11/29/2024 OC Today-Dispatch by OC Today-Dispatch

Ocean City starts hunt for its next police chief

With the Oct. 31 departure of 11-year veteran chief Ross Buzzuro, Ocean City’s mayor and council get ready to solicit applicants with help from a search firm.— PAGE 20

Slow going Worcester hungry for food trucks

That’s how the year ahead will be for road and highway projects needing state funding, SHA rep tells mayor, council. — PAGE 12

Officials trying to make it happen. — PAGE 26

OC ends non-resident senior bus discounts

and older with free bus fare. Second, it provides non-residents ages 60 and older with half-priced bus fare. Both policies require that those eligible obtain a bus pass.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) Ocean City will do away with half-priced bus fare for non-resident senior citizens.

In a work session Tuesday, the Ocean City Council agreed to act on a recommendation from the town’s transportation committee and eliminate half-priced bus fare for non-resident riders ages 60-64.

Officials argued the change would not have a significant impact, as only 113 of the 1.1 million bus riders took advantage of the discount this summer.

“We just feel it would be a step to eliminate just that one little piece of complexity that doesn’t seem to be very useful,” Transportation Manager Rob Shearman said.

In addition to a federally imposed policy that bus riders ages 65 and older are entitled to half-priced fare without the need for a special card, the town’s policies and procedures manual also outlines certain provisions for those over the age of 60. First, it provides Ocean City residents and property owners ages 60

In June, however, Shearman presented members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee with a recommendation to amend the city’s policy on half-priced bus fare for non-residents ages 60 and older. While staff said they wanted to continue to provide that service, they recommended eliminating the need to administer a physical bus pass to do so.

When the committee opted to take no action, the recommendation was brought to the Mayor and Council for discussion.

However, the recommendation gained no traction at the council level either, and the policy remained unchanged throughout the summer season.

During October’s transportation committee meeting, Shearman told committee members that just over 100 non-residents had applied to receive a senior bus pass at the four distribution locations throughout town this summer. While acknowledging that the policy was not heavily utilized, he reiterated the city should continue offering the half-priced

fare, but without a card.

After a lengthy discussion, the committee this fall made a recommendation to do away with the nonresident policy altogether. Officials argued they did not support a change that required bus drivers to take on the added task of verifying the age of non-resident riders.

“If we only have 113 people getting the card, why don’t we just give the break to Ocean City residents 60 or older, and everybody else it’s 65 and older,” Mayor Rick Meehan said at the time. “They follow the federal guidelines.”

Shearman said he would support that recommendation, as it would reduce the amount of paperwork employees are tasked with at the four distribution locations.

Back before the Mayor and Coun-

cil this week, Shearman presented officials with the committee’s recommendation to eliminate the non-resident bus fare policy. He said the change would result in a slight reduction of printing costs and a positive impact on bus revenues, as those individuals would now pay full price to ride.

“Once they turn 65, as a publicly funded transit agency, we have to provide them half-fare bus service, whether they have a card or not,” he added.

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to eliminate halfpriced bus fare for non-residents ages 60 and older.

“For as little as it was utilized, we thought it just made sense to do away with it,” Shearman concluded.

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) Ocean City police continue to investigate a bank robbery from last month.

Ocean City Police Department Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said this week that the search continues for the suspect in a midtown bank robbery that occurred Oct. 25. While no arrest has been made, she said the department’s detectives “are still working on a few different avenues.”

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On Oct. 25, just after 9 a.m., Ocean City police were called to the scene of a robbery that had occurred at Truist Bank on 47th Street. And in the hours following the incident, photos of the suspect and requests for the public’s assistance were circulated on the police department’s Facebook page.

As of Monday, the suspect has not been apprehended. However, those who can identify the suspect in the photos posted online are asked to contact Detective Amy Gutowski at agutowski@oceancitymd.gov or at 410-520-5314. Anonymous tips may also be left by calling 410-520-5136 or submitted via https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/police/crime-tips. Please reference case number 2024-004794.

Council hears early proposal for pay bumps

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) In an effort to make Ocean City more competitive, officials this week agreed to increase pay for general employees.

On Tuesday, Human Resources Director Katie Callan and Budget Director Jennie Knapp presented the Mayor and Council with their 2025 pay recommendations, which included a 3% increase in the city’s general employee pay table and a reclassification of three transportation positions. Several existing seasonal incentives, they added, would also con-

tinue next summer.

“There are essentially two recommendations – to bump the pay tables 3% and to regrade these three positions …,” Callan explained. “The incentives do not require your approval at this time. They’re budgeted for FY25 and they will be included for your approval in the FY26 budget.”

Callan told council members this week that staff had recommended a 3% increase in the city’s pay table, an effort she said would benefit part-time and seasonal employees. She said the increase would come at a cost of $16,000 for half the year.

“Starting out, we would like to request

that we add 3% to the minimum and maximum of the general employee pay tables,” she said. “This would essentially provide a 3% [cost-of-living adjustment] for our part-time and seasonal staff who are paid at grade ‘minimum.’ This would help us to remain competitive and keep pace with the external market as we head into this new season.”

Callan said staff also recommended the city reclassify three positions within the transportation department – bus drivers, bus supervisors and part-time transportation maintenance technicians. In doing so, officials said the hourly pay would exceed that of the city’s competitors, including Shore Transit and Rehoboth Transit.

“The grade change would go to $20.15 when it’s not in season,” Callan explained. “When it’s in season, they get bumped to $21.”

With no further discussion, the council

voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to approve the 2025 pay recommendations. Callan added that seasonal incentives would also continue in 2025. For incentives, the city would maintain a 2% increase for seasonal employees who work 400 or more hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day and a 2% increase over the grade minimum for part-time employees who hit 1,500 hours. Premium overtime will also be offered to surf beach facilitators, surf rescue technicians and assistant crew chiefs who work more than 43.5 hours, crew chiefs and sergeants who work more than 50 hours, and most other positions working more than 40 hours.

Other seasonal incentives under review include seasonal rates for bus drivers and supervisors, retention bonuses within the transportation department, housing stipends, mileage reimbursement and other sign-on/referral bonuses.

Budget crunch leaves SHA projects in limbo

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) As fiscal challenges continue at the state level, it appears the future of Ocean City’s top transportation projects remains uncertain.

On Tuesday, officials with the Maryland State Highway Administration came before the Mayor and Council to provide an update on the status of various projects in and around Ocean City. As the state’s Consolidated Transportation Program shows a $1.3 billion-plus shortfall in the coming years, District Engineer Mark Crampton said that anything not currently under construction is being reevaluated.

“So, right now, some of our projects that are sitting out there are going to continue,” he said. “But others that have not been started won’t start until we get direction from the fund man-

agers, who in turn take their direction from the higher ups.”

For Ocean City, the funding shortage will affect its top priority project: the expansion of the Route 90 corridor from a two-lane highway to a four-lane highway. While that project has been paused, county officials earlier this year asked if a match could keep the dualization moving forward.

“Several counties have come in with similar requests as the state went around to conduct its tour meetings,”

Crampton told the council this week.

“Those are all right now being considered by [the secretary’s office] with no final decisions. So I don’t really have anything to report other than it’s on hold until that specific request is vetted.”

Crampton explained that changes in people’s driving habits have impacted

tax revenues, which in turn fund transportation projects at the state level. He said the shortfall has also impacted other county priorities, including a project to dualize Route 589 in Ocean Pines.

“There was a lot of discussion back and forth about Worcester County and the projects it wants,” he said. “Specifically, they asked about the [Route] 90 study as well as the [Route] 589 dualization. Both of those were kind of on hiatus until the funding situation was sorted out.”

Crampton also provided city officials with an update on the Coastal Highway median fence project. In addition to making repairs to the fence at 45th Street, he said the State Highway Administration also has plans to conduct a study on the expansion of that median fence project between 15th and 67th

streets.

“We were waiting for the Office of Planning and Preliminary Engineering up to Baltimore for further word on that,” he said, “again for funding.”

Uptown, Crampton said the administration is also exploring the concept of installing a pedestrian signal at 144th Street. He said the project was a response to residential units being built in that location.

However, Crampton says discussions between Ocean City and Delaware Area Regional Transit (DART) regarding the use of Ocean City’s north-end terminal could affect that project. Public Works Director Hal Adkins said the city has asked the State Highway Administration to consider modifying the entire 144th Street intersection.

“They now have extended their route, so they’re basically a coastal connection from Lewes, Delaware, all the way down to 144th Street, and then we interlink with them and we go all the way to West Ocean City …,” Adkins said of the DART service. “They can’t leave 144th Street and do a U-turn at 142nd Street with their transit bus. It won’t work. So we’re asking for them to at least consider whether it is feasible to modify the 144th Street intersection to allow DART to exit and go back to Delaware by turning left. I will tell you that … if it is not feasible or if it complicates the situation severely, I’d be happy just to get the pedestrian crossing.”

Downtown, Crampton said mechanical replacements and repairs will take place under the Route 50 bridge this winter. During that time, he said, the channel will be closed to boat traffic.

Work will then continue this spring, Crampton said, with deck and concrete repairs expected to last through June 30. As was the case last year, he said motorists could expect single-lane closures.

Adkins, however, noted that the state’s bridge repairs could complicate Ocean City’s annual canal dredging project, slated to begin next spring. He said he is looking at the city’s timeline and the positioning of the dredging equipment north of the Route 50

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State revaluating road projects

bridge.

“We’ll work it out,” he said.

While work is planned for the Route 50 bridge, Crampton said there has been no forward movement on the raised intersection the state plans to install at the foot of the bridge, or Philadelphia Avenue and North Division Street. As the state awaits grant funding, he said maintenance will continue on the wooden bollards.

“If they get out of plumb, we fix them. If they get hit, we’ll repair them,” he said. “But it’s going to be status quo for now.”

However, city officials asked if something could be done to improve the wooden bollards. They asked if a sleeve could be placed over the structures to improve their appearance.

“That’s all we’re concerned about now,” Council President Matt James said, “is the way they look.”

Officials also asked if the State Highway Administration could support the city’s implementation of special event zones by installing digital speed limit signs along Coastal Highway. Crampton, however, said digital speed signs were only permissible in work zones.

“If we receive any update or policy changes from the Office of Traffic and Safety, we’ll certainly work with the town on that request,” he added.

Outside of Ocean City, Crampton said the State Highway Administration

continues to work on several intersections at both ends of Worcester County. In Berlin, for example, the agency plans to signalize the intersection of Routes 50 and 818, beginning in fiscal year 2029. And in Whaleyville, officials are exploring improvements to the intersection of routes 50 and 610.

“One of the things we’re looking at is to try to work with DNR to actually do a bunch of tree removal, probably like a third of a mile of trees to the east of that intersection, to improve the sight lines,” he explained. “That might be a quicker, easier and cheaper way to get something in there. And because it’s a safety item, we may not have to do the mitigation for the reforestation to take all those trees out.”

While acknowledging that the state’s funding deficit has delayed some projects in Worcester County, Crampton told city officials this week that the State Highway Administration continues to maintain its roads, signage and vegetation in District 1.

“I will share with you that while we don’t have a lot of money for new stuff, we do have money to take care of our own stuff,” he said. “And unlike some districts that were underspending, we spent every dollar that was in our district … So we don’t have a lot, but we do a lot with what we do have, and we don’t leave money on the table to not spend on roads.”

Council advances accessory parking change

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) A code change that will relax parking requirements for accessory employee housing projects will move forward in Ocean City.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to advance a code amendment that would allow accessory housing projects that are subject to a conditional use process to establish required parking on the same lot or a lot no more than 2,400 feet from the building being served. The change, officials say, was presented in an effort to attract more employee housing projects.

“What we wanted to bring forth to you is to allow for accessory housing projects to have a different parking incentive,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told the council this week. “We’ve talked with a lot of people interested in this, and they have a lot of nonconformity on their sites already and are very restricted on the parking. So they’re looking for some other way to get parking but have a better incentive.”

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In July of 2023, the city approved an ordinance that expanded opportunities for employee housing within the municipal limits. However, when staff began administering that ordinance, they learned the new code came with some challenges for existing operators seeking to implement accessory employee housing on their properties.

To that end, officials developed a code amendment that would allow for more flexible and reduced parking standards for accessory housing.

In addition to the offsite parking allowance, which would allow for parking to be located within 2,400 feet of the accessory housing project, the code amendment also reduces the number of parking spaces for employee accessory housing to one space per sleeping room for the first four sleeping rooms and a one-quarter space for every room thereafter.

When brought before the council this week, however, officials said they took issue with the 2,400-foot distance staff had recommended. Bendler said that distance provided property owners with an opportunity to locate their required parking anywhere within half a mile of the accessory housing project.

“Under a half mile would be a good walking and biking distance and wouldn’t impact the neighborhood,” he explained.

However, Bendler said staff would consider changes to the proposed amendment. Mayor Rick Meehan, Councilman John Gehrig and Councilwoman Carol Proctor said they believed 2,400 feet to be too far.

“I think we need to shorten the distance,” Proctor said.

After further discussion, the council agreed that the required parking should be located within 1,200 feet of the proposed project. However, they said the property owner could seek a special exception.

Meehan this week also questioned if any restrictions would be placed on the required parking. Bendler said the code amendment would require the owner to provide a lease, which must be valid for the entire period accessory housing is in use.

“A lot of our hotels, our restaurants are already maxed with parking,” he replied. “That’s why we went with the lease.”

After further discussion, the council voted to approve the code amendment with the changes discussed. Officials this week also supported a code amendment that would require site plan applications for improvements greater than 500 square feet – rather than the current 250 square feet – to go before the planning commission for approval.

Both ordinances will now advance to a first reading.

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler advocated before the Mayor and Council for an amendment intended to help potential employee housing projects.

Water, sewer rate increases proposed for certain areas

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Nov. 29, 2024) Water and sewer rates could double in some parts of northern Worcester County as officials say they might need the drastic price hike to cover a revenue shortfall in the water/wastewater enterprise fund.

“In examining the current cash flows and rate structures of the service areas, many of them are at unsustainable rates not generating enough revenues to cover expenses,” wrote Worcester County Enterprise Fund Controller Quinn Dittrich in a Nov. 6 memorandum to County Administrator Weston Young.

Rate increases are intended to allow the enterprise fund to break

even. Areas under consideration for a rate adjustment include Assateague Point, Edgewater Acres, The Landings, Lighthouse Sound, Mystic Harbour, and Riddle Farm.

Customers in The Landings and Assateague Point could see rates increase by as much as 97 percent. Also, water customers in the Assateague Point area could see higher rates because Frontier Town contributes seasonally increased flows, and introduces far greater substances that need treatment requiring more chemicals and processing, the memo said. For customers in the Newark area, the proposed rate hike is about 30 percent, but it could be even higher. That’s because Newark rents water

PROPOSED WATER/SEWER RATE INCREASES FOR DOMESTIC USE

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tower space to cellular companies. That revenue is intended to be used for future capital needs, but it’s now being used to assist with operations and maintenance. If that money went solely to capital needs, rates would have to be increased further.

The county’s water and sewer service is not tied to its main general fund budget. Instead, it’s operated using self-sustaining enterprise fund –meaning, the people who use the service pay for the service.

Each of the service areas has its own enterprise fund account. Some of the areas have more users, meaning there are fewer users to divide the cost between. At the same time, a smaller population using the service means it can cost more per person. Water service is less costly than sewer service.

The overall budget shortfall from all seven enterprise funds is almost $2 million. The reason for the shortfall is that actual operating costs in those service areas for water and sewer service are higher than the rates being charged. A majority of the fiscal imbalance comes from the Mystic Harbor service areas, which is short $1.2 million, the memo states. Water/sewer use is metered in 90 percent of properties and is billed quarterly. There is a flat domestic or commercial minimum rate per user, and a tiered usage fee based on the number of gallons consumed quarterly.

In a statement to OC Today-Dispatch, Dittrich explained that many water/sewer rates are based on a measurement system known as Equivalent Dwelling Units, or EDUs. It’s an environmental term that allots a home an average gallons per day amount.

“If you have public water but a septic system, you’d have one water EDU. If you have a well but public sewer, you’d have one sewer EDU. If you use 500-600 gallons per day, you would then be allocated two EDUs. It lets us know what the customer should be charged based on what they’re using. This also helps a water and/or wastewater plant know how much capacity it has left or is using,” he wrote.

Proposed rate increases are for both domestic and commercial service. Commercial EDUs have a higher per-gallon usage charge compared to the Domestic EDUs. The memo states that a property on 1 Commercial EDU in Mystic Harbor with a current quarterly rate of $282.16 could see that figure jump to $1,862.26 – a rate increase of 560 percent.

A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for Tuesday during the meeting of the Worcester County Board of Commissioners

Search firm for police chief eyed

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) The Town of Ocean City is seeking a recruitment firm to conduct a search for its next police chief.

While a national search for the next police chief has not yet commenced, City Manager Terry McGean said this week that interviews are underway to find a recruitment firm that will lead the effort. Until a candidate is chosen, long-time captain, Michael Colbert, will lead the department as interim chief.

“The Town of Ocean City will conduct a national search for the vacant police chief position,” the police department’s website reads. “During this transition period, the department will maintain its focus on public safety, proactive policing, and strong partnerships with the community.”

On Oct. 31, Ross Buzzuro announced he would be retiring from his role as the

city’s police chief, effective immediately. No additional information was provided other than that Colbert would assume command of the department as the city conducts a national search for Buzzuro’s replacement.

In his 11 years as police chief, Buzzuro commanded a staff of nearly 100 full-time officers, upwards of 100 seasonal officers and public safety aides, and roughly 20 civilian employees. In addition to developing and implementing law enforcement initiatives and crime prevention strategies, overseeing operational commands and managing the department’s multi-million-dollar budget, Buzzuro is credited with working alongside city leaders to advance legislation for a special event zone, which has been largely effective in curbing reckless and illegal driving and stopping the unsanctioned pop-up car rally that took over the resort in years past.

While the city noted his successes as a leader, Buzzuro’s tenure has also been met with some challenges. In recent years, for example, the police department was questioned over its use of force in two high-profile Boardwalk incidents. And this spring, the department began investigating allegations of workplace misconduct involving five police officers on the force. The probe remains active.

Since Nov. 1, Colbert has served as the department’s interim chief. Hired in January of 1988, he has served in various roles throughout the years, including officer, detective, supervisor and commander. In July 2006, Colbert was promoted to the rank of captain. Since that time, he has led three major divisions within the police department – the patrol division, the criminal investigation division, and, most recently, the administrative services division.

Judge turns down motions in Knupp case, trial in ‘25

Mailloux charged as driver in fatal 2022 collision

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) A Worcester County Circuit Court judge last week denied a protective order as well as sanctions against legal counsel representing Tyler Mailloux, the man accused in a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp.

During a hearing last Thursday, Worcester County Circuit Court judge Brett Wilson ruled against the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office’s motion seeking a protective order to shield discovery materials as well as sanctions against Mailloux’s legal representation. All other motions in the case, he said, would be deferred, with a status hearing now set for Dec. 5.

“This is a case where emotions run high …,” he said. “I believe as the case has matured, some of the issues at the time no longer exist.”

While the state’s motion for a protective order and sanctions against the defense counsel has been shielded – a legal move that State’s Attorney Kris Heiser said is used to protect sensitive information, including medical information and information about juveniles – Mailloux’s attorney, George Psoras, argued the request should be denied. In his response to the motion, Psoras said the state’s attorney’s office accused the defense of disclosing certain protected health and identifying information about the juvenile victim and releasing discovery materials to the public.

“The State has made these inappropriate allegations in an attempt to sully the Defendant, his counsel, and his family, and to further inflame the community against the Defendant … ,” the response reads. “Defense counsel affirmatively states that he has never made any statements to the media unlike the state’s agency.”

In court last week, Wilson denied the state’s motion. All other remaining motions, have been postponed.

“All other motions I have will be deferred for further proceedings by this court,” the judge concluded.

Mailloux, 24, faces 17 traffic charges in the death of Knupp, a 14year-old Ocean Pines resident who was struck and killed by a motorist in a black Mercedes while crossing Grays Corner Road on the night of July 11, 2022. Knupp was reportedly returning to a vehicle driven by his older sister and died from injuries sustained in the collision. Mailloux is accused of fleeing the scene and not returning, according to charges filed.

Stolen car suspect escapes police, public’s

(Nov. 29, 2024) Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies were involved in a vehicle pursuit last Friday, resulting in the bailout of a stolen car.

The pursuit led to a wooded area near Shepherd’s Crossing Road and Nelson Road, where deputies briefly lost sight of the driver and sole occupant.

Authorities are searching for a Hispanic or light-skinned male in his

help sought

mid to late twenties. He was last seen wearing a dark blue Carhartt-style jacket with yellow reflective tape near the elbows, blue jeans and sporting a small amount of facial hair.

If anyone observes an individual matching this description or has any information about the incident, contact the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office at 410-632-1112 or reach out to your local police agency.

Protective order motion nixed

Since charges were filed in April of 2023, the case has worked its way through the legal system, starting with a motions hearing last August. At that hearing, Wilson granted the defense’s motion to dismiss, opining that the district court had “exclusive and original” jurisdiction. From there, the prosecution appealed the ruling to the Appellate Court of Maryland, which heard oral arguments earlier this year. When the circuit court ruling was reversed, Mailloux then petitioned the Supreme Court of

Maryland to review the decision.

In June, the state’s highest court denied the petition, opining that “there has been no showing that review by certiorari is desirable and in the public interest.” The ruling essentially meant that the decision handed down by the Appellate Court of Maryland would be upheld and that all charges against Mailloux would be tried in Worcester County Circuit Court.

A 13-day trial is scheduled to begin March 3, 2025.

Political sign theft charge dropped

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Nov. 29, 2024) A criminal charge has been dropped against a former Berlin councilman who was cited for stealing a school board candidate’s political sign.

Thom Gulyas took a victory lap in a Nov. 25 Facebook post, where he announced that a special prosecutor was unwilling to pursue the criminal charge.

“I have remained committed to clearing my name, and the Maryland State Judicial System has concurred that the case lacked merit, deeming the accusation of ‘theft’ unfounded,” Gulyas wrote, calling his Nov. 3 theft charge “a political attack.”

A special prosecutor who handled the case decided to enter nolle prosequi on the charge. The case record has been purged from searchable online court records.

“Speaking with the property owner as well as his attorney, apparently it was just a miscommunication all the way around. There was no criminal act, and it was dismissed by this office,” said interim Caroline County State’s Attorney Sloane Franklin.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser had the case moved to Caroline County because there was a conflict of interest – Worcester

County government has been a client of Gulyas’ print shop in the past –and Franklin agreed to be a special prosecutor.

“Decisions made by special prosecutors are made completely independent of this office,” Heiser said in a statement to OC Today-Dispatch.

“Any time my office determines that a conflict of interest exists that could jeopardize my office’s ability to prosecute a case or that could cause the public to question our impartiality, especially when those conflicts involve finances, we act swiftly to petition the court to appoint a special prosecutor,” Heiser said. “This ensures that we maintain the public trust and confidence and avoid even the appearance of impropriety.”

Complainant Kate McCloskey filed her hand-written complaint in district court with the stealing accusation.

In a statement to OC Today-Dispatch, she said she told police she would not press charges if the sign and its bulky wooden support were promptly returned.

“The real question I have is, why did Mr. Gulyas take it upon himself to remove a sign that was not his, from property that was not his?” she wrote. “An important detail in this case (that was conveniently left out) was that

the political sign, that Mr. Gulyas was so quick to remove, represented the opponent to the candidate he was publicly endorsing. And now Mr.

See GULYAS Page 23

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

This 4-by-4 wooden sign was allegedly stolen from its location in Berlin on the corner of Old Ocean City Boulevard and Main Street. Berlin Police have charged Thomas Gulyas with its theft.

Gulyas alleges ‘political attack’

Gulyas is trying to paint himself as the victim of a ‘political attack.’ That is absurd to me.

“Anyone who knows me,” McCloskey added, “knows I am an honest, law-abiding citizen – and as a volunteer campaign manager, I just wanted a level playing field for our candidates, where everyone follows the rules. Was that too much to ask?”

In the Nov. 3 complaint, McCloskey alleges that Gulyas, 60, was visible on surveillance video as the person removing the 4-by-4 foot sign from the corner of Old Ocean City Boulevard and Main Street around 1:15 pm on Nov. 2.

“Upon returning to the site at approximately 4 pm, the signage and support structure was gone,” the complaint reads.

Police came to see Gulyas at his home in the South Point area before eventually locating the placard at his place of business, a print and mailing company located in Berlin, the complaint also stated.

The political sign was for Kaleemah Barkley, a candidate for the District 2 seat on the Worcester County Board of Education. There had been rumors and confusion swirling whether Barkley was, in fact, still a candidate after the filing deadline. Barkley ultimately lost, as Dis-

trict 2 voters reelected incumbent Donald Smack to another term.

In a Facebook note posted the same day as the charge was filed, Gulyas said the accusation was “unfounded and lacks any merit.” However, in his message Monday, Gulyas admitted to taking the political sign with permission from the property owner and then returning it the same day when police got involved.

“I met the police at my business that Saturday evening at 10 p.m. to return the sign,” he wrote. “While the complainant, Ms. McCloskey, knew that her sign had been returned that same Saturday (Nov. 2), and that no law enforcement agency intended to pursue charges against me, she was evidently dissatisfied. I suppose she then sought retribution.”

As a result of the complaint, a district court commissioner agreed to charge Gulyas with theft: $100 to under $1,500. Gulyas had been called to appear for a preliminary inquiry on Dec. 10, a hearing which is now canceled.

Gulyas previously served on Berlin’s Town Council, holding the at-large seat from 2014 to 2020. He eventually resigned from the council because he moved. In 2022, he ran for the open District 3 County Commissioner seat but lost to challenger Eric Fiori.

County looking to ease food truck concerns

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Nov. 22, 2024) Worcester County is hungry for food trucks, where officials are cooking up ways to lure more of them to local events.

The county is suffering from a limited number of mobile food vendors licensed in the county. Elected officials and the health department are workshopping solutions to cut red tape and meet the growing demand, according to County Administrator Weston Young Young said they want to identify regulations that put Worcester at a “competitive disadvantage,” especially when hosting events such as sports tournaments.

“Not just our events, either, by us getting food vendors at the county fair. We got a complaint from the Great Pocomoke Fair that they were not able to

get any food vendors,” Young said at a Nov. 20 public hearing before the Worcester County Board of Commissioners. He added that, for many, a food truck is a side hustle, not a full-time job.

Worcester currently has 16 total licensed food trucks with one more license pending. Seven of them offer food service, and three have reciprocity licenses, according to Becky Jones, Worcester County’s Health Officer. Health department officials have been working for months to find common-ground solutions with the commissioners to bring more online.

One hiccup is the way some cooking equipment – specifically, mobile smokers – may or may not meet prescribed safety regulations. State law requires some equipment to carry a certification from the National Sanitation Foundation, or NSF. Some vendors, however,

have told health officials they’re able to operate without that NSF certification in other counties.

Under state law, local health departments may allow the use of non -NSF equipment, so long as it’s not harmful to public health and is consistent with industry standards. Young has previously stated said this was likely how neighboring counties allow such equipment.

The consensus is there are many who would like to bring mobile smokers to Worcester County to cook and sell barbecue but are prevented from doing so by this finer point of state law. For now, local health officials have taken several passes at reworking the code and are waiting on a final opinion from the Attorney General’s office, Jones said.

For non-NSF pieces of equipment, if the home jurisdiction has approved it, then Worcester would accept it, accord-

ing to Jones. She and the other two lower Shore health officers have come to an agreement on that, Jones added, “so I think that’s a big win.”

Another quandary for officials to unravel is that, under state law, the definition of a food truck (technically, a “mobile unit”) does not include a trailer – meaning, everything counted as being part of the mobile unit has to be self-contained inside the vehicle. A pull-behind trailer, which some smokers can be, on its own is not a food truck.

Even if food service vendors with noncompliant smokers show up here, they will need to abide by the usual health department standards, like serving food at safe temperatures, engaging in safe food preparation and transport, and hand washing, officials said.

There was also discussion at the meeting of offering reciprocity across county lines, meaning a food truck vendor licensed in Wicomico County or Somerset County can set up shop for an event in Worcester County with limited paperwork.

“We have been practicing that since it went into effect,” said Ryan Hayward, a food programs supervisor with the Environmental Health office of the Health Department.

While in theory this reciprocity could apply to other Eastern Shore counties like Caroline or Dorchester, Hayward noted how the health department only allows food to be transported here in coolers for a period of up to 60 minutes, which limits travel outside Worcester to about an hour’s drive.

Adding to the confusion, there also are limitations in terms of time. Licensed food trucks in Worcester County can attend any event they want with no restrictions. But out-of-county food trucks are restricted by a temporary events license that keeps them from attending the same event, such as a tournament, festival, or fair, more than three times.

“At the end of the day, we’re here to enforce the regs are written,” Hayward said. “We don’t write them ourselves. If there’s any want or desire to change that, the vendors would be welcome to propose that.”

This month’s discussion followed a candid conversation in August when Young and the commissioners said they wanted to make it easier for vendors to do business in the county.

“... the county commissioners don’t have oversight as to what the health department can and can’t approve, nor do we have say over their procedures to approve or not approve, certify or not certify, an establishment or a piece of equipment,” Commission President Chip Bertino said then. “ ... I think we have also received from the health officer that there is very much a willingness to work with what we’re trying to accomplish, for being able to move forward and see if there are opportunities with reciprocity or other options that were presented to make Worcester County more viable and more competitive than our neighbors.”

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy

Council awards annual grants to help area efforts

(Nov. 29, 2024) The Worcester County Arts Council has announced the recipients of its latest round of the Community Arts Development Grant Program awarding a total of $22,000 to support innovative art events and projects across the community in the upcoming granting cycle beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

This funding aims to empower local organizations in their efforts to create impactful and accessible art experiences, fostering creativity, inclusion and cultural enrichment throughout Worcester County.

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The awarded grants will support a wide range of creative projects, including public art installations, art festivals, community workshops, performances, and youth art programs. Each of these initiatives brings unique opportunities for community members to engage with art, celebrate local culture, and experience the arts as a vital part of everyday life.

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“This year’s grant recipients represent the incredible diversity and talent within our community,” said Anna Mullis, the Executive Director. “We are proud to support these organizations as they bring their visions to life, offering accessible spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect through the power of art.”

Grants were awarded to the following organizations and projects:

•

Evexipel

Art League of Ocean City: After School Art Club and Ocean City Film Festival 2025

Berlin Intermediate School: 5th and 6th Grade Musical Theatre

Freetown Education, Research, and Cultural Center: Juneteenth Walk & Celebration

Lower Shore Performing Arts Company: My Curiosity Staged Reading Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra: 2025 Spring Concerts

Pine Tones Chorus - Spring Concert: Sounds of the Seventies

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Pocomoke High School Drama Club: “Lion King” Musical Pocomoke Elementary School: Teachers Appreciation Week Mural Town of Berlin/Berlin Main Street: Farmers Market Live Music Ward Foundation, Inc.: Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition

Worcester County Recreation & Parks Department: Art in the Park Mural

Each grant will support the execution of these projects over the coming months, with public events and installations that will be open for all to enjoy. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate in these events to support local artists and celebrate the creativity that defines Worcester County. In fiscal year 2025, the Worcester County Arts Council awarded $49,000 to local non-profits.

314 FRANK VENUE, SUITE 405 (N AV LIN A LAB CORP), BER O NEXT T 1 RLIN, MD 2181

Hardwire secures two body armor deals worth $51.3M

(Nov. 29, 2024) Hardwire, LLC, a leading manufacturer of armor and protective solutions, announced it has recently been awarded two major contracts – the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lightweight Body Armor Plate contract valued at $29.3 million and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Ultra Low Visibility Body Armor contract for $22 million.

The USMC Lightweight Plate contract is a three-year, firm-fixed-price contract for lightweight body armor plates sourced by the Defense Logistics Agency.

“The Marines say that ‘ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain.’ Hardwire is thrilled to save our Marines both weight and the pain to carry it while providing the protection they require,” said George Tunis, Hardwire CEO.

The FBI contract marks the latest in a sweep of DOJ armor contracts won by Hardwire over the past three years, building on the previously awarded hard body armor plate contracts and ballistic tactical shield contracts. Under this new program, Hardwire’s advanced concealable soft body armor will be made available to DOJ law enforcement agencies, supporting officers in high-risk roles across the United States. Designed with both discretion and

functionality in mind, Hardwire’s concealable armor systems will allow FBI agents to operate safely and effectively, minimizing armor visibility while maintaining rigorous ballistic resistance standards. This concealable armor touts the thinnest and lightest NIJ Level 2 soft armor in the world, weighing in at only a half pound per square foot.

During the FBI’s user evaluation, the Hardwire kit was ranked first place in comfort, concealability, construction, fit and usability.

“We are proud to partner with the FBI and DOJ to offer critical protective solutions for our nation’s law enforcement agents,” said Tunis. “This armor is ultra-comfortable, allowing officers to wear it close to the body and truly blend into their surroundings. During the evaluation for this program, a user ‘forgot they had it on’ and this is the ultimate goal in providing armor that is both functional and protective.”

Hardwire’s armor systems meet strict performance and durability requirements specified by both the USMC and FBI, including rigorous testing protocols to withstand high temperatures, moisture and ballistic threats. These awards underscore Hardwire’s expertise in innovation and its ongoing dedication to those who protect and serve.

“VANISHING OCEAN CITY”

• The history of Ocean City, Md., from its beginning in the 1870s to the present day. Over 500 photo images.

• A hardbound, 220-page coffee table book featuring cover by noted artist Paul McGehee.

• Over seven years in the making with personal memories of Ocean City’s locals and visitors. Recall your own favorite memories of Maryland’s famous beach resort.

• Revisit the old restaurants and long-vanished hotels, relive summer nights on the Boardwalk, go fishing on the ocean or the bay, and learn about the fires and storms that changed the town forever. Vanishing Ocean City is available for $49.95 at select locations in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and Salisbury. It can also be ordered online at vanishingoc.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

All Three Of Bunk Mann’s Books A “Must Have”

Who Love Ocean City!

Marine boot camp grad

Private Mason James Seager, 18, of Berlin, recently graduated from the United States Marine Corps boot camp at the East Coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island, S.C.

A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School earlier this spring, Seager successfully completed 13 weeks of intensive basic training at the MCRD Parris Island as one of 85 recruits in training platoon 2084. Following 31 days home on leave, Seager will report to Camp Geiger, a part of the USMC Base Camp Lejeune coplex. Seager will be gaining further educa-

tion and training for the next four months at the Infantry Training Battalion in North Carolina.

Student recognized

“What role has social media played in your life? Do you think that it has been a mostly positive or negative force—and why? Has social media contributed to or obstructed world peace?”

original artwork, generously donated by talented local artists. With the holiday season just around the corner, all items are unique and available at very reasonable prices for all your gift-giving needs.

Worcester Preparatory School ninth grader Hayden Wagner was awarded third place in a statewide writing contest sponsored by Anne Arundel Peace Action, Maryland Peace Action Education Fund, Benjamin Peace Foundation, and Annapolis Friends Meeting.

Silent auction planned

In efforts to raise funds to support the Arts Scholarship program for local students, the Worcester County Arts Council will present a Scholarship Silent Auction offering a variety of

The auction includes 26 pieces of artwork that are featured on display at the Worcester County Arts Council’s Gallery, until Dec. 31 and may be purchased at “Buy Now” prices. The Gallery is located at 6 Jefferson Street in Berlin and is open to the public Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Auction items may also be viewed on Friday, Nov. 29, from 5-8 p.m. during the “Ice, Ice Berlin & Tree Lighting” celebration.

In June of 2024, the Arts Council awarded a total of $10,500 to six talented Worcester County students to support their artistic goals.

Charming Home in sought-after amenity-rich Ocean Pines community. Home blends comfort & potential. Front porch, cozy screened porch & spacious deck. Home needs some TLC yet presents opportunity to customize & create your dream space. Enjoy access to parks, pools, & recreational facilities. Don’t miss out on this gem in a prime location! 3BR, 2 BA HOME on QUIET STREET

$389,900

MDWO02023522

NORTH OC 2BR, 2BA CONDO with BOAT SLIP

WINDWARD

MDWO02023038 19 LIBERTY STREET OCEAN PINES

$429,900

Close to shops, restaurants & entertainment. Updated kitchen & BAs SS appliances & stylish fixtures. Open Floor concept large slider overlooks deck & view of canal. Outside space expands to community deck. Don't miss out. Whether looking to Own a Retreat or Investment Property (this unit has strong rental following) or year-round living, this unit has it all.

2BR, 2 BA BEACH RETREAT

Charming ground-floor condo. Bright & beachy décor with upgraded kitchen cabinets & SS appliances. Lovely patio enclosed by a privacy fence. Walking distance to restaurants, grocery stores & the beach! Family getaway or promising investment opportunity. Community recently replaced roof 2-3 years ago. Ongoing assessment to upgrade siding, windows & replenish community reserves. Buyers must honor any remaining rentals for season.

$339,900

Mason J. Seager

Hayden Wagner

NATIVE AMERICAN MONTH RECOGNIZED

HAPPINESS

In recognition of Native American Heritage Recognition Month, members of the General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently enjoyed a program by Denise Lowe Williams. Also known as “Strong Feather,” Williams, pictured, is a member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe and displayed dolls she crafts in modern and traditional dress based on what she has observed at Powwows throughout the New England area. Williams said the dolls are faceless because she believes true expression comes from within.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

BOOK CLUB MEETING

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Republican Women of Worcester County held their bi-monthly Red Shoe Book Club meeting at the Ocean Pines Library. The selected book was timely, because it was "Hillbilly Elegy" by US Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance. Ten RWWC members participated. The group is organized by RWWC Literary chair, Susan Ostrowski, who is seated on the left.

MASONIC CHARITIES DONATION

Worshipful Master Doug Trimper, right, of Evergreen Lodge #153 presented a donation from Masonic Charities of Maryland to Vicky Nock, center, and Charlotte Powell of the Stevenson United Methodist Church Spirit Kitchen to help continue their work in the community.

BLANKETS FOR VETS

Members of the General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution paired up at a workshop and made fleece lap blankets for veterans. Following its recent meeting, members delivered the blankets to Coastal Hospice at the Stansell House for its "We Honor Veterans" program. A "Dear Military Veteran Thank You" tag was attached with a ribbon to a corner of each lap blanket. The DAR is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education.

40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

On Nov. 21, the Republican Women of Worcester County held their 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. After a champagne toast and a fabulous dinner, several past RWWC presidents, current President Jean Delcher and one charter member was recognized. Seated, from left, are Beverly Bigler, LouEtta McClaflin, Ellen Bunting (charter member) and Joan Gentile; and standing, from left, State Delegate Charles Otto, Beth Rodier, Pat Schrawder, Jean Delcher , Congressman Andy Harris, Linda Busick, Sandy Zitzer, State Delegate Wayne Hartman and State Senator Mary Beth Carozza.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City annual Fall-Holiday Pancake Breakfast raised enough money, over $1,000, to help fund another scholarship to be awarded next June to a deserving graduating senior student in Worcester County. It was accomplished thanks to the efforts of chair Candy Foreman, Kiwanis

and

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

by Steve Green

TThe Adventures of Fatherhood

here’s nothing like your 16-year-old son driving on his own for the first time.

The big test day was Monday, and anxiety was running high for all of us, but especially Beckett. With him not having school this entire week, we opted to have him to take his driving test on Monday morning with a clear head.

After running Carson to school and Pam off to work, Beckett and I went through our check list and were on our way. I happened to look over to his dashboard and saw a notice his key fob battery was low. An expletive or two flew in my head before I asked Beckett to not leave the driveway. The MVA would not allow him to take the test with any sort of warning light and at least a half tank of gas, among other requirements.

I immediately started flipping through the manual to see if there was a way to turn off (hide) the alert on his dashboard, hoping we could take the test first and replace the battery later in the key fob. There was no way for us to get rid of the alert until we changed the battery. The problem was our timing.

As soon as Beckett saw the alert, he became an excitable 16-year-old kid. He went into a full panic, and I have to admit I was concerned as well. We had built some extra time in before his appointment, but we had to think quick. We immediately went to the local Burton dealership in Berlin rather than hunt around. I knew his used Volvo would be tricky. Maybe it was Beckett putting my nerves on edge with his talk of extremes, platitudes and certainties, but I couldn’t even manage to open the key fob to find the battery.

As I look back on Monday morning, I wonder how we presented ourselves to the nice people at Burton in the service department. I know I led with the

looming driving test, but I am not sure what else was said. When the one incredibly helpful young man was unable to open the key fob, I asked one of the other attendants if he could give it a try.

The co-worker was able with some maneuvering to get the key fob open, only to find out there were two batteries, and they were unique to Volvo.

After some literal sweaty moments, we were able to work it out and use a couple batteries that were not perfect but would possibly get the job done. We just needed that alert on the dashboard to go away and we could address the matter later.

When Beckett and I went out to the vehicle, the car woulid not start. The notice about low battery was gone, but it was not registering the key fob. After a few deep breaths, the key fob was recognized. The car started but there were some uneasy moments.

It was 9:03 a.m. and our appointment was in Salisbury at 9:30 a.m. Along the drive, Beckett pontificated about why this had to happen on the morning of the test rather than over the weekend when we were practicing. These were legitimate statements. Meanwhile, I was wondering if I had sweat coming through my work shirt yet.

I almost giggled to myself when I said we are being challenged and we will be good so long as we keep our composure. I was more focused on keeping Beckett’s mind in the right place and not stressed and overly nervous. As I put that into words, he said, “yeah no chance of not being nervous.”

He asked me if I was nervous when I took my driving test and I said I was for sure but reminded him he was prepared and ready. When he asked me if I had any scary moments like we just went through, I admitted I had not.

It was a tense ride to Salisbury. We were racing against the clock, too, as I didn’t want us to be late to our appoint-

ment. Beckett then began asking what happens if we are a few minutes late. I told him I thought we would be fine, but I was skeptical. We ended up getting to the MVA right on time for his appointment, but I was really concerned about his mindset.

As we walked to the car after checking in, I did my best to calm him down. It was a coaching moment because we were thrown a curve ball. I felt like I gave him some good advice and had him in a good head space. When the instructor came out, I was feeling positive, but also would have understood if it didn’t go as we hoped due to the earlier chaos.

After about 15 minutes, Beckett returned and a double thumbs up came from the instructor. I could see the relief on my son’s face. He was wiped out. The morning drama had taken a toll on the guy. His old man was feeling it too. It’s been a long time since I have felt that sense of relief as when I saw him get out of the car smiling.

Throughout the day since he didn’t have school, Beckett drove around a lot. It was a day of adjustment for Pam and me as we continuously got Life 360 alerts about our son completing drives. He was working on driving by himself, and it’s going to take a long time for that normalize. I later joked with him how I am going to have him run some errands for me often because I have been serving him since 2008.

Later on, after he gotten some drives in and we both had time to settle down, I had a couple casual chats with my son about overcoming adversity and rising to the occasion. He seemed proud of himself. It was a great day in the end.

(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

Travel photos now being sought for upcoming contest

(Nov. 29, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City invites photographers of all levels and in all locations to submit their best travel photos into the Global Travel Photo Contest. The winning entries will be recognized at the Ocean City Center for the Arts during the free First Friday opening reception on April 4, 2025.

The public can vote for the Grand Prize winner at $1 per vote, and the White Marlin Open is sponsoring the Grand Prize of $1,000. The runner up will receive a photo retreat opportunity and an Art League of Ocean City membership.

The contest is easy to enter by uploading digital photos. Photographers may enter as many times as they like with a $10 non-refundable entry fee per photo. Entries are being accepted now through March 15, 2025 at https://www.gogophotocontest.co m/globaltravelphotocontestaloc

“Given the White Marlin Open’s alignment with the theme of world scale adventure, this collaboration emphasizes the spirit of discovery, showcasing the connection between travel and the natural environment,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “The Global Travel Photo Contest encourages participants to capture and share the awe-inspiring moments that connect people globally, whether through the thrill of sportfishing or the art of photography.”

The photographs will be displayed on digital monitors at the Arts Center through April 2025. The Grand Prize winner will also be highlighted at the April First Friday reception, and the artists will have the opportunity to sell their work. Special pieces will be selected to be featured on screens at the White Marlin Open, the World’s Largest Billfish Tournament.

The contest is open to all global travel photography. Artist must be 18 years or older, and submit original artwork created in the past three years and never before shown at an Art League judged show.

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COINS PUB 410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, November 29: Dueling Pianos

Saturday, November 30: DJ Giddy Up & First Class

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Friday, November 29: Monkee Paw

Wednesday, December 4: Brian Bishop

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, November 29: Johnny Cardo

Saturday, November 30: Mercury Agenda

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500 60th St., In The Bay Friday, November 29: Great Train Robbery & DJ Hector

Saturday, November 30: Tranzfusion & DJ RobCee

GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Saturday, November 30: DJ CMiller

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd.,

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Saturday, November 30

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays

PHIL PERDUE

Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, November 30

DJ WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

DJ CMILLER Greene Turtle West: Saturday, November 30

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets: Friday, November 29

TOTALLY STOKED

Saturday, November 30

Fager’s Island: Friday, November 29

TRANZFUSION

Island: Saturday, November 30

Harborside: Saturday, November 30

FREDDIE LONG BAND

Seacrets: Saturday, November 30 FIRST

Factory Bayside: Friday, November 29

Who’s Where When

West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, November 30:

The Dunehounds & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Opposite Directions

Thursdays:

Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, November 30:

Funk Shué

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Styler

Thursdays:

Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Saturday, November 30:

Totally Stoked

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, November 26: John McNutt & DJ Mary Jane

Saturday, November 30: DJ Cruz, DJ CMiller, DJ Davie, The Freddie Long Band & Kono Nation

Thursday, December 5: Full Circle Duo

Purple Moose:

Fager’s

MONKEE PAW

Crabcake

MERCURY AGENDA

Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, November 30

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primantistyled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET

19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com

Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.

■ DISTRICT 24

BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & ICE CREAM, THE EMBERS

2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2893322, district24oc.com

Come visit all your culinary options at this block of fun, including the landmark Embers Restaurant with a new, innovative vision as well as Blu where fresh seafood is king. Be sure to stop in Jay’s for a tasty treat as well as an ocean of caffeinated offerings. There’s fun activities for kids of all ages here as well with a miniature golf course and an arcade.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal

Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410289-2525, 32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410524-7171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Full bar

Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms

in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Sunday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs for $54.95. Serving breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours. They are now taking reservations for the Thanksgiving buffet and also offering Thanksgiving take-out meals for $189.99 for 6 people and are featuring the Funsters for their NYE entertainment.

■ THE CRAB BAG

13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA 120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR 12203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6647075, tailchasersoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A coastal casual farm to table restaurant with a fun dockside family friendly atmosphere. Menu changes with the seasons and cocktails are handcrafted with care. Bring the whole family for lunch or dinner along the canal. Kids playground available to keep the littles entertained.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

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

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

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

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

lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

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

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

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

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

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining

$$ | Full bar

Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open: Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Kitchen closes at 4 p.m.)

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open: Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

OCEAN PINES

Pines Tones preparing for 40th annual holiday concert

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Nov. 28, 2024) The Pine Tones is gearing up to bring holiday cheer to the community next month with a 40-year-long tradition.

At its 40th holiday concert, the choir will perform a mix of classical, modern, contemporary, and Christmas favorite tunes on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Church at Ocean Pines on Racetrack Road. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.

Karen Adcock, the choral group’s board treasurer and a member of the production committee, said that this year, in a slight deviation from years past, the group is emphasizing the “family-friendly aspect of music.”

Adcock said that attendees typically do not bring children to see the show. This holiday season, the group’s setlist includes songs like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Run Rudolph Run,” and “Where Are You Christmas” from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” that can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

“Bring the whole family,” Adcock urged.

The Pine Tones Chorus boasts around 40 singers and does not require auditions for potential new members. The treasurer said the group’s mission is

to “put on a good show and sound good” while enjoying themselves and sharing their love of music with the audience.

“I have been in audition groups where the focus is so heavily on precise accuracy, and no one has any fun,” Adcock noted. “We want everyone to have a good time.”

The festive show will be held closer to home this year at the Community Church at Ocean Pines on Racetrack Road, where the choir’s annual spring concert is also hosted. Previously, the winter show was performed at the Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City, per the original director’s involvement with the church.

Adcock said that a post-show reception was hosted in the site’s hospitality area while the concert was held at the Ocean City church. This year, given a location change and a lack of sizable space, the singing group will hand out goodie bags filled with cookies, and toys for kids, instead of having an after-performance gathering.

“We try to give as much to the audience as we can,” Adcock noted.

Adcock said she hoped the choir’s performance would bring joy to attendees and emphasized the “remarkable” impacts choral music can have.

See PINE Page 51 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 1321-B Mt. Hermon Rd. Salisbury, MD 21804 443-856-4676

STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

FIRM’S NEW PARTNER CELEBRATED

The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce partnered with Mitchell, Hastings & Sweigert Financial Services to celebrate the recent naming of Steven Sweigert to partner in the firm. Phyllis Mitchell and Andrea Hastings have worked together for more than 30 years and are excited to welcome Sweigert, a chartered retirement planning counselor, as a partner as well as the new name change. Sweigert has been with Mitchell and Hastings for five years. The chamber joined last Friday with the partners, firm representatives and family members to celebrate the partnership announcement.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, be careful what you ask for, as things have a funny way of coming true for you this week. Censor your thoughts for now, and perhaps hold your cards closer to the vest.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you may have a lot of anxious thoughts right now. Friends provide a welcome diversion later in the week, and you also may want to put in more hours at work to stay distracted.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, plans aren’t panning out as you’d hoped, so consider other opportunities. Stop and consider all the possibilities as soon as possible and then make a decision.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Thoughts of love and relationships are on your mind, Cancer. However, you will have trouble expressing just how you feel to others. Think through your words before saying them.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you are a whirlwind of activity, and this causes a bit of disruption to a normally organized week. Others may remark on how you seem to be all over the place, but you know your limits.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

It’s hard to imagine fitting anything else into your packed schedule, Virgo. Somehow you manage to do it. But the effects could prove stressful. Try lightening your load this week.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

It’s time to plan and prepare, Libra. Take out a pen and paper and start making lists or use a digital planner. It’s the only way to remain organized with so much going on.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Matters at home are a priority this week, Scorpio. Focus your attention on tackling things around the house and you’ll have more time to devote to fun down the road.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

It might be time to pinch some pennies, Sagittarius. This week you could come up a bit short, and it doesn’t bode well for the rest of the month. Consider new revenue streams.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, things turn out to be calm this week, and it is surprising how much you can accomplish. This slow pace is just the reprieve you’ve needed.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, there’s not much you can do about a particular problem, so it may be better to stop thinking about a solution. Put your attention toward something you can control.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, a few minor tweaks to your schedule and you could be able to tackle a number of tasks this week. Enjoy the productivity.

Pines Tones to perform Dec. 6

Continued from Page 49

“It has been proven that choral music has positive neurological effects on the brain and has positive social effects,” she said. “After people listen to a choral concert, blood pressure is lower. We believe it because we feel it ourselves.”

“We are sharing an appreciation for a kind of music that is appealing but that many people may have never heard,” Adcock continued. “We hope it brings people together. In my view, anything that improves access to any kind of culture is beneficial in a community … It’s a way to bring everyone in the community together.”

Adcock’s involvement in the chorus began shortly after she moved to the area in 2009. She took her mom to a Pine Tones concert, and she was “struck by how happy everyone seemed to be” and that “everyone in the group was radiating joy.” As soon as Adcock could, she joined the choir and has remained a member ever since.

“Every single positive thing that has happened to me since moving here can be traced back to my association with the Pines Tones,” she said.

Doors open at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6. Other setlist additions include “Little Drummer Boy,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” and “Children, Go Where I Send Thee.”

Fri., Nov. 29

HOLIDAY SHOPPERS FAIR

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 120 vendors, food court, non-shoppers lounge, children’s activities, face painting and more. Cost is $3/weekend for adults and free to ages 13 years and younger. 410-7238605, ococean.com

EASTERN SHORE TRAIN, TOY, AND HOBBY SHOW

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Trains, accessories, vintage toys and collectibles. Admission cost is $5 for adults and free to ages 10 years and younger.

https://www.ococean.com/event/eastern-shore-train-toy-and-hobbyshow/2084/, 443-618-6866

ICE ICE BERLIN

Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 5-9 p.m. Featuring more than 30 Holiday themed lighted ice sculptures. Tree lighting at 6 p.m. Greet Santa at Kringle Kottage on Artisan’s Green. Shops will be open late. www.berlinmainstreet.com

MEET SANTA Kringle Kottage on Artisan’s. Green, 124 N. Main St., Berlin, 5-8 p.m. Meet Santa during the Ice Ice Berlin & Tree Lighting event. www.berlinmainstreet.com

CANDLELIGHT TOURS

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 5-7 p.m. Held during Ice Ice Berlin. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

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

Sat., Nov. 30

CHARACTER BREAKFAST

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City,

CALENDAR

8:30-10:30 a.m. Reserve

8:30-9:30 a.m. or 9:30-10:30 a.m. Kids come in PJs for breakfast, games and photos with beloved characters. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/?search=o cean+city+convention+center.

HOLIDAY SHOPPERS FAIR

EASTERN SHORE TRAIN, TOY, AND HOBBY SHOW

https://www.ococean.com/event/eastern-shore-train-toy-and-hobbyshow/2084/, 443-618-6866

MEET SANTA

Kringle Kottage on Artisan’s. Green, 124 N. Main St., Berlin. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. www.berlinmainstreet.com

AUCE BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, Whaleyville, 7-10 a.m. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

BIKERS WITHOUT BORDERS FOOD DRIVE

Food Lion, 11007 Manklin Creek Road, Berlin, 8 a.m.-noon. Members will be collecting nonperishable food items, microwavable ready to eat item, canned goods, toiletries, baby necessities and monetary donations for local food banks. 410-375-1607

PANCAKES WITH SANTA Coastal Wilds, 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, 10 a.m.-noon. Build your own pancakes bar, photo op with Santa, Christmas ornament craft and participants can mail letters to the North Pole. Tickets: https://book.singenuity.com/469/activity/details/2250/rates. 302-829-1549

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

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

Sun., Dec. 1

HOLIDAY SHOPPERS FAIR

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 120 vendors, food court, non-shoppers lounge, chil-

dren’s activities, face painting and more. Cost is $3/weekend for adults and free to ages 13 years and younger. 410-7238605, ococean.com

EASTERN SHORE TRAIN, TOY, AND HOBBY

SHOW

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Trains, accessories, vintage toys and collectibles. Admission cost is $5 for adults and free to ages 10 years and younger.

https://www.ococean.com/event/eastern-shore-train-toy-and-hobbyshow/2084/, 443-618-6866

MARKET AT THE FIREHOUSE

Berlin Fire Co Headquarters, 214 N. Main St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Featuring some vendors from the Berlin Farmers Market as well as new vendors. Breakfast sandwiches available. www.berlinmainstreet.com

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring a raw oyster bar, music by The Jolly Tars (11:30 a.m.), silhouette cutting (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), a book signing with Cindi Offutt (2-4 p.m.) and 20 percent discount in store. Free admission. 410-289-4991

WEEKLY CHURCH SERVICE

New Hope United Methodist Church, 7348 New Hope Road, Willards, 11 a.m. Weekly church service. All are welcome.

BERLIN FLEA MARKET

Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Dec. 2

DELMARVA CHORUS HOLIDAY SING ALONG

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The group will be singing all your favorite holiday songs that you know and love. Spend some time listening, singing and enjoying complimentary cookies, goodies and beverages. 484-949-5515

STORY TIME: NOCTURNAL ANIMALS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TAKING FANTASTIC

PHOTOS BY IPHONE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m.

Three classes, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, to teach participants the true capabilities of an iPhone camera. Bring your iPhone. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ESL CONVERSATON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Come join other non-native English speakers for casual conversational practice and a short lesson prepared by an ESL instructor. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. The group is reading from Book 6 of the Great Conversations Anthology. The focus will be on “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” by Omar Khayyam and translated by Edward Fitzgerald. 410-2084014

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. Families, partners and caregivers share similar challenges and rewards of providing care for adults who have any type of serious illness. Nicole Fry, nfry@atlanticgeneral.org, 410-641-2626

RESEARCHERS MEET UP

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3 p.m. Discuss local history, get tips from the local history librarian and work on your citizen research project or other historical research. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WARHAMMER

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Use the library’s armies or bring your own. Tutorials and demos will be available, so novice and veteran players welcome. For ages 12-18 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for a Lego challenge event. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Dec. 3

GIVING TUESDAY

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Give at shoregivesmore.org/organization/artleagueofoceancity. 410-524-9433, megan@artleagueofoceancity.org

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN’S 4TH ANNUAL DELICIOUS DESSERT AUCTION

Desserts Auction during Shore Gives More Giving Tuesday to benefit Women Supporting Women. Check out the auction here: https://www.biddingforgood.com/wsw. Donations: https://www.shoregivesmore.org/. 410548-7880

GIVING TUESDAY - DONUTS & DONATING

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 7-8 a.m. Grab a treat and donate with the help of the tech wiz helpers. Watch live on Facebook at 7 a.m. www.shoregivesmore.org/organization/taylorhousemuseum

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Supporting early literacy skills with stories, songs and finger plays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: GINGERBREAD MAN

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MASTER GARDENERS PLANT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring questions and fee free to show your plants as well. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterliContinued on Page

brary.org

HERBAL HOLIDAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Discuss the therapeutic properties of common holiday herbs while learning how to blend them into gifts for family and friends. Registration required: 410-2084014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

REINDEER RICE CEREAL TREATS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. These treats are cute, festive and easy to make. Leave with a recipe so you can make more at home. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COMIC CON READY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4 p.m. Work together or on your own designing and making your cosplay materials. Some materials provided. BYO costume parts and put it together. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

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

Wed., Dec. 4

PIZZA PARTY WITH SANTA Northside Park Recreation Complex, 200-244 125th St., Ocean City, 5:307:30 p.m. Kids, aged Pre-K to Grade 4, will enjoy pizza, crafts, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa and Winterfest of Lights. Pre-registration required on oceancitymd.gov/rec.

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Held via Zoom call the first and second Wednesday of each month. For non-surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568

GRACE PARKER BREAKFAST

First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City. 7-11 a.m. Eggs, pancakes, sausage, grits and more. Cost is $10 to carryout and $12 to eat in.

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for imaginative play and social interaction. For ages 0-5 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring a gently used puzzle and leave with a new-to-you puzzle. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be in their original box. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

JUNIOR HISTORIANS

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 4:30 p.m. This month’s topic: Traditional Winter Decorations. Free event. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5-6 p.m. Group provides discussion and education on the topic of diabetes. Patti Yocubik, 410-641-4217, pyocubik@atlanticgeneral.org

BINGO NIGHT AT THE STERLING TAVERN

The Sterling Tavern, 119 N. Main St., Berlin, 6 p.m. Five rounds, cards are $2 each, cash only. Plus, win additional prizes provided by the Art League of Ocean City. Benefiting the Art League of Ocean City. www.artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-5249433

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Thurs., Dec. 5

BERLIN CHRISTMAS PARADE

Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 7 p.m. Parade starts at The Berlin

Welcome Center, then runs north to the Berlin Fire Company. The judging stand is located on West/Baker Street near the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. berlinmainstreet.com

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. ‘Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointments required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

‘STORY TIME: GINGERBREAD

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Songs, stories and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘KITTY’S CUDDLES’

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 0-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Looking for a quiet place to meet new friends and play some chess? Come to the library and bring your boards. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

POCOMOKE BRANCH BOOK CLUB: ‘A MAN CALLED OVE’ BY FREDRIK BACKMAN

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book at the Pocomoke Branch. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HISTORY OF HOLIDAYS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 2 p.m. Learn about how people celebrated different winter holidays throughout the years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT TRADE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Dr. Ralph Lutts presents the history of the ecological and economical impact of the destruction of the American Chestnut trees and the efforts to bring these forests back to life. 410-641-0650

MAGIC THE GATHERING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Battle it out with sorcery, dragons and giants. Experienced and novice players welcome. BYOC recommended. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014

QUIT SMOKING & VAPING CLASSES

Gudelsky Family Medical Center, 10614

Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines, 5-6 p.m.

Participants receive one-on-one support, group support, weekly prizes and quit resources. Register: 410-632-1100, Ext. 1102, www.worcesterhealth.org.

ONGOING EVENTS

SEND LETTERS TO SANTA

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, Nov. 25 through Dec. 20. Children of all ages are welcome to drop off their written letters to Santa at the red mailbox. Make sure that letters have child’s name and address so Santa can respond.

WINTER TRAIN GARDEN

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, December through Jan. 4. Visitors of all ages will delight in interacting with buttons that activate accessories and sounds. A scavenger hunt for young patrons will also be available. 410-5241818

LETTERS TO SANTA

Pocomoke library, 301 Market St., Dec. 2-7. Stop in the library to write a letter to Santa and decorate the envelope. Leave it in the special mailbox to be sent to the North pole so Santa can write you back. All supplies provided. For families. 410-957-0878

TEENY ART

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during December. A themed craft program available in the teen section all month long. December Teeny Art is “Trees.” For ages 12-18 years. 410-6323495

DECEMBER INSPIRATION CHALLENGE

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St. Art, photography or poetry competition for all ages. Pieces will be displayed in the library for viewing and voting by age bracket. The theme is “Envy.” Due by Dec. 20. 410-632-3495

WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 21 through Dec. 22. Open daily Dec. 23-31. Cost is $6 for adults and free to those 11 years and younger. Tour through thousands of sparkling lights and animated Christmas scenes. Pets welcome on Wednesdays. Scooter rentals ($10/two hours) and wheel chairs available on site: Scooters4-Rent.com, 302-280-6203. For more info: 410-289-2800, https://www.ococean.com/winterfest/. Weather cancellation hotline: 410-250-2124.

Crossword answers from page 50

NOVEMBER 29, 2024 OC Today-Dispatch 55

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

Deadline is 5pm Monday

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

Must have

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

RENTALS

WINTER RENTAL NORTH OC 2BR, 2BA CONDO FURN., INDOOR POOL, RACQUETBALL

$1,200 +Sec dep. Utilities Included| Text or call 302-275-5719

WEEKLY RENTALS

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

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

OF BERLIN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: SANITATION OPERATOR I POLICE OFFICER PLANNING DIRECTOR

We are looking for motivated individuals to come to work for the Town of Berlin. Overview of employee benefits: Members of the Maryland State Retirement System (LEOPS for Police Officers), a competitive health benefits package including a health reimbursement account, employer-paid life insurance, 100% tuition reimbursement, vacation accruals based on tenure, 12 sick days per year, 16 paid holidays per year, two personal days per year, and much more! Apply: Qualified candidates can submit a confidential Town of Berlin application, a resume, and three professional references to the Town’s Human Resources Director at kjensen@berlinmd.gov. Applications can be found under the employment section of our website at https://berlinmd.gov/employment/ or you can call 410-641-2770 and arrange to pick one up at 10 William Street Berlin, MD 21811. EOE/M/F/V/D

YR RENTAL

Horn Isladn Drive, West Ocean City. 4BR, 3BA, move in ready. Call Moses: 410-449-1434 to schedule a tour.

YR RENTAL

39TH ST., OCEANBLOCK In front of Convention Center 2BR, 1BA, $1,500. Call Holiday Real Estate 410-524-7700

YEAR-ROUND RENTAL, 1BR, 1BA. Fully Remodeled! New custom tiled Walk In Shower, new vinyl flooring, granite kitchen counters, full size stove & refrig. Central air. Fully furnished. Private Parking. $1,850 nego. Includes Elec., Cable, Internet. Available immed. 410-603-9453

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

YR, FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT Ocean Pines. Full house privileges. Clean, safe & friendly. No smoking. No pets. Call 443-880-2486.

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

COMMERCIAL

2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

Commercial Space for Lease.

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

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

Your

MISC./OTHER

How did you find me, This pillow hinged with my tears? One forgiving kiss! You have come so far, Please Babe, Please don’t go!

and the

MISC. FOR SALE

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clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org REAL ESTATE

VEHICLES

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BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101

Rockville, MD 20852

(301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES'

SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

807 MARKET STREET POCOMOKE A/R/T/A POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated May 23, 2003, recorded in Liber 3940, Folio 562 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $63,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

DECEMBER 3, 2024 AT 4:05 PM

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

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $5,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject

to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 365037-1)

Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-11/14/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

B01-25 – Northside Park Fence Replacement

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Northside Park Fence Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Northside Park Fence Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 7236643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/ procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not re-

sponsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents. A pre-proposal meeting will be conducted on OCTOBER 29TH, 2024 AT 10:00AM AT NORTHSIDE PARK RECREATION CENTER, 200 125TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MD, 21842 IN THE WEST GYM CONFERENCE ROOM. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2024, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH, 2024

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, 2024, BY 10:00AM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2024, AT 1:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Manager; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Northside Park Fence Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

OCD-10/10/9t

MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND NOTICE OF APPROVED CHARTER RESOLUTIONS 2024-01, 2024-02, 2024-03 AND 2024-04.

Pursuant to the provision of the Snow Hill Town Charter Section 108 and Section 4-304 of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, a PUBLIC HEARING was held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at the Old Fire Hall, 212 West Green Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, for Charter Resolutions 2024-01, 2024-02, 202403 and 2024-04.

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill that Charter Resolutions 2024-01, 202402, 2024-03 and 2024-04 were approved on October 29, 2024.

A fair summary of the resolutions are as follows:

1. Charter Resolution 2024-01, Amends Sections 18(b) and 74(a)(3) of the Town Charter of Snow Hill to include the head of the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department in the list of department heads.

2. Charter Resolution 2024-02, Amends Section 11 of the Town Charter of Snow Hill to revise and clarify the process for adopting ordinances. It will allow ordinances to be

introduced at a regular or special meeting. At any regular or special meeting held not less than six days nor more than sixty days after introduction, the second reading can be held. It clarifies that in the absence of the Mayor the vote to pass an emergency ordinance must be unanimous by the Council. It eliminates the provision that emergency ordinances expire at the next regular meeting. It clarifies when an ordinance and budget ordinance go into effect. It clarifies that modifications do not need to be published.

3. Charter Resolution 2024-03, Amends Section 13 of the Town Charter of Snow Hill to revise and clarify the process for referendums eliminating the cross reference to Charter Section 11 related to emergency ordinances expiring which is revised by Charter Resolution 202402.

4. Charter Resolution 2024-04, Amends Section 58 of the Town Charter of Snow Hill to update the State law references and to eliminate the requirement that a bond shall be submitted to referendum by the voters of the Town of Snow Hill. A complete text of resolutions is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, q2Maryland, 21863.

OCD-11/7/4t

HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. 313 LEMMON HILL LANE SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20411

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHANS court of BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed BOYD BENJAMIN whose address is 140 SWINEHART RD COATESVILLE, PA 19320-1243 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of BARRIE B GEHRLEIN AKA: BARRIE LEE GEHRLEIN who died on FEBRUARY 16, 2024 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is HEATHER R KONYAR ESQ whose address is 313 LEMMON HILL LN SALISBURY, MD 21801-4238. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-11/14/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20408 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ELLEN KATHERINE PIERCE FISHER

AKA: ELLEN K. FISHER

Notice is given that Robert Thomas Fisher, 104 Pine St., Berlin, MD 21811-1124, was on November6, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ellen Katherine Pierce Fisher who died on September 13, 2024, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of May, 2025.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Robert Thomas Fisher Personal Representative True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: November 14, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE. 11/15/2024

OCD-11/14/3t

REENA J. PATEL ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B

SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police

Estate No. 20416 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET E.

BORTNER

Notice is given that Lauren Draheim, 12823 Selby Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813-1705, was on November 12, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret E. Bortner who died on September 21, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of May, 2025.

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

Lauren Draheim Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: November 21, 2024 OCD-11/21/3t

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ

WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP P.O. BOX 910115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOANN STEWARD Estate No. 20417 Notice is given that COLLEEN D YEZEK whose address is 28 BRIARCLIFFE CT NEWARK, DE 19702-2214 was on NOVEMBER 12, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOANN STEWARD who died on OCTOBER 09, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of MAY, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with

the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-11/21/3t

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 24-08

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-08 (Zoning – Detached Accessory Buildings and Off-Street Parking in Campground Subdivisions) was introduced by Commissioner Fiori on August 6, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1 318(d)(1)E. (Amends the accessory building section to permit two detached accessory buildings on each campsite, one of which must remain unenclosed, eliminates the separation distance between accessory buildings and any other building or structure on the same or other lot.)

§ ZS 1 318(d)(1)G. and § ZS 1320(a). (Amends the off-street parking requirements for campsites in a campground subdivision.)

A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 24-08 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-11/21/2t

COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20423

Notice is given that the Orphans’ court of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania appointed Paul E. Hedin Jr., 805 West St., Lewisberry, PA 17339-9101 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Shirley L. Hedin who died on March 26, 2024 domiciled in Pennsylvania, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates, Jr. whose address is 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester.

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

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

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

Paul E. Hedin, Jr. Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: November 21, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

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

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

At 3:00 PM

BAAV 24-068 A request has been submitted for a variance from Code Section 38-73 requirements for nonresidential construction to modify minimum freeboard requirements of Section 38-71 for reconstruction of ACME Grocery Store with associated retail (Grocery, Retail B) and construction of a new retail pad site (Retail C) Locally known as 9507 COASTAL HWY – Parcel A – 11510-1870A in the town of Ocean City, MD

Applicant: OCTC Holdings, Parcel A, LLC

BAAV 24-069 A request has been submitted for a variance from Code Section 38-72 requirements for residential construction to modify minimum freeboard elevation requirements of Section 38-71 for construction of residential condo townhouse condominium units. Locally known as 9507 COASTAL HWY – 115-10-1870A – Parcel C in the town of Ocean City, MD

Applicant: OCTC Holdings, Parcel C, LLC

BAAV 24-070 A request has been submitted for a variance from Code Section 38-72 and 38-73 requirements for residential and non-residential construction to modify minimum freeboard elevation requirements of Section 38-71 for construction of residential townhouse condominium units and community building. Locally known as 9507 COASTAL HWY – 115-10-1870A –Parcel D in the town of Ocean City, MD

Applicant: OCTC Holdings, Parcel D, LLC

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARK TERRY LAYNE Estate No. 20402 Notice is given that NICHOLE M. DAWSON whose address is 17210 TOBIAH WAY, MILTON, DE 19968-3348 was on

NOVEMBER 12, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARK TERRY LAYNE who died on OCTOBER 23, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of MAY, 2025

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-11/21/3t

ARDEN LAW FIRM

CEDULIE LAUMANN ESQ. 1028 GENERALS HWY., STE. 100 CROWNSVILLE, MD 21032-1459

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20414

Notice is given that the Circuit Court of Louden County, Virginia appointed Susan McGovern, 20728 Edgebrook Ct., Ashburn, VA 201474641 as the Adminstrator of the Estate of Thomas P. McGovern AKA: Thomas Patrick McGovern who died on February 11, 2024 domiciled in Virginia, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Cedulie Laumann whose address is 1028 Generals Hwy., Ste. 100, Crownsville, MD 21032-1459.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.

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

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

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

Susan McGovern Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: November 21, 2024

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Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

B03-25 – Edgewater Avenue Revetment

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Edgewater Avenue Revetment and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Edgewater Avenue Revetment may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 7236643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/ procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting will not be applicable for this Invitation to BID. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 2024 AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH, 2024

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, 2024, BY 3:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2024, AT 1:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Manager; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Edgewater Avenue

Revetment) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

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

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

Thursday, December 12, 2024 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Sections 110-94(3)(a), 110-94(3)(b), and 110-94(3)(c) has been filed to request (1) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 0.20 feet from the front lot line; (2) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 0.20 feet from the rear lot line; and (3) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 3.6 feet from a side lot line. The property is described as Lot 5-A, Section A, of the Warren’s Park Plat. It is further described as being located on the south side of Middle Way Lane and is locally known as 9 Middle Way Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: MICHAEL MCMAHON (BZA 2704 #24-09400025)

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

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-11/21/3t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JULIA ANN DICKERSON Estate No. 20426 Notice is given that B RANDALL COATES whose address is 204 W GREEN ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1057 was on NOVEMBER 19, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JULIA ANN DICKERSON who died on JUNE 03, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of MAY, 2025

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-11/28/3t

NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF BILL 24-09

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Emergency Bill 24-09 (Zoning – cannabis dispensaries) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, and Purnell on November 19, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1-103(b). (Adds a definition for cannabis dispensaries).

§ ZS 1-209(c)(16). (Adds a special exception use for cannabis dispensaries in the C-1 District.)

§ ZS 1-210(c)(16). (Adds a special exception use for cannabis dispensaries in the C-2 District.)

§ ZS 1-211(c)(11). (Adds a special exception use for cannabis dispensaries in the C-3 District.)

§ZS 1-320(a). (Adds an off-street parking requirement for cannabis dispensaries.)

§ZS 1-320(e)(1). (Adds a stacking space requirement for cannabis dispensaries with drive-through.)

WORCESTER COUNTY

KRISTINA L WATKOWSKI ESQ

BOOTH, CROPPER & MARRINER

9927 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY STE F-12

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9349

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JEFFERY ALLEN HELTZINGER Estate No. 20427 Notice is given that TRACEY HELTZINGER whose address is 1012 FARMINGDALE DRIVE

DOUGLASVILLE, PA 19518 was on NOVEMBER 20, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JEFFERY ALLEN HELTZINGER who died on JULY 14, 2024 without a will.

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

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

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the 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-11/28/1t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20403 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BYRON RAMSAY HAUCK

Notice is given that Shirley Ann Adams, 2907 Snow Hill Rd., Girdletree, MD 21829-2759 and Bradley Byron Hauck, 3102 Snow Hill Rd., Girdletree, MD 21829-2762, was on November 18, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Byron Ramsay Hauck who died on October 20, 2024, with a will. Further information can be ob-

tained 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 18th day of May, 2025.

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

Shirley Ann Adams Bradley Byron Hauck Personal Representatives 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 28, 2024 OCD-11/28/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20404 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOAN MARIE CHALMERS

Notice is given that Charles Paul Chalmers, 9513 Bent Creek Ln., Vienna, VA 22182-1408 and James Edward Chalmers, 10118 Cherry Hills Avenue Cir., Bradenton, FL 342024064, were on November 13, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Joan Marie Chalmers who died on December 13, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal repre-

sentative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

Charles Paul Chalmers

James Edward Chalmers Personal Representatives True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

November 28, 2024

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NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY DECEMBER 12, 2024

Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Audio and video recording will take place during this public hearing.

The public is invited to view this meeting live online athttps://worcestercountymd.swagit.co m/live

6:30 p.m. Case No. 24-75, on the lands of Zachary Rishkofski, requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 75 feet to 63.17 feet (to encroach 11.83 feet) to construct a roof over an existing front porch in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1305, located at 10308 Golf Course Road, Tax Map 22, Parcel 287, Lot 7, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 24-70, on the lands of Peter Ayers Wimbrow III, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a variance to reduce the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Buffer from 15 feet to 7 feet (to encroach 8 feet) for a proposed singlefamily dwelling in the R-3 Multi-Family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(m) and ZS 1-305 and Natural Resources Code §§ 3-104(c)(4) and NR 3-111, located at 6 Pine Cone Way, Tax Map 21, Parcel 293, Lot

140B, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 24-72, on the lands of Angela Gould, on the application of Hugh Cropper IV, requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 50 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 45.1 feet (to encroach 4.9 feet) for a replacement two-story residence on existing pilings; and a variance to the front yard setback from 50 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 42.1 feet (to encroach 7.9 feet) for a proposed 3’ by 5’ chimney in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1206(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 12417 Meadow Drive, Tax Map 33, Parcel 346, Lots 41, 42 and 43, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland. The requested variances are in addition to previous setback variances granted by the Board for a proposed addition and open deck.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 24-73, on the lands of Harbor Court LLC, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a variance to the front yard setback off of Golf Course Road from 75 feet to the center of the road right-of-way to 33 feet (to encroach 42 feet) for a swimming pool; and two variances to the front yard setback off of Golf Course Road from 75 feet to the center of the road right-ofway to 27.5 feet (to encroach 47.5 feet) for two gazebos, in the R-3 Multi-Family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-207(b)(2) and ZS 1305 located at 12803 Memory Lane, Tax Map 27, Parcel 307, Lots 29 & 30, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland. The requested variances are in addition to previous variances granted by the Board for a proposed two-story dwelling and a detached garage with an accessory apartment.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 24-71, on the application of Maryland Coastal Bays Program, on the lands of the State of Maryland, Ruark Family LP, and Assateague Island National Seashore, requesting a modification to extend waterfront structures in excess of 125 feet by 18 feet, 25 feet, 29 feet and 150 feet for construction of a proposed living shoreline project extending to a maximum of 275 feet channelward, pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 2-102(e)(1) and Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(n)(3), located at 7000 Rum Pointe Road, Tax Map 42, Parcels 8, 36, and 40, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:55 p.m. Case No. 24-69, on the lands of Riverview Park LLC, on the application of Rauch Inc., requesting a special exception to construct a wastewater treatment facility to accommodate the enlargement of a mobile home park and a variance to the 300 foot setback requirement from the facility to other buildings not associated with the facility to 100 feet (to encroach 200 feet) in the R-4 General Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(3), ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1208(c)(9) and ZS 1-328(c), located at 12623 Shell Mill Road, Tax Map 9, Parcels 167 and 268, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland. OCD-11/28/2t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106 ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

2:00 PM

PW 24-064 (Continued from November 14 meeting) A request has been submitted for approval of an existing installed floating dock not to exceed 200 square feet in size and not to exceed channelward extension of existing piling-20’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 300 17TH ST UNIT 101 Parcel # 3341 -101 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Stephen Zentz

APPLICANT: Kayla Short

PW 24-075 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings maximum channelward distance of 30’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 719 RUSTY ANCHOR RD UNIT 3 Parcel # 9160 -3 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Mark Perlis

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 24-076 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum of 20’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 735 BRADLEY RD – SLIP #13 Parcel # 9271 - in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Pointe Vista CM Assoc./Rui Antunes

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart, Inc.

PW 24-077 A request has been submitted to remove an existing boatlift and install a new wider combination lift to accommodate one boat and one PWC with associated pilings a maximum channelward of 18’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 136 GEORGIA AVE Parcel # 5268A-3DD -2 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Gregory Reed

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart, Inc.

PW 24-078 A request has been submitted to install one PWC lift with associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 6’6”. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 311 BLUE HERON CT Parcel # 5313A14 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Gabriel Lewullis

APPLICANT: Kayla Short

PW 24-079 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings not to exceed 13’4” channelward. The site of the

proposed construction is described as being located at 725 BRADLEY RD

UNIT B Parcel # 9263 -97B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Tony Cestone

APPLICANT: Kayla Short

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20419

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF AMY ELIZABETH SAKERS CURRY

Notice is given that John Lowell Sakers, 12409 Manor Rd., Glen Arm, MD 21057-9506, was on November 19, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Amy Elizabeth Sakers Curry who died on November 5, 2024, with a will.

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise

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

John Lowell Sakers Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

November 28, 2024

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SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20428 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CATHERINE F. SARD

Notice is given that Judy Ninzehelter, 10124 Shingle Landing Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813-1436, was on November 21, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Catherine F. Sard who died on September 13, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of pub-

lication 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.

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

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

Judy Ninzehelter Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: November 28, 2024 OCD-11/28/1t

RACHEL B HARRIS ESQ PO BOX 62 POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218510062

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MAJOR BURRIS MERRILL Estate No. 20430 Notice is given that BEVERLY WILKINS whose address is 3923 WHITESBURG RD POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-3651 was on NOVEMBER 22, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MAJOR BURRIS MERRILL who died on NOVEMBER 04, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of MAY, 2025

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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vanishing vanishing OCE AN C C IT Y

WitH Bunk Mann

The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) prior to the 1960s was small but adequate for what was a seasonal town that was only 25 blocks long. Police headquarters were on Dorchester Street where they shared a building with City Hall and the town jail. Prior to 1953 there was only one patrol car.

The police force was augmented for the season with part-time officers many of whom were retired cops from Baltimore or school teachers on summer break. By today's standards training was minimal but there was little traffic and even less crime.

The OCPD would remain small until a Labor Day Weekend riot in 1960 and the expansion of the city limits to the Delaware line in 1965 proved the need for a larger force. Today's OCPD is one of the largest and best trained police departments in the entire state.

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

Saturrdday 1:30-3:30pm 202 S. Her

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Hanging Christmas lights in warm weather

Teens who take their shoes off at the door

The post-floss feeling

A fake Christmas tree that looks real

Crying kids with Santa pictures

Sundays of chili and football

Jeffrey Auxer’s glass blowing lessons

A long walk on Thanksgiving morning

Kids playing in piles of leaves

Warming up the car on a cold morning

Silly beer commercials

Road, Ocean PinesNancy

By Lauren Bunting, Contributing Writer

(Nov. 29, 2024) The regional Bright Multiple List Service (Bright MLS) supplies weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual data on the real estate market. They also dial down to our local region under the Del/Mar Coastal region of stats that includes Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Sussex county market data. For the week ending Nov. 24, 2024, here is their weekly snapshot for the Del/Mar Coastal region:

A few other market stats they provided for the entire Bright MLS Mid-Atlantic service area are:

• While market activity typically cools late in the year, the number of new contracts across the Bright MLS service area rose by 0.2% from a week ago, indicating stronger-than-usual November buyer activity. Since early September, new contract activity has generally been tracking above 2023 levels.

• There were 68,086 showings for the week ending November 24 in the Bright MLS service area. Weekly showing activity has been outpacing last year’s level for ten consecutive weeks. From last week, showings are down 9.3% as the market cools for the holiday season.

• The median list price in the Mid-Atlantic was $375,000, a strong 7.1% over last year. List prices have been cooling seasonally, with the median list price in the Bright MLS service area down 3.8% from last week.

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

Local active listings up 28% REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

Sports complex task force to meet Monday

Officials to review funding, operations as city explores sites in northern Worcester

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) Efforts to build a sports complex continue in Worcester County as members of a task force will reconvene next week to discuss funding, operations and more.

On Monday, Dec. 2, Ocean City’s Sports Complex Task Force will meet

once more to receive updates from officials and those representing Sports Facilities Companies, the operator for the proposed complex. As the planning phase continues, members will work through the city’s next steps.

In July, the Maryland Stadium Authority, a partner in the sports complex project, issued a request for proposals (RFP) from architecture and engineering firms interested in providing preliminary design services for the project. The firm selected will evaluate the costs and infrastructure needs of a facility at

three proposed locations – a 95-acre parcel adjacent to Stephen Decatur High School, a 150-acre parcel roughly two-and-a-half miles west of the Decatur site off Route 50, and a 147-acre parcel near the intersection of Routes 113 and 589. The sites were made public through the RFP process.

“Once a site is selected then they will more fully develop a design to the point where we can have accurate cost estimates so that we can take that information to the state for construction funding,” City Manager Terry McGean

NOTICE OF LIVE AUCTION

Beach Equipment Franchise – North-End, Mid-Beach and South-End Available Parcels $500 Minimum Bid Requirement for each Parcel

A public auction will be held on Wednesday, D December 4, 2024, 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 north-section beach parcels will be auctioned:

NORTH-END BEACH PARCELS

85th, 86th and 87th Streets 88th, 89th, 90th Streets and 91st Street End 92nd End North, 93rd Streets and 9400 Condo Flying Cloud, Pyramid and Plaza Condos Century I, English Tower and Marigot Beach Condos Atlantis, Quay and Golden Sands Condos Capri, Irene and Rainbow Condos High Point South, High Point North and Sea Watch Condos Fountainhead, Carousel and 118 Street 119th, 120th and 121st Streets 128th, 129th and 130th Streets 131st, 132nd and 133rd Streets

ON AUCTION DAY, the successful bidder shall:

134th, 135th and 136th Streets

137th, 138th and 139th Streets

140th, 141st and 142nd Streets

143rd, 144th, 145th and 146th to MD/DE Line

MID-BEACH PARCELS

69th,70th and 71st Streets

72nd, 73rd and 74th Streets

SOUTH-END PARCELS

22nd Street 23rd Street

(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. 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 9, 2024

(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 9, 2024

(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 Monday, December 9, 2024

(4) Provide a b brief plan of management on or before M Monday, December 9, 2024, 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) O 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 (2025-2027) for each north-end parcel Sign a two-year contract (2025-2026) for each mid-beach parcel. Sign a 1-year contract for each south-end parcel (2025).

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.

said this summer.

While it remains to be seen what impact the state’s fiscal challenges will have on the project, McGean confirmed last week that funding for the sports complex had been appropriated.

“There is no impact right now from any state actions,” he said.

For years, resort and business officials have expressed their desires to develop a sports complex somewhere near Ocean City. And in 2023, following the completion of several studies, the city took the lead on the project by forming a task force to determine the size, scope and location of an indooroutdoor facility.

The 95-acre Decatur site has long been a contender for the project. However, two other sites are also being considered.

The second site, also known as the Taylor site, is two-and-a-half miles west of the first and consists of 150 acres. The RFP said 116 acres have been cleared and that water and sewer access is roughly 4,000 feet from the site near Berlin. The third site, also known as the routes 589/113 site, is more than three miles north of the first property, near the intersection of the two roads. Of the 147 acres, 117 have been cleared, and water and sewer access is roughly 2,000 feet from the site.

“Everything that is being done is preliminary and is being done to gather the information necessary to determine the feasibility of each site for the intended purpose of building a sports complex,” Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said of the process.

As a partner in the project, the Town of Ocean City has engaged the Maryland Stadium Authority to provide support to develop the sports complex, leading to the issuance of the RFP. An update from the state agency is included on the agenda for next week’s meeting.

Also on the agenda is a presentation from Sports Facilities Company, the firm selected by the Town of Ocean City to operate the sports complex once it is constructed. Task force members will also discuss funding for the project.

Art League shares lineup for 2025 group art shows

Officials encourage artists to exhibit works at center

(Nov. 29, 2024) The Art League of Ocean City announces its 2025 group art show schedule and encourages artists to exhibit their work at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside.

The art shows in the galleries of the Arts Center change monthly, and all media is accepted into the group shows. The Art League awards cash prizes to the winners, who then become eligible for the “Best of 2025” group show in December.

The 2025 group show schedule includes:

January: “Mix & Mingle” featuring mixed media and collage and encouraging artist collaboration.

February: “Complimentary Colors” featuring opposite colors on the color wheel.

March: “Calculated Creations” featuring an intersection of art, math and science.

April: Annual Juried Corporate Partner Show.

May: “No 5” photography-only show celebrating the fifth month and the number five.

June: “Game On” featuring games, sports, hobbies, and amusements.

July: Annual Beverly Bassford Juried Show.

“Our group shows provide an opportunity for artists of all levels and mediums to show their work in a professional gallery,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “The Art League is committed to featuring a broad spectrum of artists from diverse backgrounds and encourages all to participate.”

All artists ages 18+ are welcome to enter. Entry fees are $10 per piece for members, $20 per piece for nonmembers. Artists may enter two pieces per exhibit. The regular monthly shows have drop-off appointments, and the annual juried shows are entered and juried online. Complete details about each show and how and when to enter are on the Art League’s website at OCart.org/call-for-entries/ or by calling the Arts Center at 410-524-9433.

Let’s Be ankful:

Tis' the season to be thankful for the great leadership this town has had, which has given us the opportunities we all have today. Past Mayors of Ocean City, MD:

1894-1896 William S. Wilson • 1896-1898 George M. Upshur • 1898-1900 James Z. Powell 1900-1902 Clayton J. Purnell • 1902-1903 John F. Waggaman • 1903-1908 Christopher Ludlam 1908-1912 W. Lee Carey • 1912-1916 William B.S. Powell • 1916-1918 John B. Jones

1918-1920 Edward M. Scott • 1920-1922 Elbridge E. Collins • 1922-1934 William W. McCabe

1934-1938 William T. Elliott • 1938-1940 Edmond H. Johnson • 1940-1944 Cliﬀord P Cropper 1944-1959 Daniel Trimper Jr. • 1959-1970 Hugh T Cropper • 1970-1985 Harry W. Kelley

1985: Granville D. Trimper • 1985-1996 Roland E. (Fish) Powell

1996-2006 James N. Mathias Jr. • 2006-Current Richard Meehan

I would like to thank the Taustin family, Sam, Irving, Jay, and Cole, for the opportunity to serve 55 years, and a dining room named after Trudy. I would also like to thank the Leiner family (Bonﬁre) as well as the Timmons family (Dumsers Dairyland)

I would like to thank the town of Ocean City for S&H Beach Services for 55 years as well as my great partner for 25 years, George Patty Hopkins (Mayﬂower Hotel)

I would also like to thank my fellow employees all these years.

Bill Baker for 55 great years, Joseph Shevod, (Dusty) Flip Pusey, Brian Stoehr, Mrs. Virginia Mix, John Rogers, Mitch Whitely, Tim Gilbert, Chris Poultis, John Stevens, Frank Morgan, Butch Zeigler, John Heikel, Tony, Lara, Jackie, Libby, Dee, Wendy, Kim, Alan Gastiger, Mary Motsko Collins, Sasha Motsko, Brian, Bobby, Linda Dashill, Norma, Mat Lamb, Michelle Stock, Michael Wessells, Robbie, Kim, Carl Runk and many, many more.

With S&H Beach service, my job was to give "umbrella school" to Hal Glick and his son at 92nd Street, Wayne Cannon and his daughter at 54th Street, Wendy Wilkinson and Martha at the inlet (we could count on the cork bar when thunderstorms came) and Sasha Motsko on the rock pile at the Inlet. Paul P. always said Miss Fager knew how to build the best umbrella fort at High Point North. Umbrella school always started with, "Lightning kills, wind blows over houses, and sun causes cancer.

In 1969, I went to a Stinky Beach party and ended up with Bo and Connie at Mr. Kelly's house on 12th Street. Mr. Kelly was working on a platform to run for mayor of Ocean City. I remember him saying, "Ocean City needs to be a family destination but it needs road structure, motels, hotels, condominiums, a secure beach, restaurants, and most of all, people to serve the tourists, who are a gift to our economy". After hearing him say this, I quickly jumped up and said, "I promise, I promise, I promise, I will always take care of all of our tourists", our gifts. I had a job at Ember's and he became my favorite call party. How blessed was I!

When I look back at my life, I will always cherish the teamwork, spirit, hard work, loyalty, and personal sacriﬁce we all faced as a team. That is who we were and what we did. I wake up every morning at 80 years of life, and am blessed with memories of unbelievably kind and caring people in all walks of life: ﬁrst responders, beach patrol, pastors, Carol Jacobs, neighbors, the Lewis family and Heather Harris.

We should all be thankful for the great leadership this town has had; so, this Thanksgiving lets be thankful for all of our great leaders.

Sincerely,

Trudy Stock Paul P. Stock Jr (Late)

County government violated open meeting act regulation

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Nov. 29, 2024) The state oversight board for Maryland’s Open Meetings Act has ruled that Worcester County’s Board of Commissioners violated the Act by leaving an item off a September 2024 meeting agenda that was then discussed openly in the meeting.

This seemingly minor procedural oversight, however, has exposed some raw nerves between Worcester County officials, one of its neediest municipalities in Pocomoke City, and a new nonprofit player making an entrance onto the political stage.

The Open Meetings Act requires a public body to list publicly all agenda

items that will be discussed in a given meeting. According to a report released Monday by the three-member Open Meetings Compliance Board, the Worcester County Board of Commissioners at its Sept. 17 meeting violated the Act by “omitting a known item of business from a meeting agenda.”

County officials have acknowledged the missing agenda item as a “late addition,” the report states. That missing item was a request to the county from Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock to repurpose three years’ worth of promised but unspent grant funds for his town. Nock made the request in writing a few weeks before the meeting in question.

Funding ruling uncovers unmet requirement

“These funds would certainly go a long way towards helping our city address many long-standing critical infrastructure needs,” Nock wrote in an Aug. 29 letter to the commissioners.

Availability of this money was the result of a fair-play agreement struck between the county and the towns of Snow Hill and Pocomoke: each get the equivalent of 10 percent of Ocean Downs Casino table games revenue as an annual infrastructure grant. For Pocomoke, the grant was for $36,807 in fiscal year 2023, $49,959 in fiscal 2024, and $48,317 in fiscal 2025

Pocomoke City did collect on its fiscal 2025 grant money, but not the prior two years. The county tried to reach Pocomoke about its money but did not get a response, so unused grant money went back into county coffers, according to County Administrator Weston Young.

“We have several emails and calls that generally went unanswered during time periods where they didn’t have a finance person, or they didn’t have a clerk; they went without a city manager for some time,” Young said at the Sept. 17 meeting.

That $96,766 in 2023-24 funds did not end up going to Pocomoke City. Instead, the commissioners at the Sept. 17 meeting went another way.

On a motion from Commissioner Caryn Abbott, they voted to give the money to a new nonprofit, the Pocomoke City Development Corp (PCDC). The PCDC was incorporated on May 16, online records show, by a founding member named Sara Chapman.

On Sept. 12 – five days before the Sept. 17 meeting – Chapman emailed her county commissioner Caryn Abbott (District 1, Southern) to ask “if any funds are available for restoration projects in Pocomoke City, that we be considered.” This email was included in the meeting packet and is part of the public record.

Here’s where the Open Meetings Act violation occurred: when Nock’s letter came up as an item for discussion, it was considered to be unannounced to the public. The description of an item of business need not be particular detailed but should provide enough information to help the public decide whether to attend the meeting, the compliance board report said.

Not only did the commissioners not honor Nock’s request to retrieve the promised grant money, but the commissioners instead voted 5-2 to give the funding to the Pocomoke City Development Corporation on a motion from Commissioner Abbott. Commissioners Joe Mitrecic (District 7-Ocean City) and Diana Purnell (District 2-Central) voted against this.

“You’re going to move that money to this 501(c)(3) that just started?”

Purnell said. “Pocomoke is requesting now to use that for infrastructure. Maybe they had a time when they didn’t use it. But now that they want to use it, and they have a project they want to use it on, we take it away from them. There’s something wrong with that picture.”

Mayor Nock said he didn’t even know the PCDC was in consideration for the grant funds. He responded with a scathing press release the next day, Sept. 18, calling the commissioners’ reappropriation of his town’s grants “deeply troubling.”

the specific purpose of repaving our roads and sidewalks to ensure the safety and mobility of our residents.”

‘Let me be clear: these funds were not up for grabs.’

Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock

Nock told OC Today-Dispatch this week that “we always knew it was a violation of the Open Meeting Act” but they did not pursue it. He said the city is working to nurture its new relationship with the PCDC.

“It’s sad that Pocomoke did not receive this money,” he said Monday, “but Pocomoke is a resilient community. Hopefully all the county commissioners will get on board to make Pocomoke a better place.”

Today-Dispatch via email that the earmarking of public money to a private group, with no notice, “came as a shock to many.” Choquette also runs a Facebook news blog called the Pocomoke Arrowhead.

“Who was allowed to bid? Where is it being spent?” he said. “I continue to be concerned with the way these funds were awarded and the lack of transparency involving their expenditure. It was a good faith promise that the commissioners would always share the funds with the two south county municipalities to improve infrastructure. A promise that has now been broken.”

“Let me be clear: these funds were not up for grabs,” Nock wrote. “They were promised to Pocomoke City for

The person who filed the Open Meeting Act complaint, Chip Choquette of Pocomoke City, told OC

The County Commissioners will address the ruling of the Open Meetings Compliance Board at their next meeting on Dec. 3, according to spokeswoman Kim Moses.

Fresh cranberries with a kick

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

The splendor of the Eastern Shore glistens in its glory for its antiquity is as rich as its natural beauty.

The tranquility of the tide comes and goes as memories float to the surface and gently go to sea.

As the years wash ashore, I can’t help wonder where time has gone. Historians have us believe that life is measured in years, and that is true. But it’s the recollections and experiences that leave footprints in the sand.

Tradition plays a big part in deciding which dishes to prepare. Fresh cranberries are synonymous with Thanksgiving

and Christmas and an elegant option.

The burgundy fruit is gorgeous and has a tart taste. It is high in nutrients and antioxidants and is considered by many to be a superfood. If this is the case, why are cranberries sometimes overlooked?

The simple fact is cranberries are sour. Toning down the bitterness and adding depth of flavor is the secret to cooking cranberries. With a little love, attention and understanding; these little balls of joy can become a superlative side.

First and foremost, soak the berries in a pot of cold water. Using your fingers, discard any bad or very soft cranberries. Sometimes you might find a very thin stem, this must also be removed.

Rinse cranberries in a colander or mesh strainer. If you do not own a mesh

strainer, you might want to think about purchasing one. The super fine holes allow for more liquid to drain which in essence is more effective.

The following recipe, Fresh Cranberries with a Kick, calls for fresh orange juice and fresh ginger. There is a brightness and sharpness of taste if you use these fresh ingredients. But pasteurized orange juice and ground ginger are perfectly acceptable.

Cranberries are tart and brown sugar helps offset the bitterness. Light brown sugar is preferred for the simple fact that you can obtain the sweetness but do not infuse a dark color to the cranberries. Remember, beautification is just as important as the taste.

The following recipe also calls for pepper jelly. Pepper jelly has a kick and

can be found in the jelly and jam section of your neighborhood supermarket. Holiday dishes have a tendency to be rich, and a sweet and spicey side is a nice contrast.

It is important to cook cranberries fast and at a high temperature. The longer they sit in the pan, the better chance they have at becoming mushy which is not attractive to the eyes or palette. The cranberries will cook faster in a wide pot. Also, this will reduce the number of times you have to stir the cranberries.

In addition, it is imperative to cover the cranberries when cooking. This step speeds up the heating process which allows the cranberries to retain their shape.

As soon as the cranberries start popping, using a slotted spoon, remove them from the orange juice mixture onto a sheet pan. This will help slow down the cooking process.

The last step is to thicken the sweet broth. The broth is what seasons the cranberries; you want it thick so it adheres to the individual cranberry. Once the dish is refrigerated, the coldness enhances this step even further.

Holidays are a time to share to share fellowship with family and friends. The less time you spend in the kitchen, the happier everyone will be.

Fresh Cranberries with a Kick are delicious and make a stunning side for any celebratory occasion. Enjoy!

Fresh cranberries with a kick

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package of fresh cranberries juice of 2 oranges

1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar 3 tablespoons red pepper jelly

Wondra Quick-Mixing Flour

1. Soak cranberries in a large bowl of cold water. Discard any bad or very soft cranberries. Strain cranberries.

2. In a large pot, combine cranberries, orange juice, ginger, brown sugar, and pepper jelly, over medium high heat. Cover and stir occasionally.

3. When the cranberries start to pop, using a slotted spoon, remove them and spread them on a baking sheet to cool. Handle with care so the cranberries retain their shape.

4. Add a little Wondra Quick-Mixing Flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the cranberry broth. When the broth has cooled, add it to the cranberries. Carefully mix and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Secret Ingredient – Tradition

The modernity of yesterday is the tradition of today and the modernity of today will be the tradition of tomorrow. – Jose Andres

Opinions

Count your blessings

The one thing for which most of us are grateful in 2024 is that it’s almost over. Soon, we will flip the page on the calendar, leave this difficult year behind and start anew. Or so we like to tell ourselves.

The question then is how do we count our blessings while we also acknowledge that the current year, like every preceding year, had its share of disappointments and struggles?

For Clinical Professional Counselor Corinne Webster of Frederick, the answer is simpler than most people realize:

• Name friends/family who bring you joy and how they do that.

• Name events/things in your life that have been awe inspiring.

• Name one person who has betrayed you and how. Name their three good qualities. Decide to forgive them and let it go.

• Name kind acts you have witnessed. Which ones blessed you the most and why.

• Name what makes your temper flare. Decide to breathe, count to 10 and make a space before you react.

• For each decade of your life, name the best person, place, thing, animal and/or joy and tell why.

• Who do you miss the most? What do you miss about them?

• Who has been most influential in your life? How? Why?

• Who has been most memorable to you? Details!

• Name your most prized possessions and what makes them so (even if you do not have them anymore). Remember, we do not possess people.

• Name experiences you would like to re-live and why.

• Remember the kindness of a stranger or acquaintance. Tell the story, lift them in prayer and think of them with joy.

• Make a list of the happy moments this year. As many as you can! As fast as you can! Keep this close to your heart to review often and add more.

• On Thanksgiving Day (and repeat as needed) think of everyone, known or unknown, who has worked hard to keep this country moving and on its feet.

Be grateful for everyone.

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITERS TARA FISCHER, BRIAN SHANE

Contact News Room: editor@oceancitytoday.net SALES

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PUBLIC EYE

Pretend you like it

Those of us who are still upright after Thursday’s avalanche of food will be delighted to know that, in terms of fat and caloric intake, Thanksgiving dinner is like eating 16 slices of pepperoni pizza.

By Stewart Dobson

This is according to busybody (and somewhat skeletal) nutritionists who smugly tell us they will live longer than we will courtesy of a diet based on “101 Recipes for Clear Broth.”

What they don’t understand is that Thanksgiving is when you eat things that ordinarily would never enter your mind — or occur to any normal household cook were it not for this special occasion.

How many people, for instance, come home from a hard day at work and say, “Gee, I could really go for something topped with those little marshmallows?”

That isn’t likely, which brings us to the point: how did these Thanksgiving eating traditions come to be?

It’s difficult to believe that, when the Pilgrims were about to sit down for that first feast, their Native American friends wandered into camp and said, “Behold, pasty white interlopers with funny hats who will one day send us packing, the great Indian spirit Mr. Puffy has blessed us with a bountiful harvest of tiny marshmallows.”

Just as unlikely is that one of those lucky Pilgrims immediately thought, “Wow, when we invent green Jell-O to go along with that, were going to have one heck of a tradition.”

Somehow, though, green Jell-O and marshmallows (with slivers of carrot for color) have found their way onto the holiday menu,

at least among my relatives, who are known for whipping up stuff so difficult to identify that we always have a card next to the centerpiece that says, “Floral Arrangement. Don’t Eat!”

Like casseroles, for instance, which are the duck blinds of cookery. They conceal whatever’s in them so you swoop in without knowing exactly what you’re in for: “Great pineapple casserole . . . Whoa! Is that an oyster?”

But you eat it anyway, because it’s Thanksgiving and it’s your job to eat everything, so you won’t hurt anyone’s feelings by saying things such as, “What’s under the pineapple, your cat?”

It was the same back in the Pilgrims’ day. We can only imagine what would have happened if, on receipt of the bounty of the Indian spirit Mr. Puffy, that the Pilgrims reciprocated by saying, “Here you go, boys, this comes from one of our great spirits, The Jolly Green Giant. We call it ‘string bean casserole.’”

They try it and say, “Ugh,” and the trouble starts.

So, had everyone not been polite and gladly eaten both the Indians’ marshmallow surprise and the Pilgrims’ string bean ala gurgle, we would all be sitting on another continent on the fourth Thursday of November eating boiled pigeons and watching rugby on the telly.

We should be thankful for that. But more importantly, we should be grateful that this initial celebration was not attacked by the marauding nutritionists of the time.

“Gravy?” they would say. “You don’t need no stinking gravy.” The rest, as they say, is history.

(Reprinted from 2014)

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

With the sudden departure of Ross Buzzuro on Halloween, it’s going to be months before the Ocean City Police Department has a new police chief.

While there are several theories as to why Buzzuro announced his immediate retirement, it’s clear the city was looking to move the department in a new direction as far as leadership at the top. Top executives do not announce sudden retirements on a Thursday without an approved transition plan including a process for next steps. The specifics that led to Buzzuro’s retirement will likely remain internal, for now, but it was confirmed this week Ocean City plans to contract with a firm to lead a national search for the city’s next chief.

With the outsourced hiring process decided, the next unknown is whether an external or internal candidate will be chosen for chief. It seems an exterior choice is likely. If there was an obvious choice for an internal promotion, the city would not spend the large amount of money it will take to complete a search. Ocean City skipped a search effort in 2021 when six-year City Manager Doug Miller announced his resignation, promoting Terry McGean, long-time city engineer, to the post one month after the announcement. The timing was right for McGean and the city. In this situation, it seems the police department will likely benefit from an outside perspective. The next year will represent a period of transition for the department. It will be the first year without seasonal police officers, resulting in additional staffing needing to be hired in a challenging human resources market. The impact from the seasonal cop program’s demise will be immense and likely involve a multi-year effort to alter the department’s employment structure. Additionally, the city needs to right size its compensation for its officers. It was a talking point during the election forums in the fall with most council hopefuls and incumbents pledging support for huge increases in current officer pay through the next union contract as well as bumping up starting cop pay to increase competitivity.

An interesting nugget was briefly discussed during this week’s State Highway Administration briefing with Ocean City Mayor and Council members. Much of the discussion centered around the $1.3 billion shortfall that will limit the start of most new transportation construction projects across the state. This message has been heard loud, clear and often over the last month, as forecasts of economic doom for Maryland abound. The focus will be on maintaining current inventory.

Aside from that same played mantra of fiscal shortfalls, it was discussed at the meeting how the state is planning to study an expansion of the median fence, which divides Coastal Highway between the convention center and 62nd Street. Along with some immediate fixes to address fence damage around 45th Street, the state is apparently going to study expanding the median fence south to 15th Street and north to 67th Street.

The engineering study is evidently on hold pending funding, but it was surprising to hear this project is even on the state’s radar at this point. Back in 2019, when discussions were held to add a median fence from 9th to 27th streets, it was said a three-year study of the existing fence was needed to determine its success. It’s difficult to officially quantify the median fence’s success at preventing pedestrian injuries and deaths in Ocean City, but there does appear, at least anecdotally, the fence has reduced the number of jaywalkers in that busy stretch. The current fence — which spans a little more than a mile — cost $4,5 million to build in 2018. Expanding the median fence deserves a punt.

The process of naming new judges in Worcester County garners a lot of attention because most often there are local attorneys vying for the bench. This is the case currently with Gov. Wes Moore expected to name a new district court judge sometime next year after a nominating committee is formed.

Worcester County District Court Judge Gerald Purnell’s retirement last August marks the end of an era. The affable Purnell made history in 2006 when he became the Eastern Shore’s first Black district court judge. Then-Gov. Bob Ehrlich picked Purnell over six other applicants. Purnell was serving as Deputy State’s Attorney for Dorchester County when he was tapped for the judgeship.

Worcester County Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Farlow is looking to follow Purnell’s track as one of the three local lawyers on the short list at this time. The list of candidates is expected to grow. Also included in the applicants’ pool at this time are local attorneys Dave Gaskill and Regan Smith. Gaskill and Smith were among the candidates in 2022 when Cathi Coates was selected to replace Daniel Mumford as District Court judge and in 2017 when former State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby and family court judge Peggy Kent were named Circuit Court judges replacing Thomas Groton and Richard Bloxom.

Congratulations to both school board candidates

Editor,

The Worcester County Board of Education District 5 race demonstrated our community’s dedication and commitment to education. Elena McComas, reelected with 54% of the vote, demonstrated her strong connection to the community and her track record of leadership on the board. Her campaign highlighted her experience, her understanding of state and federal mandates, and her ability to articulate the board’s role effectively.

Dorothy Shelton-Leslie’s campaign, while falling short, cannot be overlooked. She received 45% of the vote. Her message resonated with voters and brought issues like school safety, library materials, and gender identity policies into the spotlight. These are not easy challenges, but they reflect genuine community concerns that demand careful and open discussion.

This election also showed the tension between Worcester County’s predominantly conservative values and Maryland’s broader state policies. Balancing these dynamics is a difficult task for the school board, but transparency and proactive communication are crucial.

Congratulations to both candidates for running campaigns that brought important issues to the forefront. As the board moves forward, addressing these concerns constructively and openly will be vital to maintaining trust from the community.

John Huber Ocean Pines

Stakeholders watching school board closely

Editor,

Congratulations to Elena McComas on her successful run for the Worcester County school board. She ran a campaign supported by at least three strong political clubs, committees and unions backing her along with two local newspapers. Elena is a friend of mine. While we both enjoy a shared organization striving for the same excellence, we differ in school board policies.

On Election Day, our Republican tent and table, supporting Dorothy Shelton Leslie, campaigned to keep public school boys out of girls bathrooms and sports, and to give stakeholders a voice. Four times, while sitting at my table, I was harassed by a McComas sign holding, female, Continued on Page 78

Robert Dye Scholarship Fund

I want to thank everyone who attended the Robert Dye Scholarship Fund fundraiser and /or made donations (both financial and raffle or silent auction items). This was our best year ever. I am so grateful and feel so thankful. My brother would be so proud and so honored. I have included here a thank you letter I received from one of the scholarships that have already been awarded. It is so very touching.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from Page 77

public school parent campaigning for her belief in liberal policies. While approaching my table at our tent, in a shrill voice, she called us liars, was embarrassed because she had to explain to her young son about ‘keeping boys out of girls bathrooms.’ She called me by name promising to call elected officials to “tell on me.” She taunted me saying, “you’ve got no children in public schools.”

Myself, being a stakeholder, a Worcester County taxpayer, with no young children, I definitely believe I have a voice. She asked me, “what is a stakeholder?” I was in awe at her question.

Politics is a blood sport; using dirty harassing politics isn’t kosher. Elena won fair and square, amiss of a few tactics used by other campaigners, of which I’m sure she had no knowledge. One of the McComas supporters is facing a judge Dec. 10 for his alleged illegal tactics while campaigning for another candidate in lower Worcester County.

Again, congratulations to Elena. I mean that as a friend and fellow Worcester County Citizen.

But the school board has to know we are monitoring them and that we stakeholders, (whether current public school parents or not), are watching closely. We don’t like certain policies, rules and laws and will be monitoring carefully their multiple lunchtime meetings as well as the two promised evening meetings.

Susan Ostrowski Berlin

(The writer is a member of Worcester County Republican Central Committee.)

Kudos to speakers critical of government overreach Editor,

The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held Nov. 19 was a powerful display of the tight-knit community spirit that binds our town together.

When the residents learned that government overreach threatened to disrupt the livelihoods of our hardworking neighbors, they rallied together with a shared sense of purpose and determination. The standingroom-only crowd packed the meeting hall, their faces etched with a resolute conviction that they would not stand idly by and allow bureaucratic excess to trample on the rights and opportunities of the people they hold dear.

Impassioned speeches echoed through the chamber, as community leaders and average citizens alike took to the podium to eloquently articulate their concerns and demand that the commission respect the autonomy of local businesses and families. There was a palpable energy in the air, a collective refusal to be cowed by the heavy hand of top-down policy.

In the end, the commission heard the voices of the people but did not make a decision and said they needed more time to reconsider their proposed zoning changes. Last night was testament to the power of a community united in defense of its own. It was a stirring reminder that when we come together as neighbors, bound by shared values and a commitment to one another's wellbeing, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges posed by the overreach of government.

The city council's decisions are concerning, as the tax revenue from Airbnb rentals is being used to pay police, firefighters, and paramedics, who are leaving their jobs in droves due to poor compensation. This staffing crisis is deeply troubling and suggests the council is not adequately addressing the needs of critical public safety personnel. May justice and ethics prevail. Please let your voices be heard on this issue.

Leslie Smith Ocean City

Political sign theft dismissal response

Editor,

(The following is in response to a reporter’s request for comment on the political sign theft case being dismissed. Full article is in the paper.)

First, worth noting, I had the property owner's permission to install a 4x4 political sign on his land that had a

Continued on Page 79

Continued from Page 78

heavy duty, custom-built wooden support structure (to withstand wind). Just a couple hours after it was installed, we drove past the location to find it gone.

When I questioned the property owner via text, he replied he knew nothing about the sign being taken, so I notified the police which I had every right to do. The police retrieved video of Mr. Gulyas hauling away the sign and support structure in his truck. Mr. Gulyas admits in his statement that the police met him at his place of business to retrieve the sign, however the most expensive part (the heavy duty support structure) had been removed and was nowhere to be found. I told the police if the sign and support structure were promptly returned, in original condition, that same day, then I would not press charges; however, Mr. Gulyas failed to do so.

The $575 cost that was documented in the police report included much more than the 4x4 sign, as it also included the material and labor to con-

struct the support structure and the cost to rebuild a replacement. Additionally, the property owner suddenly changed his statement when called by police, in what I can only surmise as a way to protect Mr. Gulyas from prosecution, because theft of a political sign is a crime.

The real question I have is why did Mr. Gulyas take it upon himself to remove a sign that was not his, from property that was not his? An important detail in this case (that was conveniently left out) was that the political sign, that Mr. Gulyas was so quick to remove, represented the opponent to the candidate he was publicly endorsing. And now Mr. Gulyas is trying to paint himself as the victim of a "political attack."

That is absurd to me. Anyone who knows me, knows I am an honest, law-abiding citizen -- and as a volunteer campaign manager, I just wanted a level playing field for our candidates, where everyone follows the rules. Was that too much to ask?

Kate McCloskey Berlin

Phone scam alert issued after impersonation calls

(Nov. 29, 2024) The Ocean City Police Department is reaching out to the community to help prevent a recent phone scam in our area. In this scam, the caller impersonates a law enforcement officer.

Some callers have reported receiving suspicious phone calls and voicemails from a local law enforcement officer informing them that they must contact the "officer/deputy" regarding time-sensitive legal matters. If the scammer can connect immediately with the caller, they tell them they own a certain amount of money for a legal matter (missing court, jury duty, a warrant, etc.). They then request that gift cards, wire transfers, or mobile payment apps be

used to pay the amount. It's important to remember that law enforcement will never call and demand payment for legal matters or other reasons. Legitimate agencies do not ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or mobile payment apps. Knowing this can help you identify and avoid such scams.

If you receive a suspicious call, remember, it's crucial not to give out personal or payment information over the phone. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam like this, please contact the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610 or your local law enforcement agency to file a police report.

Creative InCounters

4 x 6.28

Youth apprentice program creating a positive impact

Early childhood education path is paved for students

(Nov. 29, 2024) A pioneering program at The Nest Early Learning Center (The Nest) is shaping the future workforce by providing high school students with hands-on experience in early childhood education.

Located within Worcester Technical High School (WTHS), The Nest’s inaugural year of Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP) implementation has been supported by Maryland Works grant funding in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education and The Institute for American Apprenticeships.

The Nest currently employs 12 high school juniors and seniors from WTHS, 75% of whom are women of color, as part-time youth apprentices. These students receive paid work experience while developing essential skills and earning industry-recognized credentials, including their Child Development Associate (CDA), Paraprofessional and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certifications. The apprenticeship program balances academic classes with employment dues, allowing apprentices to gain work experience in The Nest classrooms in the morning and complete high school class requirements in the afternoon. Work experience is extended during the summer months when apprentices have the option of working a full or half day at The Nest.

The Nest’s location within WTHS helps overcome transportation barriers that often prevent youth from accessing employment opportunities in Worcester County. Creating a strong sense of community, the proximity to the technical high school also fosters interactions between The Nest’s children and the larger WTHS student body.

For example, in October, The Nest’s children trick-or-treat throughout WTHS. Students in the hospitality department celebrated the holidays with children in The Nest by creating life-sized gingerbread houses for play as well as hosting a Santa and Grinch photo session. In addition, the children worked with students in the culinary department to bake holiday cookies.

Zoey Tinker, a senior at WTHS, is one of the program’s success stories.

Education initiative a success

Drawn by her love for children and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credenals, Tinker thrives as an apprentice.

“I’ve learned to plan and implement activities and create a safe and stimulating environment for the children to learn and grow,” she says.

Building on the foundation laid by the apprenticeship, Tinker plans to attend college after graduation, work at a daycare while earning her degree, and eventually open her own daycare.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program that develops future childcare leaders,” Tinkler said.

Tinker’s success reflects Melissa Holter’s individualized mentoring approach.

“I like to develop a relationship with each apprentice. As I saw them more throughout the apprenticeship, I got to know their strengths and weaknesses,” Holter explains.

Her leadership helps apprentices build essential work and life skills such as responsibility, communication, time management, and patience.

Holter said, “This program is so wonderful. It not only serves community families who need childcare, but it also helps to build the next workforce. By the time they are 25, the apprentices could be high-end teachers

because they already have the credit and experience.”

Dr. Brian Phillips, the Coordinator of CTE, World Languages, Technology Education, Computer Science, and Professional Learning for Worcester County Public Schools, has observed the positive e ects of the apprenticeship.

“The apprenticeship has been very motivating for students to want to come to school.

The Nest’s apprentices have less behavior or attendance challenges than typical teenage students,” he said.

Phillips sees the program as a model for other schools, showcasing how apprenticeships boost the local economy, strengthen communities, and improve student engagement through paid meaningful work.

Recounting General Mario Roatta’s war crimes arrest

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

This week, 80 years ago, Gen. Mario Roatta, former chief of staff of the Royal Italian Army, was in jail, in Rome, awaiting trial for war crimes.

Gen. Roatta, was born on Feb. 2, 1887, in Modena, Italy. His mother, Marie Antoinette Richard, was French and his father was a captain in the Royal Italian Army. In addition to Gen. Roatta, other notable citizens of Modena were Enzo Ferrari and Luciano Pavoratti.

Roatta entered the Military Academy of Modena — the oldest in the world — at age 17, graduated on Sept. 14, 1906, and was accepted into the army with a rank of second lieutenant, stationed in Turin. By the outbreak of The Great War, he had achieved the rank of captain and served on the Army Staff Corps.

He saw service on the Albanian, French, and Austrian fronts. By war’s end, he had been promoted to lieutenant colonel. During the interwar years, he served as a military attaché to the Italian embassies in Warsaw, Helsinki and Berlin.

During that period, he was briefly aid-de-camp to King Vittorio

Emanuel III. For two years, he headed the Italian Military Intelligence Service (in Italian Servicio Informazioni Militare - SIM).

During the Spanish Civil War, Roatta commanded the Italian Corpo Truppe Volontaire (CTV). By then, Roatta was a major general. The CTV, consisted of three Fascist Party Militia (black shirt) divisions – Dio lo Vuole (God Wills It), Fiamme Nere (Black Flame), and Penne Nere (Black Feathers) commanded by Gens. Edmondo Rossi, Americo Coppi and Luigi Nuvoloni.

Because these divisions were raised from Fascist party members, they were not as well trained as regular army soldiers, so the Littorio Motorized Infantry Division, commanded by Annibale Bergonzoli, aka “Barba Elettrica” (“Electric Whiskers”), was also sent. It was thought that fascist ardor would suffice for good training!

The first real action that Gen. Roatta’s CTV saw was in the Battle of Málaga. Málaga was a 2,800-year-old Spanish port on the Mediterranean, which currently has a population of 571,000.

OBITUARIES

THOMAS ROBERT TURK

Lumberton, N.C.

Thomas Robert Turk, the Original Tom Turkey, no joke, age 70, passed away around November 4, 2024, in Lumberton, N.C., where he lived for the past several years.

Born September 23, 1957, in Madrid, Spain, son of a career Army family, Tom spent his childhood traveling the world with the family attending school in various countries.

Thomas used the early working years of his life at the US Postal Service as a career carrier in Laurel.

Thomas was also very involved in the postal union as president, later he became self-employed and founded Turk pest control, applying his hard-working and meticulous nature to help many, in the DC metropolitan area with their residential & commercial needs. In his younger years, Thomas was known for his fun, loving spirit. Family members can share a memorable time recalling uncle, brother, and son Tom.

Thomas is survived by his 97-yearold mother, Betty Turk of Ocean City, sister, Janice Kemp (Tom), and two brothers, Mark Turk (Kim) and Philip Turk of Ocean City, in addition to many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert T Turk.

All arrangements were private. Condolences can be sent to the family in The town of choice related to that family member.

NORMAN L. WISE, JR. Ocean City

Norman Lee Wise, Jr. aged 75, passed away on September 18, 2024, at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional in Salisbury.

Born on July 30,1949 in Philadelphia, Pa., Norman was the son of Norman L. Wise, Sr. and Alice M. Dodson. He was raised in the Govans neighborhood of Baltimore by his maternal grandparents Charles L., a supervisor in the B&O Railroad car shop and Adeline W. Dodson. Norman attended the Friends School of Baltimore and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.

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Norman arrived in Ocean City in the summer of 1967. Working for the Gordon family on the Ocean City Pier, he maintained the amusement rides on and off through 1997.

Pursuing a career in the Food and Beverage industry Norman operated establishments in Darby Island the Bahamas, Topton North Carolina, Jupiter and Marathon Florida, Baltimore and Ocean City. Those local establishments include Fager’s Island, Ocean Downs, Surf’s Edge in Fenwick Island, the Island Cafe and Seaside Deli. In the Baltimore area he was employed at these iconic watering holes; The Horse You Came In On, the Classroom, No Fish Today and The Phoenix Emporium in Ellicott City.

Norman managed the Oasis Car Wash on 72nd Street for many years. Additionally, he was employed as a mechanic in the maintenance departments of the Princess Royale Resort, Majestic Hotel, Braemar Towers and the Coconut Malorie Resort.

Norman was an OC spirit. Although he traveled through his career, Ocean City was home. He was a master storyteller, most stories factual, a few enhanced for effect. He could often be found sharing stories and advice with the guys at Continental Cycles on 72nd Street or riding his Kimco scooter on Coastal Highway.

A celebration of Norman’s life will be held at Johnny’s Pizza and Pub, 50th Street Coastal Highway, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at a gathering of the Monday Happy Hour regulars with bartender Frank Snyder. A tradition started many years ago at BJ’s on the Water by Frank’s regulars.

Norman donated his body to the Maryland Anatomy Board. Donations may be made in Norman’s name to the American Heart Association or the Cancer Research Institute.

Godspeed Norman.

Thomas R. Turk

Norman Wise, Jr.

WORLD

As part of the Nationalist Army of the South, commanded by Gonzalo Queipo de Llano, Gen. Roatta’s CTV attacked from the north while the Spaniards attacked from the west and south. On Feb. 4, Gen. Roatta’s forces achieved a significant breakthrough, and by Feb. 6, they and the Spaniards had the city surrounded. Two days later, the Republican forces abandoned the city.

Next up for Gen. Roatta’s CTV was the Battle of Guadalajara. Guadalajara is a provincial capital located 40 miles from Madrid. The Fascist Grand Council of Italy had decreed that victory would signal the, “... end of all Bolshevik plans in the west and the beginning of a new era of power and social justice for the Spanish people.”

However, it ended as an Italian embarrassment when 20-ton Soviet T-26s overwhelmed the tiny 3-ton Italian tanks. When Il Duce learned the news, he wired Gen. Roatta that, “I am certain that the impetus and tenacity of our legionnaires will break the enemy’s resistance. Tell the legionnaires that I follow, hour by hour, their actions which will be crowned with victory.”

Gen. Roatta responded, “Given our special situation, we can content ourselves temporarily with a partial success.” Gen. Roatta asked Nationalist Chief, Generalissimo Francisco Franco, that the Italians be allowed to withdraw. Franco would not hear of it. It was, after all, what the Italians had wanted – a battle, and glory, all their own!

A counterattack by the Republican Garabaldi Battalion against the 535th Indomita Cohort of Gen. Roatta’s CTV, resulted in the surrender of the Indomita. In addition to the 6,000 Italian soldiers lost, the Republicans captured 35 artillery pieces, 35 machine guns and 67 vehicles.

Their defeat resulted in a Spanish song, which included the line “Guadalajara is not Ethiopia; here the Reds are chucking bombs which explode!” The Spaniards began to joke that CTV meant “¿Cuándo te vas?” or “When are you going?” Gen. Roatta was replaced by Ettore Bastico, who would later become the Axis commander in North Africa.

After Gen. Roatta’s return to Italy, he served as deputy chief of staff of the Royal Italian Army. The Italian involvement in the dismemberment of Yugoslavia began on April 11, 1941, when the Second Army under the command of Vittorio Ambrosio invaded Slovenia and proceeded south.

Gen. Ambrosio was appointed chief of staff of the Italian Army in January 1942, and was replaced as commander of the Second Army by Gen. Roatta, by now a lieutenant general.

It was here that Gen. Roatta got in trouble. Having trouble with partisans in Slovenia, the general cracked down — hard. He established Rab, a concentration camp located on the island of Rab off the coast of Croatia. Gen. Roatta issued orders that required they be, “... carried out most energetically and without any false compassion ...”

He instructed the solders that, “... if necessary, don’t shy away from using cruelty. It must be a complete cleansing. You need to intern all the inhabitants and put Italian families in their place.” He further, “... issued orders to kill hostages, demolish houses and whole villages ....”

Interestingly, the Jewish prisoners in Rab were treated better than the Slovenian and Croatian prisoners. Gen. Roatta’s Second Army issued a memorandum titled, “The Treatment of Jews in Rab Camp,” which said that staying at the camp must be, “... as comfortable for all internees without risk to the maintenance of order

and discipline. Inactivity and boredom are terrible evils which work silently on the individual and collectively. It is prudent that in the great Camp of Rab, those concessions made to the Jews of Porta Re to make their lives comfortable should not be neglected.”

It went on to say, “The Jews have the duties of all civilians interned for protective reasons, and a right to equivalent treatment but for particular, exceptional political and contingent reasons, it’s an opportunity to concede, while maintaining discipline unimpaired, a treatment consciously thought to be ‘Italian’ which they are used to from our military authorities, and with a courtesy which is complete and never half-hearted.”

On Feb. 5, Gen. Roatta became commander of the Sixth Army, which was stationed in Sicily. Commando Supremo made him commander of all Axis forces in Sicily. He began building a defensive position along the beaches, laying barbed wire and mines.

After giving a speech in May 1943 that was disparaging of Sicilians, he was “kicked upstairs” and on June 1, 1943, appointed chief of the Army General Staff, and remained in that position until Nov. 12, 1943.

Yugoslavia had requested his extradition under the charge that he had committed war crimes. The British rejected the request because they were trying to keep Italy anticommunist. Although he was not extradited, he was imprisoned awaiting trial in Italy, because trying war criminals was a term of the Italian surrender.

Gen. Roatta was arrested Nov. 16, 1944, accused of war crimes. His trial began on Jan. 21, 1945, in the High Court of Justice in Rome. After complaining of ill health, he was transferred to a prison hospital, Liceo Virgilio, and on March 4, 1945,

walked out of the hospital, and fled, via The Vatican, to Spain.

The trial continued, and he was convicted and sentenced, en absentia, to life imprisonment, plus one year of solitary confinement, on March 12, 1945. His sentence was overturned by the High Court of Appeal on March 6, 1948. In 1965, he returned to Rome where he died on January 7, 1968.

Next Week: The Battle of Metz 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.

General Mario Roatta, Chief of Staff

Decatur playing for championship game bid

Seahawks will host state semifinal tonight after easy victory over Walkersville

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

(Nov. 29, 2024) A bleacher full of hardy Stephen Decatur High School football fans huddled together on a windy, wet, and cold night at Louis H. Taylor Stadium last Friday to watch their Seahawks devour the Lions of Walkersville in the 2A State quarterfinals of the MPSSAA football tournament.

From the initial kickoff to the last whistle, players from both teams fought the weather as much as each other. Stephen Decatur head Coach Jake Coleman always says he likes to practice for this kind of weather and it pays off.

To start the ball rolling with less than seven minutes in the first quarter Johnny Hobgood threw four yards to hit Zakhari Baker’s waiting hands for the touchdown. Blake Wallace’s foot got them the point. The onslaught began from that point on the field and from the sky.

By half-time, when the Decatur’s state champion Unified Tennis team was recognized, the score was 30-0 with one more touchdown in the second half, making the final score 370.

Hobgood had four passing touchdowns for a total of 99 yards with the longest being 25 yards. Trybe Wise had two touchdowns and Baker and Ethan Bradshaw tallied the others. Bradshaw had a special teams touchdown on the night. Peyton Travers made a sack, three more tackles and six assists.

Tonight at 6:30 p.m. the Stephen Decatur Seahawks (12-0 on the season) will face off against the Wolverines of Westlake High School from Waldorf (10-2) in the 2A State Semifinals. The Seahawks are 7-0 and the Wolverines are 5-1 in the region. This should be an exciting game at Taylor Stadium.

Hobgood has an average of 152 passing yards per game with a total of 164.8 total game yards, while Wolverines’ quarterback William Drakeford Jr. averages 97.4 passing yards per game.

Seahawks selected to all-conference teams

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) Numerous Stephen Decatur High School’s fall varsity athletes were named to the AllBayside South Conference teams announced earlier this month.

The following serves as a recap of some of the fall sports representatives.

Field Hockey: Junior Bailey Griffin earned co-defensive player of the year for the All-Bayside South Conference, sharing the honor with Maddie Cornwell.

Other Seahawks recognized were first-team all-conference players Jillian Burton and Ava Snelsire; Emily Ferguson, Avari Shoff, Emily Skipper and Ryleigh Smith, second team; and Nicole Mays and Reagan Reed, honorable mention.

Boys Soccer: Members of the Decatur boys soccer team featured on the all-conference first team were Gannon Eastlack, Juan Hinojosa and Meyer Henson. Holden Bunting was named to the second team. Hinojosa received an MACS All State honorable mention.

Receiving all-conference honorable mentions were Graham Geiser, Juan Cerventes and Isaiah Rodriguez.

Seniors named to the Senior AllStar team were Hinojosa, Henson and Bunting.

Girls Soccer: Decatur girls soccer players named to the first team allconference were Payton Wilson and Maddy Tapley. Seahawks on the second team included Daisy Pugh and Caitlin Shimko. Tapley, a junior, was also an honorable mention on the

MACS All State list. Honorable mentions to the all-conference team from Decatur were Shayleigh Boyle, Harper Jerns, Meera Pascucci, Sam Ruppert, Luca Russo and Scarlett Shimko.

Named to the Senior All-Star team from Decatur were Boyle, Pugh, Sophie Cooper, Peyton Redmond, Payton Piercey, Marley Noonan, Ksenia Drakos and Ava Lynch.

Football: As expected, after an undefeated regular season, Stephen Decatur featured multiple honorees on the all-conference football teams. Jake Coleman was recognized again as coach of the year. Senior Davin Chandler was named co-defensive player of the year. Senior Ethan Bradshaw was named special teams player of the year.

Named to the first team all-confer-

ence on offense were quarterback Johnny Hobgood, wide receivers Trybe Wise and Davin Chandler, tight end Nate Tapley, offensive lineman Garrett Maloney and place kicker Blake Wallace. Featured on the second team all-conference offense were running back Vernon Deshields, wide receivers Zakhari Baker and Evan Copeland and offensive lineman Brandon Hamm.

Recognized on the first team allconference defense were defensive lineman Nate Tapley, defensive backs Davin Chandler and Dalontae Henry and defensive utility Ethan Bradshaw. Second team all-conference defense were defensive linemen Sully Auker, Brett Schulz and Garrett Maloney and linebackers Peyton Travers, Amarian Manuel and Brookes Waters.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Stephen Decatur head coach Jake Coleman is pictured addressing his team after last Friday’s 37-0 romp of Walkersville. The Seahawks will host the state 2A semi-final game Friday night.

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