11/18/2022 Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 18, 2022 SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY FREE

Five years of talking leads to cable pact

Council advances contract with Comcast to provide services through 2027

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) After years of negotiations, the Town of Ocean City is ready to ink a franchise agreement with Comcast to provide cable television service for residents for the next five years.

Council members voted 6-1 on Tuesday, with Councilman Tony DeLuca opposed, to send a new agreement, with some slight refinements, to a public hearing for approval. The proposed language includes requirements that the company maintain a brick and mortar store in city limits, notify customers within 30 days of rate changes, and cover the full cost of burying utility lines on Baltimore Avenue.

cently got to a place that both parties find acceptable.

“It’s certainly been a process,” said Chris Comer, director of Government and Regulatory Affairs for the Comcast Beltway Region, of the contract discussions that began in early 2017.

‘This contract expired back in 2017 and it’s been the subject of numerous ongoing discussions.’

“There’s a number of things that have happened over the years between changes in staff, a pandemic that we’ve all been dealing with, going back and forth on the issues, but we believe this is a good agreement with Ocean City,” he continued. “We are pleased to be a partner here in Ocean City and look forward to continue to providing advanced services to help meet our customers’ needs.”

— City Manager Terry McGean

The company initially wanted a 15-year contract, no requirement to notify customers of rate changes, and no contribution toward the cost of burying utility lines on Baltimore Avenue.

“This contract expired back in 2017 and it’s been the subject of numerous ongoing discussions,” City Manager Terry McGean told council members Tuesday.

Negotiations have been underway for more than five years, and just re-

Company officials also were not planning to provide funds for upgrading public, educational and government access equipment, which the new contract requires. A 10 percent discount for seniors was removed as

New fire station on despite price spikes

Council splits, but approves project at 65th Street for $10.5 million ... for now

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) While the financial hits keep on coming for a new

planned Ocean City fire station, the project narrowly avoided another major snag this week thanks to a slim council majority.

At a work session Tuesday, council members Tony DeLuca, Frank Knight, Will Savage and Carol Proctor voted in favor of adjusting the city’s bond issue to cover the latest

cost projection, $10.5 million, for the planned 65th Street station. The vote edged out opposition votes from Council President Matt James, and Councilmen Peter Buas and John Gehrig, who shot down the measure for reasons that ranged from wanting more information, to simply objecting to the overall price tag.

With the approval, the payments for the new station will come from a portion of a multimillion-dollar bond issue originally slated for the Baltimore Avenue utility burying project. They also do not include a previously promised contribution from the volunteer fire company.

The OPA and Tiffany Knupp are at odds over how a recent powwow went

PHOTO COURTESY SAM VARANO

OVER THE RAINBOWS

Sam Varano captures a double rainbow on Nov. 11 from the Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites at 32nd Street.

well, because, as Comer said, it was only used by about 20 customers.

Comcast officials also wanted permission to operate a “conveniently” located physical office that was not necessarily in city limits. City staff pushed back with a requirement that Comcast operate a physical office in Ocean City for four full years and operate it seasonally for the fifth. During discussions, Councilman Peter Buas spearheaded a change in the seasonal dates from April 1 through Sept. 30, to March 15 to Oct. 31.

Buas said the season is expanding and pushed for a year-round commitment, but agreed with the compromise that Comer was able to obtain.

No amount of tweaking to the agreement could please DeLuca, though, who said from the get-go that he would vote no on forwarding the agreement to a public hearing, and

tried to convince his colleagues to draw up requests for proposals and bid out the contract. He specifically complained about Comcast dropping Baltimore news channels.

“As you know, a very large [number] of residents of Ocean City are from Baltimore, very large,” DeLuca said. “We just found out two or three tourism meetings ago the largest visitation is from Baltimore to Ocean City. Residents, visitors, we’ve had emails. I know some competitors offer Baltimore channels.”

He added that the company’s customer service leaves much to be desired.

“I just don’t think that you’re focused on customer service,” DeLuca said to Comer. “I think this is more driven by dollars. I just think it’s profit. I just think your mission statement’s inverted.”

•

• Minimize harm. Treat sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public with respect.

• Act Independently. The primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public.

• Be Accountable and Transparent.

Reporters must take responsibility for the accuracy of their work and respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness.

The Comcast Xfinity store sits on 83rd Street in Ocean City. Ocean City Council members voted 61 on Nov. 15 to forward a proposed five-year cable franchise contract with Comcast to a public hearing for approval.

Rising prices divides council on fire station

A new Fire Station 3 has been at the top of the city’s wish list for some time, as the current facility at 74th Street becomes increasingly less adequate to serve the paid and volunteer firefighters who use it.

Initial estimates for a new station in front of the public safety building on 65th Street came in at roughly $5.5 million early last year, but later skyrocketed to $12.7 million with inflation and high construction costs.

Staff managed to whittle down the total by decreasing the size by nearly 10,000 square feet; reducing flex livein spaces, live-in rooms and crew bunk beds; and combining conference, upstairs day and training rooms into a single multi-use space. The changes brought the estimated cost to a little more than $9 million, which was reduced to about $8 million with a promise from members of the volunteer fire company to contribute $1.5 million from the sale of the existing station on 74th Street.

When the actual bids were received in August, City Manager Terry McGean said the cost jumped back up to about $12.6 million, which forced staff members to get creative.

“Between that time and now we have done everything we can to cut the cost of the building,” he said.

The efforts, which included fundraising for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and leaving planned flex space unfinished, brought the cost down to $10.5 million.

However, the challenges did not end there, as McGean said members of the volunteer fire company ended up taking money from the sale of the existing fire station off the table, leaving the city on the hook for the entire premium.

“For lack of a better term, the volunteer fire company had a change of

heart,” McGean told council members Tuesday. “They elected that rather than sell property, they preferred to keep it as an income generator.”

The choice was “surprising,” as described by Mayor Rick Meehan, and preceded several attempts by staff and elected officials to work out an arrangement that would result in a contribution — to no avail.

“Their position changed dramatically as to what their commitment would be,” Meehan said of the volunteer fire company members.

He said the volunteers told him that handing over the proceeds from the sale of the fire station would “no longer fit their business model,” which he called out as peculiar. Meehan said he was under the impression that the contribution was an investment, not a money-making venture.

As no representatives from the company attended Tuesday’s meeting to speak, it was unclear how exactly the volunteers plan to generate revenue from the existing station. In re-

sponse to a question from Councilman Gehrig, who said he was “a little annoyed” about the fire company’s decision, McGean said he believes they plan to lease the building in some way. However, McGean said he could not officially speak for them.

Gehrig further questioned the dynamic between the paid and volunteer department in terms of equipment ownership and other details, and said that he would have felt more comfortable voting to fund the fire station through the bond after meeting with the volunteers.

Buas had similar comments, stating that he would feel better if they discussed the city’s overall capital improvement plan further, and James said he wished to remain “consistent” in objecting to spending that much on the fire station at this time.

Despite their thoughts on the fire company’s decision, Meehan, as well as Savage, DeLuca and Knight, all said they support paying for the fire station now with the changes. Proctor did not speak, but served as the

fourth vote in favor of the motion.

McGean said staff members also recommended the approval.

“The existing fire station is, for many years and many reports that we’ve had, is simply no longer functional,” he said. “You have a kitchen that sits in an engine bay, you have coed living areas that are not coed — a single shower, a single bathroom, one big giant open sleeping area — and numerous [American with Disabilities Act] issues with the building. So, something has to be done with Fire Station 3.”

The bond issue that the money is coming from will also pay for renovations to the downtown recreation complex, which is estimated to cost about $5.4 million, with $1 million coming from a grant; storm drain outfall repairs that cost $1 million; and design costs and utility deposits for long-planned renovations to Baltimore Avenue.

The more than $4 million that was initially left over if the fire station bonds had been paid at $8 million as originally planned was set to be used for the Baltimore Avenue project, which carries a much higher overall price tag. McGean said Tuesday that the final cost of the design and utility deposits was $1.6 million, which left room to fund the station.

With funding secured, McGean said it will take about a year to finish construction of the new station.

Lineup decision not made locally

Continued from Page 3

Comer explained that the channel lineup is not something that the company handles locally, thus they have little control over it.

Despite DeLuca’s objections, the contract proposal advanced and will come back before the council at a future public hearing for review and eventual approval.

A rendering from the Town of Ocean City shows one of the original designs of a new planned fire station on 65th Street. The station will replace Fire Station 3 on 74th Street, which is no longer set for sale after members of the volunteer fire company pulled a promised contribution.

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Md. Coastal Bays get another C+ report card

Five-year State of the Bays Report data also released

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) The health of the local inland bodies of water is neither improving nor declining, according to the latest Maryland Coastal Bays report card, but efforts are underway to change the trajectory for the better as the effects of climate change zero in.

For the second consecutive year, the five bays behind Ocean City and Assateague Island scored a C+ on the annual report. Members of the coastal bays program presented the latest data, along with plans to improve the score, to a roomful of community members and stakeholders Monday at the Ocean City Marlin Club.

Kevin Smith, the executive director of the coastal bays program, called the C+ rating “OK” during Monday’s reveal, but indicated that a lot more work needs done to improve the overall score.

The report is determined by water quality indicators nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorophyll A, and dissolved oxygen; and biotic indicators seagrass and hard clams.

The bays’ total phosphorus scores improved since the last assessment,

which created a slightly higher overall bay health score. Seagrass levels, however, ranged from poor to very poor.

According to data collected last October, the overall seagrass acreage decreased slightly in 2021. The report said the underwater plants, which are important to hazard mitigation because of their high rates of carbon storage, are struggling across the region because of factors that include high water temperatures and poor water clarity.

Coastal Bays program officials also presented the State of the Bays Report, which is issued every five years. The assessment shows longer-term trends and identifies emerging threats to the health of the bays. The theme for this year was “Building Resiliency.”

Smith explained that the theme indicates stronger efforts need to be made to improve the health of the bays.

“Things aren’t terrible but they could be better and it’s going to take the collective efforts of all of us to get there,” Smith said in the organization’s latest newsletter. “That means improving stormwater treatment, improving sewage and septic discharges, reducing nutrient inflow and enhancing our natural features like marshes, forests and streams.”

Alley abandonment petition submitted with 825 names

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) A total of 825 signatures are under review to determine if the city’s abandonment of a downtown alley for a planned Margaritavile resort and the redevelopment of Baltimore Avenue will be going to the voters to decide.

Margaret Pillas, a longtime downtown city resident and former councilwoman, filed a petition on Sept. 22 to bring to referendum the council’s approval of a Sept. 19 ordinance to abandon a 16-foot alley between 13th and 14th streets on Baltimore Avenue.

Pillas and several volunteers spent weeks collecting signatures on a petition that needed 40 percent of the number of voters in the 2020 elec-

tion, which came out to 612, to force a citywide vote.

According to a memo from City Clerk Diana Chavis, the petition was received Nov. 2 with 825 signatures. She said Board of Elections staff will spend the next couple of weeks validating the names to ensure they are residents and city voters. If everything checks out, board members will set the matter for an election.

The original ordinance to give up the alley passed 6-1, with Council President Matt James opposed.

The developers of a Margaritaville resort slated for the former Phillips Beach Plaza property on the oceanside of 13th and 14th streets asked for the alley abandonment to create the

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Kevin Smith, executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, discusses the annual Coastal Bays report card score and State of the Bays Report data to community members on Nov. 14 at the Ocean City Marlin Club.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Volunteers collecting signatures for a petition to bring approval of a downtown alley abandonment to referendum sit at the entrance of Sunfest in the inlet parking lot last month. The petition was turned in Nov. 2 with 825 signatures.

James stays council pres., DeLuca renamed secretary

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) The Ocean City Council welcomed two new members and kept the same leadership at an organizational meeting held last week to certify the recent election results.

Council President Matt James, who received the highest number of votes in the Nov. 8 council election, was renamed to his leadership position. Council members also unanimously voted to rename Councilman Tony DeLuca council secre-

tary.

Board of Elections member Amy Rothermel opened the Nov. 10 meeting by officially certifying the election results, which included the naming of three council members and the mayor, and solidifying the passage of three ballot questions.

Rothermel also swore in James, newly elected councilwoman Carol Proctor, and Mayor Rick Meehan term. James was elected for a third consecu-

See NEW Page 8

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Council President Matt James, right, gets sworn in for his third consecutive term during an organizational meeting Nov. 10 at City Hall. He is surrounded by his family, including his wife, Allison, and new baby born just four days prior.

New Councilwoman Proctor, Mayor Meehan begin terms

recently passed away.

tive term, Proctor was named to her first, and Meehan was sworn in for his eighth term. Newcomer Will Savage earned the second highest number of votes for council but was not able to attend last week’s meeting.

Now former Councilman Mark Paddack, who lost reelection after coming in fourth in the council race, officially stepped down from his position last week.

“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful honor to serve on the City Council,” Paddack said during a farewell speech before leaving the dais.

Paddack served one term on council and served as a police officer for 30 years prior. He said many people have asked him his intentions since he is not returning to council, and he referenced an ongoing joke among members of the Transportation Committee.

“We’ve talked about me coming back and driving a city bus as an ambassador of the town,” he quipped.

On a serious note, Paddack said he does not know what he will be doing and he thanked the staff, his colleagues, several past council members, and the voters for their support and encouragement over the last four years. He also presented a folded American flag in honor of his father, a U.S, Army veteran, who

James and Meehan also thanked Paddack for his service as a police officer and a councilman.

“Everybody up here would agree when you came to our meetings, you were prepared. You were prepared to participate. You participated in discussions. You led some discussions. You helped people change their minds, and sometimes you changed yours,” Meehan said. “And really that’s what this is all about.”

The new council met for the first time as a full group at a work session Tuesday.

Sportsplex hopes probably in limbo

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) A shift in the balance of power over the proposed Berlin-area athletic complex is expected to occur in Snow Hill at the Dec. 6 Worcester County Commissioners meeting.

With Caryn Abbott’s defeat of Josh Nordstrom in the Pocomoke district, the razor-thin 4-3 majority in support of a publicly funded sports complex in the West Ocean City/Berlin area flip-flops, leaving a challenging path ahead for the remaining supportive commissioners to see their passion project for additional county revenue pay off.

expressed several of the same concerns Abbott and incumbent commissioners Ted Elder, Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting have expressed, while also saying a complex, in general, is a good idea.

Considering the swell of support for the athletic complex in his district, it would be no surprise to see him carry on Church’s favorable position.

Caryn Abbott

“I’m not looking for anything that I haven’t said all along (regarding the complex),” Abbott said this week. “I would like to see some answers to all the questions. I’ve never said I was against the idea but I am certainly against the taxpayers funding it and the government running it. I would’ve hoped by now we’d have gotten more information but we simply haven’t.

And it’s not clear whether the new majority neatly will mirror the old one. Eric Fiori, taking over retiring commissioner Bud Church’s West Ocean City/Berlin district, has expressed both support and concern in the past for an athletic complex. He’s

Two projects now hang in balance

Continued from Page 6

contiguous square footage needed to advance their project.

The alley was also counted among several rights-of-way along Baltimore Avenue set to be remanded back to adjoining owners for the longplanned burying of utility lines from 15th to North Division streets.

While Pillas’ petition specifically applied only to the recent abandonment, she has said she is staunchly against giving away any downtown land in this manner.

A referendum on Worcester County ballots on Nov. 8 asked voters if the county could sell $11.2 million in revenue bonds to help pay for the design and construction of an athletic complex. The final tally was 11,208 votes against and 10,482 in favor.

Vince Gisriel and Ocean Pines resident Slobodan Trendic launched a petition drive to bring the measure to a referendum shortly after the bill’s approval 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 of next year.

In the meantime, 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.

County attorney Roscoe Leslie has said, however, that Question A is not specific to the Route 50 location, but only to the legislative bill passed earlier this year.

New commissioner majority will likely tilt influence over controversial Berlin project

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Councilwoman Carol Proctor, right, gets sworn in for her first council term during an organizational meeting Nov. 10 at City Hall. She is joined by several members of her family.

Celebration Fireworks snags three-year contract with city

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) Coming off of a string of bad luck with vendors and unplanned mishaps, Ocean City has inked a three-year deal with a familiar company to put on fireworks shows on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve.

Council members unanimously voted to approve a $357,000 contact with Pennsylvania-based Celebration Fireworks at a work session Tuesday to host shows from 2023 through 2025 on the beach on both holidays, and at Northside Park on the Fourth of July.

This is the third time city staff members have bid the contract in the last three years, with the Fourth of July shows canceled the past two summers at the last minute.

Procurement Manager Scott Wagner said the city has a “proven track record” with Celebration, having used the company to put on smaller fireworks shows in the past. He also said the company was the only one of the three that submitted proposals for all of the shows for all three years.

Staff members took a different approach to bidding out the contract this year after running into snags with the last two vendors.

After canceling everything in 2020 because of covid, the city was forced to shut down Fourth of July shows at the beach and at Northside Park in 2021 when fireworks prematurely went off during setup. The contract with that vendor, Pennsylvania-based Starfire Corporation, was promptly terminated, and staff tried again with another bid request for 2022 through

2024.

After receiving proposals, they opted to contract for three years with Ohio-based American Fireworks. The company was all set to host its first shows at the beach and Northside Park on July 4 last summer, but just weeks before the holiday, they backed out, citing a labor shortage. The city terminated the contract in response and have not publicly released any further statements about potential repercussions.

When council members directed staff to bid the contract again a few months ago, they added more options, such as allowing bids for single years and more locations. Staff determined, along with council members, that the Northside Park fireworks that were historically set up from the pier on both July 4 and New Year’s Eve was not ideal for vendors, and another option was provided near the soccer fields.

The option created an issue on New Year’s Eve, though, because of a disruption to the Winterfest of Lights, which would be going on at the same time within the protective radius of the the set-off spot.

In turn, the chosen vendor agreed to move the New Year’s Eve show to the beach in the same place the Fourth of July fireworks are set off.

While most of the council members expressed no concern about the location change, Council President Matt James called it “disappointing,” and stated that he preferred to keep the New Year’s show up north.

Despite the complaint, council members unanimously approved the contract.

Fireworks blast in the sky above the Boardwalk downtown during a past Fourth of July show. City Council members voted on Nov. 15 to sign a contract with Celebration Fireworks to host shows on July 4 and New Year’s Eve for the next three years.

Resort bus, tram data shows shift toward pre-covid levels

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) According to bus and tram statistics from this fall, Ocean City officials’ concerted push to promote events during the shoulder season seems to be paying off.

Transit Manager Rob Shearman and Public Works Director Hal Adkins presented numbers to the city’s Transportation Committee on Tuesday that show a near-return to pre-covid levels in recent ridership and deployments for buses, and promising tram ridership and revenue numbers.

The data shows that the bus deployments and ridership numbers, while still below where they were in 2019 for the summer and into September, were up this October.

“They pale in comparison to numbers in summer,” Shearman said of the data. “But it does represent a successful effort to start pushing late season events, late season deployments, above the levels that we have.”

City officials opted this year to move Sunfest, which has historically been held in late September, to Oct. 20-23. The move was met with mixed reactions, but tourism officials reported success in the number of crowds for all but the fourth day, which was canceled because of bad weather.

The date change could have accounted for the higher bus numbers, which are still operating with less staff than the department had in 2019.

Shearman also presented data from the Boardwalk trams, which made their last runs during Sunfest weekend. The trams come out annually for Springfest and spring cruisin’ in early and mid-May, and run consistently every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They run again for event weekends in September, and ran a little longer into October this year to accommodate the new Sunfest dates.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan, who serves as chairman of the Transportation Committee, and several other members said that they saw numerous trams during Sunfest and that they always seemed full. Shearman said they consistently ran 11 trams a day all three days.

Overall, with staffing shortages posing some challenges, Shearman said staff members were able to deploy more trams this summer than any since covid, with seasonal ridership coming in at about 70 percent of where it was in 2019. With that, because of a change in ticket prices, Shearman said revenues came in at about 80 percent.

“Eighty percent of pre-covid revenue is pretty encouraging,” he said.

Meehan also asked if staff members had the specific tram ridership numbers for the September Sunfest weekend last year to compare to this year’s event. Shearman said he did not have the information on hand but would look into it and pull data for later.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Trams full of people drive up and down the Boardwalk during Sunfest on Oct. 21.

Church, Nordstrom riding off into sunset as terms expire

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) The Worcester County Commissioners said goodbye to two of their own at the end of their Tuesday meeting as former commissioners Bud Church and Josh Nordstrom move into retirement and onto the next chapter in life, respectively.

“I’d like to thank all of my fellow commissioners for allowing me to be a part of your team,” Church said. “It’s been an experience. The 20 years have gone by much quicker than I ever thought they would. I have mixed emotions about leaving but I have to say … I say this a little reluctantly, but (my wife) said, ‘If you run again I’m going to make you a soprano.’ I decided not to run again … and my replacement is here and he’s going to be an excellent replacement for the county commissioners. I’m looking forward to it.”

Church added that he and his wife are looking forward to planning some trips.

“I’m looking forward to retirement and I’m going to miss you, so thank you,” he concluded.

Commissioner Diana Purnell, who has known Church and his family for decades, commented on how the departing commissioner and the late local activist and former commissioner Jim Purnell, were like “two peas in a pod.”

“Bud, I appreciate the notes you’ve written me, the things that you’ve said and I appreciate your stance on

situations because you are a businessman in this community and you have been here a long, long time,” Purnell said. “Worcester County benefitted from your 20 years in service to this county. I appreciate that.”

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic thanked Church for his service, saying that he has done “way beyond his share” for the county.

“I probably will miss him making motions to adjourn the meeting before it starts,” Mitrecic joked. “I certainly appreciate his service to the county, both on the school board and as a commissioner. His dedication to the county with the people here is unmatched. I will say that. Thank you very much.”

Nordstrom thanked his constituents, his colleagues and all the staff that helped him along during his four years on the commissioner panel.

“It’s a real learning curve with this job and a lot of folks who have been here before were a very big help (to me),” he said. “I want to thank the commissioners for all of the times we’ve been here, whether we were in agreement or adversarial at times. You are all worthy and certainly, I have enjoyed at times working with all of you. It’s been a rewarding experience and a learning experience and I think that I’m a better person now than I was four years ago, certainly more educated.

“These last four years have been some of the most interesting and tumultuous times both personally and professionally. I will look back on this time and have some reflections on what we were able to accomplish and

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT Retiring Worcester County Commissioner Bud Church receives a plaque for his 20 years of service as a commissioner, plus 10 more years on the Board of Education.

Josh Nordstrom

Higher rates, bonuses for transit employees

Committee, staff making strides to recruit workers early for summer 2023

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) Ocean City transportation officials are getting a jump on overcoming hiring challenges for bus and tram employees for the 2023 season by offering higher bonuses and wage bumps.

Like most all industries and departments, city officials have struggled to find people to drive buses and trams in the wake of the pandemic, warranting a need to get creative in recruiting and hiring.

Last year, $300 bonuses were offered to existing employees who referred transportation workers, and $100 bumps were given to seasonal department employees who stayed into the shoulder season. The program saw some success, which prompted staff to kick things up a notch for 2023 by offering $500 referrals and $250 end-of-season bonuses.

“If we’re going to do it, let’s do it so it has a benefit,” Mayor Rick Meehan said during a Transportation Committee meeting Tuesday.

Meehan, who chairs the committee, joined his fellow members in unanimously voting to recommended approval of the change to the mayor and council.

Committee members also voted to recommend a new seasonal rate for drivers for next year.

Transit Manager Rob Shearman said staff worked out a plan to pay newly hired bus and solid waste drivers who work between April 1 and Oct. 31 $20.50 an hour and returning drivers $21 an hour. He said the rates are higher than the regular grades and were rounded up from the typical non-rounded figures to be more “eye catching” to applicants.

Committee members voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to the council and expressed a desire to advertise it as soon as possible after approval to recruit as many

people as possible.

The number of bus drivers has been improving slightly since the pandemic, but are still not at precovid levels. Transportation Operations Manager George Peake said the goal was 125 drivers in 2019, but the number has dropped since the pandemic.

“I can function very well with 90. I’d like to get 100 to 90,” he said.

In the tram division, committee members also discussed and voted to recommend increasing the pay grade for conductors from $15 an hour to $15.45. Drivers will also be naturally getting higher rates this year through raises already approved.

Staff members said the goal is a full staff of 25 drivers and 25 conductors, and the hope is that the higher rates will attract and keep employees.

In 2022, the division started strong, but the employee numbers dwindled as the season progressed.

“Last year we did enter the season fully staffed with tram drivers and conductors and what we need to monitor is the attrition,” Shearman said.

All of the new rates and bonuses that were approved will move to the City Council for official approval.

OPA board meeting set for Nov. 19

(Nov. 18, 2022) Meeting materials for the Nov. 19 regular OPA Board of Directors meeting are now available online.

The meeting will be held as a hybrid of in-person and virtual, with seating available in the Clubhouse Meeting Room on 100 Clubhouse Drive. The meeting is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

Due to the anticipated number of attendees and the limited seating in the Clubhouse Meeting Room, OPA staff will be checking identification at the door to ensure each attendee is an association member.

Additionally, while attendees can log into the meeting online, as a departure from our normal procedures, we will be unable to take public comments from those attending online.

To join remotely, use the Microsoft Teams link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupjoin/19%3ameeting_ZDkyYjY5ODkt NGQwYi00NzBmLWI4ODctZTU4M GVhZjJhZDM2%40thread.v2/0?con text=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22625a6 322-2b2f-40fa-94f8d7dd44d78153%22%2c%22Oid%22 %3a%225fa869f5-01ad-476a-9570-

540fe1ce4736%22%7d.

The link can also be found on the Ocean Pines website, under both the calendar and news sections.

If prompted, use the web browser plug-in only and not the full client.

To view the agenda and meeting packet, visit https://www.oceanpines.org/documents/10184/53744/ Board+Meeting+Packet.pdf.

Following the meeting, the video will be posted to the Association YouTube channel and links will be announced on the Ocean Pines website, www.oceanpines.org.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Two Ocean City buses await passengers at the downtown terminal on South Division Street. Transportation Committee members voted on Nov. 15 to recommend that City Council members approve higher bonuses and raises for seasonal drivers.

Janasek and OPA could reach settlement as talks continue

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) The Ocean Pines Association and Tom Janasek are continuing to inch toward putting their major conflict behind them once and for all.

For the second time in a month, the board of directors held a closed meeting to discuss the case, presumably mulling over the details of a potential settlement, which Janasek said he expects.

“Right now we’ve given them a proposal to settle the whole thing, cover my costs, which I feel is fair considering they had no right to do what they did,” Janasek said earlier this week. “It was all bad, done on bad faith — (based) on the judge’s comments.”

If a settlement isn’t reached, there will be another follow-up court date

in January.

“Right now we’re in limbo, waiting to see what the board is willing to do,” Janasek said. “Last I heard, they were gung-ho about settling so they can move on to other things.”

He added that he had hoped to have heard from the board by Friday, but as of Monday, nothing.

The judge Janasek referred to is Beau Oglesby of the Worcester County Circuit Court, who in October ruled in favor of an injunction filed by Janasek to halt his suspension from OPA amenities.

The OPA attempted to suspend Janasek from its amenities following a May altercation at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club in which Janasek verbally accosted then-director Josette Wheatley. The scene escalated to the point that Janasek was escorted off the property.

A couple of weeks later, the board moved to suspend Janasek from certain amenities, including the Yacht

Tom Janasek

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) The Worcester County Commissioners discussed the following during their Tuesday meeting:

Cybersecurity

The commissioners approved a partnership with cybersecurity firm SecuLore Solutions to provide aroundthe-clock monitoring, annual network assessments, cyber incident response drills and 200 retainer hours for cyber incident response.

Estimates provided by the IT department appeared to total $460,000.

“The solutions included in this proposal will greatly bolster Worcester County’s cybersecurity,” wrote Deputy IT Director Lance Thomas.

Thomas said that services from the project include providing the county with a “dedicated” cybersecurity analyst, traffic monitoring by “cyber experts,” cyber incident response drills and an annual assessment of the network.

Youth services

The commissioners approved a $296,272 proposal from the Local Continued on Page 18

OPA still mulling Janasek options

Continued from Page 15

Club, for 90 days.

Oglesby’s ruling was a clean sweep for Janasek, with every factor weighed breaking in his favor.

On whether the board’s decision is insulated by the business judgment rule — a case-law doctrine that stipulates that courts defer to the business judgment of corporate executives — Oglesby wrote that the board “acted in bad faith” by enacting the ban.

Oglesby pointed to the fact that Wheatley reached out to her board colleagues for advice on the situation without naming Janasek. Before Janasek was named, Wheatley was advised to file a police report and press charges. But after the other party was revealed to be Janasek, the board held a special meeting — much like the two held this month — where the suspension was voted on and passed.

“The actions of the board, in advising Mrs. Wheatley to report the matter to the police and then moving to suspend Mr. Janasek only after learning he was the other individual involved in the altercation, is sufficient demonstration of bad faith to justify judicial review,” Oglesby wrote.

“Mrs. Wheatley’s own testimony shows beyond a doubt, that the

Board’s ban of Mr. Janasek was in bad faith. She made the deliberate decision not to reveal Mr. Janasek’s identity to the other Board members when seeking their advice. She wanted their unbiased, unprejudiced opinions.”

In weighing the appropriateness of the preliminary injunction meant to prevent the board from enforcing the ban, Oglesby wrote that all determining factors — which include public interest and adverse effects the ban would have on Janasek — weighed in Janasek’s favor.

Oglesby wrote that the court wasn’t swayed by the board’s claim they were trying to maintain a safe

and family-friendly environment at its amenities for OPA members and the general public, considering that the ban was restricted only to the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, Beach Club and Clubhouse Bar and Grill.

“It did not prevent (Janasek) from being around other members of OPA or the general public at the remaining OPA facilities and amenities,” Oglesby wrote. “If the Board truly wanted to create a safe environment, it would logically follow that Plaintiff would be banned from all amenities and facilities”

Neither OPA officials nor their attorney was available to comment on this story.

Two commissioners moving on

Continued from Page 12

how things changed for me after these last four years. And I tell you, I can’t wait to see what’s next. So, thank you all so much.”

Nordstrom added after the meeting that the road ahead of him is wide open. He didn’t rule out serving Worcester County or the Pocomoke region again in the future, nor did he rule out pursuing goals away from the Eastern Shore.

At the meeting, Purnell told Nord-

strom that she’d miss him.

“I appreciate the time you put in on the southern end, the ideals you had, how you wanted to make everything work together for the county as a whole,” Purnell said. “You’ve been really industrious. You’ve picked up two masters and you worked that through. So thank you for your time, your boldness and wherever you go please stay in touch because I know you’re going to be out there doing well, so thank you so much.”

SURFING

Tim Layton catches some waves at Assateague Island on Nov 12.

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRIEFS

Continued from Page 16

Management Board for children, youth and family programs.

The programs are set to begin on July 1 of next year.

The board outlined in a memo its goals for the programs, which include reducing the impact of parental incarceration on families and communities, reducing youth homelessness, improving outcomes for disconnected youth, reducing childhood hunger, increasing opportunities for communitybased programs and preventing out-of-state placements.

Benefits of these efforts, according to the memo, include babies born healthy, healthy children, children prepared to bring their education, success in education, completion of education, safer communities and economically stable families.

Cell antennae

The commissioners approved a cellular lease exhibit to install T-Mobile cellular antennae on the Newark water tower.

The cellular service company plans

to install 10 antennae on the water tower “with minimal impact to county infrastructure,” according to a memo from Public Works Director Dallas Baker.

With the proposal approved, Public Works will now work on the next steps of the project, which include construction drawing review and approval with a third-party engineering consultant.

Public Works staff will work on finalizing the lease once any concerns with the construction drawings are addressed.

Landfill purchases

The commissioners approved fiveyear leases totaling $1.4 million and $700,000 for a landfill compactor and a bulldozer, respectively.

Some of the funding is budgeted in the FY23 solid waste capital leases budget, according to a memo from Public Works Director Dallas Baker.

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VETERANS DAY

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean City American Legion Post 166 celebrated Veterans Day last week. (Above) Color guard member Johan Nykuist performs “Taps.” (Below) Post Commander Tom Wengert, far left, and post member Robert Smith presenting Nykuist and color guard Capt. Glen Reely with service awards for their time on the color guard. (Bottom) Second Vice Commander Bob Paul, and Juniors Advisor Jesse Parsons perform the placement of the wreaths.

Ocean Pines Veterans Day ‘22 ceremony held indoors

(Nov. 18, 2022) Rainy weather moved the annual Veterans Day ceremony indoors on Friday but did little to dampen the spirits of the patriotic service hosted by the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation.

The foundation for many years has hosted Veterans Day and Memorial Day programs at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines, on Racetrack Road.

This year, the event was held in the Ocean Pines Community Center gym and included patriotic music from the Delmarva Chorus, a color guard presentation of local American Legion

representatives, and an address by guest speaker Dr. Jeff Hilovsky.

Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said Col. Hilovsky retired from the U.S. Air Force after a 25-year military career. He retired as the medical commander for the 512th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base.

State, county and local officials attended the event, including several Ocean Pines Board members.

The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation’s annual Memorial Day service is scheduled to return on May 29, 2023, at Veterans Memorial Park.

See ANNUAL Page 22

Town of Snow Hill seeking apps for new administrator

(Nov. 18, 2022) The Town of Snow Hill is seeking applications for the position of a full-time executive administrator.

“Our deputy town manager, Margot Resto, has accepted a position with the Lower Shore Land Trust. We congratulate Margot on this new opportunity on her career path,” Town Manager Rick Pollitt said. “Margot’s last official day [was] Friday, Nov. 11, but she has generously offered to divide her time between the town and the Land Trust for a period of transition. Needless to say, we all wish her well and will expect to see her often as her contributions to the quality of life in Snow Hill continue.”

The salary for the executive administrator is to be determined commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement, vacation, sick leave, personal leave and holidays.

This position provides support to the town manager, mayor and council in management of Town Hall office and various departments, and manages human resources, insurance and administrative duties.

Visit snowhillmd.gov for a full job description.

“It was an extremely difficult decision to leave such a wonderful position with the Town of Snow Hill,” Resto said. “I have learned so much in my three years here and I am grateful for the time I’ve spent coming to work each day with such an exceptional team of human beings. I will miss all of them greatly. I expect our paths to cross again and I look forward to continued collaboration with the town in my new position.”

Interested applicants can email an interest letter and resume to Pollitt at townmanager@snowhillmd.com by Nov. 18.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Rev. Mister David J. Kolesky, a deacon at the St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church, gives the invocation at the Veterans Day Tribute held Nov. 11 at the Ocean Pines Community Center.

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Annual event honored local service members and more

The foundation also hosts a “Flags for Heroes” program, honoring servicemen and women, first responders, teachers, family members, doctors and hospital workers, and others who inspire local people. Flags for Heroes is scheduled to return on May 20, 2023.

Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all volunteer organization.

“Members, donors, volunteers and visitors help make the Veterans Memorial a beautiful and welcoming place to honor and reflect on the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” Gilmore said.

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Additionally, the Veterans Memorial Foundation each year invites every fifth-grade class in Worcester County to the Memorial in Ocean Pines, as part of its education outreach.

The foundation released an educational video as part of the program this year. To view the video, visit https://youtu.be/W_SbPKZDcYc.

The Worcester County Veterans

Support for the foundation may be done in the form of donations and paid annual memberships. Brick pavers and memorial benches also help support the memorial, and volunteer opportunities are always available.

OPA, Knupp family at odds over skate park

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) Ocean Pines Association officials said they were stunned this week after Tiffany Knupp, whose son, Gavin, was killed in a hit-and-run accident in July, publicly and angrily rejected an offer by two board members to honor her son with an annual award in his name.

According to a statement issued Wednesday by the OPA, Association President Doug Parks and board member Collette Horn emerged from a private meeting with Knupp on Monday believing they had agreed on how Gavin would be remembered in the community.

Instead, the statement continued, Knupp posted a commentary on social media that suggested board members were being influenced by gifts from the Yacht Club restaurant operators and telling them to “Please kindly take the meaningless award and shove it up your asses.”

However, Tiffany Knupp said the press release omitted quite a bit of pertinent information, including that the idea to rename the skate park in her son’s memory came not from her, but Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola.

“Before this meeting, I had a cou-

ple of meetings (with the OPA), first with (OPA President) Doug (Parks) and (director) Rick Farr, then with the GM (John Viola),” she said. “This all started because reached out to John to do a fundraiser for the skate park. We talked and I told him we wanted to give back to the community and he said, wouldn’t it be amazing if they could rename the park or put a (dedicated) bench there? It was never our idea in the first place. He suggested it. We then started the whole process. He runs it by some people, calls me back a couple of days later, says they could push this through.”

Furthermore, this was the impetus for the founding of the Gavin Knupp Foundation. Tiffany Knupp said that Viola asked her if they had a foundation, explaining that they needed one for fundraising.

“That’s how it started,” she said. “To get funds to support the skate park and it kind of grew from there.”

But the more time went on, Tiffany Knupp said, the less responsive association leadership was. A planned fundraiser was on the calendar — Saturday at 45th Street Taphouse Bar and Grille — and quickly approaching, and a plaque they ordered was still in progress. It takes four to eight

See KNUPP Page 44

PHOTO COURTESY TIFFANY KNUPP

Gavin Knupp poses for a picture as a friend jumps over him on a skateboard. A recent meeting between the OPA and his mother, Tiffany, produced two sides to how Gavin should be remembered.

Man gets five years for child endangerment

Pocomoke toddler found to have heroin and alcohol in system, resulting in charges

(Nov. 18, 2022) Tommy Lee

Beauchamp, age, 33, of Salisbury was sentenced on Nov. 4 to five years in the Division of Corrections for his conviction on the charges of reckless endangerment and neglect of a minor.

He was found guilty by a jury after trial in the Worcester County Circuit Court on Oct. 20. Judge Beau H.

Oglesby presided over the case and imposed the maximum sentence.

The charges originated from an incident that took place on July 3, 2021, when Pocomoke City first responders were dispatched to a call from the mother of a 15-month-old male toddler who was having difficulty breathing and turning blue in the face.

While transporting the child to the hospital, EMS personnel suspected an accidental drug overdose and administered Narcan to him, which caused him to regain consciousness.

Salisbury man arrested in OC strong-armed robbery

(Nov. 18, 2022) De’Angelo Carsear

Townsend, 33, of Salisbury was arrested on Nov. 8 in connection with a strong-armed robbery four days earlier in Ocean City.

During the early morning hours of Nov. 4, Ocean City Police officers were waved down in the area of 12th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, where a 49year-old Ocean City man said he another man threatened him and took some of his possessions.

The incident occurred at Sixth Street and Philadelphia Avenue, police said. Through a joint and coordinated effort between the Patrol Division, Special Enforcement Unit, and Narcotics Unit, Townsend was identified as the suspect.

The Special Enforcement Unit

continued the investigation and located Townsend in Ocean City on Nov. 8.

Townsend was taken into custody without incident by the Special Enforcement Unit and members of the Patrol Division. He was charged with robbery, second-degree assault, theft of $100 to under $1,000, and theft of less than $100.

Townsend was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and held without bail. He has been transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

The Ocean City Police Department reminded citizens that if they see something suspicious, or have concerns about possible criminal activity occurring in Ocean City, to contact the department.

Call the Tip Line at 410-520-5136, email crimetips@oceancitymd.gov or contact the Police Department directly at 410-723-6610.

A full medical exam was completed at Tidal Health and showed that the child had heroin and alcohol in his system. The child was airlifted to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. and survived.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Child Protective Services jointly investigated this matter and learned that Beauchamp, the child’s father, had a history of drug use and appeared to witnesses to have been under the influence and using drugs when caring for the child on the day of the incident.

CROSSWORD

Investigators also discovered that in April 2021, Beauchamp had pleaded guilty to neglecting another 3-year-old child who had also accidentally ingested opioids under similar circumstances.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the CRICKET Center, the Department of Social Services, and Det. Martin for their collaborative investigation and thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Pamela Correa who prosecuted this case.

Free Thanksgiving dinners, church services planned

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 18, 2022) Churches in Berlin and Ocean City will provide free Thanksgiving meals again this year, while a few others will present holiday services.

Berlin’s First Baptist Church, located at 613 Williams Street, will offer a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner, including turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, cranberry sauce and dessert, for the 33rd year from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to it,” said Shannon Diehl, who helps with the church’s children’s ministry. Her husband, Brad, has been the pastor of the church for the last nine years.

Last year, the Berlin church provided just over 400 meals. Most were carryout, but some people did eat at the church.

Food was also delivered to shutins and people working on the holiday, including those at Berlin police and fire departments as well as to the Berlin Nursing Home.

To reserve a meal for carryout or to dine in, call the church at 410-6414306. Leave a voicemail and someone from the church will return the call.

“It’s helpful if they call and let us know, but we always have enough. We’re preparing for 500 meals. We’ve never run out,” Diehl said. “If they will be alone on Thanksgiving we would love to have them.”

Church members will prepare the dinner. About 30 volunteers usually

NOW PLAYING

help on Thanksgiving Day. Those interested in assisting should call the church and leave a message.

“We can always use volunteers,” Diehl said.

In addition, a new blessing box will be set up in front of the church.

“We’re excited about it. Hopefully, we can keep feeding the community after Thanksgiving,” Diehl said. “The goal is to get open and ready for Thanksgiving.”

The blessing box will be filled with canned goods, boxed foods, hygiene products, and cold weather gear such as hats and gloves.

“People can give, or take what they need,” Diehl said. “It will be open 24/7. It’s something they can come to all the time.”

Ocean City Baptist Church will host its 43rd annual free Thanksgiving dinner 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 homecooked meal on Thanksgiving is invited.

“On Thanksgiving, you should be with family, and if you don’t have anyone, come be part of our family,” said Pastor Sean Davis. “I see it as an extended family for me. It’s a family holiday and what we always promote is, ‘you shouldn’t be alone on Thanksgiving.’ We’d love to have you. It’s a great time. It really is.”

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, rolls and different pies.

Davis said last year about 550 dinners were served. About 150 meals were provided to guests dining at the church, 150 dinners were taken out and the rest were delivered.

“We’re expecting a big surge this year, by the calls we’ve been getting. We’re preparing for it,” Davis said. “We’ll probably serve about 600 this year.”

Donations are always accepted. While the food is taken care of, monetary donations will be used to help offset costs.

Davis’ father, Terry, a pastor of the church for 31 years, came up with the idea for the dinner, because “nobody should be alone on Thanksgiving,” Sean said.

Sean Davis grew up at the church and became the pastor in 2010. He wanted to keep the Thanksgiving tradition going after his father retired.

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

Those interested in volunteering can call or sign up online for different time slots.

“We usually have 60-70 volunteers that day. They serve food, clean, and sit down and spend time with others,” Davis said.

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.

Volunteers will also be delivering dinner to first responders at the

THE EVENT HORIZON

Seacrets: Sat., Nov. 19, 10:00 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

BILENKI DUO

Bayview Bar & Grille: Nov. 19, Sat., 6-9 p.m.

BAYVIEW BAR & GRILLE

2nd Floor Residence Inn

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

Nov. 18: Karaoke w/Donnie, 6-9 p.m.

Nov. 19: Bilenki Duo, 6-9 p.m. Nov. 20: Bar Bingo, 6-8 p.m.

Nov. 23: Lime Green Duo, 6-9 p.m.

COINS

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

Nov. 19: OHO, 7 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

Nov. 18: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 19: Rouge Citizens, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 20: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 21: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Nov. 22: 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. 24: 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. 18: No Cover!, ALL DAY.; Element K Duo, 5:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Liquid A, 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Nov. 19: Late Last Night, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.;

The Event Horizon, 10:00 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Nov. 20: No Cover!, ALL DAY; Football Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY PASTOR SEAN DAVIS Ocean City Baptist Church, located at 102 North Division Street next to the 7-11, will host its 43rd annual free Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

HOROSCOPE ‘Light Up the Pines’ outdoor decorating contest returns

You may become impatient with the slow progress of a project at work, Aries. Before you get your feathers all ruffled, figure out if bringing more people on the team may help.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

It may have taken a while, but you’ll start to see some results from actions you initiated weeks ago, Taurus. Your steady pace will pay off in a big way.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Lean on all of your social contacts this week, Gemini. If you’re looking to get out of the house and have fun, they will probably have some ideas on where to go.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Be on guard with issues concerning your love life and relationships, Cancer. Things that were working out smoothly may need a little extra attention for the time being.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Luck will manifest itself in some surprising ways over the course of the next few days, Leo. Seemingly out of nowhere you will have a good turn of events that propel you forward.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Negotiations will go in your favor this week, Virgo. Therefore, if you’ve been seeking a raise or a promotion, you may see that the tides have finally shifted in that direction.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Watch out for overspending that can derail the careful budget that you have set in place, Libra. It may be wise to leave a credit card at home for the next few days.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Brace yourself, Scorpio, as things could get a bit wild this week. Energy levels rise and tempers may flare. Figure out the best way to stay calm amid this confusion.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Plenty of good vibes are coming your way, Sagittarius. You just need to figure out if you’re going to share some good fortune with others and when that will occur.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

A sweet connection with someone else could happen this week, Capricorn. This may be the start of a lasting relationship, whether it is romantic or platonic.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Don’t be afraid to showcase your natural talents, Aquarius. Your unique skill set enables you to have a little fun with others and show off a bit at work.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Figure out ways to connect with the life force that is all around you, Pisces. Try meditation in the outdoors to blend two experiences.

(Nov. 18, 2022) Ocean Pines residents and property owners interested in adding holiday cheer to the community are invited to participate in this year’s “Light Up the Pines” outdoor decorating program.

Those who register with the program will be featured on an online Google map, which will include locations of the decorated properties.

Participants will also be entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 bill credits donated by Choptank Electric Cooperative, which sponsors the program. Additionally, the first 25 registered participants will receive a goody bag, also courtesy of Choptank Electric.

“Choptank Electric Cooperative is pleased to be part of the holiday spirit in Ocean Pines with the ‘Light Up the Pines’

event,” said Valerie Connelly, vice president of government affairs and public relations. “We hope our members enjoy bringing holiday fun to the neighborhood!”

Beginning Nov. 21, households interested in participating should submit a name, address and phone number via email to info@oceanpines.org or by calling 410-641-7717 ext. 3014. Participants are also asked, if possible, to submit a photo of their lighted home for a special holiday video.

The initial deadline to register is Friday, Dec. 9, although residents may continue to sign up after this date and through the holiday season to have their homes included on the online map.

The map of participating homes may be viewed at https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit

Communications survey released by Pines Association

(Nov. 18, 2022) The Ocean Pines Association has released a short survey about official communications.

The survey should take about five minutes to complete.

This is the latest of several surveys planned for Ocean Pines amenities and operations, to help gather input on the development of a strategic plan for Ocean Pines. Individual responses will be kept confidential and anonymous.

To take the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R3 Q82JM.

?mid=1M7GQDNnB4iSocR4zvIRzFTl dLK2bLPc&usp=sharing or via the link on the home page at oceanpines.org.

Closed Thanksgiving Day

Ladies’ Golf Association presents donation to AGH

(Nov. 18, 2022) Members of the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association recently presented a donation of $2,550 to Atlantic General Hospital.

The funds were raised through their recent Pink Lady Golf Tournament, which is held yearly during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the donation will go toward supporting Atlantic General Women’s Imaging in West Ocean City and the Eunice Q. Sorin Women’s Diagnostic Center at Atlantic General Hospital.

Their contribution will be used to provide women of the Eastern Shore community with crucial mammogram services, specifi-

cally for those who are not able to afford these lifesaving screenings.

The Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association has contributed to Atlantic General Hospital for over a decade, totaling more than $18,000 throughout their 12 years of support.

Community support such as this allows Atlantic General Hospital to continue providing the accessible, high-quality care that the Eunice Q. Sorin Women’s Diagnostic Center, which has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, and the Woman’s Imaging Center are known for.

Dining Guide

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

108 S. Boardwalk between Caroline and Talbot streets

Full bar

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

■ SHENANIGANS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

way, 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

■

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside

The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COASTAL SALT

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

$$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

New American restaraunt. Local seafood. Closed Monday through Wednesday; Open Thursday through Sunday, starting at 8 a.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Closed, Friday Nov. 18th for private party.

■ 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!

■ OCEAN BITES

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

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

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 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.

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

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON

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

$$

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ BAHAMAS’S CRABSHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal High-

$$ | 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.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ 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.

Members of the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association recently presented a donation of $2,550 to Atlantic General Hospital. Pictured, from left, are Laura Powell, event coordinator/development assistant; Don Owrey, president and CEO; Steven Tyson, donor relations officer; Tina Hovis, lead mammography technologist; Kam LaBrunda, grant operations officer; Susan Morris and Ann Shockley.

Associations to host services this Sunday in OP, OC

Ocean City police and fire departments, as well as to public works employees and to some others working at area businesses that day.

“We’ll deliver meals to them if we know they’re open,” Davis said.

The Interfaith Friendship Association will hold its second annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at the Community Church in Ocean Pines, on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.

The association is asking for donations to be brought to the service, which was attended by about 150 guests last year.

Non-perishable food items will be presented to Diakonia in West Ocean City, an organization which helps individuals and families by providing shelter, food, clothing and program services.

Items for expectant and new mothers are being accepted for the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health of Berlin.

“Grace Center provides clients who need assistance with new baby clothes, car seats, diapers, baby formula and many other items. All of our services are provided free of charge thanks to donations and fundraising events,” said Grace Center Executive Director Joann Manole. “The Grace Center provides vital services to women and families in the community. Our clinical team provides pregnant women with limited ultrasounds, prenatal education, parenting classes, postpartum home visits, in-home newborn care lessons and breastfeeding support. Additionally, we provide a variety of support groups that utilize trauma-informed approaches including addictions, new mothers, postpartum depression, and anxiety. We put clients in touch with needed resources such as Medicaid, housing assistance, and access to education and job training.”

Manole provided a list of needed items, which includes diapers, diaper cream and bags, A&D ointment, bibs, story books for age 0-3, baby lotion and bath towels, Boppi Pillows, breast feeding pillows and cotton pads, breast pumps, Plastic Avent bottles/nipples, infant car seats, pacifiers, Johnson’s Head to Toe shampoo, sleepers, sleep sacks, swaddle blankets, digital thermometers and Visa gift cards.

The Interfaith Friendship Associa-

24.

a.m. to 1 p.m.

tion’s mission and objective is to “teach that there is far more that unites us than separates us, and that each person regardless of background or particular faith can join together in worship of God and offer up thanks and praise. In addition, the Interfaith Friendship Association will speak out and call the community together to work for a time and a world of justice and peace.”

For more information, call Rabbi Arthur Rutberg at Temple Bat Yam at 410-251-6366.

Ocean City Christian Ministers Association will present a Thanksgiving service, Sunday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. at Son’Spot Ministries at 12 Worcester Street.

Service will include praise, worship, songs, hymns, Thanksgiving testimonies and a brief message.

Guests are asked to bring packaged food goods, paper products and funds for the offering, which will be used to help those in need in the community.

There will be dessert and fellowship after the service.

Call 410-289-1296 for more information.

PHOTO COURTESY SHANNON DIEHL

A new blessing box has been set up in front of Berlin’s First Baptist Church, located at 613 Williams Street. It will include canned goods, boxed foods, hygiene products, and cold weather gear such as hats and gloves. The church will host its 33rd annual free Thanksgiving dinner from 11

on Thursday, Nov.

Fri., Nov. 18

STORY TIME ‘GIVING THANKS!’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Hear fun stories all about gratitude and thankfulness. Stay after for a fun craft. For children ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

HOBBIES CLUB ‘CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. The group will be brainstorming characters for their stories and learning some important techniques to bring their characters to life. For ages 6 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

BERLIN BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘HEAVEN’

BY MIEKO KAWAKAMI

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Monthly book discussion. Books are available at the brach. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

WORLD DRUM EXPERIENCE

Holloway Hall Auditorium, 1101 Camden Ave., Salisbury, 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets $10. Live music performance with music from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Both Virtual and In-Person.

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

Sat., Nov. 19

AUCE BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7-10 a.m.

AUCE Breakfast Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, creamed chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit, and assorted beverages. $8/adult $4/child.

TURKEY SHOOT

Synepuxent Rod & Gun Club, 7909 Purnell Crossing Road, Berlin, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Turkey shoot benefiting Boy Scout Troop 225. Bring 12 or 20 gauge shotgun - Ammo will be provided. Range starts at $2 per target. Breakfast, lunch and baked goods available. Raffle and prizes. 410-422-9166

FALL 2022 TURKEY BOWL PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, 8 a.m. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Men’s and women’s doubles. Open to ages 18 years and older. Cost is $45 and includes a T-shirt. Register: www.pickleballtournaments.com. 410-632-2144 - 2505

WALK WITH A DOC

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 9 a.m. Kerri Ellinger, PA-C will hold a brief discussion about postmenopausal concerns, then will lead the group for a walk. First 10 people to arrive will receive a Wal-Mart gift card.

MOVEMENT AROUND THE WORLD

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Learn about different cultures around the world through a yogic movement story and craft with Lizy Maratea.

For ages 6-10 years and families. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURE

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

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FRIED CHICKEN DINNER

New Hope United Methodist Church, 7348 New Hope Road, Willards, 11 a.m. Includes vegetables, beverage and dessert. Cost is $15 for adults. Carry out available. 410-543-8244, 410-713-2468

SUPER SPECIAL STORY TIME W/MRS. MCCABE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Join Kate McCabe for a super special story time. The group will be making crafts and putting on their own parade through the library. For ages 3 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600

COMPUTER DECONSTRUCTION FOR TEENS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 11 a.m. A hands on activity where participants can see how a computer works by deconstructing and reassembling a desktop. Registration required: www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600

WALKING ON THE POCOMOKE PATHWAYS

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Native exhibit and flute music. Admission cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth ages 6-18 years and free to military, museum members. https://pocomokeindiannation.org/calendar.htm.

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL FUNDRAISER FOR OCDC

Trimper Rides of Ocean City, 700 S. Atlantic Ave., 12-5 p.m. Ride the indoor rides for $2 per ride. Festive foods, artisan gifts and a $1 wreath raffle. Also pictures with Santa, holiday music and expert Christmas wrapping demos.

www.trimperrides.com/events/

BILL ENGVALL ‘HERE’S YOUR SIGN - IT’S FINALLY TIME’ THE FAREWELL TOUR

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Two shows: 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before each show. Bill Engvall is one of the top comedians in the country. Tickets: https://ocmdperformingartscenter.com/upcoming-events/BillEngvall.

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

FREE PLATFORM TENNIS LESSONS

Saturdays - Ocean Pines Racquet Center, 11443 Manklin Creek Road, 9:30 a.m. All abilities welcome and equipment will be provided. oppaddle2020@gmail.com or 516-508-0313.

Sun., Nov. 20

FALL 2022 TURKEY BOWL PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, 8 a.m. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Mixed doubles. Open to ages 18 years and older. Cost is $45 and includes a T-shirt. Register: www.pickleballtournaments.com. 410632-2144 - 2505

TAILGATE & TOURNAMENTS

Ocean Downs Casino, 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, 12-4 p.m. Tickets $50. Ravens vs. Carolina game will be shown on projector event center and a tailgate buffet will be provided. Admission includes food, two entries in slot or black jack tournament and $10 in free slot play.

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL FUNDRAISER FOR OCDC

Trimper Rides of Ocean City, 700 S. Atlantic Ave., 12-5 p.m. Ride the indoor rides for $2 per ride. Festive foods, artisan gifts and a $1 wreath raffle. Also pictures with Santa, holiday music and expert Christmas wrapping demos. www.trimperrides.com/events/

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

SECOND THANKSGIVING INTERFAITH WORSHIP SERVICE AND BENEFIT FOR THE GRACE CENTER

Community Church, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, 7 p.m. Second annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service inviting the entire community from Ocean Pines

to Salisbury to join in worship. Asking for non-perishable food items, and items for new Mothers.

COMMUNITY’S THANKSGIVING SERVICE

SonSpot Ministries Inc, 12 Worcester St., Ocean City, 7 p.m. Service includes praise, worship songs, hymns, Thanksgiving testimonies and a brief message. Donations of packaged food goods, paper products and money offerings. Dessert and fellowship followed.

Mon, Nov. 21

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY GENERAL MEETING

Ocean Pines Community Center - Assateague Room, 235 Ocean Parkway, 10 a.m. Coffee served at 9:30 a.m. Cindy Dillon, Lower Eastern Shore Sierra Club, will highlight current projects of the Sierra Club, focusing on plastic pollution. Business meeting to follow. All are welcome.

LITTLE LEARNERS PROGRAM COLLABORATION

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 10:30 a.m. Children will learn about local history and wildlife. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

MONDAY MUSIC MASTERS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. The group will be talking about different performance techniques and showing some of their own musical creations. Recommended for ages 9 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m.

The discussion will focus on “The Unknown Masterpiece’ by Honore de Balzac. This group meets twice a month and is currently reading selections in Book 3 of Great Discussions. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

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

ROMANCE BOOK CLUB: RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE

The Buzzed Word, 11805 Coastal Highway, Unit C, Ocean City, 6 p.m. An afternoon of Queer Romance and Wine. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

BOOKKEEPER

Accounting firm in Ocean City, MD seeking full-time Bookkeeper. Position will be responsible for maintaining multiple client accounts on a monthly basis. Previous accounting experience preferred but not required. We are willing to train the right candidate.

Please email your resume to cpa@cgcpa.pro References will be requested.

TAX PREPARER

Seasonal - Part time

Experience required

Two/three days per week. December through April. Busy tax preparation office needs a qualified tax preparer to assist and prepare basic Federal and State returns as well as 1099s and W2s.

Knowledge of ProSeries and QuickBooks is a plus. Some bookkeeping may be required.

Email resume to: lyndaj0331@comcast.net

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

Boat Yard Help Needed for powerwashing and shrinkwrapping and blocking up boats. Hours: 9-4. Start immediately. Call Harbor Marine @ 410-213-2296.

Coastal Cuts, a New Family Salon in West Ocean City. We are looking for talented Hair Stylists and creative Nail Technicians. Must be Maryland licensed. Interested? Call 410-390-3916.

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.

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

Ocean Pines Handyman is offering free estimates to the Ocean Pines community during leaf removal season. We also will service Berlin, Ocean City, Salisbury, Dagboro and any location within a 30-mile radius from Ocean Pines. Book your free estimate today! www.oceanpineshandyman.com/leaf-removal

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

Admin. Assistant/ Receptionist

Accounting firm seeking front desk Admin. Assistant/Receptionist. Full-time, year-round position. Some Saturdays Feb.-April.

Please email your resume to cpa@cgcpa.pro References will be requested.

ROOMMATES

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. 302-4485516

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

Maryland,

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

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CALENDAR

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.

Tues., Nov. 22

STORY TIME ‘TURKEY TALES’

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Thanksgiving stories, crafts and activities. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

STORY TIME ‘WE ARE THANKFUL’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and finger-plays. A takehome activity will be included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

FEEL-GOOD MOVIE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Monthly movies that prove the human spirit can prevail despite overwhelming adds. Call for movie details at 410-2084014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

DELMARVA DANCING

Tuesdays - Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173, 13324 Worcester Highway, Bishopville, 5:30-9 p.m. Dance to the sounds of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and more. A $5 donation

benefits Veterans and local charities. All are welcome. Charlie, 410-465-0445

JEHOVAH’S

WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., Nov. 23

BARIATRIC

SUPPORT GROUP

Meets the third and fourth Wednesday of each month for surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatrics Center, 410641-9568

KIWANIS COAT & TOY DRIVE

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

STORY TIME ‘TURKEY’

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Stories and songs all about turkeys. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600

HOMEWORK HUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12 p.m. Stop by the library for some homework help from friends and staff. For all ages. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Hospital - Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5:30-7 p.m. The goal of the support group is to provide participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org

Thurs., Nov. 24

5TH ANNUAL THANKSKITTEN

Veterans Memorial Park, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 8:30-11 a.m. Featuring a 2.5 mile fun run/walk to support Town Cats. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for ages 13 years and older and free to those 12 years and younger. Register: https://cfacrossfit.redpodium.com/than kskitten. 443-944-2226

RIGAMAJIG THURSDAYS

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

FREE TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING DINNER

Berlin First Baptist Church, 613 William St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Including turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and desserts. Dine in or carry out. To volunteer, reserve a meal or have one delivered, call 410641-4306.

43RD ANNUAL FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER

Ocean City Baptist Church, 102 N. Division St., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Anyone looking for a good home cooked meal this

Thanksgiving Day is invited to dinner. RSVP: OCBaptist.com or 410-289-4054, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Delivery available to shut-ins.

BEACH SINGLES-55 PLUS

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

ONGOING EVENTS

MOTORCOACH TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY

On Dec. 10, spend time in New York City on-your-own from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Cost of transportation is $120. A deposit of $60 is due at booking with remaining due by Dec. 2. Book a seat: www.playmarylandscoast.org. Info: Tyler Keiser, 410-632-244, Ext. 2505 or tkeiser@marylandscoast.org.

WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 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, through Jan. 15, 2023. Interact with buttons that activate accessories and sounds and participate in a scavenger hunt. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

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.

three weeks of notification began on Nov. 10, 2022.

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

NOTICE TO HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS

INVITATION TO BID

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" 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.

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

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, 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 _________________________________

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:

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.

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

C GREGORY COBURN ESQ

6806B COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

(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

JOEL J. TODD, ESQ P.O. BOX 188

BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19450 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SCOTT W SPAULDING

Notice is given that PATRICK SPAULDING whose address is 54 FIRST AVENUE DEVONSHIRE BERMUDA DV03 was on NOVEMBER 10, 2022 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of SCOTT W SPAULDING who died on OCTOBER 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-11/17/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19367 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BERNICE KELLER

Notice is given that GAIL KELLER SCHEIBER whose address is 304 ANN DRIVE BERLIN, MD 21811 was on NOVEMBER 07, 2022 appointed personal representative of the small estate of BERNICE KELLER who died on JULY 18, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-11/17/3t _________________________________

BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Carrie M. Ward, et al. 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs. DUDLEY M. EICHHORN (DECEASED) MYRNA L. EICHHORN (DECEASED) 5934 Taylor Landing Rd. Girdletree, MD 21829

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-22-000180

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 10th day of November, 2022, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 5934 Taylor Road, Girdletree, MD 21829, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 12th day of December, 2022, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 5th day of December, 2022.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $86,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County MD OCD-11/17/3t _________________________________

DAVID J. BAINES

EWING, DIETZ, FOUNTAIN & KALUDIS, P.A.

16 S WASHINGTON STREET EASTON, MD 21601

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES

ESTATE NO. 19453

Notice is given that the S SUPERIOR COURT court of N NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE appointed SAMANTHA AUSTIN w whose address is 30 KENMOUNT LANE FELTON, DE 19943 as the A ADMINISTRATRIX of the Estate of WILLIAM LOUIS AUSTIN AKA: WILLIAM L AUSTIN who died on

AUGUST 5, 2022 domiciled in DELAWARE, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is D DAVID J BAINES whose address is E EWING, DIETZ, FOUNTAIN & 16 S WASHINGTON STREET EASTON, MD 21601 At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: W WORCESTER COUNTY.

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

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

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the

Notices

claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-11/17/3t

tions 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 Bid Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 10am, located at City Hall, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 for any questions concerning the Bid Documents. The last day for questions will be on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 3pm. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Friday, December 16, 2022.

BID SOLICITATION

Downtown Recreation Complex –Electrical Work

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors to provide site construction for the Downtown Recreation Complex – Electrical Work and for said work to be in conformity with the Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the Downtown Recreation Complex – Electrical Work 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 during normal business hours, or via the Solicita-

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, January 9, 2023 by 4:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud at the Mayor and City Council Work Session held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: City Manager; Room 230, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 and must note the name of the solicitation on the outside of the package.

Late Bid Document will not be accepted.

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

and guest bathroom (2020). Community amenities include 2 tennis courts, a 9-hole mini-golf course, and a bayfront boardwalk w/3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $360.00 a year!! $410,000

MONTEGO BAY

Located in the sought-after community of Montego Bay in quiet North OC, this 3BR/2BA home features a newer central a/c unit (2018), insulated windows, vinyl siding, architectural shingle roof, block skirting, and full screened porch. Inside you will find a fully furnished interior, wide open floor plan, double sliding doors leading to screened deck, new laminate flooring (2020), newer washer & dryer (2019), cathedral ceilings, crown moldings, large closets, and more. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, a pickle ball court, an 8 acre wildlife sanctuary w/large pond and blacktop walking/ jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk w/3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $360.00 a year! $375,000

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

Much to consider when purchasing condos

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) When purchasing condos with a loan, many factors can come into play on successfully making it from offer to closing.

Local lenders are able to offer not only a pre-approval for the buyer, but also a pre-approval for the condo building itself.

Essentially, they review and approve the condo upfront to know how the building is approved – either Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or private equity.

This condo building pre-approval process can be very helpful to listing

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Affiliation

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty welcomes the following agents that have recently affiliated with its coastal offices in Ocean Pines, Ocean City and West Ocean City.

Greg Erdie - With over 38 years of fulltime sales experience, Erdie has become a HouseSOLD word in Worcester County and is licensed in Maryland and Delaware.

Kim Collins - “I’ve been selling real estate here on the shore for over 20 years. I live here and I know the market, the buildings, the communities here in Worcester County. I give 110 percent to my

agents, as it gives the security and knowledge upfront that the building approval process has already been completed.

The goal is to make the process streamlined and efficient, taking as much guess work out of the process as possible.

One local lender who offers pre-approvals on condo buildings is Waterstone Mortgage based in Ocean City.

“The program is designed to give confidence and peace of mind throughout the transaction, as well as

a leg-up to buyers in what is still a competitive market, especially for oceanfront and oceanblock properties,” said Jason Cook, Eastern Shore manager at Waterstone Mortgage. “Just like most agent partners need a pre-approval to make an offer, we take it a step further and get the building pre-approved as well.”

Condos are one of the few property types where the subject property has approval criteria that needs to be met in addition to the borrower’s approval criteria.

Not all buildings are the same in terms of their organizational structure, budgeting and reserves – and,

clients. I’m relentless, responsive, resourceful and professional with a friendly warm manner.”

Jo Ann Brandt“Real estate is my passion and it allows me to utilize my business acumen, negotiating skills and professionalism to guide my clients through their largest financial investment of home-buying and home-selling. I look forward to assisting you in Maryland and Delaware.”

Award honors

Hudson Behavioral Health Director of Admissions Shiela Pullen, LPN was honored with the Unsung Hero Award at the recent Tuerk Conference on Mental Health and Addiction Treatment.

The conference, hosted by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug

Dependence (NCADD), took place in mid-September in Baltimore.

Pullen oversees the admissions department and staff, and is the first face incoming patients see when they come to Hudson.

Her behind-the-scenes work includes creating a warm and welcoming environment for new admissions and implementing a rigorous physical and mental screening to ensure patients receive the best care.

“Shiela is an integral part of our team and has served our organization for more than two decades, and I’m thrilled that she is being recognized with this award from NCADD,” said Leslie Brown, CEO of Hudson Behavioral Health. “She is dedicated to doing everything possible to make sure patients feel safe, welcome and understood when they arrive at our fa-

recent interpretations by the government sponsored enterprises of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on condo lending guidelines have created issues for many condo buildings in town.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy mortgages from lenders and either hold these mortgages in their portfolios or package the loans into mortgage-backed securities (MBS) that may be sold. Most conventional loans are backed and governed by regulations and guidelines that these two enterprises put into place.

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

cility for admissions.”

Pullen started her career at Hudson Behavioral Health in 1998 as a licensed practical nurse and has served as the director of admissions since 2000.

Black Friday sale

Black Friday is back for 2022 at Jolly Roger Amusement Parks.

Visit the SpeedWorld building at Jolly Roger on 30th Street on Friday, Nov. 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to get 50 percent off all 2023 park passes and select merchandise.

“We really love the holidays here at Jolly Roger - and no one enjoys them more than me,” said Steve Pastusak, vice president of Jolly Roger Amusement Parks. “It has become a great tradition here in Ocean City and I suppose it’s not only because we offer the best sale of the year, but we also get to see the locals - our friends, and

Greg Erdie

Kim Collins

Jo Ann Brandt

Shiela Pullen

Pianist looks back at years in OC

By Gee Williams Contributing Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) Shirley Toms moved to Ocean City in 1973 and has been one of the most popular pianists and entertainers in the resort community ever since. In the spring, she will have been a featured pianist in the resort for 45 years.

She started performing professionally on the piano in Baltimore in 1964, but as fate would have it, she moved to Ocean City nine years later

and has never looked back.

Shirley began her performances locally for one year at the Carousel Hotel. She then was the pianist and entertainer at the Sea Scape Motel for eight years, the Commander Hotel for the next six years and then at the French Quarter Lounge until she began performing at the Dunes Manor when it opened in 1990.

“I was hired by Thelma Conner to perform here in the upstairs lobby of the Dunes Manor and have always

enjoyed it,” Toms said.

She noted that Thelma in the 1970s was elected Ocean City’s first Councilwoman.

Thelma and her husband, Milton, had built a lifelong career in the resort’s hospitality business. But Milton suddenly passed away during the construction of the Dunes Manor, which is located on the oceanfront at 28th Street and Baltimore Avenue.

“It had been their dream to build a

Harbor Freight to open Berlin store

(Nov. 18, 2022) Harbor Freight Tools, the low-price tool retailer, has announced that it will be opening a new store in Berlin at 10716 Ocean Gateway this winter. An official opening date will be announced closer to opening.

Construction has begun at the location, using local workers and companies from the surrounding Berlin area, a statement from the company said.

“We’ve been looking to open a location in Berlin for a number of years so that we can provide the tools and equipment at tremendous values to the community,” said Trey Feiler, sen-

ior vice president, real estate and construction for Harbor Freight Tools. “In addition to finding a great location, we were attracted by the availability of great associates in the Berlin area, and we look forward to having them join the Harbor Freight team.”

The store is expected to bring between 25 and 30 new jobs to the community, including sales and logistic supervisors, senior associates, sales associates, and seasonal opportunities as well. The company said Harbor Freight Tools offers a competitive starting rate along with a best-inclass retail benefits package that in-

cludes robust health coverage, and Thanksgiving and Christmas off.

Harbor Freight now has more than 25,000 associates and more than 1,300 locations nationwide. Forbes Magazine has recently recognized Harbor Freight as one of the top 20 large employers in all of retail, one of the top employers in terms of diversity, a top employer for women, and one of the country’s Best Employers for Veterans for two years in a row.

Diversityjobs.com has also recognized the company as a top employer for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Victorian era-themed hotel, and this was the result,” Toms added. “The Dunes Manor has everything they wanted, nice rooms but also a Victorian Room restaurant, a lobby bar, and a balcony overlooking the beach and ocean.”

It was during her first year performing at the Sea Scape that she would meet her future husband, Rex Hailey.

“Rex would be working late at the desk of a nearby hotel and then come over to the lounge at the Sea Scape at about 1 a.m. for a late-night breakfast. Rex never smoked cigarettes or drank alcohol,” Toms explained.

Years later, Rex was elected as a Berlin Councilmember and served two terms before being election to two terms as the mayor of Berlin, from 1996 to 2004.

During his tenure as mayor, Berlin was the location of two major Hollywood films: “Runaway Bride” and “Tuck Everlasting.”

Shirley said, “Because I always used my maiden name — Toms — when I was performing, we used to kid with each other that many people

thought we just lived together and were not married.” Her husband died in 2017 at the age of 70.

Shirley is not only an accomplished pianist, but also is a singer with a delightful sense of humor and mischievous comments that guests are attracted to year after year.

Guests at the Dunes Manor regularly sing along with Shirley when she is performing. The guests also participate in the piano performances. During the Christmas season guests join Shirley to perform the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Throughout the year guests also line-up and do the high kick when she plays “New York, New York,” the classic jazz song made famous by Frank Sinatra.

“There is no place around the Ocean City area that has a lobby like this,” Shirley said. “I am now entertaining my third generation of visitors who can’t come to Ocean City unless they enjoy listening and laughing together.

“I love for people to laugh and have fun while I play and sing,” Shirley added. “This has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people

from around the world while I have traveled very little.”

To honor her many years of performing, the new owners of the Dunes Manor have given the grand piano, a Knabe made in Baltimore in 1890, that she has played in the hotel lobby for 32 years, to Shirley as a parting gift.

Her life of performing in Ocean City has also enabled Shirley to play the piano and organ at St. Paul’s Bythe-Sea Episcopal Church located at Third Street and Philadelphia Avenue.

“My first piano lesson was at age

10 and I have never tired of playing,” she said.

In addition to playing the piano and organ at St. Paul’s Church, she also directs the church choir. Shirley added, “God has been very good by allowing me to use the gift of music. I have never tired of playing and I consider myself blessed.”

Shirley Toms’ last performances at the Dunes Manor will be this Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. She will play piano and sing in the lobby on Thanksgiving Day from noon until 6 p.m. and the following evening, Friday, Nov. 25, from 6-10 p.m.

(Nov. 18, 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 as-

sess 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.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from Page 37

their families get into the holiday spirit.”

Purchase passes for the Pier and the 30th Street amusement park location, including SpeedWorld and Splash Mountain. Choose from The BIG Ticket, two-hour, unlimited daytime or nighttime armbands, among others.

Music and live local coverage from Froggy 99.9 and Ocean 98, free hot chocolate, cookies and pastries.

For more information, visit https://jollyrogerpark.com/black-friday/

PHOTO COURTESY GEE WILLIAMS

Shirley Toms has been a featured pianist in the resort for 45 years. She began playing at the Dunes Manor when it opened in 1990. Her last performances at the hotel will be Thanksgiving weekend.

NEW STORE OPENS

Rebecca Moore, with husband Leighton standing next to her, cuts the ribbon on Seacrets’ new Area 51 store Wednesday afternoon. Area 51 incorporates a much greater liquor, beer and wine inventory than the Atlantic Beverage Center it replaced, along with spaces upstairs for a variety of private events. Also a part of the Area 51’s special event venue is Seacrets’ new Seacret Beach on the western side of the property.

STEWART DOBSON/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

Shore schools get nearly $150,000 in program funds

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. 18, 2022) Schools in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties received $147,373 in grant funding through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s 2022 Education Grants Program.

CFES saw an unprecedented number of requests from area schools, many of which focused on the social and emotional needs of students.

Funds will be distributed across 45 school-based programs. Educators and school districts were honored at an evening reception on Nov. 10 at Stephen Decatur High School.

“By investing in our students today, we are investing in the future leaders of our community,” says Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “When we respond to needs and opportunities identified by area teachers we are able to fund projects that have an immediate impact on students.”

Education grants are made annually in conjunction with National Education Week through a competitive process to public and private grade schools on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Grants are made to those schools that have developed innovative programs to enhance education and improve the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of their students and communities.

Worcester County schools were presented $80,726. The following schools in the county that received Education Award Grants for the 2022/2023 school year:

• Berlin Intermediate will launch the Girls on the Run program to address social-emotional needs of young girls.

Lower shore schools get big pay day from org.

• Berlin Intermediate will host a nationally acclaimed poet for a residency program focused on mental health.

• Buckingham Elementary will install flexible seating in all kindergarten classrooms.

• Buckingham Elementary will create a calm cave and mobile calming

kit to facilitate crisis management techniques.

• Cedar Chapel Special School will purchase special equipment for a trauma-informed approach to behavior interventions.

• Pocomoke Elementary will implement cozy corners to help students regulate emotions.

• Pocomoke Elementary will purchase materials to enhance socialemotional skills and improve student interactions.

• Pocomoke High will hold a One School One Book program, using Night by Elie Wiesel and a trip to the Holocaust Museum.

• Pocomoke High will enhance its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program.

• Pocomoke Middle will provide incentives that reduce office referrals and improve student behavior.

• Showell Elementary will replenish and expand the school’s library collection to better meet students’ needs.

• Showell Elementary will create a calm room and install calm corners and flexible seating to regulate student behavior.

• Snow Hill Elementary will increase the library’s collection of social emotional literature.

• Snow Hill Elementary will create a calm room and implement related

curriculum to help with social emotional learning.

• Snow Hill High School will host a Future Rocket Launchers STEM program for students.

• Snow Hill High will promote safety and inclusion for LGBTQ+ students and their allies.

• Snow Hill Middle will launch a Friday Night Book Club that will engage students in recreational reading and conversation.

• Stephen Decatur High will host a book club that allows students to choose, read and discuss complex texts.

• Stephen Decatur Middle School will improve its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program.

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.

Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s 2022 Education Grants Program. Funds will be

honored at an evening reception on Nov. 10 at Stephen Decatur High School.

Handy gives back to Worcester Co. schools

(Nov. 18, 2022) Worcester County Public Schools welcomed Al “Hondo” Handy back to Stephen Decatur High School to accept an in-kind donation to give back to the school system that supported him.

Handy donated copies of his book, “Defying Expectations: Family, Sports & Recreation,” to every media center in the school system.

A proud alumnus, Handy was one of the first African Americans in the county to transition from the allBlack school of his youth to the newly desegregated Stephen Decatur High School.

His experience at the school, including winning a state championship in basketball, became a springboard into a career dedicated to helping the youth of Worcester County embrace the lessons that recreational sports could provide.

“We are very excited to not only accept this generous donation, but we are excited to celebrate his achievement as both an alumnus and a beloved pillar in our community,” Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said.

The 14 copies of “Defying Expectations: Family, Sports & Recreation” will be provided to each media center courtesy of the Rise Up Foundation, a partnership fostered by local artist and fellow WCPS alumnus Patrick L.

Henry.

Kip Johnson, also an alumnus, and his wife, Judy, formulated the vision of a foundation that would support talented students with a special financial need in Worcester County Public Schools.

This is a mentorship program which matches students with a personal mentor and a budget, which is used to invest in that student’s unique gifts and their future.

The Ocean Pines Golf Members Council recently made a sizable donation to the Toys for Tots program.

Joe Pantone, a Marine Corps veteran, assisted with the toy collection in Ocean Pines.

OP golf council makes large donation to Toys for Tots org.

(Nov. 18, 2022) The Ocean Pines Golf Members Council recently made a sizable donation to the Toys for Tots program.

Items were donated during the Members Council’s annual Golf Dinner Dance, held at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Nov. 3.

Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 and is run nationally by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

Joe Pantone, a Marine Corps veteran, assisted with the toy collection in Ocean Pines.

“On behalf of all Marines, I would like to thank the Members Council for

sponsoring the annual golf dinner dance, and the golf membership for their generous donation of toys in support of our annual Toys for Tots program,” Pantone said. “We collected approximately 75 toys, which is an outstanding number, based on past years.

“Your donations will bring much needed happiness on Christmas morning to those less fortunate children in our community,” he added.

Pantone said additional Toys for Toys donations can be made to dropoff sites throughout the community, including at A Bagel And … in Ocean Pines.

Stephen Decatur High School alumnus Al “Hondo” Handy donated copies of his book, “Defying Expectations: Family, Sports & Recreation,” to every media center in the Worcester County Public School system. Pictured, from left, are Coordinator of Instruction Jennifer Sills, Board of Education President Elena McComas, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor, Handy, Board of Education members Donald Smack and Jon Andes, and artist/Decatur alumnus Patrick L. Henry.

weeks for the plaque to come through, and they were running out of time.

“They made me feel uneasy,” Tiffany Knupp said. “I put the application in to rent the park and they literally stopped responding to me.”

It wasn’t just her, either, she said, adding that in recent weeks the OPA has ignored hundreds of messages from association homeowners and even more comments from individuals online urging them to rename the park.

According to the OPA’s statement, the meeting between Parks, Horn and Knupp concerned her request that the skate park be renamed for her son and her belief that the board opposed the idea. The OPA’s statement made no mention of how Parks and Horn responded to that assertion, but said, “At the conclusion of the meeting, she agreed that a motion for the annual award be put on the agenda for the upcoming board meeting, then hugged Director Horn and shook hands with Director Parks as she left. We felt that an agreement by all parties had been made at that point.”

Refuting the press release’s denial, she added that in the meeting on Monday, they clearly related to her that OPA’s ongoing relationship with the Matt Ortt Companies was a factor.

“They were basically like you’re coming after the Matt Ortt Companies and we don’t feel comfortable renaming the park … They said, ‘Oh well, we still have a contract with them,’” Tiffany Knupp said.

“My son is dead. If he had been hit by anybody, I still would have done this. The renaming of the skate park shouldn’t have any weight on the Matt Ortt Companies.”

Tiffany Knupp didn’t deny either that she hugged Horn, but explained it was about exercising a modicum of professional decorum and wasn’t

meant to insinuate she was OK with the proposed compromise.

“I did not leave there saying it’s OK,” she said. “I said it’s a great idea and if this is all I can get then that’s that. But this is not honoring Gavin and this is why.”

“It was not a good meeting at all. I was completely railroaded. They didn’t care about me. I cried the whole time and they didn’t give a s—.”

As for the award, Knupp said the foundation is already doing outreach efforts like that, such as scholarships in Gavin’s name.

“We’re doing those things already that’s not why we’re doing this,” Tiffany Knupp said. “The point is to improve the skate park because it’s an eyesore and to make it more family-friendly. Just make it a better place, but they don’t care. They offered the award to pacify me. By the end of the meeting, they asked to put up a Facebook post saying I agreed to this and I said no. They’re trying to shut me up.”

The Matt Ortt Companies, until recently, counted among its partners Ralph DeAngelus, in whose name the car believed to have struck and killed her 14-year-old son was registered. Police have released little information beyond that as their investigation of the July 11 accident on Grays Corner Road in Berlin continues. In the meantime, the company reported last week that it had severed all ties with DeAngelus and family members the company employed at the Yacht Club.

The OPA’s statement also rebutted the implication that the Matt Ortt Companies opposed renaming the skate park, saying the company had stated otherwise more than once.

Another fundraiser is scheduled for Wednesday at the Sterling Tavern to benefit the Gavin Knupp Foundation as well as local youth Gabrielle Bennett, who is in need of kidney surgery.

Local OP group collecting food for Head Start program

(Nov. 18, 2022) A group of Ocean Pines residents are collecting items to help stave off food insecurity in the community, with a goal of supplying local children with healthy weekend snacks for 30 weeks.

Margit Novack and four neighbors in the Teal Bay neighborhood of Ocean Pines formed the group last year, dubbing themselves the “Teal Bay Mitzvah Team,” after the Jewish word for good deeds.

Mitzvah Team member Helen Johnson said the group has already led several successful charitable campaigns. In 2021, members collected more than 1,000 pairs of shoes for their “Soles for Souls” campaign.

Later that year, they amassed more than 2,000 pairs of new socks during a “Joy of Sox” drive. Donated items were then distributed during the holiday season to assisted living facilities, long term care facilities, Diakonia, and Worcester County GOLD.

The group also held a pet food drive for local animal shelters. Johnson said all three goals were met thanks to generous donations from local people.

“We just want to give back to the community and those in need in some way. We feel that we’re all very fortunate, so we want to do what we can for others,” she said. “We now are focusing on food insecurity, because we knew it was something that children in our community struggle with,” Johnson continued. “There is poverty in this area and you’re always hearing about the need.”

The Mitzvah Team started the latest drive on Facebook two months ago, asking for donations for the

Berlin Head Start program.

Johnson said Head Start supplies food during the week, but “Come weekends, we don’t know what they have.”

“We thought it would be good to send them home with a little bag of food items, and we’re specifically collecting things suggested by a nutritionist with Head Start,” she said.

The Mitzvah Team is hoping to run the program for 30 weeks, with 30 lunch snacks per student donated and then distributed by the teachers for the children to take home.

They’ve done well so far, delivering 240 bags of food to Head Start over the first eight weeks.

“They [Head Start] were very excited. It’s a federal program, so we had to go through all the proper channels to do this,” Johnson said. “And we’re very happy that this has worked out, so far.”

Johnson said many people found it convenient to order items on Amazon.com and have them shipped directly to Novack at 2 Riverside Court in Ocean Pines.

“People can go online and order a case of Ramen noodles, for example, for just $15 or $20 while having coffee in the morning. That goes a long way to help local kids,” Johnson said.

“Our donations have slowed a little, and we know this is a hard time of year because everywhere you look people are wanting donations. So, we’re doing what we can to get the word out,” she added.

Snacks approved by the Head Start nutritionist include:

• Single serve fruit cups and

Ocean Pines residents are collecting items to help stave off food insecurity, with a goal of supplying children with healthy weekend snacks for 30 weeks. Margit Novack and four neighbors in the Teal Bay neighborhood formed the group last year, dubbing themselves the “Teal Bay Mitzvah Team.”

Decatur field hockey players earn All-Bayside S. awards

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 18, 2022) Several Stephen Decatur field hockey players received All-Bayside South Conference awards for their performances during the fall season.

Freshman Bailey Griffin and sophomore Ava Snelsire earned spots on the Bayside South First Team.

Griffin had two goals and eight assists this season. Snelsire tallied six goals and six assists.

Honorable mention accolades went to senior captain Bre Ferguson (nine goals and one assists), junior captain Abby Melito (one goal as a defender) and senior goalie Sarah Smith, who recorded 76 saves during the season.

“It’s great that we had two young players (freshman and sophomore) on first team. That’s an impressive accomplishment at that age,” said

Decatur Coach Katie Griffin. “Happy for Sarah and Bre to be recognized in their final season, and great to see Abby Melito get recognition after starting every game for us on defense for the last three seasons.”

The coach presented her team awards to: Griffin (Rookie of the Year), Ferguson and Snelsire (CoMVPs), Smith (Unsung Hero) and senior Emily Sandt (Sportsmanship).

The Lady Seahawks finished the regular season 6-6 (6-7 overall). The season ended with a 1-0 overtime loss to James M. Bennett in the MPSSAA 2A East Region II semifinals on Oct. 31.

“I’m proud of them. It was a great season. They’ve done more this season than any Decatur field hockey team has done in over a decade … It’s been well over 10 years since Decatur had a non-losing season,” Griffin said.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Stephen Decatur sophomore Ava Snelsire earned a spot on the All-Bayside South First Team. Snelsire tallied six goals and six assists this season.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Decatur freshman Bailey Griffin was named to the All-Bayside South First Team. She had two goals and eight assists this season.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

HONORS

AWARDED

HEROES

EAGLE SCOUT

MEETING

SPARKY

Worcester Preparatory School hosted the Berlin Fire Company for a Fire Prevention Assembly to raise awareness of fire safety measures on Oct. 11. Berlin Fire Company

Spokesperson Jimmy Corron highlighted the importance of establishing fire safety practices, and students also got to meet Sparky the Fire Dog. Cheryl Marshall’s first grade class hugs Sparky.

PHOTO COURTESY ASHLYN COLSON

Worcester County Commission Women hosted its GEMS Tea on Oct. 16, where the group honored women of Worcester County.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS, SR.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City was named the recipient of the “Volunteer Engagement Award” at the 25th anniversary celebration of Worcester County G.O.L.D. (Giving Other Lives Dignity). Pictured, from left, are Nicholas Cranford, GOLD executive director; Jim Spicknall, Kiwanis Club liaison to GOLD; Tim Lund, Kiwanis Club immediate past president; and Shannon Wright, GOLD’s board president.

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 Matt, Lynne and David McAllister.

Jace Rabon of Boy Scout Troop 225, was presented his Eagle Scout merit award at a Court of Honor by Scoutmaster Clint Bickford on Oct. 16 at Ocean City Lodge #2645. He is also pictured with his parents, Brandy and Jason.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

FALL FESTIVAL

FARM FUN

SHOWING SUPPORT

PICKING PUMPKINS

PHOTO COURTESY JACK BARNES

Ocean Pines resident Pat Kanz recently celebrated her 95th birthday at a surprise party arranged by her family, who invited members of her local Bridge Club. An avid Bridge player and instructor, she credits the game with keeping her mind sharp. Pictured, from left, are Carol Stocard, Eileen McClelland, Jack Barnes, Barbara Morgan, Andrea Barnes and Kanz, seated.

The 10th grade held the annual Fall Fun Festival at Worcester Preparatory School on Oct. 26 for first through fifth grade students. Sophomores created their own game stations and brought in candy, treats and prizes. Pictured are sophomores Lydia Schwartz, Travis Netting and Jackson Fernley.

Lisa Kristick’s Pre-K4 class from Ocean City Elementary School visited Parsons Farm on Oct. 18, where they learned about the life cycle of a pumpkin and explored the fruit using their five senses.

Jennifer Fohner's PreK-4 class from Ocean City Elementary recently visited Parsons Farm. Pictured are Tucker Coates, Graham Artrip and Nate Berke on the hayride after picking their pumpkins from the patch.

Following the devastating events of Hurricane Ian, the Worcester Volunteers Club coordinated a fundraiser for the American Red Cross in order to best serve the people that were hit hardest by the storm. Worcester Preparatory School held a “Rock the Red Day” on Oct. 21, where students and faculty could wear casual dress, featuring the color red, in exchange for a $2 donation. Pictured are seventh graders, from left seated, are John Lynch, Luke Mize and Mac Miller, and standing, Max Griffin and Dexter Feldman.

Serve braised brisket nachos on game day

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) Who does not love gooey, cheesy nachos packed with all the fixings?

Chicken and chili are popular toppings. However, if one wants a memorable meal, you have to modify the recipe for a more impressive dish.

Brisket braised in red wine and aromatics makes for a delicious, tender bite. These mouthwatering, lip-smacking nachos can win over even the toughest critic.

As with any dish, there are so many choices and it is the smallest details that distinguishes a good dish from a great dish.

With that thought in mind, let us delve into the specifics for spectacular braised brisket nachos.

Smoked brisket is a popular way to serve the tough cut of meat, but it takes time for the smoky flavor to penetrate the meat.

I find cooking the meat in a pressure cooker or Dutch oven is not only faster, but also more favorable.

But no matter how one cooks

brisket, it needs time for the abundance of connective tissue to gelatinize until tender.

Simmering the beef in red and white wine is the foundation for the sauce. Chicken and beef broth adds

richness. Garlic, onion, carrots, celery and canned whole tomatoes along with seasonings kicks up the flavor profile.

The meat needs to simmer for several hours until it is fork tender. Once

this is achieved, remove the meat and puree the broth.

The pureed vegetables will act as a tasty thickener.

There will be a lot of broth left over. Freeze half for future beef gravy.

Braised brisket nachos perfect comfort food

Remember, the holidays are coming up and you do not waste your hard-earned efforts.

Using a fork, break up the meat into smaller pieces, place it back into the remaining pureed broth and allow the meat to absorb all of the wonderful goodness.

I adore cheese and want my nachos loaded up like there is no tomorrow. Most supermarkets carry their own brand of shredded cheeses, which saves money and time.

Shredded Mexican or taco cheese is a good option for nachos.

Tomatoes or salsa will be an eternal debate.

I prefer fresh tomatoes for the simple fact that salsa will turn the chips soggy. Cherry tomatoes are sweet and helps offset the saltiness of the dish.

If you prefer salsa, consider serving it on the side.

Onions are another consideration.

Yellow onions can be aggressive and overpowering. Use sweet onions and chop them coarsely for better contrast in texture.

The addition of green scallions adds to the flavor profile, color and reinforces the theme of onions.

Lettuce adds freshness and again helps break up the richness of the

dish. Romaine lettuce is crunchy and is loaded with natural juices.

Black olives add a beautiful contrast in color.

Most nacho dishes showcase California black olives. Personally, I am not a fan of California olives: their taste is minimal.

Kalamata olives are delicious and can be purchased pre-sliced.

Jalapenos are a must; they give the nachos a burst of heat. Pickled or raw is the only decision.

Raw can be very hot, so pickled is your best option.

Chips are the final consideration.

Homemade is always the better choice. Many grocery stores carry homemade tortilla chips which can be found in the deli section.

Garnishes are just as important as the dish itself.

A drizzle of adobe or Sriracha sour cream adds to the beautification and taste of the dish. Sriracha sour cream consists of ¼ cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon of Sriracha, and ½ teaspoon lime zest.

Adobo sauce can be made by mixing Adobo All Purpose Seasoning with sour cream. Or, you can mix sour cream with the adobe sauce that comes in the can of La Costena

Chipotles Peppers with Adobe Sauce. Combine until you get the desired level of heat. A drizzle of sauce along with fresh cilantro creates a more artistic and sophisticated look.

Assemble your brisket nachos according to personal preference. There are no set rules and have fun.

Braised brisket nachos are “bangin” and a sure way to wow your guests. Enjoy!

Braised Brisket Nachos

Ingredients

1 (5-pound) beef brisket

4 cups dry red wine

2 cups dry white wine

2 cups water

2 rounded tablespoons beef bouillon

2 rounded tablespoons chicken broth

6 large cloves garlic, chopped 2 yellow onions, quartered

3 celery stalks (leaves included), quartered

3 large carrots, peeled, and quartered

1 (28-ounce) can peeled, whole tomatoes

3 bay leaves

1 teaspoon Herbs de Province 1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon crushed dried rosemary 2 tablespoons dried thyme kosher salt to taste

1. Remove seeds from the whole tomatoes, reserve the flesh and juice.

2. In a large pressure cooker, combine all of the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 ½ hours or until fork tender.

3. Remove the bay leaves.

4. Remove the meat, and using a hand-held blender, puree the broth. Freeze half for future use.

5. Using a large fork, shred the meat and place back into the pressure cooker. Simmer for 20 minutes without the lid. Strain to remove excess liquid.

6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

7. On a sheet pan, place the chips, meat and cheese and bake until the cheese is melted. Add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 5 minutes.

8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and spicy sour cream.

Secret Ingredient – Details. “To create something exceptional, your mind must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.”

– Giorgio Armani

FOOD

Royal

TOYS

Cat toys – variety

Dog toys – variety

Chuck -it toys – large

Feather wand cat toys

Cat kicker toys

Scratch pads/posts for cats

VETERINARY CARE

Latex gloves – (S, M, L, XL)

Non-latex gloves – (S, M, L, XL)

Digital fast acting thermometers

Batteries (AA, AA 9V)

OFFICE SUPPLIES

CLEANING SUPPLIES

O-Cedar Microfiber Twist Mop Cleaning Buckets

Fabuloso (lavender scented) Brooms/dust pan

Toilet paper Bleach

Liquid laundry detergent Hand Sanitizer Clorox/Lysol Wipes Contractor sized trash bags Kitchen trash bags

PET CARE

Cat/dog beds

Fleece blankets

Cat litter – scoopable or wood pellets

Puppy training pads

Snuggle safe heating discs

Kitten nursing bottles

Small ceramic water bowls

Disposable food bowls

Dog waste bags

OTHER

Gift cards to Walmart, Tractor Supply, Petsmart, Petco, Concord Pets, Food Lion, Staples, etc.

* When in doubt, it is better for our animals to spend your donation dollars on cleaning supplies rather than off brand animal foods *

Professing support when it’s not critical

The reply to elected officials who argue they don’t oppose a sports complex, just the public funding of it, has to be, “So what?” If no public money is involved, these officials would have little say in the matter beyond being sure that such a facility meets zoning and other land use requirements.

Consequently, politicians who stake out the no-publicfunding position are trying to have it both ways: they don’t want to alienate voters who support the development of such a facility, but also want the continued support of those who oppose it.

This is not to suggest that a major athletic facility that proposes to draw youth sports tournaments from all over the eastern half of the country would be a sure-fire success no matter whose money is being spent. It’s a crapshoot, just like it was when the state and the Town of Ocean City built the Ocean City convention center back in 1970.

At the time of its opening, that multi-million-dollar facility was derided throughout the state as a “white elephant” because it sat empty on most days. But, obviously, something did go right over time, because the Roland E. Powell Convention Center is more than five times the size of the original 40,000-square foot structure.

Still, it remains disingenuous for elected officials to profess support for something in which they would have reduced involvement.

Should an investment group buy a tract of cleared land that had once been used for recreational purposes — an abandoned golf course, for instance — its approval would hinge on the findings of the regulatory bodies that govern land use and development.

A project either meets the state and county requirements or it doesn’t, and if it does, elected officials can’t say no just because they don’t like it. Only if a sports complex proposal needed some kind of regulatory accommodation like a zoning change or wastewater disposal solution would politicians’ opinion enter into the equation. And then, the public would find out if that “support” actually exists.

Ocean City Today

PUBLIC EYE

Why is it ‘tuna fish?’

Here’s a sample of the questions I’ve been thinking about recently, if only to blot out all the breaking political news, which seems pretty broken to me: if the Secret Service is secret, why do I know about it?

I just think it’s strange that we continue to call it the Secret Service when much of what it does is so public.

Not to nitpick, but where else would a salad come from, the parking lot? Or maybe it’s the “Empty Lot Down the Street Salad, or the “Decorated Tractor Tire Salad: the local’s favorite.”

I know other kinds of salads exist: chicken salad, shrimp salad and egg salad, but they’re always identified as being what they are.

By Stewart Dobson

It’s not as if we see news reports (breaking or otherwise) that say, “... and the president was hustled off to his car by a group of unknown people wearing suits.”

No, we know that it’s the un-Secret Service that takes care of these things.

Otherwise, one might wonder, were anonymous, but well-dressed individuals to be involved, whether the president had been whisked away by vigilante suit tailors for an emergency fitting.

But no, we know it’s the Secret Service because it’s the Public Secret Service, while the secret Secret Service is, presumably, busy working undercover to bust up Lou’s Superior Counterfeiting Inc. and other hush-hush operations.

In any case, this is just one of the confusing names that I have allowed to bother me lately, because I’m determined to ignore the news that really gets me going.

Another of these name curiosities is seen on many restaurant menus. That would be the ubiquitous “Garden Salad.”

Tuna salad, however, is an interesting name, as many people tend to change “Tuna” to “Tuna Fish” once it takes salad form ... as if some other kind of tuna is out there wandering around in non-fish territory.

This brings me another thing that makes no sense — the “Fresh Seafood” you see on restaurant marquees.

Fresh seafood as opposed to what? “Found It On The Beach Yesterday Seafood?” Or “It’s Still Good Seafood?” “Moderately Fresh Seafood?” We expect it to be fresh, or at least fresh frozen or we’re not coming back ... once we’re back to eating solid food, anyway.

Back on the political front, the name of the congressional “Freedom Caucus” strikes me as odd in that outside of wanting me to be free to take my 9mm to church, this group wants me to be free to do what they tell me and like it.

In a number of respects, it’s like the Progressive Caucus, which seems to like the idea of progressing toward national bankruptcy.

But enough of that. I’m avoiding this increasingly nasty political tug-of-war by focusing on other ironic names such as Jumbo Shrimp, Pygmy Whales, and why, when we talk about the weather we say, “It’s raining” and “It’s Snowing,” but when the wind rises, we never say “It’s winding.”

Arts council holding silent auction

(Nov. 18, 2022) In efforts to raise funds to support the Arts Scholarship program for local students, the Worcester County Arts Council is hosting a silent auction featuring a variety of original artwork, donated by local artists.

All auction items are on display at the Worcester County Arts Council’s Gallery and are available for bidding until Dec. 11.

Auction artwork may be purchased at “Buy Now” prices.

Winners will be notified on Dec. 12.

The gallery, located at 6 Jefferson

Street, is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Auction items may also be viewed and purchased on Friday, Nov. 25, from 5-8 p.m. during the “Ice, Ice Berlin & Tree Lighting” celebration.

In June of 2022, the Arts Council awarded a total of $10,000 to five Worcester County students in support of their artistic goals.

For more information about the Arts Scholarship program, visit www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org.

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.

Roberge stoping in OC this spring

(Nov. 18, 2022) Maryland native and lead singer of the popular band O.A.R., Marc Roberge, is returning to the beach on Friday, March 10.

Continuing his successful solo tour, “An Evening with Marc Roberge,” and the release of O.A.R.’s new album “The Arcade,” the band’s frontman will be making his way to the Eastern Shore to bring his energetic live show to the Performing Arts Center.

“We are thrilled to get Marc back to Ocean City for an intimate show

with some of his biggest fans,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. “Although O.A.R. didn’t get to perform as planned earlier this fall, we are excited to have Marc put on a show with his pals this spring.”

Roberge will be performing his songs and covers from his band O.A.R.

“An Evening with Marc Roberge from O.A.R.” will begin at 8 p.m. on March 10, at the Performing Arts Center inside the convention center

County Rec and Parks NYC trip back after covid years

(Nov. 18, 2022) Take a motorcoach trip to New York City on Dec. 10, with Worcester County Recreation & Parks. It is the organization’s first bus trip to New York City since the covid-19 pandemic.

Individuals and families are invited to book their seats to travel to the Big Apple to celebrate the holidays.

The trip will be on your own, so the itinerary for the day is up to each individual.

Participants can visit the Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, or wander through famous neighborhoods.

Enjoy the holiday spirit of the city with a carriage ride through Central Park, ice skating, the tree at Rockefeller Center, or holiday shopping.

There will be two pick up locations, one at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill at 5 a.m. and the second at the Berlin Walmart at 5:30 a.m.

Participants can expect to arrive at Macy’s at 34th and Broadway in New York City around 10:30 a.m. The bus will depart at 6:30 p.m. and arrive back in Worcester County at midnight.

The price per person for this trip is $120. The deposit of $60 is due at the time of booking, and the remaining $60 balance is due by Friday, Dec. 2. To book a seat, visit www.playmarylandscoast.org.

For more information, contact Tyler Keiser at 410-632-2144 ext. 2505 or tkeiser@marylandscoast.org.

on 40th Street. Tickets went on sale Wednesday.

“We can’t think of a better way to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day weekend than an intimate show with Marc and Friends,” Meehan said. “Whether you’re planning a date night, family night, or starting your St. Patrick’s Day weekend early, Marc and friends will be an evening in Ocean City you won’t want to miss.”

Visit https://ocmdperformingartscenter.com for more information.

Rec and Parks Pickleball back for Thanksgiving

(Nov. 18, 2022) Worcester County Recreation and Parks will host the annual Turkey Bowl Pickleball Tournament later this month.

This two-day tournament will take place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19-20, at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill.

Saturday’s play will consist of men’s and women’s doubles, and Sunday will be mixed doubles.

Doors will open and check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. Competition will start at 8 a.m.

The tournament is open to ages 18 and older. The cost per person is $45, which includes a T-shirt.

To play, register online at www.pickleballtournaments.co m.

For more information, contact Tyler Keiser at 410-6322144 x2505 or tkeiser@marylandscoast.org.

To view a full list of upcoming special events, visit www.playmarylandscoast.org.

Thanksgiving Service

Sunday, November 20th, 7:00pm

Son’ Spot Ministries, 12 Worcester Street Service will include…praise, worship songs, hymns, Thanksgiving testimonies and a brief message.

Please bring packaged food goods, paper products, and funds for the offering, which will be used to help the needy in our community. There will be desserts & fellowship after the service. This is a great opportunity to give thanks to God. We hope you can attend.

The Ocean City Christian Ministers Association Invites Everyone To Our Community’s

Rommel retreats from Benghazi 80 years ago

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Nov. 18, 2022) This week, 80 years ago, Benghazi, Libya’s second largest city, was occupied by the Allies. That day, Hitler ordered Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, commander of Panzerarmee Afrika, to hold a position at Mersa el Brega, “... at all cost,” calling it the, “... springboard of a new offensive.”

Mersa al Brega is located on the Gulf of Sidra, the most southerly point of the Mediterranean Sea, 148 miles south of Benghazi, and currently has a population of 7,000. On Nov. 22, 1942, the field marshal met with his titular superior, Marshal Ettore Bastico, governor-general of Italian Libya and commander-in-chief of Axis forces in North Africa.

The next day, Field Marshal Rommel’s Panzerarmee Afrika retreated another 100 miles to Agedabia, and was beginning to evacuate it as well. Mersa al Brega was only 50 miles distant. The following day, he met with Marshal Ugo Cavallero, head of Comando Supremo and Field Marshal “Smiling” Albert Kesselring.

The meeting was held at the Arco dei Fileni, which marked the border between the Libyan provinces of

Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, which was destroyed by Quaddafi in 1973. Rommel argued to the two of the folly of standing and fighting Eighth Army, and that the better course would be to abandon Libya and withdraw to Tunisia.

For two weeks the “Desert Fox” had been shepherding his beaten and battered Panzerarmee Afrika west across the North African desert, in an attempt to escape the clutches of the Allied Eighth Army, commanded by Gen. Bernard L. Montgomery (“Monty”).

Field Marshal Rommel’s Panzerarmee Afrika had been defeated at El Alamein by Monty’s Eighth Army, and many of its soldiers killed and captured, and much of its equipment captured or destroyed. It was perilously low on fuel, food and ammunition. The Axis forces were driven out of Egypt on Nov. 6, and abandoned Tobruk six days later.

On Nov. 26, the Italian Duce also ordered the field marshal to hold at Mersa el Brega. Two days later, he flew to Berlin to plead his case to Hitler — without success. He then traveled from Berlin to Rome with Reichsmarshal Hermann Göring, in the Reichsmarshal’s train, to meet

with Comando Supremo. Once more, he pled his case — again to no avail. The Desert Fox returned to the Libyan desert on Dec. 2, 1942.

But the Desert Fox had decided to withdraw to El Agheila, which he knew well, and which was 30 miles past Mersa al Brega. It was a strong position, surrounded by salt marshes and soft sand.

If he had received the replacement troops, tanks, artillery, fuel and ammunition which he had been promised, his Panzerarmee Afrika might have been able to hold. But almost all of the men and equipment destined for Africa were being sent to Tunisia to oppose the Americans and British, who were headed east from Algeria.

Kesselring (left), with his chief of staff, Wilhelm Speidel (centre), and Hermann Goring (right) –1940

OBITUARY

DONNA M. WILSON York

Donna M. Wilson, 78, of York, Pennsylvania, died Nov. 13, 2022 at York Hospital.

She was the wife of the late David E. Wilson.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were married for 36 years prior to David’s death in 2003.

Born Jan. 21, 1944 in York, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Anna (Ritter) Wagaman.

Donna was a graduate of William Penn Senior High School. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Some of her hobbies were cooking, painting, recycling and traveling, especially to Miami, Florida, and Ocean City, Maryland, where she spent her summers.

Donna was a strong proponent of fairness, equality and justice.

Donna is survived by her two sons, David E. Wilson, Jr. and his wife, Keota Silaphone of Berlin, Maryland, and Darren E. Wilson and Leah Thompson of Pittsburgh; and by her extended family, Kathleen Rogers, Christine Wagaman, Alan Wagaman, Cortney Derocher and Jarrett Rogers.

Donna was preceded in death by her two brothers, Gary and Rodney Wagaman; and a sister, Gloria Wagaman.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Etzweiler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 1111 E. Market Street, York. Burial will be in Mount Rose Cemetery.

A viewing will be held Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Speech and Language Pathology Scholarship, 112 Washington Place, Two Chatham Center, Suite 450, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219; or to the Farm and Natural Lands Trust of York County, 350 North George Street, York, Pennsylvania 17401 (https://www.farmtrust.org).

Arrangements by the Etzweiler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 1111 East Market Street, York, Pennsylvania 17403 (www.etzweilerfuneralhome.com).

Most of what little was being sent to Rommel was being sunk. In addition, beginning on Dec. 6, Rommel began sending the non-motorized Italian units to Buerat to prepare a position there. Buerat is 230 miles west of El Agheila on the Gulf of Sirte, and 237 miles east of Tripoli, the capital of Libya. It was imperative, to the Italians, that Tripoli be held. Before the war, one-third of the city’s residents were Italian.

The two armies clashed at El Agheila on Dec. 11. Two days later, Axis reconnaissance discovered Allied armor attempting to outflank the Axis Army. The movement was stopped by Centauro Armored Division, commanded by Count Giorgio Calvi di Bergolo (who was Italian King Victor Immanuel III’s son-inlaw), and the remnants of the Ariete Armoured Division. The encounter is described by Field Marshal Rommel:

“Bitter fighting ensued against 80 British tanks and lasted for nearly ten hours. The Italians put up a magnificent fight, for which they deserved the utmost credit. Finally, in the evening, the British were thrown back by a counter-attack of the Centauro’s armoured regiment, leaving 22 tanks and two armoured cars burnt out or damaged on the battlefield. The British intention of cutting off the 90th Light Division had been

foiled.”

As he knew it must, without the proper resources, Field Marshal Rommel’s Panzerarmee Afrika began withdrawing on the evening of Dec. 15. The next day, the Panzerarmee Afrika arrived at Nofilia, 100 miles to the west. Two days later, the Axis Army had fallen back, 92 miles, to Sirte, which was described as, “... a shabby little Arab village of mud huts, clustered on the banks of a foulsmelling stream.” In a tent 12 miles south of the mud huts, Muammar Gaddafi was born that year. It currently has a population of 128,000.

The Italian Duce authorized Marshal Bastico to, slowly, withdraw the Panzerarmee Afrika to Tunisia on Dec. 27, 1942.

The motorized portion of the Axis army was reunited with the non-motorized portion in Beurat, 54 miles west of Sirte, on New Year’s Eve of 1942. The Panzerarmee held this position until Jan. 16, 1943, when it retreated to Homs, located about 60 miles southeast of Tripoli.

The field marshal ordered the evacuation of Tripoli on Jan. 22, 1943, and on Jan. 26, 1943, established his headquarters at Ben Gardane, Tunisia.

Monty’s Eighth Army entered the Libyan capital on Jan. 23, 1943, and the general ordered a victory parade, which was held on Feb. 3, 1943, at

which time the British prime minister addressed the troops, saying,

“Let me then assure you, soldiers and airmen, that your fellow-countrymen regard your joint work with admiration and gratitude, and that after the war when a man is asked what he did it will be quite sufficient for him to say, ‘I marched and fought with the Desert Army.’ And when history is written and all the facts are known, our feats will gleam and glow and will be a source of song and story long after we who are gathered here have passed away.”

Shortly thereafter, the name of the army was changed to First Italian Army, and command given to Giovanni Messe, probably the best Italian field commander. Gen. Messe’s First Italian Army was joined with Fifth Panzerarmee, commanded by Hans-Jügen von Arnim, to form Armeegruppe Afrika, commanded, briefly, by Field Marshal Rommel.

The last Axis soldiers left Libya on February 13, 1943.

Next week: Army/Navy In Annapolis

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

Donna Wilson

Sports & Recreation

Marshall

pleased

with 3A XC state meet performance

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 18, 2022) Stephen Decatur sophomore Amber Marshall was pleased with her performance during the MPSSAA 3A cross country state championship meet, held last Saturday at Hereford High School in Parkton.

“I did really well. I wasn’t expecting the time I got,” she said. “I was happy with the time and the place I got too.”

Prior to the event, Marshall said her goal was to finish the race in about 24 minutes. She completed the 5K in 22:33, crossing the finish line 47th overall. It was her first time running the challenging, hilly course.

“At first it was nerve-racking. There were a lot of girls at the start line, and they were all fast, and it was difficult with the hills, but I didn’t let that get to me,” she said.

Marshall said she felt more relaxed knowing her family was there. When she heard them cheering her on and when she saw her coach near the final hill, she said, “I knew I could keep pushing through.”

Marshall said she enjoyed her first experience competing in the state championship meet.

“It was really fun. I hope to get back next year,” she added.

Coach Brenda Hommel said she was very impressed with Marshall’s performance, noting that she was one of only two runners from the Eastern Shore in the 3A division made up of 132 female participants.

“Nearly every girl in the race is used to running against other 3A runners on courses similar to the Bull Run course, so Amber was definitely at a disadvantage,” she said. “She didn’t let her circumstances, however, affect her mindset going into or during the race. Amber ran with grit, strategy and heart.

“As a sophomore, Amber looked to gain experience on the course and against an elevated level of competition with hopes of having future opportunities to make it to the state meet,” she continued. “Notably, Amber’s time on this course ranks in the top six of all female Decatur runners to date. I look forward to working with her next year as she will be a force on the team in preparing her teammates to join her at the state meet.”

Marshall thought it was a big accomplishment to be one of two run-

ners from the shore competing and to rank in the top six of Decatur’s female runner.

She was happy with her second cross country season and hopes to do even better next year.

She qualified for the state championship with her fifth-place finish in the 3A South Region meet the week prior. She completed the regional race in 21:23, which was a new season personal record.

Marshall earned a spot on the Bayside All-Conference team with her sixth-place finished (21:30.20) during the championship meet on Oct. 26.

Marshall is trying out for the school’s cheerleading team during the winter season. She plans to run outdoor track in the spring.

Hommel thought the cross country season overall went as well as she could hope for.

“We knew going into the season that we had a young team with a majority of our runners being new to the team. All of our runners showed individual growth throughout the season as well as growth in working together to improve their performance as a team,” she said. “We are not graduating many seniors – two girls and three

boys – so if we could recruit a few dedicated runners next year it could put us in a great position next year.

“It became clear to our athletes this season that one or two places from each person in a varsity position of a

race can mean the difference between winning and coming in third or fourth as a team,” she added. “I am hoping to come out strong in August with our athletes ready to run and push themselves to new levels next year.”

Decatur football team tops NC, 43-27, in second round

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 18, 2022) When the Stephen Decatur football team hosted the North Caroline Bulldogs on Oct. 7 –the Seahawks’ homecoming night –they came from behind to win the battle, 16-14.

When the two teams met again in Berlin last Saturday in the MPSSAA 2A East Region second round, Decatur dominated – even in the unseasonably warm weather and with the flu bug going around the team – coming out on top, 43-27.

“Most guys were sick all week. Quite a few lost body weight and it was hot, so it was a challenge,” De-

catur Coach Jake Coleman said. “They fought through it and battled. Sometime you have to go to work when you don’t feel well. North Caroline gave us everything. I was pleased with the guys and how they fought.”

Decatur, the No. 3 seed, got on the board first with a touchdown by junior quarterback Brycen Coleman. Junior Brogan Eastlack’s kick was good.

The seventh-seeded Bulldogs made it 7-6 with one minute left in the quarter.

Senior Luke Mergott and sophomore Trybe Wise scored in the sec-

PHOTO COURTESY AMBER MARSHALL

Stephen Decatur sophomore Amber Marshall, second from right, competed in the MPSSAA 3A cross country state championship meet, held last Saturday at Hereford High School in Parkton. She completed the 5K in 22:33, crossing the finish line 47th overall. She is joined by teammates, Graham Field, Macy Woroniecki, Mackenzie Cathell and Coach Brenda Hommel.

All-Bayside Awards Football: Decatur to battle Potomac in state quarterfinal round

Several Stephen Decatur football players received All-Bayside Conference awards for their performance during the season.

Co-Defensive Player of the Year: Luke Mergott

Offense First Team: Brycen Coleman (quarterback)

Gavin Solito (slot)

Luke Mergott (TE)

AJ Trimble (OL)

Brogan Eastlack (kicker)

Offense Second Team: Trybe Wise (WR)

Nate Tapley (offense utility)

Brycen Coleman (punter/punt returner)

Luke Mergott (kickoff returner)

Defense First Team: Luke Mergott (DE)

Amarian Manuel (safety)

David Lockwood (defensive specialist)

Defense Second Team: Kenny Spates (DT/NG)

Gavin Solito (ILB)

Daegan Risser (IBL)

A’zavion Manuel (DE)

Tre Dorn (CB)

Honorable Mention: Caden Shockley (RB)

Logan Bradshaw (WR)

Garrett Maloney (OL)

Justin Bailey (OL)

James Watkins (OL)

Sully Auker (DT)

Logan Bradshaw (OLB)

Ethan Bradshaw (OLB)

Dalontae Henry (CB)

Nas Tull (RB)

DaMartae Purnell (OL)

Davin Chandler (slot)

BBBSES to host 30th annual Santa’s Open event Dec. 10

(Nov. 18, 2022) On Dec. 10, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) will hold its 30th annual Santa’s Open Charity Event at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

This is a fun event to add to holiday traditions. Each holiday season, the Eastern Shore comes together to support children facing adversity by golfing in this tournament and bringing an unwrapped gift for a child between the ages of 6-17.

BBBSES serves all nine counties on the Eastern Shore: Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester. All proceeds from this event go to local causes.

The collected unwrapped gifts will be given to children in the BBBSES program during the holiday season.

Volunteers and attendees can enjoy a round of golf, golfer gifts, refreshments, food, silent auction, raffle prizes and prizes for the top performers.

The Hole-in-One contest is sponsored by Pohanka. Some other prizes include gift certificates to local businesses, spas and hotel packages.

BBBSES still has sponsorship and team spots open. Those interested should visit www.shorebiglittle.org/events, send an email to golf4kids@shorebiglittle.org or call 410-543-2447.

ond quarter and Eastlack was successful on his extra-point attempts to boost Decatur’s advantage to 21-6 at halftime.

North Caroline scored early in the third quarter, but Decatur answered with touchdowns by Mergott and Wise.

The visiting Bulldogs scored with about three minutes left in the third quarter.

Coleman ran into the end zone with just over a minute to play, then Mergott was successful on the twopoint conversion. After three quarters, Decatur led 43-19.

North Caroline made it 43-27 with just under nine minutes remaining in the game, but the Decatur defense held off any more charges.

“The big difference between the two games is both sides made adjustments from game to game. When you play a team twice you’re going to see different things,” Coleman said. “Offense did a great job, special teams was key in this game – it was a huge advantage for us – and defense only gave up 21 yards rushing in the first half. We just have to make sure we finish. We can’t let a team back in.”

Coleman was 11-for-29 passing for 186 yards and throwing three touchdowns. He rushed 11 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns.

Mergott carried the ball three times for eight yards and a touchdown. He caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Wise caught four passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

Eastlack was 5-for-5 on extra points.

Sophomore Ethan Bradshaw had

eight tackles (two solo, six assisted). Junior Gavin Solito chipped in with seven tackles (four solo, three assisted). Sophomore Sully Auker had six tackles (one solo, five assisted).

“It was huge win. It puts us one more round deeper,” Coleman said. “I’m proud of the kids. It’s amazing to be sitting here 9-2. They’ve really done a phenomenal job.”

The remaining eight 2A teams were reseeded for the state quarterfinal round.

Fifth-seeded Decatur will take a trip to Oxon Hill in Prince George’s County on Friday to face the No. 4 Potomac Wolverines at 6:30 p.m.

“Making it to the third round two years in a row is a big accomplishment. The next goal is this game,” Coleman said. “We don’t want this ride to end … They only have one loss on the season and they’ve only given up 33 points in 11 games. We have to give our best effort, we have to bring our ‘A’ game and we’ve got to play to win. We have to come out and do all the little things well – catch the ball better, win one-on-ones, tackle in open space, have another great effort by special teams, offense has to get it going and defense has to be lights out.”

Fans planning on attending the game should purchase tickets online at https://gofan.co/app/events/790744 ?schoolId=MD24822&fbclid=IwAR0 MqxkKNEg6jxl6IMNdMPazZGUNqfW5plIInj5SVD3s4QvAz_P3Qiste8.

Jake Coleman

PHOTOS COURTESY BAYSIDE SPORT PHOTOGRAPHY

The Stephen Decatur football team fought through the heat and flu bug to win the MPSSAA 2A East Region second-round game against North Caroline last Saturday in Berlin, 43-27. (Above) Sophomore Ethan Bradshaw had eight tackles (two solo, six assisted) in the game. (Right) Sophomore Trybe Wise caught four passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

Decatur field hockey players earn All-Bayside S. awards

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Nov. 18, 2022) Several Stephen Decatur field hockey players received All-Bayside South Conference awards for their performances during the fall season.

Freshman Bailey Griffin and sophomore Ava Snelsire earned spots on the Bayside South First Team.

Griffin had two goals and eight assists this season. Snelsire tallied six goals and six assists.

Honorable mention accolades went to senior captain Bre Ferguson (nine goals and one assists), junior captain Abby Melito (one goal as a defender) and senior goalie Sarah Smith, who recorded 76 saves during the season.

“It’s great that we had two young players (freshman and sophomore) on first team. That’s an impressive accomplishment at that age,” said

Decatur Coach Katie Griffin. “Happy for Sarah and Bre to be recognized in their final season, and great to see Abby Melito get recognition after starting every game for us on defense for the last three seasons.”

The coach presented her team awards to: Griffin (Rookie of the Year), Ferguson and Snelsire (CoMVPs), Smith (Unsung Hero) and senior Emily Sandt (Sportsmanship).

The Lady Seahawks finished the regular season 6-6 (6-7 overall). The season ended with a 1-0 overtime loss to James M. Bennett in the MPSSAA 2A East Region II semifinals on Oct. 31.

“I’m proud of them. It was a great season. They’ve done more this season than any Decatur field hockey team has done in over a decade … It’s been well over 10 years since Decatur had a non-losing season,” Griffin said.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Stephen Decatur sophomore Ava Snelsire earned a spot on the All-Bayside South First Team. Snelsire tallied six goals and six assists this season.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Decatur freshman Bailey Griffin was named to the All-Bayside South First Team. She had two goals and eight assists this season.

GOLF FUNDRAISER

DECATUR ATHLETES

SPORTS AWARDS

The Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association teamed up with the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association for a golf outing at Ocean Pines Golf Club on Oct. 12. A total of $2,550 was raised for Atlantic General Hospital Foundation to support life-saving mammogram screenings.

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHEN DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK

Four Stephen Decatur student-athletes will be moving their sports career to the next level and were recognized during a signing ceremony in the high school’s gymnasium on Nov. 9. Pictured, from left, are Ryan McLaughlin, University of Delaware, baseball; Sadie Peters, Baylor University, equestrian; Mia Kemp, Shippensburg University, soccer; and Alina Bernal-Clark, Palm Beach Atlantic University, lacrosse.

Worcester Prep Middle School girls fall sports awards recipients, front row, from left, are Harper Hertrich (soccer), Rani Yonker (golf), Isha Garg (golf) and Scarlett Shimko (soccer), and in back, Samantha Kuon (volleyball), Nora Gorfinkel (volleyball), McKenna DePalma (soccer) and Laney Hoch (soccer).