Another thriller goes down to the wire, as the Seahawks score late in the game to defeat the same foe it humbled last year to capture the state 2A football crown — PAGES 3, 12
Hospital boards announce non-binding letter of intent to form partnership — PAGE 14
PHOTO BY J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY STATE CHAMPIONS — Stephen Decatur High School’s football team lines up in front of the stands for a team photo at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis after winning its second state championship on Saturday. The Seahawks scored in the game’s final two minutes to take down Huntingtown 13-12.
Decatur’s late touchdown wins 2nd straight state title
By Steve Green Executive Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) All season the goal of the Stephen Decatur varsity football team was to repeat as state champions. The mission was accomplished in dramatic fashion last Saturday as the team won its 28th straight game and second consecutive state crown.
In what turned into a game dominated by imposing defenses, Stephen Decatur’s high-powered offense shined in crunch time, scoring a touchdown with under two minutes in the game to win its second consecutive MPSSAA 2A championship, 1312, at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis.
Decatur came out strong taking the opening drive the length of the field for a touchdown against Huntingtown. Senior Nathan Tapley, who often came into play quarterback throughout the season in short yardage situations, scored on a twoyard quarterback sneak with just under six minutes left in the first quarter. Tapley scored in a similar fashion last week against Westlake.
After the initial score, the teams exchanged punts for much of the first half, but with about nine minutes left in the second quarter Decatur had a
chance to expand its lead, but a 32yard goal was missed.
After halftime, Huntingtown came out a different team, converting multiple third downs and driving the length of the field. The drive was capped off by a two-yard run by Landon Cawley with 4:55 left on the third
PHOTO COURTESY J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Decatur senior Peyton Travers shows his emotions after the Seahawks captured back-to-back state titles Saturday night.
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Most parking kiosks being phased out in city
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) Ocean City will phase out parking kiosks, re-evaluate free church parking, and address various other parking challenges staff have identified over the course of the 2024 season.
In a work session Tuesday, Public Works Director Hal Adkins, Parking Manager Jon Anthony and Duke Hanson, Ocean City’s parking consultant, came before the Mayor and Council with a report detailing the parking issues uncovered since the city’s new parking division began earlier this year. While Adkins acknowledged that some of the issues were easy to solve, others could take some time.
“I want to start out by offering you a series of assurances,” he told the
council. “I assure you that today could be potentially personal. I assure you today could be potentially emotional. I can assure you today could potentially be argumentative. But the biggest assurance is that it doesn’t need to be any of them.”
One of the discussion points presented on Tuesday was a recommendation to move away from physical parking kiosks and rely solely on payment through the city’s ParkMobile phone app.
Public Works Deputy Director Scott Wagner told council members that the current parking kiosks were nearing the end of their lifespan, and that the city had two options – undertake a $1 million-plus project to replace every machine, or rely on the phone-based payment system.
“They probably will not last an-
other year …,” he said of the kiosks. “We are having some connectivity issues with some of them, and some of them are broke.”
Adkins noted that most of the equipment would not likely survive the 2025 season, and that if the council were to continue using kiosks, staff would soon need to bid out the project. Hanson, however, noted that several municipalities – including Dewey Beach, Delaware – had moved away from meters and now use a mobile payment system.
However, some on the council expressed concerns about the transition – particularly for those who lacked a smartphone, or who could not connect to the internet. But Anthony noted those same connectivity problems and technological issues also applied to the parking kiosks. Council
President Matt James added that visitors didn’t necessarily need to use a mobile app to pay for parking.
“There is a way to call,” he said. “So if someone doesn’t have a smartphone they can call the number.”
During a lengthy discussion, council members proposed doing away with the parking kiosks ahead of next season. However, City Manager Terry McGean encouraged them to take a phased approach, which left the meters in the Inlet parking lot for 2025. A motion to follow McGean’s recommendation passed in a 7-0 vote.
“A bulk of our complaints come from the Inlet lot …,” he said. “Maybe we phase it in but leave kiosks at the inlet lot … That’s our highest turnover.”
Staff on Tuesday also sought the council’s input on church parking. While the city has historically afforded free courtesy parking at metered areas near houses of worship during services, they noted that practice had never been documented or formalized.
McGean added the issue was realized earlier this year, when the city launched its new parking division, and newly hired enforcement officers began ticketing churchgoers in metered parking spots.
“This past year when we started truly enforcing things, I started getting calls, the mayor started getting calls, Hal started getting the calls,” he said. “We were trying to deal with it as we went. But it was like, alright, we
Mobile app would replace parking kiosks
need some guidance from you all as to what we’re supposed to be doing here because we were pretty much going through this season flying by the seat of our pants.”
Staff presented four options: to leave the agreement unformalized, allow all houses of worship to have free parking for services and work with the churches to determine service times, have designated lots for free parking during a certain time period, or to discontinue the policy altogether and enforce paid parking. They noted the fourth option was the easiest to enforce.
“When do we know when to ticket and when not to?” Adkins asked. “When do we enforce it? When not to? That’s why we’re here today.”
Councilwoman Carol Proctor en-
couraged staff to meet with the churches to discuss their parking needs and develop a formalized policy. But Councilman John Gehrig argued it could cause more problems.
“I want to keep it like it is,” he said. “You are only going to make the problem worse.”
Anthony, however, said it did not solve the issues that currently exist between churchgoers and the parking division. After further discussion, Adkins agreed to develop a policy for the council’s consideration.
“I don’t think doing nothing is an option,” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said.
The council this week also agreed to amend the city’s “orange dot” program, in which the city makes free parking accommodations for those owning property in front of or adja-
cent to metered on-street parking. That space is then marked with an orange dot and will not be charged the parking fee.
“The orange dot doesn’t designate that any one individual can use it,” Mayor Rick Meehan explained. “It just designates that it’s not a ticketed spot.”
However, officials noted the program had its flaws. Adkins said that many of the “orange dot” spaces were not being used by residents, and that a majority of those who had applied to the program did not reapply on an annual basis.
While Adkins recommended eliminating the program, the council voted to have the program start anew, meaning that all current participants must reapply and seek approval from the city’s parking commission. Council members also directed staff to reach out to program’s current participants to notify them of the change.
“We should at least speak with these people,” Gehrig said.
Officials this week also discussed numerous other issues and recommendations related to parking, including a proposal to increase parking rates for certain special events, and a proposal to set different rate structures for high-demand parking areas, among other things.
SUBMITTED
Resort officials voted to do away with the city’s dozens of
ing kiosks in a phased approach ahead of summer 2025. Kiosks like this one, in the Inlet Lot, will remain for now.
Decatur reflects on meeting goal of back-to-back
Coleman: ‘We have been after it the entire time’
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) Keep those cowbells ringing, Decatur.
Not only did the Stephen Decatur High School football team win its second straight state championship on Dec. 7, but the talented crew also known as the “Beach Boys” locked down a staggering two-season undefeated streak: 28 wins, zero losses.
This year’s team had a singular focus to repeat as state champs, and they got their wish, taking on opponent Huntingtown High for a second time in the title game. The team was under a jubilant police escort as its bus arrived back at school late Saturday.
The victory not only solidified Decatur’s dominance in the Bayside conference but also demonstrated the resilience that has come to define this Seahawk squad under the leadership of head coach Jake Coleman, who was quick to credit his players for their relentless drive.
“We’re not scared to be in that moment,” Coleman said. “I don’t know what that is – if you could bottle it up and sell it, everybody would buy it. This team, they’re tough, they’re battle-tested, they don’t stop playing, they don’t give up on each other, they don’t point fingers, they don’t have emotional outbursts.”
“People will say it’s coaching,” he added, “but it’s really probably parenting, it’s their character and it’s probably the love they have for each other.”
There was no question from the start of this season that they were targeting a consecutive title win, Coleman said.
“It was 100 percent about repeating, make no mistake. These guys, from the time the state championship was won (in 2023), we gave
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PHOTO COURTESY OF J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Stephen Decatur High School was well represented at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis with families and students showing up to support the Seahawks.
Seahawks celebrated after completing perfect season
them Christmas break, and I’m not kidding you, we have been after it the entire time,” he said.
One of the standout moments of the championship game came when quarterback Johnny Hobgood, who had big shoes to fill after the departure of quarterback Brycen Coleman, completed a crucial pass in the final minutes.
“I just threw it up, and I knew my guys were going to be there,” Hobgood said, referencing the gamewinning throw to wide receiver Zakhari Baker.
Baker credited his teammates for their support. “I had a feeling I was going to be open. I told them, trust me, I got it. Just went up and got it,” he said.
Senior wide receiver Ethan Bradshaw, who will continue his athletic career at West Point, was a pivotal figure not just in the final game but all season long. Coleman called Bradshaw “the rock of this team.”
“We keep going, we push, we execute,” Bradshaw said after the game. “We stay as a team no matter what the situation.”
The victory was not just a triumph on the field but a testament to the Decatur community’s unwavering support.
At Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Decatur fans outnumbered Huntingtown by 3-to-1 ratio, ringing cowbells and cheering passionately for their team. The atmosphere was electric, with fans describing the game as both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially after a thrilling comeback win the previous week.
“There was that constant on-theedge-of your seat heartbeat racing. I was like, if my own child was playing, I would have to call an ambulance. I can’t imagine what that felt like,” said Wendy Shirk, a clinical social worker at Decatur.
David Wells, a Berlin Intermediate School teacher and 1996 Decatur alumnus, live-streamed the game to fans who couldn’t attend, just like he did for last year’s title game. The Facebook stream garnered more than 8,000 views, with viewers tuning in from local bars and homes across the region.
“People were coming up to me today, saying, ‘we were so happy to have your feed.’ I’m just glad to help the people out. It’s nice to bring people to the game who couldn’t make it, even if it was from their couch. I love sharing it with the people,” he said.
Assistant Principal Trevor Hill attended the game with his family and marveled at the energy from Decatur nation. He said by the time the coin toss landed, the student section was full. He called the game “an old-
school slugfest.”
“It was an incredible thing, to see our guys, so many of them came back and said, ‘I did it for Decatur. We won it for Decatur.’ That’s where their hearts and their minds were in that moment. It was less about them and more about our school and our community. That was one of the cooler things for me to hear from them,” Hill said.
Hill added that, even now, the entire student body is riding high from the victory. Football players were scheduled this week to visit local elementary schools, and to remind young kids that to be a student-athlete in high school, “you have to get it done in the classroom,” he said.
As the school and the community celebrate, plans are already underway to pay for the purchase of championship rings, with more than $11,000 raised on a GoFundMe campaign as of Wednesday.
Decatur’s last loss came in the 2022 state semifinal, when the Seahawks fell 40-33 to Milford Mill after a game-winning, last-minute drive. The team’s last regular-season loss came Oct. 14, 2022, a 28-46 game versus Queen Anne’s County High School
Coleman called his veteran players “maybe the best senior class in Bayside history.”
“Going back-to-back, 28-0? Who’s accomplished more? Nobody,” he said.
PHOTO COURTESY J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY
The consistent sound of cowbells ringing and screaming fans gave Decatur’s 2A championship game a home feel despite being held in Annapolis.
AGH, TidalHealth see partnership ahead
By Stewart Dobson Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) When Atlantic General Hospital announced in August that its leadership was considering seeking a partnership with another health care organization, members of the public wondered what that might mean.
Now they know. The boards of directors of AGH in Berlin and TidalHealth Inc. in Salisbury announced Thursday afternoon that they have signed a non-binding letter of intent to combine organizations.
A statement issued by Atlantic General shortly after employees and
affiliated personnel were told of the agreement said, “After thoughtful consideration, the board chose to affiliate with TidalHealth as both organizations are well aligned in their missions and share a deep commitment to serving the healthcare needs of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware.”
That the board “chose” to affiliate with TidalHealth suggests other institutions or systems were in the mix once the hospital’s directors decided that this area’s healthcare needs would be better served in the years ahead if AGH joined a larger provider instead of continuing to go it alone.
Ever since AGH opened in 1993, it has been hemmed in by the presence of the much larger TidalHealth network to its west and the well-established Beebe Hospital in Lewes,
Delaware in the north.
Although AGH added centers of care and clinics over its 31 years, it has had to function in a medical silo of sorts that was not conducive to outward expansion and delivering additional services that its restricted client base might not be able to support.
Becoming part of the TidalHealth network, however, should allow the local healthcare provider to extend its reach, according to TidalHealth CEO and President Steve Leonard.
“TidalHealth recognizes AGH’s longstanding commitment and service to the community and looks forward to the opportunity to combine our shared objectives and missions and develop a strategic relationship that will further enhance the services we provide to the citizens of Del-
marva,” Leonard said. “TidalHealth has great respect for AGH’s historic contribution to the healthcare needs of its community, and we are honored to have been chosen. We are confident that we can further enhance their strength in the region with AGH becoming part of the robust health system that has been providing high-quality care since 1897.”
According to AGH’s announcement, and assuming the two institution’s intentions are realized, patients in this area will see:
• Access to an integrated electronic medical record through Epic software.
• Improved coordination of services and access to care.
• Capital funding to expand services.
• A strengthened ability by the hospital to retain and attract a high-quality workforce.
“This partnership is a win for our patients, our associates and the communities we serve,” said Don Owrey, president and CEO of AGH. “By affiliating with TidalHealth, we have the opportunity to combine the strengths of our two organizations to fundamentally improve the availability of high-quality healthcare close to home.”
Offering an equally positive assessment, TidalHealth Inc.
FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
TidalHealth President/CEO Steve Leonard said, “TidalHealth has great respect for AGH’s historic contribution to the healthcare needs ... and we are honored to have been chosen.”
‘This partnership is a win for our patients, our associates and the communities we serve.’
Don
Owrey, president and CEO of AGH
son of the Board Memo Diriker said, “We are excited about the opportunity to combine and bring together two strong organizations ... with outstanding reputations for the patient experience and quality of care. This partnership brings an incredible opportunity to unite and enhance care delivery in our region.”
There is no guarantee at this point, however, that a partnership will result from this letter of intent.
“The board was delighted to find a potential partner that shares our exciting vision of serving our local community,” said Doug Cook, chair of the AGH Board of Trustees. “Together, we can make advancements in recruiting and retaining top physicians, as well as invest in the infrastructure and technology that will improve our care delivery. This is an important step forward for our community.”
The two organizations will continue to work through a comprehensive due diligence period to determine the details of a final agreement, although they do commit that the proposed combination will not affect either health system’s daily operations, and that nothing will change immediately for patients or associates.
The irony of this possible conjunction of AGH and TidalHealth 31 years after AGH’s founding is that the latter’s predecessor, Peninsula General Hospital, was in discussions with local community leaders in the mid1980s about establishing a satellite facility in the medically underserved Maryland coastal area.
When those discussions collapsed, that group of citizens began a six-year crusade to establish an acute care hospital to serve Ocean City and northern Worcester County.
The groundbreaking took place on Oct. 29, 1991, and Atlantic General Hospital opened its doors on May 20, 1993.
Since then, Atlantic General Health Care System grew to include a network of more than 40 primary care provider and specialist offices care for residents and visitors.
TidalHealth, which includes TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, TidalHealth Nanticoke, TidalHealth Medical Partners, a physician network with 65 locations, has more than 300 providers in 26 different specialties.
A website has been created to track the progress of the potential collaboration at www.aghforward.org.
“OCEAN CITY CHRONICLES”
OCEAN CITY CHRONICLES
“Ocean City Chronicles” is the final book in Bunk Mann’s 3 volume historical series which began with “Vanishing Ocean City’ in 2014 and continued with ‘Ghosts In The Surf” in 2019. Centered around his articles in Ocean city’s award-winnning newspaper the Maryland Coast Dispatch , his latest book features 285 of the most popular ones over the past 12 years. It includes hundreds of photos of long vanished hotels & restaurants, the great storms & fires, deep sea fishing, boardwalk attractions & amusements, and stories of the people who turned a small 19th-century fishing village into a modern, yearround destination. “Ocean City Chronicles” is a comprehensive history of Maryland’s famous oceanfront resort in a hardbound coffee table book featuring cover art by noted artist, Paul McGehee. Supplies are limited so order your copy today!
Ocean City Chronicles can be ordered online at vanishingoc.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.
“Ocean City Chronicles” will be available at select location in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and online. If you liked “Vanishing Ocean City,” & Ghosts In The Surf’ then you will love Bunk Mann’s third book of photos and OC history.
OC Lifesaving Museum
Fager’s Island
Donaway Furniture
Mann Properties
Seacrets
Crabs To Go
Wockenfuss Candies
Berlin Auto Wash
Toy Town
The Buzzed Word
OC Chamber Of Commerce
M.R. Ducks
Malibu’s Surf Shop
OC Art League
Caprichos Books
Kitty’s Flowers
Victorian Charm
Park Place Jewelers
Copy Central
Framing Corner
Ocean Gallery
Mann & Gray Insurance
Shrimp Boat
Atlantic Beverage Center
Skipjack Heritage Museum, Chance, MD
Large Selection
Caine Woods permits not yet needed
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) Despite concerns from some residents about the impact nearby townhouse developments could have on the neighborhood, officials this week concluded there was no immediate need to implement a permit parking program in the Caine Woods community.
Earlier this year, the Mayor and Council directed the city’s new parking division to meet with residents in the Caine Woods community and collect parking data, all in an effort to explore a residential parking permit (RPP) program in the northern neighborhood. As part of a parking presentation this week, the city’s parking consultant, Duke Hanson, presented the staff’s findings.
“The last step in this process … was to conduct a parking occupancy survey to see if a program, at this point, is really warranted,” he told the council on Tuesday, “and I would say at this point in time, not yet.”
In June, Caine Woods residents Dennis Dare and Brad Hoffman came before the Mayor and Council to share their community’s concerns about overflow parking. They argued new townhouse developments between 142nd and 145th streets, cou-
pled with the growing number of beachgoers entering Ocean City through Route 54, would only worsen on-street parking in their neighborhood.
At their request, a discussion on Caine Woods parking was included on the June 11 work session agenda, where Public Works Director Hal Adkins presented a proposed permit parking district for the Caine Woods community, with the goal of generating some discussion amongst members of the council. However, the meeting concluded with the council asking staff to draft a letter to all Caine Woods property owners and to collect parking data throughout the summer months. Council members also requested staff attendance at an upcoming Caine Woods board meeting.
“In the meantime, I think we have some professionals that can really take a look at what was presented by Caine Woods, on both sides, and come back with a recommendation on how to address what is the current problem, or current perceived problem, in Caine Woods,” Mayor Rick Meehan said at the time.
Back on the agenda for discussion this week, Hanson told council members he and Parking Manager Jon Anthony had attended the commu-
nity’s board meeting, during which they provided more information on how a parking permit program would work. He said a parking space occupancy survey was also conducted along the streets of Caine Woods this summer.
“What we anticipated were these initial results would serve as a baseline for going forward,” he said, “because obviously as these townhomes become occupied, we’re going to have to do further studies to see what it looks like.”
Hanson said he had calculated 425 on-street spaces, with an overall occupancy of 13%. However, he noted that some areas, including the southside of 300 141st Street, the westside of 14300 Lighthouse Avenue and the westside of 14300 Sinepuxent Avenue had occupancy rates between 39% and 46%.
“Typically, in most municipal parking programs, you’re looking for a 75% occupancy on given block faces, and 25% vehicles out-of-state or out-of-neighborhood parked in those block faces to really be eligible for permit parking programs …,” he said. “None of the block faces had more than 50% occupancy.”
Hanson also pointed out that 21 of the 48 blocks that were surveyed had
See STAFF Page 18
Ocean City to continue with emission study, officials say
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) While efforts to transition bus fleets from diesel to electric have slowed, transportation officials this week said they will continue to move forward with a zeroemission transition study next year.
Last year, transportation officials with the Town of Ocean City began exploring the transition from diesel buses to electric after a state committee recommended local transit systems make the switch. Seeing a potential mandate on the horizon, the town began pursuing a transition study, which would set Ocean City up to receive state and federal grants to convert its fleet.
Since that time, however, local transit systems have pushed back against the electrification initiatives, arguing the transition would be too costly. But Transit Manager Rob Shearman told members of the town’s transportation committee Tuesday that the town would proceed with its study – a $149,000 project that will be largely funded with state and federal money.
“There was a brief period a year or so ago that we felt that the state was imminently going to mandate that
across local systems,” he said of the conversion. “That’s kind of been rolled back due to the massive expense of it. But we are proceeding with the zeroemission transition plan study, which is something that would be mandatory for us to do before we were to use state and federal grant funding to purchase anything in terms of electric buses.”
Shearman said the study could begin as early as next summer.
“It makes sense to hold off until then anyway because that’s when the bulk of our operation is,” he told the committee. “So to give them a better snapshot of what exactly our parameters are and our potential operating electrical loads would be, the timing works out.”
Staff continues to monitor issue
Continued from Page 16
an occupancy of less than 1%. While acknowledging that the new townhouse developments could pose a parking issue in the future, he concluded that a parking permit program was not yet needed.
“Clearly there’s not an impact now, so the conclusion is not yet,” he said. “But maybe in the future we look at implementing RPP in that neighborhood.”
For his part, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca recommended that the city continue monitoring the situation, but to be prepared to implement some sort of program should a parking issue develop next summer. He said the city could enact a program similar to the one in the Caine Keys community, in which residents apply for permits to park on the street during the restricted hours of 3-6 a.m.
“That’s really what the issue is,” Meehan added. “If, in fact, there’s not sufficient parking or sufficient parking that isn’t utilized in the new developments up there, they’re going to put the cars out on the streets, but those are the overnight cars … So I really think you need to look at the overnight impact because that would be the impact directly from those townhouses. And I think that’s the barometer that we really need to consider.”
Adkins told council members this week he believed the townhouse projects would eventually cause parking problems in the community. But officials said they would continue to monitor parking occupancy in the area.
“We can address this before it becomes a crisis,” Councilman John Gehrig said. “But we need some evidence.”
Boardwalk Rocks festival lineup announced
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) Festival fans, grab your fanny packs and your earplugs, because downtown Ocean City is about to get loud – for a third time.
Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, Boardwalk Rock will be the third major music event to take over the resort’s downtown. The expansion of the resort’s music portfolio will be shepherded once again by promoter C3 Presents, the same national company that brought the hugely successful Oceans Calling and Country Calling festivals to town in the last two years.
“Partnering once again with C3 Presents allows us to deliver a one-ofa-kind experience that showcases Ocean City as the ultimate destination for live music and unforgettable mem-
ories,” said Ocean City Communications and Marketing Director Jessica Waters. “We can’t wait to welcome fans and music lovers to celebrate with us in this exciting new event this spring.”
The lineup of 25-plus performers was released on social media Wednesday. Headlining on Saturday, May 17 will be Def Leppard and Motley Crue with support sets from Halestorm, Bush, Chevelle, Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm, The Struts, Extreme, Everclear, Puddle of Mudd, Trapt, Kat Von D and Royale Lynn. Headliners for Sunday, May 18 are Nickelback and Shinedown with other bands booked being Three Days Grace, Alice Cooper, 3 Doors Down, Bret Michaels, Candlebox, Night Ranger, Crossfade, Dorothy, Black Stone Cherry, Fuel, Saliva and Tim Montana.
While the show will take place inside the same downtown footprint, this new sibling in the family of Ocean City music festivals will have its own identity as a pre-summer kickoff show, compared to the back-to-back seasonal closers. Attendees will largely experience the same footprint with rides.
The town’s tourism department had to shift around a few events on the special events calendar to accommodate Boardwalk Rock, including taking time-honored hot rod convocation Cruisin’ Ocean City off its May 16 weekend, and bumping that to the first week of May. Springfest also was moved up to April’s final weekend to accommodate Cruisin’.
Both Oceans Calling and Country Calling were massive wins for the resort, bringing tens of thousands of tourists to town in the shoulder season
and generating an estimated economic impact in the tens of millions for Ocean City.
Now, Boardwalk Rock is sure to provide another boost to the resort’s late spring and early summer economy.
“We are thrilled to hear another music festival is coming to the area, as it certainly generates overnight stays,” said Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.
Jones says she loves the reach that the C3 festivals have, which have brought guests from all 50 states and around the world to Ocean City for the first time. “It definitely seems to draw people who have never heard of Ocean City or have never been here before,” she said.
Event concessions provider Spectrum is scheduled for a liquor license approval (under its original name, Pier Pressure, a moniker that didn’t hit clearances, according to Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo) on Dec. 18 before the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners in Snow Hill.
Based in Austin, Texas, C3 Presents produces two dozen major festival events nationwide including Bonnaroo in Tennessee, Governor’s Ball in New York City, Lollapalooza in Chicago, and Sea Hear Now in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Ocean City now ties with Austin as having three separate C3 events.
Tickets go on sale Friday at BoardwalkRockFest.com with pre-sale starting at 10 a.m. with public on sale if tickets remain at 11 a.m.
Electrification of bus fleet slowed
Continued from Page 18
In the meantime, Shearman said the transportation department would continue to purchase diesel buses for as long as they are allowed. He said officials did have some concerns regarding an electric fleet.
“It’s because of the massive expense of the infrastructure and the buses themselves,” he explained. “Plus, the maintenance of the batteries. The batteries are not yet lasting as long as the buses are rated for. So we have some some financial concerns with switching to electric. But we still think this study is in our best interest, particularly because the state and federal government’s picking up 90% of the tab for it.”
He continued, “If a mandate ever does come down, we don’t want to be stuck in a two or three-year cycle where we’re not allowed to buy any buses because we haven’t had the study done. So, that’s really just an anticipatory measure.”
PREVENTIVE
PERIODONTAL
EMERGENCY
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
The lineup for next year’s Boardwalk Rock festival will feature Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Nickelback and Shinedown as the headline acts.
Northside lagoon search conducted out of caution
(Dec. 13, 2024) A water search yielded no results after personal belongings were found floating in the lagoon at Northside Park last Saturday.
On Dec. 7, at approximately 8:09 p.m., members of the Ocean City Police Department and Ocean City Fire Department responded to Northside Park for a report of personal belongings floating in the lagoon. Ocean City’s public works department assisted in retrieving the items from the water, although it is unclear how long the items had been in the lagoon, police reported. Out of an abundance of caution, Ocean City police conducted a
perimeter search while Ocean City fire and EMS officials, supported by allied fire agencies, conducted an extensive water search using advanced sonar technology and trained rescue divers. The search confirmed that no person was in the water.
During the incident, a limited section of Winterfest was gradually closed during its final 30 minutes of operation, causing minimal disruption, the police department reported. No reports of missing persons have been filed.
Ocean City authorities recognized the community for their cooperation.
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November’s police activity sees spike in parking issues
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) Police reported a significant uptick in parking complaints and violations last month.
On Wednesday, Interim Chief Michael Colbert presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with a report on police activity for the month of February. While calls for service remained relatively consistent throughout the month, he noted that calls for parking complaints and violations had more than doubled from the same time period last year.
“The largest change is in the top 25 calls – parking violations,” he told the commission. “We had our crime analyst look at the CAD data relative to that. And we really can’t come up with a reason why it’s all of a sudden so high.”
Colbert noted that parking complaints and violations had increased from 36 in November of 2022 and 24 in November of 2023 to 70 in 2024. He questioned if the city’s new parking division had any impact.
“It may have to do with the new parking division asking us for help … ,” he said. “We’ll look. Fortunately, it’s not a critical issue.”
Council President Matt James, a
commission member, opined that it could be the result of the added attention given to parking violations in town.
“It’s probably the same amount of violations,” he said, “just more eyes on it.”
Overall, the police department recorded 1,723 calls for service last month. Within the top calls for service, traffic stops increased from 391 last year to 437 this year, motorist assist increased from 98 to 163, fire assists decreased from 110 to 92, and suspicious person or activity increased from 48 to 58.
“I think the increase in suspicious activity shows that you guys are proactive,” Councilman Larry Yates said. “That means a lot to us. That tells me a lot.”
Under November enforcement, custodial arrests increased from 53 to 65, drug arrests increased from four to six, DUI arrests increased from 11 to 20, and weapons arrests increased from three to five.
“It’s November, it’s the offseason, but we’re still making about 65 arrests per month for various violations,” Colbert said. “DUI arrests are up some. That may just mean we have some additional enforcement.”
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Man sentenced to 20 years in OC stabbing
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury. Each of the victims were later released from the hospital.
By Steve Green Executive Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) Two years after the downtown Ocean City stabbing, a Maryland man has been sentenced to 20 years in jail.
Around midnight on June 20, 2022, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers observed a fight between multiple individuals in the area of Wicomico Street and the Boardwalk. OCPD officers located three victims suffering stab wounds. Ocean City EMS responded and provided emergency medical care for the victims at the scene.
Officers were able to identify Paul Baynard, 23, of Ridgely, Maryland, initially as the suspect in the stabbing of the 18-year-old victim. Through a coordinated effort of various law enforcement agencies, Baynard was located in Queen Anne’s County and was taken into custody without further incident.
An 18-year-old male victim was flown to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. A second 21-year-old male victim was flown to Christiana Hospital in Delaware, while a third stabbing victim, a 17-year-old male, was transported by Ocean City EMS to
One week after being apprehended, the OCPD also charged Baynard in the stabbings of the 17-year-old and 21-year-old victims. He faced two counts each of attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment, the exact charges he faces for his initial arrest for allegedly stabbing the 18-year-old victim.
Baynard was found guilty Nov. 8 of first-degree assault. Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau Oglesby sentenced Baynard to 20 years in jail, with all but 10 years suspended. Baynard was placed on three years of supervised probation upon release.
An OCPD press release summarized the incident in 2022 and the coordination necessary to apprehend Baynard.
“Through a meticulous investigation utilizing surveillance footage, social media platforms, and witness accounts, Ocean City police identified Baynard as the primary suspect. His arrest, coordinated with the Maryland State Apprehension Team and U.S. Marshal’s Task Force on June 29, 2022, marked a significant milestone in the case,” the release reported.
“Ocean City detectives, supported by additional law enforcement teams, conducted a thorough investigation that uncovered Baynard’s role as the sole assailant in the triple stabbing. He was subsequently charged with multiple counts of attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment.
“This resolution was a collective effort that would not have been possible without the combined dedication of the Ocean City Police Department, the Criminal Investigation Division, the Ocean City Fire Department, the Maryland State Apprehension Team, the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the medical teams that treated the victims.
The community’s support and cooperation were also instrumental in ensuring justice for the victims and safety for all.”
Ocean City Police Interim Chief Michael Colbert added, “This case underscores the importance of teamwork in achieving justice. I commend the relentless efforts of all involved to resolve this case and bring accountability.”
Paul Baynard
The Caine Woods Community Association hosted its annual evening of Christmas caroling through the neighborhood Tuesday evening. Pictured are some scenes from the tradition.
Berlin approves electric metering project vendor
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 12, 2024) The Berlin Town Council this week awarded a $893,000 contract to install advanced electric meters.
In June, the Town of Berlin issued a request for proposals from vendors to design, supply, install and implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). And on Monday, Electric Utilities Director Tim Lawrence came back before the council with a recommendation to award the RFP to NexGrid, one of seven vendors to bid on the project. The town’s electric utility consultant reviewed the bids and chose NexGrid as the best fit.
“Our first choice would be NexGrid,” he said. “NexGrid has the lowest recurring cost.”
The contract, Lawrence said, totaled $893,339, which included a 20-year prorated warranty. Additionally, the town would incur an annual cost of $18,456 for maintenance and professional services fees once the electric metering system is deployed.
“That’s basically for hosting the system on the cloud,” he said. “Also for technical support, software updates ...”
Similar to a smart water meter project the town completed last year, the advanced electric metering project will allow the town to record energy consumption and collect data in real time, meaning that electric meters will no longer need to be read manually. Lawrence said the new AMI system would also benefit users, as they will be able to access a portal that tracks their power consumption.
“For example, when their air conditioning kicks on or their heater kicks on, they can actually see their power consumption rise,” he said. “So they could actually sit at home and tweak their electric system themselves, to reduce the current consumption.”
Lawrence added the AMI system would give the department the capability to monitor outages and power usage. He said it also utilizes temperature sensing, which alerts of any fire hazards.
“So there are several bells and whistles that come with this system,” he said, “very elaborate and very detailed so there’s a lot that we can do with it.”
A report from Booth & Associates, the town’s consultant, shows the town received seven bids, which ranged from $500,000 to $1.2 million. However, Lawrence noted not all vendors met the town’s requirements, including outage detection and advanced safety features.
The town council voted 5-0 to award the RFP to NexGrid. The project, officials noted, would be funded through a bond.
“This will do two things,” Council Vice President Dean Burrell said. “It will assist our electric department to operate more effectively and efficiently, and it will provide the customer information at a moment’s notice as to how they can monitor the uses of their electricity,
a lot better.”
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It’s end of an era in Berlin with Church Mouse to close
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) An over 60-year-long tradition is coming to an end in Berlin.
Town residents and visitors will have just a few more weeks to stop in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s beloved thrift shop, The Church Mouse, until the storefront closes its doors for good on Dec. 21.
The brick-and-mortar has been in business at its current location, 101 North Main Street in Berlin, since around 1985. Before that, The Church Mouse existed in a few different capacities. Its first rendition was as an attachment of the At-
before settling where it is today. The store is run exclusively by volunteers and features household items like teapots, clothing pieces, jewelry, books, and more, all affordably priced. The profits support local, national, and global charities and organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, health departments, Worcester Youth and Family, various homeless shelters, and The Cricket Center.
Director of the store Helen Wiley, who has managed the shop since 2007, said that St. Paul has elected to cease re-
lantic Hotel. It then moved to Old Ocean City Boulevard
TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Director Helen Wiley admitted her church is “very emotional” about the store’s closing.
Thrift shop’s last day on
Dec. 21
tail operations at the physical storefront to save money on operational expenditures and devote more of its financial resources to community outreach.
“The authority comes through St. Paul’s, and they have decided that instead of taking the money that we would be used for rent and other expenses, we could come up with different ways to raise the funds so that more could go to outreach,” she said. “When you spend that money, it takes away from what you really want to do.”
While The Church Mouse will no longer serve in its current form, St. Paul’s intends to keep the spirit of the thrift shop alive. The religious group is forming a committee to devise ideas to raise funds for homeless shelters and charitable organizations. For instance, Wiley noted that the church may sell items like puzzles and costume jewelry and partner with other churches for philanthropic projects.
Dec. 21 is the last day shoppers can visit the shop that has served Berlin and surrounding communities for over half a century. Aside from the budget pieces and the financial support they offer to the area, Wiley said that the positive and friendly atmosphere The Church Mouse has created is just as important.
“It’s not just what we have here,” she said. “We have clothing and household items that are affordable for folks. But some people come in here and just decide that they feel comfortable. They feel happy here. They feel they can share their stories and whatever is going on in their lives. And we listen. We listen to the folks. That is also part of our outreach mission.”
“People come from New York and other states and even other countries and say, ‘I heard I have to come to The Church Mouse,’” Wiley continued. “It’s because of the warm feeling they get when they walk in the door. We are all very emotional about [the closing]. We will miss the folks we have met over the years and the friendships we have developed, but we will cherish it and continue to reach out to those people.”
For Wiley, operating the store has been “24/7.” From getting calls about incoming donations to organizing volunteers, sorting through the pieces, and determining price and placement, the job has been all-encompassing but rewarding.
“It takes a village to run this place,” the director said. “It’s a lot of hours beyond just our open times.”
The store must be cleared off all its merchandise by the last day of the year. Shoppers will be welcome until Dec. 21. After that, anything left will be donated to organizations like Diakonia and the Stevenson United Methodist Church’s Spirit Kitchen, a group that provides free meals to the community each week. Leftover children’s clothing may be given to Worcester County Public Schools.
For its final few weeks, The Church Mouse will be open Wednesday through Saturday from
Eastern Shore
Train display open on weekends at Pines fire station
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department is spreading holiday cheer with its third annual train display, which is viewable to the public throughout the festive season.
The showcase officially opened on Saturday, Nov. 23, and will continue to welcome visitors at the North Station, located on 249 Ocean Parkway, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Jan. 5. The exhibit is open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.
OPVFD President Joe Enste said that for the past three years, he, his father, Don Enste, and lifelong family friend Mark Libertini have been the “masterminds behind the display.” The group has combined their personal train collections to make the exhibit. This year, the department’s vice president, David Van Gasbeck, has gotten in on the project and is featuring trains from his collection.
The train display is an interactive initiative. For the second year in a row, attendees can participate in a scavenger hunt within the showcase. A challenge sheet can be picked up upon arrival at the North Station. Enste said that the activity was added last year to encourage visitors to look for the finer details of the presentation and keep children engaged.
“The exhibit features not only trains but also intricate scenes with buildings, farms, and figurines that are easy to miss at a quick glance,” the fire department’s president said.
Completed forms can be dropped in a labeled box. In January, the department will select one winner from the paper slips with the correct answers to receive a prize.
The display is funded via a budget allocated by the department’s board of directors. Enste added that sponsorships were secured to offset costs, including Serpone’s Pizzeria as the presenting sponsor, “gaining exposure on flyers and inclusions in the scavenger hunt.” Cindy Poremski of Berkshire Hathaway also signed on as a featured sponsor. Additional partnerships include A Bagel And, Dandy Don’s Bike Rentals, Deeley Insurance Group, McGee Fence, My Backyard, Preston Automotive Group, and PopCe’s Homemade Ice Cream.
“These sponsors are highlighted within the scavenger hunt, providing them visibility and community engagement opportunities,” Enste noted. “Each person that completes the scavenger hunt will have had to write down each of the sponsors’ names at least once, creating exposure to an estimated 2,000 attendees.”
To create the display, tables with a height comfortable for children and adults alike were designed. Budgeting, sourcing materials at the best prices,
Saturday, December 14th
Join your friends and neighbors this Saturday in downtown Bethany Beach! Stroll through town and enjoy all that Bethany has to offer. These great shops and restaurants will be open, offering great sales and specials all day.
Bring the kids too, there’s plenty to do.
Visit thequietresorts.com for a comprehensive list of participating businesses and hours of operation.
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
- Participating businesses during business hours
10:00am - Noon Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus Bethany Beach Books
Award winning Italian & Award winning desserts! 788 & 789 Garfield Parkway
Fells Point Surf Co.
Elf on the Shelf 114 Garfield Parkway
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Japanesque
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Elf on the Shelf Open Daily 10am 98 Garfield Parkway
Patsy’s Restaurant
Creative Coastal Cuisine 121 Campbell Place
Pie
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Annual event adds activities
Continued from Page 34
and configuring the optimal functional layout were included in the planning, which Enste said is “nearly year-round, as we’re always looking to expand our collection.”
Constructing the exhibit begins by mapping out train layouts based on the available track and each train’s capabilities. According to Enste, some trains need longer tracks with gradual turns, while others perform best on tighter turns.
Scenes are planned for each area, “matching train styles to the corresponding environment,” the president said. “Industrial zones typically feature cargo trains, while passenger trains are placed in more urban settings.”
A new feature of the display this year comes from Enste’s seven-year-old son. Through the Touch-a-Train area, children can build their own train tracks with Magna-Tiles and explore a plethora of train-themed toys.
“It’s been an exciting addition that encourages creativity and hands-on play,” the firefighter said.
Enste said that the idea for the train display originated in December 2022 during the department’s vehicle raffle drawing and open house.
“Since it was the holiday season, we thought a small, one-day train exhibit would be a wonderful addition,” he said. “The inspiration came from my childhood memories of visiting firehouses in the Baltimore area with my father to see their holiday train displays.”
The tradition has since expanded to what is now an over-month-long festivity.
Entrance into the presentation is free. However, donations to the department are welcome and can be made in person at the showcase via check or cash. Contributions can also be made through the fire group’s website at OPVFD.com.
The department is facing a challenge for next year’s exhibit. The North Station, the demonstration site, will store equipment from the South Station as the facility undergoes rebuilding, meaning the space typically allocated for the trains will be unavailable. The OPVFD has asked that residents reach out with any suggestions to remedy the complication.
“Your support and creativity can help keep this cherished tradition alive,” Enste said.
The neighborhood fire department believes the train display allows residents to familiarize themselves with the first responders and creates community engagement.
“Whether volunteer or career, every member takes pride in our station, equipment, and service,” Enste said. “By visiting the display, we hope residents feel more comfortable reaching out if they ever need assistance.
Ocean Pines residents can visit opvfd.com/train_display for more information about the festive event.
by Steve Green
IThe Adventures of Fatherhood
literally fell asleep during a late-night talk with my teenager the other night.
I have done this once or twice to Pam over the years during a conversation. When it has happened, it understandably does not make her feel great. I blame it on exhaustion.
There is a point in the evening when I do become a sleep risk. I am an early riser and do quite a lot through the course of a day. Therefore, by about 10 at night, I am pretty much wiped out. It’s as if my battery just runs out.
It’s interesting that around this same time of night is typically when Beckett comes down to talk. Beckett does not like long talks on serious subjects, but he does love to engage on easy topics and to express his opinions on things on his mind. It seems at this time of night he likes to hold court, as if he’s been holding some comments in for a couple hours and he’s ready to share.
One night recently, Pam had already gone to bed as she was not feeling well. I suspect I probably fell asleep watching a game on TV at some point before Beckett came flying down the steps wanting to show me something on You Tube. It was a video of a football wide receiver doing a flip into the end zone for a touchdown from years ago. He then proceeded to show me some other things, like a vulgar stand-up comedian waxing about the joys and ills of coming back from vacation.
As he was talking, some recent posts on Raising Teens Today came to mind:
“7 a.m.: I don’t want to talk about it. 11 a.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.
2 p.m.: I don’t want to talk about it. 6 p.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.
11 p.m.: You might want to get comfortable because I’m going to tell you every nitty-gritty detail of what happened in my life today.”
Another one was:
7 a.m.: tired
9 a.m.: tired
1 p.m.: tired
4 p.m.: tired
8 p.m.: tired
10 p.m.: totally wired
Another post read:
No matter what time, wherever you are, drop whatever you are doing if your teenager comes to you wanting to talk. You won’t regret it Soon they will be out of the house and you miss these seemingly meaningless chats.
Despite all my searching, I didn’t find anything about making sure you stay awake while they are talking to you.
On this particular evening, Beckett, 16, had a host of videos he wanted to show me. The problem was it was 11 at night and I was exhausted. Nonetheless, I didn’t want to turn him away, so I watched the videos all set to the silly music he dubbed – he would use a different word most likely — over.
Around 11:20 p.m., I realized I had fallen asleep on the couch but he was not there. I went upstairs and he was asleep in his bed. The next day I asked him what happened to him and he replied something along the lines of, “when you fell asleep during the video, I just let you be.” I told him to show some more of those posts he wanted to share with me. He declined, saying he didn’t feel like it now. I encouraged him to show me later on this evening, maybe before 10:30 though.
I spent the next few days encouraging him to show me what he was talking about. It appears I lost my window because I am still waiting. Or, it’s possible he came to show me one recent night while I was asleep.
hen my kids walk into a room, there are times when I do a double take. Like most houses with school-aged kids, the mornings are a bit chaotic. My teens have become good about getting up on their own for school. Each have strengths and weak-
nesses on this front, but by and large Beckett, 16, and Carson, 15, do a fine job of being independent.
There were many years when I wondered if we were not around to wake them up whether they would sleep right through their first period classes. Nowadays, I hear their alarms from downstairs and soon after I hear the familiar stomping of teen feet on the second floor.
One morning this week Beckett came into the kitchen without his shirt off, and it hit me how much he is changing physically. It also helped that he bumped me out of his way in a halfasleep mode to get to the fridge, saying, “morning, dog.” As hard as it was for me to understand, I got no response back from him when I replied, “morning, cat.”
These physical changes are not always as obvious when you see your kids multiple times every day. It’s something I feel blessed to be able to experience. Many parents travel for work, and I am fortunate to be able to be present daily.
As for Carson, it’s a similar situation as far as the physical changes. He’s a big, heavy-set kid. When he comes around the corner with a head of steam, I am not interested in that sort of run in with Carson. Similar scenarios unfold with him as I marvel over how much he has grown over the years.
One of his most unique physical traits is Carson’s hair literally stands straight up. His curly hair has natural lift in all directions. It’s fun to play with, but I’m sure he doesn’t find it entertaining when I push down on his hair and giggle when it immediately pops back out. As he grows closer to my height, I do it less and less because of the look he gives me in his non-verbal way.
(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)
Strategic plan survey
An anonymous, online survey is now open for Ocean Pines community members as part of an outreach effort.
An email was sent out Monday from the Ocean Pines Association’s Strategic Planning Advisory Committee encouraging residents to take part in a new online survey.
“The purpose of this periodic survey is to gather Ocean Pines property owners’/residents’ input on the development and evaluation of long-range plans for Ocean Pines,” the survey states. “A long-range plan will help guide the decision-making process over the next 3-5 years, and your input and opinions are critical to help establish future priorities. Importantly, your individual responses will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous.”
The 17-question survey seeks to gauge what’s important to community residents, what amenities are used and the level of satisfaction, whether specific new amenities should be explored if any, a rating of current Ocean Pines challenges and opportunities and whether the association is reaching expectations on a broad range of topics.
The survey also asks residents to make one recommendation for “Ocean Pines to improve upon in the next 3-5 years.”
Age range, gender and annual income range were also requested in the survey for “classification purposes.”
The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2 024OPAsurvey.
At the end of the survey, it’s stated the results will be presented at a future Ocean Pines Town Hall meeting and be available on Ocean Pines Association website.
Angel Tree on display
The Ocean Pines Administration team is asking the community to help spread holiday cheer for two local families in need this season through the “Angel Tree” program.
The “Angel Tree” is on display in the Administration Building lobby, adorned with ornaments representing requested items for the families. Community members are invited to stop by, select an ornament, and return new, wrapped gifts by Friday, Dec. 20.
Director of Business Administration Linda Martin said the team partnered with the Berlin Crisis Center to identify two families requiring assistance this year.
Gifts requested by the families include clothing and toys for children, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. The full list of items is available on the Angel Tree in the lobby.
MALLARD BOWL WINNERS
This year, the annual Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) Powderpuff football game was rebranded as the Mallard Bowl. On the Friday before Thanksgiving break, the Upper School buzzed with excitement as students from all four classes competed for the coveted trophy. The competition concluded with the senior class, “Senior Santas,” winning the trophy and presenting it to their class sponsor, Hunter Wells. Above left, sophomore Gabriella Damouni scores with her teammate Sydney Parker close behind. Above right, the Senior Santas celebrate a touchdown by senior Danielle
Cheering her on from the left are her classmates Allen Zhang, Frank Miller, Emma Zajdel and Abby Ament. Below left, junior Anisha Batra advances the ball down the field. Below
Santas proudly hold up the Mallard Bowl trophy in celebration of their victory.
the
Carr.
right,
Senior
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DRY DOCK 28
28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com
Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primantistyled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.
■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE
15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.
■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT
28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.
■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR
17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ CRAWL STREET
19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com
Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.
■ DISTRICT 24
BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & ICE CREAM, THE EMBERS
2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2893322, district24oc.com
Come visit all your culinary options at this block of fun, including the landmark Embers Restaurant with a new, innovative vision as well as Blu where fresh seafood is king. Be sure to stop in Jay’s for a tasty treat as well as an ocean of caffeinated offerings. There’s fun activities for kids of all ages here as well with a miniature golf course and an arcade.
■ PICKLES PUB
706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.
■ PIT & PUB
2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal
Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com
Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.
MIDTOWN
29th to 90th streets
■ 32 PALM
32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410289-2525, 32palm.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!
■ THE BONFIRE
71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410524-7171, thebonfirerestaurant.com
Celebrating 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.
■ FAGERS ISLAND
201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com
$$ | Full bar
Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.
■ HOOKED
8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | Full bar
Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.
■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms
in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
UPTOWN
91st to 146th streets
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.
■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com
The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Sunday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs for $54.95. Serving breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours. They are now taking reservations for the Thanksgiving buffet and also offering Thanksgiving take-out meals for $189.99 for 6 people and are featuring the Funsters for their NYE entertainment.
■ THE CRAB BAG
13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR 12203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6647075, tailchasersoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A coastal casual farm to table restaurant with a fun dockside family friendly atmosphere. Menu changes with the seasons and cocktails are handcrafted with care. Bring the whole family for lunch or dinner along the canal. Kids playground available to keep the littles entertained.
■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.
FENWICK ISLAND
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com
Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Phillystyle cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for
lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE
100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar
Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open: Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Kitchen closes at 4 p.m.)
The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open: Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
WEST OCEAN CITY
■ BREAKFAST CAFE
12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com
All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.
■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL
12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com
$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar
Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.
■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com
This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40sstyle décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.
■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.
■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. MondayWednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
OCEAN PINES
UNIT 14 LAZY WHALE CONDO
Best Beats On The Beach
with YOUR QUALIFIED BUYER!
Location! location! Desirable ocean block 1st floor condo rarely available! Assigned parking space conveniently located in front of the unit. The condominium has great rental potential! Beautiful 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom is fully furnished & move-in ready! The Condominium features bright esthetic's so you can savor your beachside retreat. Watch the sunrise from your front porch, which is only steps from the beach. Enjoy the perks of this prime location just off the Route 90 bridge & within walking distance to plenty of restaurants & shops. You can also catch the bus that runs right outside your building to the historic boardwalk & amusements. Please note the Condo conducts their yearly winterizing March through November. One year home warranty! Call with any questions.
In Maryland & Delaware
Direct: 443-413-3077
Archangelnohe@gmail.com
Direct: 410-493-3847
BrendaSG1944@icloud.com
& Sellers - Let Us Help You Get To Your Beach Getaway!
Who’s Where When
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott
Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.
Saturday, December 14: DJ Giddy Up & Rockoholics
CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE
Friday, December 13: Jason Lee
Wednesday, December 18: Full Circle Duo
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756
Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.
Friday, December 13: Fuzzbox Piranha
Saturday, December 14: DJ Magellan & Groove Joose
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay Friday, December 13: 33RPM & DJ RobCee
Saturday, December 14: Pebble to Pearl, The Dunehounds & DJ Stinson
Tuesday, December 17: Latin Night w/Patana
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Wednesday, December 18: Blake Haley
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, December 13
BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays
DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays
PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays
DJ DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays & Thursdays Buxy’s Salty Dog: Saturday, December 14
DJ WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays
BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Wednesday, December 18
DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, December 14
LOVE HATE MIXTAPE
Purple Moose: Saturday, December 14
FULL CIRCLE DUO
Seacrets: Friday, December 13
Factory Bayside: Wednesday, December 18
FUZZBOX PIRANHA
Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, December 13
PEBBLE TO PEARL
Fager’s Island: Saturday, December 14
THE DUNEHOUNDS
Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, December 13
Harborside: Saturday, December 14, 1pm
Fager’s Island: Saturday, December 14, 5:30pm
THE ROGUE CITIZENS
Pickles Pub: Saturday, December 14
THE ROCKOHOLICS
Coins Pub: Saturday, December 14
KONO NATION
Seacrets: Saturday, December 14
Who’s Where When
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Fridays: DJ Billy T
Saturday, December 14: The Dunehounds & DJ Bigler
Sundays: Opposite Directions
Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Saturday, December 14:
The Rogue Citizens
Sundays: Beats By Styler
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wax
Wednesdays: Beats By Styler
Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee
PURPLE MOOSE SALOON
410-289-6953
Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards
Saturday, December 14: Love Hate Mixtape
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy.
Friday, December 14: Full Circle Duo, DJ Connair & DJ C-Miller Saturday, December 14: DJ Davie, DJ Cruz, DJ C-Miller, John McNutt Band & Kono Nation
Thursday, December 19: Opposite Directions
Crabcake
Wave conditions often lead to board choice
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) In a recent column, we discussed the idea of a surfer utilizing a quiver of surfboards. The quiver, or more than one board for different wave conditions, was likened or paralleled to a bag of golf clubs. But how about the notion of using just one surfboard for all conditions? I suspect that this is the case for a lot of surfers.
A key element in using one board for all wave conditions would be that of compromise. Ostensibly this one board would hopefully work, at least
adequately, in all conditions. Ah, but here is where the compromise would probably set in, although floatation and relative paddling ease should never be forgotten.
A board for smaller conditions would most likely be longer, wider, and thicker, even to the point of being considered a longboard. Something shorter, narrower, and thinner would be a candidate for larger and heavier wave conditions. If there is a solution to this dilemma it would undoubtedly be something in between. Terms that come to mind for such a surfboard could be hybrid, mid-range, or even short-longboard.
This discussion is not meant to make, what could be, a difficult decision even harder. The intension is to
provide food for thought. Surfboards can easily become very personal pieces of equipment and it can take a period of time to really find out what works best for an individual.
On the lighter side, having one board can make the decision load easier as opposed to the aforementioned quiver. Hauling one board to the local beach or beyond can limit the task of moving equipment whether the waves to be ridden are near or far. Plus, the only choice re-
CROSSWORD
garding wave conditions would be not what board to ride, but simply to choose to paddle out or wait for another time.
Whatever the call, even if your friends are saying something in opposition or your favorite pro leans one way or the other, make the judgement as one that works for you, the individual surfer.
— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Your pioneering spirit is in full swing this week, Aries. Embrace new challenges and don’t hesitate to get out front and take the lead. You just might inspire others with your confidence.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Make finances a priority this week, Taurus. A bit of budgeting could ease some of the financial stress that has been affecting you lately. Indulge in a small luxury as a reward for hard work.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Conversations could be interesting this week, Gemini. You’re curious about what others do when they are home behind closed doors. Don’t pry too much.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, nurture your relationships this week, particularly if work has garnered most of your attention of late. Pay attention to your own needs, too, and enjoy some relaxation.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Employ your natural charisma to forge new connections and network at upcoming events, Leo. You are good at sharing ideas and expressing yourself with confidence.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Tackle one job at a time and focus on what is important to get done this week, Virgo. It can be easy to get sidetracked by side projects. Or that might be your way to procrastinate.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, surround yourself with positive influences this week. You want others supporting you at every turn while you take on an important project that comes up.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Use your intense focus and attention to detail to delve into projects that require those specific skills, Scorpio. In fact, someone may ask you to work on a project for these traits alone.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Embrace the unknown this week. Let yourself get led off in different directions from those you normally travel, Sagittarius. Who knows what you may find along the way?
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Revisit your goals and make a plan for the future, Capricorn. Remember to take the people closest to you into consideration. Do not trample them in the process of getting ahead.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, collaborate with likeminded individuals who are ready to think outside the box. It is amazing what you can accomplish when you multiply your power.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
You might need to warm up before the creative energy starts to flow, Pisces. Don’t worry, once you have the right inspiration, things will begin moving at a rapid pace.
K-9 Klem retirement announced
(Dec. 13, 2024) The Ocean City Police Department announced this week K-9 Klem’s well-earned retirement after eight years of service alongside his handler, Cpl. Danielle Braniff.
K-9 Klem, born and bred in The Netherlands on Dec. 18, 2014, began his career as a prospective police K-9 after being selected by Shallow Creek Kennels. In the fall of 2016, after completing extensive training, he partnered up with Braniff. The duo completed their Basic Handler Course in November 2016, mastering narcotics detection, tracking, article search, obedience, and apprehension.
Over their eight years together, K9 Klem and Braniff achieved over 350
deployments resulting in 42 arrests, 21 weapons seized, $3,452 in U.S. currency seized, five suspect apprehensions leading to surrender and approximately 1,200 training hours completed.
K-9 Klem’s service extended beyond law enforcement. Known for his friendly demeanor, he brightened the lives of fellow officers, Communications personnel, and community members.
For Braniff, K-9 Klem was more than a partner; he was a confidant and companion during long shifts and challenging calls.
“If a K-9 handler ever tells you they don’t talk to their partner as if they
were human, they’re lying,” shared Braniff. “The only thing Klem never learned to appreciate was my singing.”
As K-9 Klem approaches his 10th birthday on Dec. 18, 2024, his retirement will be full of the joys he loves most — running in the yard, taking boat rides, and playing on sandbars. He is living his best Ocean City life. He will continue to live with Braniff and her family, surrounded by love and gratitude for his years of unwavering dedication.
“The Ocean City Police Department extends its heartfelt thanks to K9 Klem for his loyal service and wishes him a happy and well-deserved retirement,” a statement read.
Retiring K-9 Klem is pictured at City Hall this week with handler Cpl. Danielle Braniff along with members of the OCPD and Mayor and Council.
Calendar
Fri., Dec. 13
HARP FOR THE HOLIDAYS: KARA DAHL
RUSSELL & STUDENTS RECITAL
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 78:30 p.m. Free music for all ages. Sing along on some of the carols. 443-3732375, dahlrussell@yahoo.com, https://www.ococean.com/event/harpfor-the-holidays%3a-kara-dahl-russell%26-students-recital/2146/
COOKIE DECORATING FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Kids ages 3-12 years can make Santa the best cookies ever. Materials and instruction provided. Cost is $8 per child. Register: 410-641-7052.
‘JINGLE ALL THE WAY’ GAME WEEK
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Join in anytime from Dec. 9-14 to play the Jingle All the Way scavenger hunt and games. Complete the scavenger hunt to enter for a change to win a prize. For ages 6-18 years. 410-957-0878
DICKENS WEEK
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Take a trip back in time to Victorian England. Do a Victorian themed craft and scavenger hunt, and Dickens trivia throughout the branch. Family event. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MAHJONG CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Join in for STREAM activities and socialize with other homeschool families. For ages 6-11 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB: ‘EVERY HEART A DOORWAY’ BY SEANAN MCGUIRE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Ocean Pines Library circulation desk. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MERRY OR MACABRE VICTORIAN
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3 p.m. Victorian Christmas cards ranged from sweet to downright scary. Learn about these and make your own merry or macabre cards. 410-632-3495,
www.worcesterlibrary.org
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories. For ages 0-2 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
NIGHT AT THE GALLERY - KID’S EVENT
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 6-9 p.m. Featuring pizza, gingerbread houses, crafts and holiday karaoke. Cost is $30 for members and $36 for nonmembers. Advance registration is required:
Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994
Sat., Dec. 14
OCEAN CITY COMIC CON
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Compete in cosplay contest, shop vendors, entertaining panels, anime screenings, video games and events. $1 off with canned good. $1 off if in costume. oceancitycomiccon.com
A ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS -
TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER
STARRING JIM CURRY
Ocean City Performing Arts CenterRoland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Jim Curry has dedicated himself to preserving John Denver’s legacy. Cost is $35-$45. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/810286 95.
MEET SANTA
Kringle Kottage on Artisan’s Green, 124 N. Main St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. www.berlinmainstreet.com
SANTACON AT CRAWL STREET TAVERN
Crawl St. Tavern, 19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Don your best Santa garb and enjoy a jolly time of music and holiday cheer. Donations for Kenille’s Cupboard Pet Pantry will be collected.
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Join in anytime from Dec. 9-14 to play the Jingle All the Way scavenger hunt and games. Complete the scavenger hunt to enter for a change to win a prize. For ages 6-18 years. 410-957-0878
DICKENS WEEK
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Take a trip back in time to Victorian England. Do a Victorian themed craft and scavenger hunt, ad Dickens trivia throughout the branch. Family event. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA BENEFIT
Residence Inn Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Hot breakfast, craft room, baked goods and more. Seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Advance tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-with-santa-benefit-tickets1087627165129?aff=oddtdtcreator. Info: 443-664-7043.
OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. The speakers will be four time cash winners in the White Marlin Open, Captains Ken and Adam Thompson, owners of the OpporTunity fleet of charter vessels. All are welcome. Jack Barnes, 410-641-7662
FRIED CHICKEN & FRIED FISH PLATTER SALE
St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin, 11 a.m. Fried chicken platter, $10; fried fish platter, $12; combo platter, $15; fried chicken sandwich, $5; and fried fish sandwich, $7. Platters include two greens, potato salad, fried potatoes and onion.
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.
Sun., Dec. 15
OCEAN CITY COMIC CON
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Compete in cosplay contest, shop vendors, entertaining panels, anime screenings, video games and events. $1 off with canned good. $1 off if in costume. oceancitycomiccon.com
FREE CARRIAGE RIDES
Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., Berlin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. www.berlinmainstreet.com
MEET SANTA
Kringle Kottage on Artisan’s Green, 124 N. Main St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., www.berlinmainstreet.com
SUNDAY SERVICE
New Hope United Methodist Church, 7348 New Hope Road, Willards, 11 a.m. If you do not have a church family of your own, please come join in.
BLUE HOLIDAY SERVICE
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church St., Berlin, 4 p.m. An interfaith service for those who are remembering or honoring loved ones during the holidays, facilitated by the All Faith Friendship Association. All are welcome.
BERLIN FLEA MARKET
Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656
SEWING FOR A CAUSE
Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
Mon., Dec. 16
STORY TIME: COOKIES
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
REVEREND CHARLES A. TINDLEY PORTRAIT
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Patrick Henry will present his portrait of The Grandfather of Gospel Music, Reverend Charles A. Tindley. The portrait is a gift to the people of Worcester County. 410641-0650
Currently the group is reading from Book 6 of the Great Conversations Anthology. The focus will be on “The Lifted Veil” by George Eliot. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for a Lego challenge event. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
CALENDAR
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
Tues., Dec. 17
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research, followed by a Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information, if you can. Registration requested: 410-2084014.
STORY TIME: CHRISTMAS PARTY
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Holiday-themed crafts, songs, games and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. Geared to ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC KNITTING GROUP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
NAILED IT! GINGERBREAD COOKIES EDITION
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4 p.m. Time to test your cookie baking skills. Mix, decorate, enjoy. For ages 6-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
HOLIDAY HORRORS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 5:30 p.m. Talk about Cramps, Gryla, Frau Perchta and Pére Fouettard, all character created to keep children in line during the holiday season. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round.
Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP
Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
Wed., Dec. 18
BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP
Held via Zoom call the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568
EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SENSORY STAY AND PLAY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Learn through exploration, curiosity and creativity during the sensory stay and play. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-5241818
Drop in for a game of strategy, whether you’re an expert or want to refresh your Continued on Page 48
Furniture • Exercise Equipment
Outside Play Sets • WiFi Security Cameras • TV Mounting
FOR FASTEST SERVICE: We need your address & contact information and exact brand name, model #’s and quantity. Email us a copy of your receipt/pictures.
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with a new-to-you puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be their original box. 410641-0650
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-548-7880
COFFEE & CRAFTS - FABRIC BOOKMARKS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Save your page with fun fabric bookmarks you can sew, glue or paint. Limit 30. First come, first serve. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. The goal of the support group is to provide participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410-641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org
STORYTELLERS THEATER TROUPE
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Theater activities like improv, memorization, public speaking and learning about theater. For ages 6-18 years. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CHILDREN’S TOURS
Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 5 p.m. Tours start at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. www.taylorhousemuseum.org
KIWANIS CLUB MEETING
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.
Thurs., Dec. 19
CPAP MASK FITTING
Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointments required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.
STORY TIME ‘THIS LITTLE PUP’
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 0-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: CHRISTMAS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines
Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 0-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
COLLAGE ORNAMENTS
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Decorate wooden ornaments with modern art postcards. Registration required: 410957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org
MAGIC THE GATHERING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Experienced and novice players welcome. BYOC recommended. For ages 1218 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
COOKIE DECORATING
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Teens come decorate delicious cookies worthy of your social media posts. Gluten-free option available. For ages 12-18 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
QUIT SMOKING & VAPING CLASSES
Gudelsky Family Medical Center, 10614 Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines, 5-6 p.m. Participants receive one-on-one support, group support, weekly prizes and quit resources. Register: 410-632-1100, Ext. 1102, www.worcesterhealth.org.
ONGOING EVENTS
LIVING NATIVITY
Bluebird Farms, 11207 Racetrack Road, Berlin, Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas, noon to 6 p.m. Complimentary hot chocolate, music, petting and photo op with mini cow, donkey, goat and sheep. Donations benefiting Coastal Hospice, Diakonia, Local Troop #621 B.S.A. and Saltwater Mini Farm.
LIGHT UP THE PINES
Register between Nov. 18 and Dec. 13 to be entered into the drawing to win one of three $50 bill credits from Choptank Electric Cooperative. First 25 homes will receive Choptank Electric goodies. Residents may sign up after Dec. 13 and throughout the holiday season to have their homes added to the online map. Submit name, address and phone number via email to info@oceanpines.org or call 410-641-7717, Ext. 3014. Visit oceanpines.org for a map of participating homes.
SEND LETTERS TO SANTA
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, Nov. 25 through Dec. 20. Children of all ages are welcome to drop off their written letters to Santa at the red mailbox. Make sure that letters have child’s name and address so Santa can respond.
OCEAN PINES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RAFFLE
Win a 2024 F-150 4X4 Supercrew 5.0L V8. Tickets cost $100. All registration,
GUEST SPEAKER
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City has a guest speaker almost every Wednesday. The speaker’s background can be diverse which was the case on Dec. 4 when Steve McGee, a former US Coast Guard Officer and the son-in law of member Ron Kline, spoke about his experiences about shipwreck recoveries and drug and immigrant interdictions in the Caribbean. McGee is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Tom Southwell.
sale, etc. expenses covered by O.P.V.F.D. Drawing will take place on Dec. 21. For more information: www.opvfd.com/f150.
WINTER TRAIN GARDEN
Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, December through Jan. 4. Visitors of all ages will delight in interacting with buttons that activate accessories and sounds. A scavenger hunt for young patrons will also be available. 410-5241818
TEENY ART
Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during December. A themed craft program available in the teen section all month long. December Teeny Art is “Trees.” For ages 12-18 years. 410-632-3495
DECEMBER INSPIRATION CHALLENGE
Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St. Art, photography or poetry competition for all ages. Pieces will be displayed in the library for viewing and voting by age bracket. The theme is “Envy.” Due by Dec. 20. 410-632-3495
WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 21 through Dec. 22. Open daily Dec. 23-31. Cost is $6 for adults and free to those 11 years and younger. Tour through thousands of sparkling lights and animated Christmas scenes. Pets welcome on Wednesdays. Scooter rentals ($10/two hours) and wheel chairs available on site: Scooters4-Rent.com, 302-280-6203. For more info: 410-289-2800, https://www.ococean.com/winterfest/. Weather cancellation hotline: 410-250-2124.
PRE-HOLIDAY SHOWING
Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road,
Oct. 1-Dec. 31. A pre-holiday showing of original art work. 410-208-4014
QUEEN OF HEARTS
Weekly virtual drawings on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Winner receives 60 percent of jackpot. www.opvfd.com/queen-ofhearts. Sponsored by the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.
2025 KIWANIS LOTTERY TICKETS ON SALE
On sale every Saturday morning at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. One $20 ticket is good for all 365 drawings in 2025. Benefits the youth of the community.
OCEAN CITY-BERLIN ROTARY CLUB
Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at Don’s Seafood & Chop House at the South Gate of Ocean Pines, 6 p.m. ocberlinrotary@gmail.com
2024 JUST WALK CHALLENGE
Get the most miles of physical activity between Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 and be crowned the Just Walk Worcester Champion of 2024. Sign-up for Just Walk Worcester and report your monthly miles: https://justwalkworcester.org/. 410-632-1100, Ext. 1110
Crossword answers from page 44
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
DECEMBER 13, 2024 OC Today-Dispatch 49
Small Engine Mechanic Year-round. Competitive Wages. 443-754-1047
PoolGeneral Maintenance. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne.
WEEKLY RENTALS
$300-$500 per week. October-May. 301-331-2209
YR RENTAL
Horn Island Drive, West Ocean City. 4BR, 3BA, move in ready. Call Moses: 410-449-1434 to schedule a tour.
YR RENTAL
39TH ST., OCEANBLOCK
In front of Convention Center 2BR, 1BA, $1,500. Call Holiday Real Estate 410-524-7700
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
South Gate Ocean Pines 750 sq.ft. $1,100 per mo. 410-430-3758
2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200
Commercial Space for Lease.
2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 800-1000 sq. ft. ea. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885
Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.
SERVICES
HANDYMAN SERVICE
I’m a carpenter with over 40 years of experience in the remodeling field. No job too small. Flooring, windows, door, painting. Some electrical and plumbing repairs. Please call Larry 410-251-9066. Referrals upon request.
Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference
MISC./OTHER
How far must I go?
Perhaps to follow a star, Then a humble barn. Forgiveness to see, True Love to behold!
MISC. FOR SALE
Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-4076870
FOR SALE Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
VEHICLES WANTED
DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org
REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929 SERVICES
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258
B. RANDALL COATES ESQ
COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293
SNOW HILL, MD 21863
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JULIA ANN DICKERSON
Estate No. 20426 Notice is given that B RANDALL COATES whose address is 204 W GREEN ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1057 was on NOVEMBER 19, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JULIA ANN DICKERSON who died on JUNE 03, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of MAY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-11/28/3t
NOTICE
OF PASSAGE OF BILL 24-09 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Take Notice that Emergency Bill 24-09 (Zoning – cannabis dispensaries) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, and Purnell on November 19, 2024.
A fair summary of the bill is as follows:
§ ZS 1-103(b). (Adds a definition for cannabis dispensaries).
§ ZS 1-209(c)(16). (Adds a special exception use for cannabis dispensaries in the C-1 District.)
§ ZS 1-210(c)(16). (Adds a special exception use for cannabis dispensaries in the C-2 District.)
§ ZS 1-211(c)(11). (Adds a special exception use for cannabis dispensaries in the C-3 District.)
§ZS 1-320(a). (Adds an off-street
parking requirement for cannabis dispensaries.)
§ZS 1-320(e)(1). (Adds a stacking space requirement for cannabis dispensaries with drive-through.)
This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCD-11/28/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20403 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BYRON RAMSAY HAUCK
Notice is given that Shirley Ann Adams, 2907 Snow Hill Rd., Girdletree, MD 21829-2759 and Bradley Byron Hauck, 3102 Snow Hill Rd., Girdletree, MD 21829-2762, was on November 18, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Byron Ramsay Hauck who died on October 20, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18th day of May, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Shirley Ann Adams
Bradley Byron Hauck
Personal Representatives True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: November 28, 2024 OCD-11/28/3t
RACHEL B HARRIS ESQ PO BOX 62 POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218510062
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of MAJOR BURRIS MERRILL Estate No. 20430 Notice is given that BEVERLY WILKINS whose address is 3923 WHITESBURG RD
POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-3651 was on NOVEMBER 22, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MAJOR BURRIS MERRILL who died on NOVEMBER 04, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of MAY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-11/28/3t
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B/W 7 Day license and a Request to designate as Multiple License #1 for a Class "B" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Patrick J Brady, 10702 Flower Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811.
For: Liberty Inc.
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Shrimp Boat 9740 Stephen Decatur Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Formerly: The Shrimp Boat, Inc.
There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room,
Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 18, 2024 @ 1:10 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.
OCD-12/5/2t
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Promoter’s License.
For: Spectrum Concessions, LLC
T/A: Spectrum Concessions Pier Pressure Music Festival –May 17, 2025 and May 18, 2025 Hours of Alcoholic Beverage Sales –Begins 12 Noon and ends 10:30 p.m. each day
Ocean City Inlet to North Division Street, including the inlet parking lot, the beach, the boardwalk, Ocean City pier, and portions of business adjacent to the boardwalk/Ocean City
There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 18, 2024 @ 1:20 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.
OCD-12/5/2t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
PROPOSAL SOLICITATION
P04-25 – Canoe, Kayak, and StandUp Paddleboard Concessions
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents. RFP Documents for the Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their RFP’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents. A pre-proposal meeting will be
conducted on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH, 2024 AT 2:00PM AT NORTHSIDE PARK, WEST CONFERENCE ROOM, 200 125TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND, 21842. The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2024, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH, 2024
Sealed RFP Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, JANUARY 7TH, 2025, BY 3:00 PM. RFP submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 2025, AT 10:00AM. RFP’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions) must be noted on the outside of the package.
Late RFP Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
OCD-12/5/5t _________________________________
THOMAS K. COATES ESQ COATES,COATES & COATES, P.A.
6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of DEBORAH LEE THOMPSON BISHOP Estate No. 20434
Notice is given that KENNETH G GLASS whose address is PO BOX 211 BISHOPVILLE, MD 218130211 was on NOVEMBER 27, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEBORAH LEE THOMPSON BISHOP who died on AUGUST 08, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting thepersonal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of MAY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is
unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
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KIRK G. SIMPKINS ESQ
SIMPKINS & SIMPKINS, P.A. P.O. BOX 550
PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of ALLEN WAYNE CATHELL Estate No. 20439 Notice is given that LOUISE A LEWIS whose address is 11622 CHURCH ST SHOWELL, MD 21862-1105 was on NOVEMBER 27, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ALLEN WAYNE CATHELL who died on NOVEMBER 12, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of MAY, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE
SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/5/3t
THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC ARLETTE K. BRIGHT ESQ. 1002 EASTERN S HORE DRIVE, #B
SALISBURY, MD 21804
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
ESTATE NO. 20437
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Chancery Court of Sussex County, Delaware appointed Wayne Bradley Quillen, 193 Courtney Rd., Lan-
caster, VA 22503-3916 as the Executor of the Estate of Thomas Wayne Quillen who died on February 26, 2024 domiciled in Delaware, America.
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Arlette Kelly Bright whose address is 1002 Eastern Shore Dr., Ste. B, Salisbury, MD 21804-6482.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
Wayne Bradley Quillen Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest
Date of first publication: December 05, 2024
OCD-12/5/3t
NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE
Please take notice Main Street Storage located at 9842 Main Street Berlin MD 21811 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility.
This sale will occur at an Online Auction via www.storageauctions.com on 12/18/2024 at 10:00AM. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
OCD-12/12/1t
HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. 313 LEMMON HILL LN SALISBURY, MD 21801-4238
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20441 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JESSIE R. SELBY
AKA: JESSIE CARTER SELBY
Notice is given that David C. Selby, P.O. Box 211, Pocomoke City, MD 21851-0211 and Steve W. Selby, P.O. Box 211, Pocomoke City, MD 21851-0211, were on December 03, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jessie R. Selby who died on February 16, 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 3rd day of June, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
David C. Selby
Steve W. Selby 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: December 12, 2024
OCD-12/12/3t
BID SOLICITATION
P05-25 – Landscape Maintenance Services – Public Works South Tram Facility and Bayside Park
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Landscape Maintenance Services – Public Works South Tram Facility and Bayside Park and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents. BID Documents for the Landscape Maintenance Services – Public Works South Tram Facility and Bayside Park may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s
(https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, JANUARY 7TH, 2025, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on THURSDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 2025
Sealed BID Documents are due no later than THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2025, BY 3:00 PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2025, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Landscape Maintenance Services – Public Works South Tram Facility and Bayside Park) must be noted on the outside of the package.
Late BID Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
OCD-12/12/5t
CHARLES T. CAPUTE ESQ. MCALLISTER, DE TAR, SHOWALTER & WALKER LLC
100 N. WEST STREET EASTON, MD 21601-2710
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20444 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF OLIVIA HARRISON PHILLIPS
Notice is given that Brice S. Phillips, 3203 Menia St., Riva, MD 21140-1238, was on December 04, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Olivia Harrison Phillips who died on August 31, 2024 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of June, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the cred-
itor 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.
Brice S. Phillips 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: December 12, 2024
OCD-12/12/3t
NOTICE TO HOLDERS OF CLASS
“B”, “C” AND “D” ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES ISSUED BY WORCESTER COUNTY
Pursuant to the Alcoholic Beverages Article, Section 33-2006 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County has determined that all premises holding a Class “B”, “C”, and “D” Alcoholic Beverage Licenses shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ONLY until 4:00 a.m. on January 1, 2025.
This notice shall not be construed as enlarging or broadening any other privilege conferred under said license except the (2) two 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 Mary W. Pusey, Member *****************
April R. Payne, License Administrator OCD-12/12/3t
KIRK G. SIMPKINS ESQ.
SIMPKINS & SIMPKINS, P.A. P.O. BOX 550
PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853
SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20445 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PAUL S. TAYLOR
AKA: PAUL STEWART TAYLOR
Notice is given that Betsy V. Winslow, 113 Skyview Dr., Luray, VA 22835-4807, was on December 04, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Paul S. Taylor who died on October 19, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal represen-
tative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
Betsy V. Winslow Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:
Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: December 12, 2024 OCD-12/12/1t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
BID SOLICITATION
P06-25 – Northside Park Ceiling Grid Replacement
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Northside Park Ceiling Grid Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
BID Documents for the Northside Park Ceiling Grid Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either emailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-
party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A pre-proposal meeting will be conducted on TUESDAY, JANUARY 7TH, 2025 AT 10:00AM AT NORTHSIDE PARK, WEST CONFERENCE ROOM, 200 125TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY PER FORM OF BID. The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2025, AT 3:00PM Addendum will be posted by close of business on MONDAY, JANUARY 20TH, 2025
Sealed BID Documents are due no later than THURSDAY, JANUARY 23RD, 2025, BY 3:00 PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 24TH, 2025, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Northside Park Ceiling Grid Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package.
Late BID Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
OCD-12/12/6t
BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852
ANDREW J. BRENNER, et al. 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852
Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs. FREDERICK E. WILLIAMS (DECEASED) 807 Market Street Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-24-000165
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given this 6th day of December, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 807 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, 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, 2025, 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, 2024.
The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $58,000.00.
Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20443
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT JOSEPH HALLETT
Notice is given that William Arthur Hallett Jr., 200 Spectacular Bid Dr., Havre De Grace, MD 210782670, was on December 04, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Robert Joseph Hallett who died on October 29, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
William Arthur Hallett Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: December 12, 2024
resentative of the small estate of Gary LaPierre who died on November 04, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
Carole LaPierre Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: December 12, 2024
OCD-12/12/1t _________________________________
K. ALICE YOUNG, ESQ. NUSINOV SMITH, LLP 2800 QUARRY LAKE DRIVE, SUITE 160 BALTIMORE, MD 21209
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20447 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EDWARD J. KNEAVEL
AKA: EDWARD JOHN KNEAVEL
OCD-12/12/1t
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
ESTATE NO. 20442
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GARY LAPIERRE
Notice is given that Caroline LaPierre, 135 Spencer Cir., Forest Hill, MD 21050-3158, was on December 05, 2024 appointed personal rep-
Notice is given that Joseph E. Kneavel, 2931 Winters Chase Way, Annapolis, MD 21401-7285, was on December 09, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward J. Kneavel who died on October 26, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of June, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Joseph E. Kneavel 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: December 12, 2024
OCD-12/12/3t _________________________________
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20438 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JEANNETTE NICHOLS MURRAY
Notice is given that Kristin Cole Murray, 22A Williams St., Berlin, MD 21811-1247, was on December 06, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jeannette Nichols Murray who died on November 13, 2024, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of June, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is
unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Kristin Cole Murray 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: December 12, 2024
OCD-12/12/3t
REENA J. PATEL ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO
CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of LINDA M. GALE Estate No. 20436 Notice is given that KIMBERLY GALE PATRICK whose address is 85 HIGH SHERIFF TRL., BERLIN, MD 21811-2045, COURTNEY GALE whose address is P.O. BOX 192, BISHOP, GA 30621-0192 were on DECEMBER 06, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LINDA M. GALE who died on NOVEMBER 20, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JUNE, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-12/12/3t
Resort planners advance rental crackdown
Mayor, council to consider modifications to
rentals at January meeting
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) Renting a singlefamily home in a residential enclave for a quick Ocean City getaway might be eventually outlawed, if the resort’s elected leaders decide next month to adopt stringent new zoning recommendations.
“I’m in agreement to not have any
Airbnbs in my neighborhood,” said Planning Commissioner Mike Quade. “I’m in agreement that we protect our R-1 communities.”
Quade and a majority of the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission at their Dec. 3 meeting agreed: moving forward, hard limits on occupancy and length of stay, and more teeth for code enforcement, are on the table for single-family homes zoned as R-1 residential.
The commission proposed wholesale elimination of rentals lasting less than 30 days and a moratorium on
the issuance of short-term rental licenses for the R-1 zone. People who rent their home on a short-term license could continue to renew for five more years, until the availability of such a license sunsets altogether, the board has recommended.
The move might effectively squeeze out third-party online booking platforms – including Airbnb, Vacasa, and VRBO, among others – for single-family homeowners who rent out their property.
Length of stay comprises the meat and potatoes of the commission’s draft ordinance, which they’ll send to the City Council for review next month. The bill under consideration at first would have limited short-term summer rentals to five days, but then the board decided longer would be better.
“These are rentals, and these are a business,” said Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis. “It’s not a hotel, it’s not a motel. It needs to be 30 days or more. Because if you just have five days or three days or whatever it might be, then you’re now condoning – you’re recognizing that this is a business as allowed in a residential neighborhood.”
Commissioner Joel Brous agreed, saying he believes the growth of Airbnb-type rentals in single-family neighborhoods is going to push out
families.
“After a lot of thinking, I really think we really need to protect the R1 family neighborhoods, and I think we need to eliminate all short-term rentals in the R-1,” Brous said. “We’re at a crossroads now. We keep going on this road – of the businesses (and) Airbnb in the R-1 – families won’t know where to live.”
Ocean City’s single-family neighborhoods with R-1 zoning include Caine Woods, Caine Keys, and Little Salisbury. Uptown, R-1 zoning is also along 120th Street on the bayside, and downtown, it’s bayside from 15th to 21st Street, which includes the Mallard Island loop off 15th Street.
Mobile home district properties include the bayside communities of Montego Bay (130th Street), Warren’s Park co-op, (51st Street), and the Isle of Wight trailer park (25th Street). Homes outside the R-1, including properties in the MH or Mobile Home zoning district, would not be affected by any length-of-stay restriction.
Resort officials have been working for months on ways to wrap their arms around the whack-a-mole nature of Airbnb-type rentals, used by large groups of renters who hold onenight throwdowns, such as a bachelor party, to the irritation of year-round homeowners in R-1 neighborhoods.
36 Juneway Lane, Ocean Pines 5BR/4BA
on Harbour . Unit 204C, Her on Dr Herro r. ro r, , OC 3BR/2BA
61 Charleston Road, Ocean Pines4BR/4.5BASingle
Starfish Lane, Unit 25 PH, Ocean Pines 3BR/3BA
Change to impact residential zone
Going back to 2017, resort leaders recognized the growing demand of online booking websites for one- or two-night stays, and that the integrity of existing residential neighborhoods should be protected, according to George Bendler, director of the town’s department of planning and community development.
Since then, town officials have stated a major goal of rental reform is to protect R-1 homeowners.
Overall, short-term rental occupancy has now surpassed hotel occupancy and food tax has decreased, leading to less municipal revenue, according to Susan Jones, executive director for the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.
However, that shift is not quite as impactful in single-family homes, which comprise about 3% of Ocean City’s almost 9,000 rental properties, most of which are condominium units. There are 230 rental licenses in the R-1 district and 147 rental licenses in the Mobile Home district, according to the town.
Among members of the Planning Commission, the lone dissenting voice on length of stay came from chairman Joe Wilson, a real estate broker who also operates a vacation rental business. He said three to fiveday Airbnb stays are the norm now in Ocean City, and the days of week-
long vacation rentals are “far gone.”
“The world is not in the same place it was 30 years ago,” he said. “We’re never going to put the horse back in the barn and get all year-round residents. I don’t see us moving in that direction. I don’t think it is a business. I just think it’s too restrictive.”
Wilson also said the de facto erasure of Airbnb rentals in the R-1 district won’t move the needle for the hospitality or vacation rental industry, “but I do think it’s going to crush the people who own units that rent them out,” he said. “For the people who do own units in R-1, this is a very drastic change, and I think we should treat it as such.”
Also discussed by the planning commission was an occupancy limit. Maximum occupancy of an R-1 rental would be two persons per bedroom, plus an allowance for two more adults elsewhere in the unit. The bill sets the hours of occupancy as between midnight and 7 a.m. and doesn’t apply to kids 10 and under. This standard would supersede an earlier definition, where minimum square footage determined how many renters were allowed to share a bedroom.
The draft ordinance also would say you homeowners can’t advertise a property as having more bedrooms than permitted, and that no room or garage can be converted into a bed-
room without going through the zoning office. This is a rule that would apply to all rentals in town.
A rental license could be suspended for 30 days if three documented calls for service require a response or citation in 12 months. Calls for service include situations such as disturbing the peace, public drunkenness, harassment, overcrowding, noise violations, or parking nuisances.
Homeowners are still required to purchase a rental license no matter how they make their property available for rent. Licenses, which cost $191 annually, are in effect from May 1 through April 30. Properties with suspended licenses may not be rented, and the violation needs to be corrected before rentals can resume, according to the town.
The board will share the draft ordinance with the Mayor and City Council for review at their Jan. 7 meeting. The planning commission is also working on a draft 2025 Comprehensive Plan to be reviewed in January and February.
“I don’t think the City Council has the political will to do what we’re recommending,” Gillis said in an interview Tuesday. “But somewhere you have to have a neighborhood that can be for families. You have to protect your neighborhoods.”
ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Redevelopment moves to planning
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) A developer’s plans to build on three parcels of land at 94th Street will move forward to the planning commission after a resort board last week granted a slew of variance requests.
Last Wednesday, Dec. 4, the developer of the 94th Street shopping mall received multiple variances that will allow five buildings to be constructed below the town’s freeboard requirements. The applicant will now go before the town’s planning commission for site plan approval.
City Planner Bill Neville told members of the Ocean City Board of Adjustments and Appeals last week that the developer, OCTC Holdings LLC, had submitted three applications, each of which requested freeboard
variances for buildings that will be developed on the 94th Street site.
Freeboard is an additional height above base flood elevation at which the structure’s lowest floor must be elevated, according to FEMA.
“The application before you here includes three separate decision points,” he said.
Neville noted that the planning commission earlier this year had granted the developer’s request to divide the shopping center into four separate parcels for future development. Parcel A, located to the northeast, would feature a new ACME grocery store and retail space, while parcels C and D, located to the west, would feature townhomes, a community center and a community pool.
Parcel B, which currently hosts a bank and Blue Fish Restaurant and
Bar, will not be redeveloped.
“Without getting into the developer’s long-term plans, they basically want to reconstruct the ACME grocery store that you see on parcel A with associated retail next to it and an additional pad site out in front of it, where the Rose’s was located,” Neville told the board last week. “And then parcels C and D are proposed for residential development, townhousestyle condominiums. And then down on 94th Street, at the location of the coffee shop, would be a community recreation building.”
However, to make those plans a reality, Neville said the developer was seeking variances to reduce the freeboard requirement at both the commercial and residential sites. In parcel A, he explained, the developer
Guaranty Fund helps increase client confidence
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) is the regulatory agency that provides licenses to real estate brokers and agents. Their office receives hundreds of consumer complaints annually. MREC is a special funded entity in which license fees fund MREC operations as well as the Real Estate Guaranty Fund.
Maryland Realtors have provided a good synopsis of the Guaranty Fund and its function. The Guaranty Fund is in place to cover a consumer’s losses when a real estate licensee’s conduct results in a financial loss to a consumer. The consumer may seek recovery from the Guaranty Fund up to $50,000. The Real Estate Guaranty Fund balance has varied over the years. In 2024, the Guaranty Fund balance was at $1.3 million.
Although the Maryland Real Estate Broker’s Act requires a licensee to reimburse the Guaranty Fund when the licensee’s conduct results in an award paid by the Fund, the reality is that licensees who have harmed a consumer often fail to repay the Fund. The statute now requires the Fund to maintain a minimum balance of $250,000. Should the Fund balance drop below $250,000, the Commission is required to recapitalize the Fund by imposing a surcharge on real estate license renewals. All new real estate licensees contribute $20 to the fund, but no further contribution is collected upon renewing licensees.
The existence of the Real Estate Guaranty provides consumers with greater confidence to engage a real estate agent and complete the transaction. The Guaranty Fund offers consumers an administrative remedy should a licensed real estate sales professional conduct him or herself in a manner that does not comply with Maryland law or regulation. If not for the Real Estate Guaranty Fund, consumers would have no recourse other than a lawsuit against a negligent or intentional professional action by a licensed Maryland real estate broker or agent. To function properly, the fund must remain solvent.
Lauren Bunting is a licensed Broker with Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City, MD.
OC board approves variances
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requested that the elevation for the proposed ACME store and attached retail space be reduced from the required 10.1 feet to 8.6 feet.
“In the case of the grocery store, the existing grade is 8.1 and the requirement is a two-foot freeboard elevation,” he said. “The requirement would mean that the grocery store would be built at an elevation of 10.1, and what’s being proposed is an elevation of 8.6.”
The applicant’s attorney, Joe Moore, said it was not unusual for commercial buildings to have no freeboard. He said similar examples could be found throughout town, including at the Food Lion on 119th Street and the existing ACME store on 94th Street.
“This is not an unusual circumstance,” he said.
Neville also noted that the developer was also seeking a variance to the pad site located in parcel A. He said the application asked that the freeboard elevation be reduced from the required 9.1 feet to 6.5 feet.
“In this case, our recommendation
Project bids come in under budget after city review
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) Staff will evaluate several bids that came in at or below budget for two city projects.
On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council received six bids for a revetment project on Edgewater Avenue and three bids for a fence replacement project at Northside Park. Staff will now be tasked with reviewing the proposals and making award recommendations.
“I make a motion that we acknowledge the bids and remand them back to staff for review,” Councilman Will Savage said.
In response to the bid solicitation for the Edgewater Avenue revetment project, the city this received six bids – a $112,411 bid from Ben’s Marine Construction, a $112,500 bid from Shoreline Design, a $145,814 bid from Murtech Marine Division, a $147,417 bid from Bay Coastal, a $185,200 bid from George & Lynch, and a $235,850 bid from Chesapeake Turf. Officials noted the project was budgeted at $184,000.
The council this week also opened three bids for a Northside Park fencing project, all of which came under the budgeted $250,000. Hercules Fence submitted a bid of $144,900, INL Construction submitted a bid of $153,648, and Pintail Property Services submitted a bid of $189,900.
With no further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to remand the bids to staff for further review.
would be our proposed condition that every structure meet the seven-foot minimum elevation standard,” Neville said. “It would mean they would have to agree that that building would be built six inches higher.”
After further discussion, the board voted unanimously to grant the freeboard variance, as requested, for the ACME store and attached retail space. However, the board voted to increase the elevation for the pad site to 7.7 feet.
In two other applications, Neville told board members the developer was seeking a freeboard reduction for the proposed residential buildings and community amenities in parcels
C and D. The board voted unanimously to grant the variances with the staff’s minimum standards, as well as the caveat that the townhomes’s HVAC units be raised, if needed.
“By granting these variances, there
may be an increase in flood insurance,” Chair Michael Donnelly told the applicant.
With variances now secured, the
developer will go before the Ocean City Planning Commission next week to present the site plans for the three parcels.
Redevelopment of the 94th Street property includes a new ACME store on Parcel A and townhomes and community amenities on Parcels C and D.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH
OCPD rebrands seasonal officer program for hiring
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is rebranding its seasonal program and deploying new recruitment tools in an effort to get more people to join the ranks next year.
On Wednesday, the department’s command staff presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on recruiting. As the OCPD has ended its seasonal officer program, officials say they are hoping to hire 70 individuals to serve as public safety officers in the summer of 2025.
“The seasonal police officer will no longer be there,” Lt. Allen Hawk told commission members this week.
“However, the public safety aide will transition into the public safety officer, which is a rebranding as we go into this transition, where the PSA and seasonal police officer gets migrated into one position. They will no longer have the powers of arrest, but they will still be capable of conducting patrol and completing municipal citations, as well as working in our corrections and booking facilities.”
For decades, the department has enhanced its workforce with seasonal officers and public safety aides during the summer months. Simply put, seasonal officers are fully sworn, temporary employees with the same arrest powers as full-time officers, while public safety aides act as civilian support staff within the town’s patrol and support services divisions.
In recent years, however, interest in the seasonal program has waned. And earlier this year, the police department announced it would do away with its seasonal officer program after 2024.
“With the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission’s new guidelines and regulations, we are no longer capable of maintaining the seasonal police officers as we’ve known it in the past,” Hawk explained this week. “So as 2024 concludes, so does our seasonal officer program.”
To that end, OCPD officials have started the process of transitioning its public safety aide program into a public safety officer program. With that, they have deployed a new digital marketing strategy and have started recruitment visits at numerous colleges, universities, high schools and job fairs.
“There’s no other police department on the Eastern Shore that’s going to universities as regularly as we are,” Interim Chief Michael Colbert said.
Officials also highlighted other new initiatives, all in an effort to fill the department’s seasonal and full-time positions. Just recently, for example, the OCPD partnered with the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to re-
County pays down debt on retiree expenses
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) Worcester County stands to save millions in borrowing costs for future capital projects after securing a top-level bond rating, the result of paying off its debt on retired employee health plans.
“The commissioners have adhered to an aggressive investment policy to build trusts that are capable of generating the dividends and interest needed to pay anticipated annual (post-employee benefits) costs,” said Ted Elder, president of the Worcester County Board of Commissioners, in a statement.
Federal polices requires counties and municipalities to maintain a dedicated trust fund to pay the cost of promised future medical and pharmacy benefits for retirees. Over the past three years, the County Commissioners increased their annual allocation to this fund, budgeting about $12 million annually.
Three years ago, Worcester County’s debt service for health care retirees – meaning, the dollar amount that would be needed not today, but decades from now, to cover retiree benefit costs – was $437 million. Today, that reserve fund is fully funded after the county aggressively paid down the liability, ensuring no need to
dip into the general fund for retiree health care costs.
County employees become eligible for lifetime medical benefits from provider CareFirst after 15 years of service and reaching age 55. While retirees still pay a portion of the cost, the county covers between 80 and 90 percent.
With an assumed 7 percent return on investment, the fully funded trust should generate enough interest to cover all future retiree health benefits
indefinitely.
The fund covers benefits for the county’s 650 employees and is separate from a similar trust fund for the Board of Education (BOE), which serves 1,200 employees. The BOE’s $94.8 million liability is expected to be paid off within five to seven years, according to county officials.
This fully funded trust has improved the county’s borrowing power, earning it an AAA bond rating – on par with the State of Maryland and the fed-
eral government.
“The existing unfunded (trust) liability has a direct impact on the County’s credit rating, borrowing power, and interest rates on debt for capital construction projects, like the upcoming project to build a new Buckingham Elementary School,” said Weston Young, Worcester County’s Chief Administrative Officer. “Transforming the BOE Trust from a liability to a net asset is critical to ensuring the
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Police give recruitment updates
cruit transitioning military members.
Hawk said a DOD SkillBridge program would provide an opportunity for those exiting the military to gain work experience and training in their last 180 days of service.
“I think it could be one of the more promising efforts,” Council President Matt James, a commission member, said.
The police department has also introduced online testing, Hawk said. Unlike the in-person examinations, which were offered eight times a year, he said the online process can be ad-
ministered 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
“There’s no stipulation that you have to test at this place and at this time,” he explained. “They can test at any place as long as they have a computer with a microphone and a camera.”
To date, the police department has received 56 applicants for full-time positions and 64 applicants for PSO positions. This time last year, Hawk said, the department had 34 seasonal officer applicants, 20 public safety aide applicants and 18 full-time applicants.
“We’re ahead of the game,” he said.
Officials noted that the department has 111 full-time officers, with four more joining the ranks this week. However, the city has budgeted for 130 officers beginning in January. When asked if a recent manpower study –which will be presented to the Mayor and Council next week – supported the 130 positions, McGean said it did not.
“If you follow the metrics of a normal police department, it would say we are significantly overstaffed,” he said. “We are obviously not a normal police department, concerning what we do on the Boardwalk.”
OCEAN CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
The OC Stars singing group from Ocean City Elementary School is pictured marching toward the judge’s stand.
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The small classic cars from the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Evergreen Forest #49 was a crowd favorite for many last Saturday.
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Jolly Roger Amusements Parks is a featured entry annually in the Ocean City Christmas Parade as well as the Berlin Christmas Parade.
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Crayons of every color were featured by costumed associates in the annual parade entry from Atlantic General Hospital.
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Public safety messages appropriate for this time of year were featured on the National Aquarium’s parade float.
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Live music and dueling boxers were featured on the creative float presented by the Bearded Men’s Society of OC.
‘I would have been dead,’ cop tells Hardwire
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) Philadelphia Police Sgt. Erik Bullock was called into a middle-of-the-night barricade situation on April 30, 2023. It dragged on for 20 hours before police decided to make entry into the building. When officers breached the door, the suspect was right there with a shotgun – and struck Bullock at point-blank range in his abdomen and shoulder.
“I didn’t realize I got hit here” – Bullock runs a hand along his midsection – “until I got down and took my vest off. If it wasn’t for you guys, I wouldn’t be here. That blast was definitely fatal. I was sore for a couple days but that’s about it. My family thanks you so much.”
Bullock was one of five police officers whose lives were saved by bulletproof vests manufactured by Pocomoke City-based Hardwire LLC. The men and their families got to share their stories of survival and thank Hardwire employees in person Tuesday at company headquarters for a special event called “Hardwire Saves.”
“These guys are still sitting up, going out every day. I can’t say enough about what you do to make that happen,” said Sgt. Ed Hinchey, the event’s emcee and former police officer from Pittsburgh who also was saved from gunfire by his ballistic armor. He now works for Safariland, an armor distributor represented at the event.
“Every step on the line, every person that runs a forklift with material, may be bringing in the next piece of equipment that’s going to bring these guys home to their families – and makes the difference between a celebration like this, or a name being engraved on the wall in Judiciary Square at the police memorial site,” Hinchey added.
The soft armor worn by the officers whose lives were saved has been in development for a decade. Hardwire CEO and founder George Tunis said this product is now the de facto standard
See HARDWIRE Page 67
General Fund burden reduced
Continued from Page 63
County’s continued ability to secure low-interest loans for BES and other capital projects.”
Young also said the county is among the best performers among Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City for paying down retiree health benefits. Looking ahead, the county’s primary capital project is the replacement of Berlin’s aging Buckingham Elementary School. The state is expected to cover 20 percent of the projected $47 million cost, though that funding is uncertain in the face of the state’s looming budget crisis.
Senator Mary Beth Carozza presented five surviving police officers with state commendations during a Dec. 10 ceremony at the Pocomoke City headquarters of armor manufacturer Hardwire
vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY
With Bunk Mann
The Coast Guard Tower at the Inlet is one of just a few still standing in the United States today. A unique piece of Ocean City’s history, plans for it began in 1938 after the Coast Guard leased a small piece of land at the south end of the Boardwalk. Work on the 50-foot tall steel tower was completed in 1939 at a cost of $5,000.
The tower was an important part of coastal defense in World War II. Manned 24 hours a day it was used to monitor the offshore shipping lanes where German submarines sunk several merchant ships in 1942. During the Cold War era of the 1950s and ‘60s Russian subs patrolled off the coast. The Coast Guard was tasked with reporting any planes that flew by and logging in every boat that went in or out of the Inlet.
The tower reverted back to the Town of Ocean City on Dec. 6, 1977. No longer manned, it remains a silent spectator looking out on the wide Atlantic Ocean.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.
circa 1940 courtesy of the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum
Things I Like...
By Steve Green
Learning the name of a familiar face
David Wells’ Decatur football commentary
Photos from previous vacations
Anything by Tastykake
Thick socks on cold days
Good low-budget movies
Criminal case documentaries
Half-day work days
Cobblestone streets in a city
Criminal case documentaries
Ugly sweater parties
Photo
Hardwire products saving lives
Continued from Page 65
for Special Forces, the Army and the Marines. “Essentially, the exact same gear is on these officers that were speaking today,” he said.
An engineer by trade working with composites, Tunis in 2000 founded Hardwire in his garage. He grew the company by securing government contracts with the military. Now an industry leader, Hardwire is now headquartered in a 130,000 square foot manufacturing facility in downtown Pocomoke City.
The ballistic armor manufactured in Pocomoke is made from some of the world’s strongest fibers. When those textiles are layered and then pressed by machines exerting tons of pressure, it becomes a composite material that can slow or stop bullets moving at supersonic speed.
Some bulletproof material made by Hardwire can be as thin as a clipboard – in fact, they do sell bulletproof clipboards, which can also double as a handheld whiteboard.
The company saw early success making landmine-resistant armor for soldiers in combat before pivoting to ballistic armor, for both police officers and their vehicles. Tunis said his company is now involved in manufacturing ultra-strong molded steel as well.
“What’s amazing is we’ve moved not just to police armor, but the entire DOJ, the FBI, the DEA, the U. S. Marshals, everything they wear except their underwear and their helmets, we make,” he said.
Other officers recognized included Anthony Huizar from Sparks, Nevada, who was shot in the chest during a traffic stop in late March by a suspect. Deputy Aaron Reynolds from Broadwater County, Montana, survived a head-on highway collision in January because his armor took the brunt of the impact.
Officer Matthey Haney with the Phoenix Police took a .45 caliber round to his abdomen on Sept. 3, and his Hardwire armor slowed it to the point where the bullet ended up lodged in between his lower rib, inches from his lungs. His partner, Officer Zane Coolidge, shot in the neck, did not survive the alleyway gunfight.
“Out of all that, it was an outpatient surgery to get the bullet out. I left with a big fat bruise, a hole in my heart, but I was able to go home. Then I got the news that we had baby number two on the way,” recalled an emotional Haney.
Jeremy McKenna was just nine days out of the academy on June 30, 2023. As a sheriff’s deputy in Clackamas County, Oregon, he and a partner were deep in the woods tracking down burglary suspects at a homeless encampment. One man, shirtless, puts his hands up – but then he reached around back and pulled out a pistol.
“As soon as he put his hand down, I knew it was on. I didn’t have the time to react,” McKenna recalled. By the time was able to return fire,
the first shot shattered his hip. The second hit him squarely in the chest. His ballistic vest stopped that almost-lethal impact, right over his heart.
“I would have been dead. Like, I wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t be having Christmas with my daughter, my wife. I wouldn’t get to see my family if it wasn’t for you guys,” McKenna said.
Each of the front-line officers at the ceremony was honored with a General Assembly citation by State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38C).
“These are my constituents that produced the armor that saved your lives,” she told them, recognizing each by name. “But I’m also here because of what you did, how you responded in those situations. We want to recognize that your heroic efforts. Your bravery saved countless lives in that incident, and day in and day out.”
Resort seeking critical CDL personnel for next season
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 13, 2024) Transportation officials say they are exploring recruitment strategies that will bring more drivers with a commercial license to Ocean City.
During Tuesday’s meeting of the Ocean City Transportation Committee, Transit Manager Rob Shearman told city officials that a staffing shortage earlier this summer had contributed to fewer bus deployments –and, potentially, less ridership – during the months of July and August. As the transportation department begins preparing for next year, he said staff will start recruitment efforts earlier, in the hopes that they will hire more Commercial Driver’s License
(CDL) holders to operate the city’s transit system.
“We want drivers,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “We want to make up for the dip in deployments.”
Transportation Operations Director George Peake told committee members this week the department last season had started out with 68 drivers, but that the number had decreased in the months that followed. He noted that the attrition rate had increased last season, as drivers could find higher pay working elsewhere.
“A lot of people can go use that CDL to drive a dump truck and make a lot more money than driving transit for us,” he said.
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Opinions
AGH supporters should be proud
Sitting at the desk of a newspaper that resulted from the merger last February of two publications that were doing fine on their own, it is difficult — no, impossible — to see anything but the benefits of the partnership that is pending between Atlantic General Hospital and TidalHealth.
Unlike the conjunction of two equal operations — Maryland Coast Dispatch and Ocean City Today — AGH will come into this union as the junior partner.
This subordinate status might not sit well with some AGH advocates, especially those who battled state healthcare regulators and TidalHealth (as Peninsula General back then) in the mid-1980s for the local hospital’s right to exist.
Yet, this is one instance where the good going forward far outweighs any negative aspects of this absorption, as it were, of Atlantic General by the TidalHealth network.
The reality is AGH could never compete with or grow itself out of the shadow of TidalHealth because of its much smaller service area and its inability to raise its rates as needed to pay for expansions. All hospital rates in Maryland are set by the Health Services Cost Review Commission, which was created in the 1970s to contain healthcare costs for the benefit of the public.
Besides, the original concept of AGH was not to be a competing healthcare enterprise, but to bring primary care services and doctors to an area that was medically underserved. And that it has done, most admirably, with its dedicated staff, board members, hospital foundation and a host of volunteers. More importantly, the merger of AGH and TidalHealth is not about the present or the individual institutions involved. This partnership is about how to provide the people in the coastal area the best healthcare in the years ahead.
That was always the goal of Atlantic General’s founders and supporters, and they should take pride in having far exceeded the vision of the citizen corporation that brought AGH into existence.
PUBLIC EYE
Glory days of football
Ah, the glory of high school football, which I never experienced. Not the glory aspect of the game anyway, as I was not what you would call a standout performer, at least not in a good way.
NEWS
EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN
OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2024
By Stewart Dobson
Let’s just say that in my senior year when making the team required only that candidates be able to walk upright when the occasion called for it, I was less than an imposing figure.
If memory serves me correctly, I stood at 5’ 10” and weighed about 9 pounds (not a typo).
Granted, that was a solid 9 pounds of “romping, stomping, pure destruction,” as the coaches used to say, but that failed to allay the fears of the head coach, who worried that some player critical to our success might trip over my rib cage in a play-action scenario and hurt himself.
Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating the weight business a little, but the fact remains that it’s not easy to hang football pads on a pair of chopsticks, which is what I resembled at the time.
Besides, it was my fate back then to do my best work when no one was watching, and to do the exact opposite when under scrutiny.
On one particular day of practice, for instance, I must have caught 45 passes — over the shoulder, close-to-the-ground, between my legs and basket catches from over my head. The quarterback couldn’t throw a pass that I couldn’t handle ... because only he was watching.
But when the coach, who was a big hairy knuckle with a teaching certificate, said, “OK,
Dobson, go long,” I took off as fast as my bowed legs and outward-flying feet would take me ... which wasn’t that long or fast at all.
The quarterback heaved a perfect spiral as I ran to my designated position and ... boink! ... the ball bounced off the back of my helmet and into the next county.
“Try it again,” he said.
Boink!
“One more time.”
Boink!
Thus, I was destined to have a great view of our games from the bench that year unless we were up 72-0 or something and the coach yelled to his assistant, “Send in the all-kneesand-elbows squad” of which I was an integral part.
It was during such an outing that I made the greatest play of my high school career and sacked the quarterback, or so it appeared.
The truth is I slipped through a crack in the offensive line like a piece of paper sliding under a door and found myself standing in the backfield ... for about half a second.
That’s when I received my first flying lesson. I don’t know who or what it was that hit me, but it was big, because suddenly I was hurtling through the air completely horizontal to the ground, arms, legs, knees, elbows and feet exercising their newfound independence by going in different directions at the same time.
As it happened, one flailing appendage or the other clipped the quarterback and down he went. The crowd went wild.
“Outstanding!” Coach Hairy Knuckle said on the sidelines.
“Nothing to it,” I lied.
After all, accepting undeserved glory is better than no glory at all.
Between the Lines
By Steve Green
The Ocean City Planning Commission voted 6-1 last week to shut down short-term rentals in the R-1 residential districts like Caine Woods, Caine Keys, Little Salisbury and Mallard Island. There are currently 230 active rental licenses in the R-1 district and nearly all are rented for short stays through online platforms. There are probably more not in rental compliance. The commission’s ordinance to come before the Ocean City Council next year calls for outlawing rental licenses in the R-1 zone by mandating no rentals under 30 days would be permitted. Existing licensed properties can continue operations for five years before the mandate goes into effect. Of course, that’s when enforcement will be a challenge.
There was a lot of strong talk from planning commission members about businesses being operated in residential areas. Summing up the commission majority’s views was Commissioner Joel Brous, who said, “… I really think we really need to protect the R-1 family neighborhoods, and I think we need to eliminate all short-term rentals in the R-1. We’re at a crossroads now. We keep going on this road – of the businesses (and) Airbnb in the R-1 – families won’t know where to live.” The question is whether the council will agree as Commission Chair Joe Wilson, the lone dissenter, said, “I do think it’s going to crush the people who own units that rent them out … this is a very drastic change, and I think we should treat it as such.”
During the council election, most of the candidates and incumbents said they supported minimum lengths of stays on short-term rentals in the R-1 district, but voting time on an ordinance to ban them in residential areas could be different. Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis could be right when he opined after the meeting, “I don’t think the City Council has the political will to do what we’re recommending. But somewhere you have to have a neighborhood that can be for families. You have to protect your neighborhoods.”
***
Last week it was discussed it seems every week there is some approval for the offshore wind project. Well, for the third straight week, US Wind has secured another key permit. This time, it was the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control signing off on three permit applications to link offshore wind power to the Sussex County regional electric grid. The US Wind release said, “DNREC’s final approvals allow US Wind to responsibly land its power cables underneath 3R’s Beach parking lot in the Delaware Seashore State Park and safely route them under the Indian River Bay, ultimately connecting to the regional electrical grid at Delmarva Power and Light’s Indian River substation in Dagsboro, Delaware. Pursuant to these permits, US Wind also commits to providing compensatory mitigation and sponsorship of important local infrastructure projects to protect and support the state’s unique environment.”
***
On the topic of offshore wind, the Worcester County Commissioners should have supported the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s grant application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The grant could have received a letter of support from the county because the funds could mean a lot for the county’s water restoration efforts. The state grant will award $1 million a year for up to five years for as many as five applicants. It’s a great opportunity.
The grant and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s neutral position on offshore wind should have been viewed separately. These were distinct issues. The county became fixated on the program’s wind position rather than being rational and considering the benefits of an influx of new state funding. The county could have agreed to support the letter during the early part of the discussion and then blasted the bays program for its neutral position – seen understandably as support in some circles. After supporting the grant request to help the county, the commissioners could still put the program on blast for its wind position. It’s possible the grant could be awarded still to the program, but the application is certainly weakened without the local county’s paper support.
***
Congratulations to the Stephen Decatur High School varsity football team on repeating as Maryland 2A state champs. There was much to report on this week but here’s some other data that didn’t make it into stories. The stats speak to the program’s dominance. During the twoyear unbeaten streak of 28 straight wins, Decatur outscored its opponents 1,104 to 241 (an impressive 573 to 106 the most recent season). Over the course of this season, there were five straight shutout wins and six total on the season. The last time Decatur lost was back on Nov. 25, 2022, in the 2A playoffs to Milford Mill, 40-33.
Letters to the editor
45 years and counting for Thanksgiving dinner
Editor,
On Thanksgiving Day, Ocean City Baptist Church (OCBC) opened its doors and hearts to feed the community a meal for the 45th straight year. The meal provides a warm plate of food, a warm place to go as well as lots of love and warm greetings from hundreds of volunteers. The meal this year was a plate that included turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, apple pie, pumpkin pie and lemonade, sweet tea or water.
This year OCBC, with the generous financial donations from the OC Elks Lodge #2645 and the Humphrey’s Foundation Inc., were able to feed 125 people who came in to eat, made 194 deliveries and another 396 carryout meals for a total of 715 meals served.
What made the day so special was that each person who came in was grateful for the meal and brought about an amazing spirit of love and unity. The rainy weather caused many to stay longer than normal and just enjoy each others presence. Everyone who received a meal left with a full belly and a full heart.
I want to thank the many volunteers for making turkeys, helping set up, clean- up and serving the meal that day. I also want to thank Chef Paul Dehuarte for preparing an amazing meal as wall as Melanie Corbin for organizing all the events of the day. Without them this meal would not be possible.
Sean Davis Ocean City
(The writer is the pastor of Ocean City Baptist Church.)
Commissioners were not bullying bays program
Editor,
Your editorial, “Commissioners act like bullies,” (December 6, 2024) omits key information. Contrary to
your editorial, as well as comments made during the recent commissioner meeting by its executive director, Maryland Coastal Bays did not remain neutral regarding the US Wind project that will place wind turbines off the coast of Ocean City. Quite the opposite.
The Program accepted funding from US Wind. Additionally, at least one of its employees advocated on behalf of US Wind, Inc. on its website until the comments were recently removed. This information was reported in the news pages of your paper but was not included in the editorial.
Maryland Coastal Bays’ claim of neutrality in response to commissioners’ concerns is inconsistent with their acceptance of funds and their public advocacy for US Wind and its project off our coast.
Maryland Coastal Bays Program is an asset to our county. Their efforts have benefitted residents and visitors alike. Through the years the organization has rightly received support, both financial and in-kind, from citizens, businesses, county government, Ocean City government, watermen, fishermen and many others to ensure the improvement and sustainability of our coastal bays. In fact, the most recent report card attests to bay improvement. I applaud the Program’s efforts.
Had Maryland Coastal Bays and its employees been consistent and adhered to its policy of neutrality when dealing with US Wind, there would have been no complaint from me. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The Program took a position in favor of a project that will negatively impact our community. Their actions favoring US Wind contradict their testimony to Commissioners that the organization is neutral in the matter. Our county, our economy and the livelihood of our fishing industry is threatened by this turbine project. It is the belief of this commissioner that county government has an obligation
to protect our community from this assault on our way of life, economy and identity. That is why county government joined with Ocean City and others to oppose the project.
Like you, I firmly believe Maryland Coastal Bays has the right to take a position, even one I disagree with. However, the actions they have taken to work with and advocate for US Wind are the opposite of the neutrality stance expressed to the commissioners. So, what is their position?
The commissioners were not bullying the Maryland Coastal Bays Program but rather holding them accountable for their inconsistent actions and inaccurate portrayal of such.
Chip Bertino Ocean Pines
(The writer is the District 5 Worcester County Commissioner.)
Offshore
wind benefits being ignored by many Editor,
On the issue of offshore wind for Ocean City, each person’s viewpoint is colored by a personal agenda or individual experience. It might be the lens of business and economics, tourism, the environment and ecosystems, climate change, local livelihoods, etc. The dominant theme
of local opinion has been driven by a culture of negativism and fear, so that any positive arguments have been obscured or silenced.
There is an ongoing need to highlight the many irrefutable benefits of offshore wind power that have been mainly ignored. It is time for everyone to look at the long view, not the short-sighted view — the facts, not the emotions.
There are certain truths that we need to pay attention to:
• Maryland, and the Eastern Shore specifically, consumes five times the amount of power than it produces. There is a growing need to import electrical energy. Wind and solar power offer viable, sustainable options. Soon there will be a shortfall of electicity to meet the needs of residents and businesses.
• The energy grid is fragile. It will need to be reinforced to accommodate expansion.
• The population is steadily increasing with more housing developments and condo units popping up in proximity to highly sought beaches.
• Cutting down on the use of fossil fuels will help to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide and slow the urgent threat of climate change and the resultant rise in water levels.
Coupled with those facts is some more information that has not been readily put forth by the naysayers, some of the favorable ways the off-
shore wind operations are regulated:
• To protect whales, there are strict mitigating guidelines for wind power developers. On a construction site, safety boats patrol a radius around a construction site watching for whales. When the monopiles are initially being driven in, it is only at 5% of capacity with bubbles and sound vibrations creating a warning to whales. The pile-driving ramps up slowly so that whales have a chance to get acclimated and avoid the site.
• In the construction crew, there is a safety officer on board to watch out for marine mammals and shut operations down when they are in the area.
• Yes, the occasional whale or other mammal may wash up on a beach, but that has always been the case way before there was offshore wind. (Ironically, claims were made of wind turbines killing whales in the Ocean City area before any construction started!) Most whale deaths are due to collision with ships or highspeed sportfishing boats. During the migratory season from October to April, the speed limit for boats going to and from the construction site is 10 mph, while there is no limit on sportfishing boats that can cruise at over 40 knots and burn 200+ gallons of fuel per hour.
Building DREAM r Building DREAM on the Shore
• Research has showed that wind farms don’t appear to harm migratory birds or fish. In fact, the Block Island platforms have created a habitat for mussels and barnacles and attract more fish (and more fishermen). Nor have they been a hazard to navigation.In Block Island, Rhode island,
there are five wind generators three miles offshore. Rather than being met as a threat, harm, or eyesore, tour vans from the island stop to let their tourists view the graceful structures gently generating electricity, which supplies the whole island on average with the needed fuel. Fishing charter boats take their clients out to the reef that has formed around the construction site, now a habitat attracting fish. The wind generators have become a tourist attraction rather than a detriment. The fact is tourism has not been hurt in Block Island or anywhere there are wind turbines. Furthermore, the island residents’ fuel bills have gone down considerably. Clearly, more clean energy is needed and fossil fuel production needs to be cut. It is disturbing that Ocean City and Worcester County officials have turned a blind eye to these facts and have capitalized on emotional fear-producing arguments that are short-sighted and ultimately destructive. We invite them to be more proactive and problem-solving and work with government officials to offer better suggestions than the “Just Say NO mentality.” We need to take the long view, not the short view, to preserve our lifestyle and community. Will we be able to say that we are making the next generation proud and protected?
In the early stages of our democracy (1795) Edmund Burke gave us our motto to stand for: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Monty and Sara Lewis Berlin
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 410-723-6397.
Bagel dip blend and smoked salmon topping
By Deborah Lee Walker
Contributing Writer
My Christmas menu has been on my mind. Creativeness will flow as the tide of indecision goes out to sea. As I take in this miraculous scene of infinity, I cannot help but wonder how the Eastern Shore of Maryland, more specifically Ocean City, came to be.
According to the official site of the State of Maryland Tourism, Paleo-Indians came more than 10,000 years ago from other parts of North America and were considered the first Marylanders.
By 1,000 B.C., Maryland had more than 8,000 native Marylanders consisting of about 40 different tribes. Hunting bison and caribou were a way of life along with plentiful fishing. In addition, the growing of corn, peas, squash, and tobacco were typical for the first Marylanders.
Giovanni da Verrazano, an Italian explorer in the 1500s, surveyed the east coast of North America and was the first European to visit the Chesapeake. In time, more and more English settlers left England for better economic opportunities and escape religious oppression. Fur trader William Claiborne set up a fur trading post on Kent Island in 1631. This was the first English settlement in the upper Chesapeake.
Due to Ocean City’s isolation as an island, the town remained a small fishing village until 1875, when the Atlantic Hotel opened its doors to visitors. The following year the railroad era began which bridged Sinepuxent Bay and Ocean City. A taste of modernism prevailed and the resort was born.
The salty smell of the vast ocean is a reminder of how rich and plentiful the waters must have been. The thought of seafood tickles my fancy, and I decide there will be some sort of seafood on my Christmas menu.
As I stroll along the beach, the topic of history keeps my interest flowing. In 1878, the U.S. Life-Saving Service, an ancestor of today’s Coast Guard, establishes a station in Ocean City.
In 1900, the first boardwalk was constructed. Believe it or not but the boards of the boardwalk were taken up in the winter and stored until the following spring.
But the intriguing and tragic tidbit of history was the powerful storm of 1933. The boardwalk and properties were already flooded from four straight days of torrential rains. But on the fifth day, August 22, an epic storm battered Ocean City with massive waves, severe rain, and hurricane winds. When the storm finally subsided in the evening hours of August 23, residents witnessed the existence of a new inlet between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sinepuxent Bay.
A common misconception is that the surging ocean tides driven by the storm breached the dunes and cut the inlet, but the inlet was severed by the massive wall of water built up in the back bays that had steadily risen after four days of drenching rains.
The irony of this situation is that for years, Ocean City businessmen who had the foresight to understand the benefits of an ocean-access inlet, had been petitioning the state and federal agencies to create a manmade inlet.
My mind must leave the subject of history and head back to the kitchen.
All of a sudden, salmon peak’s my interest, more specifically smoked salmon and bagels. I adore this classic pairing but prefer a little more creativity. A smoked salmon and bagel dip sounds intriguing.
Whipped cream cheese blended with smoked salmon imparts a texture similar to a souffle. A crunchy topping of smoked salmon bits, red onions, tomatoes, capers, fresh dill, and bagel sesame seasoning blend sounds delicious. If you want to add sophistication, add salmon caviar.
A smoked salmon and bagel dip has the essence of smoked salmon and bagels and can be served with your favorite crackers, slices of toasted baguette, and even veggies.
In closing, if you relish smoked salmon, you must give this recipe a try. Enjoy!
Basic Dip
Ingredients
12 ounces whipped cream cheese
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
6 ounces smoked salmon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1. Using a hand-held blender, blend ingredients until smooth. Place in a serving dish.
Toppings
3 ounces smoked salmon, chopped 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 ½ tablespoons Roma tomatoes, chopped
2/3 teaspoon bagel sesame seasoning blend
1 ½ tablespoon capers, drained 1 tablespoon fresh dill
1 teaspoon salmon caviar (optional)
1. Combine ingredients in a small bowl, and spread evenly over the cream cheese
Mixture. Chill for one hour before serving.
* Harris Teeter sells salmon caviar. It is pricey but gorgeous.
* Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend can be purchased online.
Secret Ingredient – Creativity
The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.
Sylvia Plath
SEALED BID
168-unit apartment complex to join Giant store on Rt. 50
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Developer presents plans for multi-family
housing at
Coastal Square property
(Dec. 13, 2024) Plans for the Coastal Square complex off routes 50 and 589 anchored by a Giant supermarket now will include a 168-unit apartment complex.
“I think it’s going to be welcomed by the community. A lot of people are looking forward to the Giant. Moreover, the residential component of this project is badly needed in Worcester County. So, overall, I think the project will have a very positive impact on the community,” said
MID-BEACH AND NORTH-END BEACH EQUIPMENT FRANCHISE PARCELS
$500 Minimum Bid Requirement for each Parcel
You are hereby notified that the Town of Ocean City Mayor and Council is now accepting sealed bids for three (3) beach equipment franchise parcels. The successful bidder will contract with the Town to rent certain beach equipment in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Town Code, Chapter 39. Sealed bids are due to the Office of the City Clerk, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842, by Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
Parcels Contract Term
69th-71st Streets 2-years: 2025-2026
85th-87th Streets 3 years: 2025-2027
128th - 130th Streets 3 years: 2025-2027
PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR SEALED BID SUBMITTAL:
1.Satisfactory proof of identity and legal age (i.e. a copy of your driver’s license or government-issued photo ID).
2.For each parcel, pay a n non-refundable deposit of One Thousand Dollar ($1,000.00), or pay the entire n nonrefundable bid amount if it is less than $1,000. A cashier’s check or certified check payable to the Mayor and City Council will be accepted. PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
3.A personal Credit Report.
4.A signed statement, included in the sealed bid packet, authorizing the Mayor and Council to make inquiry of personal background, financial and credit worthiness.
5.A brief plan of management clarifying if you will directly oversee the operation or, if not, how day-to-day operations will be handled; providing details of your experience with the beach equipment rental industry; and advising if you have obtained necessary equipment and boxes or of your arrangement to acquire necessary equipment.
IF APPROVED FOR AWARD:
6.You will be required to obtain comprehensive general liability insurance coverage and products liability insurance coverage in at least the amount of $1,000,000.00 combined single limit, which insurance coverage shall name the Mayor and City Council as an additional insured, and a certificate of insurance evidencing such coverage shall be furnished to the Mayor and City Council by the operator and be approved by Ocean City's City Clerk before contract endorsement.
7.Sign a contract for the term outlined above.
A sealed bid packet can be found at http://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/city-clerk/ or email dchavis@oceancitymd.gov to request the information. Please direct questions to 410-289-8842.
Mark Cropper, an attorney representing Coastal Square.
Housing will include seven buildings, three stories each, containing eight units per floor. Early renderings show one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Units will be available for oneyear leases. Construction would tentatively break ground late next year, and the build will take about 14 months, according to Bill Krapf with developer LC Construction.
Krapf also said his company will manage the units, and that the company already has about 7,800 apartment rentals under management in Maryland, Delaware, and Florida. Two local projects the company built and manage include The Reserve at Parsons Lake in Salisbury, and Ponds Edge in Delmar.
A site plan was reviewed Wednesday by the Worcester County Technical Review Committee in Snow Hill at the county’s government center. Krapf and representatives from builder Becker Morgan Group reviewed minor issues raised by the committee about lighting, landscaping, and signage. The builder will address those concerns and resubmit plans back to zoning officials.
The developer decided to pursue multifamily housing, Krapf added, as part of the overall project in response to an opening in that market – an overall lack of rental housing in the greater Ocean City-Berlin area. At the same time, plans for the Giant supermarket are still moving forward and the builder will break ground in the first quarter of 2025, he said.
An earlier site plan for Coastal Square, reviewed last fall by Worcester County officials, had the Giant planned for the east side of the 49acre property, with nothing at the time proposed for the west side. Now, the apartments will be going on the west side, according to Cropper.
The project will also include seven additional parcels bordering Route 50 for future tenants, and will be anchored by a roundabout that itself will be an extension of Route 589 onto the property.
This is the third major commercial development along the Route 50 corridor. So far it’s been home to a Walmart and Home Depot built by The Cordish Companies, and the Ocean Landings shopping center which includes an Aldi, Michaels, and Pet Smart, among other retailers. Another empty site immediately north of the Walmart, known as the Fisher farm, is also a parcel open for commercial development, Cropper said.
For vehicular traffic, Coastal Square would be connected to Ocean Landings by an extension of Samuel Bowen Boulevard, which now deadends on the westerly edge of that complex near the McDonald’s.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
The rendering above shows a couple buildings included on the proposed 168-unit apartment project in the new Coastal Square complex.
Battle of the Bulge’s many heroes
Approximately 84,000 hurt, injured, captured or killed during historic encounter
By Marvin Henry, MSP (Ret.) Contributing Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) This week, 80 years ago, American forces in Belgium were reeling from the surprise onslaught of a powerful German attack. As they had done in May 1940, the Germans sent their armored forces through the Ardennes Forest.
The Americans were taken completely by surprise for three reasons: 1) they thought that the Germans were spent; 2) as in 1940, the Allies considered the Ardennes Forest impassable for armor; 3) the bad weather prevented Allied planes from flying, and therefore discovering the German buildup for the coming offensive.
The German objective was to split the British and American forces and capture the Port of Antwerp, thus depriving the Allies of a very critical seaport. The Germans were being overwhelmed by the Allies’ materiel superiority, and it was hoped the capture of Antwerp would slow the sup-
ply. The Germans also thought that by driving a wedge between the Americans and British, that at least one would drop out of the war.
The Germans were having a difficult time and losing ground in the East. By defeating the Allies in the West, they could then focus on the Soviets. As such, the German High Command developed several plans, one of which included a Blitzkrieg through the Ardennes, which was not heavily defended.
The attack was approved by Hitler and assigned to Field Marshals Walther Model and Gerd von Rundstedt. Both thought this offensive was too ambitious and tried to limit the attack and stop at the Meuse River to no avail.
To carry out the objective, SSOberstgruppenführer Josef “Sepp” Dietrich’s Sixth SS Panzerarmee would attack from the North and take the port city of Antwerp. At the same time, Gen. Baron Hasso-Eccard von Manteuffel’s Fifth Panzerarmee would attack the center, taking Brussels, while Gen. Erich Brandenberger’s Seventh Army would advance from the south in order to protect the flank.
Mayor: ‘CDL license is ... gold’
Continued from Page 67
City Manager Terry McGean, however, told committee members that the city had recently increased hourly wages for bus drivers ahead of next season, and that the Town of Ocean City offered some of the highest pay on the Eastern Shore. But officials noted that one local transit agency offered better pay and incentives.
“It’s just like the beach patrol. We’re in a downward spiral,” McGean said. “We raise, they raise. We’re trying to stay ahead.”
Committee members encouraged transportation staff to explore larger hiring incentives for next season. Meehan also encouraged staff to promote the city’s paid CDL training program.
“Getting a CDL license is like gold,” he said. “It’s something you can always fall back on, especially in today’s world.”
In terms of recruitment, Shearman noted that “teaser invites” had been mailed to CDL drivers who previously worked for the Town of Ocean City. He also noted that staff had attended two job fairs and will visit various service organizations in the coming months.
“For this coming season, we have two big considerations,” he said.
“Number one, we know that we fell short in staffing this season. And number two, we know that the recruiting push is going to need to start earlier this year than it did last year because Springfest is happening earlier and we have concerts that our happening later. We continue to push the season out beyond the traditional borders of Memorial Day to Labor Day. So we have to start that recruiting push earlier, and we have to find other ways than what we’ve been doing in our recruitment effort.”
With all the players in position, under radio silence, and using the cover of adverse weather conditions, the Germans began their advance.
Additionally, the Germans had a unit, which spoke fluent English and dressed in captured GI uniforms, infiltrating the American lines. The Americans later discovered this plan and captured most of the infiltrators, who were summarily executed as spies. Their operation only partially succeeded.
Supreme Allied Commander, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, believed the Ardennes sector was a quiet area and was blind to the German offensive that was beginning. In fact, he believed the German troop movements were the Germans maneuvering into
a defensive campaign. Further, the American troops in the Ardennes sector consisted of untested soldiers. The area was being used for recovery and
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt in 1940, wearing Knight's Cross and folding field marshal's baton
Continued
training.
On Dec. 16, the big guns of “Sepp”Dietrich’s Sixth SS Panzerarmee opened fire and its men attacked. Elsenborn Ridge and Losheim Gap were the objectives to ultimately advance to the Belgian city of Liège, which currently has a population of 195,000.
The American 2nd and 99th Infantry Divisions, commanded by Walter M. Robertson and Walter Lauer, defended these positions, fighting with uncommon valor, and Dietrich was forced to commit his tanks.
In the center, Gen. von Manteuffel’s Fifth Panzerarmee opened a gap between the 28th and 106th Infantry Divisions, commanded by Norman D. (“Dutch”) Cota and Herbert T. Perrin, capturing two full American regiments of the 106th.
It was one of the largest mass sur-
renders in American military history. This was the so called “Bulge” in the American lines, putting the town of St. Vith in danger of capture.
Gen. von Manteuffel’s Fifth Panzerarmee’s advance was slowed, giving the 101st Airborne Division time to be moved by truck to the crossroads town of Bastogne. The weather was horrible, with heavy snowstorms and extremely low temperatures, causing all kinds of problems for men and equipment, not to mention that Allied air power was grounded and of no help to the Americans.
In the meantime, Gen. Brandenberger’s Seventh Army was stopped after a 4-mile advance by the American VIII Corps, commanded by J. Lawton (“Lighting Joe”) Collins. On the 17th, Gen. Eisenhower realized this was a major German offensive and began rushing reinforcements to the area.
In the early morning hours of Dec. 17, Col. Dr. Baron Friedrich August von der Heydte, despite the weather, dropped his unit by parachute to attempt the capture the crossroads near Malmédy, a Belgian town of less than 10,000.
His paratroopers scattered to the four winds and were ineffective and fought as a guerilla force. Operation Stösser was the last German paratroop operation of the war. Later in the day, Col. Joachim Peiper’s Kampfgruppe Peiper captured and executed 150 American POWS at Malmédy, to be forever known as the “Malmédy Massacre.”
Pieper, being the tip of the spear in the attack, captured Stavelot and moved toward Stoumont. Pieper met heavy resistence and the American forces retook Stavelot. All three Belgian towns are within a 25-mile radius. Peiper’s unit ran out of fuel and
his forces fought on foot.
Brig. General Bruce Clarke fought a holding action at St. Vith, but was driven back by the 5th Panzer Division, commanded by Olympic equestrian gold medal winner Rudolf Lippert. This collapse of the American lines led to the encirclement of the 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Armored Division Combat Command B at Bastogne.
Eisenhower met with his commanders at Verdun, on the 19th. Seizing upon the opportunity to counterattack and catch the Germans in the open, Eisenhower asked Gen. George S. Patton Jr. how long it would take to get his armor to Bastogne. Patton had anticipated these orders and had already begun to move. He responded, “48 hours!”
The 101st, in the now surrounded Bastogne, fought numerous engagements and attacks in the worst possible winter weather and held the Germans at bay. The German Commander, Gen. Baron Heinrich von Lüttwitz, sent a representative under a white flag to see the American Commander, Gen. Anthony McAuliffe, in Bastogne to demand the American forces surrender.
The message was delivered to McAuliffe, who famously sent his reply back with one simple word: “NUTS!” Confused and infuriated, the German officer returned to his lines. Meanwhile British Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery was shifting his forces to hold the Germans at the Meuse River, the Allied resistance was gaining strength, the weather was beginning to clear and American Air Power was prepping to join the fight. The German advance, running low on fuel, began to fail. The farthest German advance was 10 miles from the Meuse River, which folded and stopped on Dec. 24.
Gen. von Manteuffel’s Fifth Panzerarmee was running low on fuel and under constant counterattacks. The general requested permission to withdraw, but his request was emphatically denied by Hitler on the 24th.
Patton broke through on the 26th to Bastogne, and was ordered to press north in early January. Field Marshal Montgomery was ordered south to meet at Houffalize to trap the German forces. While this operation was successful, delays allowed the Germans to escape, but they had to abandon their vehicles and equipment.
Even though their offensive was falling apart, the Germans were desperate to keep it going and another major offensive was launched by the Luftwaffe on Jan. 1, 1945. At the same time, a ground offensive was launched in Alsace. The US Seventh Army, commanded by Lt. Gen. Alexander M. Patch Jr., fell back to the Moder River, where it contained and halted the attack. The German offensive at the Battle of the Bulge was over.
OBITUARIES
RONALD ALVIN ERLWEIN
Ocean Pines
Ronald Alvin Erlwein, age 92, of Ocean Pines, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Ron was born on July 20, 1932, in Seattle, Washington. He was the son of the late Dewey Marion Erlwein, Sr. and Alwina Hedwig (Schreib) Erlwein.
After Ron graduated from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and became an aircraft mechanic and flight engineer. He was in the Air Force during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Ron retired from the Air Force in 1972 after 22 years of service.
Ron became a member of the American Legion Post 259 in Clinton, MD in 1974, and was a member for 50 years. He was an Honorary Life Member and very involved in the American Legion. He served four times as the Commander of Post 259. Ron also attended the yearly American Legion Conference in Ocean City, MD.
Ron was an avid golfer and en-
WORLD WAR II
Continued from Page74
If the heroics of the men fighting the Battle of the Bulge could be cataloged, this article would be never ending. The Engineering Units, with two or three men under heavy German fire, blew bridges within sight of German armor, forcing delays in the German advance.
Soldiers had to urinate on their weapons that were frozen and inoperable. Weapons were constantly being broken down and heated over fires to remain functional. With the “Malmédy Massacre” fresh on their minds, German snipers would lie in their hides, killing GI’s until they ran out of ammunition, then come out and surrender, smiling at their captors, knowing they’d be treated well. Their smiles were quickly dispatched. It was reported that on Christmas Eve there were soldiers on both sides who met in peace, with some even sending Christmas greetings by messenger without a shot being fired. But on Christmas morning, once again, began the acts of war.
In the battle, approximately 84,000 troops were either killed, wounded, captured, or missing on both sides. The Battle of the Bulge will forever live as one of the greatest battles ever fought in World War II.
Next week: Budapest
Trooper Henry passed away on Sept. 6, 2020. After his retirement from the Maryland State Police, he served as a District Court Bailiff in Worcester County.
joyed playing golf with family and friends. He also played golf in many tournaments.
Ron is survived by Vania, his wife of 31 years; son Brian, granddaughter Brijitte, grandson Ronald III, greatgrandchildren Amanda, Anikka, Devin, and Mason, and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ron was
preceded in death by his first wife Phyllis, son Ronald Jr., daughter Debra, sister Marion, and brothers Ted, Warren, Dewey Jr., and Bruce.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron’s name to The American Lung Association, PO Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at 2 p.m., at
The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. The viewing will be held from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham on Jan. 2, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.
Ronald Erlwein
Sports & Recreation
Mallards falls to Royals to snap early winning streak
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) Worcester Prep’s girls basketball team lost by 13 points to the Royals of Delmarva Christian School Tuesday.
Heading into the game, Mallards Coach Kelly Roberts said both teams were undefeated. Prep had defeated Sts. Peter & Paul, 23-22, Holly Grove, 42-23, and The Salisbury School, 4338.
“Both teams are undefeated, someone has to win and someone has
to lose. It is hard when you have a lot of injuries. We have a lot of injuries so we don’t have a lot to pull from off the bench,” Roberts said. “One had a ruptured spleen, one had a broken nose and just had surgery and one her ankle is so swollen they can’t even do an MRI. We just got Carolina back who was out for ten days after rolling her ankle. One person gets healthy and comes back and another one goes out so it’s hard to give them a break so they get some fresh legs out there.”
Both teams fought hard and the
spectators showed their excitement and support for their respective players. In a tight first quarter the Mallards were up 7-6 but by half time the score was 16-12 in favor of the Royals.
Mallards’ exhaustion became evident in the third quarter with only two free throw points from Lyla Roberts as opposed to 10 points from the Royals.
The Mallards dug deep in the fourth quarter with two three pointers from Sydney Mize and a field goal by Carolina Labin and another from Harper Hertrich for a total of ten more points. The Royals earned another 11. The final score was 37-24
“Our best was breaking the press in
After fast start, Prep boys loses to Delmarva Christian
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Dec. 13, 2024) For the past sixyears Eddie Rohe has been Worcester Prep’s assistant boys’ varsity basketball coach. That all changed last month when the team’s former head coach Mike O’Malley resigned to accepting a full-time teaching position at another shore school.
Rohe’s team got off to a solid start this season, winning over Holly Grove, 54-22, and The Salisbury School, 67-51.
The early season momentum ended Tuesday night when the Mallards fell 56-43 to the Royals of Delmarva Christian School, which features a strong basketball program each year.
The Mallards hung with the Royals during the first quarter tying the game five times before trailing 10-12 at the
first buzzer. But by half time the Royals ruled 23-18.
The Royals continued building their lead in the second half. Worcester Prep scored seven in the third quarter while the Royals had 21 points. When the final buzzer rang, the score was 56-43 with the Royals holding the crown.
“Our guys were fresh in the first quarter,” Rohe said. “They were full of energy and ready to go, they really wanted the win. Anytime we play Delmarva Christian a team we want to beat, of course we want to beat every team, but they are a team we especially want to give a L to, but they are a tough school. They are very scrappy and wore us down. We were under manned and low on substitutes, two of our guards were out.”
Rohe added, “Our defense should have pressured more, changed to man
the beginning being able to move the ball up the court when we could. Sometimes the girls get a little frazzled and you move the ball a little quicker than you want to or miss a pass,” Roberts said. “Turnovers are probably what killed us, 12 in the first quarter. It was a great game. I think we need to work our press plays. We have four different press plays but it is just hard when you can’t sub out and everyone is just tried. So, we need to hit the boards a little bit harder underneath and then just work on our passing. Delmarva Christian really put on the pressure tonight.”
The Mallards face Chincoteague Friday night at home at 4:30 p.m.
to man a little earlier we will make adjustments next time. We have to work on our composure under pressure. We had a lot of turnovers by rushing and not taking our time, I give all credit to Delmarva Christian, they were tenacious on defense they got under our guys’ skin. We need to work on confidence under pressure.”
The Mallards face Chincoteague Friday and next Monday take on Indian River.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Junior Ben Anthony, left, is pictured going up strong for two of his 19 game points on Tuesday night against the Royals. Senior guard Michael DePalma, right, charges up the court through the Royals defense.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Anisha Batra moves the ball down court during the game on Tuesday night against Delmarva Christian School.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Carolina Labin heads to the hoop to convert one of her two field goals during the Mallards loss this week.
Coach: Season ‘was 100% about repeating’
Continued from Page 3
quarter clock. The point after kick was blocked, bringing the score to 76 with Decatur ahead.
Huntingtown continued to control momentum with its rushing attack, grabbing the lead on a 57-yard sprint by quarterback Dominic Hickman. A two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful when Cawley was stopped short of the goal, but the Hurricanes held a 12-7 lead with 2:36 left on the clock.
Decatur’s offense came alive on what would turn out to be its final drive of the season. Quarterback Johnny Hobgood connected with senior wideout Trybe Wish for 32 yards to extend the drive into Huntingtown’s side of the field.
With the ball at Huntingtown’s 24yard line, Hobgood connected in the back of the endzone with Zakhari Baker for the touchdown. With the
Seahawks now leading 13-12, Decatur went for a two-point conversion to gain a three-point lead but was unsuccessful. The drive only took 67 seconds.
Huntingtown’s final drive – which began with 1:51 left on the clock — featured a few first downs before a pass on 4th down with four yards to go from the Decatur 35-yard line fell incomplete, giving Decatur its second consecutive title.
The game’s box score told the story of the game, as Huntingtown dominated on the ground with 284 rushing yards on 52 attempts (5.5 yards per rush) while Decatur managed 11 yards net rushing on 23 attempts. On the flipside, Huntingtown only managed four completed passes for 50 yards while Decatur had 17 completions for 233 yards. Huntington recorded 334 total offensive yards compared to Decatur’s 244 yards
gained from scrimmage. Behind the balanced rushing game, Huntingtown won the time of possession battle with 27 minutes compared to Decatur’s 21 minutes.
For Decatur, Hobgood had 17 rushing yards and 233 passing yards. Senior Davin Chandler had six receptions for 77 yards and Wise added four receptions for 47 yards. Baker had the winning touchdown catch and 78 total receiving yards.
Before the game last week, Decatur Head Coach Jake Coleman called his team “battle-tested” after a couple close playoff games where the players had to overcome adversity. Coleman’s description played out as it took grit and determination to overcome the late deficit to win the crown.
In a post-game press conference, Coleman said ever since the team won the championship last year the
focus has been on bringing home another championship.
“It was 100 percent about repeating, make no mistake about it,” Coleman said. “We had a very young group last year. These guys, from the time the state championship was won, we gave them Christmas break, and I’m not kidding you, we have been after it the entire time since. We had a little chip on our shoulder. My son (last year’s Bayside player of the year Brycen Coleman) told me, hey dad, ‘you ain’t won one without me.’ I said, ‘hmm, okay, I whispered that into a couple guys’ ears. I also told them at the beginning of the year: it’s your time, you’re the superstars now.’ And they played like it. They took ownership of the team.”
The coach’s son – a freshman on Vanderbilt University’s football team — was in the stands in to watch his alma mater repeat Saturday night.
PHOTO COURTESY J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Quarterback Johnny Hobgood rushed for 17 yards on the game and passed for 233 yards to lead Decatur to the win.
PHOTO COURTESY J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Senior Zakhari Baker caught the game-winning touchdown from quarterback Johnny Hobgood with 1:51 remaining on the clock.
