handicap accessible. For additional information contact Ocean City Transportation at 410-723-1606 or visit www.oceancitymd.gov.

Below is a sample ballot for the 2024 Ocean City Municipal Election that includes two candidates for mayor and seven council candidates. Municipal Election voters will fill in the oval to the left of the name(s) of your choice. Absentee ballot applications are available on www.oceancitymd.gov. A self-addressed, return envelope will be included for the ballot return or absentee ballots can be dropped in the white mailbox located outside of City Hall specifically labeled for Municipal Election Absentee Ballots only.

As the Worcester County Board of Education election approaches, it’s crucial to focus on what’s best for our schools. Re-electing experienced leaders is key to ensuring our schools receive the support they need to thrive.

During their time on the board, the incumbents have faced numerous challenges, including funding shortages and debates over educational priorities.

They have consistently advocated for small class sizes, adequate funding, and a commitment to high-quality education for all students in Worcester County.

In contrast, some challengers seem more focused on national political rhetoric than addressing the real issues facing our schools. They have

yet to engage in meaningful discussions about local needs like teacher shortages and the effects of underfunding on classrooms.

This is a non-partisan election, and the focus should be on providing the best educational opportunities for our children, not on state-level distractions. As voters, we must look beyond divisive issues and consider what truly benefits our students and community.

Let’s ensure our school board is led by individuals who prioritize education, advocate for necessary funding, and stand up for the future of Worcester County.

Sincerely,

Have an opinion?

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.

Richard P. Taylor Ocean Pines

The Battle of Leyte Gulf showed supremacy

By Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer

(October 25, 2024) This week 80 years ago, the Imperial Japanese Navy made its last determined effort to challenge the U.S. Navy when it launched Operation SHO-1, the goal of which was to stop the American liberation of the Philippine Islands. This plan was prepared by the Japanese several months before the actual U.S. landings on the Island of Leyte on Oct. 20, 1944. The defense of the Philippines was deemed crucial to the survival of the Japanese Empire. Without the Philippines, all lines of communications would be cut, and the essential supplies of oil from the Dutch East Indies (currently Indonesia) and raw materials from South East Asia would be lost.

The Japanese command knew that if the Philippines were lost, then the war was also lost. They therefore drew up a desperate plan which risked their remaining surface forces but offered them a remote chance of destroying the American invasion fleet and isolating the Allied ground forces on Leyte.

Like many previous Japanese operational plans, it was complex and depended on the use of a decoy force. The Japanese carriers at the time all lacked trained aircrews and were

therefore the warships selected to play the important decoy role. The task of the Japanese carriers was to lure Adm. William F. Halsey's Third Fleet away, allowing Japanese warships to converge on, and destroy, the American ships supplying the invasion force.

The destruction of Japanese naval air power in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944 forced the Imperial Navy to prepare for a decisive battle using surface ships. The Imperial Navy's plan was to become effective when the U. S. Navy entered Philippine waters to invade and liberate that country.

With the appearance of the U.S. landing forces, which included a force of more than 200 American and two Australian warships off the Philippines on Oct. 17, 1944, Adm. Soemu Toyoda, commander-in-chief of the Japanese Combined Fleet, placed the 68 ships in his four main strike groups on alert.

When the American intention of landing on Leyte became clear, Toyoda ordered his units to execute the plan. Adm. Jisabur Ozawa's carrier decoy, Northern Force, stationed in Japan, steamed out on Oct. 20, as did Adm. Sh ji Nishimura's Southern Force. Adm. Kiyohide Shima's Sec-

ond Striking Force sailed on Oct. 22. Adm. Takeo Kurita's powerful Center Force got underway on Oct. 21.

In all, the Imperial Japanese Navy assembled a fleet of one heavy carrier, three light carriers, nine battleships, 20 cruisers, and 35 destroyers. It was all that Japan had at the time in terms of carriers and major warships.

Christmas Bazaar

The defense of the landing forces was entrusted to Adm. Halsey’s Third Fleet. Task Force 38, where all the carriers and fast battleships were concentrated, was the striking fist of Adm. Halsey’s Third Fleet. The main support force for the Allied invasion forces was Adm. Thomas Kinkaid’s Seventh Fleet, which had the primary

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The USS Reno pulls alongside the USS Princeton to help fight fires. The photo is dated Oct. 24, 1944.

task of protecting the landing beaches and lending support to the troops on the ground.

Adm. Kinkaid’s Seventh Fleet was divided into a surface action force under Adm. Jesse Oldendorf, which was to block and engage any Japanese force trying to sneak through the Surigao Strait. A task force under Adm. Clifton Sprague, composed of small escort carriers, screened by escort destroyers, was to defend the landing beaches.

The total U.S. Naval forces included 16 fleet carriers, 18 escort carriers, 12 battleships, 24 cruisers, and more than 140 destroyers. There was one thing that complicated matters for the Allies: Halsey’s fleet came under Adm. Chester Nimitz’ Central Pacific Theater, while the Seventh Fleet came under Gen. MacArthur’s Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations. There was thus no overall naval commander during the campaign, which nearly led to a strategic disaster for the Allies.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf included four decisive naval actions: the Battle of Sibuyan Sea on Oct. 24; the Battle of Surigao Strait on Oct. 24 and 25; the Battle off Samar on Oct. 25; and the Battle off Cape Engano on Oct. 25 and 26.

The Battle of Sibuyan Sea

The battle opened when the U.S.

submarines Darter and Dace sank two of Adm. Kurita's heavy cruisers and severely damaged another. Before attacking, they radioed information concerning the Center Force.

As the Japanese approached the Sibuyan Sea, Adm. Halsey, whose Third Fleet provided support for the Leyte operations, readied his carriers to strike. However, the Third Fleet suffered the first loss, when landbased planes sank the light carrier Princeton on the morning of Oct. 24.

During the late morning and early afternoon, Task Force 38 made four air strikes on Kurita's ships, sinking the giant battleship Musashi and damaging a heavy cruiser. Kurita's advance became confused, and Adm. Halsey interpreted this confusion as retreat.

Battle of Surigao Strait

Seventh Fleet’s commander, ViceAdm. Kinkaid, believing that Halsey protected his northern flank, prepared to intercept Nishimura's Southern Force. Although the Americans lost track of Nishimura's ships, it was obvious that their destination was Surigao Strait.

Adm. Oldendorf arranged his ships, centered around six battleships, that survived Pearl Harbor, at the northern end of the strait. He placed PT boats along the southern end of the strait. Destroyers patrolled behind them waiting to launch torpe-

does, and two groups of cruisers reinforced the battle line. Adm. Nishimura’s Southern Force proceeded toward Surigao Strait, unaware of the overwhelming force ahead. Adm. Shima’s Second Striking Force steamed 40 miles to his rear.

The last great surface action of the 20th century lasted four hours. Nishimura bravely steamed ahead, while Adm. Oldendorf’s force crossed the T, a maneuver that allowed all U.S. battleships to fire simultaneously at the Japanese line.

With U.S. PT boats and destroyers active in attacking the Japanese force, the result was near destruction of the enemy’s ships. U.S. torpedoes and gunfire destroyed five of Nishimura's seven ships. As the Pearl Harbor battleships gained their revenge, Shima's seven ships entered the strait. The PTs again attacked and severely damaged a cruiser. The Southern Force of the Japanese was practically annihilated.

Battle of Cape Enganao

Adm. Halsey actually took the bait and took no steps to protect Adm. Kinkaid’s Seventh Fleet from the Japanese Center Force. Adm. Halsey’s Third Fleet left San Bernardino Strait entirely unguarded. Adm. Halsey’s fixation with Japanese aircraft carriers was his weakness. Having located the Japanese carriers of Adm. Ozawa's North-

ern Force, which he regarded as both the main threat and the main prize, Adm. Halsey decided to concentrate his three available carrier groups, with all their accompanying vessels, including the six fast battleships, steam northwards with all this force, and annihilate Ozawa's ships during daylight on Oct. 25. The result was all of Ozawa’s carriers were sunk.

Battle off Samar Island

Adm. Kurita’s Center Force slipped through the unguarded San Bernardino Strait with a force that included four battleships, including the monstrous Yamato. It was an unequal battle. In a morning-long action on Oct. 25, Adm. Sprague's force, assisted by the planes of his escort carriers, defended itself aggressively against the might of the Japanese Navy. Adm. Kurita, after inflicting some damage which resulted in the loss of an escort carrier, two destroyers, and one destroyer escort, decided to retreat.

In the Battle off Samar, his Center Force suffered five cruisers lost or severely damaged. Kurita overestimated the size of the U.S. force, and he also feared Halsey would cut off his line of withdrawal. After steaming aimlessly off Samar for several hours, Kurita retreated. In the aftermath to the surface action, the escort carriers were subjected to the first series of

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OBITUARIES

JEFFREY CHARLES KELCHNER

Bishopville

Former Ocean City Police Captain and Worcester County Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Charles Kelchner, 72, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida and formerly of Bishopville, Maryland, passed away on Monday, September 30th, 2024.

He was born in Washington, DC and was the son of the late Charles Kelchner and Geraldine (Corcoran) Kelchner.

Jeff served 29 years with the Ocean City Police Department, retiring as Captain in 2006, after serving as Division Commander for the Services, Patrol, Administrative, and Criminal Investigation Divisions. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy -139th Session. Jeff joined the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff in 2008 and retired after faithfully serving the community for another 10 years.

Throughout the years, he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, an Associate member of the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Wilson Community Church in Bishopville. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathy S. Kelchner; son Ryan Kelchner and wife Tara of Tampa, FL and beloved grand dogs Gibson and Rhett; two brothers: Tim (Missy) Kelchner of Silver Spring, MD and Pete (Teresa) Kelchner of Belleair Beach, FL; two sisters: Pam (Bruce) Ferguson of Summersville, WV and Mary Anne Doggett of Annapolis, MD; three nieces: Liz (Mike) Domanski, Michelle Kelchner, Katie (Nate) Smith; three nephews: Matt (Bastianna) Kelchner, Scott (Alyssa)

WORLD WAR II

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kamikaze attacks. On Oct. 26, U.S. planes and submarines struck at the retreating Japanese forces and sank three Japanese transports.

The greatest naval battle the world had ever seen was over. The victory was overwhelming. At a cost of 12 ships - one light carrier, two escort carriers, two destroyers, two destroyer escorts, three submarines, one PT boat, and one fleet tug - the U. S. Navy sank 35 ships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, including one fleet carrier, three light carriers, three battleships, six heavy cruisers, four light cruisers, four submarines, 12 destroyers, one oiler, and one destroyer transport.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf ensured U.S. maritime supremacy in the last months of World War II. It had effectively eliminated the threat of Japanese warships to amphibious operations anywhere for the rest of the War, and it also ensured the isolation of Japan for the duration of the war.

Next week: Roosevelt Wins Fourth Term

Kelchner, Clint (Tara) Ferguson.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Charles Kelchner, mother, Geraldine (Corcoran) Kelchner, and brother-in-law, Burton Lee Doggett, LCDR, USN (ret).

Taking up golf in his later years, that became a favorite pastime, and he played 2-3 times weekly with the many friends he made over his years in retirement. Jeff was an avid Maryland Terrapins, Orioles, and Redskins fan and enjoyed watching both college and professional football every chance he got. He never missed an Orioles Spring Training Opening Day since first vacationing in Siesta Key over 15 years ago.

After he moved to Florida, he was a passionate gardener and loved spending hours outside making sure that his yard was the pride of the neighborhood. He loved his beautiful Florida home, his backyard pool, and got enjoyment from sharing his time with friends and family. A devout Christian, he always went above and beyond to help others in need and could regularly be found helping out a neighbor with whatever handyman tasks came up or just lending a helping hand when you least expected it.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 4th Street in Ocean City with the Rev. George Patterson officiating. Family and friends may visit an hour before the service.

Interment will be held with honors at the Bishopville Cemetery in Bishopville, Maryland.

In Lieu of Flowers Donations may be made to: Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 350 Bishopville, MD 21813, https://bishopville900.com/page/donate; FBINAA Charitable Foundation, 320 S. Lecanto Highway, #165, Lecanto, FL 34460-0165, https://www.fbi-

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naafoundation.org; or Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MBC-FOUND Tampa, FL 33612, https://www.moffitt.org/give Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

DORIS L. LLOYD

Ocean Pines

Doris L. Lloyd, a resident of South Jordan, Utah, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Sagewood at Daybreak, South Jordan, Utah. After her husband, David’s passing she moved to be near her son in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Born in Newark, N.J. she was the only daughter of Louise and Rudolph Met-

zger. Mrs. Lloyd resided in E. Brunswick, N.J. and New Fairfield, Conn. before moving to Ocean Pines in 1988. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Chauncey Zeilman in 1989 and David Lloyd in 2016.

A graduate of Drew University with a degree in Chemistry, Biology, and graduate courses at Temple University. Doris worked as a Research Scientist at Hoffman La Roche and at the University of Virginia. She taught high school biology and chemistry in NJ and retired as a realtor from Merrill Lynch in CT. She was most proud of her sons and grandchildren, and was pleased to serve on the Ocean Pines (“O.P.”) Association Board of Directors as its President.

Mrs. Lloyd was active in many community organizations. She chaired the O.P. Comprehensive

Plan, was President of two Federated Woman’s Clubs, Commodore of the O.P. Boat Club and member of the O.P. Woman’s Worcester County Garden Club, OP Shape Ups, Marine Activities, and the Ocean City Power Squadron. She was a member of the Community Church of O.P. and enjoyed riding the waves in Ocean City, Boating, Golf and reading. After moving to Sagewood in 2020, she made many new friends, enjoying the comradery, clubs, and trips that the facility offered.

Survivors include her two sons: Richard Foggio (with wife Peggy, son, Richard and daughter, Devon) and Robert Foggio (with sons, Harry, James, and Malcolm). In addition, she is survived by stepchildren, Stacey Vincent (and husband Mark) and Craig Lloyd (with wife Mary Baldwin and daughter, Hannah.

Celebration of Life will be held at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Berlin, on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Doris’s name to Community Church of Ocean Pines, Racetrack Road, Rt. 589, Berlin, MD 21811. Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com home to share memories and life stories with the family.

THOMAS WILLIAM MCBRIDE

Selbyville

Thomas William McBride, age 78, of Selbyville,passed away unexpectedly at Christiana Hospital on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

$1,595.

Born in San Antonio, Texas he was the son of the late William Jasper McBride and Fern (Sellin) McBride. He is survived by his loving wife and sweetheart of 34 years Cynthia McBride and, bonus son Travis Morgan Taylor of Dallas, Texas, brother, James Patrick McBride of San Antonio, Texas, sister, Pamela Kay McBride of San Antonio, Texas. He was preceded in death by his brother Michael McBride. Tom was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School after which he entered into the U.S. Navy where he served on the U.S.S. Sacramento. He later graduated from St. Mary’s University with a B.S. in Accounting. Tom went on to work for Price Waterhouse & Co. in Houston, Texas, Mathews, McBride & Co. in Houston, Texas and also ComPAQ Computer Corporation in Houston, Texas as the VP of Worldwide Tax.

Tom enjoyed fast cars, hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, investing, card games and spending time with his family and an extraordinary group of friends. He loved to follow and support Travis’ many endeavors in football, baseball and, basketball. For a time Tom and his wife Cindy owned ranch property in Bandera, Texas where they cherished time spent with wildlife, their dogs, family and, the stunning beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

Cremation followed Tom’s passing. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Condolences may be shared with the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

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Doris L. Lloyd

Thomas McBride

Sports & Recreation

Prep secures 10th straight conference title

Mallards grab early lead to win championship game, complete perfect season

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Oct. 24, 2024) Worcester Prep boys varsity soccer team clinched its 10th straight ESIAC championship last Friday afternoon, defeating Delmarva Christian 5-1 at home.

“Those six seniors made the difference,” said Mallards head coach Jake Perry as he pointed towards them gathering for photos. “I have been with them since seventh grade, which is

pretty awesome and we finished with a championship.”

The first half was dominated by Senior Edward Martikyan with a goal in the first minute.

“We have been preaching to go fast and quick, that throw in caught them off guard and Edward took it home,” Perry said.

With 12 minutes left in the first half, Martikyan scored with a free kick outside the box. Perry said it was, “a top right corner shot, we’ve been practicing all season for that one … can’t really teach that.”

Royals’ Jay Parrish scored a goal to begin the second half on a penalty kick,

narrowing the score to 2-1.

The next big play of the game was a “beautiful through ball from Ben McGovern to Caleb Walston and he slapped it home. We have been preaching all season to do combos,” said Perry.

The fourth goal was another combo on the side line with Martikyan crossing to the middle. “Walston finished it for us,” said Perry.

With three minutes left in the game senior McGovern scored to increase the lead to 5-1.

“Ben took a swerve ball caught the goalie off guard, he looked like he was going right but then he went left,” Perry said. “All five goals I was happy with. I

thought we earned them all. I relied on our seniors. They were our midfield starters and they got all five goals tonight. We had two really big saves in the second half to keep them at only one goal.”

After beating the Royals for the third time this season, Martikyan said, “We did fantastic, we were able to possess the ball and pass the ball and ground switching the ball. We got five goals because of that and I feel we played pretty good.”

The Mallards ended the season 11-3 winning the ESIAC championship. The only losses came to public schools Indian River, Delmar and Sussex Academy.

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

With a 2 p.m. game start, middle and upper school students and teachers were able to watch last Friday’s championship game. Above left, junior Beckett Green controls the ball before moving downfield in the first half. Above right, senior Ben McGovern, who was named to the all-conference team and will be playing for Division I George Washington University next fall, wins a 50-50 ball.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Worcester Prep’s varsity soccer team is pictured after winning the ESIAC Championship over Delmarva Christian last Friday. The Mallards beat the Royals three times this year on the way to an undefeated conference record.

SD wins Bayside South, but loses conference title game

Shutout win over Pocomoke made history for school before Queen Anne’s loss

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Oct. 25, 2024) Field hockey history was made last Thursday evening on Louis H. Taylor Field in Berlin when Stephen Decatur High School’s

field hockey team won its first Bayside South championship with a shutout victory.

On Oct. 17, the Seahawks started out strong but so did Pocomoke High School, a powerhouse in field hockey on the shore as well as in the state. Most of the game was played in the middle of the field during the back and forth scoreless first half.

With only 5:49 on the clock in the second half, junior Averi Shoff got inside the cage with the assist from Ryleigh Smith. Shoff said, “Just putting in the winning goal felt amazing in the Bayside South championship … it was a team effort. I think we work together as a whole team and just connect.”

The team’s record after Thursday’s win stood ed 10-2 with seven games where the Seahawks did not surrender a goal.

“This is my sixth year coaching and you

always feel this hometown rivalry in the air when we play Pocomoke,” said Coach Katie Griffin. “The way they came out and played just completely dominated and in the second half I couldn’t be prouder of them don’t know if you heard me say we did not give them a goal in the Bayside South …. that is just amazing.”

It was Decatur’s first Bayside South championship in field hockey.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the Bayside championship game, the Seahawks ran into a familiar foe in Queen Anne’s with a familiar result,

a shutout loss. The championship game was held on neutral field in Pocomoke. While the Seahawks played well and had a significant edge in corners, Queen Anne’s defense and tandem of two goalies shut down all the Decatur offensive attacks.

Queen Anne’s led 1-0 at half and widened the lead to 3-0 to win backto-back Bayside crowns. It was the second loss of the year for Decatur against Queen Anne’s this season. Decatur will now advance to the state playoffs. The Seahawks lost last year in the quarterfinals to Hereford.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Bailey Griffin takes control of the ball during the game against Pocomoke.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Averi Shoff and Jill Burton fight for a goal while Captain Ava Snelsire tries to get the referee’s attention during the Pocomoke game. Shoff would score the game winner in the 1-0 victory.

Worcester Prep wraps up rebuilding volleyball season

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

(Oct. 25, 2024) This season has been a rebuilding one for the varsity volleyball team of Worcester Prep after losing nine senior players to graduation last spring.

The loss was significant for a small private school team whose competition has a greater pool of players to choose from and larger equipment budgets.

Last Thursday the Mallards hosted James M. Bennett, a Bayside South conference powerhouse located in Salisbury. The Clippers controlled the ball and prevented the Seahawks from winning through three sets.

“Last year against Bennett we did about the same but we had a lot more seniors last year,” said Coach Mike Kelley. “I graduated nine seniors last year, so to be able to come here at the end of the season and be where we left off last year when we had a senior heavy squad that’s a good feeling. This team has all the room in the world to grow, only losing one senior player this year, Avery (Roselle).”

FISH IN OC WITH SCOTT LENOX

Despite the straight set loss, two Mallards earned nine points each in the first two sets during the match — Isabella Forman in the first set and Samantha Kuon in the second set.

For a young team a first set of 1925, second set 20-25 and a third of 15-25 was competitive, according to Kelley.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS Noa Bouzaglo is pictured bumping during the match against Bennett.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Ayla Yonker and Haven Harrison guard the net during the match against the Clippers of James M. Bennett.

Isabella Forman, pictured setting the ball, had a teamhigh 18 points on the match.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

PHOTO COURTESY FISH IN OC

This week marks the last submission for the Fish In OC, but we look forward to returning next spring with more fishing updates. Above, The “OC Sharkhunter” caught this nice rockfish at the Route 50 Bridge on a swim shad.

PHOTO COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Dale Lisi and his crew on the Foolish Pleasures out of Bahia Marina caught this nice 125-pound bluefin tuna on Oct. 23. Above right, I fished with Shaunna and Dan Cavey on board the Lucky Break with Captain Jason Mumford where we landed seven nice sheepshead to 21”.

PHOTO COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above, Mr. Leo caught and released this big 37” over slot rockfish while fishing the route 50 bridge at night.

PHOTO COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Brian Mills and Rick Gorsuch caught their limit of fish pool on board the Morning Star with Captain tautog fishing sand fleas at the south jetty. Above right, Ryan Ellerman lucked into this 29” keeper rockfish while fishing the Route 50 Bridge at night last week.