12/6/24 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Disp a atch

Decatur going for two

Two state titles, that is, as the Seahawks put it all on the line Saturday: a 27-game undefeated streak and the possibility of a second football championship. — PAGE 3

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Sports complex funding gets more complex

The idea was OC would cover its expenses with an increase in the room tax. But because that would need unanimous support from the county, City Hall looks elsewhere. PAGE 14

County tells Coastal Bays agree or else

Commissioners angry program won’t join them in their wind farm opposition, so refuse to back its pursuit of $15M state grant.

— PAGE 67

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior Nathan Tapley rises over the goaline in last week’s thrilling Decatur win over Westlake. The Seahawks will be looking for their 28th straight win Saturday in the state championship game in Annapolis against Huntingtown, who Decatur beat in last year’s title game.

Decatur looking for 28th straight win, 2nd state title

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(Dec. 6, 2024) Battle-tested.

It’s what Stephen Decatur Head Football Coach Jake Coleman called his defending state championship team. It’s apt considering the Seahawks erased a 20-0 third quarter deficit in last Friday’s Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) Class 2A semifinal game in route to a 27-2o overtime win over Wildlake of Waldorf.

The No. 1 seed Seahawks will now take on for the state championship a familiar foe in No. 3 Huntingtown of Calvert County on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.

Coleman, in his fifth year as Decatur’s coach, reflected this week on last Friday’s thrilling win and how he thinks it will help his team in the championship game. He said this year’s semifinal challenge as well as the earlier playoff nailbiter over WiHi on Nov. 15 were beneficial for his team.

“We wouldn’t have won the state championship last year if we didn’t have the really tough game in the semi-finals against Milford Mill where we had to come from behind

there, too,” Coleman said. “This group has that ability to stay in the game, to keep playing and they are not out of anything. Regardless of what happens Saturday, they know they have the ability to win it and come back. Having that makes them a pretty formattable opponent.”

Decatur will have a rematch in the state title game against Huntingtown. With its perfect 13-0 record, the Sea-

See DECATUR Page 80

BREAKFAST

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Quarterback Johnny Hobgood scored the overtime touchdown for the win during the semifinals against Westlake.

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Tandem parking changes moving ahead for resort

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Dec. 6, 2024) While acknowledging that some changes were needed, city officials this week approved a code change that will allow residential projects to utilize tandem parking without seeking an appeal.

The Mayor and Council had before it Tuesday a favorable recommendation from the Ocean City Planning Commission to allow residential properties to meet off-street parking requirements through tandem parking, or stacked parking in which one car is parked behind another, without the need to seek a variance from the city’s board of zoning appeals. While officials agreed to approve the changes and review them for adoption, they asked that staff consider additional language that clarifies the required dimensions for tandem parking.

“We definitely need to increase that to accommodate larger vehicles, even in the open spaces,” Councilwoman Carol Proctor said.

The topic of tandem parking was first discussed earlier this year, when a townhouse project utilizing tandem parking was brought before the city for approval. And in October, following a public hearing, the Ocean City Planning Commission agreed to advance a code amendment to the Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation.

Council approves tandem parking with adjustments

While tandem parking requires approval from the city’s board of zoning appeals, the code amendment would make it a permitted use in residential areas, so long as tandem parking spaces are not shared with other properties and that no more than one space is stacked behind the other. However, tandem parking will not be allowed at hotels and motels.

“Tandem parking is muddled at best,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told officials this week. “We do allow it in single family [zoning districts], but that’s a global policy in our department. So we’d like to clean this up.”

For his part, Mayor Rick Meehan told staff he had concerns about the language that was included in the code amendment. While he acknowledged tandem parking would work for smaller residential projects, he questioned how it would impact larger ones.

“So you can build a 200-unit condominium and all of their parking spaces could be tandem parking spaces?” he questioned.

Bendler said that would be allowed, so long as the spaces are reserved or restricted for a specific dwelling unit. He noted that in recent years, the city had approved large housing projects in

which the developer utilized tandem parking.

Meehan, however, said he did not believe tandem parking to be practical for larger housing projects. Bendler said staff could add language to clarify the parking restrictions.

“From a practical point of view, if you have a large complex and it’s tandem parking and people end up parking where they’re not supposed to be parking, it’s not like you can just knock on your neighbor’s door to get your car out,” he said.

Councilman Jake Mitrecic also questioned parking dimensions that would be required for tandem parking. While parking spaces must be a minimum of nine feet by 20 feet, he questioned if those dimensions should increase when parking is stacked.

“If you get two people parking their trucks in these spots, are they going to be hanging out on the road?” he asked. “Do we have anything that says that they need to be a certain depth? … I just wanted to make sure that that’s denoted in the language of the ordinance.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to approve the code amendment with the proposed changes and review the draft ordinance for adoption.

Historic OC house to undergo repair, town officials say

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Nov. 29, 2024) City officials this week tasked staff with reviewing the two bids that were submitted for a deck project at the historic Tarry-A-While Guest House.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council received two bids for deck repairs at the Tarry-A-While Guest House, home to the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) offices. The selected company will fix the decking at the front of the facility.

“That is rough sawn lumber, predating decades – 40, 50, 60 years – that is still on the front end of that building and rotting away,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins said.

Earlier this year, the city’s procurement and engineering departments solicited bids for deck repairs at the Tarry-A-While building, which had sustained damage from a leak on the building’s second floor. And on Tues-

See DECK Page 13

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The historic Tarry-A-While Guest House on 108 Dorchester St. in Ocean City will see deck restoration efforts, as town staff looks at two submitted construction bids. SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City will modernize Boardwalk with new signage

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) Call it a sign of progress. Or maybe a sign of the times?

Either way, finding your way in Ocean City next summer might feel sleeker and more streamlined, thanks to thousands of new signs planned for the resort in 2025.

Updates to the Boardwalk’s wayfinding, directional, and distance-marking signs are part of an ongoing overhaul of how visitors will experience the resort’s downtown, according to Tom Perlozzo, who oversees tourism and business development for the resort. He also said other signs around town will be part of the update, too.

“The first thing we decided to do was, take a look at all the signs,” he said. “They’re all different shapes, different colors, different sizes. At the same time, we wanted to make it more of a wayfaring situation, where consumers know where to go and which direction to travel.”

Plenty of signage has been added to the Boardwalk in the last decade, like signs alerting visitors to the smoking ban, signs politely asking people to curb profanity, and separation signs during the COVID-10 pandemic.

Now, with an edict to clean up the hodgepodge of signage, Perlozzo’s department has contracted with a company called Sky Elements to complete a full inventory of Boardwalk signage.

“We haven’t looked at this for 30 or 40 years,” Perlozzo said. “It’s a long process. We’re going to make every effort on our end to end the sign clutter and make it easily recognizable for the type of signage we’re looking for.”

For starters, improvements will be friendly in nature, to include more welcoming language like “we’re glad you’re here.” Some of the “no” signs

– like, don’t smoke, no dogs, no bikes – also could be softened in tone, he added. Perlozzo said all that impacts how people perceive Ocean City once they set foot in town.

“Most people, when they get here, they go right to the Boardwalk – 75 percent of our guests make a trip to our Boardwalk when they get into town. It’s really important for that iconic piece to evolve and be vibrant. That’s how we’re trying to attack the entire project,” he said.

The project could be done all at once, or over time, depending on cost; a budget for the project will reveal itself, Perlozzo noted, as the plan gets more fleshed-out. City officials hope to roll out the start of replacement signs by Memorial Day weekend – all 10,000 of them.

It’s all part of a “big idea” deck, about 100 pages, that Perlozzo and his team have presented to Ocean City’s elected officials. It runs the gamut from changing beach stand umbrellas to bridge lighting to refurbishing the Caroline Street stage.

It also could lead to new types of municipal trash cans, giving the Boardwalk’s rolling metal doors a spiffy or decorative paint job, or finding ways to mask the Dumpsters along the Boardwalk’s ramped entryways, he said. The fixes also will coincide with the town’s celebration of its 150th anniversary.

“The idea is, think out of the box, see what might stick, and then let’s go get it.”

One of the projects that will be happening is a refurbishment of the iconic Boardwalk arch at North Division Street, according to Public Works Director Hal Adkins.

He said that will include a fresh coat of white paint, bringing back the arch’s defunct uplighting, and a replacement of its red roof in blue –and not just any blue, but the exact shade of blue to match OC’s new smiley-face branding logo.

Deck project receives two bids

Continued from Page 12

day, the council opened the two bids that had been submitted for the project. The Whayland Company submitted a bid of $135,999, while Pintail Property Services submitted a bid of $104,500. With no discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to remand the bids to staff for further review.

Constructed as a rooming house in 1897, the Tarry-A-While was one of Ocean City’s earlier buildings. In 2004, however, the Town of Ocean City and OCDC relocated the historic structure from 8 Dorchester St. to 108 Dorchester St. after learning it would be de-

molished for a redevelopment project.

As part of that relocation, a portion of the building’s deck was removed so that the house could be maneuvered down the street.

“The portion that is now rotted away and is in need of replacement in today’s bid opening was retained and moved with the building,” Adkins explained.

Once the building was placed at its new location, a renovation and restoration project commenced, with the first floor converted into office space for the OCDC and the second floor being converted into housing for the Ocean City Beach Patrol. The project was completed by 2007.

Sports complex’s future discussed

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) An ambitious new funding model might help Ocean City pay its eight-figure share of its proposed youth sports complex, one which now has an operator and an architect on board – but no place yet to put it.

A public-private partnership known as a Business Investment District (BID) could be utilized to generate revenue for the long-proposed sports complex using a special assessment. It also could supplement or replace the town’s expected funding source, an existing 5 percent tax on hotel rooms.

“Rather than raising property taxes and/or some other method of attack, this is a voted-upon initiative that property owners and local businesses would decide whether they’d want to fund a certain project,” said Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s director of tourism and business development.

To get a BID going, resort officials would have to ask state legislators to write an enabling law that creates a specific area on a map, or district, inside which a project-specific fee could be charged by businesses and passed along to consumers.

And, unlike the room tax, it doesn’t have to just be for hotels and

could funnel down to other businesses like retailers or restaurants. For Ocean City, the district would encompass the entire town.

Perlozzo presented the idea of a Business Investment District to the resort’s Sports Complex Task Force, which met Monday at the convention center. It was the group’s first meeting in a year.

However, the decision of whether to pursue a Business Investment District as a revenue source for the sports complex lies with Ocean City’s mayor and town council, not the Task Force, according to Perlozzo.

“There’s a special committee that would form to manage the project,” he said. “The government is out of it. They collect all the money, and it goes to the special project. For this it’s the sports complex but it could be any large capital improvement.

Research by Perlozzo and his team shows there are about 162 districts like this already in the United States, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, where their BID is for just for downtown hotels.

“The state has seen the Baltimore City (legislation), and it would be easy just to follow and get that,” he said. “We’ve actually reviewed the bill. We’ve got case study after case study looking at what various towns and states have used. Again, it’s a vi-

able option.”

Factors like how many years it would last and what percentage or dollar amount gets collected are variable based on need. Rates can also vary based on the business; Perlozzo said a hotel could charge users one amount, and a short-term rental like an AirBnB might charge a different amount.

“It’s in its very early stages, but it’s a definite opportunity to fund the sports complex,” Perlozzo said. “The whole goal, it’s always been, if the state funds the facility by 80 percent, we fund the other 20 percent through this mechanism. The operations that were presented will pay for themselves. This is not going to cost the taxpayers any money. It should be a win-win for everyone.”

Aiming to zhuzh the resort’s hospitality economy by capturing a share of the thriving youth travel sports market, the sports complex has been one of Ocean City’s white whales for several years. In 2019, Ocean City commissioned a market and economic analysis by the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), one that had to be re-thought after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ocean City now has an 80/20 partnership with the MSA to fund the project. The MSA has contracted with an architectural firm, and design

Investment district being weighed

work is scheduled to begin early next year, according to MSA Executive Vice President Gary McGuigan. An updated cost estimate will come after environmental and logistical challenges, like easements or archaeological issues, are assessed.

The location of the sports complex remains up in the air. The MSA says its architect will evaluate the costs and infrastructure needs at three proposed locations: a 95-acre property along Route 50 next door to Stephen Decatur High School, a 150-acre parcel just west of Berlin, and a 147-acre parcel near the intersection of Routes 113 and 589. The sites were made public through the MSA’s requestfor-proposal process.

On an 80/20 split with the state, Ocean City’s share of a possible $150 million project could be $30 million, an amount that would be paid for by bond financing.

To cover the annual debt service on the bond, estimated to be $3 million, Ocean City officials had been planning to rely on revenue from its room tax. Resort officials even had the room tax’s 5 percent cap lifted by way of state legislation, pushing the revenue source to a possible 6 percent collection rate.

But there’s a hiccup: in order to secure that 6 percent rate, Ocean City has to get approval from Worcester

County’s Board of Commissioners, and approval has to be unanimous from all seven member. If not, the 5 percent rate remains unchanged, an outcome Ocean City doesn’t want.

Privately, resort officials worry they don’t have the votes for unanimity at the county level, which is why the Business Investment District is being floated as another tool in the toolbox as a revenue generator for the sports complex.

“In order to move the project forward, we need to have an alternative mechanism,” to the room tax, Perlozzo said, “and this allows that to happen.”

Another step forward in the process is that Ocean City has hired an operator for the sports complex: a specialty outfit called Sports Facilities Companies (SFC). Jim Arnold with SFC presented his findings to the Task Force at Monday’s meeting.

Arnold said they’ll be marketing the facility for at least 18 months before it opens, by hitting major trade shows and talking to major event operators to get deals done.

“We see no reason why this complex isn’t at capacity before we even open the doors,” he told the task force.

The sports complex would be both indoor and outdoor. An estimated 147,000 square feet of indoor space

would include space for 10 basketball courts that are convertible to 20 volleyball courts, as well as a 5,000 square foot room for community rental.

On the outdoor side, there would be fields for baseball and softball that could convert to a full-size soccer or lacrosse field, giving the complex the ability to host up to eight high school baseball games or up to 16 youth baseball or softball games. Exterior space also would include support buildings, concessions, restrooms, as well as an outdoor gathering space.

“One of the big things we’re seeing in these complexes around the country is, much like that indoor space where people want to step away a bit, is some dedicated spaces to families that come from tournaments to be able to kind of – well, get away from the athletic experience and get more into kind of the bonding and family and entertainment aspects,” Arnold said.

Main revenue from the sports complex would come from field rentals, while other revenue streams could include food and beverage sales, gate fees or parking, retail merchandise, on-site vendors, or sponsorships and naming rights.

He said its first year would break even, but from there on, there could be upwards of $1 million in opera-

tional revenue. As far as economic impact, the sports complex could see $52 million in Year 1 direct spending, growing to $87 million by Year 5, with the potential for $125 million over 20 years.

“I’d say this is probably one of the more exciting opportunities I’ve seen in quite some time in the industry just based on the market conditions,” Arnold said. “The gaps that are currently there, just not a whole lot of competition in terms of size and scale around an area.”

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo is pictured during the sports complex task force meeting Monday.

POLICE

CHIEF TALKS SCAMS

Ocean Pines Police

Chief Tim Robinson was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Philanthropic Educational Organization's Chapter AK in Ocean Pines. He spoke on scams and fraud in the area and how to avoid them. Shown are Nancy Waters, P.E.O. member, and Robinson. SUBMITTED

Wind farm permit granted as resort officials expected

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(Dec. 6, 2024) US Wind’s announcement Wednesday that it had been granted its construction and operations permit by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) came as no surprise to Ocean City elected officials, who say the issuance of this final approval was expected.

“BOEM has been fast-tracking this project from the beginning and it appears, with the new administration coming on board in January, they are really rushing these approvals through,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

Meehan was referring to President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20 and has vowed to kill all federal wind projects. Never-

theless, the Town of Ocean City will continue to challenge BOEM’s approval process in U.S. District Court, arguing in a lawsuit filed in October that the regulatory body ignored the local economic and aesthetic damage a windfarm within sight of the beach could cause.

“This approval has no impact on our lawsuit, which will proceed, and we continue to build support in opposition to this project,” Meehan said. Ocean City government’s position is being backed by the Worcester County Commissioners and other governments in the surrounding area.

In addition, Rep. Andy Harris (R1st) pledged yesterday to work with President Trump to end all offshore wind farm development, which he attributed to the Biden Administration’s green energy policies.

But US Wind’s plan to erect 114 wind turbines in an 80,000-acre lease area that stretches from 20 miles out to less than 11 miles off the Maryland coast goes much further back than that. It began during Obama’s first term, continued through his second four years, then through Trump’s first term and finally to the Biden presidency.

“BOEM began evaluating the Maryland ‘Call Area’ in February 2012. Based on environmental analyses and public comments, that Call Area was winnowed down to the 80,000-acre Lease Area to which US Wind acquired the rights in 2014,” a US Wind spokesman said.

“US Wind has been studying the lease area and working through BOEM’s process since then,” he added.

The company’s first major milestone was BOEM approving US Wind’s Site Assessment Plan in March 2018 when Trump was in office, according to the timeline supplied by US Wind.

Closer to home, offshore windfarm development has enjoyed support from most state officials (and the public), dating back to 2013 when Gov. Martin O’Malley introduced the Offshore Wind Energy Act, which didn’t clear the Maryland Senate until 2016 when Gov. Larry Hogan was in office. Current State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza represented this district in the House of Delegates at the time and voted against the measure

As for what happens next, US Wind says once all permits have been approved, onshore construction is expected to begin in 2026, with offshore work commencing in 2028.

But with a lawsuit pending in federal court, a pro-windfarm General Assembly and governor in Wes Moore, and a new anti-wind energy president taking office in six weeks, the forecast for this project continues to be uncertain.

New OC councilmen named to committee assignments

Mitrecic and Yates to fill vacancies from departures of Knight, Buas

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor Newcomers

(Dec. 6, 2024) With a new council on the dais, officials this week voted to accept the mayor’s appointments to Ocean City’s committees and commissions.

On Nov. 26, the Ocean City Council voted to accept the names of council members appointed to the town’s various committees, commissions and boards. With Councilman Jake Mitrecic and Councilman Larry Yates elected to the dais in this year’s municipal election, Mayor Rick Meehan presented his recommendations for the council’s consideration at the end of this week’s work session.

“You see the legislative and committee recommendations before you,” he said. “There’s really minor changes in the appointments, really just placing Councilmember Mitrecic and Councilmember Yates into different positions, so that they are part of

the committees and the commissions.”

The various committees, commissions and boards will be composed of the city’s council members. On the police commission, Councilman Tony DeLuca and Yates will replace former councilmen Peter Buas and Frank Knight. On the transportation committee, Councilman Will Savage will replace Knight. And on the recreation and parks committee, Mitrecic will replace Savage.

On the coastal resources legislative committee (Green Team) Yates will replace Buas. On the noise board, Yates will replace Knight. On the risk retention committee, Councilwoman Carol Proctor will replace Buas, and Knight will be removed as the alternative. On the pension committee, Savage will replace DeLuca. On the beach mediation board, Mitrecic will replace Knight. And on the Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation board of directors, Yates will replace Buas, and Proctor will replace DeLuca as an alternate.

All other committees and commissions will remain unchanged.

Elder selected as new president of commissioners

County’s elected board leadership posts shuffled

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) Power is changing hands in Worcester County government as Ted Elder and Eric Fiori will preside over the County Commissioners for the board’s next one-year administrative term.

“I will move forward and try and be fair with everyone, and try and do what’s right for the county, with God’s guidance we can get something done here,” said Elder, a retired school bus driver who makes his home in Whaleyville.

Elder (District 4, Western) takes over for Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines), the board president for the last two years. Elder previously had served as the vice president of the commissioners from 2017-18 and again from 2019-20.

Bertino, a newspaper publisher by trade, declined to pursue a third year in the president’s chair because he’s taking on a new role as a board member with the Maryland Association of Counties.

“It gives me the opportunity to advocate for my community of Ocean Pines and the county at a much higher level around the state,” he said in an interview. “It takes an awful lot to be president. I worked hard for two years, and I just couldn’t do both and do it justice. I think the timing for all this works out very well.”

Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent) steps into the vice president role that Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) now vacates after two years.

Once a year, during the first meeting in December, the commissioners themselves decide by public vote who will be president and vice president. The president sets the meeting agenda and is generally seen as the public face of the elected body, and for Worcester County, during their term.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City) nominated both Elder and Fiori for the positions, and Commissioner Diana Purnell (District 2, Central) offered the second to each of those motions.

Six of the seven sitting commissioners, save for Commissioner Caryn Abbott (District 1, Southern), have now served at one time or another in the role of president or vice president.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Worcester County Commissioners Ted Elder (left) removes the name plate of his predecessor, Chip Bertino, as Elder takes over the board presidency at the Dec. 3 meeting in Snow Hill. Commissioner Eric Fiori (center) will take over as vice president.

North Ocean City house fire under investigation

(Dec. 6, 2024) Properly maintained smoke detectors were credited by officials this week after no injuries were reported in a residential house fire.

On Saturday, Nov. 30, at approximately 6:13 p.m., the Ocean City Communications Center dispatched units from the Ocean City Fire Department to a reported structure fire in the 700 Block of Twin Tree Road. Firefighters arrived to find a singlefamily dwelling with fire showing.

The residence was equipped with functioning smoke detectors and all occupants were able to evacuate the residence safely and without injuries. Mutual aid companies responded to assist either at the scene or to backfill our stations. Responding fire companies came from Ocean Pines, Roxana, Selbyville, Bethany, and Showell.

Fire Chief Richie Bowers emphasized the critical role that working smoke alarms play in ensuring public safety.

“Working smoke alarms save lives,” said Bowers. “We urge all residents to ensure their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are operational.”

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Ocean City Fire Department’s Office of the Fire Marshal. Any persons with photos or videos of the fire are requested to contact Investigator James Lerch at jlerch@oceancitymd.gov.

Should homeowners or residents require assistance checking or installing on fire alarms, please contact the Ocean City Fire Department headquarters at 410-289-4346.

The house fire on Twin Tree Road in the Caine Woods neighborhood of Ocean City the night of Nov. 30 saw five local fire companies respond. Nobody was hurt, officials said. BRIAN SHANE/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Giving campaign sets $1M record

(Dec. 6, 2024) A day celebrating philanthropy culminated in a recordbreaking $1 million raised for Lower Shore nonprofits, more than tripling last year’s total.

More than 3,800 donations were made during the 10th annual Shore Gives More Giving Tuesday campaign, which included 145 area nonprofits.

Giving Tuesday, held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is an international 24-hour online giving movement. The local campaign, known as The Shore Gives More, is hosted by The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and assists local nonprofits with the fundraising effort. By providing an online dona-

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tion platform, marketing, and technical support, the campaign makes a significant impact through collective philanthropy.

“We often hear that every dollar can make a difference, but Giving Tuesday really shows the power of what can happen when we all come together,” said Erica Joseph, CFES President. “To see so much generosity creating such a significant impact for our local nonprofits speaks volumes about how wonderful our region is.”

This year’s campaign was bolstered by a pledge from The Community Foundation and the Richard A. Henson Foundation to match up to $250,000 for nonprofits.

“By partnering with CFES, we saw an opportunity to inspire nonprofits and donors while honoring Mr. Hen-

son and his legacy in the Community Foundation’s 40-year history,” said Stacey McMichael, Henson Foundation Executive Director. “We could not be more pleased with the outcome and congratulate the entire community on an amazing day that will benefit so many.”

The Shore Gives More was first launched as a Giving Tuesday campaign for the Lower Eastern Shore in 2015 and raised $4,285 in its first year. The campaign has raised a cumulative $2.8 million dollars for the Lower Shore in its 10-year history.

“As the area’s local philanthropic experts, the Community Foundation’s team understands the complexities around charitable giving, and we work hard to simplify the giving process for both donors and nonprofits,” said Joseph. “By giving through the Shore Gives More campaign, donors know their gifts will have an impact close to home.”

The campaign received sponsorships from 47 ABC and Shore United Bank, which significantly increased the campaign presence.

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To learn more about the “Shore Gives More” Giving Tuesday, visit ShoreGivesMore.org to view individual nonprofit participants, or CEES.org for information on local nonprofit campaigns.

Weapons charges

A speeding motorist’s evening turned worse when authorities found him under the influence of alcohol and traveling with weapons.

On Nov. 25, shortly after 10 p.m., Ocean City police saw a black 2024 Nissan Frontier traveling at 63 mph in a 35-mph zone westbound on the Route 50 bridge. A police cruiser traveling east toward Ocean City turned around on the bridge and began following the Nissan driven by Jaimere Nicholas Suter, 22, of Harrington, Del.

After initiating a traffic stop, police detected the odor of alcohol, according to the charging documents. While Suter provided police with his paperwork from his glove compartment, police reported seeing a tan handgun inside.

Suter allegedly admitted to not having a permit for the gun when asked by police, who added in the report that Suter appeared to be intoxicated. Once Suter was handcuffed, a search of the vehicle revealed a Smith and Wesson M&P M2.0 9 mm semiautomatic handgun with loaded magazine and a round in the chamber.

In addition to the traffic citations and the driving while impaired by alcohol charge, Suter faces two counts of knowingly transporting a loaded handgun in a vehicle and two counts of

Continued on Page 23

County video campaign wins top market expansion award

(Dec. 6, 2024) Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED) won the esteemed Market Expansion Award for the summer 2024 “Let’s Go” video campaign.

The award, given by the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism, recognizes WCTED’s exceptional success in promoting Worcester County as a vibrant, adventure-driven destination for both getaways and day trips.

“Winning the Market Expansion Award is a proud achievement,” WCTED Director Melanie Pursel said. “Our team is dedicated to positioning Maryland’s

Coast as a premier year-round outdoor destination, and we are thrilled to see our efforts recognized at the state level.”

The “Let’s Go” campaign focused on expanding Worcester County’s appeal across international, out-of-state, and targeted audiences with a penchant for outdoor activities, travel, and exploration. Through a carefully crafted, multi-channel marketing strategy, the campaign emphasized Worcester County’s unmatched outdoor offerings, including biking, hiking, and watersports. View the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxf See MARKETING Page 27

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Pictured during the awards presentation were Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin Anderson, Worcester County Director of Tourism and Economic Development Melanie Pursel, Advertising and Destination Marketing Specialist Brianna Dix and Managing Director of Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism and Film Liz Fitzsimmons.

MSO quintet will perform holiday shows Dec. 20-22

(Dec. 6, 2024) The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Brass Quintet will present a series of holiday concerts across the Delmarva Peninsula, featuring a mix of beloved seasonal favorites, from traditional carols to classics .

The quintet, made up of musicians from the symphony’s brass and percussion sections, will perform at three venues — Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. at Community Church, Ocean Pines; Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach; and Sunday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m. at Christ Church, Easton

The program will include selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, including the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Trepak,” and “Waltz of the Flowers.” These iconic pieces, which have become synonymous with the holiday season, will be given new life through the quintet’s vibrant performance. In addition, the quintet will offer a medley of festive carols. The concert will also feature a blend of musical styles.

Tickets for the concerts are available online at the MSO website.

Marketing video earns Md. award

Continued from Page 26

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“The video directs the audience back to our Maryland’s Coast tourism site where they learn more about the county, things to do here, how to book a stay, and where to discover outdoor adventure opportunities,” Advertising and Destination Marketing Specialist Brianna Dix said. “Utilizing a range of highly targeted digital platforms such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and various overthe-top (OTT) and connected TV (CTV) platforms, like Hulu and Paramount, the campaign reached new and diverse audiences to promote Maryland’s Coast as a top travel destination.”

The campaign captured over 3.3 million views and reached nearly one million unique users through the use of dynamic, fast-paced content that showcases Worcester County’s most beloved attractions, from Ocean City’s amusement parks to the iconic Assateague ponies. Complementary display ads reached over 500,000 individuals and drove thousands of website visits to the official Maryland’s Coast tourism site, encouraging travel bookings throughout the region. Beyond website visits, the campaign introduced 6,131 new viewers to Maryland’s Coast.

As WCTED continues to build on the “Let’s Go” campaign’s momentum, this award celebrates their efforts to reach fresh audiences and create lasting memories in a region known for its “naturally cool” attractions.

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Company taking big steps in local high-speed goals

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Nov. 29, 2024) A new fiber optic broadband service is bringing high-speed Internet access to rural Worcester County residents with limited or no online connectivity, while also paving the way for an affordable future of TV viewing.

Talkie is a Maryland-based Internet Service Provider that’s been servicing Worcester County for about four years. The company is starting to see major growth in its customer base, capturing about 9,000 households in Worcester, as more and more residents are opting out of pricey traditional cable TV and Internet service.

“We’re working toward access in the municipalities like Pocomoke and Berlin, but the main goal is to get to the customers who can’t be reached by anybody else,” said Talkie construction foreman Gary Rife. “I know a lot of people are excited by that, because nowadays, high-speed Internet is just as necessary as your electric. The goal is to reach the unserved.”

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Talkie has five to eight crews working daily in Worcester County, Rife said. Areas around Pocomoke City, Snow Hill, and Stockton will have service ready by spring, he said. From there, service will be offered north of Snow Hill toward Berlin. Service in Ocean City is not part of the plan because the resort already has existing cable and Internet.

As of this month, Talkie has requested to enter into a franchise TV service agreement with Worcester County, which will yield a revenue stream for the county. In exchange for letting Talkie use the county’s right-of-way when installing fiber optic lines, the county gets 5 percent of its revenue.

“I’ve had many people say, ‘they’ll never come to my house, I’m too far out in the sticks.’ Don’t’ count yourself out –it’s going to be there. And then they see the orange cones out. Fiber’s coming. They’re completely surprised it’s happening in their locations,” said Brian Jones, Worcester County’s director of IT. Jones said the COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that Worcester County needed better Internet connectivity. He’s been working with Talkie as an Internet Service Provider to fulfill a goal of closing the connectivity gap in rural areas, to service nearly 100 percent of households.

“When we started, we had more than 6,500 homes that had nothing,” Jones said. “And now with devices alone, every device you own has some means of using WiFi or Internet, whether that’s a TV or iPad or phone. You’re looking at upwards of 10 devices per house. You’ve got people on heart monitoring machines, CPAP machines using WiFi. It’s never ending.”

Twin brothers Andre and Andrew DeMattia founded Talkie in 2015. After years working for Verizon in its broadband Internet department, the brothers decided it was time to step out on their own. They launched in their backyard of

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Grants key to help rural areas

Kent County, Maryland, and collaborated with the nonprofit co-op Maryland Broadband to offer fiber optic service.

“Fiber is the best Internet you can possibly get,” Andre DeMattia said. “It’s future-proof. There’s no expiration date. In 50, 60 years, you’ll still be getting the same great service. Fiber is the speed of light.”

Think of high-speed Internet like a movie screen and projector: the screen stays the same, while the projector, and its image quality, can be swapped for upgrades. The brothers had their movie screen, so to speak, with the fiber optic cable. All they needed, then, was the projector – a “point of presence,” in Internet speak.

Talkie found its point of presence in Ashburn, Virginia. With some financial assistance from the state, the brothers set up a principal data route, or backbone, that connected that high-speed Internet source to Chestertown.

“That gave us connectivity, and that’s how we started,” DeMattia said. “We started with zero customers in Chestertown. We started with one small neighborhood and started expanding from there. Now we are building in six different counties in Maryland as well as Delaware and we’re doing it all at the same time.”

Talkie also purchased the old Liquor Control Department building in Snow Hill, saving it from demolition, with plans to turn it into a local headquarters, training facility, and call center, DeMattia said. So far, this is not a lucrative undertak-

ing. That’s why the company is relying on significant federal grants to cover an estimated $70 million in county-wide construction costs. Otherwise, DeMattia said, the return on investment is so thin, it could take 150 years to make his money back.

“There’s a reason Comcast and Verizon don’t go there. There’s just no payback,” he said. “That’s why the grants exist. When you’re talking $60,000 per home with the average bill of $70, you do the math. But that’s why the grants are there, to help the people who need it the most.”

Talkie is now providing its own television service, Talkie TV, offering tiered packages of bundled apps and channels on monthly contracts, as well as its own cellular telephone service. DeMattia said his audience for the television service is mostly seniors, because younger customers aren’t subscribing to cable TV. But some younger customers may actually spend more monthly on streaming apps than a bundled cable bill.

He said the future of TV in America is a reinvention: Free Ad-Supported Television, or FAST, where the streaming platform is free programming but with ad breaks.

“I tell everybody, this is the 80s all over again. If broadcasters don’t offer fast channels, it’s a matter of time until they don’t have revenue coming in, that’s just my opinion. Free streamers like Netflix and Prime, they’re adding ads. Those ad-free platforms are disappearing,” he said.

“OCEAN CITY CHRONICLES”

OCEAN CITY CHRONICLES

“Ocean City Chronicles” is the final book in Bunk Mann’s 3 volume historical series which began with “Vanishing Ocean City’ in 2014 and continued with ‘Ghosts In The Surf” in 2019. Centered around his articles in Ocean city’s award-winnning newspaper the Maryland Coast Dispatch , his latest book features 285 of the most popular ones over the past 12 years. It includes hundreds of photos of long vanished hotels & restaurants, the great storms & fires, deep sea fishing, boardwalk attractions & amusements, and stories of the people who turned a small 19th-century fishing village into a modern, yearround destination. “Ocean City Chronicles” is a comprehensive history of Maryland’s famous oceanfront resort in a hardbound coffee table book featuring cover art by noted artist, Paul McGehee. Supplies are limited so order your copy today!

Ocean City Chronicles can be ordered online at vanishingoc.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

“Ocean City Chronicles” will be available at select location in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and online. If you liked “Vanishing Ocean City,” & Ghosts In The Surf’ then you will love Bunk Mann’s third book of photos and OC history.

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS:

OC Lifesaving Museum

Fager’s Island

Donaway Furniture

Mann Properties

Seacrets

Crabs To Go

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Berlin Auto Wash

Toy Town

The Buzzed Word

OC Chamber Of Commerce

M.R. Ducks

Skipjack

Malibu’s Surf Shop

OC Art League

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Museum, Chance, MD

Free drive-in movies offered by county rec, parks

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Dec. 5, 2024) Christmas festivities continue in Worcester County, with a series of drive-in movies scattered throughout the area this month.

The Worcester County Recreation and Parks Department is hosting four nights of Movies under the Stars with showings of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Elf” as a drive-in movie experience. The organization’s website notes that the films will be displayed on a “giant, outdoor screen.”

Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will be presented on Friday, Dec. 6, at Newtown Park in Pocomoke and on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex in Berlin. Residents can catch Will Ferrell in “Elf” on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Snow Hill’s John Walter Smith Park and on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Showell Elementary School in Ocean Pines. Parking will open at 6 p.m. The movie will begin at 7 p.m. Courtesy of Aetna Better Health of Maryland and Eastern Shore Kettle Korn, the first 20 cars will receive a free bag of popcorn.

According to Worcester County Recreation and Parks Special Event and Marketing Manager Ryan Nellans, the Movie Under the Stars initiative expands on the existing Holiday Drive-In Movie events. Worcester County Recreation and Parks Deputy Director Jacob Stephens added that the group has hosted drive-in movies since the winter of 2019, and this year’s film schedule is an evolution of that program.

“This is our first year providing movies at our four largest parks to better serve the entire county,” Nellans said.

Stephens said the Recreation and Parks Department anticipates 150 cars at each show. The organization’s special event and marketing manager noted that the group hopes the movie nights offer family-friendly holiday fun.

“Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean that the day is over, and anyone with kiddos loose in the house knows that’s the truth,” Nellens said. “We want to provide a fun family experience in a safe, community-oriented environment.”

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a family musical that premiered in 1993 and was produced and created by Tim Burton, a filmmaker known for gothic horror and fantasy films. “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, is a comedy that appeals to kids and adults alike. Nellans maintained that these movies were chosen for their cheery and upbeat messages.

“[The movies] are fantastic holiday films in their own right,” he said. “Both touch on the importance of friends and family. They reinforce how important it is that we are able to rely on each other

Saturday, December 7th

Join your friends and neighbors this Saturday in downtown Bethany Beach! Stroll through town and enjoy all that Bethany has to offer. These great shops and restaurants will be open, offering great sales and specials all day. Bring the kids too, there’s plenty to do. Visit thequietresorts.com for a comprehensive list of participating businesses and hours of operation.

Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt

- Participating businesses during business hours

10:00am - Noon Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus Bethany Beach Books

10:30am - Noon Ginger Man Sighting Nature Center

11:00am - 1:00pm Pony Rides On the beach off Garfield Pkwy.

1:00pm - 3:00pm Party with Santa & Face Painters Bethany Beach Town Hall

1:00pm - 4:00pm Trolley & Tractor Rides Bethany Beach

3:30pm - 5:00pm Snow-time with Elsa with Special Guests Anna & Moana Tidepool Toys & Games in Bethany Beach

5:00pm Tree Lighting & SDSA Choir Bethany Beach Bandstand

Bethany Beach Businesses~

Alice and Laila

Beautiful Women’s Clothing Open Year Round 26 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Bethany Beach Books

Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus 10am-Noon

15% Off All Holiday Puzzles & Cards 99 Garfield Parkway

Bethany Blues

Elf on the Shelf 6 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Bethany Sports Cards & Collectibles

Free Pokémon Cards (while supplies last) 123 Garfield Parkway #7

Bethany Surf Shop

The Go-To Source for All Your Surfing Needs! 99 Garfield Parkway

Coronado Jewelers

Elf on the Shelf Open Daily at 10am 97 Garfield Parkway

Dana’s Pantry & Package Store

Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Seltzers & Gifts

98 Garfield Parkway

DiFebo’s Restaurant & Market

Award winning Italian & Award winning desserts!

788 & 789 Garfield Parkway

Fells Point Surf Co.

Elf on the Shelf 114 Garfield Parkway

Fish Tales

20% Off Bethany Beach Sweatshirts & Tees 116 Garfield Parkway

Japanesque

10% Off Storewide (Saturday, December 7 ONLY) 16 N. Pennsylvania Ave

JJ Stones

Elf on the Shelf Open Daily 10am 98 Garfield Parkway

Patsy’s Restaurant

Creative Coastal Cuisine 121 Campbell Place

Pie

Artisan Pizzas, Wine & Local Craft Beer Gift Certificates Available 20 N. Pennsylvania Ave

Rhodes 5&10

Great Selection of Puzzles

50% Off Bethany Sweatshirts & Tees 118 Garfield Parkway

Ropewalk

BOGO Desserts All Day! 107 Garfield Parkway

Tangerine Goods

Elf on the Shelf 101 Garfield Parkway #8

Tidepool Toys & Games

Snow-time with Elsa 3:30-5 15% Off Games

Bethany Beach Boardwalk

Water Lili

15% OFF Storewide (Saturday, December 7 ONLY)

Bethany Beach Boardwalk

Ocean View: 111 Atlantic Ave

OC’s Christmas Parade returns to Coastal Highway

(Dec. 6, 2024) The 41st Annual Ocean City Christmas Parade will march along Coastal Highway on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The holiday parade starts at 11 a.m. on Old Landing Road and marches northbound in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway to the judges’ stand at 120th Street. The event will feature more than 70 units, including high school bands, car clubs, colorful holiday floats and Santa on the final float.

“For 41 years, this parade has been an iconic event for Ocean City and we are happy to continue a tradition that is enjoyed by so many!” commented Ocean City Special Events Director, Frank Miller.

47 ABC WMDT Good Morning Delmarva Anchor, Jordie Clark and DJ BK from Radio Ocean City will be the Masters of Ceremony, providing a play by play of the parade for spectators. Professional judges will review bands and other units in nine categories, with awards being given the Monday after conclusion of the parade.

Don’t miss the post-parade reception hosted by the Carousel Hotel, bringing additional family fun for participants and patrons alike. Festivities at the hotel will begin immediately after the parade conclusion and will ice skating, a DJ playing continuous holiday music and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. In addition, complimentary winter refreshments will be available.

“We are so glad the parade is anticipated by residents and guests as a valued event in Ocean City,” Miller continued. “And special thanks to our parade sponsors at Carousel Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Coca-Cola, Dunkin Donuts and Food Lion, for their contributions and efforts toward this family-friendly event.”

Spectators will not be permitted to watch the parade from the median area of Coastal Highway. Motorists are reminded that traffic pattern changes will begin approximately 8 a.m. and traffic congestion and delays should be expected. Also, due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic, everyone is reminded to Walk Smart by using cross walks and crossing with the traffic control signal.

Movie nights set for this month

Continued from Page 30

and the magic of sharing the things we love – old and new – with the people we love.”

The movie nights are free and open to the entire Worcester County community. The event is sponsored by Aetna Better Health of Maryland and is in partnership with the Worcester County Public Library.

New interpretive sign

Last week the Beach to Bay Heritage Area installed a new interpretive sign at the San Domingo School in Sharptown.

Members for the Wicomico County Parks and Recreation Department were on hand to do the installation in addition to BBHA board members, staff and Newell Quinton, an alumni of the San Domingo School and the man who took the lead in the school’s restoration.

San Domingo School is one of just a handful of remaining Rosenwald Schools. The first school built on this site around 1875 was a single-story, one-room plain frame building that served the Sharptown District for over 40 years. The second school, the Sharptown Colored Elementary School, was built in 1919 to replace the first one, and was a two-story frame structure. It was financed by Wicomico County, local residents and Julius Rosenwald, President of the Sears, Roebuck and Company.

The Rosenwald fund, administered through Booker T. Washington’s Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, oversaw the construction of new schools for Black children throughout the South. San Domingo remained in use until 1961. It was renovated and, since 2014, has served as a community meeting place, daycare center

and entertainment venue. The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Salisbury University is also hosting a screening of the film “Rosenwald” on Jan. 25, 2025.

Concert raises funds

Some 1,000 area residents attended the Magi Fund’s annual Christmas concert at Emmanuel Church on Beaglin Park Drive in Salisbury on Nov. 16, raising a total of over $60,000 for the needy of the Lower Shore.

“People came from all over Maryland, Delaware and Virginia to see this Christmas show,” said Magi Fund Chairman Bonnie Luna. “We were amazed at the turnout. And the audience kept telling us it was spectacular.”

The concert featured the nearly 150 voices of the famous National Christian Choir, which has toured the U.S. and abroad, and the Salisbury Children’s Choir, composed of 48 regional youngsters aged 6 to 18. The two groups performed individually, then joined in a moving candlelight benediction that included audience participation.

The annual event is an artistic vehicle to raise funds for the Joseph House Center and the Christian Shelter. These two charities help the region’s struggling or homeless families. All Magi Fund proceeds are split 50-50 between the two charities, with nothing taken out for overhead.

Many audience members also brought nonperishable food donations to replenish food pantries at the Joseph House and Christian Shelter. The items were sorted and loaded into vans by Scouts from St. Francis Church’s Troop 185. Attendees were also greeted as they entered and exited the event by bell ringers for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, which supports that ministry’s programs for those in need. The kettles collected over $1,800.

In 31 years of existence, the Magi Fund has raised $3 million for Joseph House Center and Christian Shelter operations. It has also set up an endowment fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) to benefit the two charities in perpetuity.

Christmas tree raffle

The Church of the Holy Spirit in Ocean City is raffling off three artificial trees filled with gift cards, one each in the amount of $500, $300 and $200.

Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. This could solve some of your gift-giving dilemmas or be a way to indulge yourself.

The drawing will be Dec. 8, so there’s time left, just not a lot of it. For tickets or information, contact Marena at 443-944-3276.

First Friday kicks off busy month at OC arts center

Diverse exhibits on tap for gallery through December

(Dec. 6, 2024) First Friday, Dec. 6, celebrates the holidays at the Ocean City Center for the Arts with two group shows, a small works exhibit, plus an artisan fair. The First Friday event is free and runs from 5-7 p.m., and all are welcome.

The Arts Center, home of the Art League of Ocean City, is located at 502 94th St. bayside. Ocean’s 13 is sponsoring the complimentary refreshments, and PKS Investments is sponsoring the beverages.

The Thaler Gallery at the Arts Center features the Annual Members Juried Group Show featuring artwork in all media by members of the Art League. Raye-Valion Gillette, curator and folklife specialist at the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture at Salisbury University, will jury the exhibition and select the winners, who will be awarded cash prizes.

The Sisson Galleria features the Best of 2024, artwork that won awards during Arts Center exhibits of the past year. Studio E features Small Works, small in size and affordable in price for holiday giving.

The annual Artisan Fair fills the Arts Center for two days with handcrafted items made by local and regional artists. The artists will display their creations during the First Friday art opening from 5-7 p.m. and also on Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Items offered include one-of-a-kind jewelry, ceramics, fiber art, and more. The participating artisans include Theresa Alo, Charlene Willner, Lisa Chambers, Etta Stewart, Sue Bromm, Alicia Rappold, Kathryn Luciana, Traci Jones, Penny Amici, Iuliia Nahirna, Svetlana McCoy-Rusanova, Joel Trotta, Lisa Scarbath, Lisa Guerriero, Sarah Halcott, Debbi Dean,

Colley and Debbi Dean are pictured.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

A permanent Boardwalk was constructed in 1892 and extended for eight blocks along the oceanfront. Styles were more formal in the 1890s and 1900s — men in suits and ties and ladies in long dresses and big hats were normal attire for strolling the early Boardwalk in Ocean City.

Both the Boardwalk and beach were narrow in this circa 1904 view of S. Division Street. On high tide, waves would come up close to the Boardwalk and the streets — all of which were unpaved in that era.

Ocean City’s first restaurant can be seen in the background on the left of the photo. Opened by George Conner in 1892 and known as “Conners,” it provided food and drinks to the excursionists who took the railroad to spend an afternoon at the beach. It is likely the people pictured above were part of one of these popular railroad excursions. The descendants of George Conner are still in Ocean City’s hospitality industry today.

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

Photo courtesy of Clifford Dypsky

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

The sun as the morning defrost

A movie so good it stays in the mind for days

Kids running to their parents after school

Not working on Sunday afternoons

Funny Christmas sweaters

Seeing a winner in the “big claw” game

Teens celebrating together

A no ticket road trip

Growing up on Edgewater Avenue

Anything cooked on a grill

Quiet weekend mornings

Robert Johnson, and Sarah Halcott.

On Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the fair continues with the artisans, plus a bake sale, a community weaving project, and children’s activities. Authors who will be on hand to sign their books include Robert Fleming, Bernie Siler, Frank Hopkins, and Aileen Price.

Debbi Dean and her daughters, Damiana Colley and Kaya Dean, all of Berlin, exhibit their artwork in the Schwab Spotlight Gallery in December. Entitled “Threads of Connection: A Mother-Daughter Tapestry,” this art show invites the viewer to explore the intertwined stories of mothers and daughters, reflecting on the delicate strands of life woven through shared experiences, emotions, and nature. Each piece serves as a visual diary, capturing journeys, fears, and loves.

Bilbo Yanuk of Ocean City, Md. is the Art Center’s artisan for December. Yanuk is interested in all forms of creative endeavors, and is active as a tennis teacher, musician, craftsman, and artist. He has augmented his career with stints at Baltimore Junior College and the Maryland Institute of Art, a budding and everchanging sojourn into a world of artistic satisfaction.

The Burbage Staircase Gallery at the Arts Center continues a show by Elizabeth Grey.

The art exhibits continue at two Art League satellite galleries in North Ocean City. The main lobby at the Princess Royale Oceanfront, 9110 Coastal Hwy. continues an exhibit by Lisa Guerriero. A second satellite gallery on 94th St. at the Coffee Beanery continues a show of artwork by Theresa Alo.

All shows will be on display until Dec. 28. More information is available at www.OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Funding for this event is in part provided by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.

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LAZY WHALE CONDO OCEAN CITY

$220,000

Location! location! Desirable ocean block 1st floor condo rarely available! Assigned parking space conveniently located in front of the unit. The condominium has great rental potential! Beautiful 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom is fully furnished & move-in ready! The Condominium features bright esthetic's so you can savor your beachside retreat. Watch the sunrise from your front porch, which is only steps from the beach. Enjoy the perks of this prime location just off the Route 90 bridge & within walking distance to plenty of restaurants & shops. You can also catch the bus that runs right outside your building to the historic boardwalk & amusements. Please note the Condo conducts their yearly winterizing March through November. One year home warranty! Call with any questions.

GREG NOHE REALTOR® Full Service

Licensed In Maryland & Delaware Direct: 443-413-3077 Archangelnohe@gmail.com

THE HSA HOME TEAM of SAMSON PROPERTIES 6211 Greenleigh Avenue Baltimore, MD 21220 Office: 443-317-8125 • www.sampsonproperties.net

Buyers & Sellers - Let Us Help You Get To Your Beach Getaway!

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.

Saturday, December 7: DJ Giddy Up

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Friday, December 6: Union Road

Wednesday, December 11: Fil Rhythm

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, December 6: LNJ

Sessions

Saturday, December 7: DJ Magellan

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay Friday, December 6:

Dead Eye Stare & DJ Groove

Saturday, December 7:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Vybe

Wednesday, December 11: Opposite Directions Band

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Sunday, December 8: DJ Wax

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd.,

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Friday, December 6

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays & Saturday December 7

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ MAGELLAN Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, December 7

DJ WAX Pickles Pub:

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets: Friday, December 6

TEENAGE RUST & THE FABULOUS RUSTETTES

Buxy’s Salty Dog: Thursday, December 12

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS BAND

Fager’s Island: Wednesday, December 11

CECILIA’S FALL

Harborside: Saturday, December 7, 1pm

Fager’s Island: 6pm

STEALING SAVANAH

Seacrets: Saturday, December 7

THE DUNEHOUNDS

Pickles Pub: Saturday, December 7

CIRCLE

Seacrets: Saturday, December 7

LNJ SESSIONS

Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, December 6

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, December 8

Who’s Where When

West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, December 7:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Billy T

Sundays:

Opposite Directions

Thursdays:

Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, December 7: The Dunehounds

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, December 7: TBA

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, December 6: John McNutt & DJ Mary Jane Saturday, December 7: DJ Cruz, DJ E-State, Full Circle & Stealing Savanah Thursday, December 12: Blake Haley

by Steve Green

IThe Adventures of Fatherhood

nspiration comes in waves and two local residents recently contacted me out of the blue to tell me their adoption stories after reading my sons’ adoption stories in this space.

I do not want to violate their privacy so best not to share their details, but I have learned over the years each adoption journey is unique, and a common theme is how perseverance and faith play huge parts in the process. I sent this article to each of them, as it sums up some my thoughts around adoption.

The piece, headlined ‘What The Books Didn’t Tell Us,’ was written by Matt Forck and available at adoptivefamilies.com. It hits home in our journey. After years of trying, we opted for adoption and were able to be at the hospital for both of our kids’ births in different hospitals in Pennsylvania.

Many years ago, my wife and I reached a crossroad in our quest to become parents. Stephanie, a teacher, and I, a utility worker, had to choose between reaching for the top rung of the fertility ladder or taking a different path, adoption. … the period of contemplation left us both thinking adoption was best. I left for work the next morning, happy with our choice but wondering, where do we go from here?

When I returned home that evening, my question was answered. My wife had every adoption book from our local library scattered on the living room floor. We spent July reading and discussing, thinking, praying, and hoping. We took notes and talked. We laughed and cried. Above all, we learned.

Although it seems like yesterday, it was years ago. As I write this, our beautiful daughter, Natalie Faith, slumbers. I have a different perspective on adoption now. I think the books had merit. They helped us to understand the different types of adoption. They covered the laws, what to expect from agencies, the average wait times for an infant, and the average expenses. But for all they offered,

some things weren’t covered, so I want to share my newfound expertise.

It is better for people to think you an idiot than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Waiting for your child or being a parent to an adopted child sometimes spawns questions or comments that are somewhat reflective of this old saying. It really starts when you tell people you are adopting.

Everyone knew we were in the process because we told them, via a mass mailing. (We did this in case someone knew someone who could help us.)

But as we waited, we were asked many questions. “How is the adoption going?” “Have you heard anything?” “How much longer?”

… The pre-placement questions were discreet compared to the post-adoption comments we have heard. The one that wins the idiot prize referred to my daughter’s darker-toned skin.

We were asked, “Is she part something else?”

My wife replied, “No, she’s all human.” I have become intensely protective of my daughter, so such statements yank my heartstrings. If books offered advice on coping with things people say, it should read, “Most people ask because they care or are trying to make conversation. Those not in this category are idiots.”

Like it or not, each child comes with a birth mom. The books we read did nothing to prepare us for the reality of birth moms. Books centered on how to find a birth mom and what to talk about once one was located.

As we began a domestic independent adoption, I envisioned a sensible 16year-old high school homecoming queen finding herself accidentally pregnant by the quarterback. She, of course, wants to place the child so she can accept her scholarship to an Ivy League school as a pre-med major. This scenario is what I wanted. I was afraid of other, riskier situations.

I have had relationships with two birth moms now (our first situation fell through), and there are remarkable simi-

larities between them. Both were from abusive homes. Both had been through the court system as juveniles. Drug and alcohol issues affected their families as well as them. Both were from poor homes.

… I think these women were more typical than was the homecoming queen in my dream. These realities were hard to swallow; they scared me to death. I spent endless time worrying about genetics versus environment. I worried about the child’s health. The burden was so heavy that I visited a counselor and a priest. There is one more thing the mothers had in common, and that is love. Each birth mom loved her baby immeasurably. The first expressed her love by choosing to parent her child. The second, our birth mom, told us repeatedly that she did not want Natalie to think that she was “bad” for not raising her. She wanted her to know that she loved her and wanted to raise her. But she knew what kind of life that meant for a child …

… There is no larger part to the adoption story than faith, and not one book talked about it. From the beginning of our road to parenthood, we have attended a local adoptive parents group. Whether a couple is anguishing in the waiting stage or is raising three beautiful children, in either case we often hear faith-filled statements. “God has a plan for us.” “Our baby will be with us soon.” “Our son was meant for our family.”

I relied on faith through this process. I was often scared. I thought of stopping, but I kept telling myself, this will be all right. God wouldn’t give me more than I could handle. … Many people have told my wife and I that our daughter is lucky to have us, that we are doing a good thing. Really, it is Natalie that has saved us. I think all parents with adopted children would say the same.

(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.)

After-school art clubs see success across Worcester

(Nov. 29, 2024) The mission of the Art League of Ocean City is to inspire creativity and provide accessibility to the arts. To fulfill that mission, the Art League has formed After-School Art Clubs in four Worcester County schools.

The Art Clubs are financially supported by the Art League and by a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council. The art instructors and their schools are Carol Rydel at Buckingham Elementary School, Joanne Guilfoil at Berlin Intermediate School, Monica Forrester at Snow Hill High School, and Maya Batson at Pocomoke Elementary School.

The Art Clubs host 10 to 12 children each session, meeting once a week at the school after regular classes.

“The Art Clubs are planned to explore well-known artists and various techniques that allow students to develop their own artistic skills and style,” Mary Anne Cooper, Education Director for the Art League, said. “These are true art clubs, providing after- school enrichment for children who love art.”

“Our goal for this year was to reach all areas of the county,” Cooper continued. “In the future, with available funding, we hope to expand our After-School Art Clubs to every school in Worcester County. We would also like to find funding to give schools the opportunity to bring their kids to the Ocean City Center for the Arts to see a professional art space and be inspired to participate.”

The Art Clubs welcome students of all skill levels and provide individualized attention. The instructors come up with their own projects at each school, often tying them to exhibits at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St. For example, student art occupied the Spotlight Gallery during the “Red Thread” exhibit in October.

Guilfoil, the instructor at BIS, believes the Art Clubs are a unique service for the students who choose to participate.

“It makes the end of the day fly by for them in a joyful, meaningful way,” she said. “I have heard more than once the kids say, ‘Now I really want to take an art class. I can’t wait.’ That really makes me feel good.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Two participants in the after-school club are pictured with their creations.

Resort planning ‘150 Days of Celebrations’

Saving Station Museum and a monthly anniversary “Dine Around Town” will make their debut.

(Dec. 6, 2024) A special year of celebrations and activities is being planned by the Ocean City Department of Tourism to observe the 150th anniversary of the city.

The milestone will be commemorated with exciting events and monthly initiatives to engage the community and visitors alike. The anniversary festivities will kick off with the launch of “150 Days of Celebrations,” starting with the Atlantic General Penguin Swim on New Year’s Day.

To celebrate this significant anniversary, Ocean City will host “150 Days of Celebrations,” featuring a mix of beloved signature town events, popular private events, and exciting new activities. Annual favorites like Springfest, Sunfest and Winterfest will receive unique anniversary twists. In addition, brand-new monthly celebrations, such as historical exhibits at the Ocean City Life

“We wanted to create a year-long celebration that features all of the reasons that make Ocean City ‘Somewhere to Smile About,’” said Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo. “Our 150 Days of Celebrations include family-friendly festivals, concerts, mobile museum exhibits, and community gatherings honoring Ocean City’s past, present and future.”

Along with the 150 days set aside to celebrate, according to a press release from the tourism department, Ocean City’s anniversary will be a collaborative effort that brings together its vibrant and diverse community. Throughout the year, the town will work closely with local hotels, restaurants, the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum, the Art League of Ocean City, the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel-MotelRestaurant Association (HMRA) and many other organizations to ensure the festivities highlight the best of

what Ocean City has to offer. Together, these partnerships will provide residents and visitors with unforgettable experiences that reflect the spirit and hospitality of Ocean City.

“This anniversary is not just about honoring our history but also about creating a lasting impact for our community and businesses,” Perlozzo sajd. “By working hand in hand with our local partners, we hope this anniversary leaves a legacy of pride for our unique history while looking ahead to our bright future by uniting with the community, which truly makes our town so special.”

To help visitors take part in the anniversary festivities, Ocean City is excited to introduce the “Book Early and Save” promotion. Visitors who book their accommodations before

Feb. 28, 2025, will enjoy exclusive early bird specials at participating hotels. This limited-time offer is a perfect opportunity for travelers to plan their 2025 getaway and join the celebration with significant savings.

“As we commemorate 150 years of Ocean City’s rich history and vital community, we invite everyone to join us in the festivities,” Perlozzo said. “This milestone year highlights our enduring spirit as a destination and allows us to reflect on the cherished memories we’ve created together while making new ones at the same time. We certainly hope to make 2025 a year to remember.”

For more information on the 150th anniversary events, visit ococean.com/150 and follow @oceancitymaryland on social media.

AGH DONATION

Ocean Pines Golf Club members presented a $9,675 check to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin following the annual Pink Lady Tournament on Oct. 9. The event drew 90 players for a day of golf, followed by an Italian-themed dinner, a successful silent auction, and door prize drawings. Over the last 13 years, the tournament has contributed $25,000 to help provide mammograms and other related for local women through AGH.

KIWANIS CLUB OFFICERS INSTALLED

GARDEN CLUB DECORATES

Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore continued the tradition of inviting the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland to decorate holiday trees and wreaths for the Rotunda of the State House again this year. Three Worcester County Garden Club members recently traveled to Annapolis and placed a holiday tree decorated with ornaments members made during a prior workshop to highlight its theme, “Planting Peace Through Gardening.” After viewing the tree with the First Lady, each member attending

tificate of appreciation to

SUBMITTED

The Kiwanis Club of Ocean City-Ocean Pines recently installed its new officers for the year, Oct. 1, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025. Above left, Past President Bob Wolfing, left, passes the gavel to new President Tom Southwell.  Above right, Officers pictured, from left, are Past President Bob Wolfing, New President Tom Southwell, President-Elect Sarah Walker and Vice President Jim Maratea.

Ocean City Elementary hosted its first ever Clay Night on Nov. 14. Participants explored sculpting with clay using a variety of techniques and even got to paint some pre-fired items. All proceeds raised through this event will go towards the purchase of a kiln for the school. Pictured with OCES students and their families with art teachers Stacey Phillips and Bob Hulburd.

received an ornament from the Moore family as well as a cer-

the club from the Office of the Governor. Pictured, from left, are Moore and WCGC members Karen Trigger, Pat Arata and Susan Fletcher

Berlin Hanukkah

event planed for New Year’s Eve

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) Holiday activities continue to make their way to Berlin this winter season.

For the second year in a row, the Town of Berlin has partnered with The Inn Berlin for a menorah lighting to celebrate Hanukkah. The festive event will kick off on Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. at the bed and breakfast located at 15 Harrison Avenue. Chabad of the Eastern Shore donated the menorah, and Temple Bat Yam will supply dreidels. The Inn Berlin is offering potato latkes and donuts that will be gluten-free to all who come out.

Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said that in addition to the menorah lighting, several people will discuss the story of Hanukkah, and then presenters and attendees will “celebrate together over latkes” and the other sweet treats provided by The Inn Berlin.

The menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration were first held in December 2023 to diversify festivities and educate the community about the holiday.

“After last year, we had so many people say they had never experienced something like [the menorah lighting] before and what a wonderful celebration and they didn’t know the story of the holiday,” Wells said. “It’s a history lesson, and people really enjoyed learning about the culture of what Hanukkah is … there will be a giant menorah, and the entire community is invited.”

The Hanukkah event is happening on the same night as the community’s annual New Year’s Eve bash. Radio Ocean City will be present, and games will be provided for the kids, set to start at 5 p.m., Wells said. A ball drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. because that’s when the clock strikes the first midnight of 2025 in Berlin, Germany.

In addition to the menorah lighting and the New Year’s Eve party, holiday-themed activities are scheduled throughout December, including an annual favorite.

The Town of Berlin and the Berlin Main Street Program are once again hosting their carriage rides this month, which Wells said has been a community tradition for over a decade. Visitors and residents can take advantage of the holiday-themed offering from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, Sunday, Dec. 8, Sunday, Dec. 15, Friday, Dec. 20, Saturday, Dec. 21, and Sunday, Dec. 22. Wells noted that Randy Davis, operator and owner of the carriage rides, brings rescue horses to pull the carts along. Davis is hired in advance to ensure he can come out on the weekends in December. The activity is free and beloved by all who partake.

“Everyone looks forward to coming to Berlin during the holidays,” the economic and community development director said. “We are a historic town, and the carriage rides add to the magic and the allure of being in a small town.”

The carriage rides span roughly five to 10 minutes.

Area shops offer diverse gift ideas

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) It’s the season of gift giving. What might the surfer or nonsurfer, in your life, appreciate from a local surf shop?

Simply speaking there are many items that can be acquired, from the slight to the extreme, from the inexpensive to the more expensive.

If seeking a gift for the avid surfer, keys words are gear or equipment as in what the individual could use in the water. Most every surfer utilizes wax or a leash or possibly a wetsuit accessory such as a pair of wetsuit gloves, wetsuit hood or

cap, or pair of wetsuit boots. There are even warm rash guard type pieces that can be worn underneath existing wetsuits, which the surfer might already have, to augment and keep the cold water, weather surfer even warmer. These pieces even aid in getting a form fitting wetsuit on and off. Some of these underneath garments will have attached hoods which will make the regular full wetsuit into a hooded wetsuit thereby outfitting the surfer for the coldest conditions.

How about the surfer who lays off in the coldest months or even the non-surfer as was previously mentioned, or even those who are able to travel to warmer climates? Most surf shops these days have become sources for clothing and beach acces-

sories. Board shorts and regular shorts can possibly be had for discounted prices. Beanies, caps, sandals, hoodies, long sleeve button up shirts and jackets or sweaters are often available. Don’t forget gear bags, beach totes, and backpacks.

For those wanting to go all out in their gift giving, a new surfboard or full wetsuit tend to get up in price range but are certainly available. And if the budget is tight, most anyone can use a T-shirt or two.

So there you have it. A suggestion or even many to ponder. Support your local surf shop and the appreciation will be felt far and wide.

— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

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

Candy cane ice cream sandwiches

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) The holiday season is upon us and merriment is everywhere. But entertaining can be very stressful; especially, if one does not have a lot of experience.

Success is determined by imagination, details, and personalization. And it is this style that flavors special occasions with distinction.

The bar is one of the most popular area’s and can be quite pricey to stock. A fortified punch is a way to cut costs and is quite delicious. A few helpful tips for a tasty punch follow.

First and foremost, chill all wet ingredients. If you add warm liquids to the ice, you will end up with a dull, diluted punch. Secondly, an ice mold is preferred over ice cubes. An ice mold is attractive and does not melt as fast as individual ice cubes.

While we are on the subject of libations, prepare a special beverage for nonalcoholic drinkers. An elegant tea service on a tray adorned with a vintage napkin is a possibility. If lemon is part of your tea service, make sure you remove all seeds.

If you plan on having fresh flowers, consider adding fresh fruit or veggies to the arrangement. Not only are they gorgeous but they can be less expensive. For example, majestic stalks of asparagus can complement the color of green in your arrangement. Fresh cranberries are a stunning replacement for clear marbles. Just make sure you change the water every day.

Fabulous entertaining does not mean you have to spend beyond your means. An amuse bouche is a great way to incorporate an expensive item at an affordable price. An amuse bouche is simply a one-bite appetizer.

Prepare as much as possible in advance. This includes setting the table, platters, and serving utensils in their desired location.

If you are going to have a sit-down dinner, actually sit in the seats where your guests will be sitting. This gives you a first-hand view of what your guests will be seeing.

Buffets are popular for the simple fact that guests help themselves which always pleases the host. But buffets can get boring and are predictable. If you want to spruce up your buffet, think in terms of height, color, and texture.

Height creates drama and is very eye catching. Place a few different pots on your buffet and drape a tablecloth over and in between them. Having all the dishes on the same level of your buffet table is anything but appetizing. Our eyes naturally go to color. Infuse a rainbow of colors for a more exciting look. Try to avoid placing two dishes of the same color next to each other. Lastly, textures are a whimsical way to add pizzazz to your buffet. Contrast is

a sure way to keep guests coming back for seconds.

No matter what dish one is preparing, you must think of yourself as an artist. The plate is a blank canvass. Main and supporting foods create a beautiful masterpiece that is not only pleasing to the eye but also awakens the taste buds to a symphony of flavors. Remember, the food on the plate establishes a dialogue, and you want your company to listen.

Not everyone is comfortable with making desserts. It is perfectly acceptable to purchase store bought desserts. Semi homemade and semi store bought is a wonderful combination.

If children are present at your celebration, consider candy cane ice cream sandwiches. Store bought cookies, ice cream, and crushed candy canes are the only in-

gredients you need for a fun, final course that is sure to be a hit with the kids.

The cookies need to be sturdy in order to support the dessert. The flavor is up to the individual cook.

The ice cream must have a hard freeze or it will start melting before you serve it to your little ones. Simply remove it from the carton, slice it, and use a cookie cutter to obtain an even shape. If the group is extra hungry, forgo the cookie cutter and use an ice cream scoop. Choose a flavor that pairs well with the cookies and candy canes. When undecided, vanilla is a good option.

Place crushed candy canes on a plate and roll the sides of the ice cream sandwich in it. You may have to roll it a few times to get an even coating.

Doggie bags aren’t just for restaurants.

I always send my guests home with a little bag that has a few treats and a recipe from one of the dishes that were served. It’s the little touches that mean so much.

In closing, be true to yourself when entertaining. It’s the love and special times that determine a memorable occasion. Enjoy.

Secret Ingredient – Individuality

“If a man is not faithful to his individuality, he cannot be loyal to anything.”

— Claude McKay

Ocean Pines joins OC-led wind farm lawsuit

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) The Ocean Pines Association has joined the legal fight against wind turbines off Ocean City.

At the community’s monthly board meeting Nov. 23, the OPA Board of Directors agreed the community will join the fight against US Wind’s plan to construct 114 wind turbines 10.7 miles off the coast of Ocean City and Fenwick Island, Del. OPA will officially enter as a co-plaintiff into litigation against the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, alongside the Town of Ocean City, the Worcester County Commissioners, the Town Council of Fenwick Island, the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, the White Marlin Open, the Ocean City Marlin Club, the Harrison Group, Castle in the Sand, Coastal Association of Realtors and more.

The Town of Ocean City retained the Washington D.C.-based Marzulla Law, LLC, to file the suit against BOEM in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in October after the U.S. Department of the Interior announced approval of the wind initiative on Sept. 5. Ocean City is arguing the federal government failed to secure regulatory requirements in its favorable recommendation of the project.

The wind turbines proposed for the Delmarva Peninsula, which would extend

roughly 900 feet above the ocean’s surface, are part of a federal and state effort to reduce harmful energy emissions and instead turn to wind sources. Proponents say the initiative could generate up to 2,200 megawatts of renewable energy and power up to 777,000 homes. Worcester County officials and residents worry that if erected, the structures will adversely affect the local fishing industry, the environment, tourism, and the beach’s viewsheds.

At the community’s Saturday, Nov. 23 meeting, the OPA Board of Directors voted to enter as a co-plaintiff in the litigation against the federal government for its approval and permitting of the wind turbine project. Board Vice President Rick Farr said the reason for joining the lawsuit is primarily to protect the “unindustrialized” views of the Atlantic Ocean from the community’s Beach Club, an Ocean City-located property owned by OPA for its residents, among other economic and environmental concerns listed in the suit. These worries include alleged neglect by the U.S. Department of the Interior, BOEM, and the National Marine Fisheries Service to meet requirements set forth by the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

According to the suit, a federal goal to have 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030 caused BOEM to act hastily in approving the wind project and fail to weigh the potential negative impacts. One such effect includes possible disruption to the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

“The government approval of this project violates some of our nation’s most vulnerable and effective environmental protection laws,” Farr said. “... As the lawsuit alleges, the federal government ignored the substantial adverse effects this project will have on the 10 miles of beautiful beaches along Ocean

CROSSWORD

City, including locations of OPA’s Beach Club. Our tourism, industry, and economy are based directly on commercial and recreational fishing, bird and whale watching, and open and unindustrialized views of the Atlantic Ocean.” BOEM assessed the effects of the US Wind proposal in its Environmental Impact Statement as part of the agency’s approval process. While the document acknowledges that the project would result in “major impacts” on the viewshed, it amended that the structures could encourage sightseeing.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, your energy is impressive and contagious this week. You can put it to use tackling tasks that you have been putting off. A surprise message could brighten your weekend.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, review your budget and consider a new investment opportunity. This week brings a chance to reconnect with someone special. Don’t avoid vulnerability, as it could enhance things.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

You might find yourself in discussions that lead to exciting new projects, Gemini. Be open to collaboration and work on improving your communication skills. Time for fun comes later.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

This week is all about self-care, Cancer. Take some time to focus on your emotional well-being and nurture it as much as you can. A midweek work opportunity could arise.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, dive into artistic pursuits or share ideas with others this week, as your creativity will be shining brightly. A social engagement may bring new connections that lead to exciting prospects.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Get down to business and organize your workspace or tackle a project that has been pushed aside, Virgo. If you feel overwhelmed, be sure to ask for some help from those you trust.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, it’s all about balance this week, something you know a lot about as the scales sign. Make time for both work and play so you can make the most of every opportunity.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Intensity and passion might define your week, Scorpio. Delve into a project that excites you. By the middle of the week, news reaches your ears and it could be very exciting.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

This is the week for exploring new ideas or planning a trip, Sagittarius. It’s only a matter of time before you realize that adventure awaits. Get started on what awaits.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, try focusing on your longterm goals this week. Strategic planning will pay off in the long run. If you need help, seek a mentor who can offer advice.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

A surprise opportunity might arise for you midweek, Aquarius. Don’t hesitate to snatch it up quickly, as others also might be interested. Leave weekend plans open for now.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, if you feel your emotions are running high this week, try to channel your feelings into a creative project that will use them in a smart way. A friend may call asking for advice.

OPA will not have to pay legal fees

Continued from Page 48

The report also states that the initiative may negatively impact water quality, wetlands, coastal habitats, and marine mammals. Additionally, the turbines could affect commercial and recreational fishing via port and fishing access.

Proponents argue the benefits of the wind devices override the potential negative impact.

If successful, the project will include four offshore substation platforms, four offshore export cable corridors, one meteorological tower, and the turbines themselves. The initiative is expected to create over two gigawatts of renewable energy for the Delmarva Peninsula and support approximately 2,700 jobs over the next seven years.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan was present at OPA’s meeting on Saturday, where he added that the Maryland Board of Public Works’ Wednesday, Nov. 20 approval of a tidal wetlands permit requested by US Wind to reconstruct a 353-foot concrete pier and 383 feet of steel bulkhead for the company’s proposed Operation and Maintenance Facility in the West Ocean City Harbor, will eliminate the local fishing industry.

The proposed development site is the location of Martin Fish Company and Southern Connections. As granted by the permit, the properties will be reworked to include an onshore office, a

marine coordination center, warehouse space, and quayside and berthing areas for US Wind’s crew transfer vessels.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) argued the redevelopment would displace the “only facility for commercial vessel operators to offload the seafood catch.” As such, the redeveloped pier would yield a negative environmental impact, she said, as well as disturb the fishing industry.

“Those changes, if they’re approved and that happens and they build that pier, and they remove those buildings, which are the only buildings in the West Ocean City harbor where our commercial fisherman can offload their catch and process their fish, it will eliminate the commercial industry in Worcester County, and that’s a fact,” Meehan said. “They are trying to offer compensation to our fishermen in lieu of allowing them to continue with their jobs … These are Eastern Shore jobs. This is part of our heritage and way of life in Worcester County.”

“If we don’t stand up for ourselves, what I can tell you, and what I have learned, is no one else is going to, and the Eastern Shore has to have a voice,” the mayor continued. “Each and every one of us here believes we live in a special place. What is being proposed without being thoroughly vetted threatens this very special place.”

The OPA Board of Directors voted to join the litigation against the federal gov-

ernment with six votes. The seventh member of the community’s body, Steve Jacobs, abstained.

“I have been coming to Ocean City all my life,” John Latham, the board’s secretary, said. “The beach is important. I plan on spending a lot of time here. I want my kids to enjoy the beach. We have a multimillion-dollar beach club out there. That is a reason for Ocean Pines, but personally, I fish inshore and offshore. I know everybody at the docks, and I know how those people make their living. It will decimate that business. There is no chance I support anything like this.”

Director Elaine Brady echoed Latham’s sentiments, stating that there are many reasons why the wind project is not a favorable proposal for Ocean City.

“[The project] will destroy our coast, marine life, and fishing,” she said. “Environmentally, it is a horrible project. In addition to the fact that financially, it isn’t even viable … I am strongly against it.”

Director Jeff Heavner, who had a three-decade long career with ExxonMobil, argued that US Wind’s project is a hasty effort with untested consequences. He said that while he favors reducing carbon footprints, the proposed project does not consider the co-plaintiffs’ environmental and economic reservations.

OPA has agreed to enter into the lawsuit with the stipulation that the community will not incur any legal fees.

HAPPINESS

Fri., Dec. 6

SEACRETS HOLIDAY BAZAAR & BUBBLY!

Seacrets, 117 49th St., Ocean City, 6-9

p.m. More than 20 local vendors featuring unique gifts, handmade treasures and more. Admission cost is $15 and includes a champagne toast and light fare. seacrets.com

SEASONAL RECIPE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Bring samples of your favorite seasonal dish and the recipe to share it with others. Everything from breakfast to desserts are welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRST FRIDAY AND HOLIDAY ARTISAN FAIR

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City, 5-7 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see the new exhibits by a variety of local and regional artists. Free event. All are welcome. 410524-9433

THE PINE TONES CHORUS PRESENTS

‘CHRISTMAS MEMORIES’ CONCERT

Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Listen and sing along to your holiday favorites. Bring the kids, the grands … and even the great-grands. Admission is a goodwill offering to support the Pine Tones Chorus.

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

FIBER FRIENDS HAT SALE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12-4 p.m. Hats, handbands, scarves, cowls and mittens available. All are handmade items to benefit the Ocean Pines Library. 410-208-4014, 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., Dec. 7

LET&’S GET LIT

SHORE CRAFT BEER & FUN FEST - WINTERFEST WEEKEND

https://shorecraftbeer.ticketspice.com/l ets-get-lit-2024. 410-703-1970

OCEAN CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE

The parade proceeds along Coastal Highway from Old Landing Road north to 120th Street, beginning at 11 a.m. Following the parade, there will be familyfriendly fun and the awards presentation held at the Carousel.

WARM HEARTS WINTER BASH

Crawl St. Tavern, 19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 3-7 p.m. Featuring free holiday cookies and hot chocolate, tunes by DJ Magellan, Children’s Gingerbread House Contest, Children’s Art Showcase, raffles and silent auction. https://crawlstreet.com, 443-373-2756

FREE CARRIAGE RIDES

Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. www.berlinmainstreet.com

MEET SANTA

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

SIP & SHOP

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 5-7 p.m. With special guest speaker Joyce White, Hammond-Harwood House of Annapolis. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

REINDEER LANE GIFT SHOP

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8-11 a.m. Kids ages 12 years and younger can purchase gifts for family and friends. All gifts are $5 or less. Donations needed. Drop off new or slightly worn items at the community center. Free admission. 410-641-7052

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8-11 a.m. Cost is $10 for ages 11 years and older, $6 for ages 4-10 years and free to those 3 years and younger. Purchase photos for a $5 donation. Bring an unwrapped gift and/or non-perishable food item. 410-641-7052

COOKIE AND CANDY WALK

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 8 a.m. Cookies sold for $10 per pound. Candies sold for $12 per pound. Enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate while you shop. 410-641-2186, bethany21811@gmail.com

VETERAN VOICES: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN VETERANS SHARE STORIES

DICKENS WEEK

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Take a trip back in time to Victorian England. Do a Victorian themed craft and scavenger hunt, and Dickens trivia throughout the branch. Family event. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SATURDAY WRITERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their writing projects. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises. Drop ins welcome. 410-641-0650

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 North Pole Market. Tickets: https://book.singenuity.com/469/activity/details/2250/rates. 302-829-1549

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors, silent auction, lunch, white elephant and bake table.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FRIED CHICKEN BUFFET

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 36540 Mount Pleasant Road, Willards, 11 a.m. Vegetables, beverages and desserts included. Dine in costs are $17 for adults, $8.50 for children and free to those 5 years and younger. Carryout cost is $15. 410-835-8340

PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Dr Dean Kotlowski from Salisbury University presents a lecture about Pearl Harbor as the group commemorates this day in history. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIBER FRIENDS HAT SALE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12-2 p.m. Hats, headbands, scarves, cowls and mittens available. All are handmade items to benefit the Ocean Pines Library. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HOLIDAYS AT THE MUSEUM

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 12-3 p.m. Kid’s Wassail & Gingerbread. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

DOG MAN RELEASE PARTY

Cambria Hotel Ocean City - Bayfront, 13 Saint Louis Ave., 3-7 p.m. General admission is $40. VIP tickets with hotel package. Includes a free pint glass, unlimited tastings of craft beer and beverages. Tickets:

Germantown School Community Heritage Center, 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin, 10 a.m.-noon. Following a history presentation by Dr. Clara Small, local veterans will share their personal service experiences. The event is free. Reservations: 410-641-0638, germantownschool@gmail.com.

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Come celebrate the release of the latest Dog Man book. Crafts, prizes and fun galore. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CALENDAR

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. 8

MID ATLANTIC SYMPHONY - HOLIDAY JOY

OC Performing Art Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Featuring an all-star cast of soloists. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7355117 6/mid-atlantic-symphony-holiday-joyocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

FREE CARRIAGE RIDES

Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. www.berlinmainstreet.com

MEET SANTA

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

SANTA BRUNCH

Marlin Moon Restaurant, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 9-11:30 a.m. Cost is $15 for adults and free to kids 5 years and younger. Donate an unwrapped toy and receive breakfast for $10. Proceeds benefit Diakonia. Call ahead for reservations: 410-289-4444.

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 North Pole Market. Tickets: https://book.singenuity.com/469/activity/details/2250/rates. 302-829-1549

CHURCH SERVICE

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

SIP & SHOP

Papi’s Tacos Ocean City, 1500 Philadelphia Ave., 12-5 p.m. Local vendors, The Jamn’ Brothers (1-5 p.m.) and drink and food specials. A percentage of sales benefits the Worcester Humane Society. https://papistacojoint.com/oceancity

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. 9

DICKENS WEEK

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Take a trip back in time to Victorian England. Do a Victorian themed craft and scavenger hunt, ad Dickens trivia throughout the branch. Family event. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

‘JINGLE ALL THE WAY’ GAME WEEK

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Join in anytime from Dec. 9-14 to play the Jingle All the Way scavenger hunt and games. Complete the scavenger hunt to enter for a change to win a prize. For ages 6-18 years. 410-957-0878

STORY TIME: WADDLING PENGUINS

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

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m.

Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TRUE CRIME BOOK CLUB: ‘A HUNGER TO KILL’ BY KIM MAGER WITH LISA PULITZER

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. An afternoon of true crime. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TEAS THE SEASON

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Join herbalist, Michaela Eggers for a cozy afternoon exploring seasonal tea flavors. Create your own mulling spice packets to take home. Registration necessary: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

MOVIE MATINEE

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

Come see a movie you might have missed in the theaters. Light refreshments provided. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY RESEARCH

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3-6 p.m. Come tour the local history collection. If you need help finding your roots, contact the local history librarian at history@worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-3495

COOKIE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4:30 p.m. Bring at least a dozen cookies to share and you will leave with many more and recipes from others. Non-bakers are invited to attend and sample. Email

recipes to: oceancity@worcesterlibrary.org.

COMIC BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn about comics and create your own. No experience required. 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, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157

VICTORIAN INSPIRED EARRINGS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Design and make earrings using semiprecious stones and crystals. Copy presenter designs or add your own style. Registration required: 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

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, 302-242-7062.

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. 10

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR PERFORMING CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

OC Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 7 p.m. Austrian folk songs, classical and holiday music. Cost is $40-$70. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/464261 20/vienna-boys-choir-performingchristmas-in-vienna-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center. 410-641-7052

‘JINGLE ALL THE WAY’ GAME WEEK

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Join in anytime from Dec. 9-14 to play the Jingle All the Way scavenger hunt and games. Complete the scavenger hunt to enter for a change to win a prize. For ages 6-18 years. 410-957-0878

DICKENS WEEK

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Take a trip back in time to Victorian England. Do a Victorian themed craft and scavenger hunt, ad Dickens trivia throughout the branch. Family event. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and finger plays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME @ THE DELMARVA DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Stories, crafts and songs that feature one of the Delmarva Discovery Museum’s special animals. For ages 0-5 years. 410-9570878, 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

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology at the Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. For those living with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their caregivers. Group provides education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. 410-641-4765

SONG CELEBRATION

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. Bring a song to share with other players and writers in a welcoming and encouraging space. Originals encouraged. Listeners welcome. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK CLUB

Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 6 p.m. December book, The cover made me read it. Pick any box with a wild or interesting cover, then meet for a great discussion. Must be at least 21 years of age. 410-632-3495, 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. 410-289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

CALENDAR

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. 11

CHILDREN’S TOURS

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin. Tours start at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

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

‘JINGLE ALL THE WAY’ GAME WEEK

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Join in anytime from Dec. 9-14 to play the Jingle All the Way scavenger hunt and games. Complete the scavenger hunt to enter for a change to win a prize. For ages 6-18 years. 410-957-0878

DICKENS WEEK

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Take a trip back in time to Victorian England. Do a Victorian themed craft and scavenger hunt, and Dickens trivia throughout the branch. Family event. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, a story and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MERRY MAKERS: ABSTRACT PAINTED BALL ORNAMENT

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Paint abstract patterns on tree ornaments using acrylic paint. All materials provided. Registration required: 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

GENEALOGY 101

Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. This presentation goes over some steps of how to start compiling your family history and finding good sources. Individual help available only through appointments. 410-632-3495

SCREEN PAINTING

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2-4 p.m. Join Baltimore screen artist John Iampieri and learn an art form unique to our state. Registration required: 410-6410650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology at the Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. For stroke survivors, family and friends. 410-6414765, bglime@atlanticgeneral.org

MANGA AND MORE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Come check out an episode of this week’s show, create a comic in that style and Mae a keepsake. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TABLETOP ROLE PLAYING CHARACTER NIGHT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Come paint your character you’ve been playing. Now make it your own. For adults and teens. Registration required: 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Church of the Holy Spirit Episcopal, 10001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9:30 p.m. The celebration includes refreshments, a mariachi concert and folkloric dances. Concluding with the Holy Eucharist and the traditional mañanitas to the Virgin. 410-723-1973

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. 12

‘JINGLE ALL THE WAY’ GAME WEEK

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Join in anytime from Dec. 9-14 to play the Jingle All the Way scavenger hunt and games. Complete the scavenger hunt to enter for a change to win a prize. For ages 6-18 years. 410-957-0878

DICKENS WEEK

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Take a trip back in time to Victorian England. Do a Victorian themed craft and scavenger hunt, and Dickens trivia throughout the branch. Family event. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: HANUKKAH

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 0-5

years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. A variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 0-5 years. 410-632-3495

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON & ANNUAL MEETING

Saltwater 75, 115 75th St., Ocean City, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Members & future members are cordially invited. Tickets are $45 and include your meal, a non-alcoholic beverage and all gratuity. Plus, a special gift. Please RSVP by Dec. 5th: 410-524-9433.

LET’S MAKE … DOOR DECORATIONS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Make handmade decorations from dollar store finds. All material provided. Register: 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

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.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL ESCAPE ROOM

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Escape Scrooge’s home with the help of the three ghosts before your time runs out. For ages 6-18 years. Registration required: 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONGOING EVENTS

LIVING NATIVITY

Bluebird Farms, 11207 Racetrack Road, Berlin, Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas, noon to 6 p.m. Complimentary hot chocolate, music, petting and photo op with mini cow, donkey, goat and sheep. Donations benefiting Coastal Hospice, Diakonia, Local Troop #621 B.S.A. and Saltwater Mini Farm.

BUS TRIP TO NEW YORK

Spend the day exploring New York City on your own. Depart Ocean Pines Community Center at 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 7. Time in New York approximately 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $85 for transportation only. Reservations: 410-6417052.

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

CHRISTMAS TREE GIFT CARD RAFFLE

The Church of the Holy Spirit in Ocean City is raffling off three small artificial Christmas trees. Each tree is filled with

gift cards including those worth $500, $300 and $200. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. Drawing held Dec. 8 after the 10 a.m. service. For tickets: Marena, 443-944-3276.

LIGHT UP THE PINES

Register between Nov. 18 and Dec. 13 to be entered into the drawing to win one of three $50 bill credits from Choptank Electric Cooperative. First 25 homes will receive Choptank Electric goodies. Residents may sign up after Dec. 13 and throughout the holiday season to have their homes added to the online map. Submit name, address and phone number via email to info@oceanpines.org or call 410-641-7717, Ext. 3014. Visit oceanpines.org for a map of participating homes.

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.

OCEAN PINES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RAFFLE

Win a 2024 F-150 4X4 Supercrew 5.0L V8. Tickets cost $100. All registration, sale, etc. expenses covered by O.P.V.F.D. Drawing will take place on Dec. 21. For more information: www.opvfd.com/f-150.

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

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 48

54 OC Today-Dispatch

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

Call Pam

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.

WEEKLY RENTALS

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

YR RENTAL

Horn Island 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.

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.

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

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!

Run your

MISC. FOR SALE

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

VEHICLES WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-4076870 FOR SALE Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

REAL ESTATE

We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929 SERVICES DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

Mayor & City Council

Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

B01-25 – Northside Park Fence Replacement

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

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

A pre-proposal meeting will be conducted on OCTOBER 29TH, 2024 AT 10:00AM AT NORTHSIDE PARK RECREATION CENTER, 200 125TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MD, 21842 IN THE WEST GYM CONFERENCE ROOM. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2024, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH, 2024.

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

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

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

OCD-10/10/9t

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

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.

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.

Lauren Draheim

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 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 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 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

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

OCD-11/21/3t

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

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 _________________________________

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.

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.

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 OCD-11/21/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

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.

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 #2409400025)

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

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-11/28/3t

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.)

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

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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 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 18th 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.

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

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 OCD-11/28/2t

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

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-11/28/3t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B/W 7 Day license and a Request to designate as Multiple License #1 for a Class "B" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Patrick J Brady, 10702 Flower Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Liberty Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Shrimp Boat 9740 Stephen Decatur Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: The Shrimp Boat, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 18, 2024 @ 1:10 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-12/5/2t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Promoter’s License.

For: Spectrum Concessions, LLC

T/A: Spectrum Concessions

Pier Pressure Music Festival –May 17, 2025 and May 18, 2025 Hours of Alcoholic Beverage Sales –Begins 12 Noon and ends 10:30 p.m. each day

Ocean City Inlet to North Division Street, including the inlet parking lot, the beach, the boardwalk, Ocean City pier, and portions of business adjacent to the boardwalk/Ocean City

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 18, 2024 @ 1:20 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. OCD-12/5/2t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

P04-25 – Canoe, Kayak, and StandUp Paddleboard Concessions

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

RFP Documents for the Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their RFP’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting will be conducted on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH, 2024 AT 2:00PM AT NORTHSIDE PARK, WEST CONFERENCE ROOM, 200 125TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND, 21842. The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2024, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH, 2024

Sealed RFP Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, JANUARY 7TH, 2025, BY 3:00 PM. RFP submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 2025, AT 10:00AM. RFP’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Canoe,

Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late RFP Documents will not be accepted.

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

OCD-12/5/5t

THOMAS K. COATES ESQ

COATES,COATES & COATES, P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DEBORAH LEE THOMPSON BISHOP Estate No. 20434 Notice is given that KENNETH G GLASS whose address is PO BOX 211 BISHOPVILLE, MD 218130211 was on NOVEMBER 27, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEBORAH LEE THOMPSON BISHOP who died on AUGUST 08, 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 thepersonal 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 27th 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

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KIRK G. SIMPKINS ESQ

SIMPKINS & SIMPKINS, P.A.

P.O. BOX 550

PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ALLEN WAYNE CATHELL Estate No. 20439 Notice is given that LOUISE A LEWIS whose address is 11622 CHURCH ST SHOWELL,

MD 21862-1105 was on NOVEMBER 27, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ALLEN WAYNE CATHELL who died on NOVEMBER 12, 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 27th 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

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NOTICE

OF THE ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended AUGUST 31st, 2024, the L. FRANKLIN and GERTRUDE H. PURNELL FOUNDATION, INC., is available for inspection at the office of the foundation, 237 Powell Circle, Berlin, MD 21811, during regular business hours for a period of 180 days from the publication of this notice.

PERSONS INTERESTED IN THIS REPORT SHOULD CONTACT:

JASON D. PARKER SECRETARY AT 227 POWELL CIRCLE, BERLIN, MD 21811 TELEPHONE 443-614-6928 OCD-12/5/1t

THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC ARLETTE K. BRIGHT ESQ. 1002 EASTERN S HORE DRIVE, #B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20437

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Chancery Court of Sussex County, Delaware appointed Wayne Bradley Quillen, 193 Courtney Rd., Lancaster, VA 22503-3916 as the Executor of the Estate of Thomas Wayne

Quillen who died on February 26, 2024 domiciled in Delaware, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Arlette Kelly Bright whose address is 1002 Eastern Shore Dr., Ste. B, Salisbury, MD 21804-6482.

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 other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Wayne Bradley Quillen 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: December 05, 2024

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20432 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HENRY A. FABISZAK JR. AKA: HENRY FABISZAK Notice is given that Deborah Bressi, 64 Anchor Way Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-9615, was on November 25, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Henry A. Fabiszak Jr. who died on October 30, 2024, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal

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

Deborah Bressi 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:

December 05, 2024

OCD-12/5/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of S SUSAN K. BURDETTE Estate No. 2 20431 Notice is given that SARAH C. STAUDER whose address is 13009 CHESTNUT OAK DR., GAITHERSBURG, MD 208783556 was on N NOVEMBER 25, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of S SUSAN K. BURDETTE who died on O OCTOBER 3, 2024 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Taylor and Alyson

Committee chairs named

The Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR) has introduced its 2025 committee chairs who will be leading initiatives to support, advocate, and empower members throughout the coming year.

CAR’s newly elected President Lauren Bunting selected a group of highly respected and dedicated professionals to guide our committees. These individuals play a vital role in fostering educational opportunities, championing advocacy efforts, and elevating professional standards for our members and the communities we serve.

The chairs will be Advocacy, Cameron Drew; RPAC, Robert Payne; Finance & Budget, Veronica Bishop; Education, Lindsay Patten; Awards & Nominating, Brigit Taylor; REALTOR® Fair, Alyson Kendall and Kim Heaney; Networking, Kate Deckenback and Pilar Burton; and CAR Foundation & Major Fundraising, Pam Price and Grace Masten

“To quote Sir Winston Churchill, ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.’ We are really fortunate at CAR to have a highly talented and dedicated group of REALTORS® who are willing to give of their time and create a culture that embod-

ies teamwork, partnership and success for the association.” said Bunting.

Nurse practitioner added

Mary Mason, DNP, CRNP, FNPBC, recently joined Atlantic General Health System to help expand access to primary care services in Worcester County.

Mason earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Memphis and spent the next 10 years gaining experience as a registered nurse and a preceptor to nursing stu-

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, from left, are Sydney Price, Robert Payne, Kate Deckenback, Veronica Bishop, Chris Jett, Lindsay Patten, Pilar Burton, Cameron Drew, Brigit

Kendall.

dents in various care settings.

Her passion for providing quality care led her to continue her education, and in 2024, she earned a Doctorate in Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Mason is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and she is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

She is currently accepting new patients at Atlantic General Internal Medicine, in Berlin. To schedule an appointment, call 410-629-0041.

Rising Star Awarded

The Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR) has announced AnneMarie Bouse of RE/MAX Advantage Realty in Ocean City has been awarded the 2024 Rising Star Award. This prestigious recognition is dedicated to honoring REALTORS®with four or fewer years of experience who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, professional achievements, and community involvement.

The award is given to a member who exemplifies outstanding engagement across various areas, including

local and state association activities, civic contributions, continuing education, and ethical business practices. This award recognizes not only the professional excellence of these emerging leaders but also their commitment to giving back to their communities.

Bouse, now in her fourth year as a REALTOR®, has achieved remarkable success, completing an impressive 80 transactions in her short career. Her dedication to ongoing professional development, involvement in association initiatives, and commitment to serving her community truly set her apart as an exceptional leader in the industry.

“Our association is driven by highly talented and dedicated members such as Anne-Marie Bouse that embody what it means to be a professional. The Rising Star award is a big

accomplishment and very well deserved. CAR provides a high level of support geared towards helping those members new to the industry succeed.” said Lauren Bunting, President of Coastal Association of REALTORS®.

Achievement recognized

The Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR) is proud to announce Cameron Drew as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to both the real estate industry and the community.

The Outstanding Achievement Award honors members who excel across five key categories: Local As-

Continued on Page 66

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

Mary Mason

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Anne-Marie Bouse was presented the Rising Star Award by CAR President Lauren Bunting.

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Cameron Drew was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award by Austin Whitehead.

sociation Activity, State and National Association Involvement, Civic Engagement, Education/Designations, and Best Business Practices. This comprehensive recognition highlights the impact of individuals who actively contribute to the success of our association, industry, and community.

Cameron Drew has demonstrated unwavering dedication through five years of service on the CAR Board of Directors, contributing to various committees including Finance, Networking, Consolidation/Merge, and Government Affairs/Advocacy. A Graduate of the Maryland REALTORS® Leadership Academy and the Workman Success Buyer Agency Mastery Program, Cameron has also been a strong advocate at the state and national levels, attending NAR legislative meetings and Lobby Day events.

Beyond professional accomplishments, Cameron is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers with the City of Salisbury’s Housing Action Committee, assists with winter programs at Hands & Hearts Ending Homeless, and mentors with Big Brothers & Sisters of the Eastern Shore.

“Our association is driven by highly talented and dedicated members such as Cameron Drew that volunteer their time and energy. This award is very well deserved and we are grateful for Cameron’s commitment to excellence in all that she does. Her service at the local and state level on advocacy issues enhances our association knowledge and serves to make all of our members more well-informed on topics important to the real estate industry.” said Lauren Bunting, President of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®.

What’s behind Maryland’s ‘Just Communities’ division?

relating to Just Communities.

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in Maryland oversees a new division called Just Communities. The Division of Just Communities is responsible for developing, implementing, and accelerating strategies to lift up communities that have experienced historical and ongoing socio-economic marginalization.

The Just Communities Act was signed into place this past July and is for the purpose of authorizing the Governor, on the recommendation of the Secretary of DHCD, to designate certain areas as Just Communities based on certain criteria; providing for the prioritization of State funding for Just Communities; and generally

According to Jake Day, Secretary of DHCD, when his department created this new division in 2023, it was to ensure that the state makes “positive, equity-driven policy decisions that specifically counteract decades of harm and disinvestment in primarily minoritized communities”. DHCD just announced the publication of a baseline report as their first formal publication from this division.

The baseline report does the following: Defines the new division’s scope to both internal and external stakeholders;

Demonstrates the division’s strong understanding of Maryland housing policy’s historic wrongs; Celebrates ongoing initiatives that can advance racial equity; and Introduces the Department’s Just Communities measurement strategy.

To subscribe for updates about the Division of Just Communities, you can visit dhcd.maryland.gov/subscribe.

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

County withholds grant support over wind

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) The Worcester County Commissioners this week refused to back a local environmental nonprofit’s bid to secure a rare multimillion-dollar grant unless the group drops its neutral stance and joins the commissioners in opposing planned offshore wind projects.

“You’re either with us or against us,” Commission President Ted Elder (District 4, Western) told Kevin Smith, executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program “I don’t think there’s any middle ground.”

Smith came to county leaders Tuesday seeking a letter of support that would be included in a $15 million grant request to the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The grant only comes around every five years, and the deadline to file this cycle’s application was midnight Tuesday.

But first, the commissioners wanted to hear if the program and apparently its staff would state their opposition to US Wind’s offshore wind farm project, which eventually would come as close as 10.7 miles off the Ocean City beach.

Opponents, including the opposition’s leader, the Town of Ocean City, say wind turbines anywhere within

the sightline of Ocean City will hurt the resort economy and the coastal fisheries industry and damage the ocean environment. As he did last month, Smith, however, held fast that the West Ocean City-based organization would not take sides on the matter.

“We have many partners we work with through getting things done and we do that through consensus,” Smith told the board Tuesday. “Our partners are not in lockstep on this issue. For us to take a side, for or against, would not represent our organization very well, or our partners. Therefore, we’ve taken a neutral stance.”

Smith also said the bays program is not authorized by its funding to work out in the oceans.

“We are not oceanographers. We are not energy engineers. We know the coastal bays. We want to stay focused in our study area because that’s what we know,” he added.

The program was initiated in 1999 as part of the EPA’s National Estuary Program under the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act. It’s role, as defined by the enabling law, is to collaborate with federal, state and local authorities, and the public to restore and preserve the waters of Maryland’s coastal bays.

Even so, a good portion of its fi-

nancial future is tied to the ongoing wind farm project, which has strong opposition along this coast but solid support elsewhere in the state and, for now, at the federal level.

The Town of Ocean City is suing in federal court to stop the project (see story in this publication), and the county commissioners have voiced their support of that effort.

Tensions started rising at the commissioners’ meeting on Nov. 19, when Smith appeared before them initially to ask for a letter of support for the program’s grant application. But the conversation turned sour when commissioners asked Smith: where are you on wind power? When he shared his program’s neutrality, the commissioners’ response was icy.

Then, when it was then mentioned that the bays program had accepted donations totaling $125,000 from US

Wind toward conservation efforts, the response from the dais got even uglier. Smith tried to explain that the no-strings-attached grant from US Wind had been helpful for conservation of threatened bird habitats.

“It sounds to me that was a payoff,” responded Commissioner Edler, “to keep you quiet.”

County officials then decided to table the issue until Smith could get feedback from his board members on their views. The program then responded in writing with a Nov. 25 letter, detailing its position.

On Tuesday, the commissioners voted unanimously not to give the program their letter of support. Commissioner Chip Bertino made the motion.

“Our community is under threat by a project that is going to decimate

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Commissioner Chip Bertino holds up a screenshot print out of a US Wind Facebook post highlighting a coastal bays program staffer.

MCBP neutral position upsets

Continued from Page 67

our fishing industry, our harbor, our tourism,” said Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines). “What we’ve gotten is a position of neutrality. I think that translates into indifference into what our community needs.”

Adding to the tension Tuesday, Bertino cited a 2023 Facebook post from US Wind where a Coastal Bays Program employee, bird conservationist Kim Abplanalp, was quoted as being supportive of wind power in general.

“The neutrality argument is undercut by your employees being used by offshore wind. So, there is no neutrality,” Bertino said.

The Facebook post, however, appears to have been removed since the meeting. Several other citizen testimonial posts from the US Wind Facebook page, posted between November 2023 and January 2024, remain.

Commissioner Vice President Eric Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent) told Smith that he felt heartbroken not to give the letter of support, but the nonprofit’s position of neutrality doesn’t jibe with strong local opposition. “Everyone sitting around you who wants to support you is against (wind power),” he said.

Smith tried to defend his position to Fiori. He noted how the program’s

10-year comprehensive conservation and management plan – he held up a printed copy – says looking at alternative energy sources such as wind is something that should be pursued.

Fiori wasn’t buying it. “That is not support,” he replied, “that’s a generalization that we’re looking at renewable energy. These wind turbines are not renewable energy. They’re destroying our oceans. Neutrality on this situation is not an option for me, I’m sorry.”

Afterward, Smith expressed his disappointment, and said losing the commissioners’ support hurts his chances for a successful grant application.

“We wanted to put in the strongest proposal we could,” he said. “The Coastal Bays Program and Worcester County, we’ve had a very strong and good relationship for 28 years and we’ve done a lot of good work together. And hopefully can continue to do a lot of good work together. That would be my hope.”

The rejection of support signals uncertainty about the future of program with local elected officials. After the motion to deny, Bertino asked county staff to research what financial support, if any, the county gives to the coastal bays program, and to compile a list of any projects the county is working with them on, no matter what department.

School officials excited by annual report card results

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) Worcester County Public Schools continue to yield academic success, per a report released by the Maryland State Department of Education this week.

MSDE unveiled its annual Maryland Report Card update on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The report card is a rating tool introduced by the state in 2018 to keep the school community, consisting of students, parents, teachers, and staff, up to date on a facility’s performance. The scores are highlighted by how many stars one through five an individual institution receives. The number of stars a school secures is determined by the total points of possible points earned, which relies on multiple components like graduation rate, curriculum, test scores, student and educator surveys, and attendance. A school must have at least 45 possible points to be eligible for a ranking. The highest number of potential points an educational center can have is 100.

According to a press release issued by WCPS Coordinator of Public Relations and Special Programs Carrie Sterrs, 11 schools in Worcester County were given a star rating, and nearly 91% of these facilities received four or five stars. The school system’s press release maintained Worcester “has highest concentration of fourand five-star schools in latest school report card data release.”

The WCPS release specified that elementary and middle schools are rated by academic achievement, including factors like the percent of students proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, academic progress, progress in achieving English language proficiency, and measures of school quality and student success, such as the percent of students not chronically absent and access to a well-rounded curriculum. Maryland high schools are rated based on academic achievement, graduation rate, readiness for postsecondary success, progress in English language proficiency, school quality, and student success.

“All schools’ calculations incorporate school composite scores on a statewide School Survey, which is

Only one county school saw drop

Continued from Page 68

based on input related to safety, community, environment, and relationships,” the press release added.

Berlin Intermediate School received four stars for the 2023 to 2024 academic year, maintaining the same score from 2022 to 2023. Buckingham Elementary School also remained at four stars, as did Showell Elementary School, Snow Hill High School, Stephen Decatur Middle School, and Pocomoke High School.

Ocean City Elementary School increased its rating from four stars in 2022 to 2023 to five stars for the 2023 to 2024 calendar. Stephen Decatur High School saw a positive trend, as the facility’s score rose from three to four stars in the most recent report. Pocomoke Elementary also jumped from three to four stars, as did Snow Hill Middle.

The WCPS press release indicated that Pocomoke and Ocean City Elementary Schools improved their scores due to “significant progress in reducing their chronic absenteeism.”

Pocomoke Middle was the only school to see a decrease. From 2022 to 2023, the institution received four stars, but from 2023 to 2024, it only collected three. Snow Hill Elementary School, Worcester Technical High School, and Cedar Chapel Special School did not qualify to receive a star rating as they did not have the minimum of 45 or more possible points.

Still, the MSDE report revealed that WCPS has the highest concentration of four — and five-star facilities of all school systems in Maryland.

“I continue to be in awe of our schools’ positive trajectory in Maryland’s accountability system,” Superintendent of Schools Louis H. Taylor said in the WCPS statement. “Worcester continues to outperform our counterparts across the State, and today’s release is just another example of how we are delivering dividends on the investment our community has made in our educational system.”

Taylor also noted that despite the percentage of economically disadvantaged students enrolled in the area’s educational system, the kids continue to thrive. In Worcester County, 49% of children are eligible for free and reduced meals, meaning they live in homes at or below the state’s poverty rate.

“Research shows the number one indicator of a school’s performance is its level of poverty, but here in Worcester County, our schools continue to help students rise above their circumstances to reach success,” Taylor said.

The report revealed that 41% of facilities earned four or five stars across all school levels statewide, while 83% collected three or more.

Residents blast county for proposed water rate hikes

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) A proposed water rate hike to address a nearly $2 million budget shortfall sparked alarm and frustration among Worcester County residents, many of whom questioned the fairness of proposed increases and lack of prior notice.

“What happened?” asked Ron Sloan, speaking on behalf of the Glen Riddle community and one of 15 residents who spoke at the public hearing Tuesday before the county’s Board of Commissioners. “Was there an increase in expenses somewhere? How did it happen to make this change all of a sudden?”

Sasha@AtlanticAssemblers.com 302-569-9732

Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) told Sloan it was the result of inconsistent and poor financial oversight, which officials only had become aware of over the last few months – that a system cobbled together over decades was now showing its age.

“If we were engineering water and sewer in this county, it wouldn’t look the way it does now,” said Bertino. “We’re trying to undo what we have. We’re handling the cards we’ve been dealt.”

The $2 million shortfall stems from the fact that operating and maintenance expenses are higher than the revenues being generated from user fees in the service areas – rates do not reflect the actual costs to run the plants, according to county spokeswoman Kim Moses.

The deficit falls across seven separate water and sewer enterprise funds, which are funded solely by ratepayers, not the county’s general fund. Officials said they’re besieged by a hodgepodge of costly problems from several wastewater treatment facilities, including supply chain issues, increased parts costs, and difficulty obtaining parts that are no longer being manufactured. The most problematic plant is Riddle Farm.

Historically, the developer of the community builds the plant, and then turns the facility over to Worcester County. While some perform very well, officials noted, others do not.

“Newark is 50 years old. Ocean Pines, it’s a Class A plant. The Landings has no place to pump its effluent,” said Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City). “Each plant is unique. The cost to run each is unique as well.”

Service areas going into the red include Assateague Point, Edgewater Acres, The Landings, Lighthouse Sound, Mystic Harbour, Newark, and Riddle Farm. The Mystic Harbor service area has the greatest operating deficit, at $1.2 million. In some areas, the proposed rate hikes would nearly double residents’ quarterly water bills.

The rate increase proposal did not represent a definite course of action, and instead was meant to provide a detailed framework for discussion, according to County Administrator Weston Young. In fact, the idea was not to exceed a 20 percent increase, if an increase was the

path officials chose to take.

“We were asked to consider the break-even point, what it would actually cost,” Young told hearing attendees. “That doesn’t mean that’s what we’re proposing. We just wanted to give some benchmarks in terms of the rates.”

That didn’t sit well with Susan Age, of Newark, the first to speak at the hearing. She noted how people in other neighborhoods pay a lot less for water service than she does – the result of splitting costs among a smaller pool of users, officials were quick to point out.

“We couldn’t afford a 20 percent increase,” she said. “For 7,300 gallons of water, just the two of us, I paid $367 dollars. Some people pay $1.60 for 1,000 gallons of water.”

Kevin Kinsey of The Landings neighborhood said there should be a comprehensive audit of the situation, which is leaving him with more questions than answers.

“How would you feel paying 10 times than your neighbor down the road for water and sewer, a basic right?” he said.

“If you can justify to me that I need to pay $600 a quarter for my water, and it makes sense, I’ll do it. But there are people in that community who cannot. They’re already talking about selling when they just moved in. This is a starter community for a lot of people. We don’t want to discourage that,” Kinsey added.

Several speakers noted how they did not get any notice whatsoever that their rates might be going up, an error the commissioners acknowledged and pledged not to repeat.

Commissioners agreed that the current structure of individual service areas is thorny and discussed the possibility that the county could be united one day under a single water and sewer system. The board committed to further discussions during budget time and agreed not to pass any burden onto rate payers.

One solution to the almost $2 million shortfall is simply transferring money from the general fund. The commissioners last month already did approve using a revenue overage from the fiscal 2024 budget to cover the deficit.

Ahead of the hearing, Commissioners Eric Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent) and Bertino each announced to the crowd passionately that neither would support a rate increase, drawing generous applause.

Bertino said in an interview that he was glad for the opportunity to hear from the public.

“Rate payers in the service are justified in their anger and concern in wondering what the hell’s going on. It was a tremendous disappointment to find out what the hell was going on, and we’re addressing it. We have work to do. We can’t undo what’s been done, but we need to roll up our sleeves. There’s a lot to be addressed moving forward,” he said.

Opinions

For the record, we don’t want to see wind turbines 10.7 miles off the beach. We don’t want to see them any closer than the very outer edge of the first phase of US Wind’s wind energy project.

But a sight we like even less is the Worcester County Commissioners trying to force people to agree with them and then retaliating in the harshest possible way if they don’t.

That’s what the commissioners did this week to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, which rejected the commissioners’ demand that it drop its neutral stance on wind energy and come out publicly in opposition to a wind farm off this coast.

The commissioners were so outraged by this dismissal of their authority that they refused to support the program’s application for a Department of Natural Resources grant worth $15 million.

Considering the program’s main source of income is the National Estuary Program, which stands a good chance of being stripped of its federal funding in the next administration, that DNR money might have been the thing to keep the Coastal Bays Program in existence in the years ahead.

Destructo-Dog awaits Commissioners act like bullies

But no, the gall of Executive Director Kevin Smith to disagree with the commissioners, well, that merits strong punishment — as if a coerced statement of support for the county’s and Town of Ocean City’s position on the US Wind project is worth anything.

It certainly isn’t going to tip the scales in local governments’ favor or cause a federal judge to opine that Ocean City may be right after all.

No, the commissioners’ behavior looks more like they couldn’t care less about what the Coastal Bays Program does or doesn’t do, but do care enough about being in charge that they aren’t above bullying to get their way.

Again, for the record, we don’t agree with the Coastal Bays Program’s position, but we strongly defend its right to have it, no matter what the commissioners say.

PUBLIC EYE

I sit here at my desk this morning with my loyal companion by my side ... licking the coffee stains off the filing cabinet.

Before that, he vacuumed the carpet for crumbs, pulled tissues out of the trash and ate one leaf from the philodendron, which I understand is poisonous to dogs.

By Stewart Dobson

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We’ll see what happens.

It isn’t that I’m not concerned with his welfare. I am, but I also believe he is impervious to any substance, element or chemical compound that would cause a normal canine to react in a way that sends the owner off in the opposite direction.

That’s so the owner, or more likely the co-owner, has plausible deniability when he or she says, “I swear I didn’t see it, because if I had, I would have cleaned it up.”

But no, he eats garden mulch, geranium petals (they’re toxic too), spikey leaves off some kind of plant I don’t know, pinecones, pine needles, the plastic wrapper on the newspaper and tiny bits of rubber he has liberated from the “indestructible” dog toy we bought to keep him from eating the sofa.

And nothing bad happens ... to him.

This is why he now sits in my little home office, which I have already rendered uninhabitable for all other lifeforms because of my own bad habits.

If he does tear up this room, no one will notice, although the unusual absence of floor litter, which he will have eaten in the first 10 minutes, may be noted.

As it happens, I have been working from home and dog-sitting for the past couple of days while my spouse indulges in shopping therapy in the big city. Real therapy is proba-

bly cheaper, but ...

The thing is, I never had to stay home and watch the dogs before the arrival a couple of months ago of Destructo-Dog, whom we rescued from the shelter because we thought our other one would enjoy a companion.

We didn’t know at the time, of course, that this one-year-old lab/dachshund or lab/basset mix (Dachs-a-dor? Bass-a-dor? Dor-set? Lab-a**? would evolve so quickly into Destructo-Dog!, aficionado of fine furniture, throw rugs and anything on the counters, tables or nightstands his stubby little legs will allow him to reach.

Just the other day, in fact, I walked into our dining area to discover him stretched to his full height with his head buried in the salad bowl. And yes, I also know that onions are toxic to most dogs, but not to him.

We never had to worry about leaving our other dog, Chica the Sublime, alone in the house because she understands that if she misbehaves, we’ll take her credit card away.

But Destructo? Well now, in the last two days — and I’m not kidding — he’s chewed a hole in one seat cover, dismembered half a throw rug, removed enough fill from a quilt to outfit a dozen storefront Santas with fake beards, and picked a hole in the center of a placemat he removed from the table.

Oh, and he doesn’t just lick the kitchen floor like every other dog we’ve had, he drags his tongue across it like a street sweeper.

So, while the other one is downstairs working on a crossword or something, Destructo is confined to quarters with me. Besides, I had been meaning to clean up those loose papers on the floor anyway.

Does he like it up here? Beats me. At the moment, he’s digesting his surroundings.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

It’s been nice to see matters on the school safety front have settled a bit. For months earlier this year, there was a public spat pitting the local school system against local public safety authorities. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and State’s Attorney Office held joint Facebook Live videos to document incidents within the school and incidents not properly handled by school system staff in their opinion. There was a lot of tough talk about lack of cooperation from school officials during these press conferences, igniting fears among parents on whether their children were indeed safe in public schools. The tense situation at the time seemed overblown based on the reported incidents, and this week a social media post by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office addressed improvements with school safety.

“Since the 2023-24 school year, the partnership between the Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has strengthened significantly,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “… Working closely together, both organizations have made essential adjustments, aligning our efforts toward a unified direction. Together, we are leveraging school-based resources and proactive interventions to help prevent juvenile delinquency within our schools. … This year signifies forward movement, with each partner understanding their significant roles. Communication and organizational changes have propelled us forward …”

It’s an interesting turn of events and welcome news.

It seems like every single week the offshore wind farm gets approved for something or other. Last week it was the state’s Board of Public Works granting a wetlands permit to allow the company to build an operations facility that will completely overwhelm the commercial harbor. This week, it was the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issuing the final approval for the project in the federal permit process. US Wind officials now expect to begin construction of the facility in West Ocean City in 2026 with offshore work two years following.

There has been a sense of inevitability here with this project for years, but there are two concurrent forces of opposition. First there is the Ocean City-led lawsuit against BOEM. While it seems unlikely to beat the federal government in legal action, there are some precedents and Ocean City officials feel confident about their chances of at least slowing down the project. Finally, and what could be most immediate, is Trump’s vow to end offshore wind development as one of his first legislative actions. Whether that’s legal will likely be decided in time, but a prolonged court fight could ultimately achieve the desired goals for Ocean City and wind farm opponents. Time means money and the slower the project’s pace the less likely it will come to fruition. ****

No matter what happens in Annapolis in the state championship game, it’s been a special run for Stephen Decatur’s football program. The success on the field is clear, as the team has won 27 straight games and will be looking to repeat as 2A champs on Saturday. Though the undefeated Seahawks are the favorite to repeat over Huntingtown, who have two losses on the season and fell to Decatur in last year’s title game, there’s no result that can underscore what the football program has accomplished.

Most impressive was the off-the-field announcement last summer three Decatur seniors were planning to enroll in quality universities and continue their playing careers. On Wednesday, the decisions were finalized with an event at school. Trybe Wise will attend Georgetown University, Davin Chandler is headed to Vanderbilt University and Ethan Bradshaw is looking to serve his country by committing to Army. This comes after recent commitments from varsity football players Luke Mergott to Duke University, Ashten Snelsire to the University of Richmond and Brycen Coleman’s signing at Vanderbilt University. These are excellent institutions of higher learning who feature low acceptance rates and only welcome the best and brightest. These announcements of student-athletes continuing their playing careers at rigorous universities far outweigh in importance the school’s recent success on the football field. Coach Jake Coleman remarked on the special time for Decatur after the signing event Wednesday.

“This is the vision. We are at the pinnacle of where we want to be,” Coleman said. “To see a public school in the Bayside Conference that has three kids signing Division 1 scholarships to elite academic schools, having a 27-game win streak, an opportunity to play for possibly backto-back state championships, this is something you could only dream about in your wildest dream. We are living it right now and we’re trying to stay in the moment. We’re blessed.”

Jolly Roger employees spend day as Diakonia volunteers

(Dec. 6, 2024) Jolly Roger Amusement Parks® joined forces with local nonprofit organization Diakonia Inc.® on Tuesday, Dec. 3, to kick off the season of giving for this year’s Giving Tuesday.

“This year is our fourth Giving Tuesday partnering with Diakonia,” said Steve Pastusak, Vice President of Jolly Roger Amusement Parks®. “Every year, our team comes together to give back and make a meaningful difference in the local community where we live, work, and play.”

Giving Tuesday is a movement that unites individuals, charities, businesses, and communities across the U.S. Recognized as the world’s largest generosity movement, it sig-

nals the start of one of our favorite seasons, the giving season.

The impact of Giving Tuesday extends beyond monetary donations and inspiring acts of generosity.

From fundraising for local charities to participating in food and clothing drives, practicing kindness, and helping neighbors, people across the country embrace this day as a celebration of giving.

“Our parks give back year-round, but we are especially energized to continue our tradition and take action on Giving Tuesday,” Pastusak said.

He added, “We encourage other local businesses to join us in making a difference in our community.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

A group of volunteers from Jolly Roger Amusement Park once again served the community on Giving Tuesday at Diakonia donating their time to helping the nonprofit.

Three Decatur seniors commit to Division I football

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) Stephen Decatur High School’s football legacy will scatter throughout the country next fall as the defending state champ will send three seniors to prestigious academic institutions to play for NCAA Division I teams.

SDHS football players Davin Chandler, Trybe Wise, and Ethan Bradshaw will hang up their high school helmets next week, following the team’s bid for a back-to-back state championship title at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis for high-profile Division I college uniforms.

A formal signing was held in Decatur’s gymnasium on Wednesday as the student-athletes committed to their next four years. Chandler, a safety, will continue his football career at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Wise, a wide receiver, will join Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown University in the Patriot League, while Bradshaw, also a wide receiver, will enroll at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, a member of the American Athletic Conference.

“I am incredibly proud of these three young men,” SDHS Principal Tom Sites said. “Not just because of their athletic abilities that we see every Friday night, but because of their academic excellence. I cannot remember in the history of this great school when we had three Division I signings to three elite academic institutions. Each of you is a fine representation of what we expect from our student-athletes here at Stephen Decatur.”

“There is not another public school of our size anywhere in the country celebrating three Division I football

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, from left, are Stephen Decatur High School varsity football offensive coordinator Russell Croteau, wide receiver Trybe Wise (Georgetown University), safety Davin Chandler (Vanderbilt University), and wide receiver Ethan Bradshaw (U.S. Military Academy), and Decatur Head Coach Jake Coleman.

SDHS standouts sign for GTown, Vandy, Army

players who are attending academic institutions as prestigious as Vanderbilt, Georgetown, and West Point,” Offensive Coordinator Coach Russell Croteau added.

As the speakers at Wednesday’s signings made clear, the schools chosen by the three seniors have selective admission processes. Vanderbilt has an acceptance rate of around 7 percent, Georgetown admits approximately 14 percent of its applicants, and West Point admits roughly 12 percent.

Assistant Principal and Athletic Administrator Curtis Bunting acknowledged the support offered by parents, teachers, coaches, teammates, friends, family, and the entire community, which paves the way for bright futures for student-athletes like Wise, Chandler, and Bradshaw.

“Stephen Decatur has a strong tradition of student-athletes playing at the next level,” he said. “It truly means a lot to our community that hard work does pay off. We have a saying here, ‘do what Decatur does.’ One of the things that Decatur does is produce top-quality student-athletes.”

Bunting also recognized head coach Jake Coleman, who he said has a “passion for kids, connecting with the kids, looking at each kid as a unique person and letting the player follow.”

“It’s about having a passion, a commitment, and being relentless,” he continued. “…There is a lot of behindthe-scenes that folks have no idea about, and it’s 24-7.”

The ceremony continued with remarks about each athlete and an official signing. Coach DJ Braun honored Wise, noting that the student-athlete’s exceptional potential put him on the path to becoming the player he is today, but grit and determination got him there.

“The word that always stood out for [Wise] was potential,” Braun said. “He was born with physical attributes and abilities that others were not gifted with. But potential can be a bit of a curse at times because potential without action is simply just potential. However, [Wise] has maintained a strong desire to not simply rely on his physical gifts but to work on building his craft of a play receiver at a high level.”

The coach continued, noting that the student’s desire to be “coached hard” and push himself will bring him great success as he continues his football and academic career at Georgetown University.

Bradshaw, slated to attend West Point next fall, was honored by Croteau at Wednesday’s ceremony. The coach pointed out that Bradshaw will be playing for a Top 25 Division I

program that has won five national championships and has more all-time wins than places like Michigan State, UCLA, and the University of Maryland. He also recognized Bradshaw’s hard work that has made him a “West Point football player,” adding that he has never mentored an athlete like him and is unlikely to again.

“In reality, there are hard truths when it comes to playing major college football,” Croteau said. “One of those hard truths is that to be recruited by one of these schools, you almost always need to have an exceptional physical trait that separates you from 99 percent of the population.

“You either need to have extraordinary size, to be born with remarkable speed and quickness, or most of the time, a combination…[Bradshaw] has done something extraordinary… Through sheer force of will, he turned himself into a West Point football player.

“It does not do it justice to call his work ethic uncommon… I, along with the rest of our coaches, watched over the last four years while [Bradshaw]...turned himself into what he is today. Someone who is going to play at one of the most historic programs of college football while embarking on one of the most noble endeavors any person can undertake:

defending our liberty and our freedom as an officer in the United States Army.”

Coleman rounded out the ceremony by speaking about Chandler, who, like Coleman’s son Brycen did last year, committed to Vanderbilt University. The head coach noted that he was not surprised to see the student-athlete choose a team in the SEC, which is often considered one of the strongest conferences for football.

“[Chandler] is just a different type of athlete,” Coleman said. “[His] determination and fearlessness are exactly what you need to play in the best conference of college football...When you play in the SEC, you’ll never doubt, ‘Was I good enough?’ and I know [Chandler] has aspirations of hopefully playing for the Baltimore Ravens. There is no doubt he could have that opportunity, and he’ll know whether he was good enough.”

While the three seniors await the next four years of their academic and athletic careers at these prestigious institutions, they have one more stop before officially retiring their Seahawks uniforms: the MPSSAA Football State Championships in Annapolis. There, they will take on Huntingtown High School on Saturday for the chance to win back-to-back titles.

Metz served as halt to march across France

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III

Contributing Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) By this week, 80 years ago, Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army’s race across France had come to a screeching halt. There were three reasons for this: (1) lack of fuel; (2) the diversion to liberate Paris; (3) German fortifications at, and defense of, Metz.

But for the first two, after the destruction of two German field armies and the loss of three very competent and respected field marshals— Gerd von Rundstedt (discharged), Erwin Rommel (injuries/suicide) and Günther von Kluge (suicide) — the path to Germany was wide open.

The 3,000-year-old city of Metz is in the Lorraine region of Northeast

France, at the confluence of the Moselle and Seille Rivers near the borders of Germany and Luxembourg. Most of the city is located on the east side of the river.

Today, the city has a population of about 125,000. During the war, its population fluctuated between 70,000-75,000. From the Franco/Prussian War of 1871, until the end of World War I, it had been a part of the German Empire and was the capital of the German Department of Lorraine.

After Germany’s defeat in World War I, the area reverted to France.

The city was protected by two rings of forts built by the Germans prior to World War I.

Metz was in the area defended by the German First Army, under the command of Gen. Otto von Knobelsdorff. Gen. von Knobelsdorff was a decorated veteran of World War I, and had served with valor on the Eastern Front, first as commander of 19th Panzer Division, then as commander of a Panzerkorps, until he was assigned command of First Army on Sept. 6, 1944.

To defend Metz, Gen. von Knobelsdorff had available the following: the Götz von Berlichingen SS Panzergrenadier Division, commanded by Dr. Eduard Deisenhofer; the 462nd Volksgrenadier Division, com-

manded by Heinrich Kittel; the 3rd Panzergrenadier Division, commanded by Walter Denkert.

The Götz von Berlichingen was named for a German knight of the 16th Century who lost his right hand and forearm in battle and wore a, very advanced, iron prosthetic. The clenched fist of the prosthetic was the Division’s symbol.

Although, it was an SS Division, it was not of the elite quality of others, such as the Liebstandarte Adolf Hitler, Das Reich, Totenkopf or Viking. It had only been formed in October 1943. Many of its original soldiers were Romanian Germans and Frenchmen.

By August 1944, when Dr. Deisenhofer took command, it still was under-equipped. By the end of September, SS-Standartenführer Deisenhofer, who had earned a Ph.D. in political economics, was wounded and removed to Berlin.

He would ultimately be replaced by SS-Brigadeführer Werner Ostendorff. In the interim, the division was commanded by, first, SS-Standartenführer Thomas Müller and then SSStandartenführer Gustav Mertch.

With the enormous losses suffered by the Wehrmacht, on both the Eastern & Western Fronts, in the spring and summer of 1944, the Reich turned to the Volksgrenadier Divisions. These divisions were smaller and were trained and equipped, primarily, for defensive purposes.

On Nov. 14, Gen. Kittel was given command of the newly formed 462nd Volksgrenadier Division and of the city’s defense. A World War I veteran, he came directly from the Eastern Front, where he had, most recently, been the commandant of the Krakow garrison.

Panzergrenadier Divisions were so designated because they consisted of motorized infantry and a battalion of tanks. The 3rd Panzergrenadier Division had been destroyed at Stalingrad, and later reconstituted, after which it fought at Anzio. Gen. Denkert took command on June 25, 1944, following its transfer to France. After helping to stop Gen. Patton’s Third Army at Metz, it was transferred to the Hürtgen Forrest.

Third Army’s XX Corps, commanded by Walton H. Walker, made first contact with the enemy in the Metz region in early September, when its 5th Infantry Division, commanded by Stafford LeRoy Irwin, was stopped by Dr. Deisenhofer’s Götz von Berlichingen SS Panzergrenadier Division, on Sept. 6, 1944.

One of the forts protecting Metz was Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc), located about five miles west of Metz. The fort was garrisoned with 1,900 soldiers and equipped with: six 100 mm guns; six 150 mm howitzers; four

General George Patton, Jr.

WORLD WAR II

77 mm guns and many machine guns.

Fort Jeanne d’Arc and Fort François de Guise were connected by seven smaller forts known as “the Seven Dwarves.” Fort François de Guise was named for the Duke of Guise. He was a cousin of the French King, Henry II and one of his most important generals during the Italian Wars of 1551-59 and the French Wars of Religion.

His sister was the wife of James V of Scotland and mother of Mary, Queen of Scots. A brother was the Cardinal of Lorraine. The Duke married the daughter of King Louis XII.

On Sept. 26, 90th Infantry Division, commanded by Raymond Stallings McLain, unsuccessfully assaulted Fort Jeanne d’Arc. The next day, after an intense aerial and artillery bombardment, Gen. Irwin’s 5th Division assaulted Fort Driant, located five miles southwest of Metz.

The fort was built, by the Germans in 1902, and controlled the river crossings south of the city. After France reclaimed Alsace-Lorraine, following the Allied victory in WWI, the French renamed the fort for WWI hero Émile Augustin Cyprien Driant.

Although outnumbered by, at least, 3-1, the German defenders repulsed the American attack. Finally, on Oct. 9, Gen. Patton abandoned efforts to take the fort and bypassed it. In addition to valuable time, the

failed attempt to capture Fort Driant had cost the Americans 64 killed (of which 21 were officers), 547 wounded and 187 missing.

Gen. Patton’s Third Army launched an assault on Nov. 3 that penetrated the city’s outer defenses. The U.S. Army Air Force, on Nov. 9, launched an aerial assault by 1,200 B17s and B-24s, but the 3,753 tons of bombs were dropped from 20,000 feet and most were ineffective against the concrete and steel fortifications.

The 95th Infantry Division, from Oklahoma, commanded by Harry L. Twaddle, assaulted “the Seven Dwarves,” after a dawn artillery barrage, and by 2: p. m. they were captured, leaving Jeanne d’Arc surrounded.

GIs began entering the city on Nov. 18. Gen. Kittel was wounded and captured three days later. Fort Driant surrendered on Dece. 8, 1944, after the city surrendered. Although the Americans had captured the city, the last fort — the Jeanne d’Arc — did not surrender until Dec. 13.

Next week: Battle of the Bulge 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

LINDA GALE

Ocean City

Linda Mary (Mason) Gale, a world traveler, devoted mother, and lover of all things Jimmy Buffet and Siamese cats, passed away on November 20, 2024, surrounded by family at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Linda shared 18 loving years with Herbert Wenzel, her partner and companion. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, from the wilds of Africa to the serene beauty of Hawaii. They enjoyed many exciting voyages, including to Europe, Alaska, and Florida. Their shared passion for their feline friends brought them immense joy.

Linda’s love for her daughters, Kimberly and Courtney, was bound-

less; they were her pride and joy. She raised Kim and Courtney to be strong, independent women who carry on her zest for life and enthusiasm for travel and animals, including her granddogs.

Before meeting Herb, Linda found love with Paul Gale, her husband of 24 years. They raised a wonderful family in Maryland, sharing countless memories at the community pool and cheering on their daughters at swim meets. Linda was a devoted Redskin fan and a talented cook, known for her Swedish meatballs, crab dip, and chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. The couple often spent weekends in Ocean City and enjoyed family vacations.

Linda’s legacy of kindness and generosity extended beyond her family. She cherished her friendships, near and far. She enjoyed Parrothead functions and played Mah Jong. She was

also a supporter of various charitable causes. Her selfless act of organ donation, particularly the gift of her husband Paul’s liver, has had a profound impact on many lives.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1946 to George and Mildred Mason, Linda attended Magnificat Catholic High School, excelling in debate. She majored in Biology at Case Western University, where she met her husband, Paul. Upon moving to Maryland, she pursued a career in genetic engineering and later took on a managerial role at Aspen Systems. She also worked as a real estate agent at Weichert Realtors.

Linda’s vibrant spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering love for family and friends will be deeply missed. Even though she’s no longer with us, she’ll live on in our hearts, always singing “Bubbles Up” and enjoying crab feasts with loved ones.

A celebration of life will be held in late spring in Ocean City, Maryland. Details will be forthcoming. Donations to Infinite Legacy and the Siamese Cat Rescue would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Gale, and her parents, George and Mildred Mason. She is survived by her partner, Herbert Wenzel, her daughters, Kimberly Patrick (Dan) and Courtney Gale (Lisa); Herb’s daughter Lisa Lewis and granddaughter Krystal Kienast; her

brother-in-law Norm Shapin, her nieces and nephews Ryan and AJ Shapin, Marni Emerson, and numerous other loved ones.

JACK CALDWELL

Ocean Pines

Jack Edward Caldwell, 88, of Ocean Pines, died peacefully at home on November 29. Jack, also known as Graham to many of his friends, was born in York County, PA, son of the late Louis and Alice Caldwell. Jack moved to Baltimore as a child. It was there he met the love of his life, Carol Caldwell (Klaburner). The two attended the same elementary school a few years apart, with Jack attending Baltimore Polytechnic High School and Carol attending Eastern High School. Jack went on to study engineering at University of Maryland College Park, where he was a part of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He proposed to Carol during this time, leading to a 62-year loving marriage. Jack worked in sales for Otis Elevator Company for more than 40 years. His local office in New Jersey closed in 1996, allowing him to move to Ocean Pines to continue work, and then to retire. After retirement, he worked many part-time jobs, including an announcer on NPR,

Linda Gale

Jack Caldwell

OBITUARIES

as a substitute teacher and as an actor. He appeared as an extra in more than two dozen films and television shows. He was also involved in Radio Airwaves, community theater and the Ocean Pines Tennis Club. He sang in the choir at the Community Church of Ocean Pines, where he was a member. He had a great sense of humor and a deep voice that everyone knew so well. The Caldwells loved to go dancing together, travelling and serving the community and just being around each other.

Jack is survived by his two daughters, Suzanne Gentile (husband Rick) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Robin Caldwell of Ocean Pines, his son Gregory Caldwell (wife JoLana) of Willards, his sister Patricia Rubenstein of Salisbury, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, various nieces and nephews and his beloved cat, Dolly. His daughter, Pamela Mafera,

FRANKLIN JAMES DUANE (Age 92)

Franklin James Duane, 92, of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024.

Frank was a native Washingtonian who grew up in Silver Spring, attended Gonzaga College High School, earned a degree in Architecture from Catholic University, served in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne and built an impressive 40-year career with his father’s firm, Duane & Duane Architects. He led the firm’s growth, designing iconic landmarks such as churches, schools, and buildings throughout the Washington, DC metro area and Ocean City, MD. His work included notable landmarks such as the Sea Watch and Braemar Condominiums, The Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center which became the Clarion and now OC Fontainebleau Resort (Ocean City, MD), Good Counsel High School (Wheaton, MD & Olney, MD), Our Lady of Grace Church (Silver Spring, MD), Interior Restoration of the 1864 historic St. Aloysius Church (Washington, DC) and the Historic Restoration of the 1884 B&O Railroad Station Buildings (Rockville, MD) for which he won a national award, to name a few!

Frank was an avid Washington Redskins fan, 30+ years Rotary Club member and always loved a good party. He enjoyed playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his sister, Peggy; 5 children—Brian, Carol, Kerry, Claire, and Diane; 11 grandchildren; and 3 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean of 64 years, his parents, Frank and Kathryn Duane, and his grandson Patrick.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11 AM at Our Lady of Grace Church, 15661 Norbeck Blvd., Silver Spring, MD. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Duane ’50 Scholarship for Gonzaga College High School, 19 Eye Street NW, Washington DC 20001. For full obituary, visit:

passed away in 2015.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road in Berlin. Friends may call an hour before the service. Burial will be in the Garden of the Pines Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Church at Ocean Pines Choir, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

RUSSELL DAVID INSLEY JR.

Selbyville, Del.

Russell David Insley Jr. (“Dave or Bud”), age 89, of Selbyville, DE departed Monday, December 2, 2024, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. He was born and raised in Washington, DC and was the son of the late Russell David Insley Sr and

Minnie Lois (Hope) Insley.

Dave or Bud, as family and friends called him, graduated in1955 from the Kendall School for the Deaf in Washington D.C. After long career he retired as a Linotype Operator (then computer operator) for the Government Printing Office, he and his second wife became permanent residents of the Delaware/Maryland Coastal Communities area for the last 30 years. David being deaf was actively involved in the Deaf community as member of the Delaware Deaf Seniors Citizens group. He also participated and coordinated in another group the Deaf Men’s Breakfast Club meeting biweekly at various diners in the coastal area and referred to as one of the “OGs” of the area’s deaf community.

He was very passionate about his hobby of model railroading including scenery layouts collecting trains of all shapes and sizes both indoor and outdoor types. Pontoon boating and football (Washington) were also some his favorite pastimes.

He is survived by his son, Mark D. Insley of Selbyville, Del. (San Diego, Calif.); first wife, Patricia L. Richey; two nephews and a niece and their children and grandchildren, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his second wife of over 40 years, Edna S. Insley in 2017; his younger brother, Jeff Lynn Insley in 2006; and his older sister, Anne Lucille Thomas in 2021.

An informal celebration of life service is to be arranged at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Deaf Seniors of America. www.deafseniors.us.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

$1,595.

Russell Insley Jr.

Decatur eyes second state title

Continued from Page 3

hawks will be looking to again end the 10-2 Hurricanes season. In last year’s 2A state championship game at the same site, Decatur won 21-13 after leading 14-0 at the half. The Hurricanes scored two touchdowns in the second half to make the game close but Decatur’s defensed slammed the door late in the fourth quarter.

Decatur’s first state championship in football was celebrated throughout the county with the team getting a police escort home and hundreds of fans lining Route 50 and Seahawk Road to celebrate local history.

The Seahawks enter Saturday’s championship game on a 27-game win streak. Coleman said a win in the state championship game on Saturday will set a new record for the Bayside Conference.

vived an upset bid from Wi-Hi on Nov. 15. Decatur was without its starting quarterback Johnny Hobgood for much of the contest but prevailed 19-14. The game was surprisingly close as Decatur had defeated Bayside rival Wi-Hi 49-14 in late October.

After the scare against Wi-Hi, Decatur was all business with a 37-0 shutout win at home in the rain over Walkersville.

Coleman, whose son Brycen Coleman led the team to the state championship last year and now plays for Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, said this year’s team features experienced veterans who are ready for the challenge ahead.

In the semifinal matchup against Westlake, the visiting Wolverines came out howling, leading 13-0 at half behind a punishing ground game. After a third quarter touchdown made it 20-0, Decatur finally got on the scoreboard with 34 seconds left in the third quarter. Wideout Zakhari Baker received a 38-yard pass from Hobgood and Blake Wallace made the kick to cut the lead to 20-7.

In the fourth quarter fans came alive when Nathan Tapley scored on a two-yard rush with a Wallace kick for another seven, cutting the deficit to 20-14. Tapley often subs in for Hobgood on short yardage plays, and the strategy paid off with the senior going up and over the goal line for the score.

“Last year’s team didn’t have very many seniors. We had a lot of underclassmen, and it was that first time journey taking up to states and then winning it. Now, it’s a little bit more familiar,” Coleman said. “Those underclassmen are … many of them are seniors, so they have that experience. They’re battle-tested. They know what to expect. I am looking forward to them coming out and I want to see them play the best games of their career. I know it’s possible. If they want it, they can do something that no one’s seen before.”

Coleman’s team survived two tough home playoff games to advance to the state championship. In the opening round, Decatur rolled past North Caroline, 56-7, but then sur-

With 1:03 to go in the game, Davin Chandler caught a 10-yard pass from Hobgood to tie the score 20-20. However, Wallace missed the extra point. Decatur’s defense was able to hold Westlake to force overtime.

After the second coin flip of the night, Stephen Decatur took possession on the Westlake 20-yard line. After a couple plays, quarterback Hobgood did what he likes to do. He sprinted for an eight-yard rushing touchdown with a good kick by Wallace.

As part of overtime rules, Westlake then got the ball on the Seahawk 20-

See COACH Page 81

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Davin Chandler catches a pass to move the ball past the 50-yard line. Chandler caught the game tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Sports & Recreation

Seahawks soar over Golden Knights in early scrimmage

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Dec. 6, 2024) Last Monday the Stephen Decatur Seahawks boys’ varsity basketball team invited the Golden Knights of Sussex Central High School (Georgetown, Del.) to a scrimmage game.

Both teams are powerhouses in their own conferences; the Seahawks in the Maryland Bayside South and the Golden Knights in Delaware’s Cape Henlopen Conference.

The teams battled back-and-forth through three periods. Entering the final period the Decatur Seahawks led 47-39. Central cut the lead to 51-46 with 1:08-minutes left to play, but Decatur was able to hold on for the win.

Solomon David contributed 20 points with four three pointers and

six free throw points. Noah Tucker added 12 points followed by Judah Carmack, nine points; Caleb Loring, eight points; and Jonathan Purnell with two. The team made 69% of free throws which is an area that needs work.

“Our defense is what worked for me tonight,” said Stephen Decatur head coach B.J. Johnson. “Defense will be our strong force this year once we get our football players back, we will have a really good team this year. We have six returning players who are working the state championship in football right now.”

Johnson plans to “win every game at home, our region, our conference and the state championship.” He added, “… we have plenty of seniors this year and they are all playing their roles well.”

Coach: Players living a dream

Continued from Page 80

yard line to counter the touchdown. The offense was overcome by Decatur’s defense going four and out to give Decatur a thrilling win celebrated by fans rushing to the field.

Looking ahead, after the game last Friday night, Hobgood, who has 32 passing touchdowns on the year and seven rushing touchdowns, said the goal is to lead the Seahawks to one more win. “We have an extra day of practice to prepare and focus, we will play well and execute our plays,” Hobgood said. “We played them last year and won.”

Decatur’s offense has averaged 43 points per game this year, while its defense has allowed an average of 7 points per game. Decatur’s prolific offense will face a tough Huntingtown defense,

which was critical in the semi-final win, 24-16, over Milford Mill, causing five turnovers.

During Wednesday’s celebratory Division I signing of three Seahawks committing to play Division I football, Coleman reflected on what has been built at Decatur in recent years. Coleman’s record is 50-9 since taking over the program.

“This is the vision. We are at the pinnacle of where we want to be,” Coleman said. “To see a public school in the Bayside Conference that has three kids signing Division 1 scholarships to elite academic schools, having a 27-game win streak, an opportunity to play for possibly back-to-back state championships, this is something you could only dream about in your wildest dream. We are living it right now and we’re trying to stay in the moment. We’re blessed.”

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS Noah Tucker cruises the baseline for two of his 12 points during the scrimmage against Sussex Central.

Seahawk Judah Carmack controls a rebound during the scrimmage against Sussex Central.

Jonathan Purnell maintains his balance down the court during the scrimmage against the Golden Knights.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Davin Chandler and Zakhari Baker celebrate after a touchdown by Chandler in the fourth quarter that forced overtime.

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