12/16/2022 Ocean City Today

BOARD OF ED TALKS FY24

DECEMBER 16, 2022 SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY FREE

clear language to address LED, or light-emitting diode, fixtures, which are becoming increasingly common across the resort.

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) The lights could soon be going down in the city as resort officials begin seriously looking at regulating previously unrestricted LED fixtures.

Prompted largely by the glaringly intense lights that shine across the Sinepuxent Bay from the eight-story Cambria Hotel near the Route 50 bridge, discussions have been going on for months about the city’s ability to regulate lighting.

And at a joint meeting between City Council members and planning commissioners on Tuesday, both groups agreed the issue needs addressed.

The existing code does not include

“The current code is not good at addressing brightness or glare components,” Planning and Development Director Bill Neville said of the existing language.

Nothing is in place now to require the owners of the Cambria, or other property owners, to hit the dimmer switch, despite the droves of complaints about the intensity of the lights, which on clear

nights can be seen from Assateague Island.

“We definitely routinely hear complaints from members of the public, particularly about the Cambria with concerns for safety driving over the Route 50 bridge,” Planning Commissioner Joe Wilson said. “That doesn’t bother me personally, I’ve never had a problem with it, but just relaying some of the concerns we’ve heard that people are afraid because it’s too bright for them.”

According to a staff report, LED fixtures produce light that is measured with different criteria than what is in the current code. The report said LED lights are often not shielded, or covered, resulting in “a directed barebulb light source.”

Neville said staff could recommend requiring shielding or developing other regulations for color or brightness. However, he said some

Sunfest move gave resort visitor boost

Tourism data shows risk paid off for second season

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) Moving this year’s Sunfest to a late October date to accommodate the ultimately canceled Oceans Calling Festival was initially seen as a risky move to some.

But according to visitor and spending data requested to help enhance tourism and streamline advertising and local services, the change turned out to be a positive one, and a major catalyst for successfully extending the summer’s popularity into the shoulder season.

“May I dare I say it, you really extended your summer, which is really cool,” said Dave Bahlman, the chief revenue officer for destination oper-

Research begins on how LED lights can be brought under more control by city

‘With regard to a certain waterfront hotel that’s claimed a lot of attention, one of the things that we’ve run into is our code is set up to exempt waterfront properties along the waterfront property line.’

— Planning Director Bill Neville

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

MANDALORIANS UNITE

Fans of the Disney+ streaming series, “The Mandalorian,” show their takes on the armor worn by the title character, a space mercenary, with a strict code of conduct. They were among the 9,000 or so comics and fantasy heroes who attended last Saturday’s Comic Con at the convention center in Ocean City. See more photos on pages 42 and 43.

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Worcester County Commissioners elected Commissioner Chip Bertino to serve as president and Jim Bunting to serve as vice president of the board on Dec. 6.

Bertino was elected to the board in 2014 to represent District Five, the Ocean Pines District, and he is serving his third term in office.

Bertino represents the County Commissioners on the Wor-Wic Community College Board of Trustees and on the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee.

He has been in the newspaper

publishing business for more than 30 years.

He is a member and past president of the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce, past board member of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines, and he is co-author of the book “My Time, My Service” about the men and women honored at the memorial.

Bertino and his wife, Susan, have lived in Ocean Pines for nearly 30 years. They have three children and two grandchildren.

Bunting was elected to the board in 2010 to represent District Six, the

The Worcester County Commissioners elected Commissioner Chip Bertino, right, to serve as president and Jim Bunting to serve as vice president of the board on Dec. 6.

Data shows spending soared during Sunfest

ating system Zartico, while presenting data to members of the Tourism Commission this week.

The city hired Zartico in July 2021 to collect data on who comes to Ocean City, where they travel from, where they stay, where they go in town, and how they spend their money to aid in planning and marketing events and issuing services.

Specifically, Bahlman said company officials used three data sets –geolocation, credit card spending and events — to formulate the numbers that he presented to the Tourism Commission.

He showed data for this past October, which indicated spikes in tourism spending and visitations during Endless Summer Cruisin’ Oct. 6-9, Corvette weekend Oct. 13 and 14, and Sunfest Oct. 20-23 from 2021.

“You see the increased spending over 153 percent,” Bahlman said of the Sunfest spending numbers.

He also compared stats for Sunfest weekend in 2021, held Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, to what should have been Oceans Calling weekend this year, set Sept. 30 through Oct. 2. The spending data showed that despite the cancelation of the three-day festival due to heavy rain and wind, the weekend was not a bust.

“So people that were coming to Oceans Calling still came,” Bahlman said, referencing the numbers that

showed just a 12 percent decline in spending.

“And they still spent, now obviously not as much as Sunfest of last year, but pretty darn good considering the weather that weekend,” he continued. “And obviously if Oceans Calling was laid in over top of that we would probably see major increases over that week.”

Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of

tourism and business development, also pointed out that while the cancelation of Oceans Calling was a disappointment, moving Sunfest was still the right call.

“If Sunfest was the same weekend as last year, there was no Sunfest,” he said, clearly referencing the inevitable cancelation because of the weather.

Other data that Bahlman pre-

sented showed that people traveled to Ocean City primarily from Baltimore, Philadelphia, Central Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C., with some from New York and, surprisingly, Nashville.

“That means you guys are starting to expand your reach and your awareness.,” Bahlman said.

Perlozzo pointed out as well that the data collection tool, while important for tourism purposes, can also help with services. He explained that staff members can use the information to set up public works, safety, transportation and other details for events, as they will know primarily where people are staying, coming from and congregating.

Perlozzo added that members of the police department used a similar tool last year to gauge where people came from for the pop-up tuner car rally, known as H2O, that typically occurred the last weekend in September. Data was layered to determine origin markets to give officials an idea of where to deliver messaging about the department’s increased enforcement for the unwanted event.

Bahlman said he and his staff are also coordinating with officials from BVK, the city’s marketing and branding firm, to provide data for them to help with marketing and advertising efforts. Perlozzo said the existence of the data is significant and will be used to help reach many of the tourism department’s goals.

leadership posts

Northern District, and is serving his fourth term in office.

He served as president for three consecutive years from 2014-2016.

He is a retired professional land surveyor, and he owned and operated his own surveying and land planning business for 18 years.

He represents the commissioners on the Commission for Aging, the

Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, and the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee.

Prior to becoming a commissioner, he served on the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals for six years, leading the board as chair for four years.

He served on the Worcester County Planning Commission for

four years, leading the board as chair for three years. He also served on the Ocean Pines Comprehensive Planning Committee.

Bunting and his wife, Elisabeth, live in Bishopville. They have two grown children and one granddaughter.

The Board of Worcester County Commissioners is the seven-member legislative and executive branch of

county government.

Each commissioner is elected to serve a four-year term, and one representative is elected from each of the seven election districts. The current board was elected to serve the 20222026 term.

The commissioners meet the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Dave Bahlman, the chief revenue officer for destination operating system Zartico, presents results of a data study to members of the city’s Tourism Commission on Dec. 12.

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LED limits under consideration

Continued from Page 1

exceptions exist that could apply to some of the most egregious offenders.

“With regard to a certain waterfront hotel that’s claimed a lot of attention, one of the things that we’ve run into is our code is set up to exempt waterfront properties along the waterfront property line,” Neville said.

He explained that the exemptions were included essentially to protect the beauty of the bayside skyline, which many consider an aesthetic asset.

“Ocean City has typically been proud of their skyline,” Neville said. “And so the bayside, the water view, was something that was typically not regulated.”

With that, he asked the group if staff should look at those exceptions to address LED lights.

“The question is, should we look at those exemptions again today in light of this new light fixture type that is so bright and so pervasive?”

Planning Commission Chairwoman Pam Buckley also suggested that staff look into regulating lighting colors, as issues could arise with uplighting — or pointing lights straight up.

“You all have a chance here before the lights are completely out of the closet to make a decision on that,” she said.

Council members voted unanimously to have staff look at the issue and return with recommendations.

Clinic owner reprimanded for inappropriate behavior

(Dec. 16, 2022) The owner of the six-location medical clinic, Your Doc’s In, was reprimanded last month by the State Board of Physicians for having an inappropriate relationship with a patient/employee.

In an order issued by the state board in November, Walter Gianelle MD had his license to practice suspended 30 days beginning Nov. 15, was placed on probation for three years and required to enroll in the Maryland Professional Rehabilitation Program.

The ruling was the result of a relationship between Gianelle and a per-

Correction

son identified as Individual A that began in 2015 and lasted approximately two years, according to board documents.

In January 2019, Gianelle reported himself to the board, saying that he had engaged in a “romantic and consensual sexual relationship with an employee of the facility where he worked. Gianelle also had a doctor/patient relationship with the person.

Your Doc’s In has six urgent care facilities on the Eastern Shore, including one in West Ocean City, two in Salisbury and one in Pocomoke.

The Mayor’s New Year’s event included in the “Celebrate the Holidays” insert of the Ocean City Today is incorrect. The information for this year’s event can be found at https://www.ococean.com/events/mayor-s-newyear-event-2022.

The lights of the Cambria Hotel shine across the Sinepuxent Bay at the edge of the Route 50 bridge. The brightness that emits from the balconies has been the subject of complaints and concerns, and a catalyst for city staff members to look into regulations regarding LED lights.

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) In an effort to encourage commercial development off the Boardwalk, Ocean City staff members were directed this week to look into eliminating certain parking requirements south of Third Street.

At a joint meeting between City Council members and planning commissioners on Tuesday, Councilman Peter Buas floated the idea of doing away with zoning code provisions that require developers of commercial projects from Third Street to the inlet to pro-

vide parking.

He said members of the Ocean City Development Corporation have been looking into the idea for some time, and that the existing requirements do not jive with the rest of the Boardwalk zoning district, which does not require businesses to provide parking.

“The idea is to extend that to the interior block commercial uses south of Third Street,” Buas explained. “For example, if somebody wanted to open a coffee shop on Dorchester and Baltimore or Dorchester and Philly, they would have the same sort of benefits

where the public utilizes the public parking there and they can operate.”

The catalyst for the suggestion, which council members unanimously voted to send to staff for discussion, was to support increased density toward the inlet. Buas said the hope is to “get some commercial activity on the interior blocks.”

Councilman Will Savage pointed out that the idea seems “counterintuitive” to typical efforts to provide more parking in most parts of town, but he sees the benefit.

“I think it will the revitalize the downtown area, and if we’re going to have the

density we need to have the services to service the people who are living there and working there,” he said.

Planning Commissioner Joe Wilson also suggested that staff include results of an OCDC parking study in their research, and Buas agreed.

Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis suggested as well that the city could benefit from creating a parking authority for the area.

“It’s a quasi-government entity that discusses these items, how parking is provided, where parking is provided, etc.,” he said.

Convention center interior redesign floated

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) The days may be numbered for the dated carpets and drab paint colors that dominate the interior of the Ocean City convention center as a fresh, brand-heavy makeover inches closer to reality.

Members of the city’s Tourism Commission were impressed this week over the possibility of swapping out the traditional-looking elements of the midtown building with bold accent colors, textured walls, modern

ceiling art, and other eye-catching concepts to spruce up the inside public spaces.

“We talked about redesign — refresh was the word that I used,” said Tom Perlozzo, the city’s Director of Tourism and Business Development, of the proposed new look. “What [Designer Abbi Custis] has been able to do is sort of give a visual representation to bring our brand to life here in the convention center that we could go out and create that business that we need to be successful.”

Custis shared what she dubbed “essence photos” in a before-and-after style to show how she would rejuvenate each section and room of the convention center, from the entry way to the meeting rooms upstairs. She called the building “the hub of the city and town” and presented the new designs with that approach.

The photos included pops of colors, contemporary artwork, and an intelligent use of white space to open up the rooms and spaces to make them more inviting.

“Often when you think of interior design you think fluffy, pretty things, and that is true. But it is also congruent to how a space acts,” Custis explained as she displayed the conceptual images to the awe of members of the Tourism Commission.

“We don’t often think about that. We think about how it looks, we don’t think about how to acts,” she continued. “We want it to act, we want it to nurture, we want it to love, we want to

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Designer Abbi Custis presents potential new looks for the Ocean City convention center’s interior to members of the city’s Tourism Commission at a meeting on Dec. 12.

Resort staff slated to revisit enclosed garage regulations

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) A once-dead effort to ensure resort townhouse garages built to meet the zoning code’s parking requirements are used for vehicles, not storage, got a new shot of life this week through a narrow City Council vote.

Planning commissioners initially brought a proposed code amendment, which would have required garages to be “open and available” if used in parking calculations for new townhouses, to council members for approval in September. The commissioners had spent many hours reworking the language before coming to a unanimous decision on a favorable recommendation.

But after reviewing the transcripts, council members rejected the amendment without any public discussion in a vote spearheaded by Councilman Peter Buas.

At the time, Buas said he saw no reason to discuss or approve the amendment, as no one showed up to support it. He reiterated that point at

a joint meeting with planning commissioners on Tuesday, and tried, unsuccessfully, to kill the effort for good.

“I think you were fighting with the community on this with parking,” Buas said Tuesday. “To make parking outside goes against past council’s and [the Ocean City Development Corporation’s] hard work over the past two decades, to encourage rear-load townhouse development.”

While Buas had two supporters — Councilwoman Carol Proctor and Councilman Tony DeLuca — in his effort to squash the discussion, it was not enough.

Instead, after a rather lengthy discussion with planning commissioners over the reasons for the proposed amendment and potential ways to change it to satisfy concerns, council members voted 4-3 — with Council President Matt James and Councilmen Will Savage, Frank Knight and John Gehrig in favor — to remand the amendment back to staff for another look.

Timeline, cost not estimated yet

Continued from Page 8

provide opportunity, we want it to inspire.”

Custis’ designs also heavily relied on circles to bring the artistic concepts together. She said she worked them in because of the city’s new winking “Something to Smile About” brand.

“Circles are a big thing. It’s not in your face, the circle, smiley face, but the element of the circle pops throughout,” she said. “Circles are fun. They have infinite possibility. They’re not boxing in, they’re open and expansive, not traditional, conservative.”

Perlozzo said he and his staff directed Custis to employ the circle elements to showcase the new brand,

which was revealed publicly last month.

While the proposed redesign received accolades from the commission members, Perlozzo pointed out that the launch has no timeline, and the cost has not been determined.

“We haven’t put numbers to the paper, but it’s a vision of where we want to go,” he explained.

Perlozzo added that a staff member is working on getting some money from the state, while other funding sources are under consideration.

“We’re going to phase the project,” he said. “So at least we could do the first floor with a visual impression right away as you enter the building, and then, hopefully as time allows in the next few years do the rest.”

A row of enclosed garages is shown under townhouses on Hitchens Avenue in Ocean City. Planning commissioners and City Council members are working on a possible code amendment that would discourage people from using these types of garages for storage instead of parking.

Staff tweaking ’23 Oceans Calling contract

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) The details of what will now become the inaugural Oceans Calling Festival in 2023 are still coming together, with resort tourism staff considering adding a second weekend and modifying the site’s footprint.

The epic three-day cluster of concerts that never happened would have been one of, if not the, biggest event Ocean City had hosted possibly ever. People were coming from across the country to see more than 30 bands from a wide array of genres and styles perform Sept. 30 through Oct 2 on multiple stages set up in the inlet parking lot and nearby beach downtown.

Slated headliners were Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, The Lum-

ineers, and Alanis Morrissette, with bands and singers including O.A.R., Toad the Wet Sprocket, Cyndi Lau-

per, Jimmy Eat World, Cage the Elephant, Sublime with Rome, and more rounding out the roster.

But as crews were setting up the stages and surrounding vendor areas, less than a day before the first music acts were set to mike up, a hurricanerooted weather forecast shut it all down, leaving city staff and organizers C3 Presents to start planning for next year.

Late last month, C3 officials announced that Oceans Calling is definitively set for Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 in 2023. The event was teased on the organization’s official Facebook page and asked people to comment who they would like to see perform next year.

Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, told members of the city’s Tourism Commission on Monday that staff members are still working on an official contract with C3 for this year’s show, as the last deal only covered one year with date holds for three.

He said he expected finalization in less than a week, with some potential changes to the footprint to move the main stage north instead of south of the pier, and tweaking of some of the alcohol regulations. There was also some discussion about adding another weekend in May, June or October, but nothing had been worked out yet.

Perlozzo said staff members are also toying with the idea of extending the contract for multiple years, similar to C3’s five- and seven-year agreements in other cities. He said the parties are looking at three to five years, but have not made a decision.

Perlozzo said he and his staff are also working with the organizers of the Bull on the Beach Professional Bull Riding Competition held this past June to return in 2023.

He said the organizers submitted an application and are in the process of getting some more information. The family-friendly event was a success this year, bringing sell-out crowds to the inlet parking lot for three days. The organizers also ended up not needing a previously requested subsidy from the city, as they made enough money to cover all of their costs.

Crews tear down pieces of what was supposed to be the Oceans Calling Festival footprint on the beach near the inlet after organizers canceled the event due to weather. Organizers and city staff are working out details of a new contract for next year’s event, set Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.

ROAD WORK AHEAD

Longtime issue could be solved

Continued from Page 11

The move directed staff members to look into changing the size requirements for enclosed townhouse garages to ensure larger vehicles will fit in them, and also gauge what other jurisdictions have done when faced with similar challenges.

Several members of the planning commission have been pushing for some type of change to the code to prevent townhouse occupants from filling their garages with so much beach equipment and other items that their vehicles have to be parked on the street.

Commissioner Palmer Gillis, a vocal advocate for the original amendment, expressed frustration with developers submitting plans for homes with garages that meet the existing code, but do not provide enough space or incentive to meet parking requirements.

“We see a lot of abuses with enclosed townhouse parking,” Gillis said.

He added that he was “pretty upset” with council members for not even discussing the original amendment publicly, a sentiment that other commissioners, as well as Mayor Rick Meehan, also shared.

Buas replied that he did not ignore the research or comments of the planning commissioners and staff when he initially pushed to kill the amendment, he simply did not think it was something in which the public had an interest.

And at the time, his colleagues agreed, as they voted unanimously not to advance the amendment.

But after Tuesday’s discussion, four of them opted instead to keep the discussion alive.

While the advocates agreed on Tuesday that there is likely nothing that can be done for existing homes, as enforcement would not be feasible, they contended that some type of change can likely be made to prevent similar issues with new construction.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Construction crews complete winter maintenance work on Dec. 12 in the northern lanes of Coastal Highway between 40th and 41st Street.

Progress looks stalled in OP vs. Janasek settlement case

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) Negotiation over the settlement between Tom Janasek and the Ocean Pines Association continued last week as the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors convened in executive session with legal counsel to weigh the options.

“Nothing — absolutely nothing,” Janasek said when asked what he’s heard from the directors. “I don’t know what their deal is. Other than getting correspondence (that indicates they think) we have no case for any retribution.

Rumors abound as to how much the OPA offered Janasek and how much he actually paid for his legal counsel. Some individuals in the community have speculated that it offered $2,000 while Janasek spent more than $40,000.

Tom Janasek

Janasek seeks to recoup the money he spent defending himself after the association attempted to ban him from all of its amenities following a confrontation between him and former director Josette Wheatley at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club in May.

Janasek argued in court that the board could not bar him from association amenities and sought to enjoin the board from imposing the ban, which the court agreed to do earlier this fall while the sides sought to settle the case.

The two sides remain far apart, however, leaving open the possibility that they will once again end up back in court on Jan. 25 to let Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau Oglesby decide how much the OPA should compensate Janasek.

While not confirming specific numbers, Janasek said those estimates were more accurate than not.

“I haven’t a clue what my lawyer bills are now but they’re well over that,” Janasek said. “I’ve talked to others in the community and nobody’s upset that I’m going after my lawyer fees. It’s not about me anymore — it’s about what the board can do to a homeowner at any given time.”

The next time both parties are scheduled to be in the same room as each other is Wednesday for a settlement conference at the courthouse in Snow Hill. They will not be in court itself.

OPA President Doug Parks said he could not comment on this story on advice from legal counsel.

Fleetwood repays Berlin for sick time after guilty plea

(Dec. 16, 2022) Former Berlin Administrator Jeff Fleetwood pleaded guilty to embezzlement of town funds in Worcester County District Court on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Appearing before District Court Judge Gerald Purnell, Fleetwood was sentenced to six months of incarceration with all but one month suspended.

Judge Purnell ruled that the remaining 30 days of Fleetwood’s sentence will be served through in-home detention which starts Dec. 20.

He will also be required to perform 40 hours of community service as part of the sentence.

Fleetwood, age 64, lives in Delmar, Delaware, and is the current town administrator for his hometown.

In District Court Tuesday, Fleetwood turned over a personal check to the Town of Berlin in the amount of $17,520 as restitution at the court proceeding.

This would cover the full amount he pleaded guilty to embezzling from the town in the spring of this year.

The state prosecutor stated that the embezzled funds represented falsely reported accrued sick leave for 240 hours plus an additional 80 hours of vacation pay.

“I am truly sorry to be here today. It’s the first time in my life I have been in court for anything,” Fleetwood told the court.

Fleetwood’s attorney, Steve Rakow, told the court his client is 64 years old and, “Jeff is deeply ashamed to be here today.”

During the court proceeding Kelsey Jensen, administrative assistant for Berlin’s Town Administrator, and Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall both testified that $17,520 was embezzled from the town.

Jensen said she was both angry and uncomfortable testifying about the fraud in the court.

Jensen said she has been employed by the Town of Berlin for six years with two of those years working for Fleetwood as the town manager.

Jensen said after reviewing the discrepancies between the time Fleetwood recorded and the payments, “I questioned the double-dipping, but there was no other plausible explana-

Jeff Fleetwood

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Worcester County Commissioners discussed the following during their Dec. 6 meeting:

Police protection

The commissioners approved the FY2023 state aid for police protection fund application. The grant is “ongoing and is intended to be used exclusively to provide adequate police protection throughout the counties and subdivisions of Maryland,” read a memo from budget officer Kim Reynolds. The application states that the county would like to be considered for FY24 grant funding, but it does not determine how much funding the county will get.

Change orders

The commissioners approved two change orders to the Stephen Decatur Middle School addition project, totaling $543,609. The first change is to replace the existing school PA and clock systems at $381,917 and the second is to replace the existing school CCTV security system at $161,692.

WCPS Superintendent Lou Taylor wrote in a memo that the school system firmly believes that addressing the aged (systems) will increase overall security and that it is a “sound funding decision.”

Fund balance and CIP

The commissioners agreed to discuss the FY22 assigned fund balance and the requested capital improve-

ment program in January.

Public hearing

No citizens spoke for or against an application filed by Rauch Engineering, representing Riverview Mobile Home Park owner Jim Latchum, in pursuit of constructing wastewater treatment plant for stream discharge and modifications to the existing water treatment plant to serve an expansion of the existing park by 60 units. The plans for the Bishopville mobile home park require an amendment to the Worcester County Water and Sewerage comprehensive plan.

MACo

The commissioners confirmed that Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting would be the county representative and alternate, respectively, for the Maryland of Association of Counties. MACo’s Legislative Committee meets frequently during the Maryland General Assembly session, which lasts from January to April.

Airport rep

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic was selected to be the Worcester County commissioner representative on the Wicomico County Airport Commission at the Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport. The commission consists of eight members, one of whom typically being the commissioner president or, as in Mitrecic’s case, a designee. The commission meets monthly.

‘Trust’ damaged by Fleetwood

tion.”

Jensen said her only explanation for this situation is, “Jeff did not like the mayor.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall also testified stating that the town administrator’s position, “carries an immense amount

of public trust.”

Noting that Berlin has 5,026 residents, 272 businesses and 70 town employees, “it will take years for the Town of Berlin to regain trust.”

The mayor also said the town supported a reasonable amount of time for Fleetwood to be in incarceration.

No more chances for Ocean City stacked parking change

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) In a swift and silent move, the chance for the developers of a planned downtown Margaritaville resort to meet parking requirements with stacked spaces died this week once and for all.

The proposed code amendment would have allowed developers of commercial projects in the downtown and upper downtown districts that require 100 spaces or more to meet 20 percent of their parking obligations with stacked spaces staffed by a valet and comprehensive parking system.

The idea was pitched by the developers of a 13-story Margaritaville resort proposed for the oceanside of 13th and 14th streets, but would have applied to other projects in the pipeline for the district.

And while it passed at the council level after some revisions, the amendment was shot down by a veto from Mayor Rick Meehan in Septem-

ber because of a change that limited the involvement of the planning commission in the application process.

While the move pretty much killed the measure for good, there was a small chance council could bring it back up for further discussion to come to some kind of resolution — until Tuesday.

At a joint meeting between council members and planning commissioners, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury asked the group whether its members had any interest in revisiting the stacked parking matter. Her request was met with silence from everyone in attendance, thus sending the proposed amendment to the grave.

The concept of tandem, or stacked, parking entails having a valet park customers’ cars bumper-to-bumper in a tight arrangement that may require movement of several cars to allow one to exit.

The city’s code does not allow for that type of parking situation at com-

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Members of the Ocean City Council, right side, and Planning and Zoning Commission, left side, sit around a table with staff at a joint meeting Dec. 13 at City Hall.

Police focused on recruiting for ’23

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) As summer 2022 drifts further into the rearview, efforts to recruit police and safety officers for next season are officially underway.

At a Police Commission meeting Monday, Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro updated members on the number of recruits set to move to the testing phase, and admitted that there are not as many as he would have hoped.

“As I’ve stated previously, it is a challenging environment to not only attract, but to hire,” he said of the existing recruitment tribulations. “We’re doing our

best here moving forward.”

Buzzuro said he started with 25 potential new seasonal hires, but four failed out, leaving him with a total of 19. A testing date is set for this weekend, on Dec. 17 and 18, and several more dates are coming up.

He said a total of 115 recruits came through for the 2022 season.

Buzzuro also gave commission members the November stats for traffic stops, arrests and calls for service.

While most of the numbers showed no glaring changes compared to the past two years, he said the number of traffic stops did jump noticeably, which he said

might be attributed to the relatively high number of people in town.

Citizen calls for service, according to the numbers, were slightly higher than in 2021, but down a little from 2020.

Disorderly conduct call numbers changed a little over the last two years, while thefts that already occurred dropped rather significantly to 13, with 23 counted in 2020 and 18 in 2021.

“It’s almost cut in half from two years ago, at least 30 percent from last year,” Buzzuro said.

Custodial and drug arrests and DUIs were also down, while weapons arrests were slightly up from last year and 2020.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

An Ocean City Police car sits parked on Third Street downtown.

New bids better for Downtown Rec Complex

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) The second time may be a charm for receipt of bids to complete the site work phase of planned renovations to the the resort’s downtown recreation complex.

After a significant sticker shock moment caused by two high proposals opened in June, Ocean City Council members sent the project back to the drawing board to seek a price closer to the original $2.2 million budget.

At a work session Monday, officials opened four new bids. And while the amounts of three teetered close to the first two, one came in a little lower and closer to the estimate.

After City Manager Terry McGean and Council Secretary Tony Deluca opened and announced the new proposals, council members voted unanimously with no discussion to remand all four bids to staff for review and recommendation.

According to the numbers, the lowest bid came from David A. Bramble Inc. out of Chesterstown for just

under $2.7 million. The next lowest was from Newark, Delaware-based A-Del Construction, which also submitted a bid last time, for $3.89 million. The first bid from the company was similar, at $3.865 million.

Oak Contracting LLC from Towson submitted a bid for a little more than $3.92 million, and JJID Inc. from Bear, Delaware, proposed to do

the work for $4.745 million.

The original bids, which respectively came in $1.6 million and $2.75 million over budget, were promptly rejected for being too high. Officials attributed the significant overages primarily to a short timeline for the work and high construction costs.

In an effort to curtail those hindrances, McGean suggested waiting until now to re-bid the project to take advantage of a $1 million grant that was on the way, as construction could

not have begun in the winter anyway.

The site work is one portion of a multi-phased effort to fully renovate the recreation complex on St. Louis Avenue between Third and Fourth streets. The overall project includes the revitalization of the skate park, playground, and recreation building. The skate park work, which includes an overall expansion and construction of a new office and restrooms, is running parallel to the site work for the rest of the project.

Reflections of Life offer to run until end of December

(Dec. 16, 2022) In celebration of the holiday season, the Ocean City Beautification Committee is presenting a special offer to the public for the committee’s Reflections of Life project.

The project provides a means of recording important events and interests in the lives of individuals, their loved ones and businesses by placing a gift of a bronze, silver or gold leaf or steppingstone on the “Reflections of Life” bronze tree sculpture mounted inside the lobby entrance of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

The committee special that runs until the end of December will feature leaves at 50 percent off the normal price. For the remainder of the holiday season, participants can order gold leaves for $250, instead of $500; silver

leaves, regularly $350, are now $175 and bronze leaves, $250, are $125.

Tax-deductible donation forms are available at two locations in the convention center, at the project site near the main entrance and in the visitor center, along with Northside Park, 125th Street bayside. Forms can also be found on the town’s website at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/cityhall/mayor-and-city-council/beautification-committee/refelection-of-lif e/. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Ocean City. For more information, email Vance Row at v.row@comcast.net.

The Ocean City Beautification Committee is accepting applications for new committee members. To apply, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/pdf/BOCApplication.pdf.

Developer asked for allowance

Continued from Page 16

mercial properties, only residential ones.

The Margaritaville project plans called for a valet company to park cars in a stacked manner to meet requirements and developers asked for the code amendment to legally make it happen.

While researching the concept,

city staff members determined that other planned projects could benefit from the change as well. They included the Lankford Hotel between Eighth and Ninth streets on the Boardwalk, the future expansion of the Cambria Hotel along the bay on St. Louis Avenue, and the construction of a hotel proposed for a highprofile inlet lot.

The current look of the city’s Downtown Recreation Complex is shown on St. Louis Avenue between Third and Fourth streets. City staff opened bids for the second time on Dec. 13 for the site work phase of planned renovations to the park after the first set came in too high.

County Library hiring two for bookmobile coming in 2023

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) The return of a library bookmobile appears imminent after the Worcester County Commissioners approved a mobile services coordinator and assistant for the project during their meeting on Dec. 6.

According to Library Director Jennifer Ranck, the coordinator will not be a new position but a transferred one. That individual will be in charge of supporting and operating the vehicle, coordinating its schedules, maintenance of the highly fluid inventory and networking within the community.

The part-time assistant position will be filled via the already-vacant Library Service Assistant position.

“We wanted a bookmobile so we can make it easier for people who can’t easily visit their branch to take advantage of library services and resources,” Ranck said earlier this week. “We don’t have a schedule established yet but we envision visiting long-term care facilities, senior living facilities, hopefully, schools and head-start (programs). We want to bring materials to the people and attend special events, like everything from Touch-a-Truck Day to parades to local fairs, festivals and maybe even some farmer’s markets.”

While the bookmobile will give much attention to underserved communities, it will be accessible for the entire county, Ranck added.

“Our job is to reach everything in the community,” she said.

Ranck said the idea and motivation for the bookmobile came during the covid-19 pandemic lockdown when the library wasn’t able to reach certain populations. Through “some partnerships” with the Worcester County Arts Council, the library was able to bring programs and activities to places such as the Harrison House in Snow Hill.

“(Those partnerships) were some of our first realizations that there are people who can’t get to us,” she said.

The vehicle itself will be a Ford F350 pickup truck with each side of the vehicle able to open up. It’s currently being constructed in Stevensville.

Ranck pointed out that it wasn’t so much of a new service as it is a returning service — a similar vehicle operated in the county from the late 1960s to the middle of the 1980s.

“To my knowledge, Worcester will be the first system in Maryland to use this pop-up style vehicle,” Ranck said. “We are very excited about extending our services through the bookmobile and increasing access to books and technology beyond the library walls. We are grateful to the Maryland State Library Agency for awarding the library $100,000 (from an) ARPA grant through the Institute for Museum and Library Services.”

The library plans to introduce the bookmobile in 2023.

PHOTO COURTESY JENNIFER RANCK

The above vehicle depicts what Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck said the county’s mobile outreach vehicle will look like when it hits the roads in 2023. The program strives to reach unserved and limited-access communities.

WORCESTER COUNTY LIQUOR BOARD BRIEFS

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners discussed the following during its Dec. 7 meeting:

Roadie Joe

The board approved the transfer of a Class-B seven-day license from Crush and Crab to Roadie Joe, located at 525 Main Street in Berlin.

Owners of the restaurant asked permission to host a two-piece, nonamplified band outside from 2-10 p.m. and a three-piece, amplified band inside from 2-10 p.m., three days per week.

They only received permission for the latter, with the board citing noise at the already dangerous intersection of Worcester Highway and South Main Street.

“That doesn’t mean you can’t come back after you’ve started and we’ll see how you’re doing,” Board Chairman William Esham said.

Shotti’s Point

The board approved a Class-B seven-day license to the owners of Shotti’s Point, located on 35th Street. Two neighbors showed up to protest the owner’s request to install a 16seat outdoor bar on the rear deck, citing the noise that the establishment already generates.

“I believe we’re doing a lot to miti-

gate the potential issues,” said attorney Chris Woodley.

The board approved the bar with operational hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pizza Tugo’s

The board denied a request to increase the band pieces from three to five on the first floor and two to four on the second floor at Pizza Tugo’s located at 9935 Stephen Decatur Highway.

“I want my guests to be able to talk,” said owner Scott Heise.

A compromise was found when the board approved a motion for a twopiece band upstairs and a five-piece band downstairs.

Forgotten Fifty

The board approved an application for a Class-D seven-day license to the owners of Forgotten Fifty at 10103 Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin.

The establishment will run as a wine producer and needs the D license to serve on-site. They will also host a three-piece, amplified band from 6-9 p.m., four nights per week.

7-11

The board approved the transfer of a Class-A seven-day license from H&R Martin Inc. to Buster’s 119 LLC for the 7-11 located at 11911 Coastal Highway.

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Pizza Tugo’s came before the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners asking for expanded live entertainment. They left with new maximums of a two-piece band upstairs and five pieces downstairs.

Board of Education breaks down budget during meeting

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) Teachers, teachers, teachers.

That was the most common request on Dec. 6 as representatives from each of Worcester County’s public schools made their requests to the board of education for the FY24.

The hour-long, in-person and livestreamed meeting began with an introduction from each member of the board, Superintendent Lou Taylor and Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert, the latter of whom broke down where the county stands with its funding as it heads into the next calendar year and, next spring, the next fiscal year.

“This year’s budget totals $123.3 million,” Tolbert said. “Worcester County Public Schools continues to be highly dependent on our county commissioners for funding. Almost 75 percent of our funds come from the local government.”

A graphic he presented showed that the state contributes about 16.7 percent and the federal government about 8.49 percent.

For neighboring counties like Dorchester and Somerset, “it’s flipped,” Tolbert said. “They probably get 75 percent of their funding from the state and very little from the county government.”

FY23 expenditures are mostly taken up by three categories: instructional programs at 64.8 percent, special education at 14.5 percent and operation of plant at 10.4 percent.

The unrestricted operating budget reflects what Tolbert described as the people-driven nature of a school system’s business model — salaries and fixed charges take up 85.5 percent.

“If we’re looking at making reductions or changes, it’s people,” Tolbert said. “We don’t really have anywhere else to reduce our budget.”

Some concerning numbers Tolbert also reported included a poverty rate that’s four percent above the state average and the wealth per pupil sitting

at $6,600, the lowest in the state.

However, the wealth per pupil statistic runs counter to the wealthbased funding formula the State of Maryland uses that identifies Worcester County as the wealthiest in the state in terms of population as compared to the property tax assessable base, which is driven by the high property values and residential base in Ocean City.

Looking toward 2024, Tolbert said the school system will need to increase employee salaries to adhere to the upcoming Maryland Blueprint for Education mandate. Bus contract expenses will increase, too, as will employee health insurance rates.

“This (mandate) will be driving public education in Maryland for the next 10-plus years at an estimated cost of $3.8 billion,” Tolbert reported. “It includes early childhood education, high quality and diverse teachers and leaders, college and career readiness pathways, more resources for all students and governance and accountability.”

And then, of course, there are the various requests of each public school to consider.

Every school wants the county to continue retaining quality teachers and ensuring Worcester County remains an attractive destination for teachers.

Other common refrains included maintaining student access to adequate technology and keeping classrooms small.

“Our teachers are committed to creating great citizens for this future community,” parent Emily Gelman of Showell Elementary School said. “Let’s invest in them and the community by offering a competitive salary to retain and recruit high-quality teachers.”

Buckingham Elementary School parent Kimberly Jackson thanked the board for its support in completing a feasibility study for a new school and asked that construction funding is

See SCHOOLS Page 24

Schools wish to attract, keep quality teachers

maintained.

“In the future, it would be great to maintain these additions to continue meeting the needs of our student population,” Jackson said.

Other funding requests included replacing the pavement in front of the school and sidewalk and replacing

the tennis courts at Berlin Intermediate School and stage floor repair at Stephen Decatur High School.

Stephen Decatur Middle School asked the board to continue emphasizing a 1:1 ratio of students to technological devices.

Decatur High parent Dr. Tammy Donaway also pointed out how bene-

ficial it would be if there’s any funding left over for classroom materials.

“We all know that our teachers put in that little extra — their own supplies with their own money — and we ask that you maintain the current funding levels for materials of instruction,” Donaway said. “But if there are any funds available, we’d love to see

an increase. It’d be beneficial for both the teachers and the students.

“We know that the jobs our children have later in life are going to depend on the available technology. I think Worcester County really got it right implementing the iPads and keeping up with technology in the classroom.”

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Buckingham Elementary School PTA was one of the schools to make formal budget requests to the Worcester County Board of Education on Dec. 7. Parent Kimberly Jackson especially thanked the board for its support of a feasibility study on a replacement school.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, no matter how much you try to tip the odds in your favor, this week is much more about the luck of the draw. Keep a positive outlook and things may turn out in your favor.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, if winter’s chill is getting you down, you may want to plan a getaway to somewhere warmer. That may be just what you need to recharge.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

The two sides of your personality are lately at odds with one another, Gemini. You have to make an important decision, so seek out a friend for advice.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you lean toward an optimistic view on most things, but it is alright to be realistic at some points along the way, or even slightly skeptical. Balance is key.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, if you are feeling under the weather this week, you will have to put on a smile and push through. It is the holidays, after all. Seek as much help as others can muster.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you are on borrowed time regarding your finances. Take a careful look at your budget this week and make the tweaks necessary to stay afloat if income wanes.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

A companion animal in your life needs some attention, Libra. There may be some vet bills to contend with, but luckily you can handle that without much issue.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

The activity you have been turning to provide mental stimulation just may not be cutting it any longer. Start to explore some other options and see if there may be a better fit, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

A health issue that has been getting the better of you for some time will be resolved for in the days to come, Sagittarius. It’ll be birthday good news. Start celebrating.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, after a tumultuous few weeks, things in your life finally settle down. Embrace the opportunity to rest and do not take on any new projects until next year.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, things may not be going completely according to plan on the professional front. But at home you have gotten into a solid groove. Use this win to boost your mood.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

There is much more to a situation than meets the eye, Pisces. Delve deeper to learn about a person’s true motivation.

Add walnuts and raisins to apple fennel chutney

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) Glistening hues of frolicking water splashing against my weathered dock is a reminder that change is a constant variable.

Conversations with myself challenge me to take a chance and do something different.

I decide to break protocol and spend much deserved time with myself. Constant daily bustle is not privy to the world within; solitude is the master of reasoning if inner peace is to prevail.

Slight adjustments can have rewarding results. I am sipping on a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and taking in the view before me.

A wall of glass is a reflection of the Eastern Shore. Mother Nature is in a state of serenity, but at any given moment her wrath can take control.

As I drift in a state distant from the perimeters of certainty, a familiar tune echoes as it draws near.

The guttural “honking” is getting closer and I know in an instant who are befriending my company.

Their strokes of effortless grace are mesmerizing and fits the mood. I bid the geese “hello” but I know most of my feathered friends will soon be following a peak to a place where the temperatures rise to a higher degree.

Diversity is a prelude to ingenuity. I envy the bird’s freedom to pick up and take off at a moment’s notice.

I cannot speak for others, but I know my hectic schedule fosters me into a routine of biased conformity.

Some may welcome such conventionality; but my passion for entertaining keeps me from the boundaries of predictability.

The holidays are here and menus should reflect this joyous occasion.

Chutneys are a great way to spruce up even the simplest entrée. After much contemplation, my intuition points me to the path of apple fennel chutney that is embellished with walnuts and raisins.

Not everyone is familiar with fennel and what a pity. Fennel’s leaves, seeds and stems have a sweet faintly anise-like flavor, but the main attraction is the bulb itself.

Originating in the Mediterranean, the fennel bulb appears often in Italian and Scandinavian cuisines. It can be eaten raw, grilled, baked, braised, or sauteed.

If one decides to grill fennel, oil the grates before cooking.

Choose fennel bulbs that are smooth and tightly layered with no cracks or bruises.

Fat, rounded bulbs with white and pale green color will tend to be more succulent than thin or yellow ones. Avoid fennel bulbs with wilted leaves or dry layers.

Fennel is available year-round but its peak is from late fall through the winter.

Preparing fennel for cookery is very easy. Remove the green stems and leaves, saving them to flavor or garnish other dishes such as soups, grilled meats, or fish.

Discard the outer layer of the bulb and any discolored areas. Cut the bulb in half and remove the base of the core.

Gently separate the layers and rinse well to remove any grit. Slice or cut as directed in a recipe.

Apple fennel chutney’s main components are apples, fennel, raisins and walnuts.

Fennel and apples are a perfect pairing. The subtle anise flavor of the fennel forms a delectable harmony with the sweetness of apples.

Raisins add a contrast in color and toasted walnuts highlights the theme of texture.

Garlic, sugar, rice vinegar, dried pepper seeds, and crystallized ginger complete the trinity of sweetness, savoriness and spiciness which is the essence of chutney.

Chutneys are presented as a condiment for meats, fish and vegetarian dishes. The beauty of this addition is that it can be made to order for any dish.

It is time for me to return to my trusty kitchen and prepare apple fennel chutney. This particular chutney will go well with ham, turkey, or pork.

Packaging the chutney in a small canning jar with a festive bow is a fun, Christmas gift.

Chutneys are easy to make and a great way to personalize your menu. They can be served cold, warm, or room temperature. Sometimes the most insignificant dish can be the most memorable. Enjoy!

Apple Fennel Chutney

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

1 large fennel bulb, cleaned and chopped

2 large cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup raisins

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped 1 cup rice vinegar

¾ cup sugar

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus an extra pinch

2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped

½ cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped

1. In a large sauté pan, heat butter and canola oil over medium heat. Add onions, fennel, garlic and apples and cook until tender, about seven minutes.

2. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the walnuts, and cook for 30 minutes.

3. Add walnuts and continue cooking until all the liquid has evaporated. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Secret Ingredient – Heart. “The heart has reasons that reason does not understand.”

– Jacques Benigne Bossuet

NOW PLAYING

JACK WORTHINGTON

Bayview Bar & Grille:

Wed., Dec. 21, 6-9 p.m.

BAYVIEW BAR & GRILLE

2nd Floor Residence Inn

61st Street, Ocean City

410-723-2222 / www.ResidenceInnOC.com

Dec. 16: Karaoke w/Donnie, 6-9 p.m.

Dec. 17: Josh Pryor, 6-9 p.m.

Dec. 21: Jack Worthington, 6-9 p.m.

COINS

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

Dec. 18: Customer Appreciation Party, FREE Buffet, 3-7 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

Dec. 16: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Dec. 17: Rouge Citizens, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

ROUGUE CITIZENS

Pickles Pub: Sat., Dec. 17, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

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

Dec. 19: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Dec. 20: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Dec. 21: Beats by Styler, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Dec. 22: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

SEACRETS

49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com

Dec. 16: No Cover ALL DAY!; Ocean 98 & Seacrets Christmas Party, 5-10 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; The Benderz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Dec. 17: Cellar Sessions, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Late Last Night, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Dec. 18: No Cover ALL DAY!; Football Sunday, noon to 8:00 p.m.

Dec. 22: No Cover ALL DAY!; Opposite Directions, 59 p.m.; DJ Connair, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

N.O.E.L. Community to again provide meals for Christmas

(Dec. 16, 2022) The N.O.E.L. (Nothing Other than Eating and Loving) Community will provide food for locals for Christmas again this year.

On Saturday, Dec. 24, between 9 a.m. and noon the organization will provide hot breakfast food along with some sweet treats and festive Christmas music.

N.O.E.L. volunteers will distribute bags of non-perishable foods filled with some traditional items to prepare at home. These bags will be distributed at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea

Episcopal Church on Third Street and Baltimore Avenue, in the church hall.

For more information about the N.O.E.L Community or this event, contact the office at St. Paul’s by-theSea at 410-289-3453.

In addition to the Christmas outreach, N.O.E.L. supports many local social service programs and food pantries throughout the year.

To support to the organization, send donations to: The N.O.E.L. Community c/o St. Paul’s by the Sea at 302 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

Annual SGA Food Drive at Worcester Prep successful

(Dec. 16, 2022) The annual Student Government Association-sponsored food drive at Worcester Preparatory School started Nov. 15 and on Dec. 9, the Upper School gathered to sort and divide canned goods and non-perishable food items that

This year, Worcester Prep had a special kickoff to the annual event.

In celebration of the school’s 50th year, each homeroom set a goal to collect 50 canned goods in three days.

If the goal was met, that homeroom was allowed a dress down day, where students could wear red, white and blue instead of their traditional uniform.

That Friday, all home rooms dressed down with every class achieving the goal.

Thanks to the SGA and all those who donated, nine local organizations in Maryland and Delaware will receive a large bundle of canned goods and non-perishable food items.

In addition, students also donated

The annual Student Government Associationsponsored food drive at Worcester Preparatory School will present goods to several local organizations. (Top) Pictured are juniors Esi Mehilli, Emma Crivella, Natalie Chadwell, Lebby Becker and sophomore Danielle Carr. (Above) Junior Moorea Phillips and sophomore Landon Schul help sort food.

will be donated to several local organizations.

WPS FOOD DRIVE

Dining Guide

Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COASTAL SALT

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

$$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaraunt serving seafood, steaks, and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; Tues. through Sat, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Happy Hour; Tues through Sat, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials.

Closed Mondays. Open Tues.,-Fri. at 2 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, Carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn &

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore with a Caribbean flare; Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring specialty rums; Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour drink specials and $10 eats, Everyday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-289-4891, www.picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open daily. Serving food until 1 a.m. Free parking across the street. Daily food and drink specials. Live entertainment 6 nights a week. Lots of pool tables. Liquor store attached. Game room. 30+ drafts on tap.

Dine in or carry out.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON

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

$$

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

UPTOWN

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

non-

Serving daily small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, fried rice, entrees and desserts. Also, Nori’s premium rolls, nigiri and sashimi, hand-roll combos. Full bar with wine, beer and cocktails. Inside dining and take out, 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Delivery via Door Dash Online.

■

SOPHIA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT PIZZERIA

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11405 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 410-723-5188

$$ | Kids’ menu

Appetizers, salads, subs, soup of the day. Specialty pizzas, calzones and low-carb alternatives, Italian entrées. A la carte fresh vegetables, homemade desserts. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. Call for take-out or delivery by Door Dash and Uber Eats.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ COASTAL SMOKEHOUSE

12513 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-390-5998, coastalsmokehouse.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar with 18 TVs

Steak and barbecue experts. Menu reflects nation's hottest barbecue destinations. Top-notch bourbon list. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro

12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

■

BAHAMAS’S CRABSHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET

Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Highway, Fenwick 302-537-5882

Seafood, crabs selected by weight, sandwiches and dinners. Seafood, chicken, homemade soups, crab cakes, steamed shrimp, clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters and snow crab claws. Open daily at 10 a.m. Closed Tuesdays.

■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11403 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-880-6258

Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carry out. Lunch specials, dinner and light fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m-9:30 p.m. and FridaySaturday, 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

■ OC EATERIES

12849 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50), West Ocean City 443-252-3700, oceateriesmaryland.com

$-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Market-style food destination with table service. Seven restaurants offering brick oven pizza, wings, street tacos, cheesy mac, loaded potatoes. Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials. Live entertainment, Thursday through Saturday evenings. Indoor and outdoor seating.

The annual Student Government Association-sponsored food drive at Worcester Preparatory School started Nov. 15 and on Dec. 9, the Upper School gathered to sort and divide canned goods and

perishable food items that will be donated to several local organizations.

Organizations to receive food from Wor. Prep’s drive

$3 each to help buy meat products for holiday dinners.

The following organizations will receive and distribute the food collected:

• Diakonia, Inc., West Ocean City

• Atlantic United Methodist Church, Ocean City

• The Joseph House, Salisbury

• Stevenson United Methodist Church Spirit Kitchen, Berlin

• The Seaford Community Food Closet, Seaford, Delaware

• Bethel Mariner Food Bank, Ocean View, Delaware

• Sonrise Church, Berlin,

• The Community Church at Ocean Pines

• HALO, Salisbury

OP Peacekeepers Detachment of MCL holds mtg.

(Dec. 16, 2022) The meeting of the “new” Ocean Pines Marine Corps League, Peacekeepers Detachment #1492 was held Dec. 8.

This was its first meeting with the signing of its charter and swearing-in of officers.

Marine Richard Poundsberry has been installed to serve as the commandant for the first year. Marines John Daddezio and John Whitehead have been chosen as senior vice commandant and junior vice commandant, respectively.

MCL Peacekeepers Detachment #1492 will meet every second Thursday of the month at the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Compant Station #5, 10124 Keyser Point Road, in West Ocean City.

The next meeting of the Peacekeepers Detachment will be held on Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. Any Marine, FMF corpsman or FMF chaplain interested in joining this new detachment, are welcomed.

For more information, contact Daddezio, jadaddezio@gmail.com, or Whitehead, naphar @aol.com.

Jane and Nick Bartolomeo, Tom Pergola honored

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge 2474 of Ocean City has chosen a husband and wife team, and a past chair of its wellknown St. Joseph’s Festival as the organization’s Citizens of the Year for 2022. Honored were Jane and Nick Bartolomeo, and Thomas A. Pergola. They received their awards at the organizations Christmas party on Dec. 11.

The Bartolomeos, long-time members of SDOI, were honored for their many years of volunteer service with local health care, fraternal, charitable and service organizations.

For the Italian American association, they have served at all of its 10 St. Joseph’s Festivals and on the executive council where they haver served in various offices.

For the community at large they have worked at the election polls, volunteered for 21 years with the Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary, and were recognized for this service by the hospital earlier this year.

In 2017, Nick received the Friend of Nursing Award and was described as one of the hardest working individuals representing the values of AGH.

He also has raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and volunteers at the Powellville Methodist Church monthly chicken dinners.

Jane is on the board of AARP’s South Coastal Delaware Chapter, is active in her homeowners’ association and currently is on the board of directors as recording secretary and a member of the clubhouse committee.

Pergola also is an active member of the Ocean City Knights of Columbus Council, and was named Knight of the Year for 2022.

For SDOI, he has served as a past chair of the popular annual St. Joseph’s Festival, in addition to handling program and publicity functions.

He has designed the festival’s program, flyers, signs and handouts as well as handing accounting for the program ads placed by businesses and individuals.

For the past 10 years he has also helped the social chair by designing flyers for trips, dinners and other events. He also has designed and is web master for the SDOI website.

The Sons and Daughters of Italy is accepting new members. Visit sonsofitalyoceancity.com for more information and a membership application.

The Order Sons and Daughters of See SONS Page 30

Wor. County Arts Council to award grants totalling $19K

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Worcester County Arts Council will award $19,718 in the Community Arts Development Grants program for art projects and events to be presented by local nonprofit organizations during the six-month granting cycle beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

Grant projects are evaluated based on the quality of cultural excellence, community outreach and public impact, and financial/administrative merit.

In FY 2023, the Worcester County Arts Council awarded $43,158 to local non-profit organizations through this program which is funded and supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.

The following is a list of organizations and their projects that are being awarded a Community Arts Development Grant for the current granting period:

Art League of Ocean City: Lecture Series

Berlin Heritage Foundation: 2023 Events

Julia A. Purnell Museum: Paintings and Techniques of Ann S. Hope

Lower Shore Performing Arts Company: Musical Review of Broadway Love Songs

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra: 2023 Spring Concerts

Ocean Pines Children’s Theater: Disney’s Moana, Jr. Musical

Pocomoke High School Drama Club: Into the Woods Musical

Pine Tones Chorus: Spring Concert and Sing Outs

Snow Hill Elementary School: Free Little Art Gallery

Town of Berlin/Berlin Main Street: Live Music at Farmers’ Market

Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art: Wildfowl Carving Competition & Art Festival

Applications are currently accepted for art projects through the Mini-Grant program.

The Mini-Grant program is intended to provide funds (up to $500) for new projects facing an emergency need that emerge between grant periods and deserve immediate Arts Council support.

Visit www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org for more information.

The next deadline to receive grant applications for the Community Arts Development Grant Program for July 1 - Dec. 31, 2023, is April 15, 2023.

The Worcester County Arts Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, promote, and encourage visual, performing, and literary arts in Worcester County.

Sons and Daughters of Italy OC name Citizens of the Year

Continued from Page 29

Italy in America has been in existence in the U.S. since 1905.

The Ocean City lodge was started by Italian businessmen and women in May of 1980.

Its goals include increasing awareness of the Italian culture and contributions of Italian Americans to the progress of the United States, helping the community through charitable contributions, and promoting Americanism based on absolute loyalty to

the Constitution.

Today, Ocean City Lodge 2474, with almost 200 members living in Worcester and Sussex counties, is active throughout the local area, donating to many charitable organizations.

The lodge also provides scholarships to Italian American high school students and helps support many young men and women who travel from Italy every summer to work in Ocean City and the surrounding resort areas.

The Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge 2474 of Ocean City chose Jane and Nick Bartolomeo, and Thomas A. Pergola as the organization’s Citizens of the Year for 2022. Pictured, from left, are JoAnn Ward, vice president of the Ocean City Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of Italy; Vinnie Mollicone, president, Pergola, and the Bartolomeos.

CROSSWORD

Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., Dec. 16

HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR: HOT CHOCOLATE BAR

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2-4 p.m. Mingle with neighbors with free hot chocolate and an array of accompaniments to create your own special treat. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BERLIN BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘OONA OUT OF ORDER’ BY MARGARITA MONTIMORE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Berlin branch circulation desk. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Knights of Columbus - Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. (Building behind St. Luke’s Church.) Doors open at 5 p.m., games begin at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments offered for sale. Play every game for $25. 410-524-7994, http://www.koc9053.com

OCEAN 98 LISTENER & SEACRETS CUSTOMER APPRECIATION CHRISTMAS PARTY

Seacrets, 117 49th St., Ocean City, 5-10 p.m. Showcasing many bands, drink specials, complimentary buffet, door prizes, Chinese auction, free admission (must at least 21 years). 50/50 raffle for “Cash for College Fund.” Toys for Tots collection.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND CAROL SING-ALONG

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 6:30 p.m. Featuring Ty Thompson, SUMC Director of Music, organist; SUMC Handbell Choir; SUMC Parise Band; and singing duo, Selah Wilson and Amanda Jones. Free admission. Offering benefits HALO. haloministry.org

A HOGWARTS HOLIDAY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join the group for Harry Potter themed crafts and games. Costumes encouraged. Families welcome to attend this free event. Registration required: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events.” 410-957-0878

Sat., Dec. 17

WALK WITH A DOC

South Gate Pond, Ocean Pines, 9 a.m.

An Atlantic General representative will give a brief discussion, then will lead the group for a walk around the park’s trail. The first 10 participants to arrive will receive $10 WalMart gift cards.

SPORTS DAY AT THE BEACH

Westside Rt. 50 Shopping Center - next to Hooper’s Crab House, 12913 Ocean Gateway, W. Ocean City, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sports cards and memorabilia show. Buy-Sell-Trade sports cards, supplies, autographs, collectibles, jerseys. Silent auction 10am-3pm. Raffles, 50/50, & more! Al Bumbry will be signing autographs. 443-978-0680

FREE

CARRIAGE

St. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3-18, featuring free carriage rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and meet Santa at Kringle Kottage located at Calvin B. Taylor Museum, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. BerlinMainStreet.com

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 4-5 p.m. Readings, carols, communion and candle lighting. 410-641-2186

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE

Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, 6 p.m. Join the group to honor someone you’ve lost. 410-641-5433

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Dec. 19

RIDES & SANTA

Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3-18, featuring free carriage rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and meet Santa at Kringle Kottage located at Calvin B. Taylor Museum, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. BerlinMainStreet.com

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Learn about the winter solstice with Lily Maratea through a yogic movement story and craft. For ages 4 years and older. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MERRY MARKETPLACE IN BRRRLIN

The Buzz Meadery, 21 Jefferson St., Berlin, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sip and shop. Many of the Berlin Farmers Market vendors will be participating in Merry Marketplace at The Berlin Commons Buzz Meadery on Jefferson Street.

GIFT WRAPPING PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1-2:30 p.m. Come wrap together. The library will provide classic wrapping using brown parchment paper and red and white twine. Decorative stamps and other supplies included. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays until Feb. 25 - 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. 18

FREE CARRIAGE RIDES & SANTA Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main

STORY TIME ‘SNOWMEN’

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, movement and more all about snowmen. For ages 2-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. Focusing on “The Man Who Would Be King” by Rudyard Kipling. This group meets twice a month to discuss selections recommended by the Great Books Foundation. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GIFT WRAPPING PARTY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5-7 p.m. Come wrap together. Brown parchment paper, red and white twine, decorative stamps and more provided. Light refreshments served. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY OF BERLINGROUP #169

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. T.O.P.S. is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157.

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.

ROMANCE BOOK CLUB: ‘THE HOLIDAY TRAP’

The Buzzed Word, 11805 Coastal High-

way, Unit C, Ocean City, 6 p.m. Join the Ocean City Library for an afternoon of Queer Romance and Wine. The December book is “The Holiday Trap” by Roan Parrish. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Tues., Dec. 20

STORY TIME ‘HAPPY HOLIDAYS’

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, games and crafts to celebrate the holiday season. For ages 2-5 years. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PARACHUTE FUN

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Get your exercise and play with the library’s parachute. Games and music will add to the fun. For ages 2-5 years. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Bring whatever project you are working on. The group welcomes drop-ins and new members. They are making winter accessories that are available at the library for those in need. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-5241818

BLOCK PARTY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are welcome to play with blocks and other toys while socializing with other families. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

AURORA BOREALIS DRAWINGS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 3:30 p.m. Create a unique drawing by exploring the use of different mediums. For ages 11 years and older. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GIFT WRAPPING PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4-6 p.m. Come wrap together. Brown parchment paper, red and white twine, decorative stamps and more provided. Light refreshments served. 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.

DELMARVA DANCING

Tuesdays - Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173,

Apply in person or online at

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

Curriculum Coordinator

The Curriculum Coordinator will be responsible for organizing, implementing, and supervising curricula and educational programs. The Curriculum Coordinator will examine the current course offerings and work closely with department chairs to ensure the Worcester Preparatory School is maintaining the highest quality curriculum in order to meet its college preparatory mission.

The applicant must have a master's degree or higher, preferably in administration, supervision, or curriculum and instruction. A minimum of 5 years teaching experience, ideally in an independent school, is required. Employee must be legally qualified to work in the United States. Employees must pass a background check.

Worcester Preparatory School is a Pre-K-12 independent school located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, just miles from the resort town of Ocean City. Founded in 1970, Worcester Prep has a proud history of providing a rigorous and high-quality college preparatory education to students from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

Apply to Linda Watson at lwatson@worcesterprep.org or mail applications to Linda Watson, 508 S. Main St., Berlin, MD 21811

Worcester County Health Department

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE SUPERVISOR - Full Time, State Benefits. Occasional weekends & evenings and on-call rotation required. This position supervises the nursing services related to overall vaccine preventable diseases for children and adults. Duties include, but are not limited to planning, scheduling and reviewing the vaccine delivery services provided by health department nurses, working with community partners to assure vaccine services are available, including school services for specific needs (back to school immunizations, seasonal influenza, public health emergency vaccines, etc.) & compiling and providing data for performance measures and vaccine preventable disease reports. This position provides nursing services including health promotion, health maintenance, health education and management, coordination, and continuity of care in a holistic approach to the management of the health care of individuals, families, and groups in a community; provides vaccine delivery, support of disease investigations, and other clinical services as needed. Home visits are required as is travel to state and regional meetings and trainings. This position supports incident command during emergency events including shelter operations.

Must possess a current license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland State Board of Nursing. Valid driver’s license required. Background check & drug screening required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by December 27, 2022.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.

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

AUTOMOTIVE

If you are looking for a

NOW is the time!

are a large Automotive Service Center with several company owned parts

centers and used

dealership. We have multiple locations in the Ocean City, MD, Bethany Beach, DE and Rehoboth Beach DE areas.

We are accepting applications for experienced:

-Technicians - Oil Lube / Tire Techs - Parts Associates

Great Pay scale and Advancement opportunities plus Benefits, Employee Discounts and Friends & Family Discounts! Call: 302-344-9846

RENTALS

Year-Round Rental in Ocean Pines. 3-bedroom, 2-bath. $1750 a month plus utilities. Call Karen 443-880-5727.

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

Room for Rent. North Ocean Pines. $800/mo. plus 1/2 utilities. Text name and number to 410-726-2451 to set up appointment.

House To Share, Selbyville, on Canal, pool, covered porch, 10 min. to beach. Incl. Internet and util. Shared kit., W/D, Liv. rm. Private BR and bath. $850/mo. 240-372-5944

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

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

DONATIONS

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

ROOMMATES

Senior Gentleman looking to rent year-round space in private home in Ocean Pines. Former school teacher. Hobbies are tool sharpening, furniture refinishing, bread baking. 410-603-7582

Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

DOG, PETS, LIVESTOCK, PET SUPPLIES

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MISC. FOR SALE

DISH Network. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855407-6870

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

Use Happy Jack® Kennel Dip as an area spray to control Lyme disease ticks, fleas, stable flies, & mosquitoes where they breed. At Tractor Supply (www.fleabeacon.com)

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-855993-0969

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

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 877-738-0991.

WANTED TO BUY

TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 888-491-4534

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

MDDC - 410-723-6397

Hiring Welder, Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters & Carpenters

seacrets.com

13324 Worcester Highway, Bishopville, 5:30-9 p.m. Dance to the sounds of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and more. A $5 donation benefits Veterans and local charities. All are welcome. Charlie, 410-465-0445

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., Dec. 21

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Held via Zoom, on the third and fourth Wednesdays of each month, for surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatrics Center, 410-641-9568

HOLLY JOLLY CRAFTY MORNING

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9-11 a.m. Come make crafts and ornaments. For ages 6 years and older. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Join the group as they promote the needle arts through sewing education, activities

and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CREATIVE KIDS CORNER

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Come create a winter craft at the library or take it with you. Most supplies included. For ages 4 years and older. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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, 410-5487880

GIFT WRAPPYING PARTY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2-4 p.m. Come wrap together. Brown parchment paper, red and white twine, decorative stamps and more provided. Light refreshments served. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Suite 104, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. For stroke survivors, family and friends. 410-641-4765, bglime@atlanticgeneral.org

POM POM ORNAMENTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3:30 p.m. Make decorations out of pom poms and clear baubles. For children ages 6 years and older. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Thurs., Dec. 22

STEM THURSDAYS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Drop in any time during the day to use your creativity and build

using one of the STEM building kits. For ages 4 years and older. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘SEASONS’

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA FOR ALL

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events.” 410-641-0650

BEACH SINGLES-55 PLUS Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. Info: 302-436-9577 or BeachSingles.org

ONGOING EVENTS

FREE INTRO TO PLATFORM TENNIS & SPEC TENNIS

By appointment in January and February. Call Vin at 862-219-3352 or email oppaddle2020@gmail.com. Equipment provided.

WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, through Dec. 31. An expanded walking tour through thousands of sparkling holiday lights. Also featuring hot chocolate, photos with Santa, gift shop and a 50-foot Christmas tree. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Admission cost is $6 for adults and free to children 11 years and younger. Event is weather permitting. Pets are welcome on Wednesdays. 410250-0125, 800-626-2326

WINTER TRAIN GARDEN

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal High-

way, through Jan. 15, 2023. Interact with buttons that activate accessories and sounds and participate in a scavenger hunt. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ART EXHIBIT

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, until Jan. 31, 2023. Featuring 3-D framed pictures created mostly from vintage jewelry plus picture of crabs, birds and seascapes produced from products of the sea. 410-208-4014

KIWANIS LOTTERY TICKETS ON SALE

Ocean Pines Farmers Market, White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $20. Benefits local youth. Win up to $250 on one ticket. Winning numbers are based on 2023 MD “Pick 3” evening drawings. One ticket is good for all 365 drawings. Can win more than once. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

FREE WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

Free workshops dealing with hypertension, chronic pain self-management, chronic disease self-management, diabetes, fall prevention and a free 6-week workshop titled, “Building Better Caregivers.” If you would like to register for one of these workshops or you would like more information about bringing any of the workshops to your business or group, contact Jill at MAC, 410-7420505, Ext. 159 or jak@macinc.org.

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-907-8000

Diane S. Rosenberg

Mark D. Meyer

Maurice O’Brien

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814

Substitute Trustees Plaintiff(s) v. Barbara A. Moffitt

Estate of Shirley R. Ellis 6803 Atlantic Avenue, Unit 4K Ocean City, MD 21842

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-18-000094

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 29th day of November, 2022, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of 6803 Atlantic Avenue, Unit 4K, Ocean City, MD 21842, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 2nd day of January, 2023, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in a weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 26th day of December, 2022. The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $332,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/8/3t

FRANK GLENWOOD LYNCH, JR. 10535 Racetrack Road Berlin, MD 21811 Plaintiff vs. S & T DEVELOPMENT, INC c/o Frank G. Lynch, Jr., Resident Agent 15035 Racetrack Road Berlin, MD 21811 and WORCESTER COUNTY c/o Roscoe Leslie, Esq. 1 West Market Street Room 1103 Snow Hill, MD 21863 and

ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY described as Escaped Property 18.67 Acres West Side Lewis Road. Boundary Survey Ayres Creek LLC. Ocean City, MD 21842

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000268

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from the tax sale on the following property located in Worces-

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

These three weeks of notification began on Dec 1, 2022.

ter County, Maryland, sold by Phillip G. Thompson. Collector of Taxes for the State of Maryland and for Worcester County, to the Plaintiff. the parcel of land described as follows:

Escaped Property 18.67 Acres West Side Lewis Road, Boundary Survey Ayres Creek LLC, Ocean City, MD 21842, Deed Reference 5132/230, Tax Identification Number 10-743087. The property is an unimproved lot, and is assessed to S & T Development, Inc.

The Complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. The sale was held on May 20. 2022. and more than six (6) months has passed since that date.

It is thereupon this 29th of November, 2022, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Maryland.

ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks. warning all persons interested In the property to redeem the property or answer the Complaint by 30th of January, 2022 . or thereafter a final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff title to said property. free and clear of all liens and encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-12/8/3t

THORNTON MELLON LLC Plaintiff, v. ARNOLD JENKlNS ESTATE OF ARNOLD M. JENKlNS JR.

Worcester County, Maryland Occupant Unknown Owners

ALL OTHER PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY

INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY 707 CLARKE AVE., POCOMOKE, MD 21851, Parcel No. 01-015923

ANY UNKNOWN OWNER OF THE PROPERTY 707 CLARKE AVE., POCOMOKE, MD 21851 Parcel No. 01-015923, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest Defendants.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR Worcester County CASE NO.: C-23-CV-22-000265

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property Parcel Identification Number 01015923 in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding:

LOT 2 3267 SQ FT 707 CLARKE AVE. TAYLORS SUBDIV

The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 1st of Decemeber, 2022, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 1st day of February, 2023, and redeem the property with Parcel Identification Number 01-015923 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will he entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Worcester County Circuit Court True Copy Test: Susan R. Branieckl

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/8/3t

JASON C RIDGELL, ESQ SOUZA ROY, LLC 2543 HOUSLEY ROAD ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES WALLS III Estate No. 19477 Notice is given that JAMES WALLS IV whose address is 10114 SILVER TWINE, COLUMBIA, MD 21046 was on NOVEMBER 30, 2022 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES WALLS III who died on OCTOBER 20, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of MAY, 2023

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

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

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

ister of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W. MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-12/8/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE

TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of Scott William Tanner Estate No. 19480

Notice is given that Lori A. Tanner whose address is 14011 North Ocean Road, Ocean City, MD 21842, was on December 02, 2022 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of Scott William Tanner who died on November 22, 2022 without a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Terri Westcott, Register of Wills for Worcester County

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

OCD-12/15/1t

NOTICE Bid Solicitation

Portable Toilet Services

Worcester County, Maryland

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to provide Portable Toilet Services at various locations throughout Worcester County, including Public Works, Parks and our Boat Ramps in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commis-

sioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

The last day for questions will be noon on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Envelopes shall be marked “Portable Toilet Services”, in the lower left corner.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-12/15/1t

NOTICE Bid Solicitation

Corrugated Metal and Plastic Pipe Worcester County, Maryland

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors for the purchase of Galvanized Steel Corrugated Metal Pipe and HDPE Double Wall Plastic Pipe for the Roads Division of Public Works in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

The last day for questions will be noon on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Wednesday, December, 28, 2022 and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Envelopes shall be marked “Corrugated Metal and Plastic Pipe”, in the lower left hand corner.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicita-

tion.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-12/15/1t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MOSES CHIGOZIE ANIEH Estate No. 19486 Notice is given that MALIKAH ERVIN whose address is 1212 LORING AVENUE, APT. 7C, BROOKLYN, NY 11208 was on DECEMBER 08, 2022 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MOSES CHIGOZIE ANIEH who died on JUNE 20, 2022 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of JUNE, 2023

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W. MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/15/3t

NOTICE TO HOLDERS OF CLASS "B", "C" AND

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 l, 2023.

This notice shall not be construed as enlarging or broadening any other privilege conferred under said li-

cense 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-12/15/3t

INVITATION TO BID

FY24 Local Management Board Programs

Worcester County, Maryland

Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified Vendors to contract for fiscal year 2024 programs through the Local Management Board in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

The last day for questions will be noon on Friday, December 30, 2022. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Monday, January 9, 2023 and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Envelopes shall be marked "FY 24 Local Management Board Programs – January 9, 2023 in the lower left-hand corner.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. THE WORCESTER COUNTY

"D"

Coastal Cuts brings charm to OC

New salon located off of Ocean Gateway runs with ‘family’ business model

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) As unlikely as it may have been, a near-death experience brought life to the new Coastal Cuts Salon in West Ocean City.

Coastal Cuts opened its doors to clients on Nov. 15 and since then, the staff of mostly veteran resort-area stylists has been making its whereabouts known.

It all came together when the mother of salon manager Sandy Beauchamp and her sister, owner Bunny Newcomb, had an extremely close brush with death at an area salon.

“(This place) has been in honor of our mother,” Newcomb said. She added that her sister was working at another local salon when “our mom came and had her hair done and she collapsed.”

Said Beauchamp, “She had a death experience. She actually went to the other side for 25 minutes.”

Newcomb added that she had no heartbeat and that four ambulances showed up.

“She pulled through and I just

couldn’t stand the thought of looking down that hallway and seeing mom on the floor,” Beauchamp said. “I was telling Bunny about it and we were on the phone and I didn’t know she had me on speaker. I was crying and, the next thing I know, her husband said go find a location. So we did.”

When a customer walks in the door, the first thing they’re greeted by — besides the high ceilings, generously spaced hair stations and bright lighting —is the illustrious blue and purple sea-themed front desk.

“They can’t get over the way it

in both bathrooms, walk-in closets in

an enclosed porch w/a mini-split HVAC system, and so much more! Home has had many upgrades/improvements. Walking distance to shopping, dining, the beach, the bus stop, and Ocean City's 58-acre Northside Park. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a pickleball court, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $360.00 a year!! $389,000

Located on one of the widest canals in Ocean City, this oversized lot features 63' of vinyl bulkhead (instead of the standard 40'), a dock, pier, and electric boatlift. Sold fully furnished; features 3BR/2.5 BA, sunroom, screened porch, crown moldings throughout, cathedral ceilings, new laminate flooring in living area, and a wide-open floor plan. Walking distance to beach, shopping, dining, bus stop, and Ocean City's beautiful 58-acre Northside Park. Community amenities include 2-inground swimming pools, pickleball courts, and a bayfront boardwalk w/3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $360/year!! $799,900

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

From left, Coastal Cuts owner Bunny Newcomb, stylist Kerry Page, salon manager Sandy Beauchamp and operations manager Clarie Hendrix are behind the salon’s popular mosaic front desk. Coastal Cuts is located at 11934 Ocean Gateway Suite #8 in West Ocean City.

NEW MEMBERS

REAL ESTATE REPORT

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) C-PACE is the acronym for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy.

C-PACE programs provide private financing for commercial property owners to upgrade buildings with energy, resiliency, and environmental remediation improvements.

As its website explains, C-PACE legislation authorizes counties to work with private capital providers to provide upfront financing to commercial property owners for qualifying improvement projects, and to collect the repayment through annual or semi-annual surcharges on the property’s tax bill.

C-PACE is advantageous to the property owner because there are no upfront costs: C-PACE pays 100 percent of any qualifying improvement projects, and the cost is repaid by a tax bill surcharge stretched out over a 20-year period.

As C-PACE’s website explains, “By lowering a property’s energy and operational expenses and potentially making buildings safer and healthier, C-PACE makes an asset more inviting to tenants.

“After the cost of the improvements are paid off through the CPACE loan, building owners retain

the improvements. Assets that use CPACE achieve higher valuations through better tenant retention and retained ownership of improvements (like solar and upgraded HVAC systems).”

In order to use C-PACE, jurisdictions must adopt enabling legislation through an ordinance that adheres to the principles established by state legislation.

Jurisdictions must also sign a Locality Agreement with the Maryland Clean Energy Center.

The MD Clean Energy Center (MCEC) oversees MD-PACE, which is the statewide C-PACE program.

As of the printing of this article, five counties have not adopted the

program yet, and those are Calvert, St. Mary’s, Caroline, Somerset and Worcester counties.

Eligible improvement projects include: energy efficiency such as HVAC and lighting; water efficiency such as replacement of bathroom fixtures, ice makers, and dishwashers; renewable energy such as solar; resiliency such as green roofs or electric vehicle charging stations; and, environmental remediation such as asbestos or mold remediation.

More information on the C-PACE program can be found at https://mdpace.com.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.

The Coastal Association of Realtors welcomed 26 new members during New Member Orientation on Nov. 17. Pictured, in back, from left, are Rob Fuller with ERA Martin, Frank Killan with Coldwell Banker, Angel Chaconas with Coldwell Banker, Alyssa Linton with Keller Williams, Eric Johnson with ERA Martin, Joe Lavin with Compass, Jennifer McCracken with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s, Eric Husselbaugh with Iron Valley, Nosa Idemudia with Long and Foster, John Savage with Long and Foster, Charlie Elliott with Re/Max Advantage and Drew Robertson with SVN Miller; middle, Morgan Guy with Keller Williams, Vicki Ewalt with ERA Martin, Antonia Gary with Keller Williams, Whitney Elliott with Coldwell Banker, Breezy Kammermeier with Coldwell Banker, Cindy Gubosh with Coldwell Banker, Heather Willey with ERA Martin, Kerry Cettei with Keller Williams, Mikeshia Wilson with Keller Williams, Meghan Fitzgerald Kenney with Worthington Realty, and Dawn Peterson with Keller Williams; and in front, Monica Bookwalter with Keller Williams, Nanay Paul with Fathom Realty, and Sheila Outten with Keller Williams.

Coastal Cuts looking forward to more growth in community

looks,” Beauchamp said. “People can’t get over the colors, the openness and the lighting. Everything gets mentioned, especially my main attraction — my castle (the front desk). It’s from Avery Gallery which had it 30 years ago. She sold it to a salon and they went out and I got it from them.”

Operations manager Clarie Hendrix, who is the daughter of Newcomb and niece of Beauchamp, said she’d never dream of taking down the 25-year-old piece.

“The original owners made their own mark on it, so it’s got its history with it,” she said.

Coastal Cuts offers a variety of services, including all hair styling, all chemical hair treatments and services, pedicures and an aesthetician.

“They walk in here and they know right away that they’re in comfort,” Beauchamp said.

“We’re like no other salon. You don’t have to watch your p’s and q’s. We laugh at a good thing. Nobody is a backstabber. We all get along and work as a team. We work as a family.”

Hendrix said that they’re very welcoming to customers with children.

“That’s not something that is always encouraged by other salons,” she said.

Beauchamp added that she knows of other salons where children’s cuts are marked at $35 — just to keep children out.

“Our children’s cuts start at $10. They’re very much reasonable,” she said.

The experience helps as well. Though the staff is currently smaller than the staff they’d like to hire, there are plenty of years of experience between Beauchamp — 40 years total and 23 in Ocean City and fellow stylist Kerry Page — more than 30 years total.

“The experience this salon has as a new salon (is a great benefit),” Newcomb said. “We’re looking for more people. We have 10 seats and we don’t have them filled up yet.”

But with a little natural passion, the staff hopes to make progress toward their goals in the new year.

“It’s my passion,” Beauchamp said. “I finally found it at age 30 when I had a daughter who had a head of thick, curly hair. That’s when I went to beauty school.”

“I just turned 69. I should be retired but no. I love what I do.”

SERVICE AWARDS

Two long-time members of the American Legion Post 166 Color Guard received Service Awards during the Post’s Veterans Day ceremonies on Nov. 11. Glen Reely, captain of the unit, and Johan Nykvist were recognized for the many years of membership in the Color Guard, which travels throughout the region to present the Colors – the American flag, Maryland flag, and Post 166 flag — at patriotic events and military burials. Pictured, from left, are Tom Wengert, Post 166 commander; Nykvist; Reely; and Post 166 member Robert Smith, who presented the awards.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

FIELD TRIP

Worcester Preparatory School’s first grade class learned about local agriculture and wildlife while on a field trip recently to Groundworks Farm in Pittsville, and Trap Pond State Park in Laurel, Delaware. The students picked and tasted snap peas and harvested carrots at the farm. At the park, they visited the nature center and participated in “Tracks and Trace” program. Eleanor Brown and Avery Anderson check out a turtle shell.

ARTISAN FAIR

DONATION

ANNIVERSARY

RECOGNITION

Annually, the

(Left) Tia and Tuve Tuvesson of South Point, offered their metal sculpture to guests during the annual Holiday Artisan Fair on December's First Friday at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street. (Right) Dana Simson presented her one-of-a-kind ceramics during the event.

The Community Church at Ocean Pines as part of its 40th anniversary celebration had the blessing of the time capsule during a recent services. In addition, certificates from the State of Maryland and the Worcester County Commissioners recognizing the church’s spiritual leadership and positive contributions to the betterment of the community were acknowledged. Pictured, from left, are Andrea Barnes, 40th anniversary chair; Pastor Dale Brown; and Diane McGraw, committee member.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS, SR.

Salvation Army collects funds from the public via its "Red Kettle Campaign" during the holidays in support of those in need. On Nov. 16, the kickoff was held in Salisbury, and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City was recognized with an award (second place Civic Group) for the hours spent manning the kettle. Pictured are Diane Sparzak, Tom Southwell and Diane Denk.

The Ocean City Lions recently donated $500 each to three local scout troops. Receiving the donations, from left, are Pack 261 Cubmaster Joe Coleman, Troop 261 Scoutmaster James Smith, Scout Michele Sebobk of Troop 621, and OC Lions President Norm Cathell.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

DONATION

JOINS CLUB

Tom Sweeney, left, was recently installed into the Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club. He is pictured with District 7630 Governor Cliff Berg. The club meets every other Wednesday at The Sterling Tavern on Main Street, Berlin. For meeting dates and time, email ocberlinrotary@gmail.com.

GIFT TO AGH

Doris and Joseph Aiello recently presented a gift of $250,000 to the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation. Longtime residents of the Baltimore area, the couple has semi-retired and spends the majority of the year in Ocean City. They recognize the important role the community hospital plays in supporting the health and wellbeing of the Eastern Shore community and visitors alike. The Aiellos donation will assist Atlantic General Hospital with its ongoing mission to provide accessible, high quality care to every patient they serve. Pictured, from left, are Charlotte Cathell, chair of the Atlantic General Hospital Board of Trustees; Don Owrey, president and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital; Joseph and Doris Aiello; Steven Green, chair of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation; Steven Tyson, donor relations officer for Atlantic General Hospital; Toni Keiser, vice president of public relations for Atlantic General Hospital; and Dean Lewis, secretary, Atlantic General Hospital Foundation.

SCHOOL SUPPORT

PARTICIPATION

The

SEMIATIN HONORED

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) presented a Distinguished Citizen Medal to Morris Semiatin at Gull Creek Senior Living Community in Berlin. Emergency first responders and health responders, active-duty military and veterans of the United States Armed Forces, and citizens who have contributed to the defense, security, or freedom of the community, state, or nation in an exceptional manner are eligible for the award. Semiatin was nominated for his military service and heroism during World War II. Regent Talley Hann presented the certificate and “General George Washington,” also known as Major Gen. (Retired) James Adkins, pinned the medal on Semiatin. Vice Regent Sara Pugh also presented Semiatin with an inscribed brick sponsored by the chapter in his honor that will be installed at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial on a later date.

Belinda Gulyas, principal of the Cedar Chapel Special School, accepts a $500 donation from the OC Lions Club. Pictured, from left, are Lion Chris Powell, Gulyas, and Lions President Norm Cathell. Cedar Chapel serves students from across Worcester county birth to age 21.

PHOTO COURTESY PATRICK SIEBERT

Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland were invited to participate in the 2022 State House Christmas display. On Nov. 29, five Worcester County Garden Club members traveled to Annapolis and decorated a holiday tree using horticulture grown in member gardens and deer antlers found in Worcester County. After viewing the tree, First Lady Yumi Hogan presented a certificate of appreciation from the Office of the Governor to the club. Pictured, from left, are Jan King, Pat Arata, First Lady Yumi Hogan, Suzy Young, Joanne Kirby and Mary Ellen Jefferson.

Bikers Without Borders Foundation recently presented a $1,500 check to Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House by the Sea on 66th Street in Ocean City, which provides respite housing for critically ill children and their families.

OC COMIC CON

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

About 9,000 people attended the fifth annual Ocean City Comic Con last Saturday at the convention center on 40th Street. “The attendees, exhibitors and guests all seemed to have a great time. There were tons of activities, photo ops, art, amazing costumes and more in the center and it felt like everyone was feeling the spirit of the event,” said coordinator James Dufendach. In addition, about 3,000 pounds of food was donated for Diakonia in West Ocean City, an organization which helps individuals and families by providing shelter, food, clothing and program services. The Star Wars groups collected over $2,000 for Diakonia as well, Dufendach said.

Sunfest example of risk vs. reward

Sometimes big gambles pay off and sometimes ... well, who knows? The nature of that discussion was demonstrated this week during two unrelated meetings.

At a session in Snow Hill, residents and officials considered but took no action on what to do with the 111-foot paddlewheeler the town bought in 2021 for roughly $350,000 with the help of a no-interest loan from county government.

Since that time, it’s been one thing after another for the riverboat, with the most recent difficulty being its failure to pass Coast Guard inspection for use as a passenger vessel.

Given all the boat’s problems, the current debate concerns whether the Black Eyed Susan still has decent money-making potential even though it’s floating more loans than it has been people.

As Snow Hill residents and government ponder whether to sell or to keep steaming onward despite the expensive repairs the sternwheeler requires, their options are limited. Putting the Black Eyed Susan up for sale assumes that a market exists for it, especially at a price that would put some kind of dent in the town’s debt.

Sticking to the course originally charted for it is going to require another major investment to bring the boat up to Coast Guard standards.

What it really comes down to is whether paddlewheel boat rides up and down the Pocomoke River will generate the kind of loyal customer base the venture needs to succeed.

That’s where this week’s discussion of Sunfest comes in. It delivered a stunning return this year even though it was moved from its traditional September slot to less popular October.

There were plenty of doubts about whether Sunfest would suffer because of that date change, but it did because Sunfest, after years of being heavily subsidized by local government, became a solid product that could pay its own way.

That’s the question Snow Hill residents and officials will have to answer for themselves: will the Black Eyed Susan become a product worth the long-term investment? It’s a gamble, but as Sunfest has shown, it can happen.

Ocean City Today

11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

PUBLIC EYE

Good boy, odd boy

The dog formerly known as Crazy Eddie is still with us, bless his odd little heart.

He reached his 13th birthday sometime this year, although we can’t be certain of the date because of his questionable origins and because the veterinarian says sawing him in half to count his rings is not a procedure he would recommend.

We would not, of course, saw Edward J. Dog, as he is occasionally referred to, in half because we don’t care how old he is or isn’t. All we know is that over his many years he has developed into one odd little fellow.

Most household pets have their quirks it seems, but canines definitely lead the pack in that regard.

We had one, Cisco, who despised wheelbarrows. Absent any explanation for this intense dislike, my theory was that he had been accosted by a rogue wheelbarrow during his youth in the city.

Another household companion, Stella, routinely hid food, toys and other canine knickknackery under the pillows on the bed.

If there is an upside to that, it would be that having a chew toy close at hand is Option A on a sleepless night when you’re tempted to pass the time by watching a shopping channel.

Hmmmm, you wonder, will it be “Shoe Shopping with Jane” or gnawing on rawhide?

Sure, I’ve seen that show on QVC, but I never bought anything ... I swear it.

As for Edward J. Dog, he’s transitioned from squeaky ball to oddball. For instance, there’s the water bowl. He hates it, won’t

drink from it, won’t get it near it. He stares at it and then looks up as if to say, “Come with me if you want to live!”

I don’t get it. We set up a second water bowl, which he also has begun avoiding for reasons unknown, except that it’s not quite as dangerous as the kitchen bowl, which apparently houses the devil.

These days, he loads up outside wherever standing water can be found. That includes a bowl on the porch that he shares with a dozen cardinals, who use it for everything. Suffice to say he isn’t a stickler for sanitation.

Also, as most dogs will do eventually, he’s developed selective hearing.

“Eddie, come!” Nothing. “HEY! EDDIE!” Nothing. “Eddie-Eddie-Eddie!” Nada.

It’s been suggested that he might have lost some of his hearing, although I doubt it, given the bullet train he becomes at the mention of “snack.” Or worse, “cheese,” the utterance of which results in more of a nuclear missile in terms of speed.

We also have a pair of identical steps that lead to the kitchen. One set good, one set evil. And lately, he’s become uncertain about the dividing line between the brick walk and the concrete strip leading from that to the back door. He walks up the bricks to the line, and then sprints across the concrete as if something is after him.

Maybe he sees things we don’t, and that somewhere in the hidden dimensions that only dogs can see their lurks myriad water bowls out to get us all. On the other hand, maybe, like the rest of us dealing with the aging process, certain preferences fade and other things start to click.

Take, for instance, “Shoe Shopping With Jane....”

Art League of OC Board of Directors set for new year

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Art League of Ocean City announces its Board of Directors for 2023 with all previous members returning for another year of service.

The board was re-elected and sworn in at the Art League’s annual Holiday Luncheon & Meeting on Dec. 7 at Fager’s Island.

John Sisson continues as board president; Marian Bickerstaff as past president; Barbara Patrick as first vice president; Laura Jenkins as second vice president; and Jan Perdue as corresponding secretary.

Hilari Auxer serves as treasurer; and Ryan Wilde as recording secretary.

Returning to the board are Courtney Blackford, Crystal Collins, Rafael Correa, Al “Hondo” Handy, Don Lehman, Virginia “Ginny” Outten, Brooke Rogers, Amy Rothermel and Emily Schwab.

“This board has tirelessly shared their time and talents to promote our important mission,” said Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League. “We look forward to working with them for another year — especially this year — as we plan to celebrate the Art League’s 60th anniversary, a momentous milestone.”

The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects.

The Art League of Ocean City named its 2023 Board of Directors, which includes plenty of familiar faces. John Sisson will continue in his role as board president.

Christmas Carnival big success this year

Editor,

Ocean City Development Corporation would like to express our appreciation to Trimper Rides, Worcester County, Funny Farm Petting Zoo and all the business and volunteers who helped make the Christmas Carnival on Nov. 19-20 a success.

The ice rink, donated and set up by Worcester County Recreation and Parks, was a huge success, allowing many kids the opportunity to try out their ice skating skills for the first time.

Thank you to Dough Roller Restaurants for proving the food and keeping the pizza and the hot chocolate flowing. Thanks to the following business for decorating trees and wreaths and donating gift cards for our raffle: Atlantic House Bed & Breakfast, Big Wave Marketing, Cambria Hotel, Cork Bar, Crawl Street, Dandy Dons Bikes, Kohr Brothers, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Nicks Mini Golf, OC Beautification Committee, OC Florist, Ocean Pines Chamber, Oceans East, Park Place Hotel, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Tides & Vine.

And, a very special thanks to Alan Beres (aka Santa) for helping hundreds of children get their Christmas list on the way to the North Pole and making memories for hundreds of families with Christmas photos by the carousel.

We truly value all the community support we receive for our downtown events and wish you and yours the merriest of holidays and a happy healthy new year.

The Board and Staff of OCDC

OCVFC holds ’23 elections

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. held its annual Election of Officers on Dec. 6 Election results follow:

Deputy Fire Chief - James L. “Jay” Jester

First Assistant Chief - Maurice D. “Moe” Cropper

Second Assistant Chief - Michael T. “Mike” Todd

Third Assistant Chief - Jordan P. Braniff

President - Frederick A. “Freddie” Senger IV

Vice President - Greg C. Dypsky

Secretary - Fletcher B. Case Treasurer - James L. “Jay” Jester Board of Directors: David N. Cropper, Kyle H. Tanner, Michael T. “Mike” Todd, Maurice D. “Moe” Cropper (continuation of office) and David A. Williams (continuation of office).

Officers become official at midnight on Dec. 31.

Operation Winter Storm launched by Nazis 80 years ago

By Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) This week, 80 years ago, Field Marshal Erich von Manstein launched Operation Winter Storm with Armeegruppe Don, which consisted of the German Fourth Panzerarmee, commanded by Hermann Hoth, Panzergruppe Hollidt, and Fourth Rumanian Army, commanded by Constantin Constantinescu-Claps, in an attempt to break through Soviet lines to relieve the encircled Sixth Army, commanded by Fredrich Paulus at Stalingrad.

However, the relief effort made slow progress and, after heavy losses, Field Marshal von Manstein decided to terminate the operation and withdrew what remained of his force.

With the German Sixth Army completely surrounded in Stalingrad, the last remaining alternative was to have Paulus’ Sixth Army break out and reach the German forces that were advancing under Gen. Hoth.

Field Marshal von Manstein was certain that if the Sixth Army began to break out to meet Hoth’s Fourth Panzerarmee, it would have to be an all-out proposition, an attack with all its strength in front to ensure a successful breakout.

Sixth Army did not have the luxury of being able to simply extend its front and link up.

Field Marshal von Manstein’s intention was to have the Sixth Army break out in two phases.

First, with the code words “Winter Storm,” Sixth Army would attack southwestward to link up with LVII Panzerkorps while maintaining the

James L. “Jay”

Jester

Frederick A. “Freddie”

Senger IV

Maurice D. “Moe” Cropper

Greg C. Dypsky

Michael T. “Mike” Todd

Fletcher B. Case

Jordan P. Braniff

David N. Cropper

David A. Williams

entire front around Stalingrad. In Phase Two, the code word “Thunderclap” meant Paulus would begin a phased withdrawal from Stalingrad.

Manstein believed that Hitler would agree to Winter Storm because it was the only way to get a supply convoy through. He also knew that Hitler would immediately countermand Thunderclap, because it meant the Sixth Army would have to abandon Stalingrad and withdraw.

He hoped to present Hitler with a fait accompli, because he expected that once Winter Storm was underway and the enemy realized what was happening, they would immediately attack — which would make the immediate execution of Thunderclap imperative because the front would certainly begin to collapse.

It had to be done — Hitler would have no choice but to go along.

At dawn, on Dec. 19, Field Marshal von Manstein sent his intelligence chief, Maj. Hans Eismann, into the pocket to explain his plan to Paulus.

At the early hours, on the 19th, before he had received a reply from Hitler, Field Marshal von Manstein contacted Paulus over a new high-frequency radio link that had just been installed.

Paulus explained the various scenarios that Eisermann had described and said that he now felt that the only viable alternative was complete withdrawal from Stalingrad.

Field Marshal von Manstein asked how soon Sixth Army could be ready to break out and how much food and fuel it needed. Paulus replied it could be ready in three to four days and would need reduced rations for about 10 days and one-and-a-half times the normal fuel rate.

Based on this conversation, Field Marshal von Manstein immediately ordered Winter Storm and said that Thunderclap might follow soon thereafter, depending on circum-

stances.

The Soviet forces facing the German advance consisted of the Fifth Tank Army, Second Guards Army, Fifth Shock Army, and the Fifty-First Army.

These forces came under the command of Ukrainians, Andrea Yermenko, and Rodion Malinovisky, two of the most capable Soviet field commanders.

The German attacking force met fierce resistance. The 6th Panzer Division, in bitter hand-to-hand fighting, managed to forge a small bridgehead on the northern bank of the Myshkova river on Dec. 19, but massive Soviet forces surrounded it, preventing any breakout.

Farther west on the Nishne-Kumskiy River, 17th Panzer Division tried to move east along the southern bank of the river toward Gromoslavka, but Soviet positions on the dominant heights on the northern bank prevented any movement in that area.

The 23rd Panzer Division was still south of the Myshkova River trying to cover the LVII Panzerkorps’ lengthening right flank.

In the Provisional Army Hollidt area, the Lower Chir River front was mostly holding, but the Soviet Fifth Tank Army was giving the XLVIII Panzerkorps all it could handle.

Hollidt was desperately trying to form a north-facing front between the upper Chir and Millerovo Rivers, 75 miles to the west, but Soviet tank formations were surging southward almost unopposed.

On the LVII Panzerkorps’ front at the Myshkova, the Soviet Second Guards Army completed its deployment during the evening of Dec. 21 and prepared to attack the next morning.

There were now 19.5 Soviet divisions with 149,000 men and more than 600 tanks deployed against the LVII Panzerkorps, which now had fewer than 85 tanks on hand.

Gen. Kurt Zeitzler, chief of staff of the Army, had always agreed with Field Marshal von Manstein on the need for Sixth Army to abandon Stalingrad, and on the 22nd he thought he had gained Hitler’s consent.

In discussing the matter, Hitler had finally said, “Very well then, draft a message to Paulus asking him how far he can get if ordered to break out.”

A relieved Zeitzler drafted the message to Paulus immediately. Paulus answered: “15 to 20 miles.”

By Dec. 23, the Soviet XVII and XVIII Tank Corps held a tight ring around Millerovo in the Provisional

Army Hollidt sector, and the way to Kamensk, on the Donets River 44 miles to the south, was wide open.

The XXV Tank Corps and 1st Guards Mechanized Corps were closing in on Morozovsk, and XXIV Tank Corps was about to burst into Tatsinskaya.

On the 23rd, Field Marshal von Manstein called Hitler at his headquarters at Rastenburg in one last desperate attempt to get Paulus permission to leave Stalingrad.

After Manstein made his impassioned plea, Hitler responded with, “I

Field Marshal Erich von Manstein (l) and General Herman Hoth (r)

fail to see what you’re driving at! Paulus has only enough gasoline for 15 to 20 miles at most. He says himself that he can’t break out at present.”

Frustrated, Field Marshal von Manstein felt the last chance to rescue Sixth Army slipping away but could wait no longer. He had to act to save his army group, not to mention Armeegruppe A in the Caucasus.

He called Gen. Karl-Adolf Hollidt, and told him to send the 11th Panzer Division west to hold the airfield at Tatsinskaya, then called Hoth and told him to send one of his panzer divisions to the lower Chir front to take over for 11th Panzer there.

Hoth ordered 6th Panzer to the lower Chir right away. The attack to relieve Stalingrad was over—at least temporarily. Field Marshal von Manstein also ordered Hoth to maintain the LVII Panzerkorps’ bridgehead over the northern Aksay in order to resume the relief attack as soon as possible, but whether it could be revived remained to be seen.

Field Marshal von Manstein then contacted Paulus. Paulus told him that they would execute Thunderclap if there was no other alternative, but to do so would require 1,200 cubic

yards of fuel — equal to 1,000 tons.

That would take three to four days of relief flights at best— due to weather conditions, and with the Red Air Force contesting the air space, it was highly improbable.

In the meantime, the 11th Panzer Division recaptured the airfield at Tatsinskaya on the 29th, and the 6th Panzer Division maintained Provisional Army Hollidt’s hold on the lower Chir. But in three days the LVII Panzerkorps was pushed back to its starting line at Kotelnikovo and then, by the end of the month, all the way back to the Little Kuberle River at Zimovniki. Operations to relieve Stalingrad were over. Operations to save Armeegruppe Don were just beginning.

Late that afternoon, Field Marshal von Manstein sent an urgent message to Hitler. He told der Führer that he doubted that the relief attack by LVII Panzerkorps would be able to reach the pocket. It was exhausted while its opposition was becoming stronger each day.

But the major factor at the moment was that the left flank of the armeegruppe was in serious danger of collapse.

The only solution, he said, would be for Sixth Army to attack south-

westward toward a linkup with LVII Panzerkorps, while simultaneously pulling back its northern and eastern fronts. There was no longer time for anything else.

In the end, both Field Marshal von Manstein and Gen. Paulus refused to go against Hitler’s wishes by evacuating Stalingrad, and both men used the fuel situation as an excuse not to act. Perhaps, if they had had any notion at all that in 10 years only some two percent of the enlisted men that went into captivity at Stalingrad would be alive to return to Germany, they might have acted differently.

Operation Winter Storm cost the Germans 3,700 killed, 10,874 wounded, and 1,086 missing. Hundreds of tanks, artillery pieces, and all sorts of military vehicles were lost. Soviet losses were also very high.

The siege of Stalingrad would continue until Paulus surrendered the troops under his command on Feb. 2, 1943.

Hundreds of thousands of Germans, Rumanians, Italians and Hungarians perished, in what became the greatest catastrophe inflicted on the Axis forces in World War II, up to that time.

Next week: Who Shot J.F.?

OBITUARY

WARREN G. HARDING MERLING Ocean Pines

Warren G. Harding (“Lefty”) Merling, aged 101, was called home to be with Our Lord Jesus on Dec. 14, 2022.

He died peacefully surrounded by children and several grandchildren at the Stansell House of Coastal Hospice in Ocean Pines, Maryland.

A lifelong Maryland resident, Lefty was born March 4, 1921, in Baltimore, Maryland, son of Anthony and Ida Merling.

Lefty knew how to work hard and play hard.

His long successful career included work as a master plumber in Baltimore as well as a deputy sheriff in Baltimore City, from where he retired in 1985.

He enjoyed fishing, attending Baltimore Colts (and eventually Ravens) games, and socializing with family and friends.

He spent the last 12 years of his life living in Ocean City with his wife of 49 years, Joan, until her passing in 2021.

Lefty was decorated WWII veteran, receiving an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and WWII Victory Ribbon.

Lefty and Joan were long time active members of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Baltimore.

He is survived by daughter, Sharon Stewart and her husband, John; son, David Hartman and his wife, Marie, and children, Ryan and Lauren of Annapolis, Maryland; and son, Maryland Delegate Wayne Hartman and his wife, Sharon, and their children, Alyson and Trent (wife Miranda) of Ocean City, Maryland.

Wayne and Sharon have been loving caregivers for their dad and mom for the past several years.

Besides wife Joan and his parents, Lefty is preceded in death by his daughter, Pat Andrews and husband, Don; son, Richard Merling; and sisters, Ruth Chambers, Sophia Druery and Theresa Druery and their husbands.

He is survived by grandchildren, Greg, Donny and Scott Andrews and Michelle Parsons and their spouses, as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to viewing services at Schimunek’s Funeral Home (Nottingham), Friday, Dec. 16 from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and a Catholic service at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, followed by a Christian burial at Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in Lefty’s name to the Stansell House of Coastal Hospice in Ocean Pines.

Warren Merling

Wor. Prep girls’ basketball team continues to improve

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Worcester Prep girls’ basketball team continues to show improvement with each practice and game.

The Lady Mallards, playing on their home court in Berlin, took down the Arcadia Firebirds, 33-23, on Tuesday.

“We went into today with a focus on doing our offense, our defense. It’s a non-conference game so we really wanted to improve ourselves in areas we are struggling; one of them has been turnovers,” said Prep Coach Mike Kelley. “We did a really good job limiting our turnovers. We still need less, but we cut them in half from our last game and that’s a very positive number but still a little too high. We ran the offense well, we did the press break pretty well, we made some improvements in areas I’m pleased with, but we’re still just continuing to grow.”

Worcester led 6-2 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the Mallards held a 13-7 advantage.

After three quarters, the Prep squad was ahead, 23-16.

“Our defense has been just phenomenal every game. Every game it gets better and teams are struggling, having a hard time,” Kelley said. “[It was] probably one of our better

shooting nights tonight, but we’re getting there. We got better shots tonight than we have in the past and it showed in an uptick in our percentage.”

Junior Esther Mehilli led Worcester with nine points. She also had two rebounds and two steals.

Senior Caitlyn Hoen contributed with eight points and 10 rebounds. She also had three assists and three steals.

Senior captain Anne Carter chipped in with six points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Freshman Sydney Mize had six points, five rebounds and an assist. Freshman Anisha Batra added four points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.

“These girls are working hard, they’re working great, they’re giving me everything they’ve got every day in practice, in games, and we’re just going to continue to grow and hopefully come after Christmas break in here and make a nice little run down the stretch,” Kelley said.

Worcester’s final game before the holiday break was yesterday, Thursday, against the Salisbury Christian Jaguars in Berlin.

The Mallards next game will be Friday, Jan. 6 at 4:30 p.m. against the Salisbury School Dragons in Salisbury.

Decatur swimmers perform well in different meet events

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Stephen Decatur swim teams won last Thursday’s meet against the Queen Anne’s Lions at the Pocomoke YMCA.

“The Queen Anne’s coaches complemented our team at the end of the meet saying we are their favorite team to swim against since we are always having fun, have good sportsmanship, and our officials are genuinely interested in bettering the sport,” Coach Kristina Watts said. “That in my opinion is the best complement we could receive and I’m proud to coach these amazing kids. I’m proud of our excellent performance in the pool at this meet, but even more proud of who they are out of the water.”

The Lady Seahawks topped their opponent, 118-46.

Decatur swimmers who came in first place in their individual events were: senior captains Kayden Hamby (100-yard butterfly, 1:10.59; 50-yard

freestyle, 27.94 seconds) and Natalie Canham (100-yard freestyle, 1:00.47; 100-yard backstroke, 1:08.16), sophomore Kaolin Riser (200 IM, 2:42) and freshman Emily Henley (500yard freestyle, 6:20.46; 200-yard freestyle, 2:21.57).

Henley, Riser, Hamby and Canham out-swam their competition in the 200-yard medley relay race (2:05.21).

The girls also won the 400-yard freestyle relay race (4:19.97).

Junior Dieuwertje Teunissen, freshmen Ollie Gill and Amelia Groves, and sophomore Ava Bauer and took first in the 200-yard freestyle relay race (2:17.76).

“We were missing seven girls, but the girls who were there stepped up to swim different events than [Tuesday] and did a great job,” Watts said. “Most girls and boys did different events than Tuesday. Seven girls swam a same event from the first meet. Two of them had time drops, the other five were right on their times.”

The Decatur boys’ team earned an

Kristina Watts

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

“We

ran

the

offense

well, we

did the press break pretty well,

we

made some improvements in areas

I’m pleased with, but we’re still just continuing to grow,” said

Prep Coach Mike Kelley after his team’s 33-23 win over Arcadia on Tuesday in Berlin. (Above) Senior Caitlyn Hoen grabs a rebound.

She

had eight points and 10 rebounds.

SD BOYS’ HOOPS

Wrestlers all about team success

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Stephen Decatur wrestling team showed its depth of talent with an adjusted lineup due to illness, shutting out the Cambridge South Dorchester Vikings, 77-0, and winning 60-6 over the Kent County Trojans on Wednesday in Cambridge.

“They are wrestling as a team,” said Decatur Coach Josh August. “We have had a lot of guys out sick this last week, so some guys are bumping up and wrestling wherever they need to for the team to win.”

Sophomores Juan Hinojosa (113

pounds) and Amarian Manuel (152), junior Kole Kohut ( 220), senior captain Logan Intrieri (138), senior Chris Cherry ( 285) and freshman Alex Reihl (145) pinned their Cambridge opponents.

Sophomore Aaron August scored a 17-0 technical-fall victory at 126 pounds.

Cambridge forfeited six matches to Decatur. Both teams forfeited the 106-pound match.

August (126), Manuel (152), Cherry (285) and sophomore Nate McDaniel (220) pinned their Kent County opponents.

Junior Reid Caimi outscored his

132-pound opponent, 4-0. Intrieri earned an 18-3 technical-fall victory at 138 pounds.

Junior Parker Intrieri won his 195pound match, 10-1 (major decision).

Kent County forfeited four matches to Decatur. Both teams didn’t enter a wrestler in the 106- and 182-pound matches.

Decatur will travel to Hurlock, Maryland, to battle the North Dorchester Eagles on Monday at 4 p.m.

During the Christmas break, the team is scheduled to compete in the Damascus Holiday Wrestling Tournament, Dec. 27-28.

SD swim squads get victories over QA’s boys and girls

86-53 victory over Queen Anne’s. “They did awesome. We had some boys step up and do different events from what they may usually do and they did great with it,” said Coach David Bernal-Clark. “It’s a motivated group and we’re looking to have an even better showing at the next meet.”

Decatur swimmers who won their individual events were: junior captain Daniel Karcheuski (200 IM, 2:15.50; 100-yard butterfly, 56.97 seconds), junior Mason Castanares (200-yard freestyle, 2:16.69), freshman Jake Harner (500-yard freestyle, 6:29.84) and sophomore Gavin Conway (100-yard backstroke, 1:08.22; 100-yard freestyle, 59.22 seconds).

Conway, Castanares, Harner and Karcheuski took first in the 200-yard medley relay race (1:55.93).

The boys also were victorious in the 400-yard freestyle relay race (4:02.44).

“Many of them did the same events [and] times stayed consistent with what we saw at Tuesday’s meet,” Bernal-Clark said. “We had a senior boy out sick so we had to adjust and we changed who we had in two of the other events and we had a relay team with a few boys new to the sport, so it was their first relay experience. For the most part, it was the same but we had a few boys step up in place of the missing boy as well as stepping up into a couple new events.”

Decatur will take on the Cambridge South Dorchester Vikings on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the Pocomoke YMCA.

D. Bernal-Clark

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Stephen Decatur boys’ basketball team battled, but lost 83-77 in overtime to Washington on Wednesday in Berlin. Decatur junior captain Brycen Coleman, left, scored 26 points and junior captain Jayden Hudson netted 28.

First meet learning experience for Decatur

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Dec. 16, 2022) With so many first-time indoor track athletes participating for Stephen Decatur this season, the first meet last Wednesday at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill was a learning experience, according to Coach Brenda Hommel.

“With more new runners than returners, there was a lot for athletes to learn about – when to anticipate their event, when and where to warm up, where to report, how to pace them-

selves, and how to run a strategic race on a four-lane track that is only 168 meters long,” Hommel said.

“As a team, the boys took some falls, botched some handoffs, and even missed an event, but they also learned where they could score more points, and learned how to compete against 23 other teams with some very talented runners. Our girls’ team was more successful in scoring some points and

learned some valuable lessons in competing in their events as well.

“Our coaching staff also used this first meet to learn more about the potential of our athletes and will use the results to shuffle some of our athletes into events in which they may be more likely to compete,” she added.

The top eight finishers in each race score points for their respective schools.

The Decatur girls’ team scored 12 points to come in 14th place overall.

Junior Macy Woroniecki took fifth in the 1,600-meter run (6:02) and

sixth in the 800-meter race (2:47.24).

Junior Tiara McDonald finished sixth in the 500-meter run (1:33.27).

Sophomore Clarice Piela placed seventh in the 3,200-meter race (14:27.69).

The Decatur boys’ team came in last place, scoring one point. Junior Anthony Kolb crossed the finish line eighth overall in the 55-meter dash (6.91 seconds).

The next indoor track meet is after the holiday break, on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Worcester County Recreation Center.

Lady Seahawks step up in win over Jaguars

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Dec. 16, 2022) The Stephen Decatur girls’ basketball team earned a 59-40 victory over the Washington Jaguars on Tuesday in Princess Anne. “We played well. We were missing [senior captain] Shelby [Rosemond, due to illness] so other girls had to step up,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz. “We worked a lot on our press

defense and we are getting better.”

The Lady Seahawks put 21 points on the board in the first quarter and held the Jaguars to four.

At halftime, Decatur led 30-17. After three quarters, the Berlin squad held a 49-25 advantage.

Senior captain Mayah Garner netted 28 points for Decatur. She also had 16 rebounds

“She played well after Snow Hill focused on taking her away last game,” Kurtz said. Decatur topped Snow Hill, 63-42, last Friday in Berlin, where Garner scored four points. “It was good to get her going. A lot of good defensive plays and she rebounded well [during the Washington game].”

Sophomore Sam Boger chipped in with 11 points, seven assists and six steals, and senior captain Jessica Beck scored nine and had 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks on Tuesday.

Decatur will host the Crisfield Crabbers today, Friday, at 5 p.m. in Berlin. The Seahawks will then go to Pocomoke to face the Warriors on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Brenda Hommel

Scott Kurtz

SURF REPORT

Gift ideas for surfers include surfboard, bodyboard,wetsuit

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Dec. 16, 2022) At this time of the year gift giving becomes prominent on the minds of plenty of people.

If a surfer is on your list there is a multitude of available items that can be had in a variety of price ranges.

The obvious gifts would be a surfboard, bodyboard or wetsuit, but any of these pieces of equipment would be on the higher end of the price range.

There are lots of other articles that any surfer would find useful and appreciated.

Aside from a board or wetsuit, one always needs wax for traction, or a leash to keep their board close by after a wipeout.

Wetsuit accessories come to mind. A pair of boots or gloves, a wetsuit cap or hood could go a long way in helping a year-round surfer get through the winter season.

Even an extra layer such as a light wetsuit vest or a rash guard could be a bonus for a little extra warmth.

Rash guards especially can be helpful in putting on a wetsuit and/or taking a wetsuit off.

Truth be told, some type of wetsuit gear is needed for more than half the year with some surfers using at least a minimal wetsuit piece all year long.

Other common but often overlooked items such as a substantial

towel could come in handy.

Even a towel-like garment that would facilitate the changing of a wetsuit without exposing oneself could be an idea.

Repair material is available for small surfboard dings that come nicely packaged.

Some of this material is hardened by the sun and its ultra-violet rays.

It hardens quickly and isn’t affected by colder air temperatures, which can be quite the problem in the winter time.

Instructions generally come with these “kits” and most any knucklehead can achieve a decent repair.

How about the clothing side of things?

An obvious choice would be a garment for the water, such as a pair of board shorts or trunks.

But other obvious options would be a good ‘ol T-shirt, be it short or long sleeve.

Hooded sweatshirts are quite popular these days and have become more of a standard.

Also of note is headgear, be it of the baseball, beanie, or bush hat category.

How about a large, wide-brimmed straw hat to ward off those heavy duty sun rays that are so predominant in the summer?

Come to think of it, this type of headgear is even useful in the colder winter months on those bright sunny days.

All in all, there are many items that

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

WP BOYS’ BASKETBALL

The Worcester Prep boys’ basketball team battled back and forth with Arcadia on Tuesday in Berlin, but lost, 51-49. (Left) Seni or Jack Gardner scores two of his team-high 20 points. He also had four rebounds and three assists. (Right) Seniors Griffin Jones (2) and JR Hamer fight for a rebound.

Buy gifts at area shops to support local economy

Continued from Page 52

a surfer could use as a holiday gift.

Giving and receiving gifts is part of the season, a time honored tradition with plenty of sources in the area to obtain them.

I’m sure that small local businesses would appreciate the patronage and the customer would have the knowledge of keeping their business circulated in the local economy.

Even something as common as a five-gallon bucket would be helpful in transporting wet gear after a surf!

Happy gift giving and whatever one’s beliefs, a joyful season with good will to all.

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

PHOTO COURTESY JAMIE GREENWOOD

ALL STARS

Stephen Decatur seniors, from left, Collin Bunting, Mia Kemp, Jessica Beck, Hannah Dang and Gabe Geiser participated in the Bayside Conference

Senior All-Star game on Nov. 22 at Queen Anne’s High School. They are joined by Decatur varsity boys’ team Coach Jamie Greenwood.