10/28/2022 Ocean City Today

LAGERS,

AND MORE

Council candidates look at resort issues

Baltimore Avenue work, Margaritaville head list of work ahead for City Hall

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

newcomers Carol Proctor and Will Savage.

James is running for a third consecutive term and Paddack is running for a second. Proctor, a local Realtor, was the first to file in early July.

elections will also be conducted separately at the same time in the same location. Voters who want to participate in both must sign in at each registration desk individually upon arrival.

(Oct. 28, 2022)

Four people are vying for three open council seats in the Nov. 8 municipal election.

The candidates, as of the filing deadline Oct. 11, are Council President Matt James, Councilman Mark Paddack, who are running for re-election, and

Shortly after, Savage, a former hotelier and current Boardwalk business owner, threw his hat in the ring.

All registered town voters are eligible to cast ballots on Nov. 8 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street. Federal, county and state

In preparation for the election, the City Council candidates were given at least a week before the paper’s deadline to respond to questions about pressing town issues. While Paddack did not answer the inquiry in that period (his responses will appear

Sunfest not affected by date change

Three

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Oct. 28, 2022) A stormy Sunday and presidential flight restriction were no match for last weekend’s Sunfest, which officials say may rival past years for the best attended event to date.

“I’ve been to every single Sunfest and I don’t ever remember seeing that many people,” Mayor Rick Meehan said of the three-day event that ran Thursday through Saturday in and around the inlet parking lot.

Daycare worker gets 49 years in child porn case

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Oct. 28, 2022) A former Berlin daycare worker is set to spend nearly 50 years in prison after pleading

charges

over the summer.

Bruce William Travers, 38, formerly of Ocean Pines, entered Alford Pleas on July 12 to charges of sex abuse of a minor, sex abuse of a minor household or family member,

sex abuse of a minor family member, soliciting a subject for child porn, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

An

the

“At one point, I was there and the Van Halen tribute band was playing, and I’m not good at estimating people but there had to be 3,000 people watching Van Halen,” he continued. “Then I walked over, 100 yards away to the second stage, and there had to be 2,000 people that were there waiting for the Elton John show. That’s just an example of how many people were there and how many people were enjoying it.”

This year’s festivities were under a microscope, of sorts, as tourism officials moved the event from its long-

Eighth annual Shore Craft Beer Festival set 12:30-

Saturday at Sunset Park

Crowds

Candidates share their views

from

in

Margaritaville

A 13-story, 265-room Margaritaville resort complete with retail shops and amenities is planned for the former Phillips Beach Plaza Hotel property on the oceanside of 13th and 14th streets. The developers need approvals from council to establish a planned overlay district, or POD, to construct the project as planned. The developers have also tried to pass a code change (to no avail) to allow for stacked valet parking to meet space requirements for the project.

When asked about the proposed project and thoughts on how it could change the fabric of that region of

downtown, the candidates said the following:

Matt James:

James has consistently said that he supports the concept of the project, but not the size.

“I think if the property can be built to the right size I don’t think there would really be any objections, whether it be from the neighbors or from anybody on the council,” he said.

“I think my concern has always been the size of the project that’s being proposed. And I’ve said it multiple times, I think the project is too large for that area. And I think a number of neighbors have shared that concern.”

He added that he would be much more in favor of the project if the developers are able to build it without all the special exceptions they are seek-

4

A rendering Becker Morgan Group created shows an aerial view of a proposed 13-story, 265 Margaritaville resort from the south side of the Boardwalk.

Candidates

ing.

“I can’t see a scenario where a developer buys a piece of property not being able to develop it with what is currently allowed,” James said. “They’re asking for a lot of extras from the town, some exceptions. I don’t think they would have spent what they spent on that property if they could not have done it normal.”

James was the single initial vote against the stacked parking ordinance that the developers wanted, and also voted against abandoning a city alley that they need to create the POD.

Carol Proctor:

Proctor expects the Margaritaville project to go through a lot more changes before it ultimately gets to the site plan phase, and she does not believe the developers would have bought the property if they had no intention of developing it without all the extra concessions.

“I would have to believe a developer would have done their due diligence with an understanding of what was needed to build in the Resort,” she said in an email. “I would further believe that their due diligence would not have included the need of a POD

Margaritaville, tourism

or Stacked Parking. In my opinion, without seeing the plans of the original build, they have increased the size and scope of the Resort resulting in the need for a POD as well as stacked valet parking.”

She added that she believes the project as proposed is not adequate, and voiced concerns about parking and density.

“I do think it’s too big the way they have it. I think it needs to be scaled back.”

Will Savage:

When Savage first heard about the Margaritaville plans, he was excited.

“I’ve been a Jimmy Buffett fan for pretty much my entire adult life. My wife and I have gone to concerts, other than covid, pretty much annually every summer for the past 20 years,” he said. “But it does have concerns with Ocean City.”

Savage recognizes that the large footprint of the planned project, and potential strain on the parking and surrounding residents, could create issues. However, he does not believe the project is all bad.

“I’m more than happy to have Margaritaville as a business in Ocean City,” he said. “Some Margaritavilles I

feel are more like Seacrets, Thrashers, Fishers Popcorn, Jolly Rogers. They bring people to Ocean city that otherwise wouldn’t come. It serves a greater good.”

However, the issue of its large proposed size still exists.

“That being said, we have ordinances,” Savage added. “It’s got to fit our mold. If they can fit our mold I’d be happy to have them.”

Tourism

Ocean City officials recently restructured the resort’s tourism department in an effort to attract more and better events and attendees during the spring, shoulder season and beyond.

The change resulted in more money, mostly set to come from room tax revenues, allocated for marketing, advertising and re-branding that promises a large payout in return. Officials are still waiting for final numbers, but many of the efforts seem to be working, despite some inclement weather and the cancelation of the large Oceans Calling Festival that was set Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.

The candidates were asked to provide their thoughts on where and how

local tourism dollars should be spent, and whether they believe the city is moving in a positive direction with the changes to marketing and advertising.

They had the following responses:

Matt James: James said he believes the changes made to advertise and market the city have been positive and are just starting to materialize.

“The shoulder seasons have always been much slower and I think the tourism department has done a great job bringing new events, or different events, to town,” he said. “Oceans Calling would have been the perfect example if it hadn’t been stormed out.”

He added that he believes the spring and fall Cruisin’ car events and OC Bike Fest also round out the spring and shoulder seasons, and he believes the schedule is filling out positively.

“Fall Cruisin’ was a good event. I think the spring Cruisin’ event previously had gotten out of hand. But I think with the efforts taken by the Motor Event Task Force and town staff, I think the motor events are under control now,” he said.

He added that OC Bike Week

See COUNCIL Page 6

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brings in a lot of revenue, which generates more room tax, in turn allowing officials to keep property tax rates low.

Carol Proctor:

Proctor said she looks forward to talking with members of the tourism community and learning more about what they do to market and advertise the resort.

“I am looking forward to meeting with the head of the department to understand the Tourism Department,” she said in an email. “It is my understanding that there is a Tourism Commission, which is essential to speak with them to see what their thoughts are on our marketing dollars. I would like to see a broader

range of businesses represented.”

She added that she believes officials are on the right track with events like Oceans Calling.

“You’re drawing from a very broad area and people who come to those events may necessarily have never been to Ocean City before,” she said. “So now you’re exposing them to Ocean City, which hopefully they’ll come back to Ocean City and continue to vacation here. Or say, ‘Oh this is great place to vacation, let’s go there.’”

Will Savage:

With a hotel background and many years in the hospitality industry under his belt, Savage is interested in an appointment to the city’s Tourism Commission if elected.

He supports large scale, family friendly events like Oceans Calling and believes the city should keep striving to bring and keep them on the schedule.

Savage also initially had reservations about continuing to support motor events, such as spring and fall Cruisin’. He likened the motor events to the tuner car rally, commonly known as H2Oi, that was popping up in mid-September for a while and wreaking havoc across the town.

But after seeing how controlled and well attended this fall’s Endless Summer Cruisin’ was, and how much the special event zone laws helped calm the crowds, he changed his tune.

“With the special event zones, it’s clear after the last two motor events and even the third with the corvettes … it’s pretty clear that the police have the tools that they need going forward to enforce the rules and ordinances so we don’t have these problems,” he said. “I don’t walk back anything I said about H2Oi. I don’t welcome them in this town. I will not support them coming to this town. I would not vote, if elected, for that to ever be a sanctioned event.”

Savage also floated an idea to tack on a special event fee for city-sanc-

tioned events to help offset some of the costs.

Capital projects

From the burying of utility lines on Baltimore Avenue to renovating the Downtown Recreation Complex, the city has dozens of projects listed in its five-year capital improvement plan.

The candidates were asked which projects they believe are the most important right now to complete, as well as their thoughts on spending in this tumultuous economy.

They said the following:

Matt James:

Shortly after filing in July, James said he was excited about finally seeing the Baltimore Avenue utility burying project come to fruition. But when the bids came in double what officials expected weeks later, he had some reservations.

“Before we got the cost estimates back, Baltimore Avenue would have been the top priority. I’m less excited about it after hearing the cost may have doubled. But I guess we’ll know more when we get the final cost estimates back,” he said.

He added that the high cost esti-

mates may end up pushing the project back.

“I think it’s an important project. I think undergrounding the utilities along Baltimore Avenue would be nice. But I do think it’s probably just a big want right now,” he said. “It’s not necessarily needed. I think everybody just would like that project to finally come to light. It’s been a very long time that project’s been discussed.”

Other capital projects James said he would like to see addressed include the renovation of the Downtown Recreation Complex and ongoing infrastructure projects.

Carol Proctor:

Proctor said she has not had a chance to look over the full list of capital projects, as there are many, but she believes the Baltimore Avenue project should be a priority. However, she is concerned about the cost.

“It’s a very expensive project. Forty million dollars is a lot of money. Twenty million dollars is a lot of money. Since it’s doubled, it’s a lot of money to spend,” she said.

She added that the cost of materials has gone up for pretty much everything, and that many projects will likely see the effects.

The Downtown Recreation Complex, which involves a major overhaul of the Fourth Street ballfields, courts and skate bowl, ranks high on candidates’ list of priorities.

Sports complex idea supported

“Just building a home, plywood, prior to pandemic, was $40 a sheet, now it’s $80 a sheet,” she said. “The cost to construct things, all the prices are going to come in higher. And anything they bid prior is going to come in higher.”

She added that attention should also be paid to flood control, as flooding during storm events is a large problem.

In any case, Proctor said she “wants to do what’s right for the people” in terms of funding projects.

Will Savage:

Savage initially said the Baltimore Avenue project is a high priority. And while he still believed that after seeing the bids, he contended that he would not support it at the doubled price without a funding source.

He also has a dream project.

“Assuming I had unlimited resources, or we had grant money and it wasn’t going to cost the residents a ton in increased tax rates, I would be interested in having a recreation island in the middle of the bay,” he said. “That would obviously have to be a collaboration of multiple different governments, the county and the city.”

He likened the plans to Peanut Island in Palm Beach, Florida or Universal CityWalk in Orlando.

“I think it would take a lot of strain off of our local sand bars and you could potentially look at an open airs grant for something like that,” he said.

Sports complex

Plans are in the infancy stage to build a sports complex off of Route 50 near Stephen Decatur High School. A bond issue for the land is on the county ballot Nov. 8. While it’s currently a county project, the city couldhave some involvement with development if it advances, as the project would serve the entire region.

The candidates were asked whether they support the idea of a county sports complex, and specifically, whether they would support building it on the proposed nearly 100-acre property in Berlin.

They provided the following responses:

Matt James:

James is in favor of the idea of a sports complex, but not at the site proposed.

“I support a complex, I just don’t

See PUBLIC Page 10

OCEAN CITY ELECTION

Public safety always top priority

like that location. I prefer it be somewhere closer to Route 90. So people would come in and then have the choice to go north or south on Coastal Highway instead of filling up West Ocean City before Ocean City hotels,” he said.

He added that if Ocean City is involved, the complex should be in a place that benefits the town.

“I believe from that location where it’s being proposed now it’s probably a shorter drive to some hotels in Salisbury than it is to some hotels in Ocean City. It’s three stop lights if you leave and go west to Salisbury, maybe four,” he said. “I’d prefer it be somewhere that benefits Ocean City if Ocean City’s going to be involved in the project.”

Carol Proctor:

Proctor said she “really hasn’t done the research” on the land proposed for the sports complex but she knows property is at a premium and that the designated spot is very expensive.

She added that the area is very congested and already has traffic issues that could be made worse with the building of a sports complex.

But overall, she supports the concept.

“I think a sports complex is a good idea,” Proctor said in an email. “It is an economic engine to generate increased revenue for the county as well as the City. This demographic is a perfect fit for Ocean City in keeping with our traditions.”

Will Savage:

Savage said he is in favor of the idea of the sports complex and would be on board with the proposed location, but also believes there may be a better spot out there. Namely, he hopes officials look at properties along Route 90.

Before making a solid decision, though, he wants to see the results of a working Maryland Stadium Authority report that will provide more details.

“I am in favor. I think it will be good for sports, good for local students. But I need to see the final report from the stadium authority.”

Public safety

Public safety is the largest departmental budget in the city.

The candidates gave the following answers when asked how they would support/improve police, fire and EMS services across the resort:

Matt James:

James first ran with a goal and passion to support and improve public safety. A fire department volunteer since he was 14, he has had a front row seat for witnessing all the issues and challenges that those who work to

keep Ocean City safe are faced with on a regular basis.

“I think public safety is definitely the most important … It’s the most important in the sense that everybody wants to be safe everywhere they go,” James said. “So you can see that the council has committed to that with the recent approval of new officers and the addition of new officers over the last year.”

He added later that he believes the police department did “a fantastic job” preventing the tuner pop-up car rally this September and believes officials need to continue supporting those types of enforcement efforts.

“I think if we keep going strong, and if we keep supporting the police department as well as the fire department, the town will be successful,” he said.

Carol Proctor:

Proctor commended law enforcement officials for their successful efforts eliminating the threat of the tuner car rally.

“I believe the support of our public safety employees is a key component of the Town of Ocean City,” she said in an email. “Public Safety employees are the Heartbeat of Ocean City.”

She added that she is “interested in learning about” ways to support police, fire and emergency services personnel if she is elected.

“I understand there are staffing needs. I will support all Public Safety employees,” her email said. “My brother-in-law is a Federal officer, my step-brother in-law is a retired State Trooper, his son is a State Trooper and my nephew is a State Trooper.”

Will Savage:

As a longtime Ocean City volunteer firefighter and Boardwalk hotel manager, Savage knows a lot about the challenges public safety employees face in the city, especially during the busy months of summer.

With that, he strongly supports them and will continue that stance if elected to council.

“As a council person, I would support public safety. And that doesn’t mean it’s a blank check,” he said. “But I would work with our unions, with our administrative staff to find out what they need going forward.”

He addressed the issues that have occurred on the Boardwalk with rowdy tourists and the complaints about police responses and believes that the implementation of body cameras has helped put a stop to a lot of the negativity from both sides.

He also believes in early and strict enforcement.

“To avoid those problems and mitigate those problems, it’s just patrol and presence. Stop the problems when they’re small,” he said. “If somebody is being disorderly, then they need to be taken off the streets.”

OCEAN CITY ELECTION

Ocean City Council race

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

Matt James

(Oct. 28, 2022) When Ocean City Council President Matt James first ran for election in 2014, he made history by earning the highest-ever percentage of votes over his opponents.

Four years later, he remained the highest vote-getter in a pool of five candidates, edging out the secondplace finisher by more than 600 votes. Two years later, James was elected president of the council, a post he has held for two years and hopes to keep if re-elected on Nov. 8.

“I’m excited to be in this position,” James said after filing for re-election in July. “I feel like the varying backgrounds, or the different backgrounds, that we have on the council, I think positively impact the town. I think it allows us to think differently.”

James, 29, was bitten by the local politics bug early. His father, Carousel Hotel Managing Partner Michael James, ran for the House of Delegates in 2006 and state Senate in 2010. As a teenager, the young James was right alongside him, helping every step up the way.

“I was very involved, as involved as a little kid could be,” he said, recalling attending political events at just 13 years old.

Four years later, he was driving all over the region putting up signs for his dad.

Fast forward 12 years, and it’s Matt instead of Michael in front of the James surname plastered across political signs up and down Coastal Highway and along side streets all over Ocean City.

Given his father’s political aspirations, it was natural for James’ constituents to inquire whether he had

bigger plans as the filing deadline for this year’s council race approached.

“I did have a lot of people ask me if I was going to go to try something else,” he said. “But right now, I really enjoy being the council president. I feel effective in that role and I would like to continue in that role moving forward.”

It isn’t something he plans to slide into, though. James has worked hard from the beginning to earn votes.

“I talked to as many people as possible. Anytime I saw somebody, I spoke to them,” he said of first hitting the campaign trail. “Whether it was at the gas station, at the grocery store, I went out of my way to talk to as many people in Ocean City as possible. And I think that made a big difference.”

Outside of his council role, James has a management position in the family business, which he worked up to after beginning his first job with the company at the age of 7.

“I started out as a houseman,” he said. “Now I oversee many different aspects of multiple different properties.”

James has also been a Realtor for the last four years and until recently served as a lieutenant with the volunteer fire department. He said he was forced to give up the leadership position when he began taking on a more active role with the hotel group.

James also serves on the Police Commission, Pension Committee and is chairman of the Tourism Commission.

If elected to another term, he vows to continue working to keep Ocean City safe and clean, and maintain steady tax rates, which have all been priorities since his first campaign.

“I think I’ve done a good job being fiscally responsible and working together with other council members to find the best solution for the town, for the residents, the visitors and other property owners. I plan on continuing to do that,” he said.

James lives in north Ocean City with his wife, Allison. The couple married earlier this year and are expecting a son, who is due in late November.

Matt James

OCEAN CITY ELECTION

Carol Proctor

Not long after the filing period opened for the Ocean City Council election this summer, local Realtor Carol Proctor was the first person to throw her hat in the ring.

A newcomer to politics, Proctor, 54, is very familiar with the resort, as she has been vacationing in Ocean City since she was a child.

And if elected to council, she wants to do what she can to preserve and support the positive experiences she remembers from her summers at the beach.

“I understand this is a big job; I am committed to helping people. Now that I live in Ocean City, I see how critical it is for the citizens of Ocean City to have a Voice,” she said in an email recently of the reasons she decided to run for council.

“I believe I can be that voice for them,” she continued. “Too many times politicians forget that they are there to serve the people, as well as they need to be good stewards of their tax dollars paid by citizens. I am committed to working with the citizens of Ocean City as well as Public Safety employees focusing on the future of Ocean City.”

Proctor and her husband, Rick, bought a condo in Ocean City in 2005. Three years later, they moved to the resort permanently where they raised three children who all graduated from Stephen Decatur High School.

Proctor currently works as an associate broker at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services on 50th Street. She has been with the company since 2011 but has been in the real estate business for more than 25 years. The majority of her career has been spent on the lending side of the business and she rose to regional sales executive roles throughout her career.

Proctor said although her real estate activities made for a busy summer, she has attempted to brush up on her knowledge of city politics.

She believes the city’s biggest issue now is staffing, which she said is a problem “across the board” in every industry, and she wants to work on finding solutions if elected.

“I don’t have any solutions for that because I haven’t been intimately involved,” Proctor said last week. “But it’s something that I want to, if elected, I want to work through some of the issues … It’s happening everywhere, from every type of business. It’s really hard to find in this area because it’s just the way our seasons run.”

And while her real estate background will help with development and economics, Proctor will be doing a lot of learning on the job when it comes to various projects and issues, as she has not been part of previous discussions as a newcomer to the political realm.

Will Savage

Since filing to run for City Council in July, Will Savage has spent many hours learning the intricacies of Ocean City government.

A staple in the audience at most recent public meetings, the longtime Boardwalk business owner and former hotelier is versed on the issues and has some unique ideas of his own for the future of the resort.

Savage, 42, is an Ocean City native who spent most of his life helping his family run the Majestic Hotel on the Boardwalk at Sixth Street. He started out as a bellhop when he was 8 and worked his way up through positions of bell staff, waiter and more until he became general manager.

When the property was sold earlier this year, Savage had some free time on his hands, and ultimately decided to try his hand at local politics.

“When you do something for 30 years, I don’t want to say I’m over it, but I wanted to progress into something more challenging,” Savage said

Carol Proctor

Will Savage

OC mayor unopposed, but still campaigning

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer Rick Meehan

(Oct. 28, 2022) Longtime Mayor Rick Meehan may be running for reelection unopposed, but his campaign signs are still spread generously along Coastal Highway, reminding voters that he still adamantly wants the job.

“I’m still out there running for election,” Meehan said this week of erecting election signs despite being the only one running for mayor on Nov. 8.

“People will say to me, they’ll stop me, I’ll be putting up signs, and they’ll say, ‘Why are you putting up signs, you’re unopposed?,” he continued. “Well, you have to let people know you want the job. You have to let them know that you have a sense of commitment and it’s something that you feel very passionately about. And I do. So you will see me out there running for reelection whether I have opposition or not.”

Unlike council members who run for four-year terms, the mayor’s seat is on the ballot every two. And for the eighth straight election, Meehan’s

name will be there. And unless a popular write-in comes along and edges him out, he will keep his post for another term.

Meehan has spent the better part of the last three decades in city government. He was elected to council in 1985 and became council president in 1990. He served in that role until he became mayor in 2006, when thenMayor Jim Mathias was appointed to the House of Delegates.

Meehan has successfully won reelection every two years since, and as of now, the jury is out on whether this will be his last term.

“You never want to say what you’re going to do two years from now,” he said. “I have the experience, the enthusiasm to serve the residents, the property owners of Ocean City, and I want to continue to do so. I think everybody knows at some point in time no job is forever and when that time comes I’ll certainly recognize that.”

As for whether he has any loftier ambitions, Meehan contends that he is content with local politics.

“I never had any desire to serve anywhere but in the town of Ocean City,” he said. “This is my home. My kids were raised here. I never wanted

to be away. I didn’t want to miss any of my kids’ soccer games or baseball games. I coached them all, I went to every school game. I never wanted to miss that. My commitment was to the town and I never had any aspirations

beyond the Town of Ocean City.”

Supporting workforce

As he embarks

his

term, Meehan discussed some of the press-

ing issues he expects to address. Besides the typical topics, like the budget and property tax rates, which he said have not been raised in 10 to 12 years, he said staffing and employment are at the top of his list.

“Public safety is our number one priority, it’s been my number one priority, and I believe that we’ve reached that point where we really have to look at the number of personnel we have. Both the police department and the fire department and their salaries, their benefits,” he said. “Really across the board with our em-

OCEAN CITY ELECTION

Continued from Page 14

of deciding to run for office. “I thought about this, I knew elections were coming up. I looked at the dynamics of the Ocean City Council. It was important for me for there to be an open position.”

After learning that Councilman Lloyd Martin would not be seeking reelection, Savage’s council campaign was officially cleared for launch.

“I don’t want to make waves,” Savage said. “I don’t have any particular

ployees in Ocean City. That’s probably the biggest issue we’re facing today.”

Meehan added that most communities are facing the same challenges, as hiring and retention is undoubtedly a national problem, and he wants local officials to focus heavily on addressing those issues.

As the season expands and more taxes are collected from tourists, revenues will increase, and Meehan wants to see some of that extra money used to hire and retain qualified employees.

“A large portion of those revenues

need to be reinvested into our infrastructure, to our citizens and also to improving salaries and benefits and the number of employees, working conditions for our workforce,” he said. “We need to reinvest in the town.”

Margaritaville woes

A proposed Margaritaville resort on the oceanside of 13th and 14th streets is a major timely town issue.

Meehan contended that he has been consistent with his opinions since the project developers first revealed their plans for a 13-story, 265-

room commercial resort at the former Phillips Beach Plaza property downtown.

“I support the concept but I think the project as proposed is too big,” he said.

Meehan also believes the developers are asking for too much as they strive to create a planned overlay district, or POD, to get the necessary square footage to build the project as proposed, which he sees having detrimental effects on the surrounding neighborhood.

“An overlay district is supposed to

MEEHAN

issues that I’m going in to fight against or anything. It’s more to be part of the team and carry on the flag for Ocean City. We’re a world-class destination. I want to keep it that way.”

Outside of his council campaign, Savage runs a Boardwalk store between Sixth and Seventh streets and serves as an active member of the city’s volunteer fire company.

He joined the department when he was just 14 as a cadet and has held multiple operational and administra-

tive ranks, including treasurer for four terms, lieutenant for six years, and assistant chief for eight terms.

During his time as a firefighter, Savage received multiple commendations, including firefighter of the year, a training award, chief’s award, and multiple incident, unit, and resuscitation citations.

He is also an emergency medical technician, as well as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed boat captain for vessels up to 100 tons, and certified res-

cue swimmer and diver.

Savage lives on Dolphin Street near downtown Ocean City with his wife, Candace, who works for Worcester County government, and their two elementary-school-aged children.

If elected, Savage said he can commit to serving on City Council for at least three terms.

“By that time, my children will be out of high school,” he said. “I will reevaluate then. For the foreseeable future, this is what I plan on doing.”

sports complex location

Baltimore Avenue

allow for give and take,” he explained. “If you have X number of square feet it allows you to do some things, make some enhancements that you might not normally be able to do on a smaller parcel. But in return there’s supposed to be additional benefit to the town, to the surrounding areas. And I don’t really think this meets that test.”

Meehan added that he is surprised that he has not seen the developers recognize or address these types of concerns in their plans and looks forward to diving into the details further when the POD application comes back to the mayor and City Council for review.

For years, officials have been planning to widen Baltimore Avenue from North Division to 15th streets and bury the utility lines to create a smooth aesthetic that will encourage development and improve the corridor.

A roughly $20 million price tag was first estimated to complete the work, but in early September, officials learned that the cost will likely double, casting a potential dark cloud on its future.

However, Meehan still characterized the project as the city’s “most important” and emphasized a desire to bring it to fruition.

“We need to do it. We need to do it right. We realize that it’s coming in

higher than original expense projections were. I think we need to face the facts that costs are going up,” he said. “We did delay some of this in order to see the prices go down. I think we will see some of the prices go down. We’re looking at other things to do to reduce costs.”

Meehan said he has spoken to members of the state legislature and federal representatives for funding help. He is also working with staff members on obtaining grants. And ultimately, he is optimistic about the options.

Sports complex

Meehan is all-in on support for a youth sports complex off of Route 50 near Stephen Decatur High School.

The project is in the infancy stages at the county level, but if built it will bring a first-class facility to the area that many officials are salivating over.

“I think sports tourism is the future and I think it’s great tourism,” Meehan said.

He pointed out the tourist surge that the weekend beach soccer, tennis, frisbee and other like tournaments bring to the area, and looks forward to creating a permanent spot

to attract those types of events on a larger scale.

“That’s such great tourism because it’s typically families, their kids, their friends,” he said. “All the teams come here and they all want to come here to participate in these activities because of where we’re located, because we have the beach, we have the Boardwalk, we have the hotels. We have other things for them to do when they’re not participating in a sport itself.”

Meehan added that he hopes the city will contribute to the indoor portion of the facility if the county is able to secure the land. A bond issue for the nearly 100-acre private property is on the county ballot on Nov. 8.

And while some criticism has been thrown out about the location regarding potential increased traffic and congestion along Route 50, Meehan said he thinks the concerns are largely unfounded and pointed out that the plans will go through a due diligence period before final decisions are made.

In any case, Meehan is against building the complex closer to Route 90, as some officials have suggested,

because of the traffic it could bring to the already congested Route 589.

“I think that this is a more palatable location for Ocean Pines’ residents because I don’t think it has any major impact on them,” he said of the Route 50 spot. “I think this one’s in an area where you see a lot of traffic anyway. Everybody said when they built Walmart and Home Depot it was going to create traffic problems … But what would we all do without Walmart and Home Depot? And I don’t see any traffic problems. I think more people year ‘round are going to go to Walmart and Home Depot than are going to be going to the sports complex.”

time date in mid-September to late October. The move was made to accommodate the Oceans Calling Festival, which ended up being canceled because of stormy weather, set for Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.

With the new date, though, officials were able to rework Sunfest to include elements of OCtoberfest, including hayrides, a beach maze, and costume contests, and add activities such as the mayor’s bike ride, other bicycling activities and pet-friendly festivities like Delmarva DockDogs dock jumping. This year’s event also had an open-air setup, earlier times, and all of the concerts and activities were free, which were all new elements.

And while the open setup worked well for the mild, sunny weather

Thursday through Saturday, the pleasant conditions exited after Saturday night, as officials were forced to end the festival at 8 p.m. with a fireworks show instead of continuing through Sunday because of the rainy, windy forecast.

“Canceling Sunday was heartbreaking for us,” Director of Tourism and Business Development Tom Perlozzo said in an email this week.

“The weather is always the one element out of our control, but as always we have to lean on the side of safety,” he continued. “Although we haven’t had the best of luck this year, it proved to be the right decision. Decisions like these are in the best interests of our guests with winds predicted to exceed 30 miles per hour causing safety issues. There are so many moving parts by our team that

rains

needed to be done in advance to ensure a safe experience.”

Despite the cancelation, Perlozzo said the crowds were “strong as ever” for the three days Sunfest was held.

“The date change proved to be a positive change as it extended the season and it did create another weekend for visitors in October,” Perlozzo said. “It was amazing to see, regardless of the date, people truly enjoy what Sunfest has to offer; its free music, great food, variety of craft and commercial vendors as well as the added activities offered this year.”

Officials were also forced to cancel a drone show set for Friday because President Joe Biden was traveling to his Rehoboth Beach vacation home and Ocean City is in the temporary flight restriction zone the federal government enacts for a 30-mile radius every time he travels by air.

“Notification by the FAA was received Thursday afternoon that President Biden would be in Rehoboth therefore enacting a TFR and grounding the drones,” Perlozzo explained. “In fact, Saturday we witnessed a small plane overhead and seconds later an F16 scrambled to turn it back.”

The drone show was not the first the city has been forced to cancel, and Perlozzo said it was not a big blow to the budget.

“All the drones shows were added value and carried over from canceled shows this summer due to weather,” he said. “We will use them at other events. We do plan on some drone shows for Winterfest and Springfest.”

All in all, Perlozzo said Sunfest was a hit at the new date and tourism officials expect to keep it in that time slot.

“As always, we anticipate the evaluation of Sunfest (and all of our events) for future planning. However, our plans are to continue with Sunfest on this weekend Oct. 19-22, 2023,” he said. “A few tweaks here and there will improve the experience but overall patrons had a very positive experience … Bravo to the Special Events team and all of the Town Departments and vendors who made the event a great success.”

Clarification

In a story in the Oct. 21, 2022 edition about a vote to permit a larger setback for renovations to the Majestic Hotel on the Board-

it was reported that local

Avraham Sibony paid more than $7.4 million for the property. While Sibony paid that amount for the land where the hotel, he also bought three surrounding

for a total $10.5 million.

In-person early voting begins Nov. 3 in Md.

List of spots to cast ballots found online and same-day voter registration available

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) reminds voters that in-person early voting runs through Thursday, Nov. 3.

Same-day voter registration is available for eligible Marylanders at all early voting centers.

A list of early voting centers is available online.

The state board encourages voters to review the list of early voting centers in advance, as some early voting locations changed following July’s primary election.

All early voting centers will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the weeklong early voting period.

Those intending to take advantage of same-day registration must provide documentation proving their place of residence.

Acceptable forms of documentation include an MVA-issued driver’s license, ID card or change of address card, or a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill or other government document displaying the voter’s name and new address.

Eligible Marylanders can register to vote and cast their ballots at any

early voting location in the jurisdiction where they reside.

Marylanders wishing to vote by mail may request a mail-in ballot be sent via the United States Postal Service by Nov. 1. The deadline to request a link to a mail-in ballot is Nov. 4.

Mail-in ballots must be returned by the U.S. mail, submitted at a voter’s local board of elections office or placed in an official ballot drop box in a voter’s jurisdiction of residence no later than Nov. 8.

Voters can also drop off properly completed ballots at early voting centers and Election Day polling places.

Correction

In a story in the Oct. 21, 2022 edition about a request to allow dogs on the Boardwalk in the summer it was reported that dogs are currently not allowed on the boards or beach Memorial Day through Labor Day. While this is technically true, dogs are actually prohibited from the Boardwalk and beach in any capacity May 1 through Sept. 30.

Ballots cast by mail must be postmarked by Nov. 8 in order to be counted. Ballots cast by drop box must be submitted prior to 8 p.m. on Nov. 8.

There are 281 ballot boxes located across the state. A list of the ballot box locations is available online.

Marylanders interested in serving as election judges can complete the state board’s online interest form to be considered for this civic role.

Residents can also contact their local board of elections for more information on serving as an election judge.

Child pornographer gets 49 years

fendant admits enough evidence exists for a conviction but does not require him or her to admit guilt.

According to court records, Travers was sentenced by a Worcester County judge on Oct. 21 to serve a total 49 years in prison stemming from the pleas. The total sentence was 105 years, but all but 49 were suspended. He will also be required to register as a lifetime sex offender and will be subject to lifetime sexual offender supervision.

According to court documents, Travers was charged with 42 counts of possessing child pornography, 37 counts of soliciting a subject for child porn, four counts of filming a child in a sex act, two counts of sexually abusing a minor, and two counts of sexually abusing a minor family or household member. All those charges arose from incidents reported between June 1, 2018, and July 31, 2021.

In a second case, Travers was charged with one count each of sexually abusing a minor, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography beginning on May

21, 2021.

He was indicted on all of charges in Worcester County Circuit Court a year ago.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser said in an email Tuesday that prosecutors asked the judge to give Travers 53 years of active incarceration between the two cases and were satisfied with the ultimate 49-year sentence.

“Given the nature of the defendant’s employment history, we also thought it was important to highlight the fact that his probation conditions include no unsupervised contact with minors and not to be involved in any way with youth groups including educational, religious or sports groups,” she added.

Maryland State Police arrested Travers Aug. 21, 2021.

He is a former employee of Little Lambs and Community Church in Berlin and was set to take a job within the Worcester County Public Schools system when notice of the allegations against him came to light. According to district officials, he was not a WCPS employee at the time of his arrest, but he had previously worked as a substitute and intern.

State police were tipped off about Travers’ activity after the department’s computer crimes unit received a referral from the National Center

for Missing and Exploited Children, according to court documents.

A child porn image was uploaded to the browser Bing with an IP address that traced back to the home Travers’ lived at in Ocean Pines.

Following an investigation, state and Ocean Pines police executed a search and seizure warrant on Aug. 20 at the home and found Travers there as the sole occupant.

According to the charging documents, police recovered electronic equipment, including laptops, cell phones, thumb drives, and camera memory cards, during the search. Police also seized used children’s underwear in individual packages.

Documents said Travers admitted to possessing child pornography, but denied touching any children sexually.

He also said children have stayed at his home, identifying three who were between the ages of 7 and 10.

An investigation found Travers had stayed at the home with the children’s guardian on and off from June 2018 to July 2021. The documents said he also took care of the children at his home in Ocean Pines.

An examination of the electronic devices seized during the search contained several pornographic images of those children, court documents said.

Plate reader alert leads to capture of wanted fugitive

(Oct. 28, 2022) Ocean City police officers arrested Antonio John Torlish, 26, Ocean City on Oct. 18 on an arrest warrant for attempted murder.

Torlish was wanted for two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and several handgun-related charges from an incident that occurred on Oct. 16 in Salisbury.

Ocean City Police Department received a license plate reader alert during the early evening hours of Oct. 18 regarding the suspect vehicle traveling south at 140th Street.

The alert notified officers the vehicle was associated with a person who had an outstanding warrant for their arrest.

Police found the vehicle unoccupied at a north-end condominium. Through a joint effort among members of the patrol, Special Enforcement Unit, Narcotics Unit, and Worcester County’s Criminal Enforce-

See TORLISH Page 24

Bruce Travers

Antonio Torlish

Commissioners name appointees

Reps from across county tapped for newly-created police accountability board

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Worcester County Commissioners appointed representatives from across the county to serve on the newly-established civilian Police Accountability Board (PAB) and Administrative Charging Committee (ACC), which were implemented under the Maryland Police Accountability Act, a state law that became effective in July 2022.

The seven-member PAB appointed by the commissioners includes Chair Gregory Tate, Vice Chair Joe Theobald, Jerred Johnson, Mary Burgess, Quincy Shockley, Carol Frazier, and John Simms, III.

The five-member ACC includes Dr. Mark Bowen, John Trumpower, and James Beard, along with Simms and Tate.

The ACC is composed of the PAB chair, two civilian members selected by the PAB, and two civilian members selected by the commissioners.

“The PAB has received no complaints as of yet, which is a testament to the fine work of all the departments,” said Tate, a retired Secret Service Internal Affairs inspector.

The PAB serves as the overall governing body of the system of police discipline in Worcester County.

The ACC will review complaints and investigations of police misconduct, determine whether an officer should be charged with misconduct, and if charged recommend discipline from the state-created matrix.

A three-member Trial Board tasked with conducting hearings if an officer does not accept the discipli-

nary measures recommended by the ACC will be chaired by a retired or administrative law judge appointed by the commissioners, a civilian appointed by the PAB, and a police officer, who is of equal rank to the officer accused of misconduct, will be appointed by the head of the law enforcement agency.

More information about the PAB is available at www.co.worcester.md.us/PAB.

Cathi Coates selected to fill District Court judge vacancy

(Oct. 28, 2022) Gov. Larry Hogan last Thursday announced that he has appointed Cathi V. Coates to the Worcester County District Court — the first woman in state history to serve on that court.

“I want to especially congratulate Cathi Coates as she becomes the first woman in state history to serve on the Worcester County District Court,” the governor said.

Before her appointment, Cathi Van de Meulebroecke Coates has been the Domestic and Juvenile Magistrate for Worcester County. Her practice as a magistrate consists of

civil work, although in juvenile delinquency cases criminal principles are applicable, particularly in adjudication hearings.

Also, in her role as magistrate, Coates heard truancy cases as part of the problem-solving court. Prior to her time as magistrate, she worked as a private attorney and as chair of the Worcester County Board of Property Review.

She received her bachelor’s degree from University of Lynchburg, formerly Lynchburg College, and received her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Torlish accused of murder, more

ment Team, officers were able to take Torlish into custody without incident.

“I would like to commend our officers for their due diligence and the coordinated efforts among divisions to safely bring Torlish into custody” said Chief Ross Buzzuro. “This is another incident where the LPR system has proven to be a valuable tool to help keep Ocean City safe.”

Torlish was seen by a Maryland

District Court Commissioner and held without bail. Torlish has been transferred to the Worcester County Jail for a bail review.

This investigation is ongoing and the Salisbury Police Department Major Crimes Division requests anyone with information regarding this incident to contact 410-548-3165. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

Shore Craft Beer Fest slated for Saturday at Sunset Park

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Oct. 28, 2022) On the heels of a successful OCtoberfest beer garden that debuted at Sunfest last weekend, the annual Shore Craft Beer Festival is set for Saturday at Sunset Park.

Slated 12:30-4:30 p.m., the event will feature nearly 20 local and regional craft beer vendors serving up brews in sample sizes among a sea of food trucks, souvenir vendors and live entertainment.

The participating brewers will also sell prepackaged craft beer for patrons to take home.

General admission attendees get unlimited tastings and free pint glasses if they arrive in the first group of 1,400 for $40 a person.

Attendees who bought VIP tickets, which are sold out, will get unlimited tastings, early entry, two slices of pizza and a T-shirt for $65.

Half-hour beer cruises on the OC Bay Hopper will also be available for patrons at the event.

“I think it’s going to be a great weekend,” Ann McGinnis Hillyer, the CEO of organizer StateVentures LLC, said of the event this week.

“The weather is supposed to be really good,” she continued. “So far no

NOW PLAYING

rain, no wind, a little bit of peaking sun, so I think it’s going to be a great time.”

Among old local favorites such as Burley Oak and Sinepuxent brewing companies, McGinnis Hillyer said several new breweries are pouring at this year’s event.

Dewey Beer Company in Delaware and The Other One Brewing, which is opening inside the new Embers restaurant complex in Ocean City, are among the newbies.

“The Other One Brewing, that’s big because that’s the only Ocean City one, on the island,” McGinnis Hillyer said.

“He’s not open yet but finished two beers and is coming to preview those two beers, so that’s exciting.”

The breweries and other food and craft vendors, some returning, some new, will be set up at Sunset Park in downtown Ocean City and inside an adjacent lot, and food trucks will be parked on the street.

As of Tuesday, McGinnis Hillyer said nearly 850 tickets, both general admission and VIP, had been sold. And while the VIP are sold out, she said plenty of general admission passes and hotel packages were still available and can be bought online or at the door.

“We’d love to see a bunch more people buy tickets,” she said.

The Store Craft Beer Festival, held

yearly at the end of October, is a fundraiser for the Ocean City Development Corporation and part of the resort’s OCtoberfest activities, most of which were held last weekend as part of Sunfest.

To learn more about the Shore Craft Beer Festival and buy tickets, visit shorecraftbeerfest.com/octoberfest.ht ml.

County set to host HHW collection day

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Worcester County Public Works Recycling Division will host Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Ocean City Park and Ride on

U.S. Rt. 50. HHW, computers, and laptops may be dropped off for safe disposal. No other electronics will be accepted.

HHW Collection Day provides an opportunity for Worcester County res-

ANGLER RESTAURANT

312 Talbot Street, Ocean City,

Oct. 29: Aaron Howell, 5 p.m.

BAYVIEW BAR & GRILLE

2nd Floor Residence Inn

61st Street, Ocean City 410-723-2222 / www.ResidenceInnOC.com

Oct. 28: Karaoke w/Donnie, 6-9 p.m.

Oct. 29: Bilenki Duo, 6-9 p.m.

Oct. 30: Bar BINGO, 6-9 p.m.

COINS

28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City

410-289-3100 / www.coinspuboc.com

Oct. 29: Halloween Block Party; Dust N Bones, 8 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

Oct. 28: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Oct. 29: Joey Harkum, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Oct. 30: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Oct. 31: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 1: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 2: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 3: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

SEACRETS

49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com

Oct. 28: Element K Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Until Sunrise, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Oct. 29: Halloween Party & Constume Contest, 5-2 a.m..; Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; Crash the Party, 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to

1:50 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Oct. 30: Football Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 31: Local’s Halloween Party, 4 p.m to 2 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; Shake, Shake, Shake, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Nov. 3: Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Connair, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Nov. 4: The Way Outs Duo, 5-9 p.m.; Diakonia’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Late Last Night, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

BILENKI DUO

Bayview Bar & Grille: Sat., Oct 29, 6-9 p.m.

SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE

Seacrets: Mon., Oct. 31, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Attendees are shown drinking brews at last year’s Shore Craft Beer Festival at Sunset Park. This year’s event is set 12:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday at Sunset Park and will feature nearly 20 local and regional craft beer vendors, food trucks and live entertainment.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

This should be a very interesting week, Aries. Money matters will be at the heart of it. Figure out what you want to do with the extra cash that you have accumulated.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Treat everyone with a bit of caution, Taurus. Some person in your circle may need a little extra support this week, and your calm and even approach could be just what’s needed.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, this week has the potential for a few bumps in the road that could be avoided if you simply slow down a bit. Think things through or you could trip yourself up.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

An exciting few days lie ahead, Cancer. You may be tempted to spend much more than you usually would. Have fun, but keep track of your finances.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, even if you have plans to hang out with friends, something at home could crop up that will need your immediate attention. Be flexible and at the ready.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, find balance where you feel out of sync. Maybe you have been having relationship woes or seem out of touch with family. Make an effort to respond to these feelings.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, even if your best plans do not work out, that doesn’t mean you have to scrap everything and sulk. Make the most of what worked and build on that.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you may find yourself in a situation that tests your levelheadedness in a big way this week. It could throw off your equilibrium when your plans go awry.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, focus on communication in the days to come. The ability to communicate effectively will be a true asset as you work more with others.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

A problem that arises may initially seem insurmountable, Capricorn. But you’re more than capable of overcoming this obstacle. Look to Pisces for help.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Are you ready to take action and get to work, Aquarius? An unexpected home project has fallen into your lap, and it will take some effort to get it all done.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

You could wind up learning something simply by letting the wind take you where it will, Pisces. Firm plans are unnecessary this week.

Residents to safely dispose of all hazardous materials

idents to safely dispose of products containing harmful chemicals, such as bleach, pesticides, pool chemicals, oil mixtures, gas and other fuels, acids, automotive fluids, thinners, and other everyday hazardous wastes accumulating in and around the home, like CFL light bulbs, batteries, and oil-based paints.

Note that water-based paints are not hazardous materials and should not be brought to any hazardous waste event.

Instead, solidify water-based paints by drying or adding absorbent materials, like sand, kitty litter, or mulch. Then place the dried paint in the trash.

HHW Collection Day is open at no charge to county residents only. This event is hosted in conjunction with

Maryland Environmental Services and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

A representative from MDE will be on-site checking vehicle registration. Clean Ventures of Baltimore will be responsible for the safe disposal of all hazardous waste collected.

Computers and laptops will be collected and later recycled.

Collecting HHW for safe disposal saves valuable landfill space and helps protect the environment, as many of these items do not degrade and contain poisonous materials that could seep out of the landfill and contaminate surrounding soil and groundwater.

For more information, contact Worcester County Recycling Manager Mike McClung at 410-632-3177.

Snow Hill hosting Track or Treat Fri.

(Oct. 28, 2022) Worcester County Recreation & Parks will host a Track or Treat event at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill on Friday from 6-8 p.m.

This event is open to youth ages 12 and under. Local vendors will hand out goodies to the kids.

Children should come dressed in their Halloween costumes and bring bags to collect goodies.

There is no admission fee for this event, but children must be accompanied by an adult. All guests must sign in at the main entrance.

For more information about Track or Treat or to participate as a vendor, contact Tyler Keiser at 410-632-2144, ext. 2505 or tkeiser@marylandscoast.org. Visit www.playmarylandscoast.org to learn more about other special events.

‘Best of Us’ OP award recipients announced

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce has announced that its 2022 “The Best of Us” Award recipient for the Citizen of the Year is Donna Lee Frankowski of ERA Martin Associates Shamrock Division and that its Young Professional of the Year is Jordan MacWha of Hawkins Electric. Frankowski is an avid networker, Ocean Pines advocate, pickleball maniac and one of the area’s highestranked Realtors.

Usually accompanied by her pup, Tucker, Frankowski brings positive attention to the community by sharing her experiences as a resident and business professional.

The former teacher has recently begun a campaign to counteract rising drug addiction in the children.

MacWha exemplifies the phrase “emerging leader,” a chamber statement said, adding that he took over the Young Professionals of the Pines

Dining Guide

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■

■ ANGLER RESTAURANT

312 Talbot St., Ocean City 410-289-7424, www.angleroc.net

$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar $6 cruises with $15 lunch or dinner food purchase. Serving lunch, dinner and lite fare. Seafood is our specialty and great landlubber choice. Boat Bar Happy Hour is 3-6 p.m. Dine in or carry out available.

Closed Monday through Wednesday. Open Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Visit Captain’s Table for seafood, steaks, lobster specials and martinis. Open for breakfast and dinner every day; Happy hour, seven days a week 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Breakfast, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Dinner, Sunday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

■ COASTAL SALT

16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-973-7258, www.coastalsaltoc.com

$$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

New American restaurant. Local seafood. Closed Monday through Wednesday; Open Thursday through Sunday starting 8 a.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

New American restaraunt. Local seafood. Closed Monday through Wednesday; Open Thursday through Sunday, starting at 8 a.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore with a Caribbean flare; Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring specialty rums; Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m to 9 p.m., Fri-

day through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour drink specials and $10 eats, Sunday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

Caroline St, Wicomico St. & South Division St. on the boardwalk, Ocean City www.dumsersdairyland.com

Ice cream made daily. Stop by any Dumser’s location for homemade ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, floats and much more.

■ OCEAN BITES

401 S. Atlantic Ave next to Thrasher FF and 30th Street Coastal Hwy in the Jolly Roger’s parking lot, Ocean City Oceanbites.net

Kid’s menu. Two locations. Ice cream, lemonades, pizza, salads, appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, wings, tenders, burger, baskets. Open daily. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT

15th Street @ Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-861, PapisTacoJoint.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Try the new Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy build your own street taco’s with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsas. Serving foods such as little cravings, Papi’s trio guacamole, Queso Fundido and choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3-5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in or order online for your carryout.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410289-4891, www.picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open daily. Serving food until 1 a.m. Free parking across the street. Daily food and drink specials. Live entertainment 6 nights a week. Lots of pool tables. Liquor store attached. Game room. 30+ drafts on tap.

Dine in or carry out.

■ PIZZA MAMBO

710 Philadelphia Ave., between 7th and 8th streets 410-289-1200; 7205 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 410-524-0090, ocpizzamambo.com

$$ | Kids’ menu

Serving pizzas with homemade crust, sauces and 100 percent cheese. Specialty pizzas, wings, appetizers and salads. Also, calzone, subs and sandwiches. Fast free delivery with 2 locations. Open year ‘round. Order online at ocpizzamambo.com.

this past year.

He also is known as a strong chamber and community advocate, a great networker, organizer and encourager.

As the Business Development Director at Hawkins Electric Service, Hawkins seeks local avenues where the company can install and provide education on electric car charging stations, and identifies opportunities for community service and advocacy.

■ PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

108 S. Boardwalk between Caroline and Talbot streets

Full bar

Serving snacks only. Food is welcome. Bring your own food and buy a beverage of your choice.

■ SHENANIGANS

309 Atlantic Ave., 4th Street on the boardwalk, Ocean City 410-289-7181

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Full bar, kid’s menu. Irish-themed restaurant and bar serving American and Irish grub on the oceanfront patio. Munchies, soups, salads, steaks, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, tacos and entrées. Special beers, wine, and cocktails. Dine in or curbside pickup. No deliveries. Closed Monday through Thursday. Open Friday through Saturday and Sunday until dusk. Closing party; November 12. Order online at ocshenanigans.com or @ocshenanigans.

■ 32 PALM

Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

All day dining featuring breakfast, brunch, and dinner; Serving shareables, lighter fare, a wide selection of bourbons; Weekend brunch, Saturday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Happy hour, every day, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

■ COCONUT’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Castle in the Sand Hotel, 37th Street and the beach, Ocean City 410-289-6846, www.castleinthesand.com

$-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Beachfront open-air dining. Grilled sandwiches, salads, appetizers, wraps, tacos, frozen drinks, beer and wine. CLOSING PARTY! Sunday, Oct. 23. 50% OFF ALL FOOD & DRINKS. Doors open at 11 a.m.

■ MARLIN MOON

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

$$

Open daily for breakfast, lite fare, and dinner; Happy hour, Monday through Saturday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring $10 appetizers, drink specials, and specialty oysters; Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Lite fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Monday-Wednesday, 4 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. with island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

Awards will be presented during the Nov. 3, “Do-Si-Do at the Downs” Awards Banquet at Ocean Downs Casino. The Learner’s Lab Foundation and Competency Group are the cocktail hour sponsors. Travelista Travels has donated a trip to Barcelo Gran Faro Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico to be raffled off.

Tickets cost $75 and sponsorships are available. Learn more at OceanPinesChamber.org.

■ BAHAMAS’S CRABSHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET

Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Highway, Fenwick 302-537-5882

Seafood, crabs selected by weight, sandwiches and dinners. Seafood, chicken, homemade soups, crab cakes, steamed shrimp, clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters and snow crab claws. Closed Tuesdays, Open Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m.

■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11403 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-880-6258

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Serving daily small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, fried rice, entrees and desserts. Also, Nori’s premium rolls, nigiri and sashimi, hand-roll combos. Full bar with wine, beer and cocktails. Inside dining and take out, 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Delivery via Door Dash Online.

■ SOPHIA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11405 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 410-723-5188

$$ | Kids’ menu

Appetizers, salads, subs, soup of the day. Specialty pizzas, calzones and low-carb alternatives, Italian entrées. A la carte fresh vegetables, homemade desserts. Now serving breakfast 8 a.m. to noon. Call for takeout or delivery by Door Dash and Uber Eats.

■ COASTAL SMOKEHOUSE

12513 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-390-5998, coastalsmokehouse.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar with 18 TVs

Steak and barbecue experts. Menu reflects nation's hottest barbecue destinations. Topnotch bourbon list. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro

12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-8011111, www.occhopsticks.com

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carry out. Lunch specials, dinner and light fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m-9:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

■ OC EATERIES

12849 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50), West Ocean City 443-252-3700, oceateriesmaryland.com

$-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Market-style food destination with table service. Seven restaurants offering brick oven pizza, wings, street tacos, cheesy mac, loaded potatoes. Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials. Live entertainment, Thursday through Saturday evenings. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Cheese balls with bacon and pecan crust festive fall treat

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Oct. 28, 2022) The challenge of recipes is to incite perfection and one’s point of view.

That being said, time and tradition slip through the maze of propensity. Ancestry flavors the present which ultimately defines the future.

It is with these passing thoughts that progression is planted for generations to come.

Do not be fooled by the theme of simplicity; a fine line differentiates straightforwardness from sophistication.

“Choice” always comes to the forefront and must be carefully considered.

Individuality is assumed but distinction is superlative. I beseech you to consider the virtues of uniqueness so ingenuity may find its place of permanence.

Conclusion is quickly approaching, so specifics of a cheese ball with a bacon, pecan crust is for all to partake. Before I bid you farewell, I must confess my partiality.

Cheese is sinfully calorific but discretion has never been my means of reason. If creamy cheese is your devilish delight, continue this path of culinary bliss.

Cream cheese, sharp cheese and spicy pepper jack are a blend of merriment.

Cream cheese not only adds essence but acts as a binder. Pepper jack and sharp cheese are variables of different degrees but their combination is a spectrum of perfect harmony.

Crispy bacon is the next topic for

review.

Everyone loves the smoky aroma that permeates the air with its pure essence. Cheese and bacon are a consummation made in heaven and this union forms a climatic bite.

Contrast must be contemplated if accolades are to follow.

Pecans and walnuts are in the spectrum of possibilities; as always, personal preference takes top honors.

Sauteed scallions and sesame seeds gives depth to the texture and enhances the overall essence of the appetizer.

These balls of joy can either be small or large. That being said, who says it has to be a ball. Cheese logs are visually stunning and are another option.

I find the greater circumference of the toasted pecans and savory bacon to the cheese itself is not only more appetizing but enhances the dish to a more memorable degree.

In addition, making several smaller cheese balls gives one the option of replacing a cheese ball after the first one has lost its beautification.

Cheese balls are popular yearround.

A harvest cheese ball is perfect for the fall. Allow me to explain how crushed Old Bay cheese curls infuses the theme of the Eastern Shore and Halloween.

Harvest Cheese Ball - Simply make the following cheese ball recipe without the bacon, pecan crust.

Using a rolling pin, crush the Old Bay cheese curls. If you cannot find Old Bay cheese curls, mix cheese curls with Old Bay seasoning.

Carefully roll the cheese ball in the Old Bay crumbs until it is completely coated. Save the leftover coating.

Cheese balls can be frozen for future use, Walker notes

Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap two times. Place four rubber bands evenly around the cheese ball to create the lines of a pumpkin. Refrigerate overnight.

Carefully remove the rubber bands and plastic wrap. You might have to add a touch more coating at this point. Place a bell pepper stem on top for a festive cheeseball that look like a pumpkin.

Serve with favorite crackers or fresh veggie sticks. Enjoy and have a Happy Halloween!

Cheese Balls with Bacon, Pecan Crust

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds bacon, cooked, and chopped

12 ounces cream cheese

¼ cup half and half

1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup scallions, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped ½ cup jarred roasted peppers, chopped ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

1 cup extra sharp cheese, shredded

2 to 3 teaspoons hot sauce

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish several splashes fresh lemon juice kosher salt to taste

3 teaspoons black sesame seeds

1 teaspoon white sesame seeds

1 ½ tablespoon very coarse ground black pepper

1. Place cream cheese and cream in large bowl and using a hand-held blender, combine the mixture until well blended.

2. In a medium sauce pan, heat butter over medium heat. Sauté scal-

lions and parsley for 4 minutes. Using paper towels, squeeze out any excess juice.

3. Place chopped roasted peppers on paper towels, cover with another paper towel, and press to remove excess liquid. Excess liquid dilutes the flavor profile of the cheese ball.

4. In a large bowl, combine cheeses, hot sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, and salt.

Stir in roasted peppers. Add onethird of the bacon, pecans, scallions, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

5. Place the remaining bacon, pecans, scallions, and parsley in a pie plate. Add sesame seeds and pepper to the bacon mixture. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed.

6. Divide cheese mixture into 2 to 3 shapes of choice. Carefully roll each cheese ball in the bacon mixture until completely coated.

Using your hands, you may have to press the bacon mixture into the exterior of the cheese ball. The cheese ball will be soft but will harden when refrigerated.

7. Wrap each ball in plastic and refrigerate for at 4 hours. Serve with favorite crackers or veggie sticks.

* The cheese balls can be frozen for future use. If you freeze the cheese balls, do not coat them with the bacon mixture. When the bacon mixture thaws out, the coating will be soggy and unappealing. Prepare a fresh bacon coating and to roll the dethawed cheese ball.

Secret Ingredient - The Shore. “You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

– Christopher Columbus

New character for ‘Letters from Santa’ on way this year

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Oct. 28, 2022) As the year winds down and the time until Christmas season draws near, Berlin resident Colby Phillips is firing up the prep work for an 11th round of “Letters from Santa.”

After the addition of a coloring book dedicated to Peppermint, Santa’s newest reindeer, went over so well in 2021, this year Phillips said this year will focus on Gumdrop the elf.

“I try to build up the story every year

CROSSWORD

and add to the excitement so it doesn’t get repetitive,” Phillips said. “The parents look forward to what Peppermint is up to and now, hopefully, it’ll be Gumdrop.”

Phillips thought up the Christmasgreeting campaign when her daughters were young and, seeing the joy and excitement that letters from Santa Claus brought the girls, she decided to spread that joy to others.

What started as a small community

‘Letters from Santa’ back in ’22

Continued from Page 30

effort has now ballooned into a nationwide — even transatlantic — holiday tradition.

“The furthest I’ve sent a letter so far is to England, but we’ve sent letters all over the United States — but 60 percent of the recipients are still in this area,” Phillips said.

Ace Printing and Mailing in Berlin handles the coloring books and, because of the help of community donations, much of what Phillips does now is guide the process.

“It’s become kind of this community thing,” she said. “People donate funds to help with stamps, products, envelopes, labels, stickers, glitter (and more). That’s why we start now. It takes a while to get everything together.”

Over the years the target audience has grown — an adult can get a letter, too.

“I don’t leave anybody out,” Phillips said.

Looking toward the future, Phillips said she would love the opportunity to put Peppermint and Gumdrop into a children’s book.

“We could donate (the proceeds) to a local children’s charity,” she said. “That’s my ultimate goal.”

The support of the local area certainly helps.

“I want to thank the community as a whole because with the help … I usually don’t put in a dime,” she said. “It’s just my time, because of the donations and people donating funds to help with the project. I thank everybody for that.”

Anyone interested in a coloring book sent to a loved one, from Santa Claus, can email Phillips at santaphillips@yahoo.com. Phillips asks that requests be sent by Nov. 15.

Donations can be sent to Ace Printing, made out to Santa Phillips. There is a Venmo account set up for the project, @santaphillips.

ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

Artist Deborah Rolig of Berlin, curated the “Assemblage Required” show that opened on First Friday at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94ht Street and included her own assemblages. The building-wide exhibit runs through Oct. 29.

PHOTO COURTESY COLBY PHILLIPS

Colby Phillips is bringing back “Letters from Santa” for its 11th year and has announced that the letters will be expanding even more after last year introduced Santa’s newest reindeer, Peppermint. This year, coloring books will feature Gumdrop the elf.

Fri., Oct. 28

COSTUME STORY TIME ‘HALLOWEEN!’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Wear your costume for this Halloween themed story time. Stay after for a fun craft and some Halloween goodies. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S MAD, MAD, MAD LIBRATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Eerily fun haunted library experience. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

HOBBIES CLUB ‘DIY PROJECTS’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Decorate your own mini-pumpkin, while supplies last. For ages 6 years and older. Registration required: www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600

FALL PARTY

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin. 6-8 p.m. Free fun for all ages. Food, candy, games, pumpkin decorating, music and a bonfire. Come in costume. Bring a chair to sit by the fire. Rain or shine. Stop by Buckingham Church’s Trunk or Treat.

TRACK OR TREAT

Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, 68 p.m. A night of safe Trick or Treating. Open to youth ages 12 years and younger. Dress in Halloween costumes and bring bags to collect goodies. No admission. Children must be with an adult. 410-632-2144, ext. 2505

OCEAN PINES CHILDREN’S THEATER PRESENTS ‘SALEM’S DAUGHTER’

Ocean Pines Community Center - Assateague Room, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6:30 p.m. Do you want to know who is in the well, the ghost on the hill, or if witches really do exist? Tickets cost $12 and are available at the door. Desserts and beverages included.

Sat., Oct. 29

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7-10 a.m. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. 410-603-0294

THE PARKE GARAGE SALE

The Parke at Ocean Pines - Main Entrance, Ocean Parkway and Central Parke West, 7:30 a.m.-noon. Held in the

driveways of residents. Maps will be available at the main entrance of The Parke. There will be clothes, lamps, artwork, household items, electronics, furniture, more. Rain date is Oct. 30. 410-208-4994

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY

W. Ocean City Park and Ride, 12940 Inlet Isle Lane, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,Drop off computers, laptops and household hazardous waste, such as products containing harmful chemicals, gas, acids, CFL lightbulbs, batteries and oil-based paints. Worcester County residents only. 410-632-3177

BLACK CAT SCAVENGER HUNT

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Search the museum for clues that lead to Sabrina the black cat. Each participant will leave with a Halloween prize. Free for children 11 years and younger.

CRAFTY SATURDAY STEM EDITION ‘PROF. JAKE’S POTIONS CLASS’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join Professor Jake and create some awesome positions and mad science themed crafts. Make sure all young scientist are prepared for a mess. For ages 4 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S MAD, MAD, MAD LIBRATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Eerily fun haunted library experience. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. A ranger-led adventure featuring crafts, puppets, stories, cool props and live animals from Assateague Island National Seashore. A different adventure each week. For all ages. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

OTTERLY SPOOKY SATURDAY & SHORE LADDIES!

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 12-12:30 p.m. Delve into the history of River Otters across the world and in the region. Stick around to watch Otters Mac and Tuck receive their Halloween treat. https://www.ocmuseum.org/history-month

SHORE CRAFT BEER’S OCTOBERFEST Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Featuring unlimited samples, live music, vendors, food trucks, local craft breweries and OC Bay Hopper cruises. Tickets: https://shorecraftbeer.ticketspice.com/o ctoberfest-2022. Rain or shine.

OCEAN PINES CHILDREN’S THEATER PRESENTS ‘SALEM’S DAUGHTER’

Ocean Pines Community Center - Assateague Room, 235 Ocean Parkway, 2:30 p.m. Do you want to know who is in the well, the ghost on the hill, or if witches really do exist? Tickets cost $12 and are available at the door. Desserts and beverages included.

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 7-10 p.m. During this immersive investigation, guest will be paired with an actual paranormal investigator for a spooky ghost hunting experience. Cost is $40. Register: https://www.ocmuseum.org/historymonth.

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

FREE PLATFORM TENNIS LESSONS

Saturdays - Ocean Pines Racquet Center, 11443 Manklin Creek Road, 9:30 a.m. All abilities welcome and equipment will be provided. oppaddle2020@gmail.com or 516-5080313.

Sun., Oct. 30

BLACK CAT SCAVENGER HUNT

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Search the museum for clues that lead to Sabrina the black cat. Each participant will leave with a Halloween prize. Free for children 11 years and younger.

OTTERLY SPOOKY & SHORE LADDIES!

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 12-12:30 p.m. Delve into the history of River Otters across the world and in the region. Stick around to watch Otters Mac and Tuck receive their Halloween treat. https://www.ocmuseum.org/history-month

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Oct. 31

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR TEE OFF FOR YOUTH GOLF TOURNAMENT AND FUNDRAISER

Ocean City Golf Club, 11401 Country Club Drive, Berlin. Held Nov. 4, 11 a.m. Cost to participate is $80 and all proceeds will benefit underprivileged youth who participate in Worcester County Recreation and Parks youth programs. 410-632-2144, ext. 2505

BLACK CAT SCAVENGER HUNT

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Search the museum for clues that lead to Sabrina the black cat. Each participant will leave with a Halloween prize. Free for children 11 years and younger.

GHOST STORIES FROM THE SEA

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 1-3 p.m. Actor Ed Guinan will represent Anton, an 1883 shipwreck victim. Guinan will tell the story of the schooner, Sallie W. Kaye, running aground off the coast of OC.

https://www.ocmuseum.org/historymonth

MONDAY MUSIC MASTERS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Using basic percussion skills and instruments, let’s see how well the group can follow the beat together. Recommended for ages 9 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S MAD, MAD, MAD LIBRATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Eerily fun haunted library experience. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

HISTORY OF OUR SURFMAN

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 1 p.m. Meet Keeper Allan and learn about life as an Ocean City Storm Warrior. Free with paid admission. https://www.ocmuseum.org/history-month

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY OF BERLINGROUP #169

Atlantic General Hospital - Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. T.O.P.S. is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

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.

Tues., Nov. 1

SILLY SONGS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Sing and dance to silly songs. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600

STORY TIME ‘COLORS OF AUTUMN’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and finger-plays. A take-

Cooks,

Runners,

Pines, Clarksville, and Long Neck,is

American

Post

Contact Sam

443-235-0876

Joel – 302-344-9769

CUSTODIAL STAFF

We are currently looking for Part

are 3:30pm-6:30pm, Monday

to Linda Watson at lwatson@worcesterprep.org

Worcester County Health

OFFICE SECRETARY

-

Time, State

support and assists with the operations of the Environmental Health Program of the Worcester County Health Department. This position works under the supervision of the Environmental Health Specialist Supervisor and requires comprehensive knowledge of agency programs, the ability to exercise independent judgement, and proficiency in computer programs. This position has daily contact with the public and requires effective verbal and written communication skills. Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by October 31, 2022.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race,

religion,

age,

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS

GREAT-GREAT-GREAT

Now hiring for FRONT DESK; evening shift & HOUSEKEEPING; morning shift. Apply within Comfort Suites, 2718 Ocean Gateway (Rte. 50), Ocean City, MD (WOC). 410-213-7171

Year-Round Rental in Ocean Pines. 3-bedroom, 2-bath. $2,200 a month plus utilities. No pets. Call Karen 443880-5727.

2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Each are approximately 1600 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

SPACE FOR RENT:

Full Service automotive center,

has openings

Must be

New Family Hair Salon opening in West Ocean City. We are looking for a talented Hair Stylist, a creative Nail Technician and an experienced Esthetician. Must be Maryland licensed. Interested? Call 443-880-6950.

Winter Rental in NOC. Beautiful 2BR, 2BA Condo, W/D, DW. $1000/mo. + 1st month security. Utilities/cable included. No pets/smoking. Avail. Nov. 27 - April 27. 717816-1790

of the

use of

and

and

Matt – 302-344-9846

in Long Neck,

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

Hiring

NOW HIRING!!

Production

RENTALS

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

ROOMMATES

Seeking RoommateBayview Estates, Selbyville. 5.7 miles to beach. Includes utilities & internet. Shared kitchen, W/D, living room, outdoor space, POOL.$850/ month. 302-448-5516

Seeking Female Roommate in West OC for Single Family House. Winter rental. Oct. 1April 1. $500/mo. Includes utilities. 443-373-1319

ROOMMATE NEEDED 1BR. 94th St. Bayside. Nonsmoker. Must love dogs. $200/week plus utilities. Year round or Winter rental negotiable. Hot tub access. Text 410-726-5200 difficult to answer calls.

in a modern, wellmaintained building, in

City

(410) 524-3440 for appointment.

City

CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY ASSIGNMENT COMMISSIONER

to be

B64B71-S35-B71-S718-S136S185.

to

vintage

Date: Friday, October 28th, 2022 Time: 10:00 am

DOG, PETS, LIVESTOCK, PET SUPPLIES

Use Happy Jack® Kennel Dip as an area spray to control Lyme disease ticks, fleas, stable flies, & mosquitoes where they breed. At Tractor Supply (www.fleabeacon.com)

MISC. FOR SALE

DISH Network. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855407-6870

CLASSIFIED

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-855993-0969

WANTED TO BUY TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 888-491-4534

PAYING TOP CA$H FOR MEN'S SPORT WATCHES! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 844-5063622.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 877-738-0991.

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

Advertise in MDDC

CALENDAR

ner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.

Wed., Nov. 2

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Meets the first and second Wednesday of each month for non-surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatrics Center, 410641-9568.

THE GRACE PARKER BREAKFAST

First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City. 7 a.m.-noon. Join friends, neighbors and colleagues for a hearty breakfast and fellowship. Cost is $12 with one re-order when dining in or $10 for take out. ocmdpresbyterian@gmail.com

KIWANIS COAT & TOY DRIVE

Ocean Pines Community Center Parking Lot, 235 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m.-noon. Coats may be new or gently used and toys, new and unwrapped. Coats are for local charities to distribute and toys for Worcester G.O.L.D. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City.

BABY TIME ‘STORY TIME FOR TEENY TINIES’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Classic story time experience catered specifically to ages 2 years and younger. Stay after to socialize wit other families. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

STORY TIME ‘FALLING LEAVES’

Continued

home activity will be included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring questions and feel free to show your plants as well. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 2 years and younger. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

TAI CHI

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Three-week class (Nov. 1, 8, and 15) on Shibashi (A Qigong Practice) is easy to follow for beginners interested in Tai Chi. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events”. 410-632-2600

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.

DELMARVA DANCING

Tuesdays - Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173, 13324 Worcester Highway, Bishopville, 5:30-9 p.m. Dance to the sounds of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and more. A $5 donation benefits Veterans and local charities. All are welcome. Charlie, 410-465-0445

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No part-

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Learn about the changes of the season with stories, rhymes and a craft. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Providing discussion, education and a speaker on the topic of diabetes. Darlene Jameson, 410-208-9761, djameson@atlanticgeneral.org

ANCIENT GREECE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 4 p.m. Learn about the culture, art, food and architecture of Ancient Greece. Participate in STEAM projects and challenges. For ages 10 years and older. Registration required: www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600

ADVANCED DIRECTIVE WORKSHOP

TidalHealth Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute Ocean Pines, 11105 Cathage Road, 4-5:30 p.m. Free workshop can help attendees plan their future healthcare decisions and ensure wishes are known. Receive assistance in completing an advanced directive. Reserve a spot: 410-912-6939.

Thurs., Nov. 3

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disor-

ders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. ‘Free mask fitting for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointment required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

‘RIGAMAJIG THURSDAYS’

‘Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Join in anytime during the day to use your imagination and build using the Rigamajig STEM building kit. For ages 4 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

STORY TIME ‘FAVORITE PETS’

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

MERRY MAKERS ‘DIY THANKSGIVING ART’ Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Design a festive tea towel. Materials provided. The group will also brainstorm on winter programs. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events” or 410-208-4014.

POCOMOKE BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘WHAT’S MINE AND YOURS’ BY NAIMA COSTER

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Join this community read. Books available at the branch. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600

PUMPKIN LAUNCHER ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Use the materials provided to launch a (candy) pumpkin the farthest. For ages 10-15 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

ZUMBA FOR ALL Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an. hour of movement. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events.” 410-632-2600

BEACH SINGLES-55 PLUS

Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. Info: 302-436-9577 or BeachSingles.org

Crossword answers from page 30

TRUSTEE'S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

The Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 4:00 p.m., at the front door of Golden Sands Club Condominium, Unit No. 202, 10900 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Golden Sands Club Condominium Unit No. 202, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established by Declaration and Bylaws recorded among the land records of Worcester County in LiberNo. 479, folio 548, et seq., as amended, and as further described in a deed recorded at Liber 6051, folio 134, et seq., in "AS IS" condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.

A deposit of $15,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier's or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater, water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.

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

OCD-10/27/3t

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-8000 www.rosenberg-assoc.com

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

6803 ATLANTIC AVE., UNIT #4K OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Shirley R. Ellis and Barbara A. Moffitt f/k/a Barbara A. Montgomery dated September 20, 2007 and recorded in Liber 5006, folio 1 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester

County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

NOVEMBER 15, 2022 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT LEASEHOLD LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and described as Unit number 4-K in the "Beachloft Condominium" and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #10-080487. The property will be sold subject to an annual ground rent of $300.00, payable on the 15th day of February and August.

The property, which is improved by a dwelling, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $28,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Sub. Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges and ground rent, to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale forward. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale.

If the Sub. Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, the deposit shall be forfeited, to the Trustees for application against all expenses, attorney’s fees and the full commission on the sale price of the above-scheduled foreclosure sale. In the event of default, all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid

out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustees may then re-advertise and resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser or may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser without reselling the property. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Trustees' file number 22-000816MD-F-1.

Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-10/27/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

5934 TAYLOR LANDING RD. GIRDLETREE, MD 21829

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated October 18, 2012, recorded in Liber 6021, Folio 329 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $300,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 AT 4:05 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $14,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit

Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest.

BIDDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO FOLLOW CDC GUIDANCE AND WEAR A COVER OVER BOTH NOSE AND MOUTH AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING AT THE AUCTION. (Matter No. 353653-1)

PLEASE CONSULT

WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

KRISTEN EDDINS VS. JAMES EDDINS

CIRCUIT COURT FOR FREDERICK COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case Number: C-10-FM-19-002055

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is hereby issued by the Circuit Court for Frederick County this 5th day of October, 2022 that the sale made and recorded by Marshall Horman, Esq. for the sale of the property described in these proceedings

4201 Coastal Highway, Unit 608, Ocean City, Maryland 21842

be ratified and confirmed thirty (30) days from the date of this Notice, unless cause to the contrary be shown, provided a copy of this Notice be inserted in some Newspaper published in this County, once in each of three (3) successive weeks.

The report states the amount of the sale to be $386,000.00.

Sandra K. Dalton Clerk of the Circuit Court OCD-10/13/3t

CHRISTOPHER T. WOODLEY, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19409 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HAMDI MAHMOUD SALEM

Notice is given that Maath Hamdi Salem, 9313 Ten Point Court, Berlin, MD 21811, was on October 07, 2022 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hamdi Mahmoud Salem, who died on March 26, 2021, 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 7th day of April 2023.

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.

Maath Hamdi Salem 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 13, 2022

OCD-10/13/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2022

Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in Training Room A on the third floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland.

6:30 p.m. Case No. 22-52, on the lands of Celeste McGee, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the side yard setback from 20 feet to 7.3 feet (to encroach 12.7 feet) for an existing shed in the E-1 Estate District (A-1 Agricultural setbacks apply) pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-122(c)(1)B.1, ZS 1-203(b)(4) and ZS 1-305, located at 12550 Daye Girls Road, Tax Map 9, Parcel 271, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 22-55, on the lands of Curtis United Methodist Church, on the application of Kenneth Shockley, requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 60 feet from the center of the road right-ofway to 41.4 feet (to encroach 18.6 feet) and a side yard variance from 35 feet to 13.3 feet (to encroach 21.7 feet) for an addition to an existing church in the A-1 Agricultural District pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-201(c)(18) and ZS 1305, located at 11808 Campbelltown Road, Tax Map 14, Parcel 151, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 22-51, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, on the lands of Francis J. Townsend, III, requesting a special exception to allow a 3 lot subdivision in the RP Resource Protection District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(3), ZS 1-215(c)(3) & ZS 1-311, located at the intersection of West Torquay and Sussex Roads, Tax Map 21, Parcel 320, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Re-Advertisement of Case No. 22-47, on the application of Mark Cropper, on the lands of Charles Barreras, requesting a variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 22.48 feet (to encroach 7.52 feet) for a proposed 2nd floor deck addition in the R-3 Multi-family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-

207(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 46 Lookout Point, Tax Map 16, Parcel 41, Section 4, Lot 104, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 22-54, on the application of Mill Brook Engineering, on the lands of Lake Haven MHP, requesting a variance to the side yard setback of 300 feet to 119 feet (to encroach 181 feet) for an addition to a Wastewater Treatment Plant in the R-4 General Residential District pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-208(b)(6), ZS 1208(c)(9) and ZS 1-328(c) located at 11003 Grays Corner Road, Tax Map 21, Parcel 161, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland. Administrative Matters OCD-10/27/2t

IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: WANDA JEAN COHEN ESTATE NO. 19423

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Corey Rimel, 9927 Stephen Decatur Highway, #G13, Ocean City, MD 21842 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on 11/15/2022 at 10:00 a.m.

This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Phone: (410) 632-1529 Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Publication Date: 10/27/2022 OCD-10/27/2t

Ocean City, Maryland.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

At 3:00 PM

BAAV 22-119 Seeking variance from Code Sec. 10-37 (R313.2 of 2018 IRC) that requires automatic fire sprinklers to be installed in a relocated dwelling. The scope of work is to move an existing dwelling to a different lot. Locally known as 315 S HERON GULL CT parcel number 6071A-97

APPLICANT: Keith Coffin BAAV 22-120 – Seeking a variance from all freeboard elevation requirements of Ocean City Town Code, 38-71 (a)(5), which requires a 3’ freeboard for substantial improvements in an AE flood zone and 2’ above highest adjacent grade for substantial improvements. Request to include the floor elevation of the existing house to remain, and the floor elevation of the additions to match existing house. Locally known as 1530 TEAL DR parcel number 3429 -27

OWNER: HARBOUR ISLAND BAR LLC/Rob & Bonny Gothier

APPLICANT: Becker Morgan Group, C/O Christopher Pattey

OCD-10/20/2t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue,

NOTICE

of a Public Hearing of the Town of Berlin, MD Planning Commission

Pursuant to the Code of the Town of Berlin, MD Section 108-215, “Procedure for Change”,

The Berlin Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing during its meeting to be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 5:30 PM in the Mayor and Council Chambers, second floor, of the Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD to consider a request for a Text Amendment received from the Burley Oak Brewing Company, to Section 108163(b)(8) of the Town Code.

The proposed Text Amendment reads as follows:

“In the B-2 Shopping District or B-3 General Business District a special exception to allow a grain silo to be utilized as part of a brewery operation, but not exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height.”

OCD-10/27/2t

NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF BILL 22-18 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 22-18 (Zoning – Food Waste Composting Facilities) was passed by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Church, Elder, Mitrecic, Nordstrom and Purnell on October 18, 2022.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1-103(b). (Adds definitions related to Food Waste Composting

Facilities.)

§ ZS 1-201(c)(33). (Renumbers the existing subsection 33 to subsection 34 and adds this new subsection to permit, by special exception in the A1 Agricultural District, food waste composting systems in accordance with the provisions of § ZS 1-329.)

§ ZS 1-202(c)(43). (Renumbers the existing subsection 43 to subsection 44 and adds this new subsection to permit, by special exception in the A2 Agricultural District, food waste composting systems in accordance with the provisions of § ZS 1-329.)

§ ZS 1-212(c)(14). (Renumbers the existing subsection 14 to subsection 15 and adds this new subsection to permit, by special exception in the I1 Light Industrial District, food waste composting systems in accordance with the provisions of § ZS 1329.)

§ ZS 1-213(c)(10). (Renumbers the existing subsection 10 to subsection 11 and adds this new subsection to permit, by special exception in the I2 Heavy Industrial District, food waste composting systems in accordance with the provisions of § ZS 1329.)

§ ZS 1-329. (Repeals and reenacts this section to add standards for “Food Waste Composting Facilities” while retaining the existing standards for Solid Waste Disposal Sites.)

This bill becomes effective fortyfive (45) days from the date of its passage.

This is only a fair summary. A full copy is available in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-10/27/3t

CHARLES T. CAPUTE ESQ MCALLISTER, DE TAR, SHOWALTER & WALKER LLC 100 N. WEST STREET EASTON, MD 21601-2710

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19425

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HALE HARRISON

Notice is given that ALBERTA HARRISON whose address is 1522 TEAL DRIVE OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 and GEORGE HALE HARRISON whose address is 3521 ATLANTIC AVENUE OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 were on OCTOBER 21, 2022 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HALE HARRISON who died on OCTOBER 17, 2022 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 21st day of APRIL, 2023.

Any person having a claim

PUBLIC NOTICE

The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.

The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

These three weeks of notification began on Oct 13, 2022

Line No Year Make Model Color Style

VIN Mileage 0639-22 1997 FORD ESCORT GRAY 4W

3FALP15P6VR163480 NA 0645-22 2009 INFINITY G37 GRAY SEDAN JNKCV61F79M364442 NA 0804-22 2001 ACURA MDX GRAY SUV 2HNYD18401H539360 NA 0822-22 1989 CHEVY S10 WHITE TK 1GCBS14E7K2124515 NA 0827-22 UTILITY TRAILER SILVER NA 0875-22 1997 SUZUKI GS500E BLUE MOTORCYCLE JS1GM51A1V2100671 NA 0917-22 2009 CHEVY CRUZE WHITE SEDAN 1G1ZH57B694173217

All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643.

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police

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-10/27/3t

2022. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the October 17, 2022 agenda packet. This ordinance extends the deadline to remedy nonconforming signs in the Downtown and Upper Downtown Overlay Districts by one year. Nonconforming signs shall be made to conform no later than November 18, 2023.

OCD-10/27/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2022-24

RE: Nonconforming Signs

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2022-24 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of October 17, 2022. Second reading is scheduled for November 7,

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2022-25

RE: Electric Bicycles

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2022-25 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of October 17, 2022. Second reading is scheduled for November 7, 2022. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the October 17, 2022 agenda packet. This ordinance permits the operation of Class 1 electric bicycles on the boardwalk, prohibits Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles on the boardwalk and makes it unlawful to operate bicycles, electric bicycles, pushcarts and EPAMDs in a careless or imprudent

OCD-10/13/3t

manner that endangers any property or the life or person of any individual on the boardwalk.

ORDINANCE

2022-26

RE: Licensed Occupations, Electric Bicycles

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2022-26 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of October 17, 2022. Second reading is scheduled for November 7, 2022. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the October 17, 2022 agenda packet. This ordinance adds language to allow a rental, sale or repair center for Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles. It further allows Class 3 electric bicycle sales and repairs but prohibits the rental of Class 3 electric bicyles.

Call: 410-723-6397

410-723-6511 or E-mail:

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

INVITATION TO BID

Dirt Hauling Services

Worcester County, Maryland

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for dirt hauling services for the Worcester County 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.

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106, ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port War-

dens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Thursday, November 10, 2022 At 2:00 p.m.

PW 22-113 A request has been submitted to demolish a shared pier, construct a new 6’ x 30’ shared pier and to install (1) boatlift with four pilings a maximum channelward extension of 30’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2833 GULL WAY Parcels# 4892 -A12 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNERS: Theresa Isenburg

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 22-122 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 21.5’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 225 26TH ST UNIT 5 Parcel # 5710 -5 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Scott & Denise Messmer

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 22-123 A request has been submitted to demo existing shared pier and rebuild a 6 x 30’ shared pier, install one boat lift with four associated pilings and one PWC lift, maximum channelward 30’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2835 GULL WAY Parcel # 4892 -A12 in

the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Michael McLimans

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 22-124 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with associated poles a maximum channelward extension of 16’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 753 94TH ST Parcel # 9626 -753 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Michael & Karen Thickman

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting LLC

PW 22-125 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with four associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 17’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 718 BRADLEY RD SLIP J Parcel # 2575A-J in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Linda & McKinley Smith

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 22-126 A request has been submitted to move and realign four existing pilings and to remove/reconfigure triangle pier so all construction is parallel to property. No change in channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 727 BRADLEY RD UNIT A Parcel # 9264 -98A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT/OWNER: Robert & Wendy Milewski

OCD-10/27/2t

MONTEGO BAY

in the

community of Montego

stove, crown moldings, central air, & gas heat. Outside there is a lg covered front porch, storage shed & 2-car parking pad. Community amenities include 3 pools (1 kiddie pool), 2 tennis courts, 9-hole mini golf course, bayfront boardwalk w/3 fishing/crabbing piers, a canal-front fishing & crabbing area, an 8acre wildlife sanctuary w/a 1/2-mile walking path & 5-acre open park. The HOA dues are just $360.00 a year!

in quiet North OC, this 3BR/2BA home features a newer central a/c unit (2018), insulated windows, vinyl siding, architectural shingle roof, block skirting, and full screened porch. Inside you will find a fully furnished interior, wide open floor plan, double sliding doors leading to screened deck, new laminate flooring (2020), newer washer & dryer (2019), cathedral ceilings, crown moldings, large closets, and more.

include 2 inground swimming

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piers...all

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Planet Fitness now open in West OC

(Oct. 28, 2022)

The new Planet Fitness facility is now open at 12641 Ocean Gateway in the White Marlin Mall.

This marks the first location for the fitness chain in the Ocean City market, with the nearest Planet Fitness club 40 miles away.

The grand-opening event will take

place on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 4-6 p.m.

The 14,300-square-foot location serves up 64 state-of-the-art cardio machines and a wide variety of strength equipment, a 30-Minute Express Circuit, fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, numerous flat screen televisions and

a relaxing Black Card® Spa equipped with tanning beds and HydroMassage loungers.

Free fitness training is included in all memberships.

Visit https:// www.planetfitness.com/gyms/oceancity-md or call 443-664-3999 for more information.

The new Planet Fitness facility is now open at 12641 Ocean Gateway in the White Marlin Mall. Pictured are some staff members. A grand-opening celebration is set for Nov. 3 from 4-6 p.m.

Chamber debuts new mobile app

Area events also are shown in the app and can be added to a user’s itinerary.

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce has launched a new mobile app that will help visitors and locals better plan their stays and activities. The “Experience OC” app gives its users the ability to search local destinations and to plan an entire trip, including driving directions to each location.

In addition, suggested itineraries – including outdoor adventures, holiday shopping, winery tour and girls’ weekends – are in the works.

All member businesses of the Ocean City Chamber are included in the app free as a member benefit.

“We realized the opportunity to get information where people are most likely to want to consume it, and apps have quickly become the preference for user-friendly, easily accessed, instant results,” said Executive Director Amy Thompson.

“This app will be a convenient way for visitors to the area to map out their vacation and share details quickly and easily with others,” she

added.

The app is available to download for free on both the Apple App Store and on Google Play, and also can be used on a desktop computer by visiting www.oceancity.org and clicking the “Plan Your Trip” button at the bottom of the page.

There are two kiosks with the app available for use to the public. One is located outside the chamber building in the news center alcove and is accessible 24/7. The other is inside the chamber’s visitor center.

The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is located at 12320 Ocean Gateway (Route 50) and Old Bridge Road (Route 707) in West Ocean City. Off-season hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Portion of West OC harbor parking lot to close Nov. 1

(Oct. 28, 2022) Beginning Nov. 1, a portion of the West Ocean City commercial harbor parking lot will temporarily be closed to the public.

A portion of the parking lot will serve as a staging area throughout the duration of the project to replace bulkhead, eight piers, and one governor’s dock, along with all associated bumper piles at the commercial harbor.

Area residents and visitors will still be able to utilize the boat ramp to launch and retrieve watercraft, but parking at that location will be limited.

“Recreation and Parks wants to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we complete this vital WOC commercial harbor proj-

ect,” Parks Superintendent Jacob Stephens said. “The estimated project completion date is March 15, weather permitting.”

Alternate county boat launching facilities will be available at no cost at Gum Point Road east of Racetrack Road (MD Route 589), and the South Point boat ramp at the end of South Point Road.

The Assateague State Park boat ramp (fee: $10-$12 per vehicle) will also be available on the north side of Stephen Decatur Highway (Route 611) just before the Verrazano Bridge.

For more information, contact Stephens at jstephens@MarylandsCoast.org or 410-632-2144, ext. 2521.

Paving project set to begin Nov. 1 on Berlin’s main road

(Oct. 28, 2022) The State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a paving project Tuesday, Nov. 1, on Berlin’s Main Street (Route 818) between Route 113 north of the town and Route 113 south of town limits.

The project should be completed by the end of November, weather permitting, SHA officials said.

Crews will work between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Motorists can expect single-lane closures, and traffic will be guided through the work zone by cones and arrow boards.

Drivers should expect major traffic impacts with significant delays during work hours.

SHA is asking residents and businesses for their cooperation during

‘Experience OC’ slated to help visitors and locals plan stays and activities

The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce launched the ‘OC Experience’ app to help visitors and locals search the area for info on lodging and activities.

The Chamber’s ‘OC Experience’ app provides options to find places to stay, activities and more of an easy-to-use format from users’ mobile phones.

A

to Hale Harrison, who died suddenly last week, was on display for

to view on

on the beach

the inlet.

Realtors Association reports sliding home prices in Sept.

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Oct. 28, 2022) Based on a recent news release from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), statistics show that home sales continued to slide in September as home buyers retreat from the market amid near7 percent mortgage rates and mounting recession fears.

Total existinghome sales—comprising transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops—dropped 1.5 percent last month compared to August and were down nearly 24 percent year over year.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Department reported this week that housing construction is significantly waning, and home builders warn of more pullbacks ahead.

Plus, mortgage applications to purchase a home plunged 38 percent last week from the same time a year ago, the Mortgage Bankers Association reports.

“The housing sector continues to undergo an adjustment due to the continuous rise in interest rates, which eclipsed 6 percent for 30-year

fixed mortgages in September and are now approaching 7 percent,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said. “Expensive regions of the country are especially feeling the pinch and seeing larger declines in sales.”

However, despite weaker sales, bidding wars remain strong because of limited inventory.

More than a quarter of homes on the market are selling above list price, Yun said.

“The current lack of supply underscores the vast contrast with the previous market downturn from 2008 to 2010, when inventory levels were four times higher than they are today,” he adds.

Further, home prices are proving resilient against the market slowdown.

The median price for an existing home across all housing types was $384,800 in September, up 8.4 percent compared to a year ago.

All four major regions of the U.S. saw prices climb. Still, the median home price has fallen from a record high of $413,800 in June. NAR notes that the decline follows typical seasonal trends.

— Lauren Bunting is a licensed Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.

Work set to create some delays

paving operations. Hot asphalt may require up to two hours to cool before drivers and pedestrians can safely cross the new road surface. SHA contractor Allen Myers Inc. will perform the work.

The Move Over Law in Maryland requires motorists to make a lane

change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares or other caution signals.

The expanded law is in place to protect emergency responders and motorists who encounter a roadside emergency.

Location, Location, Location, Extra Nice Turn Key

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Matrona 410-641-1671

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NOTICE OF ELECTION

Town of Ocean City 2022 Municipal Election

The Town of Ocean City is holding the Municipal Election in conjunction with the General 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 8, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Municipal Election will be held in Hall A; the General Election will be held in Hall B.

The Mayor and City Council approved free bus service on Election Day. ADA service requests require a 24-hour advanced trip reservation. The building is handicap accessible.

Below is a sample ballot for the 2022 Ocean City Municipal Election which includes a mayoral candidate, council candidates, two ballot questions and one referendum question. Municipal Election voters will fill in the oval to the left of the name(s) of your choice. Absentee ballot applications are available on 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 and specifically labeled for Municipal Election Absentee Ballots only.

BALLOT

Ballot Question #1

Amendment to the Code of the Town Ocean City Maryland, Section 2-31, increasing the Mayor’s salary.

Authorizes the Mayor of Ocean City’s salary to be Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) a year. Under current law set by ordinance in 1989, the Mayor of Ocean City receives an annual salary of $30,000.00.

FOR AGAINST

Ballot Question #2

Amendment to the Code of the Town Ocean City Maryland, Section 2-32, increasing the salaries of the Council President and Council members.

Referendum Question #A

Local Referendum by Petition to Ordinance 2021-24 for the dedication of hotel rental tax revenue.

The Mayor and City Council of Ocean City receives hotel rental tax revenue. A portion of the gross hotel rental tax revenue is dedicated to the Town of Ocean City’s advertising budget.

Ordinance 2021-24 authorizes the Mayor and City Council the ability to dedicate a percentage of gross room revenue to cover expenses to promote destination marketing, without deduction or offset for other tourism expenses (i.e. salaries, office equipment, etc.), but to include the following direct expenses: advertising, marketing, promotions, sponsorships and sponsorship opportunity funds, research (including consultant fees), subscription and trade dues, conference fees, and marketing and promotions of special events ("Ocean City Advertising Budget"), as follows:

BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education discussed the following matters at its Oct. 18 meeting.

Commendations

Several student athletes from all across the county were honored by the board for their exemplary performance during the spring sports season.

The leadership of Berlin Intermediate School was honored by the board for the school’s being named an Apple Distinguished School (2022-2025).

The WCBOE thanked the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club for its continued support of schools.

Notably, the club was honored for funding the establishment of Imagination Studios, a state-of-the-art professional learning lab at the board of education office.

Proclamations

October marks National Principals Month, so the board presented Dr. Amy Gallagher (Berlin Intermediate), Thomas Sites (Stephen Decatur High School), and Ryan Cowder (Showell) with a proclamation honoring them and their school principal colleagues.

WCPS Manager of School Safety Shawn Goddard, Sgt. Mark Powell, and Cpl. Mike Valerio were presented with a proclamation honoring Oct. 1622, as National Safe Schools Week.

Public comment/board response

Several members of the community approached the board to express their feelings on the book “All Boys Aren’t Blue” during the public comment portion of the meeting.

During the board’s reports, nearly all board members responded that the procedure to review the book “All Boys Aren’t Blue” was followed to the letter.

The review process ended following the superintendent’s review and determination, as the original complainant on this book did not appeal the superintendent’s decision within the time detailed in the procedure.

Policy revisions

Mayor

ONE

Authorizes the City Council President’s salary to be Twenty-Three Thousand Dollars ($23,000.00) a year and the City Council members’ salaries to be Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) a year. Under current law set by ordinance in 1989, the members of the City Council of Ocean City receive an annual salary of $10,000.00 and the president of the Council receives an additional $1,000.00 annually.

FOR AGAINST

A. Fiscal Year ("FY") 2023, 2.0% of gross room revenue to Ocean City Advertising Budget (60% of room tax to the general fund and 40% of room tax to advertising).

B. FY 2024, 2.1% of gross room revenue to Ocean City Advertising Budget (58% of room tax to the general fund and 42% of room tax to advertising).

C. FY 2025 and thereafter, 2.2% of gross room revenue to Ocean City Advertising Budget (56% of room tax to the general fund and 44% of room tax to advertising).

Furthermore, if at any time after the passage of Ordinance 2021-24 the room tax imposed by Worcester County increases above the current five percent (5%), then forty percent (40%) of the revenue generated from any future room tax rate increase will be dedicated to the Ocean City Advertising Budget.

WCPS Transportation Manager Kim Heiser and Bus Contractor Association President Alan Hudson were presented with a proclamation in honor of School Bus Safety Week, which was Oct. 17-21.

The board unanimously approved two policy revisions. Policy II-B-04: Grade Weight & Student Records was revised to ensure that course language contained in the policy accurately reflects the language of the Worcester County High School course catalog.

Policy IV-A-11: Foreign Exchange Student Program was revised to adjust the submission deadline for ap-

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Worcester County Board of Education Manager of School Safety Shawn Goddard, right, Sgt. Mark Powell, left, and Cpl. Mike Valerio, center, were presented with a proclamation honoring Oct. 1622, as National Safe Schools Week during the board’s meeting on Oct. 18. They are pictured with Worcester County Board of Education President Elena McComas and Superintendent of Schools Louis Taylor.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The leadership of Berlin Intermediate School was honored by the Worcester County Board of Education on Oct. 18 in recognition for the school being named an Apple Distinguished School (2022-2025). Pictured, from left, are Worcester County Board of Education President Elena McComas, BIS Principal Dr. Amy Gallagher, Showell Principal Ryan Cowder, BIS Teacher Ellen Masters and Superintendent of Schools Louis Taylor.

Town of Ocean City, MD Municipal Election - November 8, 2022

Rick Meehan

Matthew

Mark Paddack

Carol Proctor

Will Savage

BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS

proved student placement agencies from May 1 to June 1, to align better with the school year calendar.

As evident from the policy, this deadline adjustment also changes the deadlines for other milestones in the policy’s timeline.

The Worcester County Teachers As-

sociation and the Worcester County Educational Support Personnel Association announced their respective negotiating teams for FY24 contract negotiations.

The school system previously announced its negotiating teams at the September meeting.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Worcester County Board of Education thanked the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club for its continued support of schools. Pictured, from left, are Board of Education President Elena McComas, Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club Treasurer Roger Pacella and President Christina Dolomount, and Superintendent of Schools Louis Taylor.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Worcester County Public Schools Transportation Manager Kim Heiser and Bus Contractor Association President Alan Hudson were presented with a proclamation in honor of School Bus Safety Week, which was Oct. 17-21. They are joined by Board of Education President Elena McComas and Superintendent of Schools Louis Taylor.

Lower shore neighborhoods get $7.1M grant

Foundation to support community needs through donations and scholarships

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore has announced a total of $7.1 million in charitable grants for the 2022 fiscal year.

The foundation made 1,674 grants supporting various community needs across the Lower Eastern Shore. The foundation also awarded more than 400 scholarships to local students totaling $439,000.

“Every grant the foundation makes is an important piece in building a stronger community,” said Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “Our impact grows each year thanks to the generous support of our donors, allowing us to be a leading resource for our community.”

The Community Foundation will celebrate annual grant making achievements at the 2022 Annual Meeting, which will be held at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center on Nov. 4.

The foundation will report on its philanthropic activities during the past year, and announce winners of the 2022 Community Foundation awards, as well as highlight ongoing

initiatives that serve the lower shore.

For additional information visit CFES.org/annualmeeting or call 410742-9911.

As leaders, grant makers, and stewards of philanthropy, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore connects people who care to

causes that matter for the common good of the Lower Eastern Shore.

It is a 501c3 nonprofit with an inspiring history of fostering charitable endeavors, and has provided $100 million in grants and scholarships to the local community since 1984.

It collaborates with individuals,

families, and businesses to match their charitable interests with community needs and strengthens local nonprofits through grants and resources.

For information, contact Victoria Kent, marketing officer, at 410-7429911 or vkent@CFES.org.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore has announced a total of $7.1 million in charitable grants for the 2022 fiscal year.

Bank of Ocean City, Focus Multisports present $10K

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Bank of Ocean City and Focus Multisports made a $10,000 donation to Diakonia on behalf of participants and sponsors of the 2022 Coastal Resorts Golf Classic, presented by Bank of Ocean City at Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club.

“We’re so thankful for our community partners – from the generosity of the numerous sponsors of the Coastal Resort Golf Classic to those who participated in the event – it’s support like this that has allowed us to provide help for today and hope for tomorrow in this community for 50 years,” said Ken Argot, Diakonia’s executive director.

Diakonia in West Ocean City, an organization which helps individuals

and families by providing shelter, food, clothing and program services, will celebrate 50 years of service on Nov. 4 at Seacrets, Morley Hall from 5:30-9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.diakoniaoc.org.

“At Focus Multisports, my partner Rick Hundley and I, along with our team of volunteers and enthusiastic participants, and through the generosity of our sponsors, make our community better through philanthropy and have fun while doing it delivering over approximately $600,000 in donations to date,” said Focus Multisports’ Ernie Felici. “Our alliances strengthen local organizations and provide residents and businesses with a platform to give back.”

The Bank of Ocean City and Focus Multisports recently made a $10,000 donation to Diakonia on behalf of participants and sponsors of the 2022 Coastal Resorts Golf Classic. Pictured, from left, are Diakonia Executive Director Ken Argot, Ernie Felici of Focus Multisports, Bank of Ocean City President & CEO Reid Tingle and Rick Hundley of Focus Multisports.

Allied Eighth Army takes on Italian-German Pazerarmee

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Oct. 28, 2022) This week, 80 years ago, the Allied Eighth Army, commanded by Gen. Bernard Law Montgomery (“Monty”), launched an attack against the Italian-German Panzerarmee Afrika.

However, its vaunted and inspirational leader, “The Desert Fox” — Field Marshal Erwin Rommel — was not with it, but rather was on muchneeded sick leave in Germany.

The years of desert warfare had worn the Desert Fox to a frazzle and he was in Germany trying to repair his health. The Panzerarmee Afrika was under the command of Gen. Georg Stumme.

Soldiers of Gen. Montgomery’s Eighth Army numbered 230,000, dispersed amongst three British infantry divisions, three British armored divisions, Indian, Australian, New Zealand, and South African infantry divisions, a Free French and a Greek brigade, in X, XIII and XXX Corps, commanded by Herbert Lumsden, Brian Horrocks and Oliver Leese.

The 49,000 Germans and 54,000

Italians of the Panzerarmee Afrika were deployed amongst the Deutches Afrika Korps, commanded by Wilhelm von Thoma and the X, XX, and XXI Italian Corps commanded by, respectively, Gens.

Edoardo Nebbia, Giuseppe de Stefanis, and Enea Navarini. Each of the German divisions was paired with an Italian division, which was called “corseting.”

But the Axis forces had not been idle in the months leading to Eighth Army’s assault.

They had sown 500,000 mines and strung miles and miles of barbed wire in the 40 miles between the Mediterranean Sea and the impassable Quattara Depression to the south.

At 9:40 p.m., on Oct. 23, 1942, 882 Commonwealth artillery pieces began to bombard Panzerarmee Afrika’s positions, followed by 125 bombers bombing the Axis positions.

For 20 minutes the barrage continued, and then the Allied gunners slowly began adjusting their range westward.

Behind the barrage, Allied troops advanced. Shortly thereafter, the bagContinued on Page 51

Authors Collins, Wahoff and Wimbrow (rear) with German veterans of El Alamein

pipes of the 51st Scottish Highland Division could be heard with their plaintiff cries.

The Axis commander, Gen. Stumme, drove to the front to size up things. At dawn, on Oct. 24, he ran into an unexpected artillery attack and died of heart failure.

Rommel was immediately recalled from Germany and arrived in Africa on Oct. 25. The Desert Fox issued the following message: “I have taken command of the army again. Rommel.”

No doubt it was designed to, and did, inspire confidence in the Axis soldiers. But there was no amount of confidence that would be able to overcome Eighth Army’s overwhelming air, numerical, logistical and material superiority, and the Axis’ lack of fuel.

That day, the Axis army was renamed Deutsch-Italienisch Panzerarmee or Armata Corazzata Italo-Tedesca, and the field marshal received the following message from Marshal Ugo Cavallero, chief of the Italian Commando Supremo, “I have been instructed by the Duce to express his profound appreciation of a [nonexistent] successful counterattack personally led by you.

The Duce wants you to know that he is fully confident that the battle now in progress will end victoriously under your command.”

Faced with the lack of an immediate, overwhelming, victory, Churchill lamented, “Is it really impossible to find a general who can win a battle?” But Monty had predicted the victory would not come before 10 days. It would take 12.

Meanwhile, the Eighth Army’s attack on the northern end of the line, near the Mediterranean coast, had only been a feint, and on the evening of Oct. 27, Monty withdrew the 2nd New Zealand and the 1st Armored, Divisions commanded by Sir Bernard Cyril Freyberg and Raymond Briggs from the front line.

When Churchill learned of this, he blew his top and sent an emissary to Monty’s headquarters, asking him if he was perhaps trying to lose the battle. Monty’s chief-of-staff replied, “On the contrary, but we are busy now,” and showed him to the door. Monty was attempting to drive a wedge between the Italian and German forces and although he hit them in the right place, both nationalities fought so tenaciously that Eighth Army’s casualties were rapidly mounting.

Rommel’s fuel problem was getting worse by the hour. Five days into the battle, another tanker with 3,000 tons of fuel, destined for Panzerarmee Afrika, was sunk.

The Italian Duce told his chief of staff, Marshal Cavellero that the

Continued on Page 57

ART EXHIBIT

Artist Diane Gray of Berlin, curated the "Assemblage Required" show at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street, and offered her own pieces in the artisan marketplace held on First Friday. The buildingwide exhibit runs through Oct. 29.

DONATION

PLEIN AIR PAINTING

STOLEN SIGN

KIWANIAN OF THE YEAR

Carolyn Dryzga was recently named Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City’s Kiwanian of the Year for outstanding effort and contributions. She has served as the treasurer, reporting secretary and past president of the club.

President Tim Lund presented her with a plaque.

CLEANING UP

Forty-five artists from five states participated in Paint Worcester County, plein air event, sponsored by Worcester County Arts Council, Sept. 19-23. Artwork in this competition was judged by local artist Barbara Scheihing. Pictured, from left, are Alice Paterra (Berlin Library manager), Lori Yates, Rhonda Ford, Scheihing, Maggii Sarfaty, Berlin Mayor Zachary Tyndall, Judith Showell Loeber, David Simpson, J. Stacy Rogers, Jose Ramirez, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza and Jim Rehak. Not present: Annie Strack.

PHOTO COURTESY KATHY WINTE

Members of Bikers Without Borders Foundation recently presented a donation of $1,500 to the Maryland Special Olympics program. The group provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type athletics for persons 8 years of age and older with intellectual disabilities.

The A.J. Corts Memorial Salt Marsh sign was recently stolen from its location in the marsh at the end of Bluewater Court in Ocean Pines. Anyone with information should contact the Ocean Pines Police Department at 410-723-6610.

Worcester Preparatory School students and volunteers helped clean areas of Assateague Island National Seashore on Sept. 24. Teacher Amanda Netting, in partnership with the Volunteer Club, gathered a crew of students and families to help clean campgrounds, trails, picnic areas and the parking lots at Assateague Island. Reed and Vivi Grinestaff are pictured with classmate Isabella Rice.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS, SR.

PUBLIC ART

Another painted utility box under the Ocean City Development Corporation’s Public Art Program has been completed in downtown Ocean City, by artist Cheryl Moulton of the Art League of Ocean City. This public art project is located on Wicomico Street, just east of S. Baltimore Avenue in downtown Ocean City. Check out the brochure of these painted utility boxes: https://ocdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ArtOutsideTheBox_Online.pdf, or stop by the OCDC office at 108 Dorchester Street, Ocean City to pick up a hard copy. Delmarva Power provided approval to the OCDC to use this utility box as part of its Public Art Program. PPG Paints of Eighth Street donated paint and paint supplies for this project.

SUPPORT

The Ocean City Lions Club recently presented an electric wheelchair to Mindy Lupiwok of West Ocean City. Pictured, from left, are Lions President Norm Cathell, Treasurer Greg Cathell, Lupiwok and her husband, Mike. The Ocean City Lions loan medical equipment free of charge to the community. For information, contact oceancitylionsclub@gmail.com.

HOME TOUR

SWORN IN

CLASS LESSON

DONATION

Charlie Dorman of the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club presented Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, with a $8,250 donation to support a free performance of “Artrageous” for the school children of Worcester County. This donation will allow the schools to bus their students to the Ocean City Performing Arts Center on Oct. 24 to see a performance of song, dance, and art creation.

First State Detachment Commandant Bob Broderick, left, swears new member Al Soto into the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Soto is a retired Marine and a U.S. Navy Academy graduate. He was trained as a helicopter pilot and served more than 24 years before retiring in 2000 as a major.

Students in Kelly Upchurch's enrichment class at Berlin Intermediate School used microscopes to look at a sample of pond water. They observed many different microorganisms. Pictured are Gavin Jadwin and Ronan Keller.

Volunteer Jan Tellman welcomed guests to the Smith home in Berlin during the in-person 2022 Sand Castle Home Tour Sept. 29-30, an annual fundraiser for the Art League of Ocean City. The tour continues virtually through Oct. 31 at SandCastleHomeTour.com.

Time, deadlines wait for no man

Much could be made of

Paddack’s absence from this week’s coverage of the candidates in the Nov. 8 Ocean City Council election.

Was he purposely left out? Was he not given the opportunity to participate because of some bias on the paper’s part? Is the paper part of some scheme to prevent him from being reelected?

No, no and no.

The answer is simple: he missed the deadline to respond to a reporter’s questions despite having been given several reminders that time was running out.

In his defense, he misunderstood how deadlines work. When he contacted the reporter late Wednesday afternoon after this voluminous story had been written, edited and was about to be laid out on the many pages it would occupy, he said a competing paper still had time to accommodate him and he assumed this paper would as well.

But that’s not how it works. The two paper’s deadlines are different because of the different production schedules assigned to the papers by the company that prints both publications. In other words, the printing company can’t run two papers on one press at the same time.

Ocean City Today, which has been on the same production schedule for years because of the many other papers the printing company handles on the same day, goes to press first and therefore has an earlier deadline. It’s not an advantage, but that’s just the way it is. Further, deadline stretching to accept late-breaking news is limited because of the other papers that follow Ocean City Today on the press.

Barring tearing up several page layouts to refit one story that already topped 3,000 words, then finding a spot for one more and working until dawn to put everything back together, nothing could be done.

That’s why all the candidates were given the same notice and same deadline at least a week ago. Three came in on time and one didn’t. It’s that simple.

In fairness, Councilman Paddack’s answers to the same questions will appear next week.

Ocean City Today

TV not that smart

Smart TV/Dumb me.

That’s how it’s shaping up after I bought one of the latest Smart TV models, which are noted for being able to do everything short of an appendectomy with a push of a button.

That, however, is the problem — which button would that be and where is it?

Unfortunately, this Smart TV isn’t smart enough to tell me in plain, straightforward English when and where to push what.

“Free Trials” on premium channels and streaming services, not to mention tutorials on how to track the contents of your refrigerator, activate your burglar alarms, start your car and do your taxes.

All I want to do is watch regular TV, like cop shows that open and close a case in one episode, some football, baseball, any new editions of “Meerkat Manor” and the evening news. And by the latter, I don’t mean “Eyewitness News in Sacramento,” which is included at no charge to me.

By Stewart Dobson

And as for the appendectomy, even though it can’t perform one itself, I’m almost certain this TV has buried in its listings with the other “Hundreds of Channels at No Charge” a channel devoted to “Self-Surgery at Home.”

It seems to have every other kind of channel, although I seriously doubt the usefulness or the entertainment value of, say, “The American League Cornhole Channel.”

“Hoo-boy!” you say. “Break out the dip, chips and beer, we’re going to settle in for an afternoon of watching championship cornhole!”

I’m sure this is fine for people who have just awakened from 10 years of unconsciousness and can’t take much excitement.

“What? They canceled ‘The Ricki Lake Show?’ Noooo!” and back they go for another 10 years in the darky-dark-dark, but I need something more than bean bag video to put some zip in my viewing pleasure.

I know it's there, this perfect program for me, but in order to find it I have to crawl through a zillion other dumb shows, scores of

But no. This Smart TV doesn’t get it because it’s really a digital advertising brochure in stunning high definition, with Dolby sound, and some TV on the side.

Besides, the true downside of Smart TVs isn’t that they’re so tough to navigate, but that they will snoop on you until you figure out how to change its super snooper settings.

Say, for instance, that in addition to your TV, you have a Smart Refrigerator. My new TV could connect to it and keep inventory, although I’m confident that I don’t need a TV to say, “We interrupt your current programming for this important message on the status of your broccoli.”

That’s not the worst of it either. This and other TVs like it will tell the whole world you’re low on broccoli and you’ll be inundated with broccoli offers from Amazon, Walmart, Harris-Teeter and Whole Foods Sacramento.

I say if my TV is so smart, it would be well advised to start paying attention to what I want instead of what it wants. Further, if I say, “Hey TV, if you show me that bean bag channel one more time, I’ll ...” it should reply in a conciliatory manner, “Sorry, boss, I was just being stupid.”

Time to reign in lavish government spending

Editor,

Imagine just for a moment that We the People of the United States had the ability to reign in out-of-control spending by our federal government.

I suspect that we would quickly jump at that opportunity.

Likewise, it would be great to be able to curb exorbitant spending in the state government as well.

Unfortunately, our only option is to elect fiscally responsible candidates who will do it for us. Historically, however, that does not happen with much success.

While we cannot change some things in Washington and Annapolis, we can make a difference at the local level. Thanks to the power of the Petition to Referendum, we can stop overspending by county and town elected officials.

On Nov. 8, the voters of Ocean City will have the opportunity to send strong messages to both our County Commissioners and to our Mayor & City Council (M&CC).

On the two separate county and town ballots, there are two separate and distinct Questions “A.”

The county ballot Question A pertains to the bond bill to construct the proposed sports complex next to Stephen Decatur High School.

The bill obligates our commissioners by providing “...an irrevocable pledge of the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing power of the county to the payment of the maturing principal of and interest and premium (if any) on the bonds as and when they become due and payable.”

A vote Against Question A on the county ballot is a vote against an illconceived and poorly planned multimillion-dollar sports complex, which never appeared on a county capital improvement plan until less than a year ago.

It is a project with no business plan in place.

The cost of the land alone, which we later learned is not part of the bond bill, should provide enough cause for concern.

A slim majority of commissioners voted to pay nearly $75,000 per acre, while land is available throughout the county from $10,000 to $19,000 per acre.

We, the people, have the opportunity to curb the commissioners’ overspending by voting Against this Question A.

On another front, the voters of the Town of Ocean City have an additional opportunity to curb spending by our local officials on yet another Question A.

Passage of Ordinance 2021-24 by our M&CC, calls for a phased-in increase in room tax revenue designed, in part, to increase marketing and advertising spending.

From Fiscal Years (FY) 2007 to 2022, the town’s advertising budget, funded by the room tax, increased from $1.76 million to over $8.8 million, an increase of 400 percent.

That $8.8 million could have almost fully funded our Career Fire/EMS Division.

In FY22, an additional $1.4 million in advertising revenue rolled over from the previous fiscal year. Unlike other departments, where unspent funds go into the town’s fund balance at the end of the fiscal year, unspent advertising funds carry over into the next fiscal year.

The total $10.2 million available in FY22 for advertising is the equivalent of 11 cents on the town property tax rate.

In retrospect, the M&CC could have lowered our FY22 property tax rate by 24 percent and still generated sufficient revenue to meet our town’s obligations.

Both residential and business properties would have equally benefited in that reduction.

We often hear from elected leaders that our only industry is tourism, and

that money spent on tourism helps to keep our property taxes low.

Note however, the residential community is already helping the tourism industry by subsidizing the convention center, the airport, the golf course when needed, the mass transit system to move our many tourists, as well as many special events.

In the case of advertising, we are not just subsidizing the tourism industry, our local government is essentially paying the entire cost for the business community.

The Town of Ocean City should not be in the advertising business. Advertising and marketing are not functions of government. Businesses in the private sector should be doing their own advertising, via the Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel-MotelRestaurant Association or their own individual budgets.

It is not the responsibility of the local government to subsidize tourism, but to facilitate it by providing a clean beach, a clean environment, sound infrastructure including water, wastewater and trash disposal; and essential services such as police, fire, EMS and beach patrol.

A vote Against Question A on the town ballot will force our elected leaders to come up with a more equitable plan that does not benefit the business community, at the expense of the residential community.

A vote Against Question A on the Continued on Page 56

town ballot is a vote against the outof-control spending of our town elected officials.

I urge all Ocean City voters to vote against both Questions “A.” Thank you.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel Jr. Ocean City

Gone but not forgotten

Editor,

Every summer season vacationers pour into our beach town.

Those of us who live here understand the value of tourism, but tourism is not the town’s only value — it’s also a home town!

Families live here, work and retire here and neighbors bond with each other through good and troubled times.

And as in any home town when one suddenly leaves… some part of each of us goes with them!

Margaret Pillas Ocean City

Church smells roses, county smells poop

Editor,

Royal Farms won big time at Tuesday’s (Oct. 19) County Commissioners’ meeting thanks to Commissioner Bud Church’s tie-breaking vote and

some fancy footwork by local attorney Mark Cropper, who convinced the Worcester County Planning Commission to try again to secure the commissioners’ approval to expand sewage treatment services into Accomack County, Virginia.

Normally, I would say this is probably a sound move for the environment, but the back story here rewards Virginia and Accomack County for not paying for necessary infrastructure and emergency services.

They are collecting tax dollars from businesses in Virginia while relying on Worcester County to provide sewage treatment and other services to Virginia taxpayers.

It also is a sad story of how businesses can use the threat of job losses, sweetened with a little money, to get what they want from local governments strapped for cash and searching for revenue.

There are a lot of details missing here — as usual, Worcester County’s planners didn’t publish specifics of their proposed master plan expansion until the day before the commissioners’ meeting.

And what was published left many questions unanswered.

What is clear is a plan that failed a year ago to hook the Virginia Royal Farms store into the Pocomoke wastewater treatment plant is a done deal now.

At Cropper’s urging, the Planning

Commission was convinced to give his Royal Farms proposal another try so Commissioner Church could be present to cast the deciding vote.

The discussion Tuesday was vigorous. It was a 3-3 tie the last time around.

This time, one opposing commissioner wondered why, and on what authority, Worcester County’s planners were seeking to assume responsibility for providing services in Virginia.

Another questioned why the planning staff hasn’t discussed expanding into Virginia with officials from Virginia. Cropper and Royal Farms assured the Commissioners Royal Farms had discussed the matter with Virginia and claimed the Commonwealth was completely okay with sending the store’s poop to Maryland.

Cropper also bluntly applied the pressure, saying the alternative he heard from his client would be to close the store.

There was considerable skepticism regarding the claim Royal Farms would close a prime location. But Commissioner Josh Nordstrom ar-

gued passionately that expanding service into Virginia would prevent the closure of the only local 24-hour convenience store serving Pocomoke.

He also said piping the store’s waste to Pocomoke would eliminate the potential for an environmental disaster just over the state line.

Pocomoke’s city manager welcomed the $300,000 payment, acknowledging the upfront cash would be put to good use on sewage treatment plant upgrades needed at least in part to service Royal Farms.

So, the measure passed with Mr. Church’s tie-breaking vote and Royal Farms’ assurance that the corporation had already received approval from Virginia to ship its waste to Maryland.

Left unanswered is how Worcester County will prevent others in Virginia from sending their poop tax-free to Maryland.

Mr. Church is retiring. He likes the deal and says he is looking forward to spending retirement “smelling the roses.” Worcester County gets to smell Virginia’s poop.

Stephen Katsanos South Point

problem of fuel for the Panzerarmee, “gnawed at his liver, day and night.”

Field Marshal Rommel cabled Marshal Cavellero on Oct. 29 that if he got supplies and reinforcements of some 6,000 trained and equipped men, he had a chance of holding.

The field marshal knew that without these supplies and reinforcements, it was only a matter of time before the weight of the Allied attack overwhelmed his outnumbered and outgunned Panzerarmee Afrika.

That same day, the “Desert Fox” learned that yet another tanker had been sunk. At 1 a.m., Nov. 2, Montgomery sent Gen. Freyberg’s “Kiwis” into the line.

That area was defended by the 164th, and Trieste Infantry, Divisions, commanded by Gens. CarlHans Lungershausen and Francisco La Ferla.

When the counterattack which he sent in at 11 a.m. that day by, what was left of the tanks of the 15th and 21st Panzer, Littorio, and Trieste, Divisions, failed, the “Desert Fox” knew that the jig was up and they were going to have to pull out.

As Monty’s Eighth Army continued to grind Field Marshal Rommel’s Panzerarmee Afrika into the desert, like so much sand, Rommel signaled Berlin that he was going to withdraw. His communications had to be run through Rome and then to Berlin.

Once it got to Berlin, Hitler was asleep and no one woke him. When he learned of it the next day, he attempted to countermand the order.

On the afternoon of Nov. 4, 1942, Rommel’s superior, theater Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, arrived at Rommel’s headquarters and told him to disregard the order, and communicated his support for the retreat to Berlin. Rommel again issued the order to retreat at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, 1942. This resulted in much confusion among the Axis soldiers.

When Gen. von Thoma learned of der Führer’s “no retreat order,” he declared it “madness,” donned his full-dress uniform, mounted his tank and drove to the thick of the battle.

The baron had been wounded 20 times in two world wars and was highly decorated for bravery.

That evening, the captive general dined with Monty, and later recalled, “I was staggered by the exactness of his knowledge.

He seemed to know as much about our position as I did, myself!” Of course, he did — with the help of the “Ultra” deciphering project, which had broken the German code.

When told that Gen. von Thoma had been captured and dined with Monty, Churchill remarked, “I sympathize with Gen. von Thoma: Defeated; Captured; - and dinner with Montgomery!”

On Nov. 4, the defeated “Desert Fox” began the long retreat from El Alamein. By this time, his Panzerarmee Afrika was down to 30 German and 10 obsolete Italian tanks, with just enough fuel to retreat.

Monty’s Eighth Army had incurred the following casualties: 2,350 dead; 8,500 wounded; 2,260 missing and 500 tanks disabled, with all but 150 repaired. Axis casualties were: 4,0005,000 dead; 7,000-8,000 wounded and 35,000 captured.

The Libyan border was reached on Nov. 6. By now, the Axis Army was down to 7,500 men, 5,000 of whom were German, 21 tanks, 35 antitank guns, 65 pieces of field artillery and 24 anti-aircraft guns.

Contrary to myth, several of the Italian divisions, especially the Ariete Armoured and Folgore Parachute, commanded by Gens. Francesco Antonio Arena and Enrico Frattini, fought until they had completely exhausted their ammunition and their units were utterly destroyed.

For example, London Radio said, “The remnants of the Folgore Division put up a resistance beyond every kind of human possibility.”

That they performed as well as they did is a testament to their bravery, for their government provided them with the worst rifles, tanks, and equipment of any of the combatants.

On the other side of the continent, the Americans began landing at Casablanca, Oran and Algiers on Nov. 8. Two days later, British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill said,

“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. Henceforth Hitler’s Nazis will meet equally well armed, and perhaps better armed troops.

“Henceforth they will have to face in many theaters of war that superiority in the air which they have so often used without mercy against others, of which they boasted all around the world, and which they intended to use as an instrument for convincing all other peoples that all resistance to them was hopeless.”

Next week: Operation Torch

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com

Sports & Recreation

Wor. Prep volleyball team ESIAC champions

ferent season, a much better season,” Kelley said before the ESIAC tournament.

Worcester received the No. 1 seed and hosted the Gunston Herons last Wednesday in Berlin. The Mallards won, 25-17, 25-11 and 25-8.

this group,” he continued. “We kept preaching for them to trust their skills and talent, and have faith in each other.”

The Berlin squad took to heart what Kelley said and earned a 25-12 victory in the third game.

growing. It was such a great season.”

Kelley said he couldn’t be more proud of his players.

(Oct. 28, 2022) Since the Worcester Prep volleyball program was formed in 2011, teams each season have struggled to win matches.

Going into the 2022 season, Coach Mike Kelley said, “I really feel confident that we’re in a position to win the [Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference] and possibly win the tournament at the end of the season. We are capable. If we don’t do it it’s our own fault.”

He described the girls as “prepared” and “focused” back in early September before play began and said they had a mission this year.

“I think this group of girls, I feel like we finally turned a corner in this program,” he said during preseason. “We can all see it. It’s all in front of us. It’s just a matter of our commitment to doing it.”

The Lady Mallards went into the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference tournament with an 8-4 record.

“Last year we didn’t event make it into the playoffs – we had only one win – so top to bottom this is a much dif-

“We were a little anxious at first. It was the first playoff game for these girls. There were a lot of nerves in the first set,” Kelley said. “We had some great serving and we started trusting our skills and ability and each other.”

Kelley said the next two games the girls settled in and took control.

“We dominated from start to finish,” he added.

Worcester battled the Saints Peter and Paul Sabres in the championship two days later in Berlin.

The teams had split during the regular season, with the Sabres winning 31 on Sept. 7, and the Mallards coming out on top, 3-1, on Sept. 27.

During the ESIAC championship, Worcester won the first game, 25-12. Saints Peter and Paul edged out the home team, 25-22, in the second.

“There were some nerves in the second game. We played tight. We were playing at home and for the championship, and then Saints Peter and Paul’s fans showed up,” Kelley said. “The gym was electric. It elevated the intensity. Both sides were really into it.

“This was a brand new experience for

Junior captain Natasha Richter’s serving to start the game was key, Kelley said, as the Mallards took a 9-0 lead.

“Once we took over in the third game that was the end of it for [Saints Peter and Paul]. We had the momentum,” Kelley said. “We were convinced we were winning that night and they could sense it.”

Worcester finished off the match with a 25-13 win in the fourth game to capture the program’s first-ever ESIAC championship title.

“The loss on homecoming [on Oct. 8], from that point forward we played awesome. We beat some good teams,” Kelley said. “It was the first time a loss really disappointed them. They came together as a team and from that point they were laser focused. We went 5-0 after that. It just turned something on in them. It lit a fire to finish the season strong.”

Worcester finished the season with a 10-4 record.

“It was unbelievable. It was our goal from day one to win the championship,” Kelley said. “Once they started to believe, you could see it growing and

“It was a privilege to stand on the sidelines and watch them grow into the champions they became,” he said. “The girls played an amazing season. Their hard work and dedication all paid off.”

Richter was named ESIAC Player of the Year. She also was presented allconference honors with teammates, junior Sara Freih and senior Haris Gjikuria. Honorable mention accolades went to senior Kathy Zhang.

Kelley gave his team awards to: Richter (MVP), Freih (Coaches Award), Gjikuria (Outstanding Teammate) and junior Natalie Chadwell (Most Improved).

Four girls will be graduating, all of whom played significant roles, Kelley said.

“We used 10 players each game so a lot of girls got playing time,” he added.

“We’re losing a couple players – three from the front row – but I think we’ll be solid again next year.”

Kelley is also excited about the middle school program, which drew 18 girls. This was the first year a middle school team – made up of sixth through eighth graders – was offered.

It will be a good feeder program for the varsity team, he said. The success of the varsity program he hopes will also attract more athletes to volleyball.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER PREP VOLLEYBALL

The Worcester Prep volleyball team captured the program’s first-ever Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship, winning three games to one over Saints Peter and Paul last Friday in Berlin.

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

Girls accomplish mission: Lady Mallards bring home program’s first-ever title

WP boys’ soccer team dominates in ESIAC tourney

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Worcester Prep boys’ soccer team dominated the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference tournament, shutting out its semifinals and finals opponents and earning its eighth consecutive championship title.

“Midfield, defense, wings, it was the best two games we played all year, especially the finals,” Prep Coach Jake Perry said.

The top-seeds Mallards won 9-0 over the Salisbury Christian Jaguars last Wednesday in Berlin.

Worcester led 6-0 in the first half with three goals from junior captain Dylan McGovern, and one each by sophomore Ben McGovern, senior captain Austin Gentry (penalty kick) and junior Hunter Simons.

Freshman ChaseGinnavan, senior Pearson Schul and Gentry scored in the second half.

Senior captain Jack Gardner played in goal the first half and wasn’t challenged. Sophomore Dillon Scoop recorded two saves in the second half.

“They played very well and everyone got playing time,” Perry said.

Worcester topped the Gunston Herons, 3-0, on its home field last Friday in the championship game.

Sophomore Ryan Mann put Worcester on the board in the first half.

“We knew we were going to get the first goal. The key was to get the second,” Perry said.

The McGovern brothers scored

one goal each in the second half. Gardner had six saves but was never challenged.

“It was just a dominating performance in the finals. We ended playing the best soccer game of the season,” Perry said. “We saved the best for last, for sure.”

Several Prep players earned allconference honors for their performances during the season.

Dylan McGovern was presented the co-Player of the Year awards with Gunston’s Jan Serravinals.

The McGovern brothers, Gentry, Gardner and senior Daniel Thomp-

son scored spots on the All-ESIAC team.

Schul received honorable mention accolades.

The team finished with a 12-2-1 record.

“The season went as I expected it would … Overall, I was happy with the season,” Perry said. “We had a bit of a rough patch [suffering losses to Cape Henlopen and Sussex Central] and we were unsure of our formation. After that we made some lineup changes and went back to a 4-3-3.”

Perry said he enjoyed his first season as head coach. He had directed the middle school soccer program for two seasons then was the varsity assistant coach last year under Jon Adkins.

“It was a really fun group. Prac-

tices were good and there were lots of laughs,” Perry said. “There’s also things to work on and to learn from the first season … It was an awesome first year as head coach. I’m happy to not have ruined the [winning] steak my first year.”

Perry presented team awards to: Dylan McGovern (MVP), Gentry (Coaches Award), Mann (Most Improved) and Gardner (Outstanding Teammate).

Eight players will be graduating, several of them were starters and have been members of the team since they were freshmen.

They will be tough to replace, Perry said, but there are talented players who can fill their spots.

“We should be strong again next year,” he added.

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Worcester Prep golf team captured its third consecutive Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship title last Wednesday at the GlenRiddle Golf Club in Berlin.

“They did very well. It was a fun season. They put a lot of hard work in,” said Prep Coach Don McMullen. “The weather worked for us and we had the opportunity to get out there and get a lot of practices in. It’s like the old adage says, ‘practice makes perfect.’ They were very hard, competitive practices and I think that helped them tremendously.”

Worcester’s foursome shot a 153 to win the four-school championship. Leading the group to victory was comedalists, sophomore captain Mike DePalma and sophomore Aleksey Klimins, who both scored 36s, junior

Vanesska Hall (40) and senior captain Harrison Humes (41).

Gunston finished in second place with a 184.

DePalma was named ESIAC Player of the Year, with an average score of 37. Earning all-conference accolades were: DePalma, Klimins, Hall and Humes. Senior captain Griffin Jones was presented honorable mention distinction.

The coaches presented team awards to: DePalma (MVP), Hall (Coaches Award), Klimins (Most Improved) and Humes (Outstanding Teammate).

The Prep squad was stacked with experienced, talented and competitive golfers this season. The group dominated and went undefeated during regular-season play.

“They improved throughout the season and it was a pleasure to watch

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER PREP BOYS’ SOCCER

The Worcester Prep boys’ soccer team earned its eighth consecutive Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship after topping Gunston, 3-0, last Friday in Berlin.

Decatur golfers top Kent Is. to win Bayside Conf. title

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Stephen Decatur golf team has dominated its competition throughout the season.

The Seahawks won nine matches and came in second in one during the regular season.

Decatur then captured the District VIII tournament championship on Oct. 10, winning by 20 strokes.

The Berlin squad battled Kent Island in the Bayside Conference championship match last Monday at Ocean City Golf Club.

Decatur’s foursome shot a 328 to

Kent Island’s 393. Leading the Seahawks to victory were: junior captains Kole Kohut (74) and Evan Oglesby (77), and sophomores Sam Boger (88) and Clayton McCabe (91).

McMullen enjoyed watching Mallards compete this year

them play and compete,” McMullen said. “It was definitely a team effort. They shared medalist honors during the season; there wasn’t one player who constantly led the team. With the quality of play at practice, they tend to play better. They want to do better than the next person.”

The team will graduate four players.

“I’m looking forward to next year. We have a nucleus for a very strong team next year and that’s exiting,” McMullen said.

McMullen and Jim McKee have been coaching together for six years. A welcomed addition to the team this year was Coach Pat Moylan, McMullen said.

Worcester Prep XC runners improved throughout season

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Worcester Prep boys’ cross country team finished in second place during the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship meet last Thursday at Winter Place Park in Salisbury, and the girls’ squad came in fourth overall.

“The boys ran good with solid performances. They finished second to Gunston [and] quite a few of our boys had their season-best times,” said Prep Coach John Zirckel.

Gunston won the five-school competition, scoring 23 points. Worcester tallied 54 points, followed by The Salisbury School with 76.

The top five finishers for Worcester were: senior Cooper Ludt (sixth, 19:24), senior captain Jason Todorov (ninth, 20:35), junior Dylan Simons (10th, 20:36), senior Rory Pugh (13th, 21:21.1) and sophomore Jackson Fernley (16th, 22:04).

“The boys put in a lot of effort and had a good season,” Zirckel said.

The Salisbury School won the girls’ race, recording 44 points. Gunston was runner-up with 47 points, followed by Delmarva Christian (54) and Worcester (77).

tently finishing in the top 10.

The only senior on the girls’ squad this season was Hoen. The rest of the team was made up of two juniors, two sophomores and four freshmen. Hoen led her team in most races.

The boys’ team will graduate eight runners out of the 15 on the roster. Remaining are two juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen.

Ludt earned All-Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference honors for his performance. Hoen and Jason Todorov received honorable mention accolades.

Zirckel was joined by two new coaches this season – Don Cathcart and Megan Leslie.

“I enjoyed working with WPS’s cross country teams this fall. The boys and girls rose to the challenges we gave them with positive attitudes,” Cathcart said. “I was happy with their improvement over two months, particularly impressive was their improvement in the last two weeks of the season. We ran on the Winter Place course in Salisbury twice. Most of our boys and girls improved their times on that course significantly on their second running of the course at the ESIAC championships.”

The trio said at the beginning of the season that they all contribute something different and work well together.

“It was a great win today … ” Decatur Coach Dan Stearman said. “We dominated the entire Bayside this year for the first time. We’ve dominated the south, but this year we dominated the entire Bayside north and south.”

The first five runners to cross the finish line for Worcester’s Lady Mallards were: senior captain Caitlyn Hoen (eighth, 24:22.9), freshmen Ayla Yonker (ninth, 24:35.9), Sydney Todorov (17th, 27:16.5) and Catherine Cullen (21st, 27:59) and sophomore Sydney Tingle (26th, 30:35.3).

“We got a lot of different ideas we all run by each other and then we come up with an idea and we go with it,” Zirckel said in September.

Dan Stearman

“The girls were a fairly young team,” Zirckel said. “All the girls worked hard this season and we should have a good team next year.”

Several runners who will be graduating were main contributors, consis-

“My goal is, I would like every runner to feel good about what he or she has accomplished,” Leslie, who teaches English ninth through 12th grade at Worcester, said during preseason.

“Just helping kids reach their potential is why I teach and the same goes true out here.”

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER PREP GOLF

The Worcester Prep golf team captured its third consecutive Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship title last Wednesday at the GlenRiddle Golf Club in Berlin.

PHOTO COURTESY DAN STEARMAN

The Stephen Decatur golf team battled Kent Island in the Bayside Conference championship match last Monday at Ocean City Golf Club and won, 328-393. Pictured, from left, are sophomore Clayton McCabe, junior captains Evan Oglesby and Kole Kohut and sophomore Sam Boger.

Eleven years later, Decatur back on top in conference

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Oct. 28, 2022) The last time the Stephen Decatur boys’ soccer team had won a Bayside Conference championship was 11 years ago. The Seahawks finally brought home another title on Monday after defeating the Kent Island Buccaneers, 5-1, in Snow Hill.

When the two teams met during the regular season on Sept. 19 in Stevensville, Kent Island won, 4-1.

Decatur Coach Jamie Greenwood said he told his players after that match the only way to avenge the loss was if they win out the rest of the season then they would see the Bucs again in the Bayside championship.

“We wanted to show we’re a different team,” he said. “We’ve tweaked the lineup since then. We’ve had nine different lineups between game one and game 13. We’ve moved people around to find the perfect 11. I think now, this is as good as we’re going to get.”

Greenwood said the key to success in the second meeting would be to outplay Kent Island, have more heart and play as a team.

“The first time we didn’t play as a unit,” he added.

Decatur junior Brogan Eastlack scored 1:37 into the game. He netted his second goal about 13 minutes later.

Senior captain Ryan McLaughlin made it 3-0 seven minutes before halftime.

Freshman Elijah Isett and Eastlack tallied goals in the second half.

Kent Island scored its lone goal late in the game capitalizing on a penalty kick.

Junior Nick Hernandez recored 11 saves in goal for Decatur.

“Nick was great in the goal. He played extremely well,” Greenwood said. “He made some big saves and kept us in it.”

Greenwood thought the Seahawks

played much better in the second matchup. The boys knocked the ball around and moved off the ball well, he said. The big thing he added, was that they finished their opportunities.

“We hadn’t seen much competition before the first game with them,” Greenwood said. “I was surprised how much we dominated in the second game. We really played well as a unit. They didn’t have that many opportunities.”

It was the program’s first Bayside championship since 2011. The last time the Seahawks competed for a title was six years ago, when they lost in penalty kicks to Kent Island.

“It’s nice to get that monkey off our back,” Greenwood said.

Decatur, now 12-1, received the No. 1 seed in the MPSSA 3A South Region II bracket. The Seahawks will host fifth-seeded Chesapeake today, Friday, at 5 p.m.

“We just need to keep playing like we’ve been playing and be injury free. We’re playing some of the best soccer we have all season,” Greenwood said. “We need to keep playing at the high level we have been.”

Decatur football team comes from behind to beat Easton

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Oct. 28, 2022) The lead changed hands several times during the football game between Stephen Decatur and Easton last Friday night. Decatur came from behind in the final minutes to win, 37-34, on the road.

“It was a big win. There was seven lead changes in the game,” said Decatur Coach Jake Coleman.

Easton led 12-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Senior Luke Mergott scored for the Seahawks and junior Brogan Eastlack’s kick was good to cut the War-

riors lead to five points with about six minutes left before halftime. Decatur junior quarterback Brycen Coleman ran the ball into the end zone and Eastlack was successful for the extra points and the score was tied, 14-14, shortly after.

Easton pulled ahead late in the quarter and at halftime, the home team was on top, 20-14.

“During halftime we told them, ‘we’ve been here before,’” Coleman said. “We talked about the first half and made some changes. We said, ‘let’s want it more than they do,’ and

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHEN DECATUR BOYS’ SOCCER

The last time the Stephen Decatur boys’ soccer team had won a Bayside Conference championship was 11 years ago. The Seahawks finally brought home another title on Monday after defeating the Kent Island Buccaneers, 5-1, in Snow Hill.

SD Lady Seahawks playing well heading into playoffs

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Oct. 28, 2022) The Stephen Decatur volleyball team won its final match of the regular season on Monday, three games to two over North Dorchester, as the girls now prepare for playoffs.

“I am super proud of the team and how they closed out our regular season. North Dorchester is a strong team, and they were definitely favored to win,” said Decatur Coach Sara Patrick.

The visiting North Dorchester Eagles won the first game, 25-11, and the second, 25-21.

“We have a couple players out sick, so our lineup was slightly different than what we have been playing all season,” Patrick said. “After the first two games, I was ready to congratulate the team for working through the challenges and focus on preparing for playoffs.”

But Decatur wasn’t finished yet. The Lady Seahawks battled back and earned a 26-24 victory in the third game on their home court.

“I completely credit the seniors for the turnaround in game three,” Patrick said. “The girls started playing smarter and placing the ball better.

They communicated better than any other game this season.”

The Berlin squad took the fourth game, 25-15. The Seahawks outscored their opponent, 15-11, in the fifth.

“In the fifth game, we thought we had match point when Sydney Patrick went up for an amazing spike. North Dorchester’s No. 11 [Maggie Hubbard] was there and ready. She had an impressive block,” Patrick said.

“We had reset and I was concerned the team might allow that point to swing the game in North Dorchester’s favor. They surprised me again.

“The match-winning point started with a long rally and ended with a perfect pass from [senior] Taya [Price], a beautiful set from [sophomore] Sydnie Harrington and another killer spike from [senior] Sydney Patrick,” Patrick continued. “It was a great night of volleyball and an amazing way to end the regular season.”

Senior captain Cora Shaw had 11 aces, 14 kills, three assists and 16 digs.

Harrington chipped in with three kills, 26 assists and four digs.

Price contributed five aces, six kills, two blocks and three digs. Patrick added two aces, 15 kills and 10 digs.

Decatur gets big win over Easton

the kids responded.”

Decatur tacked on nine points in the third quarter and held Easton scoreless, to hold a 23-20 advantage.

The Warriors took the lead again early in the fourth quarter.

Mergott was again successful and Eastlack’s kick was good to give the Seahawks a 30-26 lead with a little over seven minutes on the clock.

Easton pulled in front, 34-30, with just under five minutes to play.

Coleman’s touchdown and Eastlack’s kick put Decatur back on top, 37-34, with 3:30 remaining. Decatur’s defense held Easton’s offense to secure the victory.

“We got better and better throughout the game. We settled in and I think we wanted it more at the end of the game,” Coleman said. “We really got rocking and rolling in the second half.”

Coleman was 16-for-29 passing for 226 yards and one touchdown. He carried the ball 16 times, racking up

Decatur finished the regular season with a 9-6 record.

Patrick said she anticipates her team will get the third seed in the 3A South Region II.

The drawing for MPSSAA tournament seedings will take place on Monday. Tournament play will begin

146 yards and scoring three touchdowns.

Eastlack was 5-for-5 on the extra point.

Mergott carried the ball once for four yards and a touchdown. He caught four passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. He had four tackles (two solo, two assists) and two sacks.

Junior Gavin Solito caught four passes for 42 yards. He also made six tackles (three solo, three assists).

Sophomore Ethan Bradshaw tallied six tackles (four solo, two assists).

Senior Daegan Risser chipped in with seven tackles (four solo, three assists).

“It was a pretty good game by all. It was just a great team win and a big win,” Coleman said. “It also guarantees us a home playoff game.”

Decatur was scheduled to play in its final game of the regular season, yesterday, Thursday, against the Snow Hill Eagles in Berlin. The seniors were to be honored during the event.

either Thursday, Nov. 3 or Friday, Nov. 4.

“The team is playing well right now. Over a week of practices before the first playoff game does concern me,” Patrick said. “That is a lot of down time and I don’t want the team to lose the momentum they have.”