11/11/2022 Ocean City Today

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NOVEMBER 11, 2022

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IN OC

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY FREE

Election: James, Savage, Proctor take council seats

Paddack reelection bid falls far short in four-way race

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) Two newcomers and one incumbent will fill the three seats that were up for grabs on the Ocean City Council.

Council President Matt James was elected along with Will Savage and Carol Proctor, while Councilman Mark Paddack failed in his bid to gain a second term in Tuesday’s municipal election.

BOARD MEETING

By Stewart Dobson Editor/Publisher

(Nov. 11, 2022) Advocates and opponents of a county-financed sports complex might not have that idea to kick around anymore, as Worcester County voters rejected referendum Question A Tuesday.

By a vote of 9,424 to 8,572, voters appear poised to kill a county bill passed last April that authorized the county commissioners to sell $11.2 million in revenue bonds to help pay for the design and construction costs of a $15.6 million Worcester County

sports complex. The legislation did not specify a location.

But with more than 4,800 absentee ballots left to count, a process the county Board of Elections has said will go into Thursday afternoon, there’s no guarantee that the 852vote lead sports complex opponents had at the end of the day Tuesday will hold.

Vince Gisriel, who helped lead the petition drive that forced the April legislation to referendum, acknowledged that uncertainty Wednesday, saying he would withhold comment until after the elections board completes its Thursday ballot count.

The petition Gisriel and Ocean Pines resident Slobodan Trendic launched shortly after the bill’s ap-

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

complex

proval targeted the commissioners’ plans to buy and develop a 94.5-acre parcel situated behind Stephen Decatur High School off Route 50.

The price agreed to by a 4-3 commissioner majority and the property’s owners, the Harrison family, was $7.15 million and the original idea was to finance that purchase with proceeds of the bond sale.

The commissioners were soon advised, however, that legal restrictions on bond revenue prohibited them from using it to acquire property, thus leaving intact the sale agreement but with no designated source of money to close the deal. The settlement date was subsequently postponed until Jan. 31 next year.

The 30th annual celebration kicks off with an opening ceremony at park on Nov. 17 – Page 22

The Town of Ocean City is in Phase II of its Boardwalk Re-decking Project, from Wicomico Street to 15th Street. The re-decking project is expected to be completed by late April.

STEWART DOBSON/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Marilyn James, mother of Council President Matt James (left), Carol Proctor and Mark Paddack wait to hear vote totals from Tuesday’s municipal election at the convention center.

Commissioners opposed to complex currently majority

In

opponents of the Route 50 proposal and public funding of a sports facility in general challenged the bond bill with the idea that only the Route 50 project would be affected by the referendum.

But that is not the case, according to County Attorney Roscoe Leslie, who said through county Public Information Officer Kim Moses on Wednesday, “Question A is not specific to the Rt 50 location. It is specific only to the legislative bill (the bond measure) passed earlier this year. The referendum is an up/down vote on the legislative bill that authorized the Commissioners to issue a bond to construct a sports complex.”

Moses added that Leslie said before Tuesday’s vote that if the bill were to be defeated, the commissioners would have no authority to use bonds to finance that kind of project anywhere in the county.

But he also pointed out, “I don’t believe a referendum is a permanent bar to anything. It just causes the particular legislation passed by the commissioners to become ineffective.”

In theory, he said, the next board

of commissioners could immediately pass a new bill authorizing bondbased financing, even though that would be a bold move given the referendum’s results.

The odds of that happening at any time under the new board of commissioners, however, were substantially diminished Tuesday with the defeat of Pocomoke District Commissioner Josh Nordstrom by challenger Caryn Abbott.

Nordstrom was one of the four commissioners who backed the Route 50 proposal, along with Ocean City District Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, West Ocean City/Berlin Commissioner Bud Church, and Central District Commissioner Diana Purnell.

Abbott, however, makes clear on her campaign website that, “The sports complex is another issue that the taxpayers should not be paying for, I will stand by that.”

Her swearing in on Dec. 6, along with Church’s replacement, Eric Fiori, will flip the commissioner majority to opponents of publicly funded sports complexes by giving Commissioners Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Ted Elder a fourth vote on the seven-member board.

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New council sworn in after election certification

serve Ocean City on the City Council.”

Released unofficially Tuesday night, the results were familiar for James, who earned reelection with the highest number of votes — 1,566 — over his three opponents.

James set a record in 2014 by winning over his opponents by the largest percentage of votes ever recorded in a city election. He again beat the rest of the field in 2018 and continued the streak Tuesday.

While James was not able to attend the reading of the results Tuesday night at the Ocean City convention center due to the birth of his first child the day before, family members and other supporters showed up to represent him.

James has campaigned fiercely for every election, with a strong presence in the community and among his constituents.

James responded to his supporters and the results in a text message Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m obviously very happy with how the election went and I’m proud to have received the number of votes that I did,” the message read. “I think it shows that people who follow local politics are happy with the job I’m doing and want to see that continue. I’m very appreciative of the support I have received from the voters over the years and look forward to continuing to

James was elected council president in 2020 and has served in the role since. An organizational meeting was set Thursday to determine if he would keep it.

Coming in with the second highest number of votes Tuesday was Savage, a firsttime candidate and longtime resident with strong ties to the resort’s hospitality industry.

Savage filed early and became a staple at council meetings and public events in the months leading up to the election.

While he was on vacation on Election Day, he thanked his supporters and congratulated the other winners on his Facebook page the following day.

He also sent a statement in a text.

“I look forward to getting to work on behalf of our citizens,” the text read. “I will strive to improve the overall quality of life for our residents, while maintaining sensible

government and a consistent tax rate. I pledge to promote our town and all its businesses in a positive, professional manner to spur sustainable tourism growth and keep Ocean City a world class destination.”

Savage’s family owned and ran the Majestic Hotel on the Boardwalk between Sixth and Seventh streets for many years. The property was recently sold to a new owner, but Savage’s decades of experience in the industry has him eyeing a spot on the Tourism Commission.

He is also a Boardwalk business owner and longtime volunteer with the Ocean City Fire Company.

The third council member elected Tuesday was Proctor, a local Realtor and full-time resort resident since 2008.

Proctor was the first to file over the summer and began ramping up her campaign in the weeks leading up to the election. She captured 1,247 votes to beat Paddack for the third open spot by nearly 500 votes.

Proctor was also the only winning council member who came in person to the convention center Tuesday to listen to the results. She said she had been campaigning outside since 6:30 a.m. and thanked everyone who voted for her after learning she won a

seat. She also said she is excited to get started in her new role.

Paddack, who decided to run for reelection just before the filing deadline on Oct. 11, earned just 749 votes in Tuesday’s election, thus ending his tenure on council at just one term.

Mayor Rick Meehan, who had no opponent on the ballot, was also elected to his eighth consecutive twoyear term Tuesday, earning the most votes overall at 1,760.

Decent turnout reported in Tuesday’s municipal election

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) The number of people who voted in Tuesday’s municipal election came in a little lower than the last time the same candidates were on the ballot, but still surpassed the much lower turnout of 2020.

According to unofficial results released Tuesday night, a total 2,086 residents — 1,097 in person and 989 by mail — cast ballots for the mayor, three council seats and three ballot questions.

In the last election in 2020, 1,528 residents voted, and in 2018, the turnout was 2,566. This year’s turnout at nearly 33 percent was higher than 2020 but not as high as 2018.

Mary Adeline Bradford, the chairperson of the Ocean City Board of Supervisors of Elections, said Wednesday that the turnout was “pretty good” and that Election Day ran smoothly without any issues or problems.

“It was a very nice day,” she said. Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 8

p.m. Tuesday at the city’s only voting location, the Ocean City convention center, and all absentee ballots were due by 5 p.m. the day before.

Several candidates campaigned outside throughout the day, but the overall scene was overall pretty tame.

The crowd did not ramp up much after the polls closed, either, with only a modest crowd showing up to listen to the reading of the results just after 9 p.m.

Of the candidates on the ballot, only Mayor Rick Meehan, Councilman Mark Paddack and council candidate Carol Proctor were there to listen to the results. Meehan won easily with no opponent and Paddack ended up losing his seat to Proctor, who beat him out by nearly 500 votes for the third and final open spot.

Council President Matt James earned the highest number of votes in the council race and newcomer Will Savage secured the second place spot.

Three questions were also on the ballot and all passed.

An organizational meeting was set Thursday to certify the results and elect the next council president.

Matt James

Will Savage

Carol Proctor

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By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) For the first time in more than three decades, the Ocean City mayor and council will get a pay bump, putting them on track with similar municipalities across the state.

Voters passed two measures Tuesday that will raise the mayor’s salary from $30,000 to $50,000, council members’ pay from $10,000 to $20,000, and the council president’s salary from $11,000 to $23,000 annually.

The results came in at 1,223 in favor and 823 against for the mayor’s pay, and 1,210 in favor and 845 against for the council members and president.

The rates of pay for the mayor and council members have not been touched since 1989.

Earlier this year, the elected officials discussed a request from a member of the public to look into raising the annual salaries for both the mayor and council members.

City Manager Terry McGean came

up with the proposed amounts for all of the elected officials based on the pay rates of elected officials in comparable municipalities across the state. The council had the option to vote for the pay raise outright or send it to the voters to decide. They chose the latter.

During discussions, several sitting council members as well as Mayor Rick Meehan said that they do not serve for the money and contended that letting the voters decide was the best course.

The new pay scale was set to be applied immediately to the elected officials, according to language in the town charter.

Along with the pay raises, “Referendum Question #A,” a measure authorizing the mayor and council to dedicate a percentage of city room taxes to cover expenses to promote destination marketing on a specified schedule, also passed, but by a slimmer majority.

According to the results, the measure passed by less than 50 votes, with 1,039 in favor and 991 against.

Council members passed the original ordinance last year, but it was put on hold after Vince Gisriel, a former councilman and vocal opponent to most government spending, collected signatures on a petition to bring the matter to a vote.

The ordinance gradually increases the percentage the city’s tourism budget receives from overall room taxes by 0.2 percent from 2023 to 2025. According to the summary on the ballot, the money will directly be applied to the costs of advertising, marketing, promotions, sponsorships and sponsorship opportunities, research, subscription and trade dues, conference fees, and marketing and promotions of special events.

With passage of the referendum, officials will allocate the money on the schedule provided. If it had not passed, council members could still have opted to use room tax money to pay for the specified expenses as they saw fit.

OCEAN CITY BALLOT QUESTIONS:

BALLOT QUESTION #1

Raise mayor’s salary from $30,000 to $50,000

Yes — 1,223 No — 823

BALLOT QUESTION #2

Raise council salaries from $10,000 to $20,000 and council president’s salary from $11,000 to $23,000

Yes — 1,210 No — 845

REFERENDUM QUESTION #A

Authorizing the mayor and council to dedicate a percentage of city room taxes to cover expenses to promote destination marketing on a specified schedule

Yes – 1,039

No — 991

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) The results of county-level elections are in for Worcester with a new commissioner poised to take over the Pocomoke district.

Challenger Caryn Abbott (R) knocked off incumbent Josh Nordstrom (D) by 20 percentage points in a race that ended up less competitive than anticipated.

Abbott nearly tripled Nordstrom’s output in 2018 when he was elected over incumbent Merrill Lockfaw by 7 percent.

“I’m absolutely thrilled at the support of the district,” Abbott said. “I look forward to serving the people of (District 1) and all of the people of Worcester County for the next four years.”

Perhaps one of the main issues that carried Abbott to such a decisive victory — in a district more often represented by a Democrat than a Republican in the 21st century — was her stance against the proposed athletic complex in the northern end of the county. Many voters in the Pocomoke area felt that the complex would be inaccessible to them and should thus be located there, where it could also drive more economic opportunity for the comparatively slower economy

Caryn Abbott

Josh Nordstrom

than that of the northern county.

Nor did it sit well with many voters that public money might be used to finance the complex — a possibility that appeared to be struck down when county voters went against Question A on the ballot Tuesday.

Nordstrom was strongly in favor not only of the athletic complex but putting it along the Route 50 corridor, far away from the Pocomoke area.

In other races, Sheriff Crisafulli and State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser coasted into their next terms after winning their primaries over the summer.

“I want to thank our wonderful residents for their continued support in keeping me as their sheriff,” Crisafulli said via text. “I will continue to fight for my men and women and their mental health and well-being during difficult times. My office will always remain committed to you and our families. We have a lot of work ahead of us with ongoing recruitment and retention issues. I am committed to bringing in great men and women to keep Worcester County a safe place to reside.”

State Sen. Mary Beth Carrozza and Del. Wayne Hartman held onto their seats by comfortable margins. Del. Charles Otto also bested his opponent.

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Two incumbents fall, one holds on in board elections

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Worcester County Board of Education elections Tuesday saw just one of three incumbents on the ballot retain his seat, while two newcomers to that arena were voted to the board by county residents.

Bill Gordy easily fended off Jamie Rice with 77 percent of the vote.

“I want to thank the electorate for giving me another term in office,” Gordy said. “I enjoyed the previous eight years on the board of education. We’ve done a lot of good things and I look forward to continuing that work and doing what’s best for the students and the staff of Worcester County.

Incumbents Bill Buchanan and Nate Passwaters were definitively defeated in their races by John Abbott — 5 points — and Katie Addis — 17 points — respectively.

“I’m very excited,” Abbott said. “It’s been a lot of hard work on the ground, knocking on doors and canvassing our district. I’m extremely pleased with the outcome and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Addis, in saying she won a hardfought victory, spoke highly of her predecessor.

“Nate and I spoke at polling places and we had good conversations,” Addis said. “We have been respectful to each other the entire time and it shows because we’re able to continue working together throughout this process as we all move forward.

“I’m just extremely happy to know

RESULTSBOARD OF EDUCATION

DISTRICT 1

John Abbott 968

Bill Buchanan 877

DISTRICT 4

Bill Gordy 1,743

Jamie Rice 516 DISTRICT 6

Katie Addis 1,685

Nate Passwaters 893 District 7 Todd Ferrante 2,029

that between Nate and me, we each had a hardworking, clean campaign.”

Abbott did point out, however, that with nearly 500 extra votes, the people of District 6 (Bishopville-Showell) sent a clear message.

“(I’m excited to get to work) throughout the next coming months and being able to have some good and hard conversations, with everyone being able to understand where everyone’s at,” Addis said. “The people have spoken on how they feel the schools need to be worked on and changed and I’m looking forward to beginning that work.”

Abbott, Addis and Rice all ran on extremely similar tickets, practically running together. Common issues among the three included opening up school curriculums to the public, closely monitoring what books are allowed in school libraries and stopping what Abbott called the “sexualization” of the county’s children.

Incumbent Todd Ferrante held his seat as well, running unopposed.

Passwaters, who works with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, spoke in his campaign about the strengths of the county, including its fully staffed teacher workforce and the county’s proactive approach to returning students to in-person learning as quickly as possible.

Passwaters also allowed himself to look forward to a budget process in which his successor Addis will now be involved.

“As we navigate through the tedious budget process to meet the (our) needs, we will certainly be faced with some significant challenges,” he said.

William Gordy

John Abbott

Katie Addis

Matt Ortt breaks relationship with Ralph DeAngelus

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Matt Ortt Companies announced the immediate termination of its partnership with Ralph DeAngelus on Monday.

The announcement from the restaurant company includes the complete divestment of DeAngelus and the termination of its relationships with his family members, Kearston Frey and her son, Tyler Mailloux.

The statement made clear that the decision is related to the hit-and-run death of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp, of Ocean Pines, in July.

The announcement comes following continued protests against the DeAngelus family and the Matt Ortt Companies, whom many in the community consider responsible for Knupp’s death, in the case of the former, and complicit in it, in the case of the latter.

In the days following Knupp’s death, the Maryland State Police received a tip about a black Mercedes that matched the police’s description of the suspected vehicle being hidden in DeAngelus’s garage in the Ocean Reef community in Berlin.

Harris wins fourth term, Md. elects first Black governor

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) Andy Harris will once again represent the lower Eastern Shore and the rest of the First Congressional District as its U.S. representative.

Harris (R) easily beat Democratic challenger Heather Mizeur by nearly 23 percent across the district — and by nearly 33 percent in Worcester County — to win a fourth consecutive term in the House of Representatives.

“It is an incredible honor and privilege to once again be chosen by the people of the First Congressional District to serve as their voice in Congress,” Harris said in a prepared statement. “As the son of immigrants who fled communism, I am reassured by the results — that despite the harmful last two years, the American dream is still

alive and well. I look forward to our efforts in the Republican majority to cut spending, reduce inflation, rein in our southern border, restore law and order, and serve as a check on the rogue and out-of-touch Biden Administration.”

Locally, Harris likely found support over Mizeur on a handful of hot-button issues. Harris staunchly opposes wind energy, which won him the vote of many watermen in the area.

“Until the wind companies come to an agreement with Ocean City, I’m going to oppose them because they have to be good neighbors,” he said in an interview with Ocean City Today last month. is going to be the neighbor of these offshore windmills. These windmill companies have refused to deal realistically with Ocean City and address their concerns.”

In the gubernatorial race, Dan Cox (R) more than doubled Wes Moore’s (D) vote total in Worcester County, but Moore turned that number on its head statewide as he cruised to the Governor’s Mansion in Annapolis on the back of a nearly 23 percent margin of victory.

RESULTS -

89 percent reporting statewide

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WORCESTER

Andy Harris 12,021

Heather Mizeur 6,314 DISTRICT

Andy Harris 141,374 Heather Mizeur 87,628

GOVERNOR WORCESTER

Wes Moore 6,012 Dan Cox 12,130 STATE

Wes Moore 906,765 Dan Cox 562,331

“I grew up in a family of people that loved this country, even when it didn’t love them back,” Moore said in his victory speech. “My entire life has taught me that patriotism does not mean waving a flag around. It doesn’t mean telling our neighbors that we’re better than them. Patriotism isn’t a boast, it isn’t self-righteous. You cannot love your country if you hate half of the people in it.”

Moore becomes the first Black governor in the history of Maryland.

Andy Harris

Wes Moore

Matt Ortt releases statement on DeAngelus

Shortly thereafter, the agency seized the car.

Mailloux has two traffic convictions listed in state databases in which he’s reported to be driving a black Mercedes.

Since the car was seized, however, progress in the investigation has moved slowly, resulting in frustration in the community and the rise of a Facebook group entitled “Do It For Gavin - Justice for Gavin” where supporters of the Knupp family organize protests.

Many of the posts in the group deride the DeAngelus family, advocate for “turning up the heat” on those the group suspects of being involved, according to at least one post, and suggest protesting Matt Ortt Companies affiliates.

The press release from Matt Ortt reads as follows:

Matt Ortt, Co-Founder of Matt Ortt Companies, today announced the partnership team of Matt Ortt Companies has completely divested and removed Ralph DeAngelus from the organization, effective immediately. Mr. DeAngelus was formerly one of the organization’s Members.

Mr. Ortt said, “In the weeks and months following the devastating and sudden loss of Gavin Knupp, the partnership team strongly considered

removing Mr. DeAngelus from the company. However, what prevented the move to this point was the partners’ belief that it was vitally important to be patient and allow the investigative process to independently move forward before deciding Mr. DeAngelus’ future. We were hoping to better understand all of the facts, and each person’s role on the night of the accident, with investigative certainty. There is no question that process is as important as outcome.”

While it had been everyone’s collective hope the criminal justice process would move much more quickly, unfortunately, this has not been the case. Furthermore, it appears the investigation remains open with no indication given as to when that process may be completed. As a result, Matt Ortt Companies’ partners decided to wait no longer and moved forward with Mr. DeAngelus’ divestment and removal. Additionally, both Kearston and her son, Tyler, are no longer affiliated with the company in any way.

Regarding the ongoing investigation, Matt Ortt Companies reiterated that the organization has been, and will remain, transparent and responsive to any and all requests made by those investigating the incident. Matt Ortt Companies strongly emphasized

that none of the remaining partners, or their families, were involved in, have any information about, or would shield anyone involved in this case. To say otherwise is simply not true.

The entire organization expresses its heartfelt sorrow for the Knupp family and all who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy.

Personal Statement of Apology from Matt Ortt

“In the days following the devastating and sudden loss of Gavin Knupp, I made a terrible mistake by blindly and publicly advocating for my long-term business partner, Ralph DeAngelus. I issued a supportive written statement that was based

solely on my trust in Mr. DeAngelus without contemplating the deepseated pain my stance would cause. My actions were insensitive, inappropriate and showed very poor judgement. In hindsight, I should have waited until independently verified investigative facts were available before offering an opinion. I deeply apologize and regret my actions. I have always, and very firmly believed, that anyone who is directly involved in, or who has any information about the accident, should immediately come forward and communicate what they know to authorities. There is nothing more important than full disclosure and accountability.”

State Highway Administration reduces Gray’s Corner speed

(Nov. 11, 2022) The State Highway Administration (SHA) has reduced the speed limit on Gray’s Corner Road from Route 589 (Race Track Road) to Riddle Lane in Berlinfrom 50 mph to 40 mph.

The SHA’s announcement said the administration initiated a traffic study along Gray’s Corner Road in response to community concerns. Those concerns arose following the death of Gavin Knupp, 14, of Ocean Pines who was struck by a hit-andrun driver on July 11. The case remains unresolved.

After traffic engineers collected and analyzed data, including actual speeds, traffic counts and travel demand, they determined the speed limit should be lowered to enhance the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

“The safety of every customer on our roadway system is our priority,” said SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “SHA will continue to work with our stakeholders to identify conditions where roadway users will benefit from improved safety measures and then implement wise solutions.”

New speed limit signs were recently installed to alert motorists of the upcoming change.

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.

Former administrator charged with fraud, theft after probe

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) Former Berlin Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood has been charged with six counts of forgery of private documents and one charge of theft and another for theft scheme, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigations said on Monday.

Fleetwood deferred comments to his attorney, Ocean City-based Steve Rakow.

“All I can say is we received his summons,” Rakow said. “There are several counts in there, each of which he vehemently denies and maintains his innocence. We’ll wait and see what evidence the state has and go from there.”

Fleetwood did say, when asked if he foresees any changes to his job status in Delmar, “I’m working today.”

(Nov. 11, 2022) Ocean City Council members discussed and approved the following matters at a regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 7:

Send-off for Martin

For two decades, Councilman Lloyd Martin served as a strong, at times quiet, but always informed and calculated voice on the Ocean City Council.

tended to pay tribute and send him off. And on Monday, several former colleagues, including former Councilman and current County Commissioners President Joe Metrecic as well as Dennis Dare, a former councilman and former city manager, were in attendance for Martin.

A new City Council was set to be named Thursday after the certification of Tuesday’s election results.

With that, Martin’s legacy as a councilman came to an official end.

The theft charges, all felonies, are categorized involve an amount of between $1,500 to $25,000, according to a statement from WCBI.

Jeff Fleetwood

According to a press release, the bureau began its investigation after it was made aware of discrepancies relating to the balances for Fleetwood’s sick leave and personal time that showed up in an audit.

“Investigators discovered between October 2021 and April 2022, an additional 240 hours of sick leave and an additional 80 hours of vacation leave were added to Fleetwood’s leave and earning statement,” the release said. “Investigators discovered that the total amount paid out to Fleetwood as a result of the additional leave was approximately $17,520.00.”

Fleetwood, who resigned his Berlin post last April, is now the town administrator of Delmar and as of Tuesday was still in the office.

Rakow added that his understanding is Fleetwood has talked to the mayors of Delmar — the Maryland town and the Delaware town — and that, as of now, he’s still employed.

In its own press release, the Town of Berlin said its independent auditor unearthed the discrepancy. After identifying suspected fraud, the case was forwarded to the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office and turned over to the WCBI.

“As stated in the town charter, one of the most important responsibilities of the mayor is to oversee the management of town resources,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said in the statement. “As such, over the past two years, we have conducted reviews of existing policies related to financial transparency, controls, and the prevention of waste, fraud, and abuse. We will continue to work collaboratively with the investigating authorities as they move forward with this case.”

Convenience center open Sun.

(Nov. 11, 2022) Beginning Nov.13, the Home Owner Convenience Center, located at the Central Landfill in Newark will be open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. The Newark center will continue offering Sunday hours throughout the duration of a 90-day

project to repair and upgrade the center in Snow Hill.

For more information on the Snow Hill HOCC renovation project or the Newark center, operating hours, contact Worcester County Recycling Manager Mike McClung at 410-632-3177.

That was the overall consensus of several council members who paid homage to their longtime colleague Monday during his last official public meeting on the dais.

“I’ve served with a number of council members, and Lloyd, you are certainly one of the best I have ever served with,” Mayor Rick Meehan said during a tribute to Martin during Monday’s meeting.

Martin was first elected to City Council in 2002 and served for four consecutive terms. He was council president from 2012 to 2018. He opted not to run for reelection this year, ending his 20-year tenure, and leaving behind a legacy of respect, experience, institutional knowledge, leadership, patience, reason and more, as detailed by Meehan and Councilmen Frank Knight, John Gehrig and Tony DeLuca.

At a work session last week, several of Martin’s family members at-

“You should be very proud of your accomplishments and your time serving on the council,” Meehan said during his conclusion. “You’ve helped make Ocean City a better place for all of us.”

Sign extension

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer Continued on

Council members unanimously passed the second and final reading of an ordinance that will give property owners who have signs encroaching on rights-of-way in certain parts of the resort’s downtown district a one-year extension to comply with the city’s requirements.

Six years ago, council members passed an ordinance that required all signs that are nonconforming and in the 75 feet of space that legally belongs to the city on Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues from Third to 17th streets to be moved or brought

up to code by Nov. 18, 2022.

At a joint meeting between the council and planning commissioners in September, council members agreed to grant property owners another year to get in compliance. They also decided to bring properties south of Third Street into the mix. The ordinance went through all the proper channels and became official with Monday’s vote.

Pier franchise correction

A chunk of land at the end of the Boardwalk is getting closer to becoming part of the resort’s Pier Franchise District following approval of two ordinances Monday.

The first amends the city’s zoning map to reflect the Pier Franchise Zoning District to include the entire Pier Franchise boundary. The second piggybacks on the first and was a first

reading.

The Pier Franchise District was adopted in 1999 to identify the amusement and fishing pier area east of Atlantic Avenue — the Boardwalk — at Wicomico Street. The use and operations are mapped out in the city code, and supersede all other legislation, including zoning ordinances.

The boundaries of the district were reportedly established in the 1970s and have not changed since 1978. But when an update was approved in 2019, a 140,000-square-foot section to the north and south of the existing fishing pier extending east to the tram line was left out.

City planning officials said it was a mistake to leave out the section and recommended that it be put back on the map of the district. Similarly, an attorney representing the franchise called the omission a “clerical error” at a planning commission meeting last month.

Ocean City approved dates for ’23 Oceans Calling Fest

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) In line with language in a memorandum of understanding approved before stormy weather canceled the long-anticipated Oceans Calling Festival the last weekend in September, organizers C3 Presents have pinned down specific dates to try again in 2023.

Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, told City Council members Monday that he and the promoters had finalized Sept. 29-Oct. 1 of next year for the three-day, inaugural Oceans Calling Festival, and asked for approval to hold the dates.

Council members unanimously approve the request in a 5-0 vote, with Councilman Mark Paddack and Council President Matt James not in attendance.

The string of live music performances was supposed to be one of, if not the, biggest event to ever come to Ocean City, especially during the shoulder season. Set for Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 at the inlet, the outdoor venue proved to be a risky choice, as remnants of Hurricane Ian that hit the coast of Florida, and an accompanying nor’Easter that brought strong winds and heavy rain, forced cancelation of the event before it started.

Councilman Tony DeLuca asked Perlozzo Monday if it would be possible to hold more than one cluster of

dates for the festival next year. He said he understood that the idea had been under consideration, and Perlozzo said it may still be considered, but for now, only these dates are set.

City Manager Terry McGean pointed out that the organizers need a set date to narrow down performers and advertisers, while “the excitement from the last concert is still fresh in everyone’s mind.”

“That’s not to say other dates couldn’t be added but we’d really like to get the approval to move forward with this one at a minimum,” he said.

A large footprint complete with three stages and yards of vendor space was planned for the inlet and surrounding beach to hold Oceans Calling this year. Officials with C3, which has hosted Lollapalooza and other similar large music festivals for years, had booked Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, The Lumineers and Alanis Morissette as headliners. A hodgepodge of other bands of varying styles, genres and fame were also set to round out the schedule, and all three days of the event were sold out with an expected 40,000 people per day at the venue.

Hotels were sold out and people were coming to the resort from all over the country. And while some still came and made the best of the weekend, many canceled, delivering a tough blow to the local hospitality industry.

Low-class e-bikes officially permitted on OC Boardwalk

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) Electric bicycles are officially allowed on the Ocean City Boardwalk and officials have tools to crack down on all types of rowdy riders.

At a meeting Monday, City Council members voted to pass two mobility-related ordinances that allow Class 1 e-bikes on the Boardwalk during times when regular bicycles are allowed, prohibit the riding of Class 2 and 3 e-bikes, and prohibit anyone from operating bicycles, ebikes, pushcarts or other motorized devices in a “careless or imprudent manner.”

Another ordinance that did not pass would have permitted the rental, sale or repair of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes and allowed for the sale or repair of Class 3s, but prohibit rental of them across the resort.

With just five council members attending Monday’s meeting, the latter ordinance died in a 3-2 vote, with Councilmen John Gehrig and Frank Knight voting against it, and Councilmen Peter Buas, Tony DeLuca and Lloyd Martin voting in favor. City ordinances need four votes to pass.

Gehrig has consistently opposed prohibiting the rental of Class 3 ebikes when they are allowed to be ridden in other parts of the resort.

He reiterated his point Monday, but characterized it as a “lost cause” because he did not think he had enough support to force denial of the ordinance.

“I still say we don’t need to ban the rental of class 3 bicycles, electric bicycles, whatever,” he said. “I see them all over. If we ban these, we should ban all of them.”

Knight agreed, stating that he does not know why council members are against the Class 3 rentals.

With that, because two council members — Council President Matt James and Councilman Mark Paddack — were absent, the final vote ended up going in Gehrig and Knight’s favor.

Council members and members of the Police Commission and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee developed the ordinances over the past several weeks after learning that a law on the books prohibiting ebikes on the Boardwalk may be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The first two classes of electric bikes can reach a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and the third tops out at 28. Officials agreed from the get-go that class 3 e-bikes are too fast for the Boardwalk, but there have been some contrasting opinions about the decision to ban the rental of them across the resort.

Council members discussed the discrepancy of banning the rental of Class 3 e-bikes and not Class 2s during a meeting last month when the ordinances were introduced. DeLuca even tried to remedy the situation by also banning the rental of Class 2 bikes, but did not get a second to his motion.

PHOTO COURTESY MARY MILLER

Two eagles are perched on tree branches near the entrance to Assateague Island on Halloween.

Resort council approves upcoming events

the first happening this weekend.

Storm Warriors 5K

a start and finish arch, a DJ, cones directing the participants, and a water station at 17th Street.

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) With summer long over and fall nearly halfway gone, the number of weekend events across Ocean City are also beginning to dwindle.

But the year is not over yet, and on Monday City Council members approved three upcoming events, with

The ninth annual Storm Warriors 5K Walk/Run is set 8 to 11 a.m. this Saturday, Nov. 12.

The event supports the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum headquartered on the south end of the Boardwalk. The spot is both the start and finish of the 5K, which runs north to 17th Street and turns around.

According to the staff report council members approved, the setup includes

Event organizers will pay the city a total $187.50 in private event, and asset and support fees.

For more information about the event, visit unsignup.com/Race/MD/OceanCity/S tormWarriorsBoardwalk5kRunWalk

Toys for Tots Beach Run

A parade of Jeeps will be coming back to town later this month for the annual Ocean City Jeep Club Toys for Tots Beach Run.

The event, hosted by the Maryland International Kite Expo and Ocean City Jeep Club, is set 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, on the beach from the inlet to Fifth Street.

The staff report said up to 150 Jeeps will be delivering donations for the Toys for Tots program to a designated drop-off location at the Kite Loft store on the Boardwalk at Fifth Street. Photos will be shot, and the Jeeps will drive south on the beach, exiting at the inlet lot.

Members of the city’s Beach Patrol will use one ATV and one SUV to manage the beach drive to Fifth Street and the exit from the beach.

The organizers will pay the city a total $455.35 in private event, and

asset and support fees.

AGH Penguin Swim

The annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim will once again ring in the new year on Jan. 1 at the Princess Royale.

Set 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., the event will feature dozens of people running into the cold ocean on 91st Street to raise money for the hospital. It has been held for 29 years on New Year’s Day.

According to a staff report, public works personnel will clean the beach, provide trash receptacles and install alcohol restriction signs within the event footprint. Police will monitor the event on a shift level, handling any pedestrian, traffic or parking issues. Emergency services staff will provide four to five rescue swimmers and divers in case they are needed.

Members of the city’s Beach Patrol expressed concerns with some participants drinking alcohol before going into the water, because cold water and intoxication can lead to distressed swimming, and in turn will provide staff and a heated four-wheel-drive vehicle on site.

The organizer will pay the city a total $245.50 in private event, and asset and support fees.

For more information, visit aghpenguinswim.org.

Impact calculator will show success of Ocean City events

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) As Ocean City tourism officials ramp up and massage the resort’s event calendar, a new tool is in place to determine economic impacts.

“The beauty about it is we will be able to determine the cost of the event versus the benefits it can pro-

vide to the community as well as being able to customize this particular piece of software as we move forward in the process of utilizing it,” said Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, of the city’s newly implemented economic impact calculator.

Manned by world-renowned Ox-

A sign directs attendees to a Maryland Association of Counties conference at the Ocean City convention center. Data for events like this, and all others in the city, will be plugged into an economic impact calculator to help officials determine their success and plan for the future.

Software will provide droves of data on all resort events

ford Economic company Tourism Economics, the calculator will measure the economic value and calculated return on investment of all city events. According to the staff report, the use of the service costs $5,500 a year.

Perlozzo presented details of the new tool, which he said tourism officials have had for about three weeks, to members of the City Council at a meeting Monday.

The data staff will collect will be used to determine which events work, and which do not, and will help them refine the schedule to get the best return on investment for the town.

“The true economic impact will be how much business sales is generated as a result of the event, what the personal income increase was as a result of the event, what jobs were supported and the total federal, state, local, taxes granted by the event,” Perlozzo told the council.

The calculator breaks the events down into groups, or modules. There is a sports module, set up for all types of sports, including professional and college if officials ever entertained those types of opportunities; a meetings and conventions module that includes events like the Maryland Municipal League and Maryland Association of Counties conferences; and a festival and cultural module including performing and visual arts, film, food and beverage, and other similar events.

The software determines overnight and day visits, and other metrics to provide data to determine what works and does not.

“It will allow you to see the effect

of an event as it relates to local taxes, visitor spending, food and beverage, everything associated with an event,” Perlozzo said.

Perlozzo and his team provided examples of two events, OC BikeFest and the latest MML conference, to illustrate how the numbers will be determined. While he said the totals are not set in stone, the numbers showed pretty significant successes.

Councilman John Gehrig even pointed out, according to the numbers, that BikeFest — held annually for four days in mid September — brings in enough revenue to keep property taxes down.

“If we didn’t have Bikefest, those few days of Bikfest, taxes would go up to have the same amount of revenue,” he said. “This is going to help because this is the value of what we do. We try to identify events that help pay the bills and are all good for the image and brand of Ocean City. I like it.”

Councilman Lloyd Martin also commended the efforts to get the data and called the economic impact calculator “a long time coming.”

“If you look at this company, it looks like they’re all over the world, Singapore, Paris, New York, Philadelphia,” Martin said of Tourism Economics. “You’ve got probably a lot of knowledge, a lot of input … it should help us really figure out what’s working, what’s not working, so I’m all for it.”

Perlozzo said staff members will keep using the software to collect information and should be able to bring recommendations for fees and charges for events and other related approvals to council members sometime next month.

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Wor. Commissioners approve schools CIP, resolution bond

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) Approval of planning and design funding requests for Buckingham Elementary School and design funding requests for the Snow Hill Middle/Cedar Chapel Special schools roof placement project was granted last week by the Worcester County Commissioners in its review of Worcester County Public School’s FY24 Capital Improvement Plan proposal.

The Buckingham Elementary requests — listed by the school system as the top priority — total about $1.5 million for FY24 and, if estimates hold, over the next five fiscal years could total about $17.2 million.

The project is categorized as a replacement.

The funding request for Snow Hill Middle/Cedar Chapel Special schools totals $59,500. Estimates could see the project up for another estimated $1.9 million in FY25.

“As you know, the CIP is a forwardthinking and (forward-looking) document and we have identified additional future projects including roof replacement projects at … Pocomoke Elementary School and Worcester Technical High School,” Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor told the Commissioners.

He added that the proposal includes future renovations, additions and replacement school projects for Buckingham Elementary and Snow Hill Elementary schools.

Commissioner Jim Bunting asked if

the district would approach Buckingham’s replacement as it did the replacement of Showell Elementary School in

Ocean Pines.

“Absolutely,” Taylor responded. “I think that was one of the most successful planning processes we ever had for putting a school together. We plan on putting a committee together which will involve some of the commissioners … We will follow that same process.”

Bunting said he’d like to serve on that committee.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked when an in-progress feasibility study on Buckingham Elementary would finish, to which Taylor replied that it would be completed by December and in front of the commissioners in March.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic asked about the population of Stephen Decatur High School, which sits at 1,515 students currently, and the school’s future capability to accommodate its student body.

Taylor said it’s handling its load fine right now, but that “if it goes over 1,600 (in the future), we may have some thinking to do.”

In another budget discussion, the commissioners approved the consolidated public improvement bond 2022 series resolution.

The resolution totals about $28.63 million, breaking down to $10.02 million for the Stephen Decatur Middle School addition project, $10.96 million for phase two of the county jail improvement project, $3.05 million for a public safety logical storage facility and $4.6 million for the Ocean Pines service area belt filter press.

Bertino asked county Finance Officer Phil Thompson, who gave the presentation, what the interest rate might be.

“My guess is 4-and-a-half (percent) based on current market conditions,” Thompson said.

The previous bond had a rate of 2.32 percent, Thompson said, nearly half the current projection.

“It’s a dramatically different environment in the last nine months,” he said. “Currently, you’re looking at a prime upwards of 7 percent. Mortgages are hovering in the 6.5 to 7 (percent range). We’re usually somewhere in the two-thirds range with the tax exemption issue.”

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Worcester County Public Schools Consolidated Improvement Plan includes money to design an all-knew Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin.

THE ROBERT DYE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

For Local Nursing Students at Wor-Wic Community College

I want to thank everyone who attended the Robert Dye Scholarship Fund fundraiser and/or made donations (both financial and raffle or silent auction items). This was our best year ever. We have finally reached the endowment level which means that the funds will be invested and scholarships will be awarded long into the future. I am so excited and feel so thankful. My brother would be so proud and so honored. I have included here the thank you letter I received for one of the three scholarships that have already been awarded. It is so very touching.

July 21st, 2021

Friend and Family of Robert Dye Dye Scholarship

Dear Ms. Lynda Johnson, I would like ta take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in granting me the Robert Dye Scholarship. I feel very honored lo receive this award.

I am currently In my third semester of nursing school; we are almost half-way through. Receiving this scholarship has really helped to motivate me through these last two semesters. Not only am I in school, but l have also recently started my first healthcare job as a student nurse at TitalHealth Peninsula Regional. At TitalHealth Peninsula Regional, 1 am gaining more experience and expanding my education. I currently have a 3.618 GPA. I am very proud of my scholarly achievements thus far. All of my hard work is paying off. After I graduate nursing school in May of 2022, my goal is to specialize in the area of pediatrics or labor and delivery while working at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.

I am eagerly looking forward to being able to give hack to the surrounding community once I begin my nursing career. I want to thank you again for your great help and willingness to help me achieve all of my goals. It means a lot to me.

Sincerely, Drew

Annual Winterfest of Lights kicks off next Thursday in OC

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 11, 2022) Winterfest of Lights will kick off its 30th year of dazzling guests, with an opening ceremony on Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Northside Park on 125th Street.

The event is free and open to the public and will feature a performance by Ocean City Elementary School’s “OC Stars” singing and dancing to holiday songs.

Mayor Rick Meehan will then “flip the switch” to light the Winterfest displays and the 50-foot Christmas tree, officially opening the festival. Santa will make an appearance as well.

In addition, a drone show may also take place in the sky, but it will depend on the weather.

Guests can stroll around the park and view the Winterfest of Lights displays for free on opening night.

“There’s always something new or different at Winterfest of Lights,” said Frank Miller, director of Special Events for the Town of Ocean City. “The walking element will stay, but we may make some modifications next year, possibly.”

For years, Winterfest consisted of a tram ride through the colorfully illuminated Northside Park adorned with Christmas displays and a large, heated tent. Because of covid, in 2020 organizers unveiled a new layout – a walking tour – to the annual holiday tradition. Since the outdoor walking experience was so well received, it was continued in 2021 and again this year.

With just under one million lights around the park, visitors can see fa-

vorites display like the Twelve Days of Christmas, Jaws and the Toy Factory, as well as the animated 50-foot Christmas tree, which will feature a new lighting system this year.

The big ring display, sponsored by Park Place Jewelers, is a great place for a marriage proposal, Miller said.

Over the 30-year history of Winterfest of Lights, the festival area has grown in size, and old displays have been refurbished or replaced with new ones.

One of the original displays, a lighthouse, which Miller said was created by the Public Works Department, was refurbished and brought back about five or six years ago after being out of commission for over a decade.

New this year is a 60-foot-long tunnel of lights that reacts to sound, Miller said.

Guests can take photos at one of the many “hotspots” along the walking path and in the new expanded Winterfest pavilion this year.

“We’re slowly working our way back to the big tent [that was a staple pre-covid],” Miller said. “We’ll also have some indoor displays we have not had since pre-covid.”

Santa will be at Winterfest nightly until Dec. 23. Visitors can pose for a photo with Old Saint Nick and drop off their Christmas wish lists.

Holiday music throughout the park will be provided by Radio Ocean City, and the OC Recreation Boosters will be selling hot chocolate and coffee.

Wednesdays will again be Furry Friends Day, where guests can bring their leashed pets.

Winterfest will be open Nov. 17

Visitors to Winterfest of Lights check out the 50-foot Christmas tree with its colorful dancing lights during the 2021 festival. This year’s displays will come to life on Thursday with an opening ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Princess Royale to present first Royale Festival of Lights

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Princess Royale atrium will be turned into a festive, winter wonderland this holiday season for its inaugural Royale Festival of Lights.

“Our atrium area has so much potential, and is being utilized by most of our guests in so many different ways, from holiday parties to awards ceremonies, but this holiday season we wanted to give back to the local community and offer children and their families a winter wonderland,” said Princess Royale’s Director of Sales Alexandra Marginean. “It’s something

unique, but we are hopeful its vibrancy and brightness will offer Ocean City locals and visitors a jolly experience.”

The Royale Festival of Lights display opens in the atrium on Friday, Nov. 18, with a reception from 5-7 p.m.

Guests can say hello to Santa, take a photo in front of a Christmas scene and explore the decorated atrium. Attendees will also receive a complimentary signature drink, in addition to a hot chocolate station and passed hors d’oeuvre.

The atrium is open to the public, Nov. 18 to Jan. 9, from 5-10 p.m. During the weekends the pool bar will be

Walk around Northside Park to view lights

thought Dec. 31. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.

Admission is $6 for guests 12 and older and free for youth 11 and younger.

“To me, it’s a family friendly experience with no pressure, you don’t feel like you’re caught in a crowd or

being rushed,” Miller said. “It’s a nice, relaxing visit. You can take your time, you can go through more than once, grab some hot chocolate, stop and take photos.”

For more information, visit www.ococean.com/events or call 410-250-0125.

Winterfest grossed $614,747 – second highest revenue since its inception – on 100,237 tickets sold in

2021.

The biggest weekend collectively for Winterfest in 2021 was Thanksgiving, with 15,474 attendees. The biggest day outright was Saturday, Dec. 4, with 9,090 people taking the walking tour.

To coincide with the Northside Park festival is a Winterfest Train Garden inside the Welcome Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention

Center on 40th Street.

View the model railroad displays and trains, and read and learn about the history of the train station and railroad in Ocean City.

The train garden will be open Nov. 17 through Dec. 31, Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30-9 p.m.

Admission is free; however, donations are accepted and will benefit the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

Hundreds of people attended the opening ceremony for Winterfest of Lights last year. The 2022 event kicks off on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Princess Royale atrium decorated for holiday season

open, and there will be live entertainment and Santa.

A portion of room packages sales during Festival of Lights will benefit Believe in Tomorrow Foundation, a leading national provider of pediatric hospital and respite housing services for critically ill children and their families.

“Believe in Tomorrow is a great local community charity and we wanted to support them, especially around the holidays knowing their mission is focused on offering children a multitude of fun, family friendly activities,” Marginean said.

Enter promo code HOLIDAY22 when booking between Nov 18, 2022 to Jan 9, 2023. Guests will also get two tickets to Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park on 125th Street, complimentary with their stay.

“It would be a great package for families traveling to Ocean City for the holidays, or a nice staycations [for those who live locally],” Marginean. “I’m hoping it’s going to be a wonderful event for kids and parents, and they’ll look at OC as a fun, winter wonderland escape. They can do the indoor festival here and then go to Winterfest of Lights for the outdoor lights display.”

Many people have already taken advantage of the first-time promotional offer, Marginean said. She hopes the popularity grows over the next few weeks.

The Princess Royale lobby area is also festive with Christmas trees on display decorated by each of the 91st Street hotel’s departments.

“We are very excited about the Princess Royale Festival of Lights. It’s an honor to be a part of that,” said Brian Morrison, founder/president of

The Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation. “I’m looking forward to the event and the opening reception on Nov. 18. Proceeds from that will certainly be utilized by Children’s House by the Sea and our new project on 65th Street. It’s going to be a great event for us.”

Believe In Tomorrow provided the first pediatric respite program in the country in 1986 in Ocean City.

The 65th Street property (formerly the SeaBow Apartments) adjoins the Believe In Tomorrow Respite flagship facility – Believe In Tomorrow’s Children’s House By The Sea – located on 66th Street, which was constructed in 1999.

The new 65th Street property was obtained a year ago and has a large backyard space, which will serve both facilities. When renovations are completed in 2023, this expansion will make this the largest pediatric respite property of its kind in the United States.

Visit www.princessroyale.com for more information about the resort. Go to www.believeintomorrow.org to learn more about Believe in Tomorrow.

PHOTO COURTESY PRINCESS ROYALE

The Princess Royale atrium will be turned into a festive, winter wonderland this holiday season for its inaugural Royale Festival of Lights.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Try to focus on all of the things that are going right in your life right now, Aries. Avoid focusing on those things that have gone wrong. A new perspective is all you need.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

This week you need to slow down and smell the proverbial roses, Taurus. You’ve likely been moving at breakneck speed and you can’t maintain this momentum. Take a break.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, when someone presents an idea to you, use your intuition to determine if you should get involved. You can trust your gut on this decision.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, even if you are in control of a situation, delegate some of your tasks to others and lighten your load. It’s good to build a team of people you can trust and rely upon.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Veterans Day ceremonies planned

(Nov. 11, 2022) Ceremonies are planned in Ocean Pines and Ocean City on Friday to commemorate Veterans Day.

The patriotic celebrations will kick off at 11 a.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway.

The event was originally scheduled to take place outside at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines, but it was moved indoors because of forecasted storms.

Hosted by the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, the event will include music from the Delmarva Chorus, a color guard presentation of local American Legion

representatives, and an address by guest speaker Dr. Jeff Hilovsky, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with a 25year military career.

He retired as the medical commander for the 512th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base.

Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said Veterans Day events are important as the only holiday that honors all U.S. Armed Forces service members.

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor See VETERANS

ficult to talk about their experience, but it’s important for us to honor them and recognize their sacrifice. Only 1 percent of the U.S. population has ever served in the military.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, as only limited seating will be available.

Leo, if there is not much excitement happening around you right now, drum up some of your own. Try to schedule a social gathering before people get busy with the holidays.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, if you can’t change your current situation, learn to live with things until you can see new horizons. You may need to grin and bear it for a bit.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

“Veterans Day is the one day a year that we honor all veterans of military service – not just those who died, but anyone who has served and in all branches of the service,” Gilmore stated in a press release. “Many people who served our country find it dif-

For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, visit www.opvets.org.

Following the Ocean Pines event will be a Veterans Day ceremony at the Ocean City American Legion Post 166, on 24th Street.

“A lot of guys will go to [the Ocean

Page 26

Libra, you’ve already taken an important step, now you just have to fine tune and finesse a situation. Figure out what works for you and then make your move.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

It’s not time to throw in the towel just yet, Scorpio. Keep working every angle and exhaust all avenues. You may find a way to make things work to your advantage.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

There’s a strong crowd of people rallying around you lately, Sagittarius. Harness their collective energy to pull yourself through a challenging situation.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

You may need to take a few steps in one direction before you figure out that the other path is the way to go, Capricorn. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, just when you’re ready to move out the door, someone is trying to pull you back inside. Be firm with your resolutions. If it’s time to move on, then do so.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, you won’t make any strides if you are not willing to take a few risks. Explore some new possibilities in the days to come.

The Posting of Colors is performed by the Joint Color Guard, with members from American Legions in Ocean City and Berlin, First State Detachment and the Marine Corps League, on Veterans Day at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines in 2021.

Entry deadline extended for 7th Ocean City Film Festival

(Nov. 11, 2022) The seventh annual Ocean City Film Festival will return to the resort March 3-6, and is accepting entries for the festival with an extended deadline as a courtesy to area filmmakers.

The extended deadline is Nov. 30.

“Though we have a comfortable amount of submissions already for next year’s festival, this extension will hopefully accommodate a number of filmmakers,” B.L StrangMoya, Film Festival Creative Director, said. “The Maryland Film Festival recently announced their 25th season will be postponed until 2024. We hope to inspire filmmakers to turn to smaller festivals like us in the region.”

Final deadline fees apply. However, waiver codes are available for students and where needed by request at OceanCityFilmFest@gmail.com. Complete rules and entry forms are posted at https://filmfreeway.com/OceanCityFil mFestival.

Hosted by the Art League of Ocean City, the festival was founded in 2017 and has become a recognized annual event that attracts international, national, and regional artists working in film.

In 2021, the festival was named a member of the Sundance Industry Office, a testament to its rapid growth and reach.

NOW PLAYING

BAYVIEW BAR & GRILLE

2nd Floor Residence Inn 61st Street, Ocean City 410-723-2222 / www.ResidenceInnOC.com

Nov. 13: Bar BINGO, 6-8 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com

Every Fri., & Sat.: Phil Perdue on Piano, 5-9 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

Nov. 11: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 12: Marlin City Madmen, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 13: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 14: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 15: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 16: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 17: 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

Nov. 11: No Cover!, ALL DAY.; John McNutt Duo, 5:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.;

The festival creates both community engagement and networking opportunities for filmmakers at all levels in their careers.

The festival in 2023 will screen approximately 70 films from around the world in local venues, with exclusive premieres of locally-produced films, plus receptions, happy hours, morning coffee get-togethers, and an awards ceremony.

The festival will accept submissions for narrative short, narrative feature, documentary short, and documentary feature films.

From these four categories, the Film Festival jury will specially curate film showcases based on common themes.

Submissions will be judged by a panel, and filmmakers will be notified of acceptance into the festival in January.

General information about the Film Festival is available at OCMDfilmfestival.com.

Funding for past festivals has come from The Town of Ocean City and the Maryland Film Office as well as private individuals and businesses.

The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects.

Veterans Day services set to take place in Pines and OC

Continued from Page 26

Pines ceremony] and then go to the Post,” said American Legion Post 166 Second Vice Commander Bob Paul.

The 76th annual Veterans Day program will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will feature speakers who served in WWII, Cold War and Vietnam War, as well as a Navy SEAL. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza will also say a few words.

“We try to get someone from one of the wars or in the service,” Paul said. “They will talk about joining [the service], and now that they are vets, and the history of what they did.”

In addition, a wreath will be presented in memory of Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) service members.

Snow Hill High School Junior ROTC members will present the colors, “Taps” will be played and there will also be a rifle salute outside the American Legion.

Service awards will be presented as well. A light lunch will be served after the program.

The event is open to the public.

For more information, call the American Legion at 410-289-3166.

Not Leaving Sober, 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Nov. 12: Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; Stealing Savannah, 10:00 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Nov. 13: No Cover!, ALL DAY; Football Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Nov. 17: No Cover!, ALL DAY; Full Circle Duo, 5-9

p.m.; Wild & Scenic Film Festival, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; DJ Connair, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

SHENANIGAN’S IRISH PUB AND GRILLE

309 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-7181 / www.ocshenanigans.com Nov. 12: Closing Party w/Off the Boat , 4-7 p.m.

FULL CIRCLE DUO

Seacrets: Sat., Nov. 12, 5-9 p.m.

PHIL PERDUE

Captain’s Table: Every Fri. & Sat., 5-9 p.m.

Members of Cub Scout Troop 261 and Scout Troops 261 and 621 lead the Pledge of Allegiance at American Legion Post 166 in Ocean City on Veterans Day 2021.

Preparing perfect scrambled eggs

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) Has one ever taken a moment to consider the fascinating occurrences that encompass our daily lives?

Nothing is by chance; every occasion has purpose and should be utilized to the fullest degree.

The kitchen follows suit and is a sanctuary of culinary lore. Shedding light on conundrums that confound chefs not only raises our level of awareness but also enlightens us to a wonderful world of glorious food.

Intention takes us to the theme of the day.

Eggs are one of the most versatile and popular ingredients. M.F.K. Fisher

brilliantly describes an egg as “probably one of the most private things in the world until it is broken.”

Mastery comes in many flavors.

It has been said that when Leonardi da Vinci came to study with Verrocchio, one of the leading artists of the late 15th-century Florence, Leonardo was instructed to draw eggs. Day after day, da Vinci drew eggs, but in the interim questioned the objective. Finally, his instructor told him drawing the same egg is not a simple task.

If you change the observation angle, the lighting and shape of the egg will also change. This fundamental philoso-

Dining Guide

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

■ 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

Relax and let us do the cooking this year!

Carve out a spot for yourself from 1-6 p.m. on November 24th at our uniquely coastal Thanksgiving buffet, featuring cider brined turkey breast, honey glazed ham, lobster crumb baked haddock, cornbread stuffing, and much more! Adults, $39, ages 6-12 $19, ages 5 and under eat FREE. Call and reserve your seats today.

■ 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

Join us for the unique cornucopia of great food and atmosphere this year with our memorable Thanksgiving buffet on November 24th. Serving from 1-5 p.m., our carving station will feature herb butterbased turkey breast, Vermont maple glazed ham, fresh salads, delectable desserts, and all your favorite sides. Adults $39, ages 6-12 $19, ages 5 and under eat FREE. Check out our full menu on coralreefrestaraunt.com and call to make your reservation today!

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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 410-289-4891, 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.

■ PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

108 S. Boardwalk between Caroline and Talbot streets

Full bar

Serving snacks only. Food is welcome. Bring

phy shows the details and intricacy involved in the pursuit of perfection.

Verrocchio’s observation of an egg was quite prolific. The unassuming egg is complexity in its infantile state.

Let us take a closer look at an egg’s intricate interior for further comprehension.

Cooking a flawless egg may seem trivial, but it is not as easy as one thinks.

There are a number of variables that affect the cooking process: altitude, the age of the eggs, the size of the pot that the eggs are cooked in, and the protein bonding temperature.

In high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower than at sea level.

Above 2,000 feet, water boils at a lower temperature (208 F vs 212 F). This means that it also simmers at a

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

There’s always something to be thankful for. For instance, our flavorful buffet on Thanksgiving Day. From 12-5p.m. on November 24th, line up for our carving station, featuring whole tom turkey, brown sugar peppercorn seared salmon, parmesan risotto, fried gnocchi, and alot more! Adults $54, ages 6-12 $24, ages 5 and under eat FREE! Call to reserve your seat for our Turkey Day feast, but for now, visit 32palm.com to feast your eyes on the full menu.

■ MARLIN MOON

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

$$

Celebrate Thanksgiving with us! Enjoy traditional Thanksgiving entrees with a Marlin Moon twist, featuring our carving station and seafood delights. Our amazing buffet is served from 1-6 p.m. on November 24th. Adults $44, ages 6-12 $19, ages 5 and under eat FREE! Please call for seating times and visit marlinmoonocmd.com to see the full menu.

■ 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.

lower temperature.

For about every 500 feet of ascent, the boiling point is lowered 1 degree F. As a result, expect to add a bit of additional cooking time to ensure the eggs reach the desired internal consistency.

The age of the egg is another factor.

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 Tuesday & Wednesday. Open Thursday 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 take-out 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. Top-notch 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) 410-801-1111, 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 FridaySaturday, 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.

Number of variables to cooking ‘flawless egg’

Believe it or not, but fresh farm eggs are good for frying but not boiling. The inner membrane of the egg sticks to the white, making them difficult to boil accurately.

However, this adherence breaks down after a few days and makes them acceptable for cooking in hot water.

Choosing the right size pot to cook your eggs in is probably the most overlooked step in boiling eggs.

The first step is to bring your eggs to room temperature, they are less likely to crack in hot water.

Eggs should not be stacked but be placed in one layer; positioning eggs on top of each other can result in uneven cooking.

In addition, add enough cold water to cover them completely by one-inch of water. Too much water will take too long for the water to come to a boil, which can throw off the timing and produce rubbery eggs.

Protein bonding temperature is important for understanding the transformation of egg whites and yolks.

Under 140 degrees F – the whites protein unfurls, but at 150 degrees F, the protein in egg whites coagulates and the protein in egg yolks congeals at 158 degrees F.

The longer one heats the proteins, the tighter they will bond with each other. The tightness of these bonds determines whether the eggs are cooked just right or overcooked.

Scrambles eggs are the most common way to prepare eggs. What can be easier than the mixing of egg whites and yolks? You might want to rethink that thought. Allow me to explain.

When mixing egg white and yolks, some form of liquid needs to be added for a creamier consistency. Otherwise, you will end up with a dense scramble. Milk or cream are your best options. Just a tiny splash per egg will do the trick.

The mixing of egg whites and yolks not only blends the ingredients together but also incorporates air into the mixture.

If you desire a souffle texture, place egg whites, yolks and milk into a blender before you add your other ingredients. This technique will yield a texture that is velvety smooth.

Scrambled eggs should be cooked in nonstick pans. While I love my cast iron skillet, some of the egg mixture will stick to the pan.

Always mix the eggs in a small bowl before placing them in the pan. Cracking the eggs directly into the pan and using a spoon or spatula will result in a streaky scramble.

Scrambled eggs should be cooked slowly over medium heat. If you rush the dish, the eggs will be dry.

Just before the eggs are fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat, and continue to cook. This is another way to prevent overcooking.

Scrambled egg-eaters fall into one of two categories: big curd lovers and small curd enthusiasts.

For large, creamy curds, use a sweeping motion with the spatula, covering as much surface area as possible as you cook the eggs. For a smaller, finer curd, use small, rapid circles.

Add-ins are assumed when scrambling eggs. If your heart’s desire is cheese, use shredded or crumbled. Chunks of cheese do not have time to melt properly.

Fresh herbs, veggies and meats are also popular choices. A touch of crème fraiche and caviar puts this humble dish over the top.

Scrambled eggs are always a hit at buffets. Instead of one big pan where everyone helps themselves, consider

espresso cups with individual portions. It is more personalized and elegant way to showcase the eggs.

As you can see, there are many choices when it comes to scrambled eggs. And it is the pursuit for the perfect scrambled egg that makes it a delicious feat. Enjoy!

Classic Scrambled Eggs

4 large eggs

¼ cup half-n-half ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter fresh herbs or freshly ground black pepper as a garnish

1. In a medium bowl, aggressively whisk the eggs, cream, and salt until well

blended.

2. Melt butter in a small nonstick pan over medium heat, make sure to coat the entire pan with butter.

3. Add eggs to the center of the pan and immediately reduce heat to medium-low.

4. Wait for the edges to barely set. Using a rubber spatula, gently push the eggs toward the center.

5. When the eggs are almost done, remove the pan from the heat and stir until done.

6. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with freshly ground black pepper or herbs.

Secret Ingredient – Choice. “We make our choices, then our choices make us.”

– Anonymous

Winter Train Garden display set up at Ocean City Library

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Ocean City Branch of the Worcester County Library will host a magical Winter Train Garden, returning Nov. 15 through Jan. 15.

The Winter Train Garden is provided from the personal collection of train enthusiast Dennis Moore, a local resident.

Visitors of all ages will delight in interacting with buttons that activate accessories and sounds.

A scavenger hunt for young patrons will also be available.

The Winter Train Garden is open during the library’s normal operating

hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, contact the Ocean City Branch at 410-524-1818, or visit 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

Facebook: Worcester County Maryland Library

Instagram: worcesterlibrarymd

The mission of the Worcester County Library is to promote reading, thinking, learning, and the enjoyment of the arts.

Thanksgiving dinner at church

(Nov. 11, 2022) The 43rd annual free Thanksgiving dinner will again be held at the Ocean City Baptist Church on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The church is located at 102 North Division Street in downtown Ocean City, next to the 7-11.

Anyone who is looking for a good, home-cooked meal this Thanksgiving Day is invited to a free dinner.

The men and women of the church and community will be preparing and serving the meal.

The menu includes: turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, string beans, corn, cranberry sauce, different pies, rolls and butter.

Call Ocean City Baptist Church for information or to RSVP to dinner: 410-289-4054 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, or, sign-up online at OCBaptist.com.

Volunteers will also be taking dinner to shut-ins. Call and provide a location of someone who needs dinner, in Ocean City or West Ocean City, and it will be delivered to them.

CROSSWORD

The Ocean City Branch of the Worcester County Library will host a magical Winter Train Garden, returning Nov. 15 through Jan. 15.

(Nov. 11, 2022) For the 12th consecutive year, Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) and the Assateague Coastkeeper will bring the internationally-recognized Wild & Scenic Film Festival (WSFF) to Seacrets.

The festival focuses on films which both celebrate the splendor of the planet and speak to environmental concerns the Earth faces.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival inspires environmental activism and a love for nature – through film.

The program for the evening will feature 15 films, including “If You Give a Beach a Bottle,” that explores ocean pollution, along with “Can’t Beat This Place for Fun,” which features the building process and deep conversation legacy of Grand Canyon dories.

ACT will host the event in Seacrets’ Morley Hall on 49th Street in Ocean City on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Doors opening 6:30 p.m.

This year’s opening act is local Eastern Shore band, Wildhorse, which includes members Jonathan Chase, Charlie Travers and Dean Haemel.

Bryan Russo will be the emcee.

There will also be a silent auction with gift baskets that include items from local merchants, restaurants

and artists. Raffle items, and event specials will also complement the evening.

“This festival is a natural extension of Assateague Coastal Trust’s work to inspire people to act on behalf of the environment,” Assateague Coastkeeper Gabby Ross said. “The staff at ACT, a local community non-profit, works all year to keep our coastal waterways swimmable, fishable, and recreational through citizen advocacy programs, youth education programs, and most importantly by working toward strong, fair and equitable environmental policy at the local and state level.”

Individual tickets cost $25, or get five tickets for $100. To purchase tickets, visit www.actforbays.org/wsff.

Assateague Coastal Trust is the Waterkeeper Alliance program for the coastal watershed of lower Delmarva. It is part of a global network of non-profit organizations fighting for every community’s right to water that is fishable and swimmable.

Working arm in arm with diverse community partners, it protects and defends the health of Delmarva’s coastal waters through advocacy, education, science and the enforcement of just and equitable clean water laws.

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Worcester County Arts Council’s Gallery will be exhibiting “Small Treasures,” a juried art competition, through November and December.

This exhibition includes 29 original artworks submitted by established and emerging artists, with work in all media.

Although the subject of this show was open to artists’ personal inspiration and interpretation, the main objective of this show was to encourage and challenge artists to become involved in the world of miniature art.

Entries submitted for the competition were judged by local artist Martha Graham.

Awards will be presented on Friday, Nov. 11 at the open to the public reception to be held from 5-7 p.m. All artwork is available for purchase.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Worcester County Arts Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, promote, and encourage visual, performing, and literary arts in Worcester County.

As designated by the Maryland State Arts Council County arts agency, the Worcester County Arts Council is committed to fostering the excellence, diversity, and vitality of arts, artists, and arts organizations and increasing access to the arts for all members of our community.

The Worcester County Arts Council is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council and supported by memberships, donations, and local sponsorships.

Fri., Nov. 11

MID-MORNING CRAFT;MAKE A WISH (11:11)

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 10:30 a.m. Make some crafts to celebrate all of the wish makers and dreamers. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-2600. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY; OCEAN PINES

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines. 11 a.m.

The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation will host a traditional ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day. Ceremony will include patriotic music from the Delmarva Chorus, a color guard presentation of Local Legion representatives, and an address by guest speaker Dr. Jeff Hilovsky.

AGH PENGUIN SWIM APPRECIATION WEEKEND

The Shrimp Boat Restaurant and Seafood Market, 9724 Stephen Decatur Highway, Ocean City, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Featuring $12/lb. or 5lb. for $50 shrimp. Eat in or carry out, steamed or raw. $1.99 steamed crabs. Eat in or Carry out, available till 3pm each day. Bake sale. Leave a donation take home a dessert! (410) 213-0448.

HOBBIES CLUB; CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 1 p.m. Explore the world of storytelling, poetry and more. The group will begin with a simple idea with participants. For ages 6 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600.

76TH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, Annual Veterans Day ceremony at 1:30 p.m. The event will feature speakers who served in WWII, Cold War and Vietnam War, wreath presented in memory of P.O.W., Snow Hill High School Junior ROTC presenting the colors, “Taps" being played and a rifle salute. Service awards will also be presented. A light lunch will be served after. Open to the public. For more information, call the America Legion at 410-289-3166

OCEAN PINES BOOK OF THE MONTH: ABUNDANCE; BY SENA JETER NASLUND

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 2 p.m. Marie Antoinette was sent from her family and country at the age of 14 to become the wife of the future King of France. Books available at the branch. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR St. Matthews by-the-Sea United

Methodist Church, 1000 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island. 5-8 p.m., Featuring baked goods, crafts, jewelry, White Elephant sale, attic treasures and more. Serving chili. Donna, 301-512-7146.

Sat., Nov. 12

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

St. Matthews by-the-Sea United Methodist Church, 1000 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Featuring baked goods, crafts, jewelry, White Elephant sale, attic treasures and more. Serving homemade soups. Donna, 301-512-7146.

AGH PENGUIN SWIM APPRECIATION WEEKEND

The Shrimp Boat Restaurant and Seafood Market, 9724 Stephen Decatur Highway, Ocean City, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Featuring $12/lb. or 5lb. for $50 shrimp. Eat in or carry out, steamed or raw. $1.99 steamed crabs. Eat in or Carry out, available till 3pm each day. Bake sale. Leave a donation take home a dessert! (410) 213-0448.

SHOPPER FAIR

Willards Fire Co, 35356 Regnault St., Willards, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Featuring many different vendors, breakfast and lunch items and baked goods available. 757408-3170.

8TH ANNUAL STORM WARRIORS 5K WALK AND RUN

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 9-11 a.m., Registration begins at 8 a.m. Awards in many age groups and an overall award. Participation cost is $30 at https://www.ocmuseum.org/5k-walkrun. Benefiting the museum.

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 9:30 a.m. Big Bird is back to tell his story and talk about all things fishing. Also, updates on the new whale migration speed limits, menhaden rules and members charter trips. All welcome. 410-6417662.

44TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 Fourth St., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Christmas Home Place, vintage and new jewelry, bakery delights and gifts, silent auction and carry out lunch (chicken salad and homemade soups). AUMC Thirft Shop will also be open. 410-2897430.

DIANA MCDONOUGH RELEASE OF; GINGER STAR

The Greyhound - An Indie Bookstore, 9 S. Main St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Local author Diana McDonough will be selling and signing her newest novel. This book completes the trilogy of the; Stuck in the

Onesies series. dianamcdonough.com.

CRAFTY SATURDAY; PAPER PLATE CRAFTS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 10 a.m. Make animals, masks, boats, cars and more out of paper plates. Prepare for a mess. For ages 4 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

DRIVE THRU LUNCH

Powellville Volunteer Fire Co, 5085 Powellville Road, Pittsville, 10 a.m. Offering oyster fritter sandwiches for $12, chicken salad sandwiches for $5 or $8 per pint, Maryland crab soup for $7, pint of chili for $6 and peas and dumplings for $6. 410-251-1647.

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURE

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

SATURDAY MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill, 11 a.m. Join the group for this biographical football movie starring Denzel Washington. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600.

JEWELRY MAKING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 12-2 p.m., Spend the afternoon make jewelry. Supplies will be provided to share, but feel free to bring your own also. For ages 12 years and older. Registration required: www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410632-2600.

LOWER SHORE LAND TRUST FLANNEL FORMAL

The Manor at Brooklyn Meadows, 10442 Katelyn Lane, Berlin, 3-6 p.m., Pig roast, shucked oysters, desserts, bloody Mary bar, craft beer, wine, outdoor yard games and live music. Wear your best flannel. Tickets cost $75 at www.lowershorelandtrust.org or 443-234-5587.

POT ROAST DINNER

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 5-7 p.m., Homemade tender pot roast with potatoes, green beans, salad and dessert. Cost is $15. Dine-in or carryout. Call 410-641-2186 or email bethany21811@gmail.com by Nov. 11 to place an order.

Sun., Nov. 13

MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY PRESENTS; EIGHT SEASONS

Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, 3 p.m.

Tickets cost $50 at www.midatlanticsymphony.org or 888-846-8600. There are a limited amount of free tickets for students 18 years and younger with tickets for accompanying parents for $10 each.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $75, $65 and $55. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Art League of Ocean City. Tickets: https://ocmdperformingartscenter.com/upcoming-events/fiddler-on-the-roof22.

Mon., Nov. 14

MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS REPORT CARD AND STATE OF THE BAYS

Ocean City Marlin Club Inc, 9659 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, 1-5 p.m., Unveiling of the 2021 Coastal Bays Report Card and the five-year State of the Bays report. Public is welcomed to come learn about the current results and initiatives to protect the Coastal Bays. 410-2132297.

MONDAY MUSIC MASTERS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 410632-2600. 1 p.m. Learn how to build your own sound. Hear how different sounds can be made using various methods on instruments. Recommended for children ages 9 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness, may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

GREATEST SPORTS MOVIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 2 p.m. Each monthly selection depicts human struggles and come-from-behind victories, proving always that sport is life. Check to see what's playing at www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

STORY STONES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 3:30 p.m. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month and learn about story stones and make some for yourself. For ages 8 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600.

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.

TED TALK: CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill, 5:30 p.m. Elena Coelho facilitates a few talks that look at race through art. Join in for some stimulating and thought-provoking conversations. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

Tues., Nov. 15

PARACHUTE GAMES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Calling all movers and shakers to participate in the library fun parachute game. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

STORY TIME; NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and finger-plays. A take-home activity will be included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10:30 a.m. Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

BLOCK PARTY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 11 a.m. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers, join in for a block party. Play with blocks and other toys while socializing with other families. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

TRIVIA WITH JIM MECKLEY TALKING TURKEY WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 34:30 p.m., A turkey time trivia contest. Prizes awarded to the top three teams. Refreshments provided. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600.

NINTENDO SWITCH GAME NIGHT

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 5 p.m. Play Nintendo Switch on a large projector. For ages 10 years and older and their families. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600.

UPCYCLED CRAFT NIGHT & WREATHS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City, 5:30 p.m. An evening of crafting with upcycled items. Supplies provided but space is limited. Register: www.worces-

terlibrary.org under "Events" or 410-957-0878.

Wed., Nov. 16

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County. Meets the third and fourth Wednesday of each month for surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatrics Center, 410-641-9568.

KIWANIS COAT & TOY DRIVE

Ocean Pines Community Center Parking Lot, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 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.

EASTERN SHORE SEWIST

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin, 10 a.m. Sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

STORY TIME; SHAPES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10:30 a.m. Practice recognizing shapes with stories and games. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. & ‘Jack’ Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m., For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410548-7880.

SMITH ISLAND CAKE DEMO

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 2 p.m. Lisa Evans teaches the secrets and tips for making this famous cake. Sampling included. Registration required: www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Berlin, 3-4 p.m., For stroke survivors, family and friends. bglime@atlanticgeneral.org. 410-6414765.

PUZZLE PIECE WREATHS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin, 3:30 p.m. Use hot glue to make wreaths. Parental supervision required. For ages 10 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600.

Thur., Nov. 17

CPAP MASK FITTING

General Hospital Sleep Disorders 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, Ocean City, 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. 410-6322600.

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill, 10:30 a.m. Join the group for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410632-2600.

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 11 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20minute lesson on genealogy research followed by a Q&A session. Bring your family information. Registration requested: www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410632-2600.

WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT JOB FAIR

Worcester County Human Resources, 1 W. Market St., Snow Hill, 12-3 p.m., Computers will be available for job seekers to complete and submit applications onsite. For a list of jobs: https://worcesterhr.co.worcester.md.us/. Info: Ann Hankins, 410-632-0090.

JIMI HENDRIX IMMORTAL

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 2 p.m. Jimi Hendrix is regarded as the most innovative and influential guitarist in history. Join Frank DeLucco and Harry Burkett for a trip through the purple haze. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600.

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin, 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books you have read and want to share. www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600.

EXPUNGEMENT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City, 4-6 p.m., The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service will host a virtual expungement session. Clients attend in person and receive assistance from volunteer attorneys. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-9570878.

ZUMBA FOR ALL

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin, 4:305:30 p.m., Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an. hour of movement. Register: www.worcesterli-

brary.org under Events. 410-632-2600.

2022 WILD SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL

Seacrets, 117 49th St., Ocean City, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Featuring 15 films, a silent auction, raffle items and event specials. Tickets cost $25 each or 5 for $100 at www.actforbays.org/wsff. 410-629-1538.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

Holloway Hall Auditorium, 1101 Camden Ave., Salisbury, 7:30-9 p.m., Tickets $10. Enjoy live music from the Salisbury Percussion Ensemble. Both In-Person and Virtual.

https://www.salisbury.edu/academicoffices/liberal-arts/music-theatre-anddance/performing-arts-box-office.aspx. 410-543-6228.

ONGOING EVENTS

WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, Nov. 17 through Dec. 31. An expanded walking tour through thousands of sparkling holiday lights. Also featuring hot chocolate, photos with Santa, gift shop and a 50-foot Christmas tree. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Admission cost is $6 for adults and free to children 11 years and younger. Event is weather permitting. Pets are welcome on Wednesdays. 410250-0125, 800-626-2326

WINTER TRAIN GARDEN

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, Nov. 15 through Jan. 15, 2023. Interact with buttons that activate accessories and sounds and participate in a scavenger hunt. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TINY ART CONTEST ‘CLAY EDITION’ Takes place at all branches of the Worcester County Library. Pick up a Take & Make Kit from November 1-12. Submit your creation by Nov. 14 for judging. First place winners from each branch will win an art kit. For ages 6-10 years and 11-15 years.

ART EXHIBIT

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, until Jan. 31. Featuring 3-D framed pictures created mostly from vintage jewelry plus picture of crabs, birds and seascapes produced from products of the sea. 410-208-4014.

36 Ocean City Today November 11, 2022 *

sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200 Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters & Carpenters

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility

Up to $20/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

with locations in Ocean Pines, Clarksville, and Long Neck,is now hiring for full and part times salespersons. Experience a plus but will train the right person.Great Pay & Benefits. Call Joel – 302-344-9769

TAX PREPARER

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS

GREAT-GREAT-GREAT

Full Service automotive center, now has openings for Technicians. Must be dependable. Fast paced, energetic atmosphere with advancement opportunities! Call Matt – 302-344-9846 Exc. Pay & Benefits !! Locations in Long Neck, Ocean View & Ocean Pines Hiring

OPPORTUNITIES!!!!

Part time Caregiver needed. Bathing, dressing, medication. 443-904-5373.

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.

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.

Year-Round Studio Rental, 32nd Street, OC. $1200/month plus utilities. No pets. Available now. 410-524-0295

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

available in West Ocean City. Each are approximately 1600 HELP WANTED HELP WANTED SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 410-723-6397 for pricing!

& Seasonal Rentals

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

COMMERCIAL

Early Deadline *

For Thanksgiving Issue, Nov. 25.

Grade 16 - Starting Salary Range: $42,661 to $47,091 annually (Starting salary may be higher depending on experience)

Application Closing Date: Open Until Filled Join the talented, collegial Assignment and Jury Team of the Circuit Court. The position is responsible for calendar assignment and coordination of civil matters and is also involved in criminal case assignment and jury management. Strong organizational, communication, technical and interpersonal skills are required.

410-723-6397 PUT COLOR IN YOUR CLASSIFIEDS! CALL 410-723-6397

2 ROOMMATE Advertise your winter rentals. GET IT RENTED HERE! 410-723-6397 www.oceancitytoday.com • www.baysideoc.com

for appointment. BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

SERVICES

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

DOG, PETS, LIVESTOCK, PET SUPPLIES

Use Happy Jack® Kennel Dip as an area spray to control Lyme disease ticks, fleas, stable

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!

Call 410-723-6397 by Monday 5 p.m. www. ocean city today .com Or de r YOur C lassi f ieds O nline !

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

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

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

Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397 TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND Executive Administrator Position Opening The Town of Snow Hill seeks a qualified candidate for its Executive Administrator position. PAY RATE: Hourly, TBD commensurate with qualifications/experience. Full-time, health insurance, retirement, vacation, sick, personal and holidays. JOB DESCRIPTION: Provides direct and indirect support to Town Manager, Mayor & Council in management of Town Hall office and various departments. Human resources, insurance management, administration. Visit www.snowhillmd.gov for Job Description. TO APPLY: Email letter of interest & resumé to Rick Pollitt, Town Manager, by November 18, 2022. townmanager@snowhillmd.com COMMERCIAL SPACE AVAILABLE South Gate, Ocean Pines 1400 sq. ft. Open floor plan w/private office, kitchenette, bath. Call (410) 430-3758 COMMERCIAL WINTER WEEKLY RENTALS Utililites Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581 Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.

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

1-855407-6870

• Convenient • Quick • No Waiting, No Calls • Days, Nights & Weekends

Apply through the Worcester County Human Resources Department: https://worcesterhr.co.worcester.md.us/

BRADFORD I. WEBB, ASSIGNEE ANDREW L. HARTMAN, ASSIGNEE

ASSIGNEES' SALE OF A

SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING

503 Cedar St. Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Mortgage from Faith M. Thomas to Rural Housing Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture dated 1/28/1994 and recorded in Liber 2025, Folio 478 among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, the holder of the indebtedness secured by a Mortgage assigned to Bradford I. Webb and Andrew L. Hartman, Assignees by instrument duly executed, acknowledged and recorded among the Land Records of the County aforesaid, default having occurred under the terms thereof, an Order to Docket having been filed C-23-CV19-000371 and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the Assignees will offer for sale at public auction

AT THE WORCESTER COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2022 AT 11:00AM

ALL THAT LOT OF GROUND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON situated in Worcester County, Maryland and described as follows:

See legal description set forth in the certain Deed dated January 28, 1994 and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County in Liber 2025, folio 475.

The property is improved by a dwelling. In fee-simple.

The property and improvements will be sold in an "AS IS" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting same, including building and/or environmental violations, if any, with no warranty, expressed or implied as to the description or condition of the property or improvements.

TERMS OF SALE: A certified check or other method of payment acceptable to Assignees (CASH NOT ACCEPTABLE), for Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) at the time of sale will be required of all purchasers other than the mortgage holder. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid in cash within ten (10) business days of the final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. If payment of the balance does not take place within ten (10) business days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser. Unless purchased by the mortgage holder, interest will be paid on unpaid purchase money at the rate of interest set forth in the note from date of sale to date of settlement. Taxes, public charges and assessments and HOA assessments, if any, to be adjusted for the current

year to date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Cost of all transfer and recordation taxes shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for removing anyone in possession of the premises.

If Assignee is unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law or in equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Assignees.

Bradford I. Webb, Assignee –410-857-3222

Andrew L. Hartman, Assignee –443-825-4065

www.tidewaterauctions.com OCD-11/10/3t

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

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

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 against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other de-

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/27/3t

NOTICE OF SALE

$28,625,000*

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CONSOLIDATED PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS, 2022 SERIES

Overview. Electronic bids only via Parity® (as referred to herein, “Parity”) will be received for the abovecaptioned issue of general obligation bonds (the “Bonds”) of County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland (the “County”) by the Finance Officer of the County (the “Finance Officer”) on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 (unless rescheduled) (in either such case, the “Bid Date”), until 10:45 a.m. prevailing Eastern time (“ET”) on the Bid Date for the purchase of the County’s Consolidated Public Improvement Bonds, 2022 Series (the “Bonds”).

By submitting a bid,a bidder represents and warrants to the County that (i) its bid is submitted by an officeroragentdulyauthorizedtobind such bidder to a legal, valid and enforceablecontractforthepurchaseof the Bonds, and (ii) it has an establishedindustryreputationforunderwriting new issuances of municipal bonds.

Dated Date and Interest Payment Dates. The Bonds will be dated as of the date of delivery of the Bonds. Interest on the Bonds will be payable on August 1, 2023 and semiannually thereafter on February 1 and August 1 until maturity or earlier redemption.

Principal Amounts and Principal Payment Dates. The Bonds will be subject to principal amortization either through serial maturities or mandatory sinking fund redemptions or a combination thereof, as described below. The Bonds will be issued in the aggregate principal amount of $28,625,000* and will mature or be subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption on August 1 in the following years and in the following amounts, subject to adjustment as described under “Adjustments” below:

Year of Principal Maturity* Amount* 2023 $1,090,000 2024 1,395,000 2025 1,465,000 2026 1,535,000 2027 1,620,000 2028 1,700,000 2029 1,785,000 2030 1,875,000 2031 1,975,000 2032 2,080,000 2033 2,185,000

2034 2,295,000 2035 2,415,000 2036 2,540,000 2037 2,670,000

Serial Bonds and/or Term Bonds. A bidder may designate in its bid two or more consecutive principal amounts specified above as a term bond, which matures on the maturity date of the last included principal amount of the sequence. More than one such sequence of principal amounts may be designated as a term bond. Any term bond so designated shall be subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption in each year on the principal payment date and in the entire amount of each installment payment designated for inclusion in such term bond, as adjusted if applicable.

Adjustments. After selecting the winning bid for the Bonds, the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds and the principal amortization schedule may be adjusted as determined by the County. Any such adjustments will not reduce the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds by more than 15%. The dollar amount bid for the Bonds by the winning bidder will be adjusted proportionately to reflect any decrease in the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds finally determined to be issued. Any such adjustment will be communicated to the winning bidder by 4:45 p.m. ET on the Bid Date. Interest rates specified by the successful bidder for all maturities will not change. The successful bidder may not withdraw its bid as a result of any changes made within these limits. Any such adjusted bid price will reflect changes in the dollar amount of the underwriter’s discount and original issue discount or premium, if any, but will not change the underwriter’s discount per $1,000 of par amount of the Bonds from the underwriter’s discount that would have been received based on the purchase price in the winning bid, the coupon rates or initial offering prices specified by the successful bidder. The successful bidder for the Bonds as so adjusted may not withdraw its bid or change the interest rates bid or initial offering prices as a result of any changes made to the principal amounts of the Bonds within these limits. ALL BIDS SHALL REMAIN FIRM FOR 6 HOURS AFTER THE BID DEADLINE.

General Obligations. The Bonds will be unconditional general obligation bonds of the County and will be issued upon its full faith and credit and unlimited taxing power, which will be irrevocably pledged to the prompt payment of the principal of and interest on all of the Bonds as the same become due.

Bond Registrar and Paying Agent; Book-Entry Only. The principal of the Bonds will be payable at the designated corporate trust office of Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (the “Bond Registrar and Paying Agent”). The Bonds will be issued in book-entry only form and held under The Depository Trust Company’s “FAST” system.

Use of Proceeds. The Bonds are being issued to finance or reimburse (a) project expenditures relating to

(i) Phase 2 improvements to the Worcester County Jail, (ii) a new Public Safety Logistical Storage Facility, (iii) an addition to Stephen Decatur Middle School, and (iv) a belt filter press in the Ocean Pines service area, and (b) costs of issuance and other related costs of the Bonds.

Optional Redemption. The Bonds maturing on or after August 1, 2033 are subject to redemption at the option of the County prior to their respective maturities, as a whole or in part on any date on or after August 1, 2032, in any order of maturity directed by the County, upon payment of a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Bonds (or portions thereof) to be redeemed, together with accrued interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the date fixed for redemption at the rate or rates stated in the Bonds to be redeemed in whole or in part, without premium or penalty.

Notice of and Procedure for Redemption. The procedures for redemption of the Bonds, including for giving notice of such redemption, are described in the Preliminary Official Statement (hereinafter defined) and are incorporated herein by reference.

Electronic Bids. Bids must be submitted by electronic bidding via Parity and submitted by 10:45 a.m. ET. No bid will be accepted after the time for receiving bids for the Bonds. To the extent any instructions or directions set forth in Parity conflict with this Notice of Sale, the terms of this Notice of Sale shall control. For further information about Parity, potential bidders may contact Parity (212) 849-5021.

Each prospective electronic bidder shall be solely responsible to submit its bid via Parity and to make the arrangements to access Parity. Neither the County nor Parity shall (i) have any duty or obligation to provide or assure access to Parity, (ii) be responsible for proper operation of Parity, or (iii) have any liability for any delays or interruptions of, or any damages caused by Parity. The County is using Parity as a communication mechanism, and not as the County’s agent, to conduct the electronic bidding for the Bonds and the County is not bound by any advice and determination of Parity to the effect that any particular bid complies with the terms of this Notice of Sale. Each bidder is solely responsible for the costs and expenses of submitting its bid via Parity. If difficulties are encountered, please contact Parity at (212) 849-5021 and notify the County’s financial advisor, Davenport & Company LLC, by facsimile at (866) 932-6660.

Electronic bids must be submitted for the purchase of the Bonds (all or none) via Parity. Prior to the specified deadline for the Bonds, a prospective bidder may (1) submit the proposed terms of its bid via Parity, (2) modify the proposed terms of its bid, in which event the proposed terms as last modified will (unless the bid is withdrawn as described herein) constitute its bid for the Bonds, or (3) withdraw its proposed bid. Once the bid deadline occurs, each bid will constitute an irrevocable offer to purchase the Bonds on the terms therein provided, subject

to this Notice of Sale. For purposes of the electronic bidding process, the time as maintained on Parity shall constitute the official time.

Bidding Constraints. Each bidder must submit a bid for the Bonds on an “all or none” basis. Bidders may specify more than one rate of interest to be borne by the Bonds but all Bonds of the same maturity must bear interest at a single rate; no split or supplemental interest rates and no conditional bids are permitted. The specified interest rates must be in multiples of one-eighth (1/8) or one-twentieth (1/20) of one percent (1%). A zero rate may not be named for any maturity. Bids for the Bonds must not be for less than 100% of par or more than 115% of par, the highest interest rate specified for the Bonds may not exceed the lowest interest rate in the same bid by more than 300 basis points and the maximum permitted coupon is five percent (5%). By submitting a bid for Bonds, a bidder agrees, if it is the successful bidder for the Bonds, to (1) provide to the County full and complete pricing information with respect to the Bonds in a timely manner so that the County may fulfill its obligation relating to the delivery of the Official Statement to the purchaser of the Bonds within seven business days following the award, including, without limitation, the offering price(s), interest rate(s), selling compensation, and other similar information; (2) comply with the requirements of SEC Rule 15c2-12 (the “Rule”), applicable federal and state securities laws and the applicable rules of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (the “MSRB”) in connection with the offer and sale of the Bonds; and (3) timely cause copies of the final Official Statement to be filed with the MSRB.

Establishment of Issue Price. The County expects and intends that the provisions of U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.148-1(f)(3)(i) (defining “competitive sale” for purpose of establishing the issue price of the Bonds) will apply to the initial sale of the Bonds. If such competitive sale requirements are met, the successful bid for the Bonds will be treated as a “Qualified Competitive Bid.” If such competitive sale requirements are not met, the successful bid for the Bonds will be treated as a “Nonqualified Competitive Bid.”

If the apparent successful bid is a Qualified Competitive Bid, as promptly as possible after the bid deadline, the County will notify the apparent successful bidder and such bidder shall advise the County of the reasonably expected initial offering price to the public of each maturity of the Bonds. In addition, the successful bidder shall be required to provide to the County information to establish the reasonably expected initial offering price for each maturity of the Bonds for federal income tax purposes by completing a certificate acceptable to bond counsel to the County, on or before the date of issuance of the Bonds, substantially in the form of Appendix E-1 to the Preliminary Official Statement, with appropriate completions, edits and attachments.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law. These three weeks of notification begins on Nov. 10, 2022.

If the apparent successful bid is a Nonqualified Competitive Bid, as promptly as possible after the bid deadline, the County will notify the apparent successful bidder and such bidder shall advise the County of the initial sale price or initial offering price to the public, as applicable, of each maturity of the Bonds. In addition, the successful bidder will be required to provide to the County information and assurances to establish the initial sale price or the initial offering price to the public, as applicable, for each maturity of the Bonds for federal income tax purposes by completing a certificate acceptable to bond counsel to the County, on or before the date of issuance of the Bonds, substantially in the form of Appendix E-2 to the Preliminary Official Statement, with appropriate completions, edits and attachments. It is noted that the procedures for a Nonqualified Competitive Bid may require the winning bidder and, if applicable, other underwriters of the Bonds, to hold the initial offering prices of the Bonds for some or all maturities of the Bonds for up to five (5) business days after the sale date. Bids will not be subject to cancellation if the holdthe-offering price rule applies to any maturity of the Bonds.

All actions to be taken on behalf of the County under this Notice of Sale to establish the issue price of the Bonds may be taken on behalf of the County by the County’s financial advisor, Davenport & Company LLC, and any notice or report to be provided to the County may be provided to the County’s financial advisor Davenport & Company LLC or bond counsel to the County.

Good Faith Deposit. The successful bidder for the Bonds shall submit a good faith deposit for the Bonds in the amount of $286,250 (the “Deposit”). The Deposit shall be trans-

ferred by federal funds wire transfer no later than 3:00 p.m. ET on the Bid Date (the “Deposit Deadline”). Wire instructions will be provided to the successful bidder of the Bonds by the County’s financial advisor upon verification of bids submitted, identification of the successful bidder for the Bonds and prior to the Deposit Deadline. The successful bidder for the Bonds will provide the federal funds wire reference number for its Deposit to the County’s financial advisor as quickly as it is available.

Notification of the award of the Bonds, if made, will be indicated on Parity and shall not be made until after confirmation of receipt of the Deposit and adoption by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of a resolution making the award. If a Deposit is not received by the Deposit Deadline, the County will have the option to not award the Bonds without any liability to the successful bidder and the successful bidder shall be responsible to the County for all consequential damages arising from such failure.

The Deposit of the successful bidder will be retained by the County to be applied in partial payment for the Bonds and no interest will be allowed or paid upon the amount thereof, but in the event a successful bidder shall fail to comply with the terms of its bid, the proceeds thereof will be retained as and for full liquidated damages.

Award of Bonds. The County will not consider and will reject any bid for the purchase of less than all of the Bonds. THE RIGHT IS RESERVED TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS FOR THE BONDS AND TO WAIVE ANY IRREGULARITY OR NON-CONFORMITY IN ANY BID. The award of the Bonds, if made, will be made to the bidder offering the lowest interest cost to the County. The lowest interest cost

shall be determined in accordance with the true interest cost (“TIC”) method by doubling the semiannual interest rate (compounded semiannually) necessary to discount the debt service payments from the payment dates to the date of the Bonds and to the price bid. If two or more bidders for the Bonds bid the same lowest TIC, the Bonds shall be awarded to the bidder offering the highest premium and, if the highest premium is offered by two or more such bidders or if no premium is bid by any such bidders, the Bonds may be awarded, with their consent, in a ratable portion among such bidders, or the County, in its discretion, may award all of the Bonds to one bidder. The judgment of the County shall be final and binding upon all bidders with respect to the form and adequacy of any bid received and as to its conformity to the terms of this Notice of Sale.

CUSIP Numbers. CUSIP numbers for the Bonds will be applied for by the County’s financial advisor, but the County will assume no obligation for the assignment or printing of such numbers on the Bonds or for the correctness of such numbers, and neither the failure to print such numbers on any of the Bonds nor any error with respect thereto shall constitute cause for a failure or refusal by the successful bidder for the Bonds to accept delivery of and make payment for the Bonds.

Preliminary Official Statement. The Preliminary Official Statement of the County concerning the Bonds (the “Preliminary Official Statement”) is in a form “deemed final” by the County for purposes of SEC Rule 15c2-12(b)(1) (the “Rule”) but is subject to revision, amendment and completion in the final Official Statement.

Continuing Disclosure. In order to assist bidders in complying with

the SEC Rule 15c2-12(b)(5), the County, pursuant to a continuing disclosure agreement, will undertake to provide certain information annually and notices of the occurrence of certain enumerated events. The proposed form of the Continuing Disclosure Agreement is set forth as Appendix D to the Preliminary Official Statement.

Official Statement. As soon as practicable after the award of the Bonds to the successful bidder on the day of sale, the County will authorize the final Official Statement for the Bonds (the “Official Statement”). By submitting its bid for the Bonds, the successful bidder agrees to provide the County with pricing information and such other information as the County may require in order that the County may provide the successful bidder with a final Official Statement in compliance with the Rule. Whether or not any such information is included in the Official Statement (and any amendment or supplement thereto), such successful bidder shall be responsible to the County and its officials in all respects for the accuracy, fairness and completeness of such information, and for all decisions made with respect to the use or omission of such information in any re-offering of the Bonds, including the presentation or exclusion of any such information in any documents, including the Official Statement. Within seven (7) business days after the award of the Bonds to the successful bidder therefor, the County will deliver to the successful bidders an Official Statement, which is expected to be substantially in the form of the Preliminary Official Statement. The successful bidder will also be furnished, without cost (except to the extent an amendment or supplement is required due to a change in information provided by or on behalf of the successful bidder), with an electronic copy and, if requested, with a reasonable number of hard copies of the Official Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto.

Delivery of the Bonds. Delivery of the Bonds will be made to the successful bidder through the facilities of DTC on or about November 30, 2022. On the closing date, bond counsel will deliver an opinion substantially in the form of Appendix B to the Preliminary Official Statement and the County will deliver customary closing documents as described in the Preliminary Official Statement. Payment of the net purchase price for the Bonds shall be made in immediately available funds.

Right to Modify Notice of Sale.

The County reserves the right to modify any provisions of this Notice of Sale, including, without limitation, to reschedule the Bid Date or time of sale, or to change the preliminary amortization schedule for the Bonds or the bidding parameters for the Bonds; any such modifications shall be made not later than 9:30 a.m. ET on the Bid Date and communicated through Parity or TM3 News Service. Any bid submitted shall be in accordance with and be deemed to incorporate this Notice of Sale, in-

cluding any modifications so made. Additional Information. The Preliminary Official Statement of the County concerning the Bonds, and copies of this Notice of Sale may be obtained from Mr. Phillip G. Thompson, Finance Officer, Worcester County Government Building, Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, or from the County’s Financial Advisor, Davenport & Company LLC, The Oxford Building, 8600 LaSalle Road, Suite 618, Towson, Maryland, 21286 (410-296-9426).

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

By: Joseph M. Mitrecic President of the Board of County Commissioners

*Preliminary, subject to change. OCD-11/3/2t

NOTICE TO HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS

INVITATION TO BID

in the lower left-hand corner

"Housing Rehabilitation BidPocomoke #2- November 28, 2022" in the lower left-hand corner

Bids will be reviewed by staff and awarded by the County Commissioners at a future meeting. In awarding the bids, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever bids they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate.

All inquiries regarding the bid specifications shall be directed to the Housing Program Inspector, Dave Walter, at 410-603-4096. All other inquiries shall be directed to Davida Washington, at 410-632-1200, ext. 1171.

or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Wendy Ann DiBuo 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: November 03, 2022 OCD-11/3/3t

Housing

Rehabilitation Worcester County, Maryland

The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting bids for rehabilitation work to be performed on single-family homes located in Worcester County. Bid specification packages and bid forms are available to licensed Maryland Home Improvement Contractors. Packages may be picked up from the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street- Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, obtained online at www.co.worcester.md.us under the "Bids" dropdown menu in the lower right hand side of the home page, or by calling the Commissioners' Office at 410632-1194 to request a package by mail.

The projects are proposed to be funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and are thus subject to all applicable Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights guidelines. Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022, in the Office of the County Commissioners at the above address at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Envelopes shall be marked:

"Housing Rehabilitation BidBerlin HVAC- November 28, 2022" in the lower left-hand corner

"Housing Rehabilitation BidBerlin Bid #1- November 28, 2022" in the lower left-hand corner

"Housing Rehabilitation BidBerlin Bid #2- November 28, 2022" in the lower left-hand corner

"Housing Rehabilitation BidBerlin Bid #3- November 28, 2022" in the lower left-hand corner

"Housing Rehabilitation BidBerlin Bid #4- November 28, 2022" in the lower left-hand corner

"Housing Rehabilitation BidBerlin Bid #5- November 28, 2022" in the lower left-hand corner

"Housing Rehabilitation BidBerlin Bid #6- November 28, 2022" in the lower left-hand corner

"Housing Rehabilitation Bid –Pocomoke #1 - November 28, 2022"

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-11/3/3t

VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

OF

NOTICEAPPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19405 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM G. WILKINS

Notice is given that Wendy Ann DiBuo, 12004 Turtle Mill Road, Bishopville, MD 21813, was on October 25, 2022 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William G. Wilkins who died on July 8, 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 25th 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to waive one (1) parking space to allow an additional room be created while adding a third floor to the home for a total of four (4) bedrooms. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 31, Runaway Bay Drive of the Runaway Bay Townhouse Plat, further described as located on the west side of Penguin Drive, and known locally as 825 Penguin Drive, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: CHRISTIAN & KIMBERLY KUNZLER –(BZA 2634 #22-09400018) at 6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-95 & 30-561 requesting a variance to Sections 30-554(d)(1a,3,&4) to allow roof overhangs to encroach greater than the 1’ allowance into the Critical Area setback. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 34 and 35 of the Neptune Development Plat, further described as located on the west side of St. Louis Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets, and locally known as 1505 and 1507 St Louis Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: ACRES R US LLC C/O TODD FERRANTE –

(BZA 2635 #22-09500010)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-11/3/2t

Public Engagement Program INVITATION TO BID

Worcester County, Maryland

Worcester County is seeking Proposals from qualified Vendors to contract with a consulting firm for the purpose of actively engaging the public through the development and implementation of a public engagement program for the State-mandated update to the County’s Comprehensive Plan in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

YOU ARE HEREBY SUM MONED and required to respond to the Petition in this action, a copy of which is hereby served upon you and to serve a copy of your response on the subscriber at their address, Indigo Family Law, LLC, LLC, 2055 Glenns Bay Road, Surfside Beach, South Carolina, 29575, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Amended Petition within the time aforesaid, the Petitioners in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the Petition.

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19443 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR E UNSINN

Mayor & City Council Ocean City

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

Information Technology - Nutanix Datacenter Refresh

Mayor & City Council Ocean City (Town) is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Information TechnologyNutanix Datacenter Refresh in conformity with the specifications detailed in the Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the Information Technology - Nutanix Datacenter Refresh may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Scott Wagner, at swagner@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6647 or Gneal@oceancitymd.gov or calling 410-723-6653 during normal business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/ ) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-Proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 11:00 A.M, located at 214 65th Street, Procurement Conference room, Ocean City, MD 21842 for any questions concerning the Proposal Documents. The last day for questions will be on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 3 PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on Monday, December 12, 2022.

Sealed Proposals Documents are due no later than Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 3:00 P.M. shall be sent to Procurement Office, 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD, 21842. Completed Proposal Documents will be opened, read into record and then remanded to staff for further review on, December 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM located at 214 65th Street, Procurement Conference room, Ocean City, MD 21842

Late Proposal Document will not be accepted.

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

OCD-11/10/1t

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

The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, November 21, 2022. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-11/10/1t

IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

Case Number: 2022-DR-26-2219

SUMMONS

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF HORRY

LORI JEANETTE CHAPMAN AND KENNETH LEE CHAPMAN, PETITIONERS, VS. ROSEMARY VIRGINIA LYNN VOAK AND KENNETH CLARENCE VOAK RESPONDENTS.

IN RE: SOPHIA BELLE ROSE VOAK (DOB:08/08/2008) MINOR CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 18-YEAR-OLD. TO: RESPONDENT ROSEMARY VIRGINIA LYNN VOAK, BIOLOGICAL MOTHER OF A CAUCASIAN FEMALE CHILD BORN IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ON AUGUST 8, 2008 ABOVENAMED:

THIS ACTION WAS FILED ON OCTOBER 14, 2022, and a temporary hearing is scheduled for December 12, 2022 at 3:30p.m. before Honorable Judge Pogue, at the Horry County Judicial Complex located at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, South Carolina.

BE SO NOTIFIED!

Respectfully submitted, BRANA J. WILLIAMS Attorney for Petitioners Indigo Family Law, LLC 2055 Glenns Bay Road Surfside Beach South Carolina 29575 843-215-6100 Fax: 843-215-6105 brana@indigofamiylaw.com OCD-11/10/3t

Notice is given that MICHAEL C CONBOY whose address is 11201 CHARLIE DRIVE BISHOPVILLE, MD, 21813 and GEORGE MITCHELL UNSINN whose address is 600 S PACIFIC AVENUE OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 were on NOVEMBER 07, 2022 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELEANOR E UNSINN who died on OCTOBER 21, 2022 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (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 MAY, 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

TOWN

BERLIN NOTICE

OF

OF A PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE 2022-07 APPROVING THE AMENDEMENTS TO CHAPTER 2 – ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE II

ETHICS PROVISIONS

The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berlin will hold a first reading on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. and hold a public hearing on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Berlin Town Hall Council Chambers, 10 William Street, on Ordinance 2022-07. A copy of the proposed Ordinance will be available in the Mayor and Council Packet on the Town website, www.berlinmd.gov or can be emailed or mailed to you upon request, please call 410-641-2770 or email info@berlinmd.gov to request a copy for inspection.

Ordinance 2022-07

An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of The Town of Berlin, Maryland approving the amendments to Chapter 2 – Administration, Article II Ethics Provisions

OCD-10/20/2t

C GREGORY COBURN ESQ

6806B COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

(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-11/10/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18964

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ANTHONY GEORGE KOSONEN Notice is given that Christina Kosonen, 2412 Ellsworth Way, #3B, Frederick, MD 21702, was on November 03, 2022 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Anthony George Kosonen who died on October 03, 2021, with a will.

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

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

with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

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

Christina Kosonen

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: November 10, 2022 OCD11/10/1t

WORLD WAR II

US and Japan fight over Guadalcanal in S. Pacific Ocean

By Hon. William Newton Jackson III Contributing Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) During four months in 1942, the United States and Japan waged a series of fierce naval battles to control Guadalcanal, one of a chain of islands in the South Pacific, originally known as “King Solomon’s Isles” when discovered in the late 16th Century by a Spanish expedition in search of gold.

Guadalcanal was named for one sailor’s village in Spain.

The Solomon Islands are located just south of the equator and form a 600mile chain in two columns running in a northwesterly-southeasterly direction.

In between is a deep-water channel known as the “Slot.” Most of the islands are mountainous with dense tropical rain forests below. The weather is constantly hot and steamy. Guadalcanal, one of the larger islands, is 90 miles long and 25 miles wide.

Ignored for centuries by the maritime powers of the world — it was not even on most nautical charts — the Solomons gained critical strategic importance for the U.S. in the early years of World War Two.

The eminent naval historian Samuel Eliot Morison likened Guadalcanal to Gettysburg in the Civil War, calling both a “meeting engagement.” Neither Lee nor Meade had the slightest interest in controlling the small Pennsylvania town in July 1863. It was only by chance that their armies met there.

In 1942, neither the U.S. nor Japan had any interest in Guadalcanal per se. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, setting out from Australia, wanted to recapture the Philippines.

Moving up the Solomon Islands “ladder” was the only way to accomplish that goal.

The Japanese were firmly entrenched at Rabaul (present-day Papua New Guinea) and by necessity had to move down that same ladder to block the U.S. effort and at the same time gain a foothold in the Antipodes (Australia and New Zealand).

In 1942, a small contingent of Japanese were already on Guadalcanal in the process of building an airstrip.

On Aug. 7 and 8, the U.S. landed some 11,000 Marines on the island, the first amphibious operation undertaken by the U.S. since the Spanish-American War of 1898.

They were met with little resistance. They seized the airstrip and promptly renamed it “Henderson Field” in honor of Lofton Henderson, a Marine aviator who was killed in the epic Battle of Midway two months earlier.

Despite their initial success, the Marines (and the Seabees who were later brought in to complete construc-

tion of the airfield) faced constant diurnal aerial attacks and nocturnal naval bombardments.

Getting a good night’s sleep was difficult. Heavy equipment, ammunition, and food were in short supply.

They met fierce counterattacks by Japanese soldiers still on the island and, even worse, from the additional Japanese troops which were landed during the night by ships collectively known as the “Tokyo Express.”

Three fierce land battles of note were Bloody Ridge (Sept. 12-14), Matanikau River (Sept. 23-Oct. 9), and Henderson Field (Oct. 19-26).

A tenet of mid-Twentieth Century warfare was that no ground force (in this case the Marines) could long hold a remote island against an enemy (the Japanese navy) who commanded the surrounding seas.

Therefore, beginning in August and continuing through November, the American and Japanese navies engaged in various battles, including the Battle of Savo Island (Aug. 9), the Battle of the Eastern Solomons (Aug. 24), the Battle of Cape Esperance (Oct. 11 and 12), the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands (Oct. 26 and 27), the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (Nov. 12-15), and finally the Battle of Tassafaronga (Nov. 30).

So many ships were sunk that the waters surrounding Savo Island, at the northwestern tip of Guadalcanal, became known as “Ironbottom Sound.”

The Battle of Savo Island was a defeat for the U.S., but not a decisive victory for the Japanese. Eastern Solomons was essentially a carrier engagement with no decisive outcome for either side.

Cape Esperance was a U.S. victory, but not a decisive one. Santa Cruz was a Japanese tactical victory, but one producing no strategic advantage.

In all four battles, many lives were lost and ships sunk, most notably the U.S. aircraft carrier Hornet in Santa Cruz.

According to Morison, the Japanese generally outperformed the Americans

in night actions, torpedo tactics, and long-range searches, but not so much in war-plan execution.

The major engagement was the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Like the other battles, it was the scene of extraordinary individual bravery and daring marred by tactical errors on the part of both navies.

The historian Morison wrote that, “Japanese and American ships mingled like minnows in a bucket.”

The chaotic night action of Friday the 13th resulted in the loss of eight American ships and hundreds of sailors, including two rear admirals, Daniel J. Callaghan aboard the heavy cruiser San Francisco and Norman Scott aboard the heavy cruiser Atlanta, which itself was sunk.

Battleships South Dakota and Washington dominated the night battle of Nov. 14-15, sealing a strategic victory for the U.S.

The Battle of Tassafaronga, which occurred on the last day of the month, was a tactical defeat for the U. S Navy, but it did not affect the outcome of the Guadalcanal campaign.

With simultaneous Allied victories in North Africa and Stalingrad, Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Great Britain proclaimed “the end of the beginning” in World War Two.

On Aug. 11, during the darkest days of the campaign, a photograph — some might call it “iconic”—was taken of the Marine officers on Guadalcanal.

Third row, far right is 33-year-old Forest C. Thompson, who was awarded a Bronze Star for valor and who later became administrator of Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury during the 1960s.

In popular culture, Robert Russell Bennett and Richard Rodgers produced the stirring musical score entitled “Guadalcanal March” which became part of the “Victory at Sea” series televised in the 1950s.

Next week: The “Desert Fox” Retreats

On Aug. 11, during the darkest days of the campaign, a photograph — some might call it “iconic”— was taken of the Marine officers on Guadalcanal. Third row, far right is 33-year-old Forest C. Thompson, who was awarded a Bronze Star for valor and who later became administrator of Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury during the 1960s.

Commissioners cut ribbon for internet access in Newark Appraisal study shows nearly half of realtors had dud deals

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Worcester County Commissioners joined Bay Country Communications officials at the foot of the Newark water tower on Oct. 19 to cut the ribbon on a new fiber-optic installation project to make broadband available in the Newark area.

The company is known for its partnership initiatives, county officials said, and representatives from both Talkie Communications and Choptank Fiber were also on hand to celebrate the new stretch of fiber backbone.

“Bay Country Communications is making rapid progress to install a fiber-optic network to make broadband available in Newark and are making their way down south,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said. “This expansion is possible thanks in large part to the commissioners who have made extending the much-needed high-speed fiber to all rural areas of the county their number one priority.

“To accomplish this wide-scale, $67.6 million initiative, the commissioners have provided incentives to Bay Country Communications, Choptank Fiber, and Talkie Communica-

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) The National Association of Realtors conducted the 2022 Appraisal Survey, and the results were published showing 47 percent of real estate professionals say they have had a transaction fall through due to a problem in the appraisal process.

The report stated that the most common culprits are an appraised value coming in lower than the contract price and a perception that the appraiser lacks knowledge of a neighborhood or uses inappropriate comps, the survey shows.

The survey of more than 600 appraisers and 2,500 residential real estate pros was conducted in May.

Yet, many real estate professionals say they are fearful of talking to appraisers and try to keep their distance from this part of the transaction.

Twenty-one percent say they interact with appraisers only when there is an issue with the value; 19 percent say they don’t interact with appraisers at all.

Of those who don’t interact, most

say they avoid contact because they think they’re not legally allowed to speak to the appraiser, or they’re concerned that the interaction might lead to appraisal bias.

However, “regulations allow real estate agents, or other persons with an interest in the real estate transaction, to communicate with the appraiser and provide additional property information, including a copy of the sales contract,” according to NAR’s frequently asked questions on the residential appraisal process.

Many Realtors choose to interact with appraisers to at the initial level of the appraiser’s site visit by meeting them at the property.

This is a good opportunity to ask the appraiser if they need any additional information, provide a list of improvements made to the property and possibly discuss recent comps.

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

www.oceancitytoday.com

Bay Country finishes Newark project

tions, the three vendors that have stepped forward to tackle rural broadband projects in Worcester County.”

County incentives include applying for state and federal pass-through grants on behalf of these organizations and distributing roughly $7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated to Worcester County to shovel-ready rural broadband projects.

This includes allocated $1 million in Rescue Plan funds to Bay Country with a 15 percent match, to install approximately 31.8 miles of fiber in the Newark area.

Bay Country isn’t new to Worcester

County. In 2016, the company stepped in to provide service to the Worcester County Developmental Center after the organization lost its original internet provider.

“The WCDC project became much more time-consuming and costly than we anticipated,” said Brian Roche, chief technology officer for the Bay Country Communications Fiber and Maryland Broadband Cooperative board member.

“We persevered. We leveraged a portion of the ... network and fellow member Choptank Electric Cooperative’s fiber to get the WCDC connected. The entire project is an example of the way our company has

done business over the past 30 years — bringing local partners together to solve the complicated problem of getting broadband to underserved communities. Since then, we have continued to invest in the area and solidified our ongoing commitment to the citizens of Newark and Worcester County.”

Bay Country, a founding member of the cooperative, is installing 32 miles of fiber to make broadband available to another 566 homes and 10 businesses south and east of Newark. Those residing in this service area may sign up for service or request additional information by visiting bcctv.com.

The Worcester County Commissioners joined Bay Country Communications officials at the foot of the Newark water tower on Oct. 19 to cut the ribbon on a new fiber-optic installation project to make broadband available in the Newark area.

Pine’eer Craft Club names Schweiger crafter of month

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Pine’eer Craft Club of Ocean Pines named Alison Webb Schweiger as the November Crafter of the Month.

Schweiger worked as a floral designer for 45 years in the Baltimore area. About five years ago, she retired and moved to Ocean Pines with her husband, Joe.

Upon moving to Ocean Pines and finding pine needles everywhere, Schweiger decided to take up basket making.

To make the baskets, Schweiger collects needles from her yard. She chooses only the very long ones and picks them up, one by one. She also obtains, locally and with permission, extra-long needles from a special Southern Long Needle Pine.

Schweiger then incorporates interesting bases, beads, dyed needles, shells, feathers, and other found objects in her one-of-a-kind creations.

She has been a member of the Pine’eer Craft Club for more than a year. Along with her artistic creations, Schweiger also helps to create the craft displays at the Pine’eer Craft

Store in Ocean Pines.

View Schweiger’s projects and other handmade items at the Artisan Gift Shop in White Horse Park, on 239 Ocean Parkway in Ocean Pines.

The shop is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.oceanpines.org/web/page s/artisan-gift-shop.

Lot # 111

Location, Location, Location, Extra Nice Turn Key 2 Bedroom on a Pond Lot. This Home is Just Steps From Clubhouse, Pool & Pond. Freshly Painted, Recently Replaced Roof, HVAC, Waterproof Floors, Washer/Dryer. 8 x 10 Shed. Solid Investment Opportunity with Great Rental History.

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Lot # 95

Extra Nice Turn Key 2 Bedroom. Recently Replaced Roof, HVAC & Hot Water Heater. Close to Clubhouse & Rec. Center.

Maintenance Free Composite Steps & Vinyl Railing, Courtyard & Shed.

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Lot # 267

Immaculate Fully Furnished 2 Bedroom. This Beautiful Home Sits on a Corner Lot with an Extra Large Courtyard. Roof Replaced in 2011. Large Master Bedroom with King Size Bed. Lots of Storage & Built-ins. Newer Refrigerator. Washer/Dryer. Move in Ready!

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

The Pine’eer Craft Club of Ocean Pines named Alison Webb Schweiger as the November Crafter of the Month.

State of Bays, report card in for coastal bays

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program will unveil its 2021 Coastal Bays Report Card and the five-year State of the Bays report next Monday at 1 p.m., at the Ocean City Marlin Club, across from the Ocean City Harbor in West Ocean City.

Program organizers are encouraging members of the public to attend and learn about the current results and initiatives to protect the coastal bays.

The Report Card provides a detailed assessment of the current health of the five coastal bays and the St. Martin River. The overall health of the bays is determined by assessing four water quality indicators, and two biotic indicators scientifically derived ecological thresholds or goals. The six indicators are combined into one

coastal bays health index, presented as a report card score.

The State of the Bays report documents the most up-to-date status of the water quality and living resources in the Coastal Bays and highlights the management steps being taken to preserve them.

The report card and the report are a scientific collaborative effort among the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science z — Integration and Application Network, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the National Park Service. Funding for the publication is provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This year’s report card release program includes four Gold Star award

presentations to recognize the contributions of partners and individuals, and their efforts to protect the coastal bays.

Hundreds of volunteers work with MCBP, including residents and visitors, to support environmental initiatives that protect, promote, and preserve our coastal bays. Some of the volunteer work includes assisting with population surveys of horseshoe crabs, terrapins, and birds; collecting water samples, working on restoration projects, participating in trash clean ups, and assisting in many other activities.

Part of the National Estuary Program, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program is a non-profit partnership among the towns of Ocean City and Berlin, the National Park Service,

Worcester County, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Environment, & Planning. One of only 28 such programs nationwide, the goal of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program is to protect and enhance the 175-square mile watershed, which includes Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Berlin, and Assateague Island National Seashore.

Report cards are available online at www.mdcoastalbays.org. If you would like to obtain copies for school projects and citizen groups, please contact Sandi Smith at sandis@mdcoastalbays.org or by calling 410-2132297 ext. 106.

Commissioners name Reynolds as budget officer

NOTICE OF LIVE AUCTION

Beach Equipment Franchise

$ 500 Minimum Bid Requirement for each Parcel

A public auction will be held on Wednesday, D December 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in Ocean City, Maryland. R Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. A p pre-auction discussion begins at 9:30 a.m. Auction begins at 10:00 a.m. The following south-end parcels and one mid-beach parcel will be auctioned:

South-End Beach Parcels

South End Beach Parcels Inlet 13th Street Worcester Street 19th Street Caroline Street 20th Street 1st Street 22nd Street 3rd Street 23rd Street 9th Street 24th Street 11th Street

Mid-Beach Section 12th Street 57th-59th Street

ON AUCTION DAY, the successful bidder shall:

(1) Provide satisfactory proof of identity and legal age (i.e. Driver’s License or Government-issued Photo ID)

(2) Pay a One Thousand Dollar ($1,000.00) n non-refundable deposit for each successful bid. Please bring cash, cashier’s checks or certified checks payable to the Mayor and City Council. P PERSONAL CHECKS NOT ACCEPTED.

On the dates specified below, the successful bidder shall:

(1) Submit a personal Credit Report on or before M Monday, December 12, 2022

(2) Sign a statement authorizing the Mayor and Council to make inquiry of personal background, financial and credit worthiness on or before M Monday, December 12, 2022

(3) Pay 20% of the annual fee for each parcel less the $1,000.00 deposit to the Billing Office in City Hall on or before M Monday, December 12, 2022

(4) Provide a brief plan of management on or before M Monday, December 12, 2022, clarifying if you will directly oversee the operation or, if not, how day-to-day operations will be handled; providing details of your experience with the beach equipment rental industry; and advising if you have obtained necessary equipment and boxes or of your arrangements to acquire necessary equipment.

(5) Obtain, at the operator's own expense, comprehensive general liability insurance coverage and products liability insurance coverage in at least the amount of $1,000,000.00 combined single limit, which insurance coverage shall name the Mayor and City Council as an additional insured, and a certificate of insurance evidencing such coverage shall be furnished to the Mayor and City Council by the operator and be approved by Ocean City's City Clerk before contract endorsement.

(6) The second-highest bidder will have first right of refusal should the initial successful bidder neglect to meet credit, experience or management requirements. A sealed bid will be conducted if the second-highest bidder declines the award. The Mayor and Council may reject any and all bids for any reason it deems appropriate and may rebid upon such terms, conditions and manner it deems appropriate.

(7) Sign a three year contract (2023-2025) for each south-end parcel. Sign a one-year contract for the mid-beach parcel.

An auction bid packet can be found at http://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/city-clerk/ or email dchavis@oceancitymd.gov to request the information. Please direct questions to 410-289-8842.

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Worcester County Commissioners appointed Kim Reynolds to serve as the new budget officer.

“Kim is deeply committed to serving the public and has been a tremendous asset to the county throughout her years of dedicated service,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said. “Her knowledge, experience, and consistent, fiscally-conservative approach to budgeting make her the solid choice to head up the top tier of our financial leadership team.”

Reynolds, the former senior budget accountant, brings 22 years of experience in accounting and grants compliance to this position.

She is a vital member of the financial management team that develops the multi-year fiscal plans to assist with annual budget forecasting.

Her decisions and responsibilities play a key role in the prudent, fiscal performance that has secured Worcester County Government’s solid financial standing and led to the county obtaining clean opinions from TGM Group, LLC during the annual audit, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, and credit ratings of AA for Fitch, AA+ for Standard and Poor’s, and Aa2 for Moody’s Investor Services.

“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve as the new budget officer,” Reynolds said. “I look forward to gaining more experience serving the County Commissioners and the citizens of Worcester County.”

She joined Worcester County Government (WCG) in 2007 as a budget

Kim Reynolds

Reynolds tapped as budget officer by commissioners

accountant and was promoted to senior budget accountant in 2018.

Reynolds graduated from LaSalle University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Accounting. She is a member of both the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the Maryland GFOA.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, she resides in Worcester County with her husband and sons. In her free time, Reynolds, who is an avid fitness enthusiast, enjoys yoga and spending time with her dogs. She takes over for Candace Savage who has been appointed to serve as the deputy chief administrative officer for WCG.

In her role as budget officer, Reynolds will help assure the accountability and effectiveness of WCG by providing efficient, innovative services, public policy analysis, and financial expertise in support of all departments, including preparing, appropriating, monitoring, analyzing the budget, and reviewing revenue projections and assessments. She will also assist in the development of investment strategies, and collaborate with the Treasurer’s Office to prepare the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and any other

Candace Savage will serve as county’s new chief admin.

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Worcester County Commissioners have appointed former Budget Officer Candace Savage to serve as the new deputy chief administrative officer.

“Candace is the first woman to be appointed to this key leadership position, and there is no one more qualified to step into this role,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said. “She brings the experience, dedication, and administrative foresight that we can depend on.”

Savage, who has 18 years of planning and accounting experience, joined Worcester County government’s administration as the budget officer in May 2021. As part of the financial management team that develops the multiyear fiscal plans to assist with annual budget forecasting, her decisions and responsibilities play a key role on the fiscal side of Worcester County govern-

financial documentation for the annual audit and bond financing.

For additional information, contact Public Information Officer Kim Moses at 410-632-1194.

ment.

“I am excited to continue working for the Worcester County Commissioners and citizens of my home county,” Savage said. “I look forward to utilizing my integrity, education, and experience in both the private sector and government to add depth to the administration team.”

She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in corporate finance and a minor in accounting from Salisbury University in 2005. She later earned professional certification as a Certified Government Financial Manager through the Association of Government Accountants in 2019.

Prior to joining Worcester County Government (WCG), she owned and operated Titanium Inc. in Ocean City from 2006 to 2016 and served as an agency budget specialist with the Wicomico County Health Department from 2017 to 2021.

The deputy administrative officer oversees independent and broadly-defined missions and special projects and acts on behalf of the administrator in his absence as directed.

Savage, who live in Worcester County with her husband and two sons, now passes the torch senior budget accountant and incoming Budget Officer Kim Reynolds.

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Worcester Prep seventh grader Chase Thompson acted as Head of School on Oct. 14. His parents purchased “Head of School for a Day” during the annual WPS Gala fundraiser auction this past April. As Head of School, he attended leadership meetings, visited classrooms, toured campus, and did security and athletic field checks. His fellow seventh graders were treated to donuts for breakfast and pizza and ice cream for lunch. Faculty also enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and students were treated to additional recess throughout the day. He is pictured with Head of School Dr. John McDonald.

Candace Savage

DANCING QUEENS

CELEBRATION

BEER FESTIVAL

USING FIVE SENSES

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Ocean City Recreation Dancers take the stage in the Performing Arts Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street, Nov. 3.

Worcester Prep’s Upper School dedicated the entire week of Oct. 3-8 to celebrate homecoming. Festivities kicked off with an activity-packed Spirit Week and culminated with an alumni/family cookout, soccer game and dance. Reagan Whitlock, younger sibling to first grader Ryder Whitlock, had a butterfly painted on her face by sophomore Angeline Todorov.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

About 1,500 people attended the annual Shore Craft Beer Festival at Sunset Park on Oct. 29. The 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.

Kathy Huyett and Sally-Ann Messick’s PreK4 class at Ocean City Elementary has been learning about apples and the five senses. As a culminating activity, the students made apple turnovers from scratch.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

FIRE SAFETY

DONATION

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The Community Church at Ocean Pines recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a compilation of church history shown prior to each Sunday service. The celebration culminated with all three services coming together for worship followed by a party where Reverend Dale Brown, District Superintendent Rev. Christina Blake, former church pastors and parishioners enjoyed dinner and festivities. Diane Holmes presents Celebration Co-Chair Andrea Barnes with thank you bouquet. Diane McGraw

HONORS

WINNER

SPIRIT WEEK

Ocean City Elementary recently celebrated Fire Prevention Month with a special visit from the Ocean City Fire Department. Pictured is Lynn Wrench's fourth grade class.

The Ocean City Lioness Lions Club recently made a donation to the nonprofit, Surfer's Healing Ocean City. On the third Wednesday of August each year, those on the autism spectrum are given the opportunity to experience surfing with a professional partner. Presenting the check to its representative, David Leiderman, are Lioness Lions President Bev Topfer, right, and Vice President Ann Runo.

Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645 hosted the ninth annual Hometown Heroes’ Military Banner Ceremony on Oct. 22, honoring local active-duty military and veterans who served from WWII through the Vietnam Era who now make Worcester County their primary residence. Between mid-May through early October, these banners flew from light poles along Ocean City’s Boardwalk from the amusement pier at the inlet north to Fourth Street. Pictured is Morris Semiatin.

Beverly McLoskey of Edgewater, was the winner of Ocean City American Legion Post’s Queen of Hearts raffle on Sept. 25. She was presented $60,000 from Charles Spaziani, chair of Post 166’s House Committee, and George Barstis, treasurer. The game had been ongoing for more than 27 weeks since the last Queen of Hearts jackpot. Every week the jackpot is not hit the pot grows as more people purchase tickets. Money earned by the Post in the raffle is donated to community charities.

Upper School students at Worcester Preparatory School celebrated Spirit Week Oct. 3-7, by dressing according to each day of the week’s theme leading up to homecoming on Oct. 8. Sophomores, from left, Aleksy Klimins, Lucas Nicastro, Ryan Mann, Mike DePalma and Ben McGovern dressed as the best lunch ingredients during Spirit Week.

and Pastor Dale Brown look on.

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City will host coat and toy drives again this year.

The drives will take place on Wednesdays in November from 9 a.m. until noon.

Vehicles will be in the Ocean Pines Community Center parking lot accepting donations to supplement the ones made by the Kiwanis Club.

Coats will be delivered to Worcester County charities for distribution and toys will be delivered to Worcester County G.O.L.D.

For more information, contact David J. Landis, Sr., public relations committee, at djlandissr@gmail.com or 410-641-7330.

(Nov. 11, 2022) Tickets are now available for the Flannel Formal, the annual celebration of land conservation held each year to benefit the Lower Shore Land Trust, on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 3-6 p.m.

The event will include a pig roast, oysters on the half shell and other treats as well as beer, wine, a Bloody Mary bar, and live music from Margot Resto & Fil Rhythm Band.

Wear flannel to celebrate the season.

Tickets cost $75 and are available online at https://lower-shore-landtrust.networkforgood.com/events/45 623-2022-flannel-formal It will be held at Brooklyn Meadows, 10442 Brooklyn Lane (also known as Katelyn Lane) in Berlin.

The Stephen N. Parker Conservation Legacy Award will be awarded at the Flannel Formal as well.

slated for Sat.

This award is to be given in honor of renowned conservationist, Stephen N. Parker, to recognize a landowner or conservation practitioner for their contributions to private land conservation on the Lower Eastern Shore.

The Lower Shore Land Trust is a nationally accredited (Land Trust Alliance) land trust that has, since 1990, protected nearly 25,000 acres of pristine Eastern Shore farmland, critical habitat, streams, parks, trails, and more.

Lower

Shore

Land Trust protects

and restores natural resources, wildlife habitat and working lands to support and connect healthy and vibrant communities.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to RSVP, contact info@lowershorelandtrust.org

The Lower Shore Land Trust is a nationally accredited 501(C)(3) nonprofit that is dedicated to preserving rural lands, promoting vibrant towns, and to building a healthier and more connected Eastern Shore.

Mid-Atlantic Orchestra hosts violinist in November program

(Nov. 11, 2022) Presenting Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and Astor Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” (a combined Eight Seasons) on the same program seems to be a very logical pairing – and that is precisely why the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s November program will feature violinist Igor Yuzefovich’s version of these two works.

On Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3 p.m., hear the performance at the Community Church of Ocean Pines. Tickets cost $50.

Although composed centuries apart – Vivaldi’s work from 1716 to 1725 and Piazzolla’s from 1965 to 1970 – the two works represent nature’s seasons in the composers’ respective times and hemispheres.

“We are so pleased to be able to bring these vibrant, joyous, and beautiful pieces to our audience,” said MSO Board President Jeffrey Parker. “Igor’s musicianship and understanding of these works will give our audience a perfect rendition of the two

composers’ visions.”

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony offers a group discount for the purchase of 10 or more tickets to a single concert.

The Orchestra also makes a limited number of free tickets available for students 18 years and under; tickets for accompanying parents are $10 each.

Reservations are required for the free tickets and may be made by calling 888-846-8600.

For more information, visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs.

The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, DE Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

School students at Worcester Preparatory School celebrated Spirit Week Oct.

by dressing according to each day of the week’s theme leading up to homecoming on Oct. 8. Seniors Timothy Hebert, left, and Jett Odachowski pulled off Batman and Joker on Character Day during Spirit Week.

(Nov. 11, 2022) After 25 years of service to the citizens of Ocean City, Lt. Gregory DeGiovanni retired from the Ocean City Police Department on Oct. 31.

DeGiovanni began his career with the OCPD as a full-time police officer in the spring of 2000 and moved up through the ranks until he became a lieutenant in 2018.

Before joining the Ocean City Police Department, DeGiovanni served with the United States Army from 1986 to 1989 then with the Army Reserves from 1990 to 2001.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Frostburg State University and graduated from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy in 1997 before joining the Cumberland Police Department in 1997.

DeGiovanni was assigned to Patrol Division as the day shift watch commander.

In addition to overseeing the day shift patrol officers, he was in charge of the Traffic Safety Unit, Field Training Officer Program, Noise Unit, Animal Control, and the Trespass Enforcement Authorization Program (T.E.A.P.).

DeGiovanni received substantial training throughout his career. Most notably, in 2018, he graduated from the 274th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.

DeGiovanni has helped train his colleagues over the years as a firearms, defensive tactics, and active shooter instructor.

“In the nine years that I have worked with Lt. DeGiovanni, he has proven time and time again that he is a pivotal member of our command staff and our agency as a whole. The community and Town of Ocean City have greatly benefitted from his dedication and professionalism” said Chief Ross Buzzuro. “We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in all future endeavors.”

After his retirement, DeGiovanni

will continue working within the law enforcement field as a civilian with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

He is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, children, parents, and siblings. While also enjoying a few hobbies such as hunting, fishing, and golfing on a regular.

“Thank you for all the years of support and appreciation. Prayers moving forward in the challenging times. As the town grows, so do the challenges to all city departments. The employees, administrators, and politicians that I have had the pleasure of working with and for will certainly meet those challenges and continue to keep Ocean City one of the safest places to live and work,” DeGiovanni said.

After 25 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Ocean City, Lt. Gregory DeGiovanni retired from the Ocean City Police Department on Oct. 31. He is pictured with Chief Ross Buzzuro, right.

New Sunfest date a bad move for participants

This letter was sent to Heather Wiles, Frank Miller, and Tom Perlozzo of the Town Of Ocean City and forwarded to Ocean City Today

Howdy Heather, Frank and Tom, Hopefully y’all have recovered from Sunfest 2022.

I really appreciated all the blood, sweat, and tears that go into putting on such a huge event.

I do know about some of the behindthe-scenes mechanics that go with putting on such a huge show, doing about 35 shows/year, so I am thankful for all of the efforts of everyone involved.

I am writing this email because I care deeply about Sunfest and its future. I hope that this email gets received before the next meeting about Sunfest.

I will get right to my main point: Sunfest date change was not beneficial, in fact it was quite detrimental to me and most other artists/vendors that I spoke to.

I am sure you are starting to hear a chorus of similar comments from other vendors about the Sunfest 2022 date change.

First and foremost, my sales were

way down from 2021. In fact, they were the lowest they have been since I started selling at Sunfest.

Even when I compare the first three days of 2022 to the first three days of the previous years, the sales were way down, even my average sale was about 50 percent of previous years.

The crowds were about the same for Thursday and Friday this year. However, the Saturday crowd was enormous and I had high hopes upon seeing the throngs of people Saturday.

There were thousands of people enjoying the free concerts Saturday, however they were not the “art or craft buying” crowd and my Saturday sales were just “average.”

I only got a fraction of the repeat buyers that I normally get at Sunfest. I contacted all of my “collectors” beforehand about the Sunfest date change and I wanted to get them excited about my new art.

Most of them said that either they had not heard about the date change or that they had other plans that fall in late October that conflicted.

I think that they had made a tradition of coming to Ocean City at the end of September and that shifting it a month later broke that tradition.

And many of my customers who did come by my booth were bewildered by

the change and also complained that it was so cold.

A few even commented that they should change the name to “Fallfest” or “Winterfest,” and I will say that I kinda agree with them.

I can understand the desire to try to get more tourists at the end of the season into Ocean City but I feel y’all messed with the wrong event.

You don’t mess with the “Grandfather Of All Festivals” that has been around for 50+ years.

If you feel you need to move an event into late October you could move “Bike Week” or that music festival that was planned for this year.

In my career as an artist, I have discovered that the number one way to kill an art show/festival is to change the dates.

A show or festival that has been around only a few years can survive a date change, however a show that has been around for decades rarely survives a date change on this magnitude.

Perhaps other factors were not considered when this change was proposed.

Please understand that this is not a static equation, rather it is a dynamic equation: you change one variable, the other variables will change.

When you change the date drastically the artists and vendors will not stay the same. You will get fewer artists and crafters and also lower quality art and crafts.

I saw a lot less artists that I know and a lot more new artists/vendors this year. We make our schedule a year, or more, in advance and when we get into a successful show we will stick with it.

When Sunfest changed dates it created conflicts with other shows that are in late fall that we also find successful.

For example, the Boardwalk Art Show in Virginia Beach was also last weekend and that probably drew a lot of the Fine Artists away from Sunfest.

Most artists I know want to do both shows and have done so in the past but when you try a date change you force some hard choices.

I am sure there are other examples, with other conflicts, where previous Sunfest artists did not send back their contract for 2022 because of a conflict with another good show on their schedule.

You may be able to book the same music, food and activities for October 2023 but you will find it hard to fill the artists/vendors booths in late October.

So please, please, please end the experiment with Sunfest/Fallfest/Winterfest and return Sunfest 2023 to its original dates in September.

Kyle Wilson, Left Behind photography

Selma, North Carolina

Sewer extension needless expenditure for county

This letter was sent to The Honorable Horacio Tablada, secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment and forwarded to Ocean City Today

Dear Secretary Tablada, Before you now is a change to the Worcester County Water and Sewer Master Plan that would extend the City of Pocomoke’s wastewater treatment services into Accomack County, Virginia, solely for the benefit of a private business located in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Worcester County Commissioners adopted this expansion on October 18, 2022, without first securing an agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia and State of Maryland.

Instead, the Worcester County Commissioners relied on assurances from the petitioner, Royal Farms Inc., that Virginia approved allowing Royal Farms to connect to sewer pipes installed in 2010 to carry wastewater exclusively from the Commonwealth’s New Church Welcome Center to Maryland.

Royal Farms requested this change in the master plan to cut operating costs at its New Church store in Accomack County.

No officials from the Commonwealth of Virginia or Accomack County appeared at Worcester County’s public hearing to support the change. No written comments from Virginia were presented.

The Worcester County Commissioners also relied on assurances from the Worcester County Planning Commission that extending the City of Pocomoke’s wastewater treatment service area into Virginia is consistent with the Worcester County Comprehensive Master Plan.

The Comprehensive Master Plan does not address adding Virginia to Worcester County’s jurisdiction or the City of Pocomoke’s service area.

In fact, the change from no planned service to immediate service potentially creates new development opportunities that are not anticipated in Worcester County’s Comprehensive Plan.

There is an existing 2010 agreement between Virginia’s highway department and Worcester County applicable to treating wastewater generated by Virginia’s New Church Visitor Center.

This agreement appears to give the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) the exclusive right to determine whether other Virginia properties can use the collector pipes transporting wastewater to Pocomoke’s connection in Maryland.

The Worcester County Planning Commission has no role in the 2010 agreement with VDOT.

In addition, the Planning Commission claimed expanding the wastewater treatment service area would have several positive environmental benefits.

The Planning Commission provided no independent analysis of how additional service to Virginia customers would improve water quality in the Pocomoke River, the recipient of the City of Pocomoke’s wastewater discharge.

Nor did the Planning Commission independently assess alternatives, such as land application in Virginia, for

Complex sunk by age-old division

More bad news for sports complex boosters. According to the preliminary voting totals by precinct, support for and opposition to funding a sports complex with a bond issue broke down into the usual north-south divide, with a helping hand from the Ocean Pines area.

The only precincts giving the idea strong support was no surprise — that would be the Ocean City/West Ocean City area. A little surprising, though, was that Berlin area voters, which includes South Point, were so evenly split.

Ballots cast in Ocean City and West Ocean City polling places totaled 2,246 for Question A and 1,683 against it to give proponents a 563-vote edge, according to the early and unofficial voting tally.

Ocean Pines voters, however, cut 325 votes out of that advantage, with 1,713 voting against Question A as compared to the 1,388 who believe floating a bond issue to build an athletic facility is an acceptable idea.

While Berlin area voters came the closest to splitting evenly on the issue — 1,545 for vs. 1,589 against, voters in southern Worcester delivered the knockout blow.

The Newark/Snow Hill combination produced the strongest anti-Question A total of 1,183 votes against the measure while just 682 people favored it, for a net negative of 501 votes.

Pocomoke/Girdletree finished the job with 1,249 against the question and 853 for it.

What this breakdown says to sports complex advocates in this neck of the woods is that they have two choices, regardless of how the county commissioner majority is constituted. They must either generate sufficient support for the complex on their home turf to overcome opposition voters in Ocean Pines and the southern precincts if this proposal ever comes to a vote again, or they must show residents in these communities how such a project will benefit them as well.

That would be one difficult job, given the “Ocean City-getseverything” complaint routinely heard and acted on elsewhere in the county when money is involved.

Ocean City Today

11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

PUBLIC EYE

Cooking not allowed

There was a time when I prided myself on being a good home cook. No, let’s make that a very good home cook, who, after a year or two of self-teaching and a few full-scale assaults on the old digestive system, could turn out some impressive, high quality table fare.

This was a skill that I truly earned the hard way by making up and trying recipes that should have said, “If ingested, contact your physician immediately.”

This would include, of course, my infamous stuffed potato, which I ate once and paid for it later ... and later ... and later.

I was bored, I suppose, and thought coring out a hole mid-potato and jamming high-fat burger meat in the newly created tunnel would make for a quick dinner in a nuke-it and eat-it sort of way.

Well, it was quick, just not in a good way. I never stopped to think about how much fat was in burger meat or how much the potato would absorb, because I was looking for convenience over consequences, which were, well, consequential on a Charge of the Light Brigade level.

Not long thereafter, I eschewed making up dumb recipes for fear that I’d undergo some kind of Jekyll and Hyde transformation or miss more work because of grease poisoning. I stuck to real recipes and worked my way up through all the things I liked to eat until I reached a point where I could make food other people like to eat.

And then, just like that, it all went away. I don’t mean I could no longer turn out sea trout

roulades with crab imperial or apple pork tenderloin en croute, I mean I can’t cook pork chops without wondering if they might make good heels on my old cowboy boots. I just don’t have it anymore, as has been pointed out to me in recent months.

“Hey,” I’ll say, “how about we pound out some pork tenderloin and cook it scallopini style?”

“No,” she’ll reply, “I’ll cook it, because if you do it’ll be like eating poker chips in a white wine sauce.”

Apparently, among the shortages we’re all experiencing these days, we have a seriously diminished supply of slack in my house. Nevertheless, I still try to cook from time to time, as I did last month when we had a couple over for pizza night.

Feeling the need to do something besides buy a pizza, I made cheese puffs. I made my puff paste, I cheesed it thoroughly, I fried these bad boys until they were golden brown, just like the picture in the cookbook.

I passed them around and everyone smiled and nibbled politely. But observer of the human condition that I am, I know they were not saying what they were thinking.

“These are really good,” she said, meaning, “Hmmm, fried Christmas tree ornaments. That’s different.”

“Yeah,” he added. “They are good,” meaning, “I wonder if there’s a cheese puff deer season. I could knock out a 10-pointer with one of these.”

My feelings weren’t hurt though because I know I’ve lost the touch. In fact, I made simple French toast the other day, only to hear from across the table, “You know, these remind me — we have some soggy wet tile by the sink.”

By Stewart Dobson

treating wastewater from the Royal Farms store in New Church, Virginia.

Normally, a regional or interstate wastewater management agreement defines the responsibilities of the government agencies authorized to oversee the collection, treatment and discharge of wastewater within the area governed by the agreement.

Neither the City of Pocomoke nor Worcester County showed a new, interstate agreement had been reached with the Commonwealth prior to Worcester County’s decision to accept wastewater from Virginia for discharge into the Pocomoke River.

The Pocomoke River is a designated scenic river that originates and stays within the State of Maryland before en-

tering the Chesapeake Bay.

It is a slow flush system with limited ability to assimilate wastewater nutrients, even those reduced by advanced treatment.

Moreover, the impact of increasing loadings of wastewater disinfectants should be examined before the Pocomoke is designated as the discharge point for this region.

This action by Worcester County essentially sets a precedent, giving county governments a claim to the authority to negotiate interstate compacts where no such authority has been assigned by the State of Maryland or the government of the United States.

I am urging you to conclude Royal Farms has not shown that Virginia determined the septic system serving its Accomack County store had failed and cannot be rehabilitated.

Further, that Royal Farms provided no documents from Virginia declaring Royal Farms and Virginia had explored all treatment options in Virginia, where grant funding may be available to help businesses that collect sales taxes and pay other taxes to Accomack County and the Commonwealth.

In addition, I urge you to advise Worcester County that it lacks the authority to expand wastewater treatment to Virginia users other than the Welcome Center without the approval of the Department of Environment, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources.

There are other issues that appear to make this expansion endorsed by the Worcester County Planning Commission little more than a land grab by the planners and a bailout for Royal Farms.

For example, the financial terms clearly benefit Royal Farms, while doing little more for Pocomoke than help pay for treatment system upgrades that are needed to service the 29-year-old Royal Farms store.

Royal Farms’ attorney claimed it is his understanding the store will be closed and jobs will be lost if the connection to Pocomoke’s treatment system is not approved.

Royal Farms offered no assurance this store would remain open for any set period if the connection is approved.

Stephen Katsanos Berlin

Two Berlin residents among award recipients last week

(Nov. 11, 2022) Two Berlin residents, Hank Meixner and Velda Henry, were among several people who received awards during the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s annual meeting on Nov. 4.

Meixner was one of the recipients of the Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award, which honors the commitment and value of a volunteer’s sustained and unselfish contributions through the investment of time, talent, and expertise.

In addition to the award, each honoree was bestowed $1,000 for a charity of their choice.

Meixner, who exudes the qualities of a great volunteer through their selflessness, humility, reliability, and positivity, has devoted nearly two decades as a volunteer for Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, which provides a safe and comfortable place for families to vacation together in Ocean City during a child’s medical crisis.

No job is too big or too small for Meixner, from maintenance issues to ensuring families have the most comfortable stay and a healing environment during their respite.

He has great ability to look at challenges through a bright lens and develop solutions that benefit everyone involved and has helped touch the lives of more than 2,300 families.

Meixner is also an engaged volunteer with the Ocean City Homeless Shelter.

Henry, of Berlin, received the Chairman’s Award for her invaluable service and dedication to the Community Foundation.

In addition to her service to CFES, she has also served in leadership positions on numerous organizational boards and cares deeply about the

betterment of the community.

She is always kind and positive, asks important questions, and brings about effective solutions to community challenges.

From making connections within the community to further the reach of CFES grantmaking, to helping to interview prospective staff members when they want to join the team, Henry engages in every facet of work.

During the annual meeting, CFES celebrated having made $100 million in grants since its inception.

In fiscal year 2022 the foundation presented a total of $7.1 million in grants made to the local community, which included more than $439,000 in scholarships to area students.

“The $100 million grant making milestone is a collaboration of generosity from donors, volunteers, and staff working together to make the Lower Shore a more vibrant community,” said CFES President Erica Joseph. “As the leading philanthropic resource for our community, we create incredible impact for nonprofits and connect donors with charitable causes.”

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 strengthen local nonprofits through grants and resources.

INDIAN SUMMER

Hank Meixner was a recipients of the Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award during the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s annual meeting on Nov. 4.

Velda Henry was presented the Chairman’s Award for her invaluable service and dedication to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Many visitors to the Boardwalk enjoyed a warm, sunny day last Saturday. The Town of Ocean City is in Phase II of its Boardwalk Re-decking Project, from Wicomico Street to 15th Street.

ROY MICHAEL FOREMAN

Ocean

Pines

Roy Michael Foreman, 73, of Ocean Pines, Maryland, passed away Nov. 3, 2022.

Born in Washington D.C., he was the son of the late William Foreman and Elizabeth (McLean) Foreman.

He was the beloved husband of Candace Foreman.

In addition to his wife, Roy is survived by his children, Sean Foreman (Katherine) and Timothy Foreman (Ann Marie); his grandchildren, Ember, Orion and Alice; brothers, John Foreman (Linda) and Daniel Foreman (Daphne); as well as numerous nieces and nephews and, great nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Salisbury University where he met his wife, Candy, of nearly 50 years.

He taught Social Studies as a teacher in Prince George’s County for 35 years.

A true history buff, he was heavily involved in historical reenacting in both the Fort McHenry Guard and the First New Jersey Blues Revolutionary War Unit.

Roy was a devoted father to his two sons, Sean and Tim. He was also very involved in their numerous activities at all ages.

He heavily encouraged and guided them both to be better than him and reach the highest level of Scouting as Eagle Scouts.

The family tradition is in good hands as all three of his grandchildren are currently involved in the Scouting program.

Roy retired and settled in Ocean Pines in 2006.

He has been an extremely active member of the Ocean Pines Kiwanis Club, where he has served as president twice as well as other various leadership roles throughout the years.

Roy lived a rich life and enjoyed many things, be it bowling in the Young at Heart League, or simply enjoying a cold one and yelling at the Redskins with friends and family.

One of his greatest enjoyments was traveling the world with his wife and family. He recently returned from a very exciting Mediterranean Cruise.

Without a doubt, most importantly, was spending quality time with friends and family.

A visitation will be held at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland, on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 from 2-4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Roy’s name may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines Foundation, 174 Sandy Hook Rd., Berlin, Maryland 21811.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland. Condolences may be shared via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

MICHAEL A. BULKLEY Ocean City

Michael A. Bulkley, age 84, passed away peacefully in his home in Ocean City, Maryland, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, he was the son of the late Eugene Bulkley and Alice McCormick.

He is survived by four children, Amy Marie O’Connell (Rick Cernak), Mary Hunter (Clyde “Al”), Kimberly Noble and Daniel Noble (Cara); and a brother, John Bulkley; and 13 grandchildren, Zachary O’Connell, Randi Bulkley, Clyde Hunter, Steven Hunter, Samantha Hunter, Charlie Walters, Grace Walters, Paige Walters, Tommy Walters, Maureen Noble, Peighton Noble, Jack Noble and Danica Noble.

He is also survived by five greatgrandchildren, Jackson O’Connell, Lilly Hunter, Jake Hunter, Benjamin Hunter and Ally Mae Hunter.

Michael served in both the Navy and the Army reserve.

He attended University of Iowa

where he received his degree in Electrical Engineering.

After traveling with the military, and moving with his first wife, Rosalie, and three children, 10 times in 10 years, he joined Westinghouse/Northrup Grumman working for the Department of Defense and became a radar specialist.

He settled in Baltimore and bought a second home in Ocean City, Maryland, in 1972.

While working and traveling, he obtained his pilot’s license, captain’s license, and started a second career as a charter captain in Ocean City.

After retirement, his love for deep sea fishing landed him in Zihuantanejo, Mexico.

He and Deanna began a successful vacation rental and sport fishing charter business with a boat he built himself called the “Huntress.”

This second home provided many friends and family vacations and experiences of a lifetime.

Captain Mike, as he was known by family and friends, was an amazing husband, father, grandfather (Pop pop), great grandfather and friend.

He was captain to many boats with amazing fish stories and his adventures around the world created memories and stories we all enjoyed.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Alice Coan and Susan Devereaux; his son, Kevin Bulkley; his first wife, Rosalie Bulkley; and second wife, Deanna Bulkley.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, at St. Mary’s (Holy Savior Roman Catholic) Church in Ocean City, Maryland.

Letters of condolence can be sent to: 2806 Gull Way Unit C, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Michael’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Roy M. Foreman

Michael Bulkley

Helping Hands for Holidays to assist Worcester families

(Nov. 11, 2022) Worcester County GOLD, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is holding its Helping Hands for the Holidays program again this year.

This program provides Worcester County families and individuals in need with holiday gifts to help reduce financial burden and stress during the holidays.

Applications are being accepted from community members to Shopfor-a-Child. Community members partner with GOLD to go out and purchase gifts for families who have requested holiday assistance.

Shoppers get to select the number of children they would like to provide for and the area they live in. Then, they are matched with a family that fits the criteria.

“In 2021, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we provided holiday gifts for over 500 children and 53 vulnerable adults,” said Taylor Carty, program coordinator. “Helping Hands for the Holidays gives GOLD the opportunity to work in unison

with our community to help families in need and make the holidays a little brighter.”

All requests for assistance come from agents with GOLD’s community partners on behalf of families that they serve. Eligible recipients are children and vulnerable adults residing in Worcester County.

All recipients are screened to assess need, and to prevent the duplication of services.

Anyone in need of assistance this holiday season should contact 211. Helping Hands for the Holidays is a closed program that is not open to the general public.

To be a shopper or for more information, visit WorcesterGOLD.org.

Worcester County GOLD promotes dignity by providing emergency financial assistance for Worcester County residents who live in poverty and low-income circumstances including infants, children, families, vulnerable adults, those who are homeless, and children in foster care.

Second man convicted for OC assault case from 2021

(Nov. 11, 2022) Stas UrbanskiHughes, 20, of Frankford, Delaware, on Oct. 28, was the second of two codefendants to be sentenced for his convictions on two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of reckless endangerment.

Urbanski-Hughes pleaded guilty to the charges on Jan. 5.

Judge Brian D. Shockley of the Worcester County Circuit Court sentenced Urbanski-Hughes to serve 35 years in the Division of Corrections and suspended all but 13 years of the sentence, placing Urbanski-Hughes on three years of supervised probation upon his release.

The charges arose out of a May 28, 2021 incident, when Ocean City Police Department officers responded to Ocean City Fire Department Station 4 in reference to multiple stabbings.

Police identified three victims suffering from multiple stab wounds and lacerations to the face, torso and

chest. They were initially treated by Ocean City EMS and then flown out by helicopter for medical interventions at local hospitals.

After getting a description of one of two suspects involved, officers stopped a vehicle in the area of 136th Street and saw dried blood on the driver, who was identified as Urbanski-Hughes.

A fourth victim with slash wounds on his arm was located in the area along with another witness who identified Urbanski-Hughes as the assailant and the passenger, Brandon Messick, as having participated in the assault. Both were placed under arrest.

Messick pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree assault in March and was sentenced to serve 14 years in the Division of Corrections with all but three years suspended and placed on 8 years of supervised probation upon release.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended Assistant State’s Attorney Jared Monteiro who prosecuted the case.

Hogan announces awardees for revitalization programs

(Nov. 11, 2022) Gov. Larry Hogan announced new awardees for six state revitalization programs administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

Nearly $72 million was awarded to 224 projects and activities that promote community development and economic growth.

Counties and jurisdictions across the state received awards through one or more of the six programs.

“The partnerships that drive these projects across our state are crucial to spurring economic growth in Maryland’s diverse and vibrant communities,” Hogan said. “Our state revitalization programs are a shining example of how we can work together to create impactful change and improve the quality of life for residents.”

The six programs will support revitalization and redevelopment projects and activities including: business expansion and retention; streetscape improvements; homeownership and home rehabilitation incentives; commercial improvement programs; community facilities;

mixed-use development, and demolition activities.

• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development FY 2023 State Revitalization Program Awards in Worcester County are:

Town of Berlin and Ocean City Development Corporation, $50,000 each for facade grant programs; Ocean City Development Corporation, $250,000 for public safety project; Pocomoke City, Facade and Downtown Building Improvement Program, $50,000; Town of Snow Hill, community commercial property renovations, $50,000.

• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development FY 2023 State Revitalization Program Awards Strategic Demolition Fund in Worcester County:

Town of Ocean City, Bank of Ocean City building, 217 South Baltimore Avenue, $250,000 for improvements to transform an iconic vacant downtown bank building into a museum, artifact storage, and educational center.

For a full list of awards, visit: FY23 State Revitalization Program Awards.

Stas Hughes

Sports & Recreation

Decatur football team starts quick, scores often on CMW

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Stephen Decatur football team took control early and never looked back, winning the first-round game of the MPSSAA 2A East Region, 45-13, over the C. Milton Wright Mustangs last Friday in Berlin.

Decatur, the No. 3 seed, put 21 points on the board in the first quarter.

“They came out firing on all cylinders. They came out there and jumped on top of them. It was a quick start,” said Decatur Coach Jake Coleman. “The game plan was to start fast and try to get ahead, and for them to play chase, and we would be in good shape. In the playoffs, momentum is key. We wanted to get out of the gate quickly, but I didn’t think we’d get out that quick.”

The Seahawks went ahead 28-0 before the sixth-seeded Mustangs scored seven with a little over five minutes left in the half.

At the break, the Berlin squad led 35-7.

After three quarters, Decatur held a 38-7 advantage.

Junior Brycen Coleman was 8-for17 passing for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed 12 times for 139 yards and two touchdowns.

Sophomore Nathan Tapley carried the ball 11 times, tallying 33 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Caden Shockley rushed 13 times for 58 yards.

Senior Luke Mergott caught two passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns.

“Luke and Brycen played unbelievably. Luke made some amazing catches and Brycen was on his ‘A’ game,” Coleman said.

Junior Gavin Solito led the Decatur defense with six tackles (three solo, three assists). Senior Daegan Risser made five tackles (one solo, four assists).

“Defense was outstanding. We held them to two yards rushing,” Coleman said. “We came out and played lights out.”

Junior Brogan Eastlack was 6-for6 on extra points. He also kicked a 39-yard field goal.

“The kids did a great job finishing the game off. It was an amazing effort,” Coleman said. “The offensive line did a great job. There was lots of contributions. It was a total team effort.”

Decatur was originally scheduled to host the North Caroline Bulldogs on Friday, but because of forecasted bad weather, the game was moved to 1 p.m. Saturday in Berlin.

When the two teams went headto-head on Oct. 7, Decatur’s homecoming night, the Seahawks prevailed in the back-and-forth battle, 16-14.

“It will be a tight matchup. We need to be a little better on both sides of the ball from the last time we played them and I think we’ll be OK,” Coleman said. “We hope the crowd

SD’s Marshall to compete in state cross country meet

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 11, 2022) Sophomore Amber Marshall will represent Stephen Decatur during the MPSSAA 3A cross country state championship meet this Saturday at Hereford High School in Parkton.

She qualified for the state championship with her fifth-place finish in the 3A South Region meet, held last Thursday at Chesapeake High School.

“Overall, I thought it was a good race. I felt really good when I was running. I thought I did really well,” said Marshall, who completed the race in 21:23, a new season personal record. “I wasn’t expecting that time.”

“I am very excited that Amber Marshall will be representing Stephen Decatur High School at the Maryland state meet. Amber was determined to do her best and went in with the right mindset to compete and earn her spot in the state meet,” Decatur XC Coach Brenda Hommel said. “The Chesapeake HS course is a fast course and overall, the competi-

tion pool for this year’s meet was less challenging than in the year’s past. To qualify as an individual for girls, runners needed to beat a time of 22 minutes and boys needed to come in under 18 minutes.”

This will be Marshall’s first time participating in the state meet. She said she’s both nervous and excited to compete.

“More so excited to get the experience to go, just because I wasn’t expecting to,” she said.

Marshall said her goal is to finish the race in about 24 minutes. It will be her first time running the challenging, hilly course.

“My strength is usually on hills too,” she said.

“Both [Decatur cross country] teams will be looking to Amber to represent them well on the Bull Run course, which is famous for its steep ravine known as ‘the dip,’” Hommel said. “Amber is a strong hill runner and I look for her to perform well on the course that has earned a reputation as being the toughest ‘three miles in cross country.’”

comes out and supports us. We don’t want to stop playing and stop coaching at all.”

Tickets must be bought online at

https://gofan.co/app/events/777020

?schoolId=MD22650. The game will also be streamed live on Decatur’s YouTube channel.

PHOTO COURTESY BAYSIDE SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephen Decatur senior Luke Mergott caught two passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns during last Friday’s first-round game of the MPSSAA 2A East Region tournament. Decatur won, 45-13.

Sophomore Amber Marshall will represent Stephen Decatur during the MPSSAA 3A cross country state championship meet this Saturday at Hereford High School in Parkton.

PHOTO COURTESY BRENDA HOMMEL

‘We grew by leaps and bounds all year long,’ Greenwood says

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Stephen Decatur boys’ soccer team fell to the James M. Bennett Clippers, 3-1, in the MPSSAA 3A South Region II finals last Tuesday in Berlin.

“We didn’t play our best soccer that night. There was lots of gaps between the forwards and midfield and the midfield and defense,” said Decatur Coach Jamie Greenwood. “[Bennett] didn’t have many opportunities, but the ones they did have they took advantage of.”

Decatur junior goalie Nick Hernandez stopped seven of those shots.

“We didn’t take advantage of our opportunities,” Greenwood added. “We just couldn’t do the little things that night.”

Top-seeded Decatur got on the board first with a goal by sophomore Holden Bunting 25 minutes before halftime.

Bennett, the No. 2 seed, scored off a free kick about 10 minutes later. The Clippers added two more goals in the second half.

“Our philosophy all year long was to mark as a defensive unit. We let them create plays,” Greenwood said.

Decatur advanced to the finals with a 2-1 victory over the fifthseeded Chesapeake Cougars of Anne Arundel on Oct. 28.

“We played well. It was the first time all year we hadn’t scored first,” Greenwood said. “It was kind of a shock to be down and we fought through that. We tied it up and then eventually scored the winning goal.”

Chesapeake netted a shot 11 minutes before halftime.

Junior Brogan Eastlack scored for Decatur to tie it up four minutes before the break. Bunting tallied the winning goal with 24 minutes re-

maining.

Hernandez recorded 11 saves.

Decatur won 13 games and lost only two – one to Bennett and the other to Kent Island.

When the two teams met during the regular season on Sept. 19 in Stevensville, Kent Island won, 4-1.

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 Buccaneers again in the Bayside championship.

“I think it motivated them,” Greenwood said.

Decatur did just that and battled Kent Island for the conference title on Oct. 24. The Seahawks dominated and won, 5-1.

It was the program’s first Bayside championship in 11 years. The last time the Seahawks competed for a title was six years ago, when they lost in penalty kicks to Kent Island.

“I would have liked to get further [in the playoffs], but overall, I was pleased with the season,” Greenwood said. “The boys played well. We grew by leaps and bounds all year long. People found new positions, people stepped up. We had great senior leadership and a lot of our success was because of that. They pushed the underclassmen.”

The team will graduate five starters.

“We played a lot of kids this year in preparation of this,” Greenwood said. “We had the opportunity to see players in different positions and they did well.”

Greenwood is optimist about the future of the program.

“Between JV players and the [varsity] kids on the bench, I think we’ll be highly successful for the next few years,” Greenwood said.

DECATUR FOOTBALL

Coach Patrick ‘unbelievably proud’ of girls’ performance

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Stephen Decatur volleyball team battled a strong Crofton squad in the 3A South Region II semifinals on Monday in Gambrills, falling in three games to end the Seahawks’ season.

“We had a tough match for the second round of playoffs. We traveled to Crofton on Monday night and gave it our all even with some limitations,” said Decatur Coach Sara Patrick. “Our only setter was sick and could not go with us. We have been practicing with her as the all-around setter for the last couple weeks and we did not have time to practice with a new rotation. The team did their best to adjust to a new lineup but that coupled with the level of play, was more than we could conquer.”

Decatur advanced to the semifinals with a three-games-to-two victory over the Northeast Eagles last Thursday in Berlin.

Northeast won the first two games, 25-15 and 25-22.

“The first two games were disappointing. The team was not playing

their best and took a while to get warmed up,” Patrick said.

Decatur fought back and took the next three – 25-12, 25-20 and 15-3.

“By the third game, they stepped up and took control of the game. [Senior captain] Cora [Shaw] dominated at the net and served very well. [Senior] Sydney [Patrick] did a great job covering and finding the holes on the other side of the court. [Sophomore] Sydnie Harrington excelled as our only setter. It was a hard-fought win and it moved us to the regional semifinals.”

Shaw had 23 aces, 13 kills and two digs. Patrick chipped in with eight aces, seven kills, one block and seven digs. Harrington added four kills and 13 assists.

Decatur finished the season with a 10-7 record. The team will graduate six seniors.

“I am so unbelievably proud of our team for how well they played this season,” Patrick said. “We have six seniors this year and they were the backbone of our team. We have some great juniors and sophomores that will continue to build our program, but we will miss the our seniors and the strength and enthusiasm they brought on the court … I am hopeful and excited for where our program is going.”

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Stephen Decatur freshman Elijah Isett battles for the ball during the MPSSAA 3A South Region II finals last Tuesday in Berlin against Bennett. Decatur lost, 3-1.

Sara Patrick

PHOTO COURTESY BAYSIDE SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephen Decatur junior Brycen Coleman was 8-for-17 passing for 97 yards and two touchdowns during last Friday’s first-round game of the MPSSAA 2A East Region tournament. He rushed 12 times for 139 yards and two touchdowns in the 45-13 victory.

Surf ‘talk’ teaches youths honor and respect

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Nov. 11, 2022) Another successful session of Surf Into Integrity (SII) was recently completed with students at the Stephen Decatur Middle School.

SII is an eight week program conceived by Attorney Rich Brueckner based on the book SURFER’S CODE; 12 simple lessons for riding through life by world champion surfer Shaun Tomson with Patrick Moser.

Lead instructor is Ocean city Surf Club (OCSC) President Tommy Vach with much help from VicePresident Rusty Ruzsin and other dedicated senior and junior instructors.

One of the instructors is also a transporter of needed equipment. We’re talking multiple soft surfboards and wetsuits.

OC Life-Saving Station hosts Storm Warriors 5K this Sat.

(Nov. 11, 2022) The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum will host its eighth annual Storm Warriors 5K walk and run on Nov. 12.

The event, which will kick off on the south end of the Boardwalk, will take place from 9-11 a.m. Registration opens at the museum beginning at 8 a.m.

Featuring an out-and-back course, the 5K is designed for everyone, from lightning-fast sprinters to leisurely walkers.

Top competitors will have the opportunity to receive awards, including first place overall (male and female), as well as first and second

place age group prizes for those 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 4049, 50-59, and 60+.

While serving as an exciting event for residents and tourists, the run benefits the museum, a longtime symbol of the resort town’s storied history.

Funds from the race will be used to continue supporting creative exhibits, innovative programming, and the ongoing restoration of the 1910 bank building.

Participation in the 5K costs $30. To register, visit https://www.ocmuseum.org/5k- walk-run.

OP golf groups joining forces to raise mammogram money

(Nov. 11, 2022) For 10 years, the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association’s Pink Lady event has raised money for the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation to provide mammograms for women unable to afford them. This year, however, marks the first time the OPLGA has played with the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association in this special outing.

Thirty-four men and women golfers put on their pink and gathered at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Oct. 12 to play for the foundation, contributing a total of $2,550 for the life-saving screenings.

Steven Tyson, donor relations officer at the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, welcomed the golfers and thanked them for their financial gift.

“I do not think at this point in time that there is anyone who has not had breast cancer touch the lives of their family, friends and other loved ones,” Tyson said. “Having events such as this which raise much-needed funding for mammograms and other directly related services at our local Women’s Health and Diagnostic facilities truly makes a huge difference and directly impacts and saves people’s lives.”

OPLGA members and event organizers Ann Shockley and Susan Morris said that in previous years, the men’s golf group had supported the Pink Lady by dedicating one of their regularly scheduled golf outings to the event, wearing pink and donating money to the cause.

Morris said that when she and Shockley approached OPMGA President John Ferinde about the two groups playing together, however, he embraced the idea.

“I am so appreciative of all who made this event happen and am excited about the new golfers we attracted to play and support this worthy cause,” Shockley said.

In addition to playing a nine-hole scramble, participants enjoyed pink ribbon baked goodies, a 50/50 raffle and prizes.

“We are pretty proud of this effort and look forward to broadening this event to include all golfers of Ocean Pines,” Shockley said.

The men’s and women’s golf leagues welcome new players. For more information about the OPLGA, contact Shockley at rexerann@gmail.com. For more information about the OPMGA, contact Ferinde at johnferinde@aol.com.

His name is Bill Thomson with help from his wife Kevan. I refer to him as the quartermaster. He’s an integral part of the operation.

Equipment is provided by K-Coast Surf Shop.

The course consists of weekly classroom time, time on the beach and time in the surf.

These sessions are designed to teach surfing but more importantly to teach life lessons.

Shaun Tomson’s book is 12 chapters or lessons and each student is required to read two per week.

These chapters are discussed in the classroom as an extracurricular activity as well as on the beach.

Tomson explains much of his activity in the surf but relates it well to many of his trials in his own life.

As the chapters are reviewed and explained, especially in the classroom, each student is asked to engage in the discussion.

The idea of course is to have every student involved and to have them participate.

These lessons become much more of a give-and-take between instructors and students.

As was previously mentioned we have more of a “talk” as opposed to a teacher or instructor lecturing.

Each student is supposed to stand and speak loudly when asked about a topic.

We try to shake hands with the students and look at them eye-to-eye when entering or exiting the classroom.

We strive for respect, friendliness and fun.

Some examples of chapter titles are “I will never turn my back on the ocean,” which can translate to being aware of one’s surroundings.

Other examples are “I will watch

out for other surfers,” translating to safety, and “I will pass along my stoke.” Stoke, as in stirring up a fire, is a term often used by surfers which refers to enthusiasm and the joy of riding waves.

It’s even something that can be transferred to non-surfers.

Many times I think it affects the instructors even more than the students!

As for the water sessions the main idea is to get students standing up and riding a wave.

Basics are emphasized such as paddling, positioning on a board, sitting up on a surfboard and turning a board around.

These are simple concepts but pertinent to catching and riding a wave.

Most of the time instructors are pushing students into whitewater or a wave that has already broken.

Sometimes the ocean is too rough for a water session and this can be another lesson learned.

These past few months there were three different “sessions” where the ocean was simply too rough for a quality lesson.

The ocean, after all, is really in charge. Always beautiful, sometimes it’s perfect and very surfable, sometimes it’s totally flat, and other times it’s best to leave it alone.

All in all this program seems to be quite popular with the students and hopefully valuable to them as they progress through life.

Sure it’s about surfing and the ocean, but again and more importantly, “simple lessons for riding through life.” Good concepts that anyone can use, young and not-soyoung!

Dalkiewicz

Dave

is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City