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DECEMBER 13, 2019
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
Better watch out, because OC police are
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
With 250 surveillance cameras installed in the resort, the police commission makes it easier to add more like the one on this fixture.
BITTERSWEET RETIREMENT
Stephen Decatur’s longtime football coach, Bob Knox, steps down after 30-plus years – Page 57
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Pay-to-park expansion shot down
Path made smoother for more surveillance By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) The Ocean City Police Department’s path to expanding its resort surveillance program got smoother after Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and several members of City Council voiced their support for the initiative at Monday’s Police Commission meeting. “Whether it’s before, during or after [a crime], the cameras have been very useful for us,” City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said. Ocean City’s network of 250 surveillance cameras — known as City Watch — saw its first expansion in 2014. Since then, Buzzuro said the surveillance program has proved to be highly successful in enforcement efforts. See COMMISSION’S Page 13
SPORTS
Some on council say it will come up again
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
IF YOU’RE BAD, YULE BE SORRY The jolly old elf himself makes an appearance in a float-drawn sleigh during the 37th annual Ocean City Christmas parade on Coastal Highway from Old Landing Road to 120th Street, Saturday, Dec. 7.
Attractions target weekends Summer events move to Thursday to draw more visitors earlier By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Owning the weekend is the goal of the Ocean City Tourism Commission, members declared Monday as they shuffled some attractions to the end of the week. “I want to celebrate the weekends,” Councilman John Gehrig said. “I would like to get that average stay to go up from two and a half to three, three and a half [nights] … it doesn’t sound like a lot, but that’s a 20 percent increase in business.” The idea came about following a 2020 event proposal
presented by Bob Rothermel of TEAM Productions. Rothermel proposed having fireworks on the beach every Monday from June 15 to Sept. 7, 2020. Rather than having the fireworks on Mondays, Gehrig proposed having them on Thursdays instead for an extended weekend. He compared the city to Corona beer, which dominates the beer industry during the summer months. Gehrig said the city should follow in the beer company’s footsteps and dominate summer weekend markets against its competitors. “They [Corona] own summer, they are the summer beer,” Gehrig said. “Ocean City, we should own [summer] … Let’s extend the
weekend. We have summer rules where you take off Friday and the weekend starts Thursday night, so you better get here Thursday night.” Part of that Thursday night celebration would be fireworks, among other activities Gehrig said. “Psychologically, you’re right,” said Melanie Pursel, president of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. “If I was going to go somewhere for the weekend I would take off Friday instead of Monday. Monday has that negative connotation.” “I’m game,” Rothermel said. “We have condos, and the condos either rent Saturday to Saturday, Sunday to Sunday, but wait a minute, there’s Thursday to Sunday See THURSDAYS Page 12
By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) It’s final: the city will not expand paid parking throughout the resort. At least, for now, as Ocean City Council members expressed at Tuesday’s work session that they had no intention of letting the issue die. “I would like to consider at both budget time and next year that we consider the potential of expanded paid parking in 2021 and 2022,” Councilman Tony DeLuca said. “That’s [more paid parking] not a closed issue … whether we do it as a task force or a voting council.” City Engineer Terry McGean outlined a year’s worth of ideas hashed out between task force members from March 1 to Nov. 6. See PAID Page 13
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Although some Ocean City Council members object to giving up revenue, paid parking kiosks won’t spread throughout town, at least for now.
PAGE 2
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
Long journey ends for brand new city public works facility From ashes of older facility more downtown parking to be made, mayor announces By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) City officials, department heads and guests celebrated the grand opening of a new, $3.8 million public works facility on Second Street and St. Louis Avenue Tuesday morning. “This is an exciting day for the Town of Ocean City, and particularly for the Department of Public Works,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “This is a great opportunity for us to move everything to this location, put everything under a roof and abandon the property for public works down at Whiteside [South First Street], which is in desperate need of repair.” The old site will be demolished on Jan. 16, and the space will be converted into a municipal parking lot. The new facility’s gross square footage is 19,318 square feet and encompasses an entire city block, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said. He also pointed out how the facility is elevated to protect it from flood damage, which proved effective during “Hot Rod” weekend when the city was inundated by sunny day flooding the second weekend of October. “As the mayor indicated, Whiteside lot, as we know it downtown, has been with us since the early 1970s … [and] has long outlived its life. We, the department of public works, are extremely thankful to the mayor and council for finding it within your means to invest in this facility and to invest in the public works department
for the years to come.” The road to building the facility began in 2017 when the city purchased the land for $2 million. Bids had been made soon after, but early in 2018 Adkins realized an improving market was driving the cost of the project far above his expectations, with cost estimates climbing well above a $4 to $5 million threshold. He asked to cancel the bids, and recommended a design-build approach that would restructure the documents, but keep the same floor and site plans. This would give the bidder more flexibility to put together a design submission and drive down prices, he told the council last year in March. He also asked to delay construction until after the summer, so the city could collect $35,000 in parking revenues at Second Street. The following October, city officials awarded the contract to Delmarva Veterans Builders for roughly $3.8 million on Oct. 1, 2018. Despite securing a new contractor, Adkins again asked to delay construction for the summer to collect another $35,000 in parking revenue. At Tuesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony, Adkins thanked Delmarva Veterans Builders President Chris Eccelston, Project Manager Rich Hertzog, and Project Superintendent Wesley Reed, the Becker Morgan Group, partner Ron Morgan and lead architect Bill Sieg, and the Ocean City Development Corporation and its executive director, Glenn Irwin. Meehan asked Adkins when the facility would be open for business. “One o’clock today,” Adkins said.
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City officials unveiled a new public works facility located on Second Street and St. Louis Avenue, Monday, Dec. 9. The new building will replace an older facility known as the Whiteside site, which fell into disrepair.
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DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
Patrol vehicle purchase questioned By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) The Ocean City Council on Tuesday approved an Ocean City Police Department request to buy four marked patrol cars for the department’s Police Saturation Patrol Program, so the program can operate year-round. Still, two councilmen expressed frustration over the nature of the roughly $250,000 cost of the enterprise. “Is now the right time?” Councilman John Gehrig said. “Are these vehicles close to retirement age?” The saturation program allows local officers to take marked patrol vehicles home during the offseason to increase police visibility in neighborhoods, provide a sense of security and deter crime. Nonetheless, with limited vehicles and an intense summer season, the program is only active during the offseason. This issue was brought to the mayor and city council’s attention back in April. “The discussion that took place at that time was whether there was potential to expand the saturation program from an offseason product to a yearround product,” Lt. Glen McIntyre said. In order to do so, McIntyre met with
Budget Manger Jennie Knapp, City Manager Doug Miller and Procurement Manager Catrice Parsons and determined the police department would need to add four new vehicles to its fleet. The cost broken down is as follows: Vehicle — $37,212 Upfitting — $16,300 In-car radio — $3,200 Laptop — $3,500 While the majority of the costs are fixed, the vehicle cost will vary depending on the make and model. Currently, city staff recommend purchasing the more expensive Ford Interceptor SUV Hybrid because of its lower carbon footprint and anti-idling fuel-saving features. “I completely agree with the program … it’s just a matter of how we do it,” Gehrig said. “This is 240 to 250 grand, but we don’t need four new vehicles, we’re buying four new vehicles for this program, is that right?” No, McIntyre said, the four new vehicles would not be used for the program. Four older vehicles from the fleet would be used by program officers, which would help extend those vehicles longevity, as they would incur less mileage. “This is unbudgeted, right?” Gehrig
said. “Yes, this is not included in the budget, but I have two options for you,” Knapp said. “One, we could take it out of fund balance because the police department turned in over $200,000 last year … the second option is what I would like to go with.” Knapp explained that the city was slated to receive more than $240,000 as a result of the county’s income tax increase, which had not been accounted for previously because the county made its decision after the city had established its budget. Nonetheless, some council members still expressed frustration over what seemed to be an unplanned expense. “It seems to me that we always have a request for things like $240,000 that, to me, are a surprise, to me they’re unbudgeted, to me they’re out of cycle, because we do a lot of planning up here, Councilman Tony DeLuca said. “... All of a sudden it’s like there’s always a surprise.” “It was an item on the budget wrapup, and we were asked to go back and figure out a way to fund it … and from that very point we were told we would need to expand the number of vehicles in the fleet to accomplish this … it was not a surprise,” Knapp said.
OCEAN CITY POLICE COMMISSION BRIEFS
410-723-9450 4
By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) The following took place during Monday’s Ocean City Police Commission meeting:
Day Parade. The street is lightly populated, Bolt said in a letter to the commission, and the loss in parking should be nominal.
Taxi medallions
Recruitment
Commission members approved the revocation and deactivation of several taxi medallions. Based on a letter from Michelle Monico, records section manager and taxi coordinator, seven taxi companies in Ocean City had not paid their medallion fees for 2019 or 2018. Only three of the 15 medallions have been returned, with one destroyed by accident. The rise of ride-hail services Uber and Lyft has decimated the resort’s taxi industry, and has left the once profitable taxi medallions practically worthless, a taxi industry source told Ocean City Today previously.
Buzzuro also reported that even though the department has seen fewer applicants for seasonal positions the caliber of the applicants has increased. “Recruitment has been challenging so far for several years,” Buzzuro said, calling it a sign of the times. However, he said the police department has been, and will continue to analyze recruitment numbers and possible solutions for future seasons.
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Commission members approved a road closure request from Brian Bolt, co-owner of restaurant and bar DRY 85 OC and Red Red Wine Bar on 48th Street. Bolt asked for the partial shutdown of 48th Street for the establishment’s “Repeal Day Party” next year slated for March 14, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Ocean City St. Patrick’s
Chief’s update City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro gave a department update for the month of November. The chief said officer calls for service increased by 9.4 percent and citizen calls for service decreased by 9.4 percent. However, excluding traffic stops, business checks and assistance to citizen calls for service officer calls were down by 2.4 percent, while citizen calls for service decreased by 10.7 percent. The top 25 calls for service has reContinued on Page 5
DECEMBER 13, 2019
PAGE 5
Ocean City Today
Funding request leads to dispute By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Ocean City Councilman John Gehrig expressed frustration over repeat funding requests made by the Ocean City Fire Department, after it asked on Tuesday for permission to buy a $1.2 million heavy duty rescue truck. The new rescue vehicle would replace a used truck the city bought from the Town of Berlin in 1975. “Is this vehicle still used?” Gehrig asked Fire Chief Richie Bowers. “We’re still able to use it, right? … It looks like the yearly costs to operate is a little less than $2,000, so I guess you’re not sinking a ton of money into it? So it’s functional and not causing any problems.” Bowers said yes, the vehicle was being used, but it had met or exceeded its life cycle expectancy, and did not have the equipment needed to accommodate current service needs. While technically functional, it would be best to replace the vehicle as soon as possible, as the purchase process itself takes almost a year to complete, he said. In addition, Bowers said the vehicle’s age makes finding parts needed for repairs almost impossible to find, as some are no longer manufactured. “This isn’t like a ‘We got to have it right now’ [situation],” Gehrig said. “This isn’t like an emergency situation,
like we got have this thing by tomorrow, because we just spent money on motors … that was a situation that was deemed to be urgent.” Gehrig expressed Richie Bowers his confusion over why the department’s requests seemed to be so frequent and random, an issue he addressed previously at an Oct. 1 meeting. Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said the purchase was part of a 10-year-old vehicle purchase policy. “Buying them in certain sequence means we are not buying five of them at one time. So this is the one that is up next … but it is not an emergency,” Knapp said. The policy is funded through annual allocations made by the Ocean City Volunteer Company and the city — $100,000 and $250,000 respectively — and the funds sit in separate accounts until a vehicle purchase is necessary. While both entities contribute to the fund annually, the volunteer company only covers roughly 10 percent of the total purchase cost. At the time of the meeting, the fund held between $1.3 and $1.4 million and would deplete to around $350,000, following the purchase.
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OCEAN CITY POLICE COMMISSION BRIEFS Continued from Page 4 mained consistent compared to last November, with traffic stops topping the list, followed by assisting citizens, 911 hang-ups and suspicious person or activity. Nonetheless, traffic stops have decreased dramatically since last year, from 536 to 358 calls respectively.
Gehrig made it clear his issue was not necessarily the purchase itself, but rather what he deemed to be a lack of a comprehensive financial plan. Next on the fire department’s priority list is the replacement of Fire Tower Truck 6 to take place approximately two years from now, according to Bowers. Gehrig highlighted this purchase, and said he worried about making unplanned purchases that would deplete the city’s funds at a rate faster than the city could replenish it. However, Knapp pointed out that in the original plan made in 2010, it had been recognized the city would need to double its contributions to the fund anyway by Fiscal Year 2021. Nonetheless, Gehrig insisted the fire department delay the purchase, devise a thorough financial plan and bring it back to the mayor and city council with a new timetable for priority purchases. “Look, I wasn’t here 10 years ago, I don’t know how many other people were here … and you [Bowers] weren’t here, so to me it makes a lot of sense that we make a new plan,” Gehrig said. The conversation became heated after Councilman Mark Paddack’s motion to approve the request, along with comments seemingly directed toward Gehrig. See PUBLIC Page 6
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DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
Fireworks, pet parades, concerts: Oh my! By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) TEAM Productions owner Bob Rothermel, who has been staging various forms of entertainment for the Town of Ocean City for the past several summers, presented his 2020 events proposal to the Tourism Commission on Monday. Rothermel’s plan includes fireworks, Halloween activities and summer concerts, and would cost the city $300,000. “This is a working draft to look for feedback and comments [about] what worked for us last year, what has worked in the past and what will work in the future,” Rothermel said. He began his presentation with fireworks. Last year, Rothermel said the commission had been hesitant to offer free firework shows on Sundays, after Sundaes in the Park.
However, the fireworks proved to be highly successful, Rothermel said, and he proposed to continue offering the fireworks from June 14 to Sept. 6. In addition, he proposed having 13 fireworks shows every Monday, from June 15 to Sept. 7 next year. Commission members, prompted by Councilman John Gehrig, decided to offer those shows on Thursday nights instead, in order to “extend” the summer weekend. Following this discussion, Rothermel moved on to discuss O.C.toberfest events. “In the past couple of years, we have been doing the pet parade on one weekend and the pumpkin race the following weekend and I would propose we do it all in one weekend,” Rothermel said. He explained how consolidating those events into one weekend — Saturday, Oct. 24 to Sunday, Oct. 25 —
Public safety not political issue Continued from Page 5 “Chief, I support your vision, I support the men and women who work for this town and I support what they do for this community,” Paddack said. “I heard the words bing, bang, bong — you know ‘What comes first?’ this comes first.” “One of the most annoying things up here is when we politicize public safety,” Gehrig said. “We just got done saying it is not a priority, we just got done saying this truck can be used, we don’t know what is going to do to our budget at all. No business would run like this “ … I support the purchase, I just don’t support the timing … and if I’m anti-public safety, I’m sorry, I guess I better be a better guy, but you’re a good
man, Mark.” “I don’t think that’s what this is about at all,” Councilman Matt James said. “This money has been set aside for this purpose, and it’s [the vehicle] on schedule to be replaced. It’s the oldest vehicle in the fleet that still responds to call.” Despite Gehrig’s protests, he, along with the full council, eventually approved the request. Following the vote, Mayor Rick Meehan asked Bowers to work with the volunteer fire company to devise a new payment agreement for future purchases. “It needs to be discussed and we need to come up with a formula that works for everyone moving forward,” Meehan said.
should bolster attendance, as it would no longer force guests to choose one event over the other. In addition, it would allow Rothermel to dedicate more funds to the beach maze, and fill it with more decorations and displays. Special Events Superintendent Frank Miller added that with the rise in special events, weekends next October would be limited. “There is a narrowing opportunity because the 17th will be housing Corvette weekend and Spartan race,” Miller said. “So that weekend goes away as an option for us to do O.C.toberfest.” Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Susan Jones also mentioned that with Halloween taking place the last weekend of October, visitors would probably not participate in O.C.toberfest if it were held the same weekend, further tightening available event dates. Rothermel said surveys TEAM Productions took during O.C.toberfest backed up Jones’ statement. The final component to his proposal was a summer concert series. Rothermel proposed two ticketed concerts, one on the first weekend of July and the other on the last weekend of August at North Division Street, and a free concert during the ArtX 2020 event at Northside Park.
Correction Last week in an article on public access to defibrillators, Ocean City Today incorrectly reported that cardiac arrests occur from atrial fibrillation rather than ventricular fibrillation. While both are a result of electrical malfunctions in the heart, an atrial fibrillation causes the heart’s rate and rhythm to become irregular, while ventricular fibrillation causes the heart to no longer pump blood. We apologize for this error.
Rothermel said he had offers from bands, but would be uncomfortable disclosing that information before any contracts were signed. He explained how in 1994, a former city council member had demanded he disclose the identity of the artist. When he revealed that it was country singer Alan Jackson, he received backlash from the council and had to cancel Jackson’s appearance. “In 1994, Alan Jackson would have been unbelievable on the beach because he was at the pinnacle of his career,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “‘Who’s Alan Jackson?’ is what one of the council members asked.” Despite not being able to disclose the artists, Rothermel assured commission members that they were worth the investment. “I guarantee you that it’s an artist that’s in the six figures,” Rothermel said. “Each of the artists … could probably draw 6-to-7 thousand seats.” In 1993, Rothermel booked the Beach Boys, which drew a crowd of 10,000, and booked the band again in 1994 following the Jackson backlash. In addition, Rothermel asked the council to consider allowing him to use the sound wings of the main stage, as well as the 12 wooden structures, parallel to the Boardwalk north, and south of Caroline Street comfort station for branding scrims. He said the advertisement banners were necessary as a selling point to potential sponsors, who would be featured on the banners all season long. Overall, the budget request for the 2020 events are as follows: Fireworks — $115,000; ArtX Concert – $23,000; O.C.toberfest — $20,000; Labor for fireworks, ArtX and O.C.toberfest — $23,000; Beach concerts — $84,000; Producer fee — $35,000. “If you go back down to the budget, basically these numbers are the same numbers we used last year — the only difference is the contract services for the beach concerts. So we will provide two major concerts for an additional $84,000,” Rothermel said. The commission went into closedsession to discuss the proposal.
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PAGE 7
Ocean City Today
Sewage allocation agreement, chart pass county review By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Following multiple rewrites and reviews, the Worcester County Commissioners have established standard sewer flow calculations, but with the condition that they will review the resolution after one year. According to the new revisions presented at the commissioners’ meeting last Tuesday, an applicant who disagrees with the projected sewer flow can present data-driChip Bertino ven evidence to the county departments and enter into an allocation agreement. Per the agreement, the developer will temporarily accept the equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) allocation based on the sewer flow chart or the county’s estimate if Jim Bunting their use is not addressed in the chart. Applicants can enter the agreement whether or not their usage is on the sewer flow chart. In the meantime, the developer will enter a 24-month monitoring period. If it shows a higher use, the applicant will be required to immediately purchase more EDUs and engage in water conservation efforts. If it shows a lower use, the county will buy back the extra EDUs. The revisions were the result of a second public hearing in which the commissioners advised the sewer committee to rewrite the appeal process to be when the developer is assigned the EDUs. They also wanted to open the allocation agreement to all developers, whereas in the previous draft, only those whose uses were not in the sewer flow chart could enter an See REVISIONS Page 8
Hooper’s to see property changes By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Hooper’s Crab House in West Ocean City will see a few changes with additional sewer and water allotments (EDUs or equivalent dwelling units) and most likely a new zoning designation for the small slice of property next door. The Worcester County Commissioners reviewed a request from Stockyard Inc. for seven additional EDUs during their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The EDUs would serve a revised use in the proposed Hooper’s Shopping Plaza for a butcher shop and carry-out restaurant. Stockyard Inc. received an initial allocation of nine EDUs for the shopping center and an additional seven for the restaurant from the Mystic Harbour Sanitary Service Area in June 2018. The proposed 1,409-square-foot and 1,496-square-foot butcher shop and carry-out restaurant will generate an estimated flow of 705 and 748 gallons per day for a combined total of 1,453 gallons per day. At the rate of 300 gallons per day per EDU, an allocation of an additional five EDUs was recommended by the county’s Environmental Programs department. The commissioners granted five EDUs from the commercial category, with Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic opposing the motion. Attorney Hugh Cropper represented the owners of Stockyard Inc. Properties and presented their rezoning request during the Worcester County Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, Dec. 5. Stockyard Inc. believed the quarter-of-an-acre property next to Hooper’s Crab House should be revised from a residential zoning to commercial. According to Cropper, Hooper’s Crab House has used the property as an accessory area for years and therefore the rezoning is based on a mistake in zoning (under Maryland law, a rezoning may occur when there is a mistake in zoning or there is a change in the character of the neighborhood).
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ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The quarter of an acre area next to Hooper’s Crab House in West Ocean City received a favorable recommendation to rezone to commercial. Stockyard Inc. also received additional EDUs for the same area for a butcher shop and takeout restaurant.
“As needed, they’ve had tents there over the years,” Cropper said to the planning commission. “They’ve had trailers — they’ve had a little bit of everything. As you can see, it appears to be overflow.” He confirmed with surveyor Frank Lynch that the rezoning would bring the area into compliance and is compatible with the county’s comprehen-
sive plan. Planning Commissioners Gerard Barbieri and Richard Wells said they had always thought the property was a part of Hooper’s Crab House. The planning commission agreed to forward to the county commissioners its recommendation for the rezoning from residential to commercial.
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Commercial plans pass site review SHOWTIMES
December 13 - December 19
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By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) The commercial component of the proposed Sea Oaks Village passed a site plan review by Worcester County Planning Commission on Thursday, Dec. 5. The proposal details 12,000 square feet for contractor shops and 12,570 square feet for office and retail space on the west side of Stephen Decatur Highway and north of Sinepuxent Road. These two commercial buildings will be on separate lots and have been assigned a total of four equivalent dwelling units of sewer and water service. The area has both a multi-family residential zoning and commercial zoning. There will be a 60-lot subdivision with 59 townhouses for the residential section aside from the commercial component. The step one concept plan had passed through both the planning commission and the Worcester County Commissioners. The residential community cleared the third stage of preliminary plat approval through the planning commission on Sept. 5. There had been a legal scuffle regarding the Worcester County Commissioners’ allocation of equivalent dwelling units for the project, but that was resolved after a lawsuit was settled. Attorney Hugh Cropper requested waivers regarding the requirement for a landscape screen where a residential planned community is next to a collector highway and a landscape buffer
PHOTO COURTESY STEVE MURPHY
The proposed Sea Oaks Village will be located on the west side of Stephen Decatur Highway and north of Sinepuxent Road.
PHOTO COURTESY STEVE MURPHY
The commercial component of the proposed Sea Oaks Village will consist of two commercial buildings - 12,000 square feet for contractor shops and 12,750 square feet for office and retail space.
where a commercial development adjoins a residential zoning district. “It’s aesthetically pleasing and we certainly don’t want to try and screen,” said Bob Hand, the land planner. “We want to buffer but we don’t want to screen the view along 611 because it is a pretty project. The architecture is outstanding and I think it’s an asset to the neighborhood.”
Cropper pointed out that the existing woods and nontidal wetlands already serve as a screen. He also requested several other waivers regarding facades and building recesses and projections. The planning commission passed the site plan for the commercial component as presented, along with the requested waivers.
Revisions allow allocation change Continued from Page 7 agreement. Some were still not satisfied with the revisions. “I still don’t understand why we can’t tack this relief on the front,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said. He also voiced a concern that the reconsideration would go to back to environmental programs, public works and the treasurer’s office, who have all advised against a reconsideration or appeal process. “There should be an appeals board rather than the sewer committee,” Bunting said. County attorney Maureen Howarth informed Bunting that she drafted the revisions based on the comments from the last meeting and also noted that since this is a new process, there is no funding set aside for reimbursements. County Commissioner Chip Bertino then asked how the county will determine the legitimacy of the data a developer provides. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Shannahan clarified that the three departments mentioned earlier would analyze that data and that evidence such as bills from a similar project
would be sufficient. The purpose of the 24-month monitoring period is to ensure objectivity, according to Shannahan and Howarth. “We believe that we have many years of data to back up the flows that we have in the table,” Shannahan said. “We believe that they’re accurate flows, but at the end of 24 months, if the table is wrong or if the information provided by the developer is wrong, the actual flows will pan out and that will determine what the flow should be and how many EDUs should be purchased for that particular project.” Bertino argued that not all properties may be operating at 95 percent capacity, which is required for the monitoring period. Howarth replied that it could be difficult to determine at what capacity businesses were running. After another question from Bertino, Howarth said that in the case of a strip mall, the allocation is based on the individual use. The sewer committee confirmed that the allocation agreement requires an individual meter and that they encourage customers to have a meter for each unit. Bertino still needed further con-
vincing on another point. “It bothers me that this reconsideration is going back to the same group of people who ultimately said ‘no’ to begin with or have a different opinion,” Bertino said. Howarth disagreed, saying that the allocation is based on the allocation table and that if the developer sees a problem, they can present data to the departments, have a conversation about the allocation and begin the monitoring period. Shannahan said that even if the departments disagree with the data that the developer presents, the developer can still enter the allocation agreement. After further protests from Bunting regarding accuracy from department staff, Commissioner Diana Purnell intervened. “I don’t understand where the problem is now because we’ve done everything,” Purnell said. She added that the developers know how to get proof of the flows and that the allocation agreement is fair because it gives every developer an “out.” Commissioner Joshua Nordstrom moved to pass the resolution and to bring it back after one year for review. The motion passed, with Bunting in opposition.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
PAGE 9
Ocean City Today
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PAGE 10
Ocean City Today
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By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) The following took place during Tuesday’s Ocean City Council work session:
Board members Mayor Rick Meehan and City Council welcomed Emily Nock and Robert Milewski as the newest members of the Board of Zoning Appeals and Board of Port Wardens, respectively.
Canal bid
111:00 1 00AM - 11:330AM
K
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Council members rejected the sole bid for a canal dredging project. City Procurement Manager Catrice Parsons asked the council to reject the almost $600,000 bid as it was well over what had been budgeted. The project has been remanded to staff to re-evaluate the cost of the project.
Bond sale projects The council approved to proceed with general obligation bond projects and project refinancing. The projects to be included in the bond are a wastewater secondary clarifier project at $4.25 million, a Gorman Avenue water filter project at $1.9 million and the purchase of the Sandpiper Energy property on 67th Street from $1.1 million. City Finance Director Chuck Bireley also said the city’s financial advisers, Wye River, recommended the city refinance two of its outstanding debts: the Calvin B. Taylor loan of $1.23 million and the 2010 general obligation bond debt of $8.05 million. Bireley said by doing so, the city could save the city almost $1 million over the next 12 years.
In addition to the projects and refinancing, there is also a $175,000 bond issuance cost, which will bring the total cost of the bond sale to $16.8 million, with $1 million in savings. The recommendation will move to first reading on Dec. 16.
Advertising The council approved Director of Public Works Hal Adkins’ request to begin advertising the city’s transit advertising contract. The advertising, as Adkins put it, is hard copy placed on the exterior of buses, vans and the rooftops of city trams. He explained to council members that the current five-year contract would expire on Aug. 31, 2020, so the time to market to bidders was now. The council approved the request, but asked Adkins to explore varying contract lengths, rather than the traditional five-year period.
Vehicle replacement Parsons asked to appropriate funding from the vehicle trust fund balance to replace two Ocean City Planning and Zoning and fire department vehicles, which council members approved. The planning and zoning vehicle was in need of repair, and because it was quite old, city staff felt it best to simply replace the vehicle. As for the fire department vehicle, it had been cut from three separate budgets because of lack of funding. In FY19, sales of assets produced excess revenue, which would cover the cost of the purchase. The replacement vehicles — a Ford F150 and a Chevy Tahoe — would cost $24,255 and $35,368, respectively, $59,593 total.
DNR grants gateway funding portal streamlines process By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Aiming to simplify the qualification process for environmental project funding, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources last year instituted its Chesapeake and Coastal Grants Gateway one-stop online application portal. Gabe Cohee, director for the Center for Restoration Finance at Chesapeake and Coastal Service said DNR officials recognized that solicitations for funding required vetting through multiple channels. “We were working with the same local governments and the same nonprofit organizations that were seeking these funds,” he said. Cohee said the grants gateway online portal is open for the second year and would be accepting solicitations until Feb. 14.
“We just decided it would be better if we put out one single solicitation and tried to pull in projects that way. Whether we’re talking about resiliency, water quality, planning, zoning ordinances, sea level rise [or] things that the locals are dealing with,” Cohee said. Cohee said his agency, which operates under DNR, manages federal funding through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “We have a lot of state funding … for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, which is water quality-driven,” he said. “We have some capital funding to do resiliency projects that we’re using natural infrastructure to protect critical natural features.” In large part, the involved projects tended to focus on results rather than See ENVIRONMENTAL Page 11
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
County hires new attorney, name has yet to be released By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) With Worcester County Attorney Maureen Howarth leaving for private practice, county government has filled that billet but is not yet ready to announce who got the job. Howarth served as Worcester government’s staff attorney for a little over four years but is leaving for a new position at the Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand firm in Ocean City in late January. “She does so much more than what any of the commissioners could tell you,” County Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic said. He added that Howarth was the perfect candidate because she previously had municipal experience with Wicomico County. County Commissioner Bud Church emphasized how vital the county attorney position is. “The county attorney is probably as important as anyone else in the county, including the administrator and the assistant county administrator and of course, the commissioners,” Church said. “They provide legal advice on every facet of government that you can imagine, from water and sewer to legal issues to zoning issues — everything that you can imagine that would come before the county.” Church listed the numerous departments Howarth works with on a regular basis and praised her for her great performance in a demanding position. “It takes a special personality to deal with the county administration, being the county administrator and
the assistant county administrator, and then seven independent-thinking commissioners that don’t always agree,” Church said. “We don’t always disagree, but M. Howarth you have seven different personalities and that’s what the county attorney has to deal with.” He said that county staff narrowed down applications to about three or four attorneys, whom the commissioners interviewed. They made an offer, and that offer was accepted. According to Church, the new attorney will begin attending commissioner meetings next week so they can hit the ground running when Howarth leaves for her new position. Though the county officials won’t release the name of the new attorney, Church said he has confidence in the new hire, who was highly recommended by various local attorneys. “I’m 100 percent confident that given in a month or two, our new attorney will be up to speed and do an excellent job,” Church said. Howarth said Worcester County has been a great place to work. “Every day, I get to interact with hardworking, dedicated employees, and that has made the job very enjoyable and fulfilling,” Howarth said. “It has been an honor to serve the county as county attorney and I will remember the time fondly. I am very thankful to the county commissioners for allowing me the opportunity to serve the county.”
Environmental project support Continued from Page 10 a specific funding approach. “It allows us to do a more comprehensive review of all these projects,” he said. Cohee said by examining project details, his agency could provide advice on which sources of money might be appropriate. “In the end, we get better comprehensive programs on the ground and it reduces some of that burden on the locals,” he said. Without expounding on climate change, Cohee said residents in coastal communities have seen increased storms in recent years. “Coastal communities are realizing that high tides are a little higher,” he said. “There are king tides that are even bigger than old king tides.” Flooding dangers have also increased in waterfront communities. “So there just seems to be more water to deal with,” he said. Cohee said to address these mounting challenges, the agency is pursuing
projects that employ natural shorelines and wetlands as part of the solution. “We want to build natural features … to help slow that water down and keep it in place, so that residents and locals aren’t dealing with that water in their basements and yards,” he said. Also considered in the process, Cohee said, is the financial impact these higher tides and stronger storms have on coastal areas. “Not only for tourism, but for our fisheries communities and recreational economies,” he said. “It’s really critical that we think about how these impacts will affect those kind of economies.” While the impact of sea level rise over the next several decades is subject to conjecture, Cohee said taking action now is vital to maintaining life on the coast. “Right now, we like the way of life that we have, and we enjoy these coastal communities,” he said. “We have to do what we can to ensure that they are sustainable for whatever the future has for us.”
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DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
Vaping task force wants e-facts on smoking devices
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The Ocean City Tourism Commission, comprised of elected city officials and industry representatives, listens to plans for summer entertainment from T.E.A.M. Productions’ Bob Rothermel, on Monday, Dec. 9.
Thursdays seen as eve of weekend Continued from Page 1 and Sunday to Thursday. We’re seeing a lot more of that split-week deal happening, so maybe there’s something to it to experiment [with].” Mayor Rick Meehan proposed rescheduling certain events, such as family beach parties, to Thursday night to give visitors more incentive to view the fireworks. “Beach party nights we usually have a DJ or something there, and it could lead up to it [fireworks],” Mee-
han said. “If you’re going to do it [fireworks on Thursday], like John said, you need to segue into it.” The Thursday weekend start would also help alleviate another issue, said Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-MotelRestaurant Association. “I would add the issues with the bay bridge,” Jones said. “Let’s encourage people to come early on Thursday and giving them a reason to come Thursday with the beach
party.” In addition, Jones said resort hotels would be offering Thursday night hotel packages as another bonus for early weekend guests. “I’d like to see what we could come up with,” Gehrig said. “We’re owning and dominating the weekend. We work backwards from there, so let’s reclaim Friday night, get some Thursday action and keep working backwards one day at a time and get this length of stay up.”
By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Maryland took a step forward in addressing the nationwide vaping issue earlier this month, when the e-facts Task Force on Electronic Smoking Devices met for the first time on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the University of Maryland, College Park. State Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot (D) announced last month that the task Crystal Bell was created to learn more about electronic smoking devices, gain a comprehensive picture of public health and safety impacts of the devices, understand the commercial effects of product sales and to advise new, strong laws to protect consumers. Worcester County is one of 11 counties without representation on the task force. Members are from public health, higher education, public schools, the vaping industry and local and state government. Susan O’Brien, director of communications for the comptroller’s office, said many members were chosen based on recommendations from other forces and their previous work on public health issues. She assured that there was no purposeful exclusion of Worcester County. “There’s a limit to how many people we can have on the task force and there’s 24 jurisdictions,” O’Brien said. She added that the comptroller’s office tried to ensure that each geographical area of the state had representation, and that the Eastern Shore was represented by Dane Foust, vice president for Student Affairs at Salisbury University. According to O’Brien, this will not put Worcester at a disadvantage. Worcester County Health Department Public Information Officer Travis Brown said even though the county did not have a person physically representing Worcester, it will still receive the same information discussed at the meeting. “Whenever multiple groups come to the table, it’s generally helpful to everyone,” Brown said. According to data provided by the county health department, Worcester generally has a higher rate of electronic smoking device usage, which include vapes, than the state. In 2016, 26 percent of high school-aged individuals in Worcester County used electronic smoking devices, in comparison to 13.3 percent of the same individuals in Maryland. “There is a high utilization among middle and high school students in See STATE Page 14
DECEMBER 13, 2019
PAGE 13
Ocean City Today
Commission’s permission: the eyes have it Continued from Page 1 “It is a tool that is used on a daily basis,” Ashley Miller, Ocean City Police Department deputy communications manager, told Ocean City Today. “Our dispatchers watch the cameras, which allows them to dispatch the incident immediately instead of waiting on a concerned citizen, business or victim to call.” Perhaps the program’s most notable achievement occurred in the summer when police used footage from the cameras to identify Harold Rafael Nunez-Dominguez, 19, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who was accused of stabbing two teens on the Boardwalk on Sunday, June 9. “From a technology and fiber [optic cable] standpoint, we have the ability to move forward,” Buzzuro said. The cameras are state-of-the-art technology, Buzzuro said, and allow users to see a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Currently, the police department has 12 or 13 locations slated for future
camera installation. D.C., the American Civil Liberties “Looking at previous crime statis- Union found. tics, these locations would be truly ad“Those evaluations outlined nuvantageous,” Buzzuro said. merous problems caused by the camWhile supporters point to in- eras,” said Sonia Roubini of the stances of success, such as the June American Civil Liberties Union. “They stabbing arrest, as evidence of the pose a heavy financial burden on pocameras’ usefulness as a public safety lice departments and cities, produce tool, critics — such no positive effect on as the American attempts to mitigate ‘Looking at previous crime Civil Liberties crime, aid practices statistics, these locations Union (ACLU), priof discriminatory vacy advocates and would be truly advantageous.’ targeting and often even police departdisplace crime to City Police Chief ments — have deunsurveilled areas.” Ross Buzzuro nounced those A more recent claims. study, conducted by In 2015, Police Chief Jim Peschong the University of Tennessee Municiof Lincoln, Nebraska, said the devices pal Technical Advisory Service Instihad done little to nothing in aiding his tute for Public Service in 2017, found department’s efforts to reduce crimi- surveillance cameras are most effecnal activity, as reported by the Lincoln tive when combined with other crime Journal Star. reducing methods. Peschong’s statement was consisSuch methods include improved tent with previous evaluations con- lighting, security guards and defensiducted in San Francisco, Los Angeles, ble space. Baltimore, Chicago and Washington “On its own, cameras have been
shown to reduce vehicle crimes especially in parking garages. However, some studies showed an increase in crime after the installation of CCTV — and CCTV has not been shown to reduce violent crime,” the report said. While the civil liberties union criticized the Lincoln Police Department, the group also encouraged other agencies to follow in its footsteps. “Every agency adopting a new surveillance technology should build in a process to evaluate its effectiveness,” Roubini said. “This will ensure that the agency and the public alike can understand whether they’re getting reasonable returns on both their investment and their privacy sacrifice.” Regardless of the pros and cons, the expansion is favored by city officials, with Councilman Lloyd Martin saying the more eyes the city has, the better. “This is the way to the future and we have to be proactive and I think we should support this request,” Meehan said.
Paid parking won’t expand, this year anyway Continued from Page 1 From those meetings, the task force made four recommendations: • Parking rate increases in inlet, municipal and downtown street parking areas. • Do not expand paid parking in the city. • Elimination of the Park and Ride shuttle fee. • Do not convert parking on the west side of Philadelphia Avenue between North and South First Streets into paid parking. If adopted, the city stood to make an additional $900,000 in revenues, McGean said. “The task force is going to consider, when they meet in the fall of 2020, the potential for expanded paid parking for 2021, 2022?” DeLuca asked McGean. McGean replied that the report he
had presented would be the last of its kind, and that the task force had no plans to meet in the future, unless directed to do so by the mayor and City Council. DeLuca was not the only council member with concerns about ending the expansion conversation. “For all of these (task force) votes, we never had a quorum,” Councilwoman Mary Knight said. “There were many people missing, so even though the vote went the way it did, there might have been only six people voting.” “Of all the meetings, Chris Mitchell [of Coldwell Banker real estate] and I were the only two to attend all of the meetings,” Councilman Dennis Dare said, calling the vote “not conclusive.” Dare said he wouldn’t “paint himself” in a corner over the parking issue, and agreed with DeLuca that it
should be kept as an option in the future. “I won’t vote for other revenue enhancements until we do something about making parking pay for more of the expenses that we incur,” Dare said. “Beach replenishment costs us half a million a year, Beach Patrol’s over $2.4 million, Public Works Boardwalk is about $730,000 a year, Public Works beach cleaning is a $1 million a year and solid waste is $75,000 — $4.8 million [total] for the beach and Boardwalk.” Another recommendation that worried the council was the suggestion to eliminate the Park and Ride shuttle fee of $3, which would reduce revenue by $86,000. The city would continue to charge the shuttle fee for special events and certain holidays. While the revenue reduction was
an issue, perhaps more important to the council was Maryland Transportation Administration grant funding that helps finance the shuttle service. The grant funding comes with restrictions, and council members were concerned about whether making the shuttle free would violate those restrictions, and result in the loss of that money. The council approved all recommendations except for the shuttle fee elimination, and remanded it back to staff for further analysis. After the vote, DeLuca returned to paid parking, and asked McGean and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp to prepare revenue data comparing permit and non-permit paid parking expansions for Fiscal Year 2021. “I don’t want to wait,” DeLuca said.
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Ocean City Today
State vaping task force will consider lower shore as well Continued from Page 12 regards to vaping,” said Crystal Bell, chronic disease and tobacco supervisor. According to Andi West McCabe, director of emergency services at Atlantic General Hospital, the hospital does not track vaping-related diseases and therefore does not know if Worcester has had any cases. Last month, a public relations representative at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury told Ocean City Today that the hospital had seen numerous cases of lung damage resulting from vaping and/or traditional smoking. Bell said that vaping is particularly dangerous since many of them contain nicotine, along with other chemicals that can be fatal. Bell added that there are still many unknowns about the exact chemical make-up of vaping liquid. It was mentioned during the task force meeting that there are no regulations on where or how the vapes and liquids are made. There is no requirement for an ingredient list. Vaping gained popularity as it was marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional smoking. Bell said that those who do not already use tobacco
products should not start vaping, especially youth. “It’s less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but by no means is it harmless,” Bell said. Brown added that vaping products seem to be marketed toward youth, since they are flavored and colorful. There have been rumors of banning flavored vaping liquids at the state level, though nothing is certain yet. O’Brien said the task force will review any new vaping legislation from the General Assembly in one of its January meetings. As for the county level, Bell pointed out that the health department has continuous smoking cessation programs for anyone 18-years old and above. The department will refer those 13- to 17-years old to the Maryland tobacco quit line, a free coaching service. According to Brown, the health department will release two different public service announcements in the next few weeks regarding vaping. “One is aimed at parents talking about what they should be looking for and how to have that conversation with their kids about vaping,” Brown said. The second announcement will target youth by explaining the health dangers of vaping and what they should know. The next meetings for the task force are tentatively scheduled for Jan. 9, Jan. 27 and Feb. 17. The meetings will be live streamed on the Facebook page “E-Facts.” Bell hopes that the goals and objectives for the task force will be helpful to Worcester County. “The biggest thing is for everyone to understand the nature and characteristics of electronic smoking devices,” Bell said. Anyone looking to quit using electronic smoking devices or traditional smoking should contact the health department at 410-632-1100.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
OCEAN CITY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE BRIEFS By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) The following took place during Tuesday’s Ocean City Transportation Committee meeting:
Ridership City Transit Manager Mark Rickards, reporting on bus ridership, said winter’s arrival means bus services will average 40 minutes between each stop during weekdays, but 30 minutes on Friday and 20 minutes on Saturdays for the next five months. “Ridership was almost exactly to the number if you look date to date, only nine different from last year,” Rickards said. “We did have a few more deployments — we started winter service earlier last year than this year.” Councilman Dennis Dare asked about publishing time schedules at bus stops during the weekends, where there are no shelters. Transit Administrative Manager Brian Connor and Rickards said they would look into Dare’s request.
MEDTRN During the last committee meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan asked Public Works Director Hal Adkins to inquire about the Worcester County Community for Life Program to see if the city could consolidate it with the resort’s MEDTRN shuttle service. Adkins told the group that the main difference between the two programs is that MEDTRN offers services to ADA compliant patients, while Community for Life is a general seniors shuttle service. Additionally, while MEDTRN charges users $5 for each ride, Community for Life has membership fees and minimum subscription requirements. Despite the lack of continuity between the two programs, Meehan said he would write a letter to Worcester County Commissioners urging them to expand the program into Ocean City limits.
“I spoke at an AARP meeting and it was something they asked about,” Meehan said.
FY21 ATP list Every year, the Department of Public Works is required to send a transportation plan (ATP) capital list to the Maryland Transportation Administration. In total, the department is requesting $14.2 million in funding. “I’m not overly optimistic that we will get much of this list at all, but we have to submit it on an annual basis” Adkins said. For the last couple of years, Adkins said the department’s funding requests had been focused on paying for a decades-old $25 million facility upgrade project. The final few items for that project were included on this year’s list, and with those out of the way, Adkins said he hoped to see more funding for other items down the road.
Traffic signal The city has long sought to add a traffic signal on the intersection of Third Street and Philadelphia Avenue. Despite personal observations, however, the area did not have enough traffic flow to warrant a signal, a State Highway Administration study found. This could change, Adkins said, with the installation of Gregory Slater, formerly the administrator for the State Highway Administration, as the secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation. “Our good friend to the Town of Ocean City, and I mean that seriously, State Highway Administrator Greg Slater is being promoted … and I hope that will work to our benefit, as he has assisted us in the past.”
Future meeting The next Transportation Committee meeting will be held on Jan. 14, 2020.
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PAGE 15
Ocean City Today
PHOTO COURTESY JEFF SCHOELLKOPF
The City of Pocomoke offered Worcester County a property on Willow Street to construct a new library that may be a shared space with a senior center and the health department.
Pocomoke, OP libraries to receive upgrades By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) The Pocomoke and Ocean Pines libraries can look forward to some improvements, a huge improvement for Pocomoke, and one for Ocean Pines that should be well received. Jennifer Ranck, library director for the Worcester County Library system, asked the Worcester County Commissioners last Tuesday to authorize a site evaluation study for the property that the City of Pocomoke has offered for the construction of a new library. The evaluation will include work with architect Jeff Schoellkopf to complete preliminary design concepts of a
facility to be shared with the Worcester County Commission on Aging for a senior center. The property that Pocomoke offered is located on Willow Street. According to Ranck’s report, the library design is for 11,000 square feet and a separate 4,000 square feet for the senior center. In 2013, the library system determined that replacing the Berlin Library was a priority through a countywide facility study. In FY19, the library completed pre-design work and determined cost estimates for several possibilities for the Pocomoke Library that were in the $5 million range. The county has $500,000 in assigned funds toward the project. The
library system was awarded an FY20 State Library Capital Grant for $120,000. Because the grant application the county originally submitted was for an expansion and not a new facility, the grant will need to be rescinded and the library can submit a different request for the new facility project. Commissioner Chip Bertino asked that the site evaluation also look at the possibility of including a shared space with the health department. “Downtown revitalization is something that’s been discussed for several years now in Pocomoke,” Commissioner Joshua Nordstrom said. “This piece of property is adjacent to some
other pieces of property that really we’d like to see more facilities and businesses come in. It’s just the perfect spot for it.” The other two options were to proceed with an expansion or to evaluate other potential sites. As for the Ocean Pines branch, the commissioners accepted the lowest bid from Value Carpet One at $46,543 to replace the facility carpet. The library has $85,000 in the budget for that work. Though the exact dates have not yet been determined, the Ocean Pines Library expects to be partially closed for a few days between Dec. 26 and Jan. 3. It will be closed for New Year’s Day.
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Fire department needs more resources, staff By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Service, before self: Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers explained to the mayor and city council how this motto was the framework of the Ocean City Fire Department during a fire department strategic plan presentation on Tuesday. “We would give a life or limb to save a life,” Bowers said. “That’s what we mean by service, before self.” The fire department’s strategic goals were broken down into seven categories: personnel, facilities, apparatus/equipment, administrative items, operational items, community outreach and safety, health and wellness. While each category features a slew of goals, objectives and initiatives, Bowers highlighted what he thought were key aspects of each category. For instance, main goals under the personnel category include the development of a comprehensive recruitment and retention program, an inclusive diversity plan and a minimum training standard and development pathways. “We want to represent the community we serve, and we want to make sure to have the ability to bring in anyone and everyone,” Bowers said. One of the greatest challenges iden-
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers, right, presents his department’s strategic plan to the mayor and city council on Tuesday, Dec. 10. He, alongside Deputy Chief Chris Shaffer, explained the evolving challenges firefighters and emergency services personnel face, and the need for more resources and staff to protect the growing number of Ocean City and West Ocean City residents.
tified in the strategic plan was a growing service community in conjunction with decreasing staff. On Oct. 1, Bowers came before the mayor and city council to ask for funding for additional staff members. At that meeting, Bowers said call volumes in Ocean City and in West Ocean City increased by 20 and 13 percent, respectively, from 2014 to 2018. With the funding approved, Para-
medic 7 was created and began service on Oct. 2. The crew’s positive affect on unit unavailability during the shoulder season was almost immediate, Bowers said. Still, more would need to be done to address the issue, Bowers said. “That day, Oct. 2, in itself was an anomaly,” he said. “We ran twice the amount of calls than we normally do.” Staff responsibilities are enormous,
Bowers said, and crews respond to fire, EMS, special operations and marine and ocean rescue emergency incidents. The department is also often the first to respond to these emergency incidents, he said. In order to handle the variety of emergency incidents, all career firefighters, paramedics and a few volunSee GOALS Page 18
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
Wor. to provide meals for students Pilot program for Pocomoke schools made possible by commissioners’ donation By Rachel Ravina Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Students of Pocomoke elementary, middle and high schools can get a hot meal for several days over winter break as part of a program created by Worcester County Public Schools. Pocomoke area students are eligible to receive meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, Thursday, Dec. 26, Friday, Dec. 27, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, and Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, according to Vincent Tolbert, chief financial officer for Worcester County Public Schools. Meals will be served at the middle
school on 800 Eighth St. in Pocomoke City. Students can expect to receive a typical lunch meal, which would have several offerings, including an entrée, a vegetable and a dessert, Tolbert said. “We chose [the] Pocomoke area as a pilot program for the first time this year because of the high poverty rates that are down in the Pocomoke area,” he said. Tolbert said 2,800 students there participate in free and reducedprice meals, which accounts for about 41 percent. He added that portion of the county is home to roughly 70 percent of school system’s students who are living in poverty. Tolbert said that food resource officials are planning to serve meals to “between 40-50 kids per day, but we’re hoping it’s more.” Additionally, Tolbert said that personnel will distribute backpacks filled with food to send home with children on both Mondays and Fridays of winter break. Tolbert said he was approached by representatives from the Worcester County Commissioners several weeks ago about available funding to provide meals for students and “to help with the hunger issue in
Worcester County.” The $10,000 allocated for the winter break meals program was part of a $100,000 funding package. Several organizations also received funding including Diakonia, Inc., Snow Hill Ecumenical Food Pantry and Worcester County GOLD. The Worcester County Commissioners unanimously authorized the monies during a meeting last week. “It’s unfortunate that we have a situation like this, but we have an obligation to address it,” said Commissioner Chip Bertino. He also said that school officials have been working on a plan to serve meals for six days during the holiday break, and “we could definitely use some of that funding for those hot meals down in the Pocomoke area.” Worcester County Public Schools will be closed from Monday, Dec. 23 to Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, with students returning to classes on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, according to the 2019-20 calendar. “We know there’s a need, and we’re hoping that this program helps fill a need, and make sure that those kids and families have healthy meals, and food during the extended winter break,” Tolbert said.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Goals in strategic plan include staff retention, diversity Continued from Page 16 teer personnel are cross-trained. This is done to maintain the department’s quick emergency response time. “Simply put, for all emergencies, the speed, the efficiency and the safety of our operations are directly proportional to the amount of personnel available,” Bowers said. “With the evolution from ordinary combustible items, such as wood [and] paper, to synthetic materials, such as plastic, which is in everything and is an oil-based product, the fire environment has changed dramatically,” he said. According to Bowers, the fire industry has yet to catch up to the construction industry in terms of material used in modern day properties. He said common house items made out of synthetic materials produce black smoke, rather than white smoke. This black smoke is incredibly hot and dense, and causes other items in the room to give off flammable gases via pyrolysis. These gases than ignite, resulting in a huge combustion known as a flashover. “Four minutes, we need to operate with efficiency and with the staffing and the resources in order to get water on the fire before flashover occurs,” Bowers said. Staff and resource depletions allow for gaps in response times, greatly increasing the risk of life-threatening disasters. “On Sunday, Oct. 20, at number 17 72nd Street,” Bowers said. “We were dispatched … It was an occupied condo … the outside of the building and the inside of the building were on fire.” Using a graph, Bowers charted the department’s response time to the condominium fire. The first unit arrived in just three minutes, but only two firefighters were available to handle the raging flames. Backup arrived a few minutes later, increasing the number of firefighters to five. Additional personnel needed to hose down the flames did not arrive until eight to 12 minutes later, he said, well past the flashover point. “I can tell you our men and women that were on the initial go-round, those five, they did one heck of a job, but we were past flashover, which put them in grave danger,” Bowers said. “The only way to get us to the green area is with more people on the scene, quickly.” Mayor Rick Meehan thanked Bowers for his presentation, and said the challenges Bowers outlined reiterated the need for the city and county to work together in funding the essential fire and emergency services. “This is not something that just affects Ocean City, it affects all of us,” Meehan said.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
PAGE 19
Ocean City Today
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
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TOURISM COMMISSION BRIEFS By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) The following are reports made by department heads during Monday’s Tourism Commission meeting:
Chamber of Commerce Melanie Pursel, president of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, announced Darryl Strawberry would be the guest speaker for the 2020 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Jan. 10 at the Clarion hotel on 101st Street. Strawberry is a former eight-time allstar professional baseball player, most notably with the Mets and Yankees, whose career was eclipsed by a high-profile cocaine addiction. He now ministers and gives speeches across the country to warn people about drug use and addiction. She also reported that the chamber’s Young Professionals Committee’s Christmas Spirit Campaign that took place on Saturday, Dec. 7. The campaign took 63 young children on a $100 shopping spree, Pursel said. The beneficiaries of the campaign were identified with help of school counselors and the Worcester County Youth and Family Counseling Services in Berlin. The chamber is also revamping its scholarship program with a focus on workforce development, she said.
Convention center Convention Center Director Larry Noccolino reported that two groups, the Salvation Army and Miniature Figures, would be hosting events at the center, located on 40th Street, in fall 2020 and April 2021, respectively. Miniature Figures will set up thousands of figurines depicting battlefields, train stations and other war-related scenes. Noccolino also mentioned a cheer and dance competition hosted at the center on Saturday, Dec. 7, which sold out. The American Cancer Society held its gift-wrapping event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, Brian’s Christmas Songbook was slated for Friday, Dec. 13, the Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 14, and the Mayor’s Concert and the center’s 50th anniversary celebration on Jan. 1, 2020. The schedule for the 50th anniver-
sary celebration was changed from 1- 3 p.m. to 4-6 p.m.
HMRA Susan Jones, executive director of the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said the association is working on its list of all of the restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, which will be given to hotels to offer to guests. The group is also working on a public relations campaign called “National Plan for Vacation Day” that encourages people to travel and plan for travel. Jones also mentioned earlier in the meeting that the association has been ruminating over traffic issues caused by work being completed on the bay bridge, which is projected to stymie visitor flow to Ocean City in March, April and May. City Manager Doug Miller was asked to figure out when construction would be halted in 2020.
COA STA L D E S I G N
Special Events Special Events Superintendent Frank Miller announced that the ongoing Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park on 125th Street, has seen a 14 percent increase in revenue and a 12 percent increase in attendance compared to the same time last year. He also noted a shifting trend of higher attendance on weekdays versus weekends. He called Saturday’s Christmas Parade a success and attributed crowd turnout to good weather. As for New Year’s, Miller said a DJ had been hired to play at the Winterfest of Lights, and that special events is working with Abbey Burger Bistro at 126th Street on potential promotions.
Tourism Tourism and Marketing Director Donna Abbott said the tourism department’s marketing campaign for the Winterfest of Lights is underway. She also told commission members that MGH marketing agency was working on the city’s media plan recommendations, and Abbott planned to update the commission about the recommendations next month. Abbott also said she was working on a request for proposals for an ad agency.
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Delmarva Power warns of payment scams Company joins 100 other organizations to prepare customers for various signs (Dec. 13, 2019) With the holiday season quickly approaching, Delmarva Power is reminding customers to always be on alert for potential payment scams targeting customers. Scams occur throughout the year, but the company generally sees an increase in scam reports during the holiday season. With holiday shopping and family gatherings planned, scammers are using the holiday season to trick customers into providing their personal or financial information and making false payments under the pretense of keeping their service active. Delmarva Power is joining more
than 100 utility companies across the United States and Canada in an effort to protect customers from scams targeting customers of electric, natural gas, water, and other utilities. Collaborating companies have joined together for a fourth year and designated Nov. 20 as “Utilities United Against Scams Day.” Utility Scam Awareness Day is part of the week-long National Scam Awareness Week, an advocacy and awareness campaign focused on educating customers and exposing the tactics used by scammers. Delmarva Power and its sister Exelon companies, Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, PECO and Pepco are committed to educating customers and putting a stop to scamming. “The safety and well-being of our
customers and the communities we serve is our top priority,” said Morlon Bell-Izzard, vice president of Customer Operations for Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “Coordinated initiatives, such as this, are important in our efforts and our partners’ efforts to educate and protect our customers. By understanding the many tips and tactics associated with these scam attempts, customers will have the power to protect themselves and those in their community.” When scams occur, a customer typically receives an unsolicited phone call from an individual, who falsely claims to be a company representative. The scammer warns that the customer’s service will be terminated if they fail to make a payment – usually
within a short timeframe through a prepaid debit card or other direct payment method. Scammers have even duplicated the telephone systems of some companies, so when customers call the number provided by the scammer, it sounds like a legitimate business. Some scammers also use caller ID “spoofing” to replicate a company’s phone number. Red flags for scam activity • The scammer often becomes angry and tells a customer his or her account is past due and service will be shut off if a large payment isn’t made – usually within less than an hour. • The scammer instructs the customer to purchase a prepaid debit or credit card – widely available at most retail stores – then call him or her back to make a payment. • The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the funds loaded to the card. How to protect yourself • Delmarva Power representatives will never ask or require a customer with a past due balance to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection. • Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank withdrawal, mail, or in person. • Customers with a past due balance will receive multiple shut off notifications – never a single notification one hour before disconnection. • If a customer ever questions the legitimacy of the call, hang up and call Delmarva Power at 800-3757117. Don’t Get Scammed: Customers can avoid being scammed by taking a few precautions: • Never provide your social security number or personal information to anyone initiating contact with you claiming to be a company representative or requesting you to send money to another person or entity other than Delmarva Power. • Always ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any Delmarva Power worker into your home or business. • Never make a payment for services to anyone coming to your door. Any customer who believes he or she has been a target of a scam is urged to contact their local police and call Delmarva Power immediately at 800-375-7117 to report the situation. To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power’s online news room. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/delmarvapower and on Twitter at twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at delmarva.com/mobileapp.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
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Ocean City Today
POLICE/COURTS
WHP assault cases reviewed By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) A second-degree assault charge against Melissa Peters, acting president of White Horse Park Board of Directors, was dismissed in Worcester County District Court last Friday in Snow Hill. Peters’ second-degree assault case against Bob Harrison, full-time resident of White Horse Park, was postponed. In October, Harrison, told Ocean City Today that an altercation between himself and Peters occurred just before the Sept. 21 board of directors meeting at the park clubhouse. “They opened the door at 10 and I started to go through it,” Harrison said in an October interview. “She [Peters] jumped in front of me and put her hands on me. As soon as she did that, I pushed her out of the way and walked in.” Harrison filed charges against Peters two days later. Peters also filed charges against Harrison the same day. Harrison lives in one of 55 units in White Horse Park that have violated the seasonal zoning of the campground subdivision in Berlin. The community’s zoning stipulates that residents may only occupy their properties for 30 consecutive days, or an aggregate of 60 days, between Sept. 30 and April 1, while they may live there full-time throughout the
Domestic assault
other months. On Oct. 1, residents received warning letters from the county stating that they could be fined up to $1,000 a day if they violated the seasonal zoning. So far, no residents have reported receiving such fines. The board of directors has been in support of the county enforcing the seasonal zoning. According to documents Peters filed, the board of directors did not have a key to the main doors of the clubhouse for the meeting, so they asked meeting attendees to enter through the kitchen door. Peters stated that when members were asked to wait, they refused and some banged on the main doors in attempt to enter. “Bob Harrison aggressively faced me, grabbed my right arm in the bicep area, squeezed extremely hard, physically pressed his body past me,” Peters said in police documents. “His [he] had violated my privacy in the chest area. I screamed.” Peters said she called 911 after the altercation. She also reported that Harrison has previously “threatened to use a gun if asked to leave his home.” The public defender for Harrison requested for the case to be postponed, citing competency reasons and that she had not had a chance to speak with Harrison. She also wanted to speak to a social worker and gather additional witnesses. The case against Harrison has been postponed until Jan. 24.
David J. Harkness, Jr., 30, of Ocean City, faces an assault charge after an argument led to a physical altercation Sunday, Dec. 8. Around midnight, a firefighter at the 15th Street station called police and said a woman had pulled into the station requesting help. Police interviewed the woman, who said earlier that night her husband, Harkness, had arrived at their rental unit smelling of alcohol. The incident led to an argument, and the woman told her husband she wanted a divorce, the police report said. Following this statement, the woman told police that her husband grabbed her and threw her from the bed. She told police Harkness then grabbed her head and slammed it into the wall three times. Police reported the alleged-assault victim had a bruise under her left eye and scratches on her face and throat. The alleged victim also said Harkness attempted to choke her multiple times, but she managed to fend him off by fighting back. She told police she then tried to run away, but Harkness blocked her path and repeatedly pushed her down. She managed to escape, nonetheless, and drove to the fire station for help, the police report said. Continued on Page 22
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Don’t let this one get away. Now is the time to make every day a vacation. Located in one of the most desirable communities in North Ocean City just off 130th street. Completely remodeled with new floors, paint, carpet. The home features 2-bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, kitchen with a breakfast bar, double stainless steel sink, electric range, frost free refrigerator with ice maker dishwasher plus a eat in kitchen. The 10 x 39 enclosed porch is perfect for relax after a day at the beach. This home is located on a 40 x 90 deeded lot with no ground rent or ground lease attached. The community amenities include bayfront boardwalk with 3-fishing & crabbing piers, 2-adult pools, 1-kiddie pool, 2-tennis courts, 2-shuffleboard courts, miniature golf course, 8 acre wildlife sanctuary with a 1/2 mile paved walking/jogging path, and an 5 acre open park. The HOA fee is just $272.00 per year. Sold Partially Furnished For $179,900. We are the Original Montego Bay Specialist Since 1971.
WOW! Are you look for a BARGAIN then this 3BR/2BA front and rear bedroom floor plan will be the one for you. Located in North Ocean City. The community amenities include 2-in-ground swimming pools (1 in-ground kiddie pool for the little ones), 2-tennis courts, 2-shuffleboard courts, 9-hole miniature golf course, Bayfront boardwalk with 3-fishing piers, canal front fishing & crabbing area, 8-acre wildlife sanctuary/pond with a 1/2 mile walking path 5-acre open park and street lighting. Sold Unfurnished For $159,500. We Are The Original Montego Bay Specialist Since 1971!!!
Larry Holdren Real Estate, Inc©
Larry Holdren Real Estate, Inc©
13901 Coastal Hwy., Suite 8, Ocean City, MD
13901 Coastal Hwy., Suite 8, Ocean City, MD
For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700
For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700
www.larryholdrenrealestate.com • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com
www.larryholdrenrealestate.com • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com
MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY WALKING DISTANCE TO BEACH
3BR/2BA fully furnished home in North Ocean City & within easy walking distance to the beach, busline, the Montego Bay Shopping Center, many restaurants & bars, community pool/tennis complex & Northside Park. Open floorplan with split BRs & BAs-with 2 guest BRs & guest BA in front and master BR & BA in rear. Cathedral/vaulted ceilings in the living/dining room, laundry room w/full size washer & dryer, breakfast bar, newer roof, central air, 3 ceiling fans & walk-in closet in master BR. Storage shed & 2car cement parking pad. Community w/3 pools, including wading pool for the little ones, 2 tennis courts, shuffleboard court, 9-hole miniature golf course, bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing piers, canalfront fishing & crabbing area, an 8-acre wildlife sanctuary/pond, with a 1/2 mile paved walking path, a 5 acre open park and street lighting-a lamppost at each residence. Additional amenities include city streets & sidewalks, city water & sewer and city trash collection. The HOA dues are just $272 a year. $220,000
Call Michael “Montego Mike” Grimes
800-745-5988 • 410-250-3020 108 S. Ocean Drive • Ocean City, MD
13017 ATLANTIC BLVD
Fully furnished 2BR/2BA end unit in North Ocean City & is within city busline, shopping center with Food Lion grocery store, convenience stores, and many restaurants & bars. Features of this southern exposure unit include private ground level courtyard, private 2nd level sundeck, split BR/BA floorplan, newer central HVAC system, tile floors, plantation sliding doors for the 2 patio doors, 3 ceiling fans w/lights, new patio doors, windows, storm door, carpet in the bedrooms. Building w/new roof & vinyl siding. Complex amenities large outdoor pool, indoor pool, 2 tennis courts, paved storage area for boat trailers & paved offstreet parking. In addition boat slips can be rented from the association for $1,500 a year. $180,000
Montego Bay Realty
Call Michael “Montego Mike” Grimes
Montegomike@verizon.net www.montegobayrealty.com
108 S. Ocean Drive • Ocean City, MD
oceancitytoday.com Will help baysideoc.com you find a
800-745-5988 • 410-250-3020
105 120TH ST #119
Montego Bay Realty Montegomike@verizon.net www.montegobayrealty.com
e n i l n o s s e n i s u B Local
PAGE 22
WORLD WAR II
POLICE/COURTS
Defeat of German Admiral Graf Spee in South Atlantic
Continued from Page 21 Another officer interviewed Harkness, who confirmed he had pulled her off the bed and grabbed her by the hair, but denied hitting, slapping or choking the victim. Police arrested Harkness, who faces one count of second-degree assault.
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) This week, 80 years ago, three cruisers of the Royal Navy began closing in on the German commerce raider Admiral Graf Spee, which had played havoc with shipping in the South Atlantic Ocean for more than two months. On Sept. 3, 1939, The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of France declared that a state of war existed between their countries and the German Reich. Europe had been edging toward war for some time, and even though the pace had quickened, France and Britain were not prepared for war. Ger-
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
many wasn’t prepared for war with France and Britain either. Indeed, when informed of the declarations of war against his country, Adolf Hitler is reputed to have turned to Reichsminister of Foreign Affairs, Joachim von Ribbentrop, and asked, “Now what do we do?” Within the week, the Union of South Africa and Canada had added themselves to the list of Germany’s enemies. But the Germans had certainly foreseen the possibility of war with Britain and France. To that end, the Kriegsmarine had ensured that by Sept. 1, 1939, two of its three pocket battleships, Admiral Graf Spee and Deutschland, were Continued on Page 24
Midriff kick Police have charged Rebecca Faith Cakar, 47, of Ocean City, for seconddegree assault after she was accused of kicking her partner in his stomach last Wednesday, Dec. 4. Police reported finding a man banging on the door of the 15th Street Fire Department Headquarters at about 6:50 p.m. that evening. The man reportedly told police that his friends were fighting at a rental unit nearby. At the rental property, police interviewed the alleged assault victim, who said he and his girlfriend, Cakar, had been arguing when she kicked him in the stomach. The victim told police Cakar then unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks on the victim, until others in the room pulled her off him, the police report said. The officer spoke with Cakar’s daughter, who confirmed the victim’s story, but said the victim had also attempted to kick her mother. After the witnesses had pulled Cakar off the victim, Cakar’s daughter called her mother a cab and told her to leave the premises. The victim told police that he had stage four-pancreatic cancer, and said the kick had caused him internal pain. Police arrested Cakar on Dec. 7.
DUI and knife Byron Rex Maghan, Jr., 49, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, faces seven charges after police accused him of driving under the influence and possessing a switch-blade style knife Saturday, Dec. 7. Around 6 p.m., a witness reported seeing a gray Dodge Charger strike a portion of the Route 50 Bridge.
Police reported finding the vehicle at a red light in the 100 block of 13th Street, but the vehicle was stopped in the opposing lane of traffic. After police pulled over Maghan, he told them he was driving back to his hotel. During the interview, another officer saw what appeared to be a knife in Maghan’s left pants pocket, and took it from the suspect. Police reported that Maghan denied drinking alcohol, yet failed a variety of sobriety tests. Police arrested Maghan, who faces charges for possessing an assistedopening knife, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to obey traffic signs, failure to stop at a red light, failure to drive right of center and failure to attach vehicle registration plates.
Crash Police arrested Kristen Brooke Buchanan, 43, of Ocean City, after she was accused of causing a car crash on Saturday, Dec. 7. Around 11 p.m. an officer reported finding two vehicles stopped in the bus lane near Winter Harbor Drive and Coastal Highway. There, the officer reported seeing Buchanan arguing with the other driver. The officer interviewed the driver, who told police that he was traveling south on Coastal highway when Buchanan swerved into his lane, attempted to go back into her lane and then slammed on her brakes. The driver told police he did not have enough time to press his brakes, which resulted in him striking the rear end of Buchanan’s vehicle. Buchanan told police the driver had been following her vehicle too closely and rear-ended her. Police reported Buchanan showed signs of intoxication, and failed several sobriety tests. Buchanan was arrested, and faces multiple charges including driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving, unsafe lane changing and failure to provide insurance policy information.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
PAGE 23
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 22 in position on the high seas to commence commerce raiding, if, and when, war came. In addition to commerce raiding, their task was to occupy enemy naval forces. The British called them “pocket battleships,” because they were larger and more heavily armed and armored, than a heavy cruiser, but not as large or quite as heavily armed or armored, as a modern battleship. Each of the pocket battleships sported six 11-inch guns in two turrets, and eight 5.9-inch (150mm) guns, and had a speed of 28 knots. The weight of these ships was listed at 12,000 tons, but was probably closer to 20,000 tons. The Admiral Graf Spee was named for Adm. Maximilian Reichsgraf (Count) von Spee, who commanded a German cruiser squadron in the Imperial German Navy. The admiral’s command was defeated by the Royal Navy on Dec. 8, 1914 during the First World War in the Battle of the Falkland Islands, in the South Atlantic. The admiral, and both his sons, died during that engagement. Sept. 3, 1939 found the Admiral Graf Spee in the South Atlantic under the command of Kapitän zur See Hans Langsdorff. The two pocket battleships had been ordered to take no offensive actions until receiving authorization, on the chance that once the Allies saw that there was no hope of saving Poland, they would seek a non-military solution. The order came on Sept. 26. Four days later, the Spee sighted the British steamer Clement, carrying 20,000 cases of kerosene from New York to Salvador, Brazil. The German warship stopped the steamer, made sure her crew was safely off, then sank her. Soon the admiralty learned that a German commerce raider was operating in the South Atlantic, but it would be several weeks before it was properly identified. At that time, British warships stationed in the South Atlantic, came under the command of ViceAdm. George D. Oyly-Lyon, who was headquartered in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on the west coast of Africa. A part of his command included the
Dec. 17, 1939 - Admiral Graf Spee at anchor at Montevideo, Uruguay just prior to departing.
South American Division, under the command of Commodore Henry Harwood Harwood. The commodore’s command consisted of the cruisers Exeter, Ajax and Cumberland. Exeter, at 8,390 tons, was armed with six 8-inch guns. Ajax carried eight 6-inch guns, and Cumberland had eight 8-inch guns. As the information concerning the identity of the enemy warship was being collected at the admiralty, plans were being made to find, and sink, it. The admiralty ordered the cruisers Effingham, Emerald, Enterprise, Norfolk, and Capetown, battleships Revenge and Resolution and aircraft carrier Hermes, to the South Atlantic. The light cruiser Achilles, which was a sister ship of the Ajax, and in the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, was ordered to sail from its position on the Pacific Coast of South America, to join Harwood’s unit on the other side of the continent. In addition, France contributed the battleships Dunkerque and Strasbourg, the aircraft carrier Bearn, and three cruisers. On Dec. 7, the Graf Spee sank the Streonshalk 1,000 miles east of Río de Janeiro. At that time, Harwood’s unit was the closest to the enemy raider, but it was scattered along the coast of South America. The Ajax and Exeter were at Port Stanley, in the Falkland Is-
lands, for refit and much-needed rest. The Cumberland was in the Río de la Plata, and the Achilles was patrolling off Río de Janeiro. Harwood and his staff met in the chartroom of the Ajax, and attempted to predict the course of the Graf Spee. The commodore estimated that the raider could be at Río de Janeiro on the morning of Dec. 12, or the Río de la Plata by the next morning, or the Falkland Islands by the following morning. But which one? And, it could go west or north. Adm. Lyon thought the raider would go north. But Harwood thought that, with the large, “... number of ships ...” and the, “... very valuable grain and meat trade ...,” the Río de la Plata would be the raider’s next target, and, “... was the vital area to defend.” He would, “... therefore arrange to concentrate there [his] available forces in advance of the time at which it was anticipated the raider might start operations in the area.” He ordered Cumberland to the Falkland Islands for a refit, but to be ready to sail on short notice, and the other three ships to rendezvous off the mouth of the Río de la Plata by Dec. 12, 1939. By 7 a.m., on that morning, the three cruisers met 230 miles east of Montevideo. Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, and is located near the mouth of the Río de la Plata, which is 120 miles wide. At noon, the commodore sent the captains of the Achilles and Exeter his plan of battle in the event he had guessed correctly. The plan was to have the light cruisers attack the German ship from one side, while the heavy cruiser Essex attacked from the other. That evening, the three ships practiced their manueuver and gunnery. At 5:54 a.m. the next morning, lookouts on the Graf Spee spotted something — 17 miles away. A few minutes later, one of the ships was identified as the heavy cruiser Exeter. She was accompanied by two smaller ships which appeared, to the Germans, to be destroyers. The Germans thought they were probably protecting a convoy. Kapitän Langsdorff ordered full speed ahead. Battle flags were hoisted. Five minutes later, the kapitän was told that
the two smaller ships were light cruisers of the Ajax class. It was not until almost 15 minutes after the Germans spotted the British that the British saw the Germans, because the German ship was taller. Even then, the first that the British saw was smoke. The Exeter was ordered to investigate at 6:14 a.m. Two minutes later, the Exeter’s captain, Frederick S. Bell, signaled the commodore, that, “I think it is a pocket battleship.” By this time, the Graf Spee, had learned that it was facing three cruisers, instead of one cruiser and two destroyers. Contrary to orders to avoid combat, Langsdorff prepared for battle, since he now had little choice. If the Graf Spee didn’t destroy the enemy, the ships would follow it and alert others of its location. At 6:17 a.m., it opened fire on the Exeter with all six of its 11-inch guns at a range of 19,000 yards, or about 11 miles. A broadside from those guns weighed 4,140 pounds, compared to 1,600 pounds of the Exeter’s 8-inch broadside, and the 900 pounds of the other two cruisers’ broadsides. And, of course, the Graf Spee had superior range and armor. Four minutes after opening on the Exeter, Graf Spee scored its first hit. At the same time Achilles opened fire. Two minutes later, Ajax opened fire. By 7:07 a.m., four of Exeter’s six, 8inch guns, were out of action. The Achilles and Ajax were, as yet, unscathed. However, at a distance of eight and three-quarters miles, the range was too great for their six-inch guns. So Harwood ordered the range closed. With that, the British gunners began scoring some hits. But even at four miles, the six-inch guns had limited effect against the Graf Spee’s five-and-ahalf-inch thick armor. And, it was coming at a cost. Half of Ajax’s guns were soon inoperable. All of Exeter’s 8inch guns were silenced. However, one of Exeter’s 8-inch shells had destroyed the German battleship’s raw fuel processing system, leaving it with only 16 hours of fuel — insufficient for a return to the Fatherland. It was only enough to cover 300 miles. At 7:40 a.m., when Harwood elected Continued on Page 54
Lifestyle
Ocean City Today Arts, Calendar, Crossword, Dining, Entertainment, Events, Features, Music
Dec. 13, 2019
Page 25 Brian’s Christmas Songbook includes Gandalf and Santa
Members of the Maryland 501st Legion display a functioning replica of R2-D2 during the second annual Ocean City Comic Convention at the convention center on 40th Street last year. Pictured, from left, are Michael Perkins, Allen McKechnie, Bria LaVorgna and Malcolm Reynolds.
Annual Ocean City Comic Con offers cosplay and anime By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Comic books, cosplay, anime, vendors and other activities await guests attending the third annual Ocean City Comic Convention, held at the convention center on 40th Street, this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “It is something spectacular and fun to do,” James Dufendach, coordinator of Ocean City Comic Con, said. “This is a great way to go and kind of spend the day and just have fun and not worry about anything else.” Costumed guests will receive $1 off admission and have the opportunity to participate in a costume contest, which takes place at 3 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Registration is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Only 75 spaces are available for the adult costume contest. There is no limit for the children’s cosplay. The first-, second- and third-place winners will receive prize packages that include comics, toys and hardback graphic novels. Pro Cosplayer Kati Coe will host the contest with Fanbustion, Carter Cosplay, and Ally Blaze Cosplay as
Posing for a photo, from left, James Chamberlain, of Bishopville, John Hollyday and Josh Rolph, of Delaware, know who you’re gonna call at the Ocean City Comic Convention, held at the convention center on 40th Street, last year.
guest judges. Every child who participates will receive a small prize. Returning as a special guest this year is Jeremy Ambler, who portrayed a walker on the series “The Walking Dead.” Also in attendance will be Comic Artist Ron Wilson and Greg Clark, a comic artist who worked on “The Flash.” Marty Grabstein, the voice actor for Courage in “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” and comic guest Mark McKenna, who has worked for both
DC and Marvel comics, have joined the lineup this year. There will be several panels running throughout the day including how to craft costumes, designing your own superheroes and discussing Marvel and DC universes. There will also be one to learn how to fight with a lightsaber for young Jedis. “I think people really get a kick out of having the saber guild,” Dufendach said. “They’re going to do some stage combat and teach the kids how to use See COMIC Page 26
By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Tony Christ hopes to inspire Worcester County’s children to say “no” to drugs with the third annual “Brian’s Christmas Songbook” show at the Performing Arts Center, tonight, at 7 p.m. “When I was a 9-year-old kid, I was taken to hear ‘Oklahoma,’ the musical, and I’m still humming the tunes,” Christ said. “So, when I produced ‘Brian’s Christmas Songbook’ … I knew we could effectively put something in children’s minds and our objective is to prevent them from ever using opioids.” “Brian’s Christmas Songbook” is based off a holiday album that Christ and several local musicians produced two years ago. It includes traditional carols such as “Hallelujah,” “The First Noel,” “Christmas in Heaven” and “O Holy Night,” and other songs with religious undertones like “We Three Kings” and the Byrds’ “Turn, Turn, Turn,” as well as “The Greatest Showman.” This year, there will be two performances. This first will take place this morning for Worcester County Public School students ages 8-12, at 10 a.m. Student tickets were sponsored by the Residence Inn by Marriott, Dunes Manor and La Quinta hotels and other organizations throughout the resort. The 7 p.m. show this evening is open to the general public. The goal of the event is to prevent as many people, especially children, from becoming part of an increasing epidemic of drug and opioid abuse. “We want to give the kids 70 minutes of a wonderful memory for their lives, memories they’re never gonna forget,” Christ said. “We held back no expense.” Christ and his team spent approximately $40,000 to put on this year’s performances. Christ will narrate the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, while musicians Lauren Glick, Melissa Alesi, Emily Critch and the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra will perform on stage. In addition to the musical performances, there will also be appearances and stories shared by presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as well as Gandalf the Grey, Santa Claus and his helper, See MUSICAL Page 27
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Family Friendly!
For More Details or Reservations Call Charlotte 410-430-5401
CLOSED DECEMBER 15th REOPEN ON DECEMBER 27th @ 2PM 28th Street Plaza • 410-289-3100 • www.CoinsPubOc.com
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JOIN US FOR NYE! Event organizers estimate more than 4,500 people attended the second annual Ocean City Comic Convention at the convention center on 40th Street last year.
Comic books, cosplay and costume contests at event Continued from Page 25 lightsabers and all kinds of other fun stuff.” Anime screenings will take place all day on the second floor, sponsored by the Delaware Anime Society, ranging from “Fruits Basket” to “Dragonball Z,” and “Demon Slayer.” Look forward to interacting with more than 200 vendors, which is more than double the amount that participated last year. The vendors will be selling a variety of merchandise including original art, back issue comics, toys, collectibles, video games, books and T-shirts. The 501st and Jedi Legion will be in “Star Wars” costumes for photo opportunities and the DeLorean from “Back to the Future” will be at the event. There will also be a replica of the 1966 Batmobile and the Gigahertz from “Mad Max Fury.” Video game tournaments will take place courtesy of Small Town Gaming. Attendees who bring a nonperishable food item for Diakonia will receive $1 off admission. Diakonia is a residence in West Ocean City that provides emergency and transitional housing, food services, counseling and assistance to its guests. In addition, $1 of each full-priced ticket will be donated to the Hero Initiate, which creates financial safety nets for comic creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials in life and an avenue back into paying work. “The point was really to do something cool for the community,” Dufendach said. “There’s so much spectacle right here in your backyard. It’s an opportunity to come and do it cheaply with the whole family.” Anyone who arrives in cosplay will receive $1 off admission and children 9 and younger get in free with a paying adult. General admission costs $8. For more information, visit
OC COMIC CON PANELS: Room 203 (second floor) 10:45-11:45 a.m. – Warrior Island presented by James Jefferson 12-1 p.m. – Ranking the MCU 1:15-2:15 p.m. – Or So the Story Goes 2:30-3:30 p.m. – “X Knight” Film Screening and Q&A Room 204 (second floor) 11:15a.m.- 12:15 p.m. – CSI Gotham City 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Be Your Own Superhero 1:45-2:45 p.m. – Cosplay 101 presented by Carter Cosplay and Lady J Cosplay Room 205 (second floor) 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Cosplay is better with Friends: Crafting Collaborative Cosplays 2-3 p.m. – Lights, Camera, Action … Room 215 (second floor) 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Saber Guild: Dathomir Squad Performance & Youngling Lightsaber Training 12:50-2:35 p.m. Super Art Fight
www.oceancitycomiccon.com, email promotions@plbcomics.com or search “Ocean City Comic Con” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The second annual Comic Con was a huge success last year, Dufendach said. “There were very minimal fires and they were small for the most part,” he said. “Everything worked out great. Everything ran smoothly and I was happy across the board.” The inaugural event, held at the Grand Hotel and Spa on 21st Street in 2017, drew over 2,500 people. Last year, around 4,500 people attended the event at the convention center.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
PAGE 27
Ocean City Today
130th St. OCMD 410.250.1449 BEST HAPPY HOUR ON THE BEACH! 3-6PM
DRINK SPECIALS 7 DAYS A WEEK
PHOTO COURTESY TONY CHRIST
Santa Claus and his handy helper elf, Keebler, will be at the third annual Brian’s Christmas Songbook held inside the convention center on 40th Street today, Friday, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Musical performance will tell children to say ‘no’ to drugs Continued from Page 25 Keebler the Elf. “We’re trying to jumpstart these kids and tell them there’s hope … tell them they’re unique and that they’re special,” Christ said. “We do not lecture. The world is full of lectures. We’re trying to touch them emotionally and leave them with a memory for life.” There will be educational activity booklets handed out to every child to work on while watching the show in the morning. Some children will even be invited onto the stage to perform or otherwise become part of the act. “Brian’s Christmas Songbook” show and album were named after Christ’s son, who died from an heroin overdose in 2004. Christ sees the show as a different way to combat opioid addiction – use music, not
scare tactics, to speak to children before they encounter drugs. Last year, around 800 people attended the second annual show. Christ predicts there will be over 1,000 children watching the morning show. “We can’t make a choice and not have a consequence,” Christ said. “The children have to understand that there’s nothing more elemental than that.” “Brian’s Christmas Songbook” will be performed at the Performing Arts Center on 40th Street inside the Ocean City convention center. Tickets cost $10 at the door. For more information, contact Christ at 202-641-6166. To purchase tickets, visit the convention center box office or go to www.ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, Dec. 14th 4-7pm TOYS FOR TOTS CHRISTMAS PARTY Entertainment: BOB WILKENSON
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CRAFTERS Gemma Calligan, 7, left, and Chloe Leonard, 10, from Annapolis, make Rudolph ornaments during the Magic of Christmas event, a fundraiser for Believe in Tomorrow at Seacrets on 49th Street on Saturday, Dec. 7.
KENO & ATM
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DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
Crayola ColorCycle drive will repurpose supplies By Rachel Ravina Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) For Maddox Bunting, a junior at Stephen Decatur High School, collecting old markers through the Crayola ColorCycle project allows him to put these supplies to good use instead of in the trash. “The whole bin in the front office is full, and we have to set up another one,” Maddox said. Maddox’s mother, Misty, a physical education teacher at Stephen Decatur High School, said she discovered the project on social media and talked to her son about establishing the project at their school. “We got to talking about how many markers we have sitting around our house from when they were little,” Misty said. Misty said Maddox sent an email to several Worcester County Public Schools’ principals asking if he could place a bin in each of the main offices. He also included a letter that could be sent home with students to inform their parents about of his plan. “I am proud of him,” Misty said. “He took the bull by the horns with this one, and … it’s nice that they can actually be repurposed. They can’t just be tossed in a recycle bin, and if we actually repurpose them, by sending them back to Crayola, they don’t get tossed in a landfill.” In addition to Stephen Decatur High School, Buckingham and Showell elementary, Berlin Intermediate, Stephen Decatur Middle, as well as Buckingham and Showell elementary schools are participating in the project, Misty said. All brands of plastic markers, including dry erase and highlighters, are eligible for the Crayola ColorCycle drive, according to the retailer’s website. Misty also said that Maddox ap-
HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
proached art teachers about donating their old supplies. He offered to take the markers, test them, return the working ones, and donate the others. “So that’s helpful, because art teachers have the most,” Misty said. “And they’re still people bringing them in from home I think, [and] other teachers [have] also thrown theirs in there, but he’s had a really good response from the art programs in each school.” Misty said the “bins are filling up” as more people elect to discard inoperative supplies. Misty and Maddox said the collected materials would RACHEL RAVINA/OCEAN CITY TODAY be recycled for other uses. “They turn it into wax, and Maddox Bunting, a junior at Stephen Decatur High School, they can use it for electricity showcases markers donated to the Crayola ColorCycle drive [to] power homes, and cook at the Berlin school. Several Worcester County Public food and stuff, and then they Schools are participating and donations will be accepted can make it into asphalt, or until Wednesday, Dec. 18. reuse it for roofing shingles,” dents and community members to doMaddox said. The donation boxes are open until nate their otherwise discarded goods. “Just bring them in,” Maddox said. next Wednesday, Dec. 18. Misty said Maddox would weigh each school’s box “It’ll help out the environment, and into let them know how much they con- stead of just throwing away, or recycling them, because they’ll end up in a landtributed over the past month. Maddox will then send the materials fill.” Misty believes the project helps to back to Crayola at the company’s exspread awareness about the need to repense. “That’s the nice part of it, it’s free, it’s duce waste. “I think everybody’s becoming a little easy,” Misty said. “We just box it up and bit more environmentally conscious, they pay for the shipping.” Worcester County residents may and I think this is another step in that also donate, according to Misty, who direction,” Misty said. “[It’s] one more said that they can bring markers to the thing we could avoid tossing into landmain office of any of the aforemen- fills.” For more information about the tioned schools. visit With the Crayola ColorCycle drive in project, its final days, Maddox encouraged stu- crayola.com/colorcycle.aspx.
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Take some time to think a response through before saying the first thing that comes to mind, Aries. It’s not easy to take the words back once they’re out there.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, even though it can be difficult to cede control, sometimes you have to hand the reins over to someone else. You can still be involved from a distance.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, sometimes it can be challenging to figure out what other people are thinking. Focus on yourself instead of trying to get into the heads of those around you.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 A focus on finances takes priority this week, Cancer. Holiday spending may force you to reevaluate your budget. It could be time to scale back.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Put all of your energy into one line of thought or project, Leo. This way you’re fully behind the idea. You’re a force to be reckoned with when you are motivated.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Time is running out to get an important job done, Virgo. This is not a week to procrastinate, but to bear down and finish your tasks. You’ll breathe easier afterward.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Big changes are on the horizon, Libra. You may have wanted a certain outcome, but another arrived instead. It could take some time getting used to a new situation.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Sometimes you have to table the things you want to say in the interest of consensus, Scorpio. Focus your energy on positive things this week.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, be patient with yourself this week, as you have many different balls in the air at once. Even the most organized person may stumble here or there.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, you may need to delegate when demands at home start to feel a little overwhelming. Any free time you can muster will be put to good use.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Some situations are beyond your control, Aquarius. Fixating on the things you cannot change will not prove productive. Surround yourself with friends.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Enjoy the moments that you have with family members in the weeks to come, Pisces. These are the most reliable people in your life.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
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Ocean City Today
PHOTO COURTESY JACK FERRY
Homemade soaps are available for purchase individually or as a gift basket at the Worcester County Developmental Center in Newark, Maryland. Profits from these sales provides employment for adults with intellectual disabilities.
WCDC holiday soap baskets offer variety of shapes, sizes By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Clients of the Worcester County Developmental Center in Newark, Maryland, are once again making scented and festive soap baskets for the holiday season. Different soap styles are available, including seashells, shorebirds, crabs, starfish, seahorses, sea turtles and sand dollars, ranging in sizes from 2-7 ounces. “The plant-based glycerin soap moisturizes your skin naturally,” Jack Ferry, executive director of the Worcester County Developmental Center, said. “It is gentle and works with your skin’s PH to retain your natural moisture. It is very good for people with dry, problem skin.” Ferry said the idea for the project came as a way to provide jobs for their clients, who are adults with intellectual disabilities. “We were looking for another business venture to provide jobs for our clients,” he said. “We felt that craft soaps were a growing trend that we could take advantage of. The Inner Ocean line is a perfect fit for us as it enables many of our clients to learn new skills and the self-confidence that comes from that learning. “It is a way for our clients to express their creativity and show their talent,” Ferry continued. “When people purchase the soap and see how beautiful it is, I feel they gain a better understanding of the abilities that people with disabilities have. [Plus] it’s a way for our clients to earn money by creating and then selling the soap.” Prices range from $4 for the round, 2-ounce soap bar to $30 for the special-order holiday gift baskets, which come with seven soaps of dif-
ferent sizes and shapes. Clients can also customize the soap colors to match any décor, and the products come in a gift-wrapped organza bag. Each gift basket includes information about the clients who put it together. Last year, the Worcester County Developmental Center sold 21 baskets along with 14 dozen individual bars and 15 guest soap mini-basket sets, Ferry said. “Your skin will thank you for using Inner Ocean soap,” Ferry said. “It is made locally, so you help a local, small business with your purchase, and because your purchase and support of Inner Ocean creates meaningful employment for adults with intellectual disabilities in the area.” The Worcester County Developmental Center’s mission is to empower people with intellectual disabilities to achieve economic and social independence by providing work opportunities and a support system. This is the fifth holiday season of sales and clients have been making soaps for six years. “When you purchase Inner Ocean soap you support a local, small business and lastly, you support people with disabilities,” Ferry said. “Our clients are talented and produce a quality product anyone would want to use. It’s not a product produced by, ‘them.’ It’s a quality product created by talented, local craftspeople. We want people to support us for the same reasons they support any other business.” Purchase soaps year-round and learn more about the Worcester County Developmental Center by visiting www.wcdcservices.org or call 410-632-2382.
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Thursday Dec. 19th: Christmas Party with DJ BK, 7pm BEACHBARRELS.COM • 410-250-0522 PRIMO HOAGIES MENU • OPEN 7 DAYS 9AM-2AM
PAGE 30
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
OUT & ABOUT
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Attending the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Holiday After Hours party at Nick’s House of Ribs on 144th Street, Friday, Dec. 6, from left, are Ocean City residents Catherine Delgado, Greg DeMarco, Stephanie McVey and Jorge Delgado.
Chamber of Commerce President Melanie Pursel and her husband, Bruce, right, talk with Joel Feldman of Keller Williams Realty Group during the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Holiday After Hours party at Nick’s House of Ribs on 144th Street, Friday, Dec. 6.
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Getting festive during the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Holiday After Hours party at Nick’s House of Ribs on 144th Street, Friday, Dec. 6, are George Schmitt of Long Island, New York, and Anne Marie Constabile of Ocean City.
Employee Ryan MacCubbin, left, and owner Scott Heise serve a buffet during the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Holiday After Hours party at Nick’s House of Ribs on 144th Street, Friday, Dec. 6.
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Toys, collected for Worcester County G.O.L.D. (Giving Other Lives Dignity), surround volunteers at the Hots 4 Tots Chili Cookoff at the Greene Turtle in West Ocean City, Sunday, Dec. 8. Posing with the toys, from left, are Cori Butler, Tracy Lynch, Boz Jefferson, Chad Rogers, Joel Feldman, Rick Coleman, Sandy Sipes, Bethany Didriksen, Sam and Lydia Woodley.
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean 13 served up a pineapple-infused filet mignon chili at the Hots 4 Tots Chili Cookoff at the Greene Turtle in West Ocean City, Sunday, Dec. 8. Standing with their second-place chili concoction, from left, are Steve and Rumina Bowers, Jeremy Brink, Holland Lewis and Ethan Richardson.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Add dollop of Old Bay aioli to fried oyster slider snack By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) According to French poet, Leon-Paul Fargue, eating oysters is “like kissing the sea on the lips.” The juicy bite of saltiness is a pleasure indeed. If you relish the thought of luscious oysters, let us start from the beginning. Before one partakes of the briny bivalves, you might want to learn the art of shucking them. Knowledge facilitates comprehension; and in this case, the more the better. Following is a step-by-step guide that allows one to experience oysters in their “raw” state. Shucking oysters is easy and safe as long as you know what you are doing. A proper shucking knife and tea towel are the only tools you need to open the hard shells that protect the plump, provocative bite of goodness. Fold a thick, damp tea towel into a small square. Place the cloth on the counter and hold the oyster, cup-side down, into the cloth, exposing only the hinge. Hold the oyster firmly within the cloth so it does not move. Grip the oyster knife, and keep your knuckles toward the counter top. Insert the tip of the knife into the hinge of the oyster, with a slight twist motion, like turning a key, until the hinge pops open. Some oysters are more stubborn and you will need to work the knife fairly far into the oyster to be able to get enough leverage to pop the hinge. Once you have popped the hinge open, slide the knife between the shells, keeping it along the bottom of the top of the shell – you do not want to damage the oyster. Remove the top shell, then slide the knife under the abductor muscle to free the oyster entirely. Clean any grit out of the oyster with the tip of your knife, being careful to reserve the oyster’s natural
juices. Uncertainty diminishes the chance for success and memorable occasions, precision keeps guests coming back for more. A quick review of how to fry oysters clear up any questions. The proper setup for dredging includes three stages. First, dip the oyster in the flour. This acts as a glue for the egg wash. Second, apply a light coat of egg wash to each oyster. The ratio is 1 teaspoon of cold water for each egg. Third, lightly press the oyster into a panko mixture that includes three parts panko, two parts corn meal and one part flour. The panko gives the seafood its crunchy texture, the cornmeal gives it flavor, while the flour acts as a binder. Choosing the right oil is another consideration. Canola oil is a great choice and does not have any flavor, which allows the true essence of the oyster to come to forefront. In addition, canola oil has a high smoking point, which basically means the proteins can cook at high temperatures without the oil smoking. It is important to fry foods in small batches. Crowding the fryer or pan will lower the temperature of the oil. This may seem insignificant, but it is a huge factor when frying foods. If the temperature of the oil drops, the food will not develop a sear and the oil will be absorbed. There is nothing more disappointing than to sink your teeth into a greasy, soggy mess. Never place finished fried food on a plate lined with paper towels. You have gone to great lengths to develop a crispy crust and to have it sitting in a pool of soggy paper towels defeats your efforts. Instead, place fried oysters on a cooling rack. The entire crunchy exterior will be enhanced by the flow of air, which ensures the perfect bite. While the hot, fried oysters are resting on the cooling rack, add a light dusting of salt. The hot coating absorbs the seasoning which makes this See WALKER Page 32
PAGE 31
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Walker discusses proper technique to shuck oysters Continued from Page 31 the best time to add salt. The Eastern Shore is known for its delicious oysters. Fried oyster sliders with an embellishment of Old Bay aioli is a delicious way to ring in the holidays. The petite sandwich is also a creative way to present an upscale protein and at the same time, keeps the cost to a minimum. If you love oysters and Old Bay, you must give this recipe a try. Enjoy!
Old Bay Aioli ¾ cup good quality mayonnaise ¼ cup capers, finely chopped 1 ½ tablespoons scallions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon favorite hot sauce ¼ teaspoon garlic powder few pinches white pepper (optional) 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 1. Combine all the ingredients until fully incorporated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to come together.
Fried Oyster Sliders 1 pint (2 cups) fresh oysters, drained 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons cold water 1 ½ cups unseasoned panko breadcrumbs 1 cup cornmeal canola oil for frying kosher salt and black pepper to taste slider rolls 1. In a medium bowl, dip oysters one at a time, in ½ cup of flour. Shake off excess. 2. Combine eggs and water in small bowl. Dip floured oysters in egg mixture. Allow excess to drip off. 3. In a medium bowl, gently dip oysters one at a time into the remaining flour, cornmeal and panko mixture. 4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully lower oysters, one at a time, and fry until edges turn golden brown, about 1 ½ minutes. Turn oysters and cook for another minute. Do not overcook. 5. Place oysters on a cooling rack and season with salt and pepper. 6. Place fried oyster on slider roll and add a small dollop of Old Bay aioli. – Secret Ingredient – Oyster. “The first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell.” – Andrew Carnegie
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
PAGE 33
Camp Possibilities offering activities for diabetic youth By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Children and teenagers with Type 1 diabetes will have the opportunity to learn more about their condition during a family weekend event, hosted by Camp Possibilities, at the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel on 101st Street, Saturday, Feb. 29 to Sunday, March 1. Families with children of all ages diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes can play games, socialize with one another and learn more about their condition during the two-day camp. “The overnight camp experience for children with diabetes – and this might hold true for other children with chronic diseases– is that they’re with peers,” Camp Possibilities Director Jeff Dietz said. “So, it helps to overcome the isolation that one can feel because they might be the only child in their school or their neighborhood living with [such] a condition.” Camp activities will include arts and crafts, cornhole, creating a 3-D pancreas, word and other interactive games that focus on relationship building, networking and informative sessions on Type 1 diabetes. There will also be activities for parents. “We’re trying to raise awareness about diabetes in the community and let those in the [Worcester County] community and the Type 1 diabetes community know that this exists,” Dietz said. “We’ve just seen this as having a support network and having other people who are dealing with these very same things. “For those living with Type 1 diabetes, for families who have a child with Type 1 diabetes, we think it is going to be a great time in a relaxed and fun setting,” he continued. “There will be a lot of education that we’ll get from talking with each other and our camp staff.” Parents will be responsible for all testing and administering all medications during the camp. Medical staff will not be on hand during the event. Pricing for the trip varies on the size of the family. A family of two costs $240, a family of three costs $325, for four is $375, five $435 and six $495. If families plan to bring more than six people, email Dietz at jeff@camppossibilities.org. “The entire family is welcome to come,” Dietz said. “Any family member or close relatives … we would even accept friends, people who are close to helping to take care of a child with Type 1 – their grandparents, aunts, uncles – because with any chronic disease, it becomes a family matter.” The cost covers the hotel room, See CAMP Page 35
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DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
NOW PLAYING
THE BENDERZ
THE STIMS
Seacrets: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.
Skye Raw Bar & Grille: Saturday, Dec. 14, 4-8 p.m.
BEACH BARRELS 13207 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250-0522 / www.beachbarrels.com Dec. 13: Lennon LaRicci, 9 p.m. Dec. 14: Lovin Cup, 9 p.m. Dec. 17: Open Mic, 8 p.m. Dec. 18: Bingo w/DJ Rupe, 6 p.m. Dec. 19: Christmas Party w/DJ BK, 7 p.m. BJ’S ON THE WATER 75th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-7575 / www.bjsonthewater.com Dec. 13: Tranzfusion, 9 p.m. Dec. 14: Dust N’ Bones, 9 p.m. Dec. 18: 2 Guyz & A Mama, 6 p.m. BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH
2 GUYZ & A MAMA BJ’s On The Water: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m.
116th Street, Ocean City, behind Fountain Head Towers Condominium 443-664-2896 / www.bourbonstreetonthebeach.com Dec. 13: Dave Sherman, 7 p.m. Dec. 14: Randy Lee Ashcraft, 7 p.m. Dec. 15: Jack Worthington, 6 p.m. Dec. 18: Reform School, 6 p.m.; Open Mic, 9 p.m. Dec. 19: Jimmy Charles, 7 p.m.
101st Street, Ocean City In the Horizons Restaurant, in the Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel 410-524-3535 / www.clarionoc.com Every Friday and Saturday: DJ Dusty, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 13-14: On The Edge, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. PICKLES 706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-289-4891 / www.picklesoc.com Dec. 13: Beats by Jeremy, 9 p.m. Dec. 14: TBA, 10 p.m. Dec. 15: Karaoke w/Jeremy, 9 p.m. Dec. 17: Beats by Adam Dutch, 9 p.m. Dec. 19: Beats by Wax, 9 p.m. SEACRETS
15th St. & Baltimore Ave., Ocean City 410-289-7192 / www.captainstableoc.com Every Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue, 5:30 p.m. DUFFY’S TAVERN
SKYE RAW BAR & GRILLE
130th Street, Ocean City, Montego Bay Shopping Center 410-250-1449 / www.duffysoc.com Every Friday: Bob Hughes, 5-8 p.m.
66th Street, Ocean City 410-723-6762 / www.skyebaroc.com Dec. 13: Aaron Howell, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 14: The Stims, 4-8 p.m.
HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
ON THE EDGE
OCEAN CLUB NIGHTCLUB
49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com Dec. 13: Ocean 98 & Seacrets Christmas Party, 5-10 p.m.; High Five Swan Dive, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 14: Grad Night Celebration, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; The Benderz, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
Ocean Club Nightclub: Friday & Saturday, Dec. 13-14, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Dec. 15: Opposite Directions, 2 p.m. Dec. 18: Dust N’ Bones, 6 p.m.
12841 S. Harbor Road, West Ocean City 410-213-1846 / www.ocharborside.com Dec. 13: DJ Billy T, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 14: Chris Button, 2 p.m.; DJ Jeremy, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
WHISKER’S BAR & GRILL 11070 Cathell Road, Suite 17, Pines Plaza, Ocean Pines 410-208-3922 / www.whiskersbar.com Dec. 13: Karaoke w/Donnie Berkey
DECEMBER 13, 2019
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Ocean City Today
LOCALS’ FAVORITE SINCE 1955
PHOTO COURTESY JEFF DIETZ
Camp Possibilities is designed for children with Type 1 diabetes in order to allow them to experience an overnight camp and other activities while connecting with peers in a situation similar to their own.
Camp to raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes community Continued from Page 33 breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by the Clarion. The cost was also partially covered by The Humphrey’s Foundation, which donated $5,000 to help support the family weekend. Families are welcome to arrive on Friday. The cost of a hotel room that night would be $90. If guests want to just come for the day on Saturday, the cost is $40 per person. Financial assistance is available, including transportation. Families may apply as part of the registration process. “Families living with a child with diabetes … because of insulin calls and other medical supplies have a lot of out-of-pocket expenses,” Dietz said. “It’s not unusual for these supplies to cost hundreds of dollars a month. That’s why we always tried to
keep the price down.” For more information about the family weekend, call Dietz at 302563-9460, email jeff@camppossibilities.org or visit www.camppossibilities.org. Camp Possibilities is a camp designed for children with diabetes between the ages of 8 and 17 who, due to the complexity of diabetes management, often do not get the chance to go to a summer camp or go on overnight trips. Established in 2002, Camp Possibilities provides camping activities at Camp Ramblewood, in Darlington, Maryland, on 200 acres of private property. The organization holds dedicated diabetes education sessions at camp; however, these are intended only in the spirit of providing support, information and encouragement to campers.
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ENTREES PRIME RIB • 19.95 12 oz slow roasted prime rib
FRIED SHRIMP • 17.95 Four jumbo shrimp fried golden brown served with cocktail sauce
SALMON • 18.95 Fresh baked salmon served with a lemon compound butter
CRAB CAKE • 19.95 Jumbo lump crab cake broiled or fried served with tarter and lemon
GARLIC CHICKEN • 17.95 Pan seared Panko encrusted chicken breast topped with a roasted garlic cream sauce
Gabriel, 6, and Elisa Clauss, 7, from Fox Haven, Delaware, show off their ornaments at the Pizza Party with Santa event at Northside Park on 125th Street, on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
4-7 pm
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ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Friday & Saturday
PHIL PERDUE “The Piano Man” 3pm -7pm Call now to make reservations!
410-289-7192
Captainstableoc.com
Located In The Courtyard by Marriott 15th Street & Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. For Reservations, Call: 410-289-7192/7191
PAGE 36
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
JUGGLING SKILLS Cascading Carlos wows children and parents alike with his juggling skills during the Holiday Shoppers Fair at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street, Saturday, Nov. 30.
FESTIVE RACERS Ready to race in festive clothing during the Jingle Bell 5K at Northside Park on 125th Street, Sunday, Dec. 8, from left, are North Carolina residents Jennifer and Connor Seif and Ocean City resident Julie Sexton.
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
ADOPT ME Ocean Pines resident Stacy Halverson cuddles with Chuckie, an 8-week-old puppy available for adoption at Grassroots Rescue at Paws and Claws in West Ocean City on Saturday, Nov. 30.
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
CHRISTMAS PARADE A choir float put together by Showell Elementary School rolls down Coastal Highway during the 37th annual Ocean City Christmas Parade, Saturday, Dec. 7.
SDHS CLEANUP The Stephen Decatur High School Atlantic Athlete Outreach group participated in a grounds cleanup to promote clean athletic facilities. The group also promotes equal access to athletic programs by recycling equipment. Pictured, from left, are Stephen Decatur High School Atlantic Athlete Outreach members Mary Mergott, Summer Vorsteg, Macy Dill, Isy Kristick, Gabby Izzett, Prutha Patel, Richard Poist, Jake Gillespie and Luke Mergott.
PRESENTATION Representatives from Peninsula Regional Medical Center visited the Ocean City Lions to give presentations about its heart and cancer institutes and its growth across our region. Pictured, from left, are Jeanne Ruff, executive director, Guerrieri Heart and Vascular Institute; Chris Hall, vice president of Strategy and Business Development; Joan Mischtschuk, executive director, Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute; and Jennifer Price and Diane Hyde, account executives.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
PAGE 37
Young Professionals Committee assist kids with shopping By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) The Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee celebrated another successful holiday campaign as 63 children had the opportunity to go on a shopping spree last Saturday. “It was a great event as usual,” Young Professionals Chair Danielle Bellante said. “We had 110 volunteers.” This was the committee’s ninth consecutive year taking dozens of underprivileged children on a $100 Walmart shopping spree. The committee worked with school guidance counselors and Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services in Berlin to find the children and offer them the opportunity to participate. The event began early that morning at 5 a.m. Parents dropped their children off at the Outback Steakhouse in West Ocean City, and once they all arrived, they were taken to the Berlin Walmart. At the Walmart, children were greeted by volunteers, who not only braved the toy section with the youth, but also played games, made crafts and wrapped gifts. After an hour or two of holiday frenzy, the youth were taken back to the restaurant where they were provided with a pancake breakfast. In addition to volunteers, what makes the event possible are sponsors who donate money and items, such as wrapping paper, to the committee. “We had 30 sponsors for the event [this year],” Bellante said. Although Bellante could not give exact figures, she said the committee raised between $6,000 and $10,000 for this year’s event. “I honestly couldn’t tell you one thing that went wrong with the event or one thing that I would change. It feels like year after year we’re getting better and better,” Bellante said. Bellante said she was grateful to volunteers, sponsors and to Outback Steakhouse and Walmart for partnering with the committee. Next year will be the event’s 10th anniversary, and Bellante had one message to future participants. “Follow us on Facebook, follow us on Facebook, follow us on Facebook,” she said. “The Young Professionals has our Facebook page where we post as much information as we can … We keep all of our events listed there, so if you want to get involved for next year, or for any of our other events throughout the year, Facebook is the best way to follow along.” For more information on volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, check out the committee’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ ocmdyp/.
PHOTO COURTESY DANIELLE BELLANTE
More than 100 volunteers joined the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee for the group’s ninth annual Christmas Spirit Campaign on Saturday, Dec. 7. The campaign allows underprivileged children to go on a $100 shopping spree. Pictured, from left, are Emily Meadows with Pip the Beach Cat, Gretchen Cooper, Cate Nellans, Lexi Chambers, Danielle Bellante, Ashley Johnson, Ryan Nellans, Chrissy Maddy, Byron Green and Joe Dembowski.
PAGE 38
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
N.O.E.L. dinner on Christmas Day at Ocean City church
Award winners for 37th annual OC Christmas parade
(Dec. 13, 2019) The N.O.E.L. (Nothing Other than Eating and Loving) Community will present its 22nd annual Christmas dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 25, at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church on Third Street and Baltimore Avenue. The festivities will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Day. All are welcome to join in the partaking of food, fellowship and fun. The N.O.E.L. Community will serve ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls and an assortment of desserts. A sit-down meal will be enjoyed in a festive atmosphere which includes decorations, music and Santa’s elves. Carryouts will also be available. Meals will also available for delivery in the Ocean City area. For more information about the N.O.E.L Community or the Christmas Day celebration, contact the office at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea at 410-289-3453. To make a donation, send to The N.O.E.L. Community, c/o St. Paul’s-bythe-Sea at 302 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.
(Dec. 13, 2019) More than 70 entries including high school bands, holiday floats, antique cars participated in last Saturday’s 37th annual Christmas parade in Ocean City. Professional judges reviewed the participating units and presented awards in various categories, including Coca Cola’s Award for the most energy and fun and the Carousel Award for the Best “Ocean Vacation” themed entry. The first, second and third place winners were: School Band: Snow Hill High School Band, first place; Pocomoke High School Marching Band, second place; and Stephen Decatur High School, third place. Top Parade Float: Ocean City Elementary School, first place; Showell Elementary School, second place; and Seaside Christian Academy, third place. Marching Unit: O.C. Stars, first place; Snow Hill High School Marine JROTC, second place; and Pocomoke High School NJROTC, third place. Coca Cola Award – Most Energy & Fun Award: Chincoteague Pony Drill Team Carousel Award – Best “Ocean Vacation” Entry: “Where the Elves Go for Fun” By SUN Communities
(Top) The Ocean City Elementary School OC Stars perform for the judges during the 37th Ocean City Christmas parade, Saturday, Dec. 7. (Right) The Hair We R float rolls down Coastal Highway. MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
PHOTO COURTESY D.J. LANDIS, SR.
GUEST SPEAKER Renee Wooding, director of Philanthropy for the Cool Kids Campaign, was the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City in the Ocean Pines. Cool Kids Campaign’s mission is to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families by focusing on academic, social and emotional needs brought on by a cancer diagnosis. There are currently four children in the area with cancer – three in Berlin and one in Ocean City. One is taking advantage of the program. Wooding is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Roy Foreman.
TRICK-OR-TREAT Pre-Kindergarteners trick-or-treated throughout classrooms in Worcester Prep to celebrate Halloween. Pictured is Georgia Duffie, left, and Gracie Hornung.
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Local children to perform in OP Players’ show (Dec. 13, 2019) Nearly a dozen local children will be the stars in the Ocean Pines Players’ production of Ken Ludwig’s play, “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas,” based on the original classic poem. The play will be performed on Friday, Dec. 13 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at 10301 Coastal Hwy. in Ocean City, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, at 2:30 p.m. at the Red Doors Community Center located at 10959 Worcester Highway, Berlin. The cast of young performers come from Ocean Pines, Ocean City, Selbyville, Berlin and Bishopville. They were chosen in November after an audition call by the Ocean Pines Players. This children’s story follows the quest by a spunky little girl named Emily, her friend, Amos, a mouse, and Calliope, an Elf, who want to find
out why Santa missed her house the previous year. The children, ages 9-14, who have been cast in the show are: Alyssa Clymire of Ocean Pines, who will play Emily; Emma Feagans of Selbyville as Amos the mouse; Emily Backof of Ocean City, playing Calliope the good elf; Kenady Scott of Ocean Pines as Amos of Kansas, a cousin to Amos; Marlie Scott of Ocean Pines as Sir Guy, an evil elf; And Elise Baycura of Bishopville as Mulch, sidekick to Sir Guy. Rounding out the cast as elves and reindeer are Amori Purnell, Maheila and Makaiya Robinette, and Seamus and Ewan Betz, all from Berlin. Adult roles in the play will be performed by members of the Ocean Pines Players – Jerry Gietka, who also directs the show, Lee Olsen, and Kathy Wiley. Ocean Pines Players President
Karen McClure is the show’s musical director. Andrea Clymire is the assistant director. Tickets for the play cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-16, payable at the door, although seats can be reserved in advance on the Ocean Pines Players website at www.oceanpinesplayers.com. The group is also hoping to feature a special presentation by some of the students from the dance classes at the Red Door Community Center at St. Paul’s by the Sea. The Ocean Pines Players wishes to express a special
thank you to them for hosting this production. The Ocean Pines Players is a local, all-volunteer, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Consider joining our organization and continue the tradition of “local” theater in the greater Ocean City area. Follow the Ocean Pines Players on Facebook and visit online at www.oceanpinesplayers.org. Ludwig’s “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.
CROSSWORD
Pine Tones Chorus Christmas Concert in Ocean City, Friday (Dec. 13, 2019) The Pine Tones Chorus will present its Christmas Concert at Atlantic United Methodist Church, on Fourth Street in Ocean City, on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. The concert opens with its title song, “Everywhere Christmas Tonight.” Popular selections will include the all-time favorites “Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas” and “Happy Holiday” as sung by Sinatra, Andy Williams and other artists. Cinema fans may recognize “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” from the movie, “Home Alone 2.” “Masters in This Hall” and “Here We Come A-Caroling” are some of the holiday carols in the program. Classical selections will feature “Gesu Bambino” a song cherished by many stars including Pavaratti. The well know Christmas favorite “O Holy Night” will include a duet performed by Mary Price, soprano, and Fr. Michael Moyer, tenor. The Pine Tones Chorus includes about 55 singers from Ocean Pines, Ocean City and nearby areas.
June Todd is the chorus director, Jim Meckley is assistant director, and Jenny Anderson is the group’s accompanist. Guest musicians will include Becca Doughty (percussion), Julie Barton (oboe), Kristilyn Friese (cello), Sally Hendon (flute) and Tom Baione (string bass). Admission is free and an offering will be received. After the concert, guests may enjoy refreshments in the church social hall. The Pine Tones Chorus has been entertaining local audiences in the Ocean Pines and Ocean City areas since 1984. For additional information, call Chorus President Dave Holloway at 410-641-5672, or Todd at 410-289-7373. Funding for Pine Tones Chorus activities has been from individual donations and patrons as well as the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. These organizations are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
DONATIONS American Legion Post #166 volunteer Rosie Garlitz displays over 300 packed boxes that will be shipped to troops deployed overseas this holiday season during the American Legion Packing Party on 24th Street on Dec. 1. MORGAN PILZ/ OCEAN CITY TODAY
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Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted ________________________________
DOWNTOWN
South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE RESTAURANT 15th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com $$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Family-owned, serving fine seafood, steaks and poultry on the third floor of the Courtyard by Marriott. ■ COINS 28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-524 3100, www.coinspub.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families. Crab cakes, hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood. Everything home-made. Happy hour 3-6 p.m. and early bird 4-6 p.m. Daily specials. ■ THE CORAL REEF CAFE / HEMINGWAY'S RESTAURANT 17th Street, in the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.ocsuites.com/dining $-$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Four-story atrium cafe and an elegant dining room, Floridian/island-style cuisine, fresh seafood, fresh cuts of meat, farm-to-table produce, artisanal desserts, hearty sandwiches and much more. ■ VICTORIAN ROOM RESTAURANT Dunes Manor Hotel, OCEANFRONT at 28th and Baltimore Ave, Ocean City 410-289-1100, www.dunesmanor.com $$ - $$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full Bar Open year round. Oceanfront dining atmosphere with local, farm to table/sea to table cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Also Zippy Lewis Lounge with daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m., featuring Craft Beer selections and light fare menu; Milton’s Deck Dining; and tasty beach grillables at the Barefoot Beach Bar, in season.
MIDTOWN
29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM 32nd Street, in the Hilton Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.oceancityhilton.com/dining $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Western Caribbean cuisine, Eastern Shore favorites, extensive wine list and gourmet desserts. ■ BJ’S ON THE WATER 75th Street, Ocean City 410-524-7575, www.bjsonthewater.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Entire dining menu served 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., seven days a week, yearround. Daily specials, daily duck feeding. Entertainment every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. No cover. Available for parties and banquets. Indoor and outdoor dining. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410524-9254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-7981 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Breakfast served daily at West OC, 41st, and 70th street locations. Check out our new bar and happy hour specials at our new West OC location. Order online at www.TheDoughRoller.com. ■ DRY 85 OC 12 48th Street, Ocean City 443-6648989, www.DRY85.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Steps from the beach. Gourmet “stick to your ribs” home cooking. A made-fromscratch kitchen with every sauce and every dressing hand crafted. It’s that attention to detail that takes the concept of burgers, fries, pork chops and wings and turns them completely on their head. Late night bar. Seasonal outdoor seating. ■ HIGGINS CRAB HOUSE 31st Street, Ocean City 410-289-2581, higginscrabhouse.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full Bar Known for all-you-can-eat crabs, crab legs, fried chicken, steamed shrimp, and baby back ribs. ■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 67th Street Town Center, Ocean City 443-664-5639, www.longboardcafe.net $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving lunch and dinner. Lite fare to dinner entrees offering a variety of burgers, paninis, sandwiches and salads. The "veggies" menu features wrinkled green beans. Signature house libiations and signature entrees made with ingredients from local farms and fisheries. A family restaurant. ■ MARLIN MOON 3301 Atlantic Ave., in the DoubleTree Ocean City 410-280-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ | Full bar Featuring Executive Chef Gary Beach. Fresh cuisine featuring locally sourced seafood, steaks and vegetables. Small plate appetizers, fresh salads. Local craft beers and cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ■ RED RED WINE BAR OC 12 48th Street, Ocean City 443-6646801, www.RedRedWineBar.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Steps from the beach. Coastal cuisine with a focus on local seafood and hand tossed pizzas plus artisanal cheeseboards. 35+ wines By the Glass, 120+ By the Bottle. Flights. Luxurious colors and custom built couches. Late night bar. Seasonal outdoor seating. ■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Island atmosphere. Soups, salads, Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood. ■ SKYE RAW BAR & GRILLE 66th Street, Ocean City 410-723-6762, www.skyebaroc.com $-$$ | Reservations | Full bar Lunch, dinner, raw bar or lite fare, at the top of 66th Street and Coastal Highway. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials.
UPTOWN
91st to 146th streets ■ ABBEY BURGER BISTRO OC 126th Street, behind the Holiday Inn, Ocean City 410-289-2525, 410-2502333, www.abbeyburger.com/ocean-city $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Large parties welcome. Craft beer. Award
winning burgers. Voted Best in Maryland, Wild Game. ■ BEACH BARRELS 13207 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250-0522, www.beachbarrels.com $ | Full bar Happy hour Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday. Featuring primo hoagie menu where premium ingredients are fresh, nothing is pre-cut. Open 7 days, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. ■ BLUE FISH JAPANESE & CHINESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR 94th Street, Ocean City 410-524-3983, www.bluefishocmd.com $-$$ | Reservations | Full bar Japanese and Chinese restaurant and sushi bar with beer, wine and cocktails. Dine in, take out and delivery available. ■ BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH 116th Street & Coastal Hwy., (Behind Fountain Head Towers Condominium), Ocean City 443-664-2896, www.bourbonstreetonthebeach.com $$-$$$ | Reservations recommended for large parties | Kids’ menu | Full bar Eastern Shore fare with a New Orleans Flare. Seafood, steaks and pasta dishes. Specializing in Jambalaya, Creole, & Gumbo. Home of the Ragin’ Cajun Bloody Mary. Happy Hour 4-7 p.m. Weekly entertainment. ■ DUFFYS 130th St., in Montego Bay Shopping Ctr. & Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250 1449, www.duffysoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining, indoor or outdoor seating. Irish fare and American cuisine. Appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood. Second season and daily dinner specials. Dine in, carry out. Happy Hour, daily, noon to 6 pm. ■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT 101st Street, Ocean City 410-5243535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving beach-inspired dishes in our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breakers Pub. All-day menu, available 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Deluxe Sunday breakfast buffet, open year-round. ■ NORI 11403 Coastal Highway (Gold Coast Mall), Ocean City443-880-6258 $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open 7 days serving lunch and dinner. Our creative menu features hand-cut steaks, grilled fish, crab cakes, sushi and sashimi. Dine-in or carry-out. ■ REEF 118 118th Street, in the Carousel Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Ocean City 410-524-1000, www.carouselhotel.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Serving breakfast, Friday through Sunday 7-11 a.m. Featuring a breakfast buffet or special order from the regular menu. Enjoy our delicious 3 Course Dinner for $25 served every Friday and Saturday, 4-9 p.m. with the choice of appetizer, entree and dessert. ■ WHISKERS PUB 120th Street, OC Square, Ocean City 410-524-2609, www.whiskerspub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Certified Angus® burgers and casual fare. Call for hours.
WEST OCEAN CITY ■ ALEX’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Route 50, West Ocean City 410-2137717, www.ocitalianfood.com $-$$ | Reservations Accepted | Full bar Serving homemade Italian cuisine, steaks, seafood, chicken, pork and pasta. Elegant dining room. Early bird specials every day from 5-6 p.m. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER West Ocean City, 12849 Ocean Gateway 410-213-7655 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast served daily at West OC, 41st, and 70th street locations. Check out our new bar and happy hour specials at our new West OC location. Order online at www.TheDoughRoller.com. ■ HARBORSIDE BAR AND GRILL 128741 S. Harbor Road, West Ocean City 410-213-1846, weocharborside.com $-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Home of the Original Fresh Squeezed Orange Crush! Open every day, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Appetizers, fresh seafood, steak and pasta. Live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday. ■ HOOTERS Route 50 & Keyser Point Road, West Ocean City 410-213-1841, www.hootersofoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu and game room | Full bar New smoked wings with half the calories. Traditional wings, burgers, quesadillas, tacos and healthy salads. Seafood selections with raw bar and crab legs. Sports packages and live entertainment. Large parties welcome. ■ POPEYE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN Route 50, West Ocean City 443-6642105 $ | Kids’ menu Family restaurant. Eat-in, carry out or drive-thru. Open seven days, year-round. Every Wednesday, free kids meal with purchase of combo.
OCEAN PINES ■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, www.OPyachtclub.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Amid a bay front setting, the Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers dining selections for lunch and dinner. Fresh seafood and signature drinks. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. ■ TERN GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar Located next to the Golf Shop, the Tern Grille serves freshly-prepared breakfast and lunch items. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
BERLIN ■ OCEAN DOWNS CASINO, POSEIDON’S PUB 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin 410641-0600, www.oceandowns.com $-$$$ | Full bar House soups, small plates, sandwiches, burgers and entrees including steaks, chicken, veggie and Eastern Shore favorites. Dining room hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 11 p.m. Pub open late.
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Calendar Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
Fri., Dec. 13 FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Ave. Featuring Christmas Bingo with prizes, 4-5 p.m. (all ages welcome); Santa Comes to Visit, 5-7 p.m. (featuring gifts and free photos with Santa and his elf); and Zippy’s Ugly Sweater Party, 7-9 p.m. (featuring drink specials). http://www.dunesmanor.com
participate in the concert. If you are interested be there by 6:30 p.m. After the show Santa will hear Christmas lists in the lobby, the Conductor, songbirds and performers will also be in the lobby to great guests. Although there is a ticket price of $10, should any parent be unable to afford a ticket, they should notify the convention center so that one of the business donors can sponsor them directly. Tickets are available at the Convention Center Box Office or at www.ticketmaster.com.
FIBER FRIENDS Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:00 AM. Bring your lap work and join this group as they knit, crochet and embroider. All are welcome. Victoria Christie-Healy, 703-507-0708, http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
OCEAN PINES BOOK OF THE MONTH Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:00 PM. Featuring Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Copies of books are available in advance at the library. 410-208-4014, http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
PINE TONES CHORUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 4th St., 7:30 PM. The concert opens with its title song “Everywhere Christmas Tonight.” Popular selections include “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Happy Holiday.” Admission is free and an offering will be received. Info: Dave Holloway, 410-641-5672 or June Todd, 410-289-7373.
Sat., Dec. 14
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Featuring local musicians and children as well as the Stevenson UMC Hand Bell Choir. Desserts served. Free and open to the public. Donations appreciated. Benefiting CASA for Children.
Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Ave. Featuring Holiday DIY Treats, 2-3 p.m. (featuring creation and design of tasty goodies); Holiday Arts & Crafts, 1-2 p.m. (featuring creation of Christmasthemed ornaments and gifts); Playtime with Mrs. Clause, 4-5:30 p.m. (featuring face painting, story time, crafts and balloon animals); and Santa Comes to Visit, 5-7 p.m. (featuring gifts and free photos with Santa and his elf). http://www.dunesmanor.com
‘’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’ PERFORMANCE St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, 7:00 PM. Nearly a dozen local children will perform in the Ocean Pines Players’ production of Ken Ludwig’s play, “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas,” based on the original classic poem. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-16 years, payable at the door, although seats can be reserved in advance at www.oceanpinesplayers.com.
BRIAN’S CHRISTMAS SONGBOOK Ocean City Performing Arts Center, in the Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Featuring the Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and special guest performances by Santa Clause, Keebler his elf, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The concert is intended to give children a strong feeling of selfworth and hope for the future. Some of the children will be brought on stage to
SANTA BREAKFAST Residence Inn by Marriott, 300 Seabay Lane, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Featuring a breakfast buffet, photos with Santa, baked goods for sale, raffles and prizes for wearing the most festive pajamas. Admission costs are $12 in advance or $15 at the door for adults; $5 in advance or $8 at the door for children ages 4-9 years; and free to those 3 and younger. Tickets: Wayne Littleton, 410-723-2842. http://believeintomorrow.org
DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. All interested persons are welcome. 410-213-1956
OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road,
9:30 AM. The speaker will be Mark Sampson, a full time Ocean City Charter Boat Captain who specializes in shark fishing and assisting scientists with shark research. Sampson’s subject for the meeting will be flats fishing in Ocean City’s bay waters. All welcome. Members are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or donation for Diakonia. Jack Barnes, 410-641-7662
OCEAN CITY COMIC CON Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Along with meeting celebrity guests, attendees will have access to anime screenings throughout the day, informative and entertaining panels, a costume contest with prizes, and more than two hundred booths full of geeky goods and independent content creators. Professional cosplayers will be in attendance to take pictures with attendees and discuss the art of costuming. Admission cost is $10 for adults and free to children 9 years and younger with a paying adult. Attendees can receive $1 off if in costume and $1 off with a non-perishable food item for Diakonia. Additionally, a portion of admission will be donated directly to the Hero Initiate and to the Samaritan Shelter. James Dufendach, promotions@plbcomics.com, 410-2892800, http://www.oceancitycomiccon.com
players.com.
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Featuring live music, chef demos, children’s activities and other special events. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.
Sun., Dec. 15 FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Ave. Featuring Breakfast with Santa, 910 a.m. (featuring an appearance by Santa at breakfast in the Victorian Room; Art Bar, 5-6 p.m. (an adult activity featuring craft cocktail lesson from the Dunes’ resident mixologist). http://www.dunesmanor.com
DICKENS WEEKEND Downtown Snow Hill, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. See your favorite Dickens characters reenact scenes from “A Christmas Carol.” There will be horse drawn carriage rides with picture with Santa. Many area residents, shop owners and strolling carolers will be in costume bringing the scene alive. Come in costume if you wish. http://snowhillmd.gov
THE NUTCRACKER ‘COOKIES BY THE POUND’ SALE St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 18 Third St., 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Offering a variety of beautiful and tasty homemade cookies, candies and other treats for sale for only $8 per pound.
DICKENS WEEKEND Downtown Snow Hill, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. See your favorite Dickens characters reenact scenes from “A Christmas Carol.” There will be horse drawn carriage rides with picture with Santa. Many area residents, shop owners and strolling carolers will be in costume bringing the scene alive. Come in costume if you wish. http://snowhillmd.gov
SANTA HOUSE OPEN Downtown Pocomoke City, 12:00 PM 2:00 PM. Bring a camera to take your child’s picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Cost is free. 410-957-1333, Ext. 111, http://downtownpocomoke.com
‘’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’ PERFORMANCE Red Doors Community Center, 10959 Worcester Highway, 2:30 PM. Nearly a dozen local children will perform in the Ocean Pines Players’ production of Ken Ludwig’s play, “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas,” based on the original classic poem. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-16 years, payable at the door, although seats can be reserved in advance at www.oceanpines-
Ocean City Performing Arts Center, in the Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 2:00 PM. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Presented by Sussex Dance Academy. Tickets cost $17 or $20 for adults and $14 or $17 for Seniors 65 years and older and students 12 years and younger. Tickets are available at the Convention Center Box Office or at www.ticketmaster.com. 410-289-2800
‘’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’ PERFORMANCE Red Doors Community Center, 10959 Worcester Highway, 2:30 PM. Nearly a dozen local children will perform in the Ocean Pines Players’ production of Ken Ludwig’s play, “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas,” based on the original classic poem. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-16 years, payable at the door, although seats can be reserved in advance at www.oceanpinesplayers.com.
Mon., Dec. 16 AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE DIRECTORS: 3 PART FILM SERIES Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4:00 PM. This film series explore three underappreciated gems by family African-American directors. Each film will feature a short introduction and an audience discussion afterwards. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
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CALENDAR CPAP MASK FITTING Atlantic General Hospital Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. By appointment only: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.
MOVIE MATINEE (2017) Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:00 PM. A paralyzed billionaire hires a paroled convict to be his caregiver and driver. They become friends despite their very different background. Starring Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart.
GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 PM. The Great Books Discussion group meets twice a month to discuss both classic and modern reading selections recommended by the Great Books Foundation. 410-208-4014, http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. TOPS is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Berlin group No. 169. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 7:00 PM. Come and sing. Drop-ins welcome. Carol, 410-641-6876
Tues., Dec. 17 HOLIDAY PARTY Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 AM. For all ages. Come decorate cookies and hear some special stories. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
invited. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
MARYLAND VA REPRESENTATIVES Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Representative Michelle Licata is available to offer outreach services to veterans and their families on the third Wednesday of each month. No appointment necessary. 410713-3482, http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
Thurs., Dec. 19 COLOR ME CALM Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 2:00 PM. Monthly adult coloring session. Colored pencils, gel pens and felt tips will be available. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
COOKIE SWAP
Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 11:00 AM. This workshop starts with a 20 minute lesson on genealogy research followed by a Q&A session. Register: 410-208-4014. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 3:00 PM. Participants will bring four dozen cookies each. One dozen to sample and three dozen to exchange. Bring a large container to carry your goodies home and a list of ingredients in each batch. Limited to adults. Registration required: 410-641-0650. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITY
John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center Conference Room, 9707 Healthway Drive, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Women Supporting Women/AGH Support group for women and men who are battling breast cancer (current patients and survivors). Lunch is provided. RSVP: 410-548-7880.
Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Ave., 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Featuring Christmas Trivia with prizes. Surprise questions of Christmas history, holiday facts and holiday cheer. http://www.dunesmanor.com
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
LET THEM EAT CUPCAKES Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 2:00 PM. The owner of Berlin’s Baked Dessert Cafe will demonstrate how to make and ice cupcakes. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
BEACH SINGLES Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Beach Singles, 45 years and older, meet for happy hour. Info: 302-436-9577, 410-524-0649 or BeachSingles.org
GRIEF SUPPORT CRIME VICTIMS AND INFORMATION RESOURCE Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 5:00 PM. A representative from the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center will offer information and referrals for local resources to anyone who might have questions after experiencing crime. Stop by to speak with an attorney. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
Thursdays - Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 11:00 AM. Coastal Hospice provides grief support and education. Participants work together to help each other navigate through grief at their own pace. Free and open to the public. Nicole Long, 443-614-6142
ONGOING EVENTS
Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2:00 PM. Learn the difference between veganism and vegetarianism. Sample vegan food and get easy recipes to impress your vegan friends. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
KIWANIS CLUB OF GREATER OP/OC
WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway. Doors open at 7 a.m., meeting begins at 8 a.m. 410641-7330, http://www.kiwanisofopoc.org
WW TUNES: BRAIN HEALTH advantAGE
DELMARVA HAND DANCE CLUB
Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 7:00 PM. Music is fun and a brain workout, improving mood, memory and sleep quality. Join Frank Nanna and the WW Tunes for a swinging good time. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
Wednesdays - Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave., 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Dance to the sounds of the ’50s and ’60s music. A $5 donation to benefit Veterans and local charities in the Delmarva region. Members and guests. dance@delmarvahanddancing.com, 410-208-1151, http://delmarvahanddancing.com
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, Nov. 21-Dec. 31. Featuring a 50foot Christmas tree and hot chocolate and pictures with Santa in the heated Winterfest Village pavilion. Board the Winterfest Express to tour the 58 acres of fairy tale themed exhibits of lights. Admission for the train costs $5 for adults and free for children 11 years and younger. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Info: 800-626-2326, 410-250-0125 or https://oceancitymd.gov.
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Center, 9730 Healthway Drive, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. TOPS is a support and educational group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. jeanduck47@gmail.com
Wed., Dec. 18 WITTY KNITTERS Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Knitters, crochet enthusiasts, needle artists of all skill levels are
CROSSWORD CLUB: BRAIN HEALTH advantAGE Through December, ask at the circulation desk at your closest library branch. Form a club to figure out the clues. www.worcesterlibrary.org
SCRABBLE! DELUXE EDITION: BRAIN HEALTH advantAGE Through December, Bring a group to start up a game with other patrons in the library. www.worcesterlibrary.org
FREE WELLNESS WORKSHOPS
VEGANISM: WHAT IS IT?
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING
BOOK A LIBRARIAN Through December, contact your closest library branch to schedule a personal appointment for help with resumes, job applications, E-Reader or basic computer skills. www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC/BERLIN ROTARY CLUB MEETING Wednesdays - Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane, 6:00 PM. 302-540-2127
GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION Berlin business are creating their own unique gingerbread houses. Vote for your favorite at any participating locations, Nov. 29th through Dec. 30.
FREE FISHING ROD LOANER PROGRAM BRIDGE WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 10:00 AM 2:00 PM. Knowledge of basic Bridge (Goren/American Standard). 410-5965498
Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway. Adults can check out a rod and tackle to use in bay and river waters. An adult library card is required. For more information and regulations, call 410524-1818.
Free workshops dealing with hypertension, chronic pain self-management, chronic disease self-management, diabetes, fall prevention and cancer. If you would like to register for one of these workshops or you would like more information about bringing any of the workshops to your business or group, contact Jill at MAC, 410-742-0505, Ext. 159. A new workshop, titled “Building Better Caregivers” has been added. It’s a free, 6-week workshop for caregivers of those with conditions that affect memory.
FREE VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS For a free vessel check, by a certified United States Power Squadron vessel examiner, contact Tony Curro at tcurro@mchsi.com.
FORGE FRIDAY FORGE Youth and Family, 7804 Gumboro Road, Pittsville, every Friday, 6:308:30 p.m. This is a contemporary youth and family ministry, designed for kids ages 5-65 years. The program providees a meal, music, games, activities and a life lesson that can be of use to anyone. Info: Rob, 443-366-2813.
‘ACHIEVING SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS’ SEMINAR Atlantic General Bariatric Center Conference Room, 10231 Old Ocean City Blvd., Suite 207, Berlin. Takes place the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m. This is a free, in-person seminar. Additional opportunities are also available in the form of an online webinar. Register: 410-641-9568.
Crossword answers from page 40
44
DECEMBER 13, 2019 Classifieds now appear in Ocean City Today & the Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com and baysideoc.com.
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED Hiring ALL Positions!!
HELP WANTED
RENTALS
Maintenance - YR, 32-40 hrs. wk. Handy in all areas. Must have tools/transportation. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com.
YR Ocean Pines. Large 2 story. 3BR, 2.5BA, screened porch, fireplace, oversized garage. No smoking, no pets. Good credit. Security deposit plus utilities. $1495 per month. 301-509-6515
Full time & Part time To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com
JOIN OU UR GROWING NG TEA T AM! AM HIRING ALL POSITIONS!!
Real Hospit itality Group is now w hiring for:
ACCOUNTING CCOU O TRAIINER
Established & Growing Dental Office
is now accepting applications for the following positions:
looking for part-time
Cooks, A/V Staff, Painter, General Maintenance, P/T Distillery Tour Guide For more details or to apply, please go online to www.seacrets.com/employment
Front Desk Person Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd street! or call 443-664-2825
#""! "! ! # ! ! " ! ! ! ! ! ! ! " " ! ! " ! "" ! " "! ! "! ! ! " Apply online a at:
Dental knowledge necessary. Send resume to: contact@atlanticdental.com
" "
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!!
12800 Hospitality Way • Oc ean Cit y, MD 2184 2
Top wages, excellent benefits package and free employee meal available to successful candidates.
Warehouse/Receiving Clerk
Office Assistant Needed Full-time Position Seasonal (or) Year Round We have two busy rental offices We are looking for someone who can assist in our Ocean Pines and Ocean City office. q References required/Real Estate License a Plus q Professional/Friendly q Must be willing travel to properties mostly in Ocean Pines and Ocean City. q Must work most weekends as needed – No Evenings q Administrative skills needed
We are currently hiring a full time, year round warehouse / receiving clerk for our busy hotel. Responsibilities include maintaining inventories, and product distribution to internal outlets. Moderate to heavy lifting required. Must have excellent references. Excellent benefits. Please apply within or send resume to: Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel Human Resources Department 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 410-524-3535 ~ Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V
FT/ T//YYR SENIOR OFFICE COORDINAATTOR
Please fax resumes letters and references to or inquiries to
for a fast-paced offffice in the Housekeeping department. Full-time, year round, with benefits. Must be able to work weekends & holidays. Prior offffice experience preferred; customer service skills & the ability to multi task is required.
Hileman Real Estate, Inc. Attn: Chris to fax # 410-208-9562 or email Hilemanre@aol.com
for our WOC kitchen facility $14-$16/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com
Become a Better You in 2020! To Order Product Call Christine 443-880-8397 or email: snowhillavon@ comcast.net To Become an Avon Representative Sign Up at www. ChristinesBeautyShop.com
YR RENTAL - 5 Bed / 3 Bath Home in WOC, Cape Isle of Wight. Fenced-in back yard, 2-car garage with full upstairs storage space. New carpet, paint, will be available around 1/1/20. $1750 per month, plus electric and cable. Resort Rentals, 410-524-0285. Year-Round Rental Available in West Ocean City. 2BR, 1BA. Call 1-877-289-1616 for more information.
WINTER WEEKLY RENTALS Pool Front Room ..$199/wk Family Room ........$235/wk 2BR Apartment.....$315/wk 3BR Suite .............$400/wk Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave. 410-289-8581
Yearly & Seasonal Rentals We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com
Appppllyy onlliine: w yndcareers.com or ccoontact Micchhelllle Bladdees at: Michelle.Blades@w ynvr.com
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!!
Employment is contingent on drug screen & background check. ResortQuest is an EOE.
Top wages, excellent benefits package and free employee meal available to successful candidates.
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!!
Employment Opportunities: Year Round, Full/Part Time: Banquet Server, Server, Bartender, Busser, Hostess/Host, Food Runner, Front Desk, Pool Attendants, Line Cooks, Lobby Attendants, Housestaff, Room Attendants, Wash Room, Warehouse Clerk, Maintenance, Dishwasher
Free employee meal and excellent benefits. Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel Attn: Human Resources Dept. 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V
ssifieds la C r u o Y r e Ord
NOW HIRING!! Production Crew
OCEAN CITY Waterfront w/Boat Slip. 2bdrms, tastefully furnished. Year lease, $1,100 per month with security deposit. Email: molly@mollyb.com or call 443-366-0990.
Top wages, excellent benefits package and free employee meal available to successful candidates.
AM Dining Room Manager We are currently recruiting an experienced AM Dining Room Manager to help our team oversee our busy restaurant. Must have strong management experience in a large restaurant, ability to train staff, excellent communication skills and ability to solve problems. Micros and computer experience strongly preferred. Excellent salary and benefits package. Send resume and salary requirements to: Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 410-524-3535 ~ Fax: 410-723-9109
Online
EOE M/F/D/V
Winter-Short Term Rentals ~ until 4/15/20 • SUNSET DR - 2 bdrm, 1.5 ba. Apt., $700/mo. • TIBURON 139TH ST - 3 bdrm, 2 ba. Condo $900/mo. • GOLF COURSE RD - 2 bdrm, 1 ba. Apt., $600/mo. • SILVERPOINT LANE - 3 bdrm, 2 ba. Home $950/mo. ALL units: fully furnished, include cable & TV, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer. Require: sec. dep., electric, references 410 213-8090 or email: events@oceanpromotions.info
$1200 4BR, 2BA Single Family Starting at $1450
3BR, 2BA Single Family Starting at
Available Winter Seasonal Rentals @ www.hilemanrealestate.com
CALL US TODAY! 410-208-9200
www.oceancitytoday.com
Convenient, quick, no waiting, no calls ~ Days, nights and weekends
Open 6 Days A Week Mon.-Sat., 9-5 * Berlin * Ocean City * * Ocean Pines * * Snow Hill *
DECEMBER 13, 2019
PAGE 45
Ocean City Today
RENTALS
ROOM FOR RENT
REAL ESTATE
COMMERCIAL
SERVICES
FOR SALE
WINTER RENTAL - 1BR, Beachy, Poolside Apartment - 47th Street. Avail. December 1. $600/mo. Utilities & cable TV included. www.oceancity21.com 443-506-2738
North OC Near 118th St. Furnished bedroom w/shared bath & laundry. Overlooking canal w/deck. $600/mo. utilities incl. Avail. immediately. Call for details, 410-6035110.
Remodeled From Foundation Up, 3BR, 2BA Home on .25 Acre In Bishopville. No HOA. $239,000 Call Howard Martin Realty, 410-352-5555.
Berlin: 225 sq. ft. Office Space, $350/mo. includes utilities. 120 sq. ft. Storage Sheds, each $95/mo. Call 410-726-5471.
House and Rental Clean Out, small and local moving, and removal of junk and furniture. Also, will clean out garages/ sheds. 302-222-7297, 302422-9390
Split, seasoned, ready to burn Mixed Hardwood. Local business. $150 per cord, plus delivery. 410-726-2887, please leave a message.
REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE
COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
2 Bedroom, 2.5 bath, 107 123rd Street, Unit 41, Bayside. $203,400. Email for details: OC.prop.to.sell@gmail. com
1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City. Call 443-497-4200
YEAR ROUND 3BR 2BA CONDO North Ocean City, Ocean block
• New flooring • Reserved parking • Beach and bay views $1400/mo. plus utilities 443-944-3293
RAMBLER MOTEL 9942 Elm Street, WOC (Behind Starbucks) Sleeps 4, $250 per week Manager onsite 410-213-1764
$59,900 cash buys you a BEAUTIFUL mobile home! Thoroughly renovated, near boat ramp. Lot rent $425/month. Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555 2 Bedroom, 2.5 bath, 12 128th St., Unit 16, Ocean Block. $193,900. Email for more information: OC.prop.to.sell@ gmail.com
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Spacious, climatecontrolled corner office with beautiful views, available in Class A office building. Use of Conference Room and reception area, in a modern, well-maintained building, in prime mid-town Ocean City location. Call 410-524-3440 for appointment.
SERVICES
BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797
Classifieds 410-723-6397
LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers
DONATIONS DONATIONS 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.
FURNITURE
JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH FURNITURE WAREHOUSE -- NEW AND USED Pick-Up & Delivery Available
410-250-7000 146th Street, Ocean City
CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.
BUSINESS SERVICES Place a business card ad in the Regional Small Display MARYLAND STATEWIDE 2x2/2x4 Advertising Network CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING – Let MDDC help you grow NETWORK your business! Call TODAY at 410-212-0616 to increase AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS your customer base and get DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, results. RVs Lutheran Mission Society of MD. Compassion Place MEDICAL LEGAL SERVICES ministries help local families Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? with food, clothing, counsel- You And Your Family May Be ing Tax deductible. MVA li- Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 844-591-5210 for censed #W1044. information. No Risk. No 410-636-0123 www.CompassionPlace.org Money Out of Pocket.
REAL ESTATE Delaware New Move-In Ready Homes! Low Taxes! Close to Beaches, Gated, Olympic pool. Homes from low $100's, No HOA Fees. Brochures Available 1-866--629-0770 or www.coolbranch.com SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS Increase your customer base and get great results by placing your ads in the MDDC – Classified Advertising network! Call today 410-2120616 Ask for Multi-Media Specialist -Wanda & watch your results grow.
106 papers with a circulation of 2.3 million and readership of 4.9 million!
BLINDS & SHADES
CLEANING
DOOR REPAIR
CLAUDIA’S CLEANING SERVICES • Residential & Commercial • House Sitting • Organization • Light Yard Work
302.864.7031 References Available
OVER TEN YEARS’ EXPERIENCE
PAGE 46
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
ELECTRICIAN
Raymond O’Brocki Jr. Master Electrician 443 691 0544 Call or Text
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DECEMBER 13, 2019 BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE
OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 120 OLD LANDING RD. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated November 28, 2007 and recorded in Liber 5047, Folio 191 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $50,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on DECEMBER 23, 2019 AT 3:30 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind. Terms of Sale: A deposit of $5,000 in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser. Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assess-
PAGE 47
Ocean City Today / Public Notices ment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 341758-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/5/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE
OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 2135 WILDWOOD TRAIL POCOMOKE A/R/T/A POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated September 13, 2006 and recorded in Liber 4785, Folio 197 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $225,250.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof,
the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on DECEMBER 23, 2019 AT 3:33 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind. Terms of Sale: A deposit of $11,000 in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser. Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid
off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 120499-2) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/5/3t _________________________________ REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 15776 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RALPH JOHNSON JR. Notice is given that Renee L. Johnson, 11628 Church Street, Showell, MD 21862 and Rick A. Johnson, 12 Decatur Street, Berlin, MD 21811, were on November 12, 2019 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ralph Johnson Jr. who died on July 18, 2014, with a will. There was a prior small estate proceeding. 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, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
PAGE 48
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
(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. Renee L. Johnson Rick A. Johnson 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 21, 2019 OCD-11/21/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18064 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CECILIA MARIE FRANZ Notice is given that Barbara Jean Pritchard, 1019 Sweet Cream Court, Durham, NC 27703, was on November 15, 2019 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cecilia Marie Franz who died on October 18, 2019, 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 15th day of May, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Barbara Jean Pritchard 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 28, 2019 OCD-11/28/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF PASSAGE OF BILL 19-8 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 19-8 (Zoning - Churches, Temples and Mosques in the I-1 Light Industrial District) was passed by the County Commissioners on November 19, 2019. A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § ZS 1-212(c)(13). (Renumbers the existing subsection 13 to subsection 14 and adds this new subsection to permit by special exception in the I-1 Light Industrial District churches, temples and mosques; and establishes minimum lot requirements for lot area, lot width, and front, side and rear yard setbacks.) This bill becomes effective fortyfive (45) days from the date of its passage. 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 and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us . THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-11/28/3t _________________________________
inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us . THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-11/28/3t _________________________________ Robert A. Jones, Esquire Samuel I. White, PC 5040 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 120 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Phone: (757) 490-9284 Fax: (757) 497-2808 JOHN E. DRISCOLL, III, et al Plaintiffs, Substitute Trustees v. PERRY WILLIAM SHARPLEY Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Civil Action No. C-23-CV-19-000244
NOTICE
OF PASSAGE OF BILL 19-9 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Notice is hereby given this 26th day of November, 2019, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 5634 George Island Landing Road, Stockton, MD 21864 will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 30th day of December, 2019, provided a copy of this NOTICE be published at least once a week in each of three successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation published in said County before the 23rd day of December, 2019. The Report of Sale states the amount of the sale to be $32,760.89. Susan R. Braniecki CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/5/3t _________________________________
Take Notice that Bill 19-9 (Public Safety - Fire Marshal) was passed by the County Commissioners on November 19, 2019. A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § PS 1-301(a). (Repeals and reenacts this subsection to provide that the procedure for selecting the Fire Marshal shall be the same as any other Worcester County Department Director position whereby applications are received and processed by the Worcester County Human Resources Department for interview and appointment by the County Commissioners rather than from a list of names submitted by the Worcester County Fire Prevention Committee.) This bill becomes effective fortyfive (45) days from the date of its passage. 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
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18047 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HELEN Y. COLLEY Notice is given that Jeri Marlo Liddle, 8473 Watts Bay Lane, Wallops Island, VA 23337, was on November 19, 2019 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen Y. Colley who died on September 10, 2019, 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, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present
NOTICE
NOTICE
DECEMBER 13, 2019 the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Jeri Marlo Liddle 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 28, 2019 OCD-11/28/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 19-10 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 19-10 (Zoning - Recreational Areas and Centers in the I-1 Light Industrial District) was introduced by Commissioner Nordstrom on November 19, 2019. A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § ZS 1-212(c)(14). (Renumbers the existing subsection 14 to subsection 15 and adds this new subsection to permit by special exception in the I-1 Light Industrial District private commercial and noncommercial recreational areas and centers, including sports training facilities, which allo activities inside a building or outdoors.) A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 19-10 at the Commissioners' Meeting Room, Room 1101 - Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us . THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-11/28/2t _________________________________
DECEMBER 13, 2019 JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 N. 8TH STREET OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 COUNCIL OF UNIT OWNERS OF OCEAN TIME CONDOMINIUM, INC. Plaintiff V. DANIEL F. ABEEL IRENE M. ABEEL et al. Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-19-000170
NOTICE
ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 6th day of December, 2019 , that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by James E. Clubb, Jr., Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 6th day of January, 2020, provided a copy of this order be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 30th day of December, 2019 The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals: Price $50.00 $50.00 $3,300.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 Susan Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/12/3t _________________________________ Timeshare Wk 6, #105 Wk 36, #201 Wk 30, #206 Wk 48, #206 Wk 52, #206 Wk 17, #303 Wk 9, #305 Wk 13, #401 Wk 40, #401 Wk 12, #403 Wk 10, #404 Wk 42, #405 Wk 8, #406 Wk 20, #406 Wk 37, #406 Wk 44, #406 Wk 12, #504 Wk 20, #505 Wk 41, #506
NOTICE
TO HOLDERS OF 7DAY CLASS "B", "C", AND "D" ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES ISSUED BY WORCESTER COUNTY Pursuant to the Alcoholic Beverages Article, Section 9-2005 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County has determined that all premises holding 7 Day Class "B", "C", and "D" alcoholic beverage licenses shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for ON
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Ocean City Today / Public Notices PREMISES CONSUMPTION ONLY until 4:00 a.m. on January 1, 2020. This notice shall not be construed as enlarging or broadening any other privilege conferred under said license except the two (2) additional hours of sale for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ON NEW YEAR'S EVE. BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, William E. Esham, Jr., Chairman R. Charles Nichols, Member Marty W. Pusey, Member *********************** April R. Payne, License Administrator OCD-12/12/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 Carrie M. Ward, et al. 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs vs. MICHAEL FUSCO TERRI A. FUSCO 8201 Atlantic Avenue Unit P-3 Ocean City, MD 21842 Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-19-000204
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given this 6th day of December, 2019, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 8201 Atlantic Avenue, Unit P-3, Ocean City, MD 21842, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 6th day of January, 2020, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 30th day of December, 2019. The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $345,000.00. Susan R. Braniecki
Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/12/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF FAMILY COURT PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ACTION To Joann Bartsch, (Respondent) Petitioner, Jeffrey A. Bartsch has filed a Petition for an Order of Protection From Abuse against you in the Family Court of the State of Delaware for New Castle County. Case No. 19-34125 A court hearing has been scheduled for 12/20/19 at 10:00am. The Family Court is located at 500 N. King St., Wilmington, DE 19801. If you fail to appear, te hearing may proceed without you. There is an Ex-Parte Order in effect. If you wish to obtain the information on this filing prior to the hearing, please respond to the Family Court location noted above. OCD-12/12/1t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENT TO WORCESTER COUNTY WATER AND SEWERAGE PLAN FOR RECLASSIFICATION OF SEWER PLANNING DESIGNATION ASSATEAGUE FARMS, LLC MYSTIC HARBOUR SANITARY SERVICE AREA WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider a requested amendment to the Worcester County Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Plan (The Plan) as submitted by Paul Carlotta, owner, on behalf of Assateague Farms, LLC, to reclassify the sewer planning area designation for a proposed restaurant and an existing roadside stand on a portion of the proposed (proposed Lot 4) as shown on Worcester County Tax Map 33, Parcel 29, Tax Account I.D. #10018498, located on the east side of Stephen Decatur Highway, just north of The Landings residential
community, within the Mystic Harbour Sanitary Service Area. The proposed amendment seeks to change the designation for the portion of the property (proposed Lot 4) from S-3 (planned service within 6 to 10 years) to S-1 (planned to be served within two years). The Worcester County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Water and Sewerage Plan amendment at its meeting on November 1, 2019 and found it consistent with the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan and the zoning category for the subject property. The public hearing on this application will be held on: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in the COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING ROOM Room 1101 County Government Center One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 The case file may be reviewed at the Department of Environmental Programs, Room 1306 - Worcester County Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Interested parties may also call 410-632-1220, ext. 1601. THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-11/28/2t _________________________________ FAMILY COURT FOR THE STATE OF DELAWARE WILLIAM T. SMITH III, ESQ. 100 EAST MAIN STREET, SUITE 102 SALISBURY, MD 21801
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18072 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EDWARD THOMPSON FULTON JR. Notice is given that Edward Thompson Fulton III, 2359 Klej Grange Road, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, was on November 21, 2019 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward Thompson
OCEAN CITY TODAY
Legal Advertising Call Nancy MacCubbin 410-723-6397, Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net
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DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
Fulton Jr. who died on May 30, 2017, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of May, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise
delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Edward Thompson Fulton III 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 28, 2019 OCD-11/28/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18076 Notice is given that the Orphans Court of Bucks County, PA appointed Robert W. Lewis, 205 Sugarberry Lane, Langhorne, PA 19047 as the Executor of the Estate of Edwin W. Lewis who died on June 29, 2019 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is PO Box 203, Bishopville, MD 21813. 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, except if the
decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the 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. Robert W. Lewis 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, 2019 OCD-12/05/3t _________________________________
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Ocean City Today
Business
Dec. 13, 2019
Page 51
Fraschetti closes restaurant after 16 yrs. of service
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Private wastewater treatment systems tested before sale
By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) Alex Fraschetti, 77, who has presided over decades of restaurant dining in Ocean City, the last 16 at his location in West Ocean City, has decided to retire. Fraschetti’s restaurant, called Alex’s Italian Restaurant, will serve its final customers on Thursday, Dec. 19.
‘Thank you very much for the following I had... Some people followed me from when I owned Windows on the Bay … some have come and gone, but others are still here. I want to thank the people here who have supported me.’ Owner, Alex Fraschetti
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Alex Fraschetti, 77, of Ocean Pines, will be officially retiring and closing down his restaurant, Alex’s Italian Restaurant, on Thursday, Dec. 19 after 16 years.
Born in Rome, Italy, Fraschetti has worked in the restaurant business since 1965. Along the way, he did duty as a busboy, a waiter, manager and owner of two other restaurants, before he came to Ocean City, where he met his wife of 50 years and would eventually settle. His reasons for retiring, he said this week, is to spend more time with his children and grandchildren. “I’d like to be with them, while they’re still in their younger years,” Fraschetti said. Fraschetti has worked in several restaurants and hotels in the resort, including Embers at its original location, a sports club called Sneakers, which used to be where the Residence Inn by Marriott stands now, and which evolved into Windows on the Bay. Windows operated from 1989 to 2000, when he sold the establishment to his partner. He would open his current restaurant, which was originally called Osteria Fraschetti’s in 2003. But so few local people knew what osteria meant (an Italian restaurant that serves simple food) that the restaurant had to be renamed. Besides, Fraschetti’s establishment was not all that simple. Its 9,000 square feet were split between the bar area, which is covered in sports paraphernalia, the dining room and J&J’s Pizza, which he also owns and will be closing as well. Fraschetti himself has always been an avid sports fan. “I was very young and once was a
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Alex’s Italian Restaurant is located on 12445 Ocean Gateway in West Ocean City. The 9,000-squarefoot restaurant will serve its last customers on Thursday, Dec. 19.
swimmer, and I was selected for trials for the Olympics in Athens in 1956 when I was only 15 years old,” he said. “I didn’t make it to the Olympics.” In addition to swimming, he also enjoyed running, tennis, soccer and baseball. Fraschetti specialized in French, Italian and tableside flambe cooking, which he cultivated in his restaurant, especially with his personal favorites, like the homemade Caesar salad. In addition to the salads, the restaurant offers homemade bread, lasagna, veal parmigiana, spaghetti, New York strip, steak and shrimp, and lump crab cakes among other recipes.
When it comes to the customers of Alex’s Italian Restaurant, he appreciates everyone who has spent the last 16 years with him. “Thank you very much for the following I had,” he said. “Some people followed me from when I owned Windows on the Bay … some have come and gone, but others are still here. I want to thank the people here who have supported me.” The restaurant opens every day at 5 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m. The bar opens at 3 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Alex’s Italian Restaurant and J&J’s Pizza will be permanently closed after Thursday, Dec. 19. For more information, call Alex’s Italian Restaurant at 410-213-7717.
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) If a home doesn’t operate off of a public sewer facility, then a private in-ground wastewater treatment system is used to treat and dispose of household wastewater on-site. In Maryland, approximately 20 percent of homeowners rely on a private septic system. When purchasing a home that relies on a private septic system, it is of utmost importance to have the septic system tested, as it is one of the single most expensive replacement systems a homeowner will face. Septic inspections range in price from $325 to $400, and include: • Locating the septic system tank, distribution box and drainfield—inspection companies will contact the county office for a copy of the septic report on file for a particular property. • Ensuring that the system is large enough for the home it serves. For example, a three bedroom home typically requires a 1,000 gallon tank. Capacity in gallons can be calculated by length x width x depth in feet x 7.5 for rectangular tanks. • Checking the tank and distribution box condition and baffles are checked to make sure they are firmly connected to the tank’s inlet and outlet pipes. • Drain lines are tested, sometimes called a surge test, to determine the functionality of the drainfield. Cameras can also be used to determine the health of a drainfield. Drain lines can also be “jetted” to help clear any clogs. In order to inspect a private septic system, the inspector must first locate the system. In newer systems, this is not a problem as county records are more complete and newer systems have a riser above ground to show its location. But in older systems, the following are a few ways the inspector might help locate the system: • A thin, metal rod can be inserted into the earth to probe an area. • A metal detector can be used if the tank contains enough metal comSee SEPTIC Page 52
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DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
Tag and title shop inside Trader Lee Village By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) There is no need to drive to the MVA in Salisbury to get a new or updated tag or title for a car, because there is a shop to handle that, located inside the Trader Lee Village in West Ocean City. Owner Jody Palmisano opened West Ocean City Vehicle Tag & Title in June when he realized there was a need for the shop as Worcester County residents constantly had to drive to Salisbury to get their titles and tags. “A friend of mine has a tag and title in the Baltimore area and it really is a lot to learn to figure out the different types of cars and transactions and trailers and scooters and trucks and dump trucks and tow trucks,” he said. “I hate going to the MVA because a lot of times their problems are missing is
David H. Schiff, D.D.S.
a paper or a misunderstanding of a particular way something has to be done.” Palmisano has over 35 years of experience as a car dealer and has spent years understanding the paperwork and requirements to authorize tags and titles for just about any vehicle. Palmisano said he can have the tags and title ready in as little as 10-15 minutes. “When you go to the MVA, there’s normally at least an hour wait, if not a two-hour wait,” he said. “Here it’s usually 15 minutes or less. We are good at solving people’s problems with their paperwork and we answer the phone with questions.” West Ocean City Vehicle Tag & Title can create new tags and titles for vehicle purchases, ranging from regular, historic or bay tags. He can provide tags and titles for trailers, scooters, motorcycles, tractor trailers and most other vehicles.
Palmisano can also provide 30-day temporary tags and titles, transfer tags from old vehicles to new ones, accept turned-in tags from previous cars, get tags and titles for owners moving from another state, renew vehicle registrations for either one or two years, and replace tags that are lost or faded. Transferring titles from another state can cost around $200, and replacing a tag could cost $20. Palmisano does not do driver’s license verifications. Store hours for West Ocean City Vehicle Tag & Title are Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday from 12-5 p.m., though appointments can be scheduled with Palmisano outside of those hours. “Last Friday I was closing and somebody was coming called me and said, ‘I’m on my way there. Can you please wait?’ And I said, ‘Ok,’” he said. “So, I waited. They had just purchased a car in Ocean City and were taking it
Dayna R. Schiff, R.D.H.
Septic inspection ranges between $325 and $400
Accepting New Patients
• • • • • • •
Invisalign Crowns Bridges Partial and Full Dentures Veneers Bleaching Cleanings Bonding Root Canals Fillings Extractions
11200 Racetrack Road Suite A-103 Berlin, Md. 21811 Phone: 410-641-0334 berlin.dentistry@gmail.com
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Located inside the Trader Lee Village in West Ocean City, West Ocean City Vehicle Tag & Title can deliver the products in 15 or fewer minutes.
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Family Dentistry
• • • •
back to Baltimore where they live. They said their previous transaction was at a place called 12 Minute Tag and Title, but they were gonna call me ‘twominute tag and title’ because they ran in here and I had it all plugged in.” For more information, call 410629-5600.
MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Jody Palmisano owns West Ocean City Vehicle Tag & Title, which he opened in June.
Continued from Page 51 ponents. • A small radio transmitter can be flushed down the toilet and followed with a receiver. • The current or previous homeowner can be contacted. • Also, not surprisingly, the greenest grass in the yard is most times right above the septic system. – Lauren Bunting is an Associate Broker with Bunting Realty, Inc. in Berlin.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
AGH on top in patient experience (Dec. 13, 2019) Among the statebased regulations that affect all 45 Maryland hospitals is their performance under the Quality-Based Reimbursement program administered by the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission. In this evaluation, hospitals that achieve higher quality ratings benefit in the form of higher reimbursement rates for medical services according to the Global Budget Revenue model. In the most recent evaluation period covering quality and patient experience data from 2017 and 2018, Atlantic General Hospital was one of just seven Maryland hospitals to receive positive revenue adjustments. In the case of Atlantic General, the calculation resulted in nearly $200,000 of additional Global Budget Revenue rate adjustments. Contributing to this outcome, At-
lantic General was ranked No. 1 in the entire state for patient experience and tied for fifth in patient safety measures. “The HSCRC’s most recent report supports our belief that a commitment to delivering a safe and caring healthcare environment will result in an uncommonly excellent experience for our patients,” said Michael Franklin, president and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital. “We are committed to staying in the top tier of Maryland hospitals in achieving high quality ratings that demonstrate our values and our unwavering commitment to meeting every patient’s need.” Revenues received by Atlantic General Hospital, a not-for-profit organization, are reinvested in existing and new programs and services to support the healthcare needs of the community. Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the res-
idents of Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties in Maryland, and Sussex County, Delaware, since May 1993. Built through the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, Atlantic General’s main facility in Berlin combines the warmth of personalized attention with the reassurance of medical expertise and advanced technology. The not-for-profit hospital provides quality specialty care in oncology, medical and surgical weight loss, orthopedics, and women’s diagnostics among other services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 40 primary care providers and specialists, cares for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.
peake Bay serving as president-elect on the Board of Directors. Since joining Becker Morgan Group, Utz has developed a concentration in commercial facilJoseph Kott ities, taking an active role in many of the firm’s large projects, most notably the awardwinning Datwyler Pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Middletown, Delaware. Kott is a graduate of Temple University, holding a Master of Architecture (2017) and a Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management (2014). He joined the firm in 2018 and has five years of professional experience with a concentration in hospitality. Outside of the office, Kott is an adjunct professor and a member of the Architectural Advisory Board at Delaware
Technical Community College. Most recently, Kott has been involved with the Ocean City convention center expansion and improvements.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Licensed architects Becker Morgan Group congratulates Kevin M. Utz, AIA, and Joseph M. Kott, AIA, on passing their professional exam to become licensed architects. They fulfilled the educational, experience and examination requirements set forth by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards to become two of 18 licensed arKevin Utz chitects on the Becker Morgan Group staff. Utz graduated from Marywood University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Architecture and has been with the firm for four years. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chesa-
Appointment Merrill Lynch recently announced that Zach Newton has been appointed resident director of the company’s Ocean City office. Newton will lead the Ocean City office’s team of Merrill financial advisors to continue to deliver individualized wealth management strategies to local individuals, families and businesses. Zach Newton Newton, a resident of Berlin, joined Merrill in 2016. He received a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University.
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 24 to break off the action until dark, the British had definitely suffered the most. By this time, Exeter was useless as a fighting ship and the Ajax had been seriously damaged. However, the Graf Spee did not escape completely unscathed. One 5.9-inch gun had been put out of action, and she had used over half of her 11-inch ammunition. Her maximum speed was reduced to 20 knots. The British were even lower on ammunition. More important was the damage to the Spee’s fuel processing system. For the rest of the day, the two British cruisers tailed the Graf Spee as she headed west. In the meantime, Harwood had ordered the Cumberland to join him. At 10 p.m., the Admiral Graf Spee entered the Río de la Plata towards Montevideo. The two British cruisers stayed at the mouth of the river for the night. Reinforcements were on the way. The Cumberland would arrive within 24 hours. The commodore also, “... learned that the [carrier] Ark Royal, [battleship] Renown, [cruisers] Neptune, Dorsetshire, Shropshire, and three destroyers, were all closing on the Plate[Río de la Plata], but none of them could reach me for at least five days.” The Admiral Graf Spee dropped anchor at Montevideo at 1:10 a.m. on Dec. 14. The selection of Montevideo was unfortunate for the Germans, since, al-
though Uruguay was neutral, it leaned to the British, while down the coast was the Argentinian port of Mar del Plata. Although, Argentina was also neutral, it leaned the other way. International law allowed a belligerent warship to remain in a neutral port only 24 hours. However, that was modified by a provision which gave the host nation the discretion to allow a longer stay if more extensive repairs were needed, but only to repair the ship’s seaworthiness. A longer stay to repair battle worthiness was not allowed. In order to avail themselves of this provision, the Germans were forced to allow inspections by Uruguayan and British officials. The inspection revealed that the ship had been hit between 30 and 60 times, damaging one 5.9-inch gun, the starboard anti-aircraft guns, the rangefinders, the spotter plane and the control tower. In addition, there were two holes below the waterline. The Germans kept the fuel problem a secret — and it remained a secret for the next 60 years. Publicly, the British were pressing the Uruguayans to force the German warship to leave, on the grounds that it was still seaworthy. However, international law prohibited a warship from leaving a neutral harbor within 24 hours of the departure of a commercial vessel under the flag of its enemy. So the British arranged that a British or
French ship leave every 24 hours. In this way, the British were gaining time for the arrival of reinforcements to Harwood. But the Uruguayans soon put a stop to that. Finally, Kapitän Langsdorff was told his ship must leave Montevideo on Sunday, Dec. 17, or ship and crew would be interned. They had requested two weeks in which to effect the repairs. When that was denied, some of the German diplomats, suggested that the ship’s guns be turned on the Uruguayan capital. The Germans did not want internment, because they were afraid that some of the warship’s secrets would then be revealed to the British. As a matter of fact, der Fürhrer had personally ordered, “No internment in Uruguay!” In the meantime, the British convinced Langsdorf that his position was hopeless, by using a telephone, which they knew was tapped, to convey that the battle cruiser Renown and aircraft carrier Ark Royal had arrived and that the battleship Barham was not far behind. Under those circumstances, any battle would result in the destruction of the Graf Spee and the massacre of its sailors. Even had the German ship been able to escape Harwood’s fleet, the damage to the German ship’s raw fuel processing system meant that its chances of returning to the Fatherland
were considerably diminished. On Sunday, Dec. 17, 1939, three quarters of a million people, expecting to see the battle resume, lined the Uruguayan coast, from the capital to the beaches of Punte del Este, and watched as the Admiral Graf Spee weighed anchor and left the Montevideo harbor at 6:15 p.m. After she had gone four miles, the warship stopped and explosions began wracking her. She became engulfed in flames and slowly sank. She had been scuttled by her crew without firing another shot. Arrangements had been made for the crew to be picked up by the Argentines. They were then interned in and around Buenos Aires. Although a few escaped and returned to the Fatherland, many remained, taking up with the local señoritas, marrying and starting families. The 36 members of the ship’s crew who died in the battle are buried in Montevideo. Initially, most of the ship’s superstructure was above water, but, over the years, it settled in the mud, until today, only the tip of its mast remains above the surface. The man of the hour, Henry Harwood, was promoted to rear admiral, with his commission dating from Dec. 13, 1939. And Langsdorff, after scuttling his ship, scuttled himself in a hotel room in Buenos Aires on Dec. 19, 1939. He is buried in a German cemetery there. A British film, entitled “The Battle of the River Plate” was released in 1956. The following year it was released in the U.S. under the title “Pursuit of the Graf Spee.” Filming had begun on the 16th anniversary of the battle. The River Plate Association of Auckland sent a message to the crew saying, “Congratulations on choice of day. Hope your shooting will be as successful as ours!” Anthony Quayle portrayed Harwood. John Gregson was cast as Capt. Bell, while Peter Finch was Kapitan Langsdorff. The Achilles and Cumberland appeared as themselves. In 2004, a project was begun to raise the ship. It is a navigational hazard and Montevideo hoped it would become a tourist attraction. However, the Uruguayan government stopped the operation after a few years, because the salvage company, owned by Alfredo Etchegaray, recovered the ninefoot, 700-lb. swastika & eagle, that had adorned the ship’s stern. Succumbing to German pressure, the Uruguayan government attempted confiscation. The matter is now being litigated in the courts. Next week: The Battle of Suomassalmi 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.
Commentary
Ocean City Today Dec. 13, 2019
Page 55
Paid parking talk should continue Even though a plan to expand paid parking in Ocean City has been rejected for now, this topic will emerge again, possibly next year or the year after that. That’s simply because it involves revenue to city government that won’t have to come from the taxpayers. No one can fault the council members for being undecided on this matter, because the public itself is probably as divided as they are on the merits of installing more meters on the oceanside from downtown to points far north. To be sure, metered parking is not viewed with affection by anyone. Most people accept it or tolerate it, but it’s hardly admired, because it’s cold, frequently inconvenient, and unwelcoming. Yet, more paid parking in this community, at the proposed rate, could mean an additional $900,000 going into the city treasury each year. What taxpayer wouldn’t want that? Naturally, most residents and property owners would support an expansion of paid parking as long as it didn’t affect them. And therein lies the problem. If paid parking were to eliminate a condominium owner’s free on-the-street parking for his or her guests, that’s going to be an issue. Similarly, if fully metered ocean block streets cause motorists to fill free spaces in front of residences on the bayside, that’s going to cause trouble as well. Numerous studies have found that giving free parking permits to residents and property owners in the affected areas is more palatable politically, but it also means taking revenue-generating spaces out of circulation. Further, the biggest downside of a mix of paid and free parking, according to a report in the “Economist,” is the additional traffic generated by motorists looking for places to leave their cars, paid if they have to, free if they can find it. While we agree that leaving things the way they are is the right thing to do for now, we also believe that this discussion isn’t over and should continue until a balance is found that residents and business people can live with.
Ocean City Today P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.
EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS .................. Greg Ellison, Morgan Pilz, ................. Rachel Ravina, Joshua Kim, Elizabeth Bonin ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS ........ Mary Cooper, Shelby Shea CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS ................ Kelly Brown, Kyle Phillips PUBLISHER ...................................... Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year. Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com. Copyright 2019
PUBLIC EYE
Not on my computer!
During the course of a week, I receive hundreds of emails, most of which I don’t open for fear of something very, very bad happening. Like, say, a computer screen suddenly filled by an exceptionally bold and detailed anatomical lesson, or, to put it another way, one that refutes the old Perdue Farms chicken commercial that said, “Parts is Parts.” I will tell you now that By parts is definitely not parts in Stewart all instances. There are parts, Dobson and then there are PARTS! What blew up on my monitor screen last week after I clicked on a seemingly innocent Google Alert email, which I subscribe to for regional news, was parts, all right, very, very big parts. Chicken wings these were not. I’m not kidding. The last time I saw anything like that was when my sixth-grade class toured the National Institute of Health Museum: “Holy Cow! And it’s in a jar!” I don’t know why our science teacher thought this would be field trip-appropriate for a group of pre-teens, but I can say many of them exited that exhibit swearing that the human race would just have to go extinct because they were never ever going forth to multiply. As for the more current situation, I clicked
on an alert that said, “Accident on Route 50.” Naturally, I wanted to know more about that, even though we were on deadline, because we might be able to get it in the paper. Click. OHHHHHH NOOOOOOO! There, on my ultra-high-definition, panoramic, pixel-packed and perfectly colorcalibrated monitor were … PARTS! Lots of them. The rules of total panic stipulate that this is the last thing, or things, you want on your monitor at deadline, when people are prone to popping into your office for guidance. “Yeah, well, you see that?” you say pointing to the screen. “That’s the route I’d take.” Absolutely not. I am telling you I inhaled every ounce of air in that room, and in the span of about five seconds had myself appearing before a judge — “I swear, your honor, it was an accident.” — contemplating the merits of just setting the computer on fire and being done with it, and finally settling on pounding the keyboard with both hands to shut it down instead of merely pushing the “off” button. Which I would have done, except I didn’t, because panic is the rapid form of stupid. I did get it shut down in time, but now I live in fear of all email. So, if my reply to anyone’s message isn’t as timely as it should be, it’s because I’m avoiding accidents, on the screen or anywhere else, for that matter, should panic ensue.
Have an opinion? We invite you to share it, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410723-6397.
PAGE 56
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
OC Life-Saving Station Museum reflects on giving Editor, Even though the giving season is still in full swing. the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum staff and board of directors have taken a moment to stop and reflect on this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign. Giving Tuesday The Shore Gives More is a campaign organized by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore that allows community members to give back to local organizations of their choice. The money raised from this year’s campaign will help fund our free educational summer programs. Our summer programs run six days a week during the months of July and August and are at no cost for visitors. This campaign gives us the opportunity to reflect and be grateful for our supporters. We thank all who took the time to donate. With your support the museum can offer not only our free summer programs, but a wide range of events and exhibits that foster an appreciation for the cultural and natural history of Ocean City. We would also like to thank the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore for organizing a campaign that has strengthened not only the Museum but many other local organizations.
Christine Okerblom Assistant Curator
Worcester education must serve students of all races Editor, Chip Bertino, in his Nov. 7 commentary posted by the Ocean Pines Association asked the question, “What will Kirwan mean for Worcester?” The answer is that the Kirwan recommendations will result in an increase of some 30 percent or more Worcester students being college- and career-ready when they graduate from high school. Mr. Bertino asserts that “From the time the children of Worcester County first walk through the doors of … elementary schools, we as a community have the responsibility to ensure that by the time they walk out the doors of… high schools, they are prepared and equipped to successfully embrace the opportunities of college or career.” That admirably describes the responsibility of Worcester County and the state of Maryland. The problem, however, is that Worcester County and the state are not currently meeting that responsibility. The facts are as follows. College and career readiness in Maryland is defined as being able to pass a 10th grade English exam and an algebra I exam. In the case of English, only 57.6 per-
cent of Worcester students succeed. In math, only 46.9 percent of Worcester students succeed. Those results are for all Worcester students. African American and Hispanic students are even more ill-served. While 67.8 percent of white students are college- and career-ready, only 29.4 percent of African-American students and 52.6 percent of Hispanic students meet that relatively low standard. In the case of math, 57.8 percent of white students pass algebra I while only 19 percent of African-Americans and 40.5 percent of Hispanic students meet the standard. It should be noted that Worcester County students perform better than the state average (which is below 40 percent). It is also true that Worcester has been relatively generous in school funding, having chosen over the years to put more into school funding than state law requires. But any county in which only half of their high school graduates are collegeand career-ready should be asking the question, “What Should We Do Differently to Meet the Needs of our Children?” That is precisely the question that the Kirwan Commission has answered based on evidence from the best performing countries and states in the world. Many correctly observe that money
by itself will not make the difference. And that is true. That also distinguishes the Kirwan recommendations from the past. The Kirwan Commission identified education practices for which there is evidence of success with all students (a highly professional teaching force meeting higher standards with pay based in part on merit, 3- and 4-yearold prekindergarten, increased mental health supports, higher graduation standards and career-technical education, help from Kindergarten through grade three for struggling students to ensure all can read by the third grade, extra support for low-income students, especially those attending school where most of their fellow students are also low-income. Many of the proven practices will be required, but the point of the new funding is that they will not be unfunded mandates. It is clear, based on student outcomes, that accountability for the faithful implementation of proven practices and for student outcomes must be much more specific than has been the case. Mr. Bertino correctly identified our responsibilities. Unfortunately, he misstated our success with our children. Now we have the opportunity to get it right. Debra Fisher Retired Teacher Ocean Pines
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Ocean City Today Dec. 13, 2019
Page 57 SD swim squads begin season with good performance
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Bob Knox, longtime Stephen Decatur football coach, announced his retirement on Tuesday at the high school. Pictured, standing from left, are Tyrone Mills, Worcester County Public Schools athletic director; Steve Price, chief safety officer; and Louis Taylor, superintendent of schools; and seated, Don Howard, Decatur athletic director; Knox; and Tom Sites, Decatur principal.
SD Football Coach Bob Knox retires ‘It’s just been an honor to be able to do this for as long as I have,’ he says By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 13, 2019) Bob Knox, longtime Stephen Decatur football coach, announced his retirement during a small, low-key press conference on Tuesday at the high school. “It’s been an honor and a pleasure to be the head football coach here,” he said. “I’ve seen many changes from when we first started – all positive – and it’s just been an honor to be able to do this for as long as I have.” The humble coach didn’t want a big event, but just to step down quietly, but Decatur Principal Tom Sites thought otherwise. They compromised on a meeting with members of the media and school officials in a small conference room. “Coach Knox has been with us here for 46 years, 35 as the head coach,” Sites said. “We’re sad to see him leave Decatur football. His legacy is going to last on for many, many years.”
When asked how he would sum up three decades of running the Decatur program, Knox became a bit emotional as he said, “It’s been a great ride.” The relationships he’s formed and built with his assistant coaches and players and members of the community over the years have been really special, he added. Knox was hired in 1974 as a social studies teacher and as an assistant football coach at Decatur. He was the head basketball coach from 1980-82 and has been at the helm of the Decatur football program since 1983. Knox decided to step down for the 2016 season when his then 2-year-old grandson, Eli Knox-Tadli, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. With his grandson responding well to treatment, Knox returned to lead the Seahawks for the 2017 season. “Four years ago when my grandson got sick, I made a list before I came back of things that I liked about it, [what] I really enjoyed and things I didn’t enjoy,” he said. “And then after this season, I made another list because I just hadn’t spent the time with my family over the past 35 years
that I think I could have, that I think I should have.” When he looked at that list of pros and cons, he said he thought about it for a while and talked it over with his wife, Judy. “She said, ‘when it’s time, it’s time. You’ll know,’” he said. “And I just think it’s time. Now’s the time.” Knox met with his players last week and told them his decision to retire as head coach. “I think they were kind of shocked, especially the upperclassmen because I’ve been here for so long,” he said. “I told the kids I’ll be around. I said they’ll see me in the weight room, they’ll see me at 7-on-7 [drills] and they’ll see me at practices … I won’t be evaluating, I’ll just be watching.” He plans on attending games, which is what he will miss most – the Friday nights on the sidelines, he said. “I’m gonna miss it, sure I am,” he said. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my family.” He still plans to continue to teach at Decatur. Knox said he never imagined he would have such a long and successSee COACH Page 58
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 13, 2019) The Stephen Decatur swim teams won their season opener on Tuesday against the Pocomoke Warriors at the Pocomoke YMCA. Both Decatur squads earned first places in every event. The Decatur girls’ team came out on top, 136-7. “I think they did awesome. It was hard to pick [who would swim in each event] because they’re all very equal,” said Decatur Coach Kristina Watts. “Those who got put in challenging events – in their off events – did well.” Lady Seahawks who came in first place in their events were: senior captain Mikayla Denault (200-yard freestyle, 2:29.12), sophomores Gracie Coker (50-yard freestyle, 27.64 seconds; 100-yard butterfly, 1:17.42) and Farrah Brown (500-yard freestyle, 6:35.46; 100-yard backstroke, 1:13.26) and freshmen Natalie Canham (200IM, 2:32; 100-yard breaststroke, 1:20.66) and Kayden Hamby (100-yard freestyle, 1:05.27). The 200-yard medley relay team of Denault, Canham, Coker and sophomore Emma Sperry came in first place (2:12.50). Senior captain Kylie Hamby, Coyman, Sperry and Coker were victorious in the 200-yard freestyle relay race (2:00.02). Brown, Canham, Coyman and Denault came in first place in the 400yard freestyle relay race (4:34.01). “You could tell they were having fun the whole time,” Watts said. “The girls made it clear that they can be used in a lot of different ways, especially relays. It’s nice they can be used interchangeably.” The Decatur boys’ team won 10920. “I’m happy with how everyone did. It was good to get back in the water and compete,” said Coach Steve Deakyne. “It was a good first meet. We definitely have things we can work on and we should see times drop.” Decatur swimmers who eared victories were: senior captain Richard Poist (100-yard butterfly, 59.20 seconds; 500-yard freestyle, 6:26.99), juniors Caleb Vaxmonsky (200-yard freestyle, 2:04.88; 200IM, 2:19.18), Nick Cardamone (100-yard backSee COACHES Page 58
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Decatur wrestling team wins Coach Knox plans to spend first tourney, meet of season more time with his family By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 13, 2019) The Stephen Decatur wrestling team kicked off the 2019-20 season will a victory at the Catasauqua Rough Rider Tournament in Pennsylvania last weekend. “They performed great. All 14 guys won matches, which contributed to us winning Todd Martinek [as a] team,” said Decatur Coach Todd Martinek. “We were missing four/five guys with academic obligations and a couple injuries. It gave a few young guys a chance to get some varsity time.” Several Decatur wrestlers won their divisions. Junior captain Nico D’Amico (132 pounds), sophomores Noah Reho (138) and Alex Koulikov (160) and junior Johnny Hofman (195) took first place in their weight classes. Decatur finished with 176.5 points. Archbishop Ryan came in second with 157 points, followed by Catasauqua with 121.5 points. “It was great to be an underdog for a bit. The kids really battled as a team to pull out the championship,” Martinek said. “We won five of our last eight matches with some bonus points, which was the difference.”
Despite the success, Martinek said the Seahawks need to get better at pinning their opponents. “[There were] too many opponents getting off of their backs,” he added. On Wednesday, Decatur took a trip to Mardela Springs to battle the Mardela Warriors. The Seahawks shut out the Warriors, 83-0. Martinek thought his wrestlers looked sharp, but they need to be more dynamic on their feet. “We are not moving well in neutral,” he said. “We are not executing in matches the things we are working on in practice.” Seahawks who pinned their opponents were: Reho (145), Koulikov (160), Hofman (195), freshmen Teddy Sites (106) and Logan Intrieri (113), sophomore Dustin Morrow (132), junior T.D. Ortega (285) and seniors Kyle Elliott (152), DJ Taylor (170) and Jonathan Church (220). Senior Shamar Baines scored a 160 technical-fall victory at 120 pounds. Senior captain Jagger Clapsadle (126) and D’Amico (138) won by Mardela forfeit. Junior Micah Bourne earned a victory at 182 pounds when his opponent was injured and couldn’t continue. Decatur will host the Kent County Trojans and Cambridge Vikings on Wednesday beginning at 6 p.m.
Coaches pleased with first swim meet, next one Tues. Continued from Page 57 stroke, 1:09.10) and Jack Slaysman (100-yard breaststroke, 1:09.06) and freshman Gavin Stearn (50-yard freestyle, 24.12 seconds; 100-yard freestyle, 53.93 seconds). Vaxmonsky, Poist, Slaysman and Stearn took first in the 200-yard medley relay race (1:52.09). Vaxmonsky, juniors Patrick O’Hal-
loran and Jonathan Franklin and sophomore Luke Bahlman won the 200-yard freestyle relay race (1:58.44). Poist, O’Halloran, Slaysman and Stearn were victorious in the 400yard freestyle relay race (3:56.29). Decatur will compete against Nandua on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the Pocomoke YMCA.
into the Maryland Football Coaches Continued from Page 57 Association Hall of Fame. ful career. While at the helm, Decatur won “When Mr. [Lou] Taylor was the principal, he kept telling me this is a nine conference championships, one-year contract. Well, I must have made 10 state playoff appearances, competed in four regional champidone something right,” he said. Over the years, Knox has had onship games and in two semifinal many memorable moments. He matches. He was named Bayside Consmiled as he started to talk about one ference Coach of the Year seven times. With an overall record of 232-141 that stood out. “I’ve got a bunch of them, [but] at the time of the induction cereprobably the one that rings out the mony, Knox was ranked 13th on the most, Bennett was in the midst of two All-Time Winningest Coaches in straight championships and we were Maryland list, and No. 2 behind playing at County Stadium and it was Chuck Markiewicz of Arundel (24396) for Active Win1980 – I don’t know ningest Maryland [the exact date] it’s been awhile – and ‘It’s been an honor as a player, Coaches. a coach, a former principal He finished his they were ranked No. career with 238 1 in the conference and now superintendent of wins and 154 and we were ranked schools to have this losses. No. 2,” he said. “We gentleman as our head In his final had a very good team football coach here.’ game as coach, Deat that time. The game was hard- Superintendent, Lou Taylor catur wrapped up the 2019 season fought. It was a with a 63-0 victory physical game back over the Snow Hill Eagles. and forth, back and forth. The team also had the opportunity “We intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown and that ended to play on the school’s new turf field up being the final score,” he contin- this season. Decatur’s new athletic complex ued. “We broke their winning streak and ended up winning 6-0. One of my was dedicated during halftime of the assistant coaches was my eyes in the Sept. 20 game against Easton in sky that night and for that year and Berlin. The Stephen Decatur High School for a number of years, came running down and ran across the field and Athletic Complex is named the “Robert G. Knox Field and Louis H. jumped into my arms so excited.” Taylor Stadium” in honor of the longThat coach was Taylor. “I remember it like it was yester- time football coach and teacher, and day,” Taylor, superintendent of superintendent of schools. “It’s the highest honor in my caWorcester County Public Schools, reer as a football coach,” Knox said said. “I’m a former player – I played prior to the dedication ceremony. Knox wanted to thank the numerunder Coach Knox – I’m a former assistant coach for 11 season with Coach ous fans who have showed up on FriKnox,” Taylor continued. “Today is day nights to support the football really a bittersweet day for this school program over the years. “I couldn’t have done it without system … It’s been an honor as a player, a coach, a former principal them,” he said. When asked what advices he has and now superintendent of schools to have this gentleman as our head foot- for whoever takes over the program, Knox said they should “be themselves ball coach here.” In April 2018, Knox was inducted and do it their way.”
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
PAGE 59
First indoor track meet goes well for Decatur By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 13, 2019) The Stephen Decatur girls’ indoor track team came in ninth place and the boys’ squad finished in 12th during the season opener, last Thursday at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill. Eighteen schools participated. “I thought the meet went pretty well. Overall, we did about as I expected,” said Decatur Coach Jody Stigler. “The first meet is really for us to kind of get a baseline and hopefully we can improve from here. We will be making some changes
in the coming weeks to see how everyone fits.” Stigler thought the standout performances in meet one were by sophomore Zoriah Shockley in the shot Jody Stigler put, junior Liam Foley in the 3,200-meter race, and junior Mary Mergott, who placed in several events. Kent Island won the girls’ competition, scoring 79 points. Parkside was second with 70 points, followed by Sussex Academy with 68. Decatur scored 23
410-289-1283
point to finish in ninth place. The top eight placers in each event earned points for their respective schools. Shockley placed second in the shot put, throwing a distance of 29 feet 5 inches. Mergott crossed the finish line fifth overall in the 800-meter race (2:45.90). She came in seventh in the 1,600-meter race (6:11.63). Senior Alyssa Romano placed seventh in the 500-meter run (1:35.11). Mergott, Romano, junior Devon Kramer and senior Caroline Gardner
took third in the 3,200-meter relay race (11:18.60). The 1,600-meter relay team of Romano, Kramer, Gardner and freshman Amelia Kemp earned a point for their ninth-place finish (5:49.60). James M. Bennett won the boys’ competition, tallying 84 points. Kent Island was runner-up, scoring 73.5 points and Cape Henlopen took third with 59 points. Decatur recorded 12 points in its 12th-place finish. Foley was the only individual athlete to score points for Decatur. He finished See SD Page 60
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
SD boys’ basketball squad finds rhythm, gets big win By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 13, 2019) The Stephen Decatur boys’ basketball team outscored its Worcester County rival, the Snow Hill Eagles, 62-50, on Tuesday in Berlin. “We got off to a slow start, I think because it’s always a rivalry between us and Snow Hill,” said Decatur Coach BJ Johnson. “Once we found our rhythm, we started to play better.” The first two minutes of the game were scoreless. Then, Decatur went on a 6-0 run. The Seahawks led 14-10 at the end of the first quarter. Decatur scored 16 points in the second quarter and held Snow Hill to eight. The home team went into the halftime break with a 30-18 advantage. After three quarters, the Seahawks led 42-30.
“Defensively, our game plan worked. I thought our kids executed. I think offensively, we’ve got to be better,” Johnson said. “We had a good lead at halftime and that gave us some cushion. Snow Hill went on a run, but we were able to withstand it and finish the game strong.” Senior captain Drew Haueisen led Decatur with 21 points and 18 rebounds. Senior DaCameron McAfee chipped in with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Theo Hobbs netted 13 points and senior Gabe Aluma had 10 points and eight rebounds. Johnson praised the play of seniors Antonio Collins and Jalen Planter. “They played a great game of taking care of the ball,” Johnson said of the pair. Decatur will host the Crisfield Crabbers on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Five Snow Hill players watch as Stephen Decatur senior captain Drew Haueisen makes a layup during Tuesday’s game in Berlin. He led Decatur with 21 points and 18 rebounds in the 62-50 victory.
SD girls’ basketball team’s defense amped up for game
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
(Left) Senior DaCameron McAfee is all alone as he scores two for Decatur on Tuesday night. (Right) Senior Gabe Aluma puts the ball in the basket during the game against Snow Hill in Berlin.
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 13, 2019) The Stephen Decatur girls’ basketball team’s stellar defense helped the Lady Seahawks come out on top, 52-16, over the Snow Hill Eagles on Tuesday in Snow Hill. “Our pressure defense was pretty strong,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz. “We had a nice first-half lead and we were able to work a lot on our offensive and defensive sets.” Decatur led 20-3 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the Seahawks were up, 37-5. By the third quarter, the Berlin squad had pulled ahead, 44-11. “All of the girls played and did well,” Kurtz said. “We focused on really taking care of the basketball, slowing down the offense and amping up the defense.” Four players scored double digits. Junior Jessica Janney led the charge with 14 points and seven rebounds. She also had four blocks and three steals. Freshman Mayah Garner chipped in with 11 points, six rebounds and four blocks. Senior captain Sarah Engle scored 10 points and had five assists. Sophomore Nadia Bullock added 10 points
and had four steals. “We’ve got some offensive firepower this year,” Kurtz said. “It will be fun to watch.” Decatur will take a trip to Crisfield on Tuesday to battle the Crabbers at 4 p.m.
SD athletes will do different events to see where fit best Continued from Page 59 in fourth place in the 3,200-meter event (11:22.86). The 3,200-meter relay team of Foley, seniors Austin Cheynet and Sam Rakowski and sophomore Tristan Dutton came in third place (9:47). Junior Zachary Fuchsluger, sophomores Gavin McCabe and Raul Gault and freshman Kai Ross crossed the finish line eighth overall in the 1,600-meter relay race (4:10.44). The next indoor track meet is Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. in Snow Hill.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
PAGE 61
Ocean City Today
WP Lady Mallards strive to improve daily, coach says By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 13, 2019) The Worcester Prep girls’ basketball team scored 48 points and held the Saints Peter and Paul Sabres to eight during Wednesday’s game in Berlin. “They played really well. They’re a great group of young ladies, they’re very competitive and eager to win, and they really enjoy playing together,” said Prep Coach Brian B. McDermott McDermott. The Lady Mallards outscored the Sabres 15-0 in the first quarter. At halftime, they led 28-6. After three quarters, the Prep squad was ahead 44-6. “Saints Peter and Paul did a nice job running a 1-3-1 defense and 1-3-1 half-court and what we decided to do was basically work on our opportunities to get better in those areas because we hadn’t faced them yet and both Delmarva Christian and couple other schools are going to play the
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
(Left) Worcester Prep sophomore Morgan White battles for a rebound during Wednesday’s game against Saints Peter and Paul in Berlin. (Right) Prep sophomore Myranda Beebe puts up a shot. Worcester won 48-8.
same defense against us,” McDermott said. “These girls are pretty smart and they can pick it up pretty quick. I have a couple returners that are doing really well and then some of the younger ones need more experience, that’s why we played a lot of them tonight.”
Sophomore Lily Baeurle led Worcester with 14 points. Junior CC Lizas chipped in with 11 points. Senior captain Carly Hoffman scored seven points. Worcester, now 4-0, will play the Gunston Day Herons, today, Friday, in Centreville, at 4 p.m.
On Monday, the Mallards will take a trip to Georgetown, Delaware, to compete against the Delmarva Christian Royals at 5:30 p.m. “I’m really fortunate. They want to get better every day and every day we have practice that’s all they do,” McDermott said.
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LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
WP BASKETBALL Worcester Prep sophomore Brice Richins makes a shot during Wednesday’s game against Saints Peter and Paul in Berlin. Worcester lost 52-38.
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PAGE 62
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 13, 2019
SURF REPORT
Dalkiewicz discusses ‘The Wave’ book by Susan Casey
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By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Dec. 13, 2019) I recently read a very interesting book authored by Susan Casey, “The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks and Giants of the Ocean.” It’s a study of colossal waves that occur both close to land and out to sea. It’s characters are scientists and surfers, but surfers of another level. Various terms are used to describe these surfers. Extreme is probably the most widely utilized. Big wave would be another, although big wave doesn’t really give these individuals justice. Not to downgrade big wave surfers, but this extreme level is indeed on another scale, or more accurately, totally off any semblance of a scale. The demarcation, or difference, might be construed as waves that can be paddled into to be ridden and those that need motor assistance, in order to be ridden. I’m convinced that these surfers are wired differently than most. They seem to be drawn and driven to these almost indescribable waves, which can easily be a matter of life and death. Another subject matter of this book is ships at sea and the waves that they can encounter. The transportation of goods, products and commodities by sea is huge and affects all of our lives on a worldwide basis. When large ships take on cargo to be taken to any destination. There’s usually a time factor and any deviation can cost big money. Thus, cargo ships such as these tend to simply set a course and go. Whatever weather and waves are met are just dealt with and passed through, unless they’re not. Despite their size, ships such as these can be lost at sea due to these freak waves. I’ve had the opportunity to crew on
a few fair-sized, magnificent sailboats. In getting from point A to B, if a weather forecast looked bad, it would not be unusual to be in port “waiting for weather.” That’s not the case with these large cargo ships and often enough they become lost at sea. Tsunamis are another subject matter of this book. Caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions among other occurrences, they are another type of rogue or freak wave that can have devastating effects to land. The problems of wave science are still being figured out, mainly, it seems, because the physics are not linear. Waves don’t necessarily occur in straight lines. There can be many of these straight lines and many ways and directions from which these lines can converge. These freak waves seem to be the result of these random convergences. At this point, there are too many factors to create accurate forecasts and predictions. Among other sources for weather and wind forecasts I’ll listen to NOAA weather radio. For example, a wind and wave forecast for our local area could be: Fenwick Island to Chincoteague, and 20 miles out to sea, NE wind at 10-15 knots with waves of 2-3 feet. This information is probably coming from a chart with wave height corresponding to wind velocity. But what about what might be happening north of Fenwick Island or south of Chincoteague or 100 miles out to sea? How might that affect our local conditions? This is what I think can happen with trying to predict these huge waves. There can be so many factors. “The Wave” is certainly an interesting read and kept my interest and attention for the 300-plus pages. It’s easily recommendable for anyone interested in waves, surfing and the ocean. – Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
PAGE 63
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DECEMBER 13, 2019
Ocean City Today
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