12/27/19 Ocean City Today

OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM

DECEMBER 27, 2019

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY

HAPPY 2020 OCEAN CITY TODAY WILL BE CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY AND REOPEN JAN. 2.

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STEWART DOBSON/OCEAN CITY TODAY

PAGE 2

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 3

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

High tides lead to severe downtown flooding

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) While the West Coast was inundated with wildfires that scorched swaths of land from Sacramento to San Diego, “sunny day” coastal flooding seemed to be the common enemy here on the East Coast.

Beginning the evening of Thursday, Oct. 10, Ocean City saw a sudden surge of saltwater take over the streets of downtown, shutting portions of Coastal Highway and eastbound lanes of US Route 50 for several days.

While the National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia, had issued warnings of high-tide flooding, what residents saw that weekend went well beyond weather experts’ expectations.

“In comparison to past nor’easterstyle storms, this one ranked around the second or third [worst],” Ocean City Public Works Director Hal Adkins said in an interview. “The last comparable [one] would have been the effects of Hurricane Ida in Nov. of 2009. I recall those tides were slightly higher.”

Downtown roads and eastbound lanes of US 50 saw up to three feet of water.

Photos and videos posted on social media showed residents using paddle boards and kayaks in the streets.

While some had blamed the passing of sub-tropical storm Melissa for the freak flooding, a National Weather Service meteorologist pointed to other factors.

“The coastal flooding event evolved over a period of time,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Wayne Albright previously. “Subtropical storm Melissa really [didn’t have] a direct impact on any of the flooding up in Ocean City. It was more a high [pressure] to the north and low pressure offshore that eventually turned into that [Melissa], and it caused a long period of northeast winds and swells.”

This was in addition to a full moon.

City Environmental Engineer Gail Blazer explained that unlike riverine regions, Ocean City’s flooding issues typically do not stem from heavy rainfall.

As an island city, rainwater simply flows into the ocean or the bay, which alleviates any worries of flooding in the streets.

What becomes an issue for the city is when high winds off the coast remain active for extended periods of time and prevents the tide from lowering.

Essentially, the high tides stacked onto each other, Blazer said, pushing the water over the bulkhead and into downtown streets.

Blazer said based on her personal, not professional, point of view, the frequency of sunny day flooding has increased,

likely as a result of climate change.

However, Ocean City Beach Patrol See FLOODING Page 5

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PAGE 4

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

Ocean City loses its long-time city solicitor

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) This year, Ocean City lost one of its household names: Guy R. Ayres III. “These chambers seem a little empty tonight, Mayor Rick Meehan said during a council meeting shortly after Ayres’ death. “This is the first time in 37 years that we’ve held a meeting, and Guy Ayres has not been the city solicitor for the Town of Ocean City.”

Ayres died, surrounded by loved ones, at his home on Saturday, Aug. 31.

The former city solicitor was a dedicated servant to the resort community – faithfully serving the city in

a variety of positions for almost four decades.

In 1978, residents elected him as an Ocean City councilman, a position he Guy Ayres III served until 1982.

In 1982, he resigned form his role as a councilman to take on the mantel of city solicitor.

Meehan, among many, credited Ayres for essentially writing the city’s codebook, and said his ability to recall the most minute of details of the city’s local laws remains unchallenged to this day.

One of his greatest legacies in Ocean City was his role in instituting

the council/city manager form of government in 1981, and the transfer of authority from the mayor’s office to the council.

At the time, the council consisted of Ayres, Granville Trimper, George Feehley, Hale Harrison, Lee Duggan, Thelma Conner and Bernard Deutch.

In a bold power play, the group challenged then-Mayor Harry Kelley’s authority and stripped him of his political dominance as the city’s chief executive.

Ayres also was involved with the purchase of two large swaths of land that have transformed the city, Councilman Dennis Dare said in a past interview.

“The first was the purchase of

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Playland, an abandoned amusement park between 65ht and 66th Street that spanned from Coastal Highway west to the bay,” Dare said.

The councilman said through that purchase, the city was able to create essential public service buildings such as the Public Safety Complex that houses the Ocean City Police Department, 911 call center, District Court and an extensive public works complex.

This was essential at the time, as the city had expanded its limits all the way up to the Delaware line, thus requiring sufficient city services, he said.

“The second major purchase was at 125th Street and the bay,” Dare said. “A developer had violated the federal wetland laws. Resolution in U.S. District Court resulted in the City Council purchasing the property from the developer and restoring the damaged wetlands. Today, we know that parcel as Northside Park, home to our Recreation and Parks Department.”

Ayres was a man of few words, which made his insights ever more powerful and valued by city leaders.

He was fiercely loyal to his civic responsibility, so loyal that even his opponents and critics found him commendable.

“Even when [people] were in opposition or disagreement with Guy, when they walked away they respected his opinion and approach,” Meehan said. “Guy Ayres was truly everything you could ask for in a city solicitor.”

Following Ayres’ death, the city announced, on Oct. 8, that the resort would remain in partnership with the law firm Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy and Almand, and selected it to fill the new “Office of City Solicitor” role, with firm partner Heather Stansbury as the main point of contact.

“The law firm of Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy and Almand is humbled and flattered that you have confidence in us to continue servicing as the Town of Ocean City’s legal counsel in the footsteps of our beloved partner, Guy Ayres,” the law firm said in a letter to the council.

Aside from Stansbury, attorney Bruce Bright was charged with handling the city’s litigation in conjunction with city Risk Manager Eric Lagstrom.

Attorneys Jim Almand, Mark Cropper and Will Esham would work with Stansbury and Bright on specific issues and projects, while associates Victoria O’Neil and Ryan Bodley would offer aid for general legal work and research.

“We are humbled and honored to continue in this role, and to try and See RESORT Page 5

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 5

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

Flooding more severe Continued from Page 3 Capt. Butch Arbin told Ocean City Today in a previous interview that data he has collected matches that of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“I can look at data from the North Pole and see that there’s less Arctic ice than there used to be, which can lead to a rise in the level of the ocean, sea levels,” Arbin told Ocean City Today. “That would have an impact on all coastal [regions], not just Ocean City.”

In 2017, the Union of Concerned Scientists published a report that found by 2035, 170 communities will face chronic flooding — twice as many as the current amount.

Ocean City residents should be alarmed, as Maryland already ranks as number two when it comes to communities affected by chronic flooding, second only to Louisiana.

According to a Washingtonian article, by 2060, one quarter of inhabitable land in Ocean City will suffer from frequent flooding.

The Washingtonian reported, however, that this is based on the hypothetical carbon emissions cuts to be made under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement — with which the United States is in the process of cutting ties.

“Under the Union of Concerned Scientists report’s more extreme model — which threatens at least a six-foot increase in sea levels with no mitigation of man-made carbon emissions — the chronic flooding is much more extreme and arrives much sooner,” the Washingtonian article said.

Why should this worry residents?

According to the 2017 Hazard Mitigation Plan, any bout of flooding could result in more than $20 million in damages to residential and commercial areas, and necessitate approximately 1,680 people — of Ocean City’s 7,000 or so residents — to seek temporary shelter.

So what can Ocean City do to prevent a future underwater?

According to the union’s report, city leaders must continuously update its flood risk maps, limit development in flood prone areas, safeguard flood-protective ecosystems, reform flood insurance premiums and update building and infrastructure codes to match rising sea level projections.

Despite the grim outlook, Ocean City residents may take solace in knowing city leaders and department heads are well aware of the challenges and have already begun to take the necessary steps in preventing chronic flooding.

For several years, resort officials have

PHOTO COURTESY MAGGIE MILLER

A Chevy truck driver braves the saltwater-filled parking lot near the Ocean Pines Beach Club on 49th Street the weekend of Oct. 11, 2019.

been working in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in updating and ameliorating its Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Ocean City has also been working with the United States Army Corps of Engineers in beach replenishment projects.

The resort has established, and partners with, several environmental groups such as the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Surfriders Foundation, Assateague Coastal Trust and the Green Team to name a few.

Additionally, city leaders are looking at ways to revamp road designs, building foundations and even local flora to help reduce water levels.

These efforts will not safeguard the island from the full force of climate change, but they will defend it from the worst possible outcomes.

“The good news, and I think they’ve [climate reports] continue to reflect – we’re looking far enough out in the future at some of these impacts that there’s still time to make a difference,” City Planning Director Bill Neville said.

Resort loses its city solicitor Continued from Page 4 step into the shoes of Guy Ayres,” Stansbury said on Oct. 8. “He was just a giant, but we appreciate the confidence that the mayor and City Council has in us.”

While Ayres may be gone, his love and passion for Ocean City will re-

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“We certainly lost something as a town government and as a community, with the passing of Guy Ayres, but what I know is … he will never be forgotten, and we will … reference the city solicitor, Guy Ayres, on many occasions,” Meehan said.

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DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

Offshore turbines resort’s ill wind

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) The two proposed wind turbine installations off the coast of Ocean City took several steps forward this year, despite continued opposition from Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Ocean City Council members.

U.S. Wind, a project that will place 32 wind turbines 17-miles from the resort’s shoreline to generate roughly 268 megawatts of energy, planned to install a meteorological tower 17 miles off the coast of Ocean City in July.

U.S. Wind President and CEO Riccardo Toto said the tower would be used to collect raw wind data at a height comparable to the eventual turbines’ height.

“The collected wind data will be used primarily to validate the virtual data collected through what have primarily been mathematical models to date and will also monitor the performance of the installed turbines during the lifetime of the eventual wind farm,” Toto said.

The transportation of the meteorological tower, which was constructed

by EPIC Applied Technologies in Louisiana, was delayed when Hurricane Barry made landfall in Louisiana

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in July. U.S. Wind reported that they planned to install the tower after the White Marlin Open in August.

The other wind farm, Skipjack, took a step forward when Danishbased Ørsted, the primary developer, joined with Tradepoint Atlantic in July to create a staging area in Baltimore. Ørsted, which bought Deepwater Wind and will pursue its Skipjack wind farm off the coast, said the turbines will be located 19.5 miles offshore, mostly north of the Delaware line, 26 miles from the Ocean City Pier. They will be 12 megawatts and stand at 800 feet tall.

Henry Fawell, a public relations representative, said Ørsted would use a Tradepoint Atlantic site to receive parts, assemble and transport the wind turbines. Joy Weber, development manager for the Skipjack Wind Farm, said she anticipated a slight possibility that beachgoers may be able to see them with the naked eye.

“You’ll have to squint to see these,” Weber said. “When weather conditions are perfect, you will be able to see them, but if you’re standing on the Ocean City Pier in order to see our project, you’ll need to look way to the left and squint.”

Construction of the Skipjack wind farm is expected to begin in 2021, with it becoming operational in late 2022 or early 2023, according to officials. In the meantime, Weber said “we’re going through a pretty extensive permitting process.”

According to Clint Plummer, head of marketing strategies and new projects at Ørsted, the company chose GE Renewable Energy in September to supply the turbines. Ørsted said these turbines have the potential to be 50 percent more powerful than the first U.S. offshore wind farm in Block Island, Rhode Island.

Upon completion, officials expect the wind farm to power approxi-

mately 35,000 homes with renewable energy and to generate 1,400 jobs, according to Fawell.

However, Meehan and the Ocean City Council have opposed the wind turbines, saying they support clean energy but are concerned that the turbines could harm the ocean view.

Meehan and the council members wrote a letter to Gov. Larry Hogan in September to request his support to move the wind turbines at least 33 miles off the coast.

In November, Weber said that Skipjack Wind Farm was looking to finish submitting all cost information to the federal government to obtain the building permit for the proposed offshore wind farm and to find a property in the Ocean City area for the maintenance facility building. The federal construction plan was submitted in April and could take up to a year for full approval.

In the meantime, the director of Maryland Energy Administration, who reports directly to Hogan, sent a letter to the Public Service Commission on Oct. 21 requesting additional review by the commission due to “significant changes that are being proposed by Skipjack and U.S. Wind (the other proposed wind farm operator),” according to Jessica Waters, communications director for the Town of Ocean City.

According to Tori Leonard, communications director for the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Public Service Commission accepted the review and decided to open an inquiry into how the change in wind turbine size will affect the area.

Leonard said she could not speculate as to what the public hearing could change, saving the order that issued the offshore renewable energy credits to both projects. The public hearing will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, at an undetermined location on the eastern shore.

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DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 7

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

Special enforcement for vehicular events

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) Despite enhanced law enforcement and Special Event Zone regulations, Ocean City officials struggled this year to prevent another bout of chaos created by an unsanctioned car event.

The repeat offender colloquially, if not inaccurately, known as H2Oi, has been a stubborn weed for city leaders who have little power to stop the modified foreign car enthusiasts from entering the resort.

“America’s largest unsanctioned car culture event,” Facebook group H2Oi 2019 posted on its page. “Join us for a weekend of f****** and nonsense. Not for the faint of heart or rule book friendly.”

City leaders have attempted to stop the event in it tracks for several years, beginning in December 2017 with the creation of the Motor Events Task Force.

The group worked with state lawmakers on legislation to curtail the event.

The following February, then-State Sen. Jim Mathias, (D-38), introduced Senate Bill 872 to authorize the State Highway Administration to designate roadways as special event zones and reduce speed limits and increase penalties.

Current State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, (R-38), who was delegate at the

time, co-sponsored sister legislation, House Bill 1406.

The original bill proposed prohibitions on reckless driving, racing, burning rubber and noise disturbances.

Violators would face up to $5,000 in fines and potentially spend a year in jail, with a potential two-year bonus for repeat offenders.

The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee amended the bill in April — reducing the fine to $1,000, excluding increased penalties for reckless and negligent driving and localizing it to Worcester County.

It also changed the definition of special event, which limited it to motor vehicle events within close proximity to a highway authorized by local jurisdictions or those with at least 1,000 anticipated participants.

The House and Gov. Larry Hogan approved the watered-down bill in April, just in time for the return of car enthusiasts.

Nonetheless, despite the city’s best efforts, hell broke loose once again.

Police — alongside Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland Transportation Authority — responded to more than 2,700 calls and

JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean City Police and allied agencies issued another record-breaking 1,500 traffic citations in September, after modified-foreign car enthusiasts returned to the resort in droves for another, faux H2Oi.

issued a record-breaking 1,280 traffic citations.

This year, Carozza and Del. Wayne Hartman, (R-38C), attempted to expand the Special Event Zone legislation through Senate Bill 682 and a partner bill in the House of Delegates.

However, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee issued an unfavorable report and killed the bill.

The car enthusiasts returned to Ocean City in September, and once again police and allied agencies issued another

record-breaking 1,500 traffic citations.

“We had a group come to town, and they were here with the sole purpose of raising havoc throughout our community, and that’s just not acceptable,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

Similar to previous years, videos posted on social media sites, such as Twitter, pieced together a weekend filled with mayhem.

Crowds could be seen blocking police vehicles attempting to initiate traffic See SPECIAL Page 8

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PAGE 8

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

County passes room tax increase

SHOWTIMES

December 25 - January 2

Little Women - PG 12:40 3:40 6:35 9:35

Spies in Disguise - PG 11:50 2:20 4:50 7:15 9:40

Jumangi: The Next Level - PG-13 12:50 3:50 6:45 9:30

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - PG-13 12:00 1:00 3:20 6:40 7:30 9:00

Cats - PG

12:30 3:30 6:30 9:45

Richard Jewell - R 4:20

Frozen 2 - PG

11:45 2:15 4:45 7:10

Black Christmas - PG-13 9:40

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) The Worcester County Commissioners agreed to raise Ocean City’s room tax from 4.5 to 5 percent to be implemented at the first of the year, but not before a little intrigue entered the picture.

The vote was at the behest of the Ocean City Council, which needs the county to enact certain forms of tax legislation, because it, as a municipality, doesn’t have that authority.

Kelly Shanahan, the county assistant chief administrative officer, said although Maryland law allows counties to raise room tax rates to a maximum of 5 percent without state approval, Worcester would need to revise its own tax code that cited a 4.5 percent cap. This would require a public hearing on May 21.

The next step Shanahan listed was to introduce a resolution at the commissioners meeting on July 16 to increase the room tax from 4.5 to 5 percent, with a public hearing to follow on Aug. 20.

With a required unanimous vote, the new room tax would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Worcester County last increased room tax rates in 2008, increasing from 4 to 4.5 percent.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan on March 19 pitched the idea of increasing the room tax, explaining that it is dedicated to marketing, with a portion ear-

marked for the city’s operating budget to reduce residents’ tax burden.

He added that with continued marketing efforts spawning larger crowds during both the summer and shoulder seasons, the city has seen costs for police and rescue staffing increase by more than $600,000, largely from increased special events throughout the year.

“All of those costs are directly associated with what we’re doing to advertise and promote,” he said. “What we would like to do is raise the room tax to be used for tourism-related issues only.”

Ocean City Budget Manager Jennie Knapp has estimated that enacting the rate increase in January could net the resort more than $490,000 in additional revenue during fiscal 2020.

Per state law, the vote on the tax by the county must be unanimous, but on May 21, all but one commissioner supported the increase.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom abstained, adding that he wanted to see more support for the southern end of the county.

He said that he proposed several ideas to generate funding, ranging from the impact money and table game fees from Ocean Downs Casino to the creation of a butterfly house in Snow Hill.

Those ideas were promptly dismissed, according to Nordstrom.

“It has to be recognized that the southern end, Pocomoke and Snow Hill,

Girdletree, Stockton, Public Landing, we have issues as well, and we need some help,” Nordstrom said.

The suggestion was that Nordstrom would block the tax measure until he saw signs of support for the southern end of the county. He relented, however, on Aug. 20 to make approval of the room tax raise unanimous.

Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association, told the commissioners that the increased advertising is necessary, as there are 1,000 new hotel rooms in Ocean City.

However, not all agreed an increase would benefit the resort or the county.

According to Ocean City resident Vincent Gisriel, the resort advertising budget hit $6.9 million in 2018 and wondered how much more could be needed.

“We may have reached a point of diminishing returns,” Gisriel said.

Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic countered that how Ocean City spent its money was none of the county’s business.

“I don’t propose the county tell Ocean City how to spend their money because I’m sure we wouldn’t like Ocean City to tell us how to spend ours,” Mitrecic said.

The increased room tax will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Special event zone bill will return Continued from Page 7 stops, setting off illegal fireworks on Coastal Highway in banana suits and vehicles weaving through crowds.

In one video, a white BMW can be seen bulldozing through a crowd, striking pedestrians before fleeing the area.

Officers were also criticized, particularly after one video showed an officer deploying a Taser on a participant.

“Can we identify this police officer who tased someone for being a bystander during H2Oi in Ocean City this Saturday,” one Twitter user tweeted on the video, which has garnered more than 30,000 views.

Residents took their outrage and concerns to the mayor and City Council during an Oct. 7 meeting.

“Something has to be done,” resident Martin Branagan said. “…I said last year that this event was getting to the point that somebody is going to die. I have no doubt about it now.”

Councilman John Gehrig apologized to the public, claiming city leaders have done little to find solutions.

“I’m going to personally apologize,” he said. “We have done very little, frankly … and you should hold us all accountable. Let’s solve the problem.”

However, city leaders’ hands are tied, as they cannot do much outside of asking for harsher penalties.

“I don’t think we’re getting enough of deterrence in the form of the fine amounts that we could see through leg-

islation,” Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said, during a press conference on Monday, Sept. 30. “Heightened fines, maybe it’s not the solution, but if enough people are deterred from doing it [traffic violations] in the future, it could certainly be some type of relief valve from what we’re experiencing.”

Meehan said he would work with state lawmakers once again in preparation for faux H2Oi 2020.

“We went before the state legislature last year to ask for additions to our Special Event Zones and we were denied,” Meehan said. “Well, I certainly hope that proof of what occurred this weekend will help satisfy and justify our requests when we go back to the state legislature this year.”

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White Horse Park full-time residents want to stay put

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) It’s been more than a year that full-time residents of the White Horse Park campground subdivision near Ocean Pines have been fighting to maintain their residency.

Their extended campaign began in June 2018, when Worcester County Commissioner Jim Bunting attended a White Horse Park Association board meeting to insist that the community abide by the county’s seasonal zoning regulations.

Under the zoning classification applied to the subdivision, off-season residency —from Sept. 30 to April 1 — is restricted homes to 30 consecutive days or an aggregate of 60 days.

But 55 of the campground’s units belong to full-time residents, most of whom said they cannot move because of age, disability or low incomes.

Attorney Hugh Cropper, along with two full-time residents, Sue Naplachowski and Sally Connolly, proposed an amendment to the zoning code that would permit these residents, but no new ones, to continuing living there.

Full-time residents said that either they did not know they could not live in the park full-time, or they were assured that they could by the sellers of the units they now occupied.

“It’s never been an issue,” Naplachowski said. “I’m pretty sure the county knew about it and the board of directors definitely knew about it, because they would always like having people here full time for the security of the park.”

Melissa Peters, the acting president of the White Horse Park board of directors, said every resident receives a copy of the bylaws and rules and regulations, which state the seasonal zoning laws.

The Worcester County Planning Commission gave the proposed amendment an unfavorable recommendation at its Sept. 5 meeting.

Commission members’ issue was that the code should not grandfather in a use that was never legal. In addition, they found that the park is not equipped for full-time use and enforcing the new regulations would be nearly impossible.

The county commissioners also rejected the proposal.

Stan Gibson, a full-time resident since 1984, who is wheelchair-bound, dependent on a ventilator and has paralyzed vocal cords, expressed his disappointment in writing.

“It’s no longer about EDUs, water usage, thickness of our roads or traffic congestion we might cause,” Gib-

Patty Regan, full-time resident of the White Horse Park campground subdivision, expressed frustration that she and other full-time residents did not get a chance to speak to the Worcester County Commissioners face-to-face on Tuesday.

son wrote. “It’s now a human issue that hangs in the balance.”

To enforce the seasonal zoning, the county commissioners sent warning letters on Oct. 4 to all residents and the board of directors. According to the letter, those that violate occupancy regulations could receive fines up to $1,000 a day.

The White Horse Park Board of Directors said they were considering enforcement strategies, yet no resident has reported receiving a fine thus far.

The commissioners also invited residents seeking housing options to meet with representatives of the Department of Social Services, Health Department and Commission on Aging at the Ocean Pines Library.

However, no residents found housing solutions.

In the meantime, there was a physical altercation between full-time resident Bob Harrison and Peters just prior to the Sept. 21 board of directors meeting at the park.

“They opened the door at 10 and I started to go through it,” Harrison said. “She [Peters] jumped in front of me and put her hands on me. As soon as she did that, I pushed her out of the way and walked in.”

Harrison filed charges against Peters two days later. Peters declined to comment on the assault.

Cropper filed five cases to the Board of Zoning Appeals on the premise that the county waited too long to enforce the zoning regulations, therefore invalidating the fines.

However, Ed Tudor, director of review and permitting, rejected the appeal.

Nearly a month later, Cropper and a small group of residents retaliated by filing a suit in Worcester County See WHITE Page 11

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

The Worcester County Commissioners joined forces with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in February to fix years of problems with shoaling in the Ocean City Inlet and harbor.

County makes headway on long-term shoaling solution

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) In response to years of problems with shoaling in the Ocean City Inlet and harbor, the Worcester County Commissioners in February voted to join forces with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Maryland Department of Natural Resources for a long-term project channel maintenance effort.

The goal is to deepen the inlet’s channel to 16 feet and the harbor’s channel to 14 feet.

Although the two areas have regular dredging maintenance, the increasingly shallow waters and shoals have damaged boats and prevented some commercial fishing boats from using the inlet.

The dredging material from the inlet will taken to near-shore locations for the Assateague Island Restoration Project, and the harbor dredging materials will go to a landbased site, according to the project proposal.

The commissioners previously approved $300,000 in funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the Ocean City Inlet project. According to Bob Mitchell, director of environmental programs, the county and state departments of natural resources are responsible for $1.7 million with multiple payments throughout the project timeline.

In the $1.2 million plan to combat shoaling, Bill Anderson, assistant sec-

retary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, revealed that the agency was able to tap into shallow water funding for the inlet. The department maintains a Waterway Improvement Fund paid for by boat taxes and fees, which then goes on to pay for work on shallow channels.

The county jumped on the issue when commissioners voted in February 2018 to contribute $300,000 for a study to determine the source of shoaling in the Ocean City Inlet.

Determining contribution from Ocean City was a hot topic. In April 2018, the Worcester County Commissioners sent a letter asking Ocean City government to contribute $200,000 as a non-federal sponsor for a $1.2 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study to design a longterm dredging operation.

That number was reduced to $150,000 when County Chief Administrator Harold Higgins provided revised numbers in May 2018 – federal funding would cover half the cost, with another $200,000 from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Then Sen. Jim Mathias (D-38) introduced legislation seeking an additional $100,000 in state support.

However, Ocean City Council members who argued that the resort paid more into county government than it got back, said the inlet was not Ocean City’s problem. Councilman See COUNTY Page 13

White Horse Park lawsuit filed Continued from Page 10 Circuit Court. Two days later, they also asked the court for an injunction against any enforcement action against the residents by the county.

“You can’t not enforce a law for 33

years, allow people to rely on that, allow them to build houses, take mortgages out, sell their other properties and then decide after 33 years you’re going to enforce the law,” Cropper said.

PAGE 11

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DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

Kirwan Commission issues findings

By Rachel Ravina Staff Writer (Dec. 26, 2019) Policy recommendations designed to revamp the state’s public education system will go before the Maryland General Assembly next month.

The Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, which is also known as the Kirwan Commission, is led by its chairman William “Brit” Kirwan.

The legislation, known as The Blueprint for America’s Future, included proposals for free preschool for 3-and4-year-olds living at 300 percent below the property level, higher salaries for teachers, college- and career-readiness standards, vocational education, and allocated funding for counties.

The Senate bill went through without Gov. Larry Hogan’s signature in June. However, Hogan said during the Maryland Association of Counties conference earlier this summer that he couldn’t support the plan because half the monetary burden would fall to the counties in Maryland.

Dr. Jon Andes, executive director of the Eastern Shore of Maryland Educational Consortium, and former

e

c a r G Sea

Worcester County school superintendent, said the commission would work to decide how roughly $855 million would be distributed throughout the state.

He added there would be about $725 million on the table for fiscal years 2021 and 2022, “with a potential of an additional $130 million.”

Andes said state funding for schools is distributed “inverse the wealth,” which puts Worcester at a big disadvantage, since the state calculates wealth for school funding by comparing the total assessed value of real property in a county to its total population. “[The] more local wealth you have, the less state aid you receive,” he said.

Worcester County receives the second lowest amount of state funding at $4,217 per student and some $26.5 million overall in fiscal year 2019.

The county’s tax base wealth, however, is largely because of resort- and tourism-based properties and has nothing to do with household income, as is evidenced by the 10.3 percent of county residents whose incomes put them below the poverty line, according to the Census Bureau.

The Kirwan Commission created a

subgroup charged with finding better ways to allocate millions of dollars in state funding to improve the state’s schools. “[The] 13-member commission that’s been appointed — all western shore folks,” Andes said. “There’s no one from the Eastern Shore or no one from rural communities on the commission.”

“It’s critically important that a representative of rural communities be in the room when people are making determinations with the distribution of state aid,” Andes said. “Without the voice of rural Maryland in that room, the needs of students in rural communities will not be met.”

Andes also pondered how Worcester County would be treated.

“It could potentially negatively impact the funding formula, especially if the funding … is distributed based on wealth in terms of Worcester County,” he said.

Locally, Worcester County Commissioner Bud Church appeared to be caught off guard when he learned of the makeup of the funding formula work group.

“I think that was a blatant misSee KIRWAN’S Page 13

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PAGE 13

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

Kirwan’s recommendations would put county on hook Continued from Page 12 take,” Church said. “We are a part of the state of Maryland.”

A few weeks later, State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) publicly objected to the Kirwan Commission’s funding formula workgroup’s decision to go into executive session during a Sept.

19 meeting, charging that it is a public body and is therefore obligated to work in the open.

“I … strongly objected to this decision to work on education funding formulas in secret,” Carozza said. “These meetings should be open to the public and not behind closed doors.”

However, Kirwan responded that the formula could have “sensitivity to different assumptions” and members wanted to see “what happens with the formula as you change some assumptions” in order to get a better understanding of the formula.

“So the whole process where the decisions are being made will be in the public, and I just wanted to emphasize that point,” Kirwan said.

The Kirwan Commission’s funding formula workgroup issued a set of preliminary funding formula recommendations during an Oct. 15 meeting.

The commission’s wealth calculation incorporates the property tax base and income tax totals. Worcester County, with a population of a little

more than 51,000, has a resort-generated assessable base of almost $16 billion.

The formula shows that Worcester County would have to budget an additional $5.3 million on its schools in 2030, while the state’s contribution would grow by $7 million for a combined $12.3 million increase in 2030 school spending in Worcester.

By contrast, Wicomico County, which ranks 22nd in the state in per capita wealth, would receive an additional $73.8 million from the state, while its local contribution to the school budget would have to grow by $9.4 million., according to figures released during an Oct. 15 meeting.

Carozza also took issue with the workgroup’s ideas of property valuebased wealth.

“The problem with the current formula is that it is more skewed towards property values rather than making an adjustment to incorporate poverty to more equitably distribute school funds to the school systems,” Carozza said.

Lou Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools said more than $255 million in state funding for fiscal year 2020 was included as part of “The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,” and of that Worcester County received just $688,000.

See KIRWAN Page 14

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COA STA L D E S I G N

County, feds agree on dredging Continued from Page 11 Dennis Dare said the inlet is, at best, an indirect benefit to Ocean City.

“I just don’t understand why … it’s imperative the taxpayers of Ocean City be asked to participate in something that’s outside the town,” he said.

While in general agreement with Dare’s sentiment, Councilman John Gehrig noted the importance of the White Marlin Open to Ocean City’s history and heritage, which could be affected by the shoaling.

“The issue with the county needs to get resolved,” he said. “We’re partners [and] a team and we don’t act like it. Sometimes being right isn’t always enough.”

Ocean City eventually decided against contributing any funding at all.

In May 2018, Rep. Andy Harris (R-1) introduced a budget amendment to the federal Energy and Water Appropriations bill to prioritize dredging shallow channels in the first district.

“The inclusion of this amendment in the FY19 Energy and Water Appro-

priations bill is a victory for coastal communities in Maryland’s First District and across the country,” Harris said. “Shoaling is a serious issue for several coastal communities in Maryland’s First District.”

The Army Corps of Engineers held a public meeting regarding the project in June 2019 at the Berlin Library.

Army Corps Project Manager Jacqui Seiple said the inlet project is 90 percent federally funded, with up to $10 million through the Continuing Authorities Program.

“It allows us to implement small scale projects without congressional approval,” Seiple said.

Army Corps Baltimore District Project Manager Andrew Roach said a study would address a 50-feet deep scour hole near Homer Gudelsky Park in West Ocean City. The deepening of that hole and the swirling currents it causes destabilizes the adjacent shoreline and nearby residences.

The Army Corps plans to provide recommendations by early 2020 for implementation by the end of that year.

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Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Route 113 work heads for final four-lane stretch

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) After years of working toward making Route 113 a dual highway, the project will finally be completed for 2020. Since taking office in January 2015, Gov. Larry Hogan has made completing the project one of his priorities.

Expansion of Route 113 has been in the works since 2003, when the stretch from Berlin to Delaware was dualized.

The last major milestone of Phase 3, from Massey Branch Road south to Five Mile Branch Road, was announced in May 2014 and completed in time for July 4th visitors in 2018 after weather delayed its original late spring completion date.

The effort to widen the highway, however, began more than two decades earlier, in 1994, when Ocean Pines resident Robert Hulbard founded “CRASH”, (County Residents Action for Safer Highways) after his cousin was killed in an accident on Route 113. The state conducted its first study of the possibility of adding two lanes to the highway from Delaware to

south of Snow Hill in 1997.

Jason Smith, the Maryland SHA area consultant for District 1, had noted that the construction project is a long process and that it’s important for drivers to be cautious when driving through work zones.

“They know we’re out there working, but they think you snap your fingers and next thing you know you have multiple lanes of traffic in the opposite direction,” Smith said. “The reality is it doesn’t necessarily work that way.

There’s a lot of temporary phasing and temporary controls and things that go into arriving at that goal.”

According to Bob Rager, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) liaison, the administration hopes to have all four lanes from Berlin to Snow Hill open for traffic by the end of December.

Contractor Allan Myers is working on paving the final road surface on the four-mile section from north of MD

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Kirwan question is who will pay?

365 Public Landing Road to the north of Five-Mile-Branch. How quickly that goes is largely dependent on weather, Rager said.

“It’s a tall order, as surface asphalt mixes generally require a minimum temperature of 40 degrees for proper compaction and good ride quality,” Rager said. “As long as the weather is favorable, we plan on paving seven days a week during daylight hours.”

Rager said that after the surface is completed, the SHA will still need to work striping, rumble strips and raised and reflective pavements parkers, as well as more environmental items, such as the landscape, swales and stormwater management ponds. The work in total should be finished for most of 2020.

“We’re very confident this project will be completed by the spring,” Rager said. “When it’s done, all 38 miles of US 113 in Maryland will be dual highway.”

Continued from Page 13 The commission, however, was directed to determine what public schools needed financially to implement new programs, but not how to pay for it. That has earned strong opposition from Gov. Larry Hogan.

“Unfortunately, the ‘Kirwan Tax Hike Commission’ is hell-bent on spending billions more than we can afford, and legislators are refusing to come clean about where the money is going to come from,” Hogan said.

“Even after more than three years of meetings, there is still no clear plan whatsoever for how either the state or the counties will pay this massive price tag.”

Hogan added that it would require a 39 percent increase in personal income tax, an 89 percent sales tax increase and a 535 percent property tax increase, which would create an $18 million state deficit.

Vince Tolbert, chief financial officer for Worcester County Public Schools, said the numbers could result in more of the same for this district.

“Based on this … the fact that wealth equalization is going to continue to be a part of the formula concerns us, because the state considers us a very wealthy county even though 42 percent of kids come from poverty, so that does concern us,” Tolbert said in an October interview.

Worcester County education officials and elected leaders attended a public meeting on Nov. 12 in Annapolis.

“The Kirwan recommendations, if adopted in their current form, would deepen the disparity between what is fair and what is not,” Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino said during the public hearing.

Carozza was one of three Kirwan Commission members who voted against the funding The recommendations passed, and the approved potential policies will go before state leaders when the General Assembly reconvenes on Jan. 8.

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

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DECEMBER 27, 2019

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

County passes rental regulations, licensing

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) The Worcester County Commissioners completed their long-awaited goal of establishing a rental license program and approving a zoning change to allow the regulation of short-term rentals for unincorporated Worcester County this year.

The rental license requirement was passed on Aug. 20, 2019, though not without some hesitancy.

“I feel very uncomfortable voting moving this forward without a fee structure in place because we’re basically saying ‘We’re going to do something. We just don’t know how much we’re going to charge and we’ll tell you that later,’” said Worcester County Commissioner Joshua Nordstrom.

Commissioner Chip Bertino advised waiting to see if the program could pay for itself before the county began implementing the program and adding staff.

Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic, however, moved to approve the rental license program. That same day, the commissioners asked Ed Tudor, director of review and permitting, to make revisions to the proposed rental regulations regarding the parking requirement, relationships of renters and square footage of rental units before ap-

proval.

As it was previously written, the bill would have required an additional parking spot for short-term rentals, bringing the number up to three spaces. Joe Wilson, president of the Coastal Association of Realtors, thought the parking requirement could prevent certain properties from renting if they did not have room to create an additional spot. The bill also stated that a rental must be restricted to one family or housekeeping unit of unrelated persons.

“Read literally, this provision would appear to make it unlawful for a group of six unrelated friends or two unrelated families to rent a house in order to vacation together in Worcester County,” Wilson said.

With the revisions, only buildings constructed after 2020 must have an additional parking space to be used as a short-term rental. Persons per bedroom is based on 50 square feet per person and each bedroom must be at least 70 square feet. Lastly, occupancy restrictions based on unrelated persons do not apply.

The regulations passed after a public hearing on Oct. 15, with Bertino and Commissioner Jim Bunting in opposition. Commissioner Bud Church was absent.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF DELMARVA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO ITS RETAIL RATES FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC ENERGY BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND CASE NO. 9630 DECEMBER 17, 2019 PUBLIC UTILITY LAW JUDGE’S NOTICE OF PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE On December 5, 2019, Delmarva Power & Light Company (“Delmarva” or “the Company”) filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Maryland (“the Commission”) for authority to increase its operating revenues by $18,523,166. The Company’s application included supporting testimony and exhibits, and requested an effective date of January 4, 2020 for its proposed rates and charges. On December 6, 2019, by Order No. 89384, the Commission suspended the proposed rates and charges for a period of 150 days from January 4, 2020, and delegated this matter to the Public Utility Law Judge Division.

A pre-hearing conference in the above-entitled matter is hereby set for Monday, January 6, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., in the Commission’s 19th floor hearing room, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, to establish a procedural schedule and consider any petitions to intervene, as well as any other preliminary matters.

Delmarva is hereby directed to publish a notice of the pre-hearing conference, including the caption, case number, the time, date, place of the conference, and the purpose of the conference, as a display advertisement in newspapers in general circulation throughout the Company’s service area at least two times before January 6, 2020. The notice shall also advise persons who seek to intervene in this proceeding that petitions to intervene should be filed with the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Andrew Johnston, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-6806, on or before January 3, 2020. The Company is directed to file certificates of publication with the Commission on or before the date of the pre-hearing conference.

Jennifer J. Grace Public Utility Law Judge Public Service Commission of Maryland Reasonable accommodations will be made at Public Service Commission proceedings for qualified persons with disabilities, if requested 5 days in advance of the proceeding. (Dial 410-767-8000 or 1-800-492-0474 or access the prior numbers through the Maryland Relay Service at 1-800-735-2258.)

The full rental license program was approved on Nov. 19, but only after the proposed license fees were cut in half.

The commissioners cut the initial $400 fee proposed for the short-term rental license to $200, and the longterm license cost was reduced from $100 a year to $50. The mobile home park rental license, recommended at $400 per lot, site or unit, is now $200.

“It may adversely affect the people that comply,” Mitrecic said, adding that the county might see more compliance with a $200 license than it would if licenses cost twice that.

Tudor said that he set that high number to ensure that the program would pay for itself. Bertino pointed out that since the new software for the rental license program will also be used to collect the hotel room tax, which will be a major source of revenue, then the rental license fee should be insignificant.

In Ocean City, the license fee is $116,

with an added $25 for a noise control permit. The license fee in Salisbury is $120. According to its county government website, Montgomery County charges $114 per unit for a single-family rental license.

Though Tudor advised the commissioners to hire two new employees for the program, Mitrecic moved to hire one employee for now and reevaluate during the county budget meetings in six months.

“I’m a full-steam-ahead kind of guy,” Mitrecic said, “but I think we need to take a step back and crawl a little bit and see how this first year is going to shake out for us before we hire.”

Nordstrom and Purnell opposed the motion, with Nordstrom contending that the long-term rental fee could affect low-income families and Purnell arguing that one employee was not enough to handle the program. Commissioner Ted Elder was absent.

Firefighters, city settle their differences for new contract

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) For the Ocean City firefighters union and city government, this year was a breath of fresh air after the ratification of the union’s new threeyear contract on Thursday, March 14.

The union is formally known as the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4269.

“I’d like to thank you for agreeing to sign this contract,” firefighter’s union President Ryan Whittington said at an April 15 council meeting. “The last thing

we need before our summer season kicks off is to have turmoil with our council. We’ve already seen that once.

Our firefighters/paramedics didn’t like that. So, we appreciate the signing of this agreement.”

The agreement, effective from July 1 to June 30, 2022, gave the union a pay increase of $728,687, with $137,485 in year one, $213,536 in year two and $377,666 in year three.

Most importantly, however, it eliminated the union’s previous schedule See AFTER Page 18

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Ocean City Today

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DECEMBER 27, 2019

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

After difficult two years, city and IAFF sign new contract

Continued from Page 16 system of 10 and 14-hour shifts, which the union had greatly condemned.

The controversy began in 2015, when resort government announced it would move away from the union’s 24hours on, 72 hours-off shifts, arguing the shifts caused fatigue and resulted in delayed responses and missed calls.

Whittington fiercely denied these claims at a March 9 council meeting, saying of the 18,000 calls the department had over the past three years, only five calls were delayed, and none had been missed.

The following two years were filled with harsh accusations of bad faith and falsehoods shot from both sides.

Despite protests by the union and its allies, the council instituted a 10- and 14-hour shift system in October 2017.

This meant fire and EMS personnel would work two 10-hour day shifts and two 14-hour night shifts, followed by four days off.

“Nothing has changed since the negotiations,” Whittington told Ocean City Today that September. “We still don’t believe this is the best for Ocean City. It’s going to be monitored closely through shift reports and other discussions. At the end of the day, we’re responsible for the safety of the taxpayers of Ocean City, but we will work it for their best interest.”

This year’s agreement was met much more amicably, both sides agreed.

“The IAFF is pleased to have reached a deal,” Whittington said shortly after the contract’s ratification on March 14.

“The negotiations took a tremendous amount of work from both sides over more than six weeks … The parties communicated better and were more motivated to reach a deal than in past negotiations.”

“We have a great deal of respect for the members of the IAFF, and the bargaining team that represented the union throughout this process, and look forward to continuing this relationship

through the term of this agreement and beyond,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

However, despite improving relations between government and union, a chasm grew between council members, who fought over the new contract’s stipulations the next month, on April 15.

While Paddack and DeLuca moved quickly to approve the arrangement, Dare, James and Councilwoman Mary Knight voiced their disapproval.

“In all good conscience, I cannot support emergency medical personnel working 24-hour shifts … and I won’t be voting for the motion,” Dare said at the meeting.

“There is no data showing that any human being should work 24 hours in a row,” Knight said. “That’s the reason I will also not be voting for it.”

For James, his focus was on the cost of the new agreement, and he refuted claims of personal safety by noting fire and EMS personnel do not work nonstop like nurses or truck drivers once dangerously did.

“This contract could’ve been negotiated for [a] significantly less dollar amount than what it is,” he said. “…

[We] just threw (pay) steps at them, because we didn’t want to give them the (24-72) schedule back.”

He said the agreement would cost the city roughly $800,000, when it could’ve been negotiated for less than half of that.

Councilman John Gehrig pointed to the split council and even division among council members involved in the negotiations as a sign that the arrangement required further analysis, perhaps from the public.

“The fact that we’re split [on the vote] just goes to show … no matter how it turns out today that the negotiation process is broken,” he said.

The council moved on to approve the terms of the new arrangement, with Dare, Knight and James voting in opposition.

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Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Expansion of paid parking killed for now

That afternoon, the task force, which formed earlier this February, met to discuss raising paid-parking rates in the inlet parking lot and downtown locations.

The group decided to forward a rate increase to the mayor and city council, and then segued into the topic of expanding paid parking.

Harrison was perhaps the most vocal opponent at the time, but other business owners voiced their support and agreed the expansion would be too much for guests.

To the business owners, the issue was two-fold: one, the loss of free parking and two, the hassle of figuring out the new parking regulations.

“As a hotel operator … do you know how many complaints we are going to get from our visitors, [and] how hard this [parking regulation] is going to be to explain,” Harrison said.

He made a motion to reject any expansion recommendations, but faced pushback from multiple council members.

Councilman Dennis Dare argued the expansion was necessary to help pay for rising cost of services, while Councilman John Gehrig said the city needed to target its “day-trippers.”

However, Harrison pointed out that there was no way to target day-trippers, without residents and long-stay visitors getting hit in the crossfire.

Councilwoman Mary Knight voted to

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) If there was only one thing the public agreed upon this year it was this: no more paid parking. Period.

However, some city officials feel differently, and despite voting to kill an expansion of parking meters for Fiscal Year 2020, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, council members made it clear the topic would be revived for the following fiscal year.

“I would like to consider at both budget time and next year that we consider the potential of paid parking in 2021 and 2022,” Councilman Tony DeLuca said on Dec. 10.

The topic has been a frequent point of contention between local government, residents and business owners.

“We just raised the room tax. We’re raising the rate for... the Boardwalk and the inlet [parking]. Enough is enough,” said Hale Harrison, vice president of Operations and Real Estate for the Harrison Group Resort Hotels and Restaurants, at an Oct. 18, Ocean City Parking Task Force Meeting.

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reject the expansion, but made it clear s that she and the council had no intention of letting the issue die.

During the Strategic Planning Update meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Councilman Tony DeLuca highlighted who held authority over the issue.

“The task force recommended no expansion, but it’s up to us [city council] to decide that,” he said.

City officials attempted to add paidparking meters before in 2013, but failed to do so after residents threatened it with a referendum vote.

In May 2018, the council waded into stormy paid-parking waters again and voted to create the parking task force to analyze potential paid-parking from 11th to 33rd Streets.

They faced immediate criticism, with former councilman Vince Gisriel reminding them of their failure in 2013.

“I’m confident in telling you this community will rile up again against it [paidparking expansion],” he said on May 7, 2018. “There will be another petition because they don’t want it to go forward.”

Gisriel also reminded Mayor Rick Meehan of the promise he made in 2013.

Following the failed meter incident, Meehan, who had unsuccessfully attempted to create a compromise, said he would not support another expansion — a statement Knight had echoed, but has apparently since rescinded .

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Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Business

Ocean City Today Dec. 27, 2019

Page 21

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) Awards were won, businesses opened and closed, and anniversary celebrations took place in Ocean City and surrounding areas this year.

Here are some of the awards and celebrations throughout Worcester County in 2019: • Worcester Technical High School: Mayors, teachers, politicians’ aides and members of the Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education celebrated both the 10th anniversary of Worcester Technical High School’s building and the ribbon cutting of the welding department renovated by ChannelLock Inc. in February.

At the beginning of the 2018 school year, the trade school received a notification about a nationwide video competition held by ChannelLock, a welding and hand tools company that planned to give $5,000 for welding equipment and $3,000 worth of hand tools to the first-place winner.

Worcester Tech was announced the winner in November 2018.

The ChannelLock company spent five days repainting and installing new equipment, tools and other necessities in the welding room.

• Believe in Tomorrow: It was a cause for celebration on Aug. 15 for board members, volunteers and supporters of the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation when the organization broke ground on its new pediatric housing facility on 65th Street.

When completed in late 2020, this new respite property will prioritize U.S. military families who have critically ill children, as well as children with short life expectancies.

The new respite property, comprised of a two-story condominium with three bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a rooftop deck, will be adjacent to the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House By the Sea, which is a five-condominium building on 66th Street.

• Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Awards: On Sept. 26, several recognitions were presented during the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Awards, at the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel on 101st Street.

This year’s winners were: Pam and Macky Stansell of Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill, Lifetime Achievement Award; Michael James of the Carousel Hotel Group, Business Person of the Year; Dawne Pappas of the Original Greene Turtle and the American Cancer Society, Citizen of the Year; Chrissy Maddy of BB&T, Young Professional of the Year; Worcester County G.O.L.D, Non-profit of the Year; and the inaugural First Re-

sponder of the Year was given to six members of the Ben Paepcke Rescue Team of the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

• Skye Bar Award: Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot visited Roger Cebula, owner of the Skye Bar & Grille on 66th Street in October to present a proclamation for his effort to recycle oyster shells over the years at the restaurant.

Cebula and several other restaurants in Ocean City have been recycling oyster shells, which could be used as a part of the Maryland Oyster Shell Recycling Tax Credit. Cebula and his restaurant have been recycling oyster shells since the inception of the tax credit in 2010.

Currently, there are 10 restaurants in Ocean City that are part of the Shell Recycling Alliance – Blu Crabhouse and Raw Bar on 23rd Street, Bull on the Beach on 94th Street and Second Street, Crab Alley in West Ocean City, Embers Restaurant on 24th Street, Fager’s Island on 60th Street, Harrison’s Harbor Watch at South Atlantic Avenue on the Boardwalk, Marlin Moon Restaurant on 33rd Street, Ropewalk on 82nd Street, Skye Bar and Watermen’s Seafood in West Ocean City.

• Thrasher’s Fries: Thrasher’s was chosen by voters in October as the best place in Maryland to get French fries through Big 7 Travel, a travel magazine which polls for the best spots to eat in various places across the country, and even the world.

Thrasher’s French Fries are available at three locations on the Boardwalk; the original spot at the inlet pier, Second Street and Eighth Street.

• New Professional of the Year: Residence Inn by Marriott Sales and Marketing Manager Courtney Blackford was presented the New Professional of the Year award during the annual Maryland Tourism Travel Summit, held at the Rocky Gap Resort Casino in Flintstone, Maryland, on Nov. 7.

To qualify for the award, a nominee must work in a tourism-related company that is a member of the Maryland Tourism Coalition, have worked in a new position or capacity in the tourism industry for no more than three years and must be an active participant in industry-related activities.

Blackford is deeply involved with the community, hosting events at the hotel that benefit local charities, including Believe in Tomorrow, a respite housing program for children with terminal or debilitating illnesses, the Art League of Ocean City and other various organizations.

• Mother’s Cantina award: Mother’s Cantina restaurant owners Ryan and Neely James won the Maryland League of Conservation Voters’

President Theodore Roosevelt award, which recognizes environmentally conscious individuals, groups or organizations, in November.

The couple have cut out 99.9 percent of single-use plastic from their business and no longer use Styrofoam takeout containers. The only single-use plastic items they still use are trash bags, but they are hoping to find a suitable alternative in the near future.

The couple were honored to receive the award, but their work was part of a larger, collective effort in Ocean City spearheaded by organizations such as the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Surfriders Foundation, Assateague Coastal Trust, Ocean City Green Team and city officials as well, they said.

• Maryland Department of Housing Grants: The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded two $55,000 grants to fund the Ocean City Development Corporation’s façade improvement and green building programs in November.

The Ocean City Development Corporation’s façade program has been active since 2002, and focuses on ameliorating the exterior of businesses and residences in downtown Ocean City.

In addition to its façade program, the corporation’s green building program, which began in 2011, has been quite successful as well with 65 buildings renovated to date.

Both programs target an area ranging from the inlet parking lot to 17th Street. Funding is limited to up to $7,500 per property, and $10,000 if a property owner is doing both façade updates and green building work. Properties must be smaller condominiums and have six units or less.

Many restaurants, stores and other businesses celebrated grand openings or milestones. Here are some of the new and celebrated businesses of 2019: Ocean City: • Larry Holdren Real Estate: owned

by Larry Holdren Sr., 76, celebrates 48 years of service from when he first began in 1971.

Based on 139th Street, Holdren and his family have been offering services to the town for nearly five decades.

Back then, lots were selling for between $2,500 and $5,000, and waterfront homes were sold for $8,000-$10,000.

In Montego Bay, there are 1,523 residential lots with 500 yearlong residents. It is the largest residential community in the in town.

• Century 21: on 86th Street is now under new management. Kim Looney inherited the business after her uncle, Bernie Roache Jr., who opened Century

BJ’s on the Water owners Billy and Maddy Carder are a staple in Ocean City dining, after opening their restaurant on Aug. 2, 1979.

21 New Horizon in the early 1980s, passed away at the age of 78 on Nov. 17, 2018.

Century 21 New Horizon covers rentals in Ocean City as well as buyers for all over Worcester County and in Delaware.

• TowBoatUS Ocean City: Capt.

Rob Copenhaver, a 2004 Stephen Decatur High School graduate, became the new owner of the 24-hour, on-the-water boater assistance service, TowBoatUS Ocean City, Maryland in early April.

The assistance service operates from Delaware all the way to Chincoteague.

The company operates a fleet of six response vessels ranging from 21 to 42 feet out of Fisherman’s Marina in West Ocean City, and Curtis Merritt Harbor in Chincoteague.

• 21st Street Beer and Wine: Although the name remains unchanged, 21st Street Beer and Wine came under new ownership.

Ace Owies, who has operated Seaside Deli on 72nd Street in Ocean City since 2015, took over the downtown beverage stop, located at 2110 North Philadelphia Avenue, mid-April.

In addition to a healthy selection of imported and domestic beers, as well as varied vino choices, the 21st Street shop includes a small selection of convenience store items, like snacks and cigarettes.

• Rhino Chaser Café: between sixth and seventh streets on the Boardwalk, is the latest project of Shotti’s Point founders Mike and Lisa Shott, and operating partner Andrew Gmitter, which opened in late April.

Shott opened the first Shotti’s Point restaurant in Baltimore in 2013, followed by a 35th Street location in Ocean City three years later.

The latest spot, Rino Chaser Café, refers to Shotti’s popular “Rino Chasers” Continued on Page 22

PAGE 22

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Continued from Page 21 fries that come with a dusting of parmesan, a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a white truffle aioli dipping sauce.

• Ocean City Florist and Gifts: Flowers, jewelry, candles and furniture are all available at Ocean City Florist and Gifts, located in the Montego Bay Shopping Center on 129th Street, which Denise Heim-Pazdan became the new owner of in April.

The flower shop offers services for weddings, anniversaries, funerals, birthdays, homecomings, proms and any other special occasion.

• Aloft Ocean City: A grand opening ribbon cutting for the new “lifestyle” hotel located in the 45th Street Village took place in May. Aloft Ocean City is a five-story, 120room, pet-friendly, open-concept luxury hotel targeting next generation travelers launched by Jack Burbage, owner of Blue Water Development.

In addition to both an indoor and outdoor pool, with the latter featuring a bar overlooking Isle of Wight Bay, other common area features include a fitness center and public spaces designed for live music.

Guest rooms include plush platform beds, branded Aloft bath amenities by Bliss Spa and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads.

Amenities for four-legged family members include Aloft’s pet program, Arf, which features beds and bowls, along with treats and toys.

• The Angler: on Talbot Street in downtown Ocean City celebrated 81 years in business in 2019. It is one of the oldest continuously family-run restaurants in the resort, according to owner Jayne Bunting Kendall.

The establishment has continued to serve area residents and visitors for generations and is considered a local favorite.

• Abbey Burger Bistro: Matt Ortt Companies took over the 126th Street restaurant in April. It reopened on May 17 with new menu items and décor.

Burger lovers can enjoy burger meats like duck, bison, lamb, shrimp and vegan at the eatery. New menu items include appetizers like crabby tater tots, fried pickles, alligator meatballs, tuna

steak, nachos, mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes.

Also new are various wraps, crab cake sandwiches, BLTs, hot dogs and boil baskets.

• OC Bay Hopper: After a year of testing the waters and receiving feedback on its product, OC Bay Hopper, a water transportation service, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, mid-May. OC Bay Hopper has two water taxi boats and four captains available, as all four co-owners are registered Coast Guard licensed master captains. The boats are licensed to carry 16 people at a time.

Restaurants that the service can access by bayside include Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick; Seacrets, Fish Tales, Tailchasers, Lazy Lizard, Fager’s Island, M.R. Ducks, The Angler, Marina Deck and Macky’s Bayside in Ocean City; and Sunset Grille and Haborside in West Ocean City.

• OC Socks: Owners Dena and Delmar Smith celebrated the grand opening of their store on May 2, their newest business in the Inlet Village, located at southern end of the Ocean City Boardwalk.

The small store is stocked floor to ceiling with socks for both children and adults. Fuzzy, woolen, adult humor, cartoon characters, as well as food, TV and movie themes are among the options available.

The store offers 20 different brands with over 1,500 styles to choose from.

• Three Anchors: In June, Three Anchors opened next to K-Coast on 78th Street, offering coastal dining, a casual atmosphere and a variety of dishes to choose from.

Mark Pugh, co-owner of K-Coast and Three Anchors restaurant, decided to open his own eatery last December while trying to find someone to lease the 7,000-square-foot, two-story space attached to the K-Coast store.

It is currently still closed for renovations.

• Selfie Fantasy: at 14 Worcester Street, opened in downtown Ocean City mid-June.

The former OC Screams building was

completely renovated to include dozens of selfie and photography stations for guests of all ages and camera experience to pose for a memorable shot.

Selfie Fantasy offers 30 stations of picture-taking backgrounds, including a throne room, sideways house and ocean scene, as well as doughnut- and teddy bear-filled walls. The 6,600-square-foot facility even features a pool filled with 15,000 balls on the second floor.

• Juicy King Crab House: on 221 Wicomico Street, opened at the beginning of June.

The eatery is considered a Louisianastyled, Cajun inspired seafood restaurant which offers steam pots that can be filled with up to a pound of shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, lobster tails or four different types of crabs – king crab legs, blue crab, snow crab or Dungeness – as well as fried seafood baskets, salads and various appetizers.

• Tino’s Mexican Grille: Martin Sanchez, who has over 30 years of experience in the restaurant business, opened Tino’s Mexican Grille on 81st Street in Ocean City in June.

Tino’s offers chicken, steak, pork and ground beef burritos or burrito bowls with toppings including pinto or black beans, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, chipotle ranch, sour cream and a variety of sauces.

• OC Poke Sushi and Teriyaki House: on 215 South Baltimore Avenue in downtown Ocean City offers fresh sushi, poke bowls and teriyaki meals.

The restaurant, which opened at the beginning of June, allows customers to build poke bowls, a Hawaiian dish traditionally consisting of diced raw fish served either as an appetizer or as a main course.

• Tea Boss: Bubble teas, ice cream rolls and sushi are some of the items customers can purchase at Tea Boss, on 118th Street in the Food Lion Shopping Center, which opened in July.

Bubble milk tea, which originated in Taiwan, consists of condensed milk, tea and often comes with “pearls” made of tapioca, fruit jelly, aloe, coconut jelly, grass jelly or agar. The shop also serves smoothies, hot and cold tea.

Continued on Page 24

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Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Continued from Page 22 • Papi Joe’s Café: Joe Glorioso opened the eatery on Somerset Street in late June in downtown Ocean City.

Some of the items available from Papi Joe’s Café include Italian sausages, pulled pork or brisket sandwiches, meatball subs, grilled cheese, fried chicken platters, hot dogs, pasta and pizza with homemade tomato sauce.

• BJ’s on the Water: Billy and Maddy Carder were only in their mid20s when they opened BJ’s on the Water on 75th Street, and this year they celebrated the 40th anniversary of their restaurant.

The restaurant began as a small saloon with 39 seats plus the bar area.

Over the years, the restaurant expanded to include an outdoor deck, a bayfront dining room and the indoor deck area, going from roughly 50 seats to over 300 when the deck is open during the summer season.

Some of the most popular dishes at BJ’s on the Water includes the Razorback sandwich, which consists of hot ham, tomato and mushrooms topped with melted Swiss, on wheatberry toast with tartar sauce and lettuce, and the

seafood skins.

• PGN Crab House: on 29th Street, celebrated 50 years of business in Ocean City this summer. A familyrun business, PGN Crab House has served many loyal customers over the years.

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, such as steamed shrimp and clams, snow crabs, crab soup, a quarterpound burger, salads, several sandwiches – including fish, ham, tuna, shrimp, chicken, oyster, flounder, soft crab and crab cake – New York strip, stuffed flounder and rack of ribs.

• CBD Supply MD store: Ocean City residents and visitors alike can select from dozens of cannabidiol products to assist in pain relief or other ailments at the CBD Supply MD store, located in the Food Lion Shopping Center on 118th Street, which opened in August.

Cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD, is a natural compound of the cannabis plant that can comprise up to 40 percent of phytocannabinoid, a molecule synthesized by plants, which can be used to alleviate human and animal ailments.

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Past year defied predictions and produce steady market

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) With many economists predicting a recession in 2019, we are entering the final days of this year and this decade in a good economy and a steady real estate market.

Also, the Federal Reserve has reduced short-term rates three times over the course of the year, and while that can be a cause for concern on a larger economic scale, it has helped residential real estate by bringing interest rates down.

With annual figures reported through November to Maryland Realtors, Maryland home sales in 2019 are tracking 4.2 percent below 2018 figures.

This is an improvement year over year though from 2018 to 2017, where data showed homes sales were down at a higher rate of 10.8 percent.

However, Worcester County is faring better than the state as a whole, as the county is only down 2.6 percent year over year through November 2019.

Also, more Americans are showing greater confidence in home buying, according to Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index results.

The survey results for the month of November showed that 61 percent of Americans say now is a good time to buy

(up from 57 percent in October) and the highest level since March 2018.

Meanwhile, 29 percent of Americans said now is a bad time to buy, which is down from 36 percent.

Consistent with scarce housing inventory and a decent economy, average and median home sales prices have consistently been in the positive throughout the year.

In fact, the month of November showed a 4.5 percent increase in average sales price throughout the state with 2019 sales price average sitting at $353,935.

And, in Worcester County, the month of November showed an even more impressive increase of 18.4 percent with a 2019 sales price average of $336,456.

By comparison and more representative, Worcester County’s sales prices average sales price to date in 2019 is $294,473.

To date in 2019, the luxury market posted 15 sales over the $1 million mark.

Usually the majority of these homes are in the town limits of Ocean City, but this year the majority of the luxury market sales were throughout Ocean Pines, South Point and West Ocean City.

However, once again, the highest priced sale was for a bayside waterfront home in Sunset Island at $2,295,000.

— Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Bunting Realty, Inc. in Berlin.

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• Beach Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning: Bob Tanner of Bishopville started his mobile carpet and upholstery company 30 years ago.

Beach Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning offers services for all types of rugs, carpets, chairs, couches and other fabric furniture. The process can take as short as an hour or as long as half the day, depending on the size of the job.

• Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery: Situated on a 12.5-acre farm with a historic house, Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery, located on 11206 Worcester Hwy in Berlin, celebrated its first anniversary at the end of August.

The winery has five different varieties of wine – a Gruner Veltiner, riesling, chambourcin, a summer red and just released a rosé bottle this year. Prices range from $18-26 per bottle.

• Flavors & Foodies: an all-day breakfast and sub shop, settled in at the 15th Street Shopping Center in Ocean City in the middle of July.

Breakfast options include bacon, ham or sausage and egg and cheese, grits, toast, bagels, chicken and waffles and a variety of smoothies.

• Bob Jester: The 72-year-old has spent the majority of his life working in the real estate business … for 50 years, which has made him an essential part of Ocean City’s growth as a resort town.

Jester currently works with Keller Williams Realty on 75th Street. He also worked for 14 years at Coldwell Banker, which bought out the company he had worked for previously, Moore, Warfield and Glick, where he spent 25 years.

West Ocean City: • Venus II Nails and Spa: opened its doors in the Teal Marsh Center in West Ocean City in January.

The salon offers manicures, pedicures and waxing.

It features a salon safe system certified by Salon Safe, which filters out the smell of nail polish to keep the air clean.

The salon offers liquid gel, acrylic, French and fill nail treatments, as well as toe nail styling and nail repair.

• Caribbean Joe’s Bar and Grille: Joe Albero opened the eatery in West Ocean City inside the Alamo Motel in late January.

The restaurant serves wings, nachos, hamburgers, tacos, potato skins and quesadillas and pulled pork sandwiches, among other items. Since opening, Albero has opened a pool bar in the summer at the back of the restaurant.

• Taco Junction: A once abandoned storefront has been transformed into Taco Junction, a Mexican carryout in West Ocean City, at 9935 Stephen Decatur Highway in the Pizza Tugos Shopping Center in early March.

The menu offers nachos, guacamole, quesadillas, burritos and, of course, tacos. Customers can select from beef, chicken, fish and vegetarian options,

along with a variety of toppings.

• Dough Roller: After nearly four decades of serving hot pizza in a familyfriendly, resort-themed environment, the Dough Roller opened a new location in West Ocean City, at 12949 Ocean Gateway, in May with a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Bill Gibbs launched the first Dough Roller in 1980 after purchasing the Breakers Hotel at Third Street on the Boardwalk the year prior and repurposing the lodging establishment’s front porch to provide Italian cuisine by the seaside.

All three of Gibbs’ sons help run the family business. Jeff Gibbs manages the Third Street location and Gary helps run the 41st Street and 70th Street restaurants, while Kevin manages the South Division Street location.

• West Ocean City Vehicle Tag & Title: Jody Palmisano opened West Ocean City Vehicle Tag & Title in June when he realized there was a need for the shop as Worcester County residents constantly had to drive to Salisbury to get their titles and tags.

West Ocean City Vehicle Tag & Title can create new tags and titles for vehicle purchases, ranging from regular, historic or bay tags. He can provide tags and titles for trailers, scooters, motorcycles, tractor trailers and most other vehicles.

Palmisano can also provide 30-day temporary tags and titles, transfer tags from old vehicles to new ones, accept turned-in tags from previous cars, get tags and titles for owners moving from another state, renew vehicle registrations for either one or two years, and replace tags that are lost or faded.

• Alex Fraschetti: The 77-year-old who has presided over decades of restaurant dining in Ocean City, the last 16 at his location in West Ocean City, has decided to retire.

Fraschetti’s restaurant, Alex’s Italian Restaurant, was slated to serve its final customers on Dec. 19.

Fraschetti’s 9,000 square feet of space was split between the bar area, the dining room and J&J’s Pizza, which he also owns and will be closing as well.

When it comes to the customers of Alex’s Italian Restaurant, he appreciates everyone who has spent the last 16 years with him.

Ocean Pines: • Atlantic Acupuncture: Eastern medicinal practices have come to Worcester County. With techniques such as acupressure, foot massages and acupuncture, Atlantic Acupuncture resides at 11033 Cathell Road in Ocean Pines, where it opened in July.

In addition to treating pain and infertility, the facility also offers procedures to treat depression, fatigue, migraines, menstrual complications, stress and other ailments. Treatments range from traditional acupuncture therapy, acupressure, lying on a jade surgeon massage bed, drinking Chinese herbal teas or foot soaks in herb infused water.

Lifestyle y p p a H ! r a e N ew Y

Ocean City Today Arts, Calendar, Crossword, Dining, Entertaiment, Events, Features, Music

Dec. 27, 2019

Page 25

PAGE 26

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) Many events take place in Ocean City and Worcester County throughout the year. Here are some of the year’s most memorable and successful activities: • AGH Penguin Swim: The new year started off at a balmy 63 degrees, with an ocean temperature of 46 degrees for the 25th annual Penguin Swim, where hundreds of men, women and children raced into the water to raise money for Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

“This is a tremendous event to ensure we have what the community needs and have the [necessary] services available in our community,” Michael Franklin, Atlantic General Hospital CEO and president, said.

Nearly 600 people and 47 teams registered or checked-in for the New Year’s

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Day swim at the Princess Royale on 91st Street, a slight increase from 2018 despite the much warmer weather. The penguins were joined on the beach by about 100 guests, who gathered at Bull on the Beach bar and restaurant on 94th Street prior to the event.

At 1 p.m., hundreds of people plunged into the ocean at 91st Street. Most participants only got their feet wet, while several others completely submerged their bodies.

The fundraising goal was $85,478.

Over $92,000 was raised for Atlantic General Hospital. In 26 years, the Penguin Swim has raised about $1.4 million for the hospital.

A primary sponsor of the Penguin Swim, Bull on the Beach, donated just over $600,000 over the past 25 years to Atlantic General Hospital.

“We truly just want to thank everybody [and] our employees that we could not do any of this without them ... all of our customers, without them this wouldn’t be impossible,” Michelle Knopp, coowner of Bull on the Beach, said.

In 25 years, the Penguin Swim has raised about $1.4 million for the hospital.

“We celebrate Atlantic General Hospital and the people who provide care through Atlantic General Hospital and in the community that we care for,” Franklin said.

For more information about the 2020 New Year’s Day Penguin Swim, visit https://aghpenguinswim.org/ or call 410-641-9671.

• More Than Pink Walk: The Susan G. Komen Foundation’s “More Than Pink” Walk took place on April 13, on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Close to 1,200 people registered for the event. Around 200 of those participants were breast cancer survivors.

About $127,000 was raised from registration, donations and cash sponsorships.

“Susan G. Komen’s sole focus is a world without breast cancer,” said Kim

On New Year’s Day, 352 people and 39 teams participate during the 25th annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim at 91st Street on New Year’s Day, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Water temperatures were around 46 degrees while the weather was a much warmer 63-65 degrees during the swim.

Approximately 1,200 walkers participate in the annual Susan G. Komen Foundation’s “More Than Pink” Walk, held Saturday, April 13, on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Schmulowitz, communications and marketing director of Komen Maryland.

“It’s more than just about awareness. It’s about taking action in the fight against breast cancer.”

The event raises awareness, support and funds for breast cancer research with a three-mile walk.

Since the inaugural event in 2012, Ocean City cancer survivors, supporters and race participants have raised more than $1.5 million for the organization.

“Through events like the Race for the

Cure, Komen Maryland has invested $31 million in community breast health programs in the state including nearly $5 million on the Eastern Shore since 1993, and has helped contribute to the more than $956 million invested globally in research,” Schmulowitz said. “Komen has set a bold goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the United States by 2026.”

In 2019, More than Pink awarded $550,000 to organizations throughout the state, including four grants for East-

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 27

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

WE WISH YOU A HAPPY HEALTHY 2020!

130th St. OCMD 410.250.1449 BEST HAPPY HOUR ON THE BEACH! 3-6PM

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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels soared over the crowds on the Boardwalk during the 12th annual Ocean City Air Show on June 14-15.

ern Shore programs including Atlantic General Hospital, Maintaining Active Citizens, Wicomico County Health Department and Moveable Feast Schmulowitz said.

“We’re very proud to provide that funding because the incidence of breast cancer deaths is higher on the Eastern Shore,” Schmulowitz said. “That’s why we want to have a strong presence there, not only with our fundraising events, but also with our community health presence. We’re excited to be having this educational event as well as our walk and to support all of these programs.”

The 2020 Komen Delmarva More than Pink Walk will take place on Saturday, April 25. For more information, visit www.info-komen.org.

• OC Air Show: As a couple dozen aircraft soared over Ocean City on June 14-15, hundreds of thousands of spectators gazed skyward for an extended look at their aerobatics.

This was, perhaps, the biggest of the 12 air shows that have taken place in Ocean City, at least from the perspective of crowd size and the scramble for parking anywhere near the mid- to downtown beach.

“The 2019 OC Air Show was incredibly successful,” said Chris Dirato, the show’s director of public relations. “We had great … weather and, of course, the performers were all spectacular. We saw a lot of people enjoying themselves, which is what’s it’s all about.”

Along with the show’s headliners, the Navy Blue Angels, also buzzing the beach was a pair of A-10 Warthogs, the giant C-5M Super Galaxy, U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper, a World War II B-25 Bomber, and a fighter plane from that era, a P-51 Mustang.

New to the show this year were the precision-flying Canadian Snowbirds of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who appeared as a solo act in a May 2018 show, but this time got to wow a much larger audience.

“This is our second time being here in Ocean City,” Capt. Taylor Evans said.

“It’s awesome to be part of the air show scene down here. We love it.”

Apparently, they do; Snowbirds representatives said it’s conceivable they might return in two years for another show.

“Every two years we’ll do a show … so you’ll probably see us back again in two years’ time,” Evans said.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER

Live Entertainment Reservations Recommended

3 COURSES FOR $35 Professional moto-cross riders perform at the inaugural Jellyfish Festival held June 21-23 set up between six blocks in downtown Ocean City, north of the pier. The event saw thousands of people attending the event.

The 13th annual Ocean City Air Show will take place June 13-14 in 2020, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the headliners.

The GEICO Skytypers made an early announcement that they will perform in Ocean City in 2020, returning after a two-year absence.

For more information about the 2020 OC Air Show, visit https://ocairshow.com.

• Jellyfish Festival: “It took a sea of people to raise the Jellyfish Festival,” Live Wire Media owner and event organizer Brad Hoffman said about the success of the inaugural Jellyfish Festival, held June 21-23 in Ocean City.

The three-day celebration of “the art of music and sports” was sponsored by the Town of Ocean City, Live Wire Media, and Events and Culture Changers LLC. The mostly free, large-scale music and sporting event took over six blocks in downtown Ocean City, from Caroline Street to north of the pier, and staged a series of concerts on all three days.

The festival was also filled with extreme sports demonstrations, freestyle motocross, yoga, Hydro Beach Fit Challenge, sound and light shows across multiple stages, and various forms of family entertainment.

“Saturday was huge on numbers when you combine [our festival] with our beautiful weather, a vacationing crowd and people that came in for the Continued on Page 28

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PAGE 28

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Continued from Page 27 big day to see Styx, Crack the Sky, The Ravyns and Stone Senate,” Hoffman said. “Any big event Saturday, if you have good weather, is going to be your biggest day.”

Shows might not have sold out, but big crowds did turn out for “Classic Saturday,” which comprised of Styx, Stone Senate, The Ravyns, and Crack the Sky. Other acts had included “Fresh Friday” headliners like Badfish, Ballyhoo!, King Schascha featuring Black Dog Alley, and Sweet Leda.

Muskrat Lightning, Lower Case Blues, The Rogue Citizens, and Melissa Alesi also performed.

In addition, the event was profitable for the town, and Special Events Coordinator Frank Miller said he is looking forward to seeing how the 2019 show can be built on for next year’s edition.

“Obviously the desire is for the town to always continue to have great events including some version or multiple versions of a beach-based concerts opportunity for our patrons and our residents,” Miller said.

“They have pushed the boundaries for what has been tried in Ocean City over the past two decades,” he continued. “We’re glad they did and the town is definitely interested in continuing that opportunity of moving forward.”

For more information, visit www.jellyfishfestival.com.

• Sunfest: The 45th annual Sunfest celebration saw record crowds this year.

Ocean City Special Events Director Frank Miller reported that the 45th edition of the end-of-summer salute drew a best-ever 317,419 people, almost 50,000 more than last year.

The festival kicked off Thursday, Sept. 19, with an opening ceremony followed by musical acts. The first day drew in 85,021 people, which Miller said was unheard of.

More than 300 vendors under large

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, if things seem to be a little confusing this week, take some time to pause and reflect. Maybe you are interpreting the data in the wrong way.

Ask a friend to check your work.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Your generosity is limitless this week, Taurus. Your efforts will be rewarded to you in kind in the near future. Keep your charitable efforts coming.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 This year’s Sunfest saw the highest number of people and sold the most beer and merchandise in the event’s history from Thursday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Sept. 22.

Getting your point across to others may prove challenging, Gemini. Slow down and explain yourself clearly.

Being amenable to compromise can help.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Your relationships have longevity and that is something to be proud of, Cancer. Keep doing all the right things to keep the ones you love close by.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Go with the flow when you anticipate something exciting coming your way, Leo. Let your hair down a little and enjoy the good times ahead.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Hundreds of people participate in the ninth annual Making Strides against Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk Saturday, Oct. 19, at the inlet parking lot.

tents were featured during the four-day event.

“Usually, Thursday is what we would call our local day,” Miller said. “That’s when the locals, the people from the local region will come and they will shop the vendors, because typically our weekend traffic doesn’t hit at that point. But this year, some seem to believe that the extended weekend vacation is starting to get a little broader and we’re starting to see people coming down for a Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday vacation.”

This year breaks the record set in 2018, when 268,406 people came to the inlet parking lot to shop, listen to music, eat and drink.

Friday saw 82,778 people compared to 77,888 last year. Saturday saw 110,209 compared to 105,747 last year and Sunday also saw a slight increase with 39,411 compared to 32,948 attendees in 2018.

The crowds were so large this year that Miller has begun to wonder if more Continued on Page 29

Virgo, give something new and frivolous a try this week. You may find this experimentation sparks a new interest that proves rewarding for years to come.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Someone is very proud of what you have accomplished lately, Libra. If you find yourself in the spotlight, enjoy the much-deserved praise and attention.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, employ various ways of looking at situations that come your way.

It is always beneficial to have an open mind. When a new project arrives, maintain your enthusiasm.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

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Sometimes you need to be a bit pushy to get what you need, Sagittarius. Step up and part the crowds so you can reach your goal. Make sure your voice is heard.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 This is a good time to share positive thoughts with others, Capricorn. With the new year on the horizon, resolutions are at the forefront of many people’s minds.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, while you can expect a week full of energy and nonstop activity, you can manage to fit some fun into the mix. Start making plans with close friends.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You very well may learn something important over the next few days, Pisces. Keep your eyes and ears open to what’s around you.

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 29

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Continued from Page 28 room might be needed in the future, even though Sunfest already takes over two-thirds of the inlet parking lot (the other third is used for vendor parking).

“We really maxed out the capacity of our event,” Miller said. “We’ve gotten to a point of saturation with patrons that we may need to somehow look at expansion. That’s definitely under consideration for future years.”

Perfect weather was an obvious factor in the Sunfest turnout.

“The overall air was very positive and people were just really enjoying themselves at the event, and that’s what I’m emphasizing in my summary to the mayor and city council … the incredible positive memories that we created and the experience of Sunfest for our patrons this year,” Miller said.

The 2020 Sunfest festival will take place Thursday, Sept. 24 to Sunday, Sept. 27.

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer: Ocean City’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer chapter once again offered an assortment of events for the annual Pink Ribbon Classic at the Beach Series to raises breast cancer awareness and money for the American Cancer Society during October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We have a variety of events to interest different folks in the community. The

Pink Ribbon volunteers come up with new events when they think we need a refresh,” said Mary Bellis, senior community development manager, Northeast Region, American Cancer Society Inc. “The amazing members of the Pink Ribbon Classic Committee, some of whom have been working for this cause for decades, make this series of events successful every year. Their ability to motivate our generous community makes all the difference.”

This year’s Classic at the Beach Series included a ladies-only fishing tournament, pickleball round robin, golf tournament, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk, card game and party, Pamper Yourself For Charity Raffle, and mah-jongg competition.

Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society and earmarked for breast cancer research and program development as part of the “Pink Ribbon Classic at the Beach Series.”

In 2018, just under $290,000 was raised through the Pink Ribbon Classic at the Beach Series. This year, over $332,000 was raised, beating the goal of $300,000, Bellis said.

“The funds raised will support the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer initiatives. This includes programs and services for breast cancer patients and survivors, information on prevention, screening and treatment,” Bellis said.

Continued on Page 31

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PAGE 30

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

OUT & ABOUT

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Rand and Tammie Yarrusso, of Ocean Pines, enjoy the afternoon at Harborside’s Customer Appreciation Party in West Ocean City on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Ocean Pines residents Bob and Marie Rose finish up eating during Harborside’s Customer Appreciation Party in West Ocean City on Thursday, Dec. 19.

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Meghan and Brad Bayline, of Ocean City, grab some drinks during Harborside’s Customer Appreciation Party in West Ocean City on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Telling jokes and having a good time during Harborside’s Customer Appreciation Party in West Ocean City on Thursday, Dec. 19, from left, are West Ocean City residents Jay Garton, Hoss McCormick and Chris Shepherd.

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

New friendships are made at Beach Barrels’ Christmas party on 132nd Street, Thursday, Dec. 19, from left, are Ocean City resident John Warch, Selbyville, Delaware resident Howard Kline and Mike Heilman, of Ocean City.

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Donna and Joe Matrianga, of Rehoboth, Delaware, order appetizers at Beach Barrels on 132nd Street, Thursday, Dec. 19.

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 31

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Continued from Page 29 “Most of the funds will support research.

The American Cancer Society is currently funding 160 breast cancer-related grants totaling more than $64.3 million.

Since 1989, breast cancer deaths are down 40 percent in the U.S.” The Pink Ribbon Classic Series was started in 1996 by a group of volunteers.

Since its inception, the series has raised about $3.7 million for breast cancer research, awareness, programs and services.

To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345. Visit makingstrideswalk.org/oceancitymd for more information.

Find the chapter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/makingstridesoc or at the Twitter handle @OCMDStrides.

For more information, visit www.pinkribbonclassicevents.org or contact Bellis at Mary.Bellis@cancer.org or 410-749-1635.

• Spartan Race: More than 3,000 men and women from all over the country participated in the inaugural Ocean City Spartan Race in the inlet parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Thousands of friends, families and onlookers watched as men and women ages 14 and older participated in the first Ocean City Spartan Race, which was only the second urban race set up by the

organization.

The event was considered a success, according to Ocean City Special Events Coordinator Frank Miller.

“If we were to make a general guess on attendance, I’d probably say there were 5,000-6,000 [spectators],” Miller said. “The type of crowd it attracted … it attracted people who may not have necessarily come to Ocean City for other reasons or other events, so that exposure is highly valuable.”

“We’ve heard nothing but positive feedback regarding the event,” Ocean City Private Events Manger Lisa Mitchell said. “A lot of the participants said this was the first time that their friends and family could actually watch and almost walk with them as they did the course.”

There were five categories for this year’s race. The first wave of runners took off at 7:30 a.m.

The first-place winner of the Elite Men’s race, Mark Falcone of West Chester, Pennsylvania, finished the course in 27 minutes.

“This race was awesome … by far one of my favorites,” Falcone said. “It’s a flat course so it’s great for beginners, but for the elites it’s super-fast and you have to push hard as hell. There were all sorts of upper body, lower body, a bunch of grip strength obstacles … it’s real fast pace, high intensity obstacles.

“I would recommend it to anyone – Continued on Page 33

116th ST. & Coastal Hwy. behind Fountain Head Towers condominiums

NEW YEARS EVE

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APPETIZERS Crab Stuffed Mushrooms $12 Mozzarella Sticks $7 Char Grilled Oysters $10 Crab & Spinach Dip $12

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Cream Of Crab $8

ENTREES SEAFOOD SAMPLER $26 SHRIMP & CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE $25 PRIME RIB $30 BROILED SCALLOPS $25 CHICKEN PARMIGIANA $20 LOBSTER STUFFED RAVIOLI WITH CRAB ALFREDO $25 JAMBALAYA $24 CRAB STUFFED HADDOCK $24 8 OZ. LOBSTER TAIL $38 8 OZ. FILET MIGNON $32

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PAGE 32

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

NOW PLAYING

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY W/FIRST CLASS AND ON THE EDGE Ocean Club Nightclub: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

33 RPM

LIMA BEAN RIOT

Beach Barrels: Tuesday, Dec. 31

Seacrets: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1-4 a.m.

BEACH BARRELS 13207 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250-0522 / www.beachbarrels.com Dec. 27: G Men, 9 p.m.

Dec. 28: Tranzfusion, 9 p.m.

Dec. 31: Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Party w/33 RPM (ticketed event) Jan. 1: Bingo w/DJ Rupe, 6 p.m.

BJ’S ON THE WATER 75th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-7575 / www.bjsonthewater.com Dec. 27: Chest Pains, 9 p.m.

Dec. 28: Over Time, 9 p.m.

Dec. 31: DJ Fast Eddie, 10 p.m.

Jan. 1: Old School, 6 p.m.

BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH 116th Street, Ocean City, behind Fountain Head Towers Condominium 443-664-2896 / www.bourbonstreetonthebeach.com Dec. 27: Dave Sherman, 7 p.m.

Dec. 28: Rockoholics, 7 p.m.

Dec. 29: Randy Jamz, 6 p.m.

Dec. 31: OHO, 4-7 p.m.;

New Year’s Eve Party w/Reform School, 8 p.m.

Jan. 1: New Year’s Day Hangover Party w/2 Guyz & A Mama, 3 p.m.

w/DJ Billy T, 3 p.m.

Jan. 1: Dust N’ Bones, 6 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

101st Street, Ocean City In the Horizons Restaurant, in the Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel 410-524-3535 / www.clarionoc.com Every Friday and Saturday: DJ Dusty, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Dec. 30: First Class Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party w/First Class and On the Edge, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

15th St. & Baltimore Ave., Ocean City 410-289-7192 / www.captainstableoc.com Every Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue, 5:30 p.m.

DUFFY’S TAVERN 130th Street, Ocean City, Montego Bay Shopping Center 410-250-1449 / www.duffysoc.com Every Friday: Bob Hughes, 5-8 p.m.

Dec. 31: Live DJ, party favors and champaign toast.

HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL 12841 S. Harbor Road, West Ocean City 410-213-1846 / www.ocharborside.com Dec. 27: DJ Billy T, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Dec. 28: Chris Button, 2 p.m.; DJ Jeremy, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Dec. 29: Pickin Party, 2 p.m.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party

OCEAN CLUB NIGHTCLUB

PICKLES 706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-289-4891 / www.picklesoc.com Dec. 27: Beats by Jeremy, 9 p.m.

Dec. 28: Adam Dutch, 10 p.m.

Dec. 30: Karaoke w/Jeremy, 9 p.m.

Dec. 31: Beats by Crop Top, 9 p.m.

Jan. 2: Beats by Wax, 9 p.m.

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

Dec. 27: DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Dec. 28: Whiskeyhickon Boys, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Stellar Mojo, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Dec. 30: Opposite Directions, 1-5 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 5 p.m.; Dec. 31: Full Circle, 4-7:30 p.m.; New Year’s Eve Bash, 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.; DJ Davie, 4:45-9:30 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; Nowhere Slow, 8:15-11:30 p.m.; Garden State Radio, 8:15 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 10 p.m. to 3:50 a.m., DJ Mike T, 10:15 p.m. to 4 a.m.; Hott Toddys, 12-3 a.m.; Lima Bean Riot, 1-4 a.m.

SKYE RAW BAR & GRILLE 66th Street, Ocean City 410-723-6762 / www.skyebaroc.com Dec. 27: Rick Artz (Formerly of Love Seed Mama Jump), 4-8 p.m.

Dec. 30: Aaron Howell, 4-8 p.m.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party w/champaign toast and party favors

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 33

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Continued from Page 31 young and old, beginner or elite – it’s a super fun course,” he continued. “It’s awesome to be running on the beach ... it’s just great.”

The race held in Ocean City was a considerably shorter event than other Spartan races. Sprints take place over a three-mile distance, whereas Super ranges from five to seven miles and The Beast includes runs 13 miles or farther.

Inspired by the warrior society of ancient Sparta, founder Joe De Sena set out to create a community of Spartans who push and inspire each other. Spartan obstacle courses seek to manufacture adversity, which then trains the body and mind to overcome obstacles on the course and in everyday lives.

Spartan has grown to 250-plus annual events across more than 42 countries.

The 2020 Spartan race is set for Saturday, Oct. 17. For more information, visit www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/6427/overview.

• Comic Con: The third annual Ocean City Comic Con, held Saturday, Dec. 14, at the convention center on 40th Street, was a huge success as attendance reached just over 6,000 visitors.

In addition, nearly 1,000 pounds of food was collected for Diakonia, a nonprofit organization in West Ocean City, which provides emergency housing,

food services, counseling and other assistance to its guests.

The event, which includes cosplay, workshops, comic books, anime and costume contests, has grown each year.

“There’s a ceiling on the show and I think we’re probably real close to it,” organizer James Dufendach said. “Well …

I keep saying that. I keep saying and it keeps getting bigger than I had anticipated. But … I feel good about it.”

The inaugural event in 2017 was held at the Grand Hotel and Spa on 21st Street. About 2,500 people attended.

Since the crowd was so large in 2017, Comic Con was moved to the convention center for 2018. Last year, the event drew about 4,500 people.

A number cosplayer guests who attended last year’s OC Comic Con gave the 2019 event rave reviews.

“This was wonderful,” Deptford, New Jersey resident Jason Hettel, said. “Last year was fabulous ... it really, really was a bang-up event, but [this year] outdid itself. It was a wonderful event, with gracious people and having such a good time I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Dufendach is looking forward to next year’s Comic Con, and making it even better than this one.

“In those three years we’ve learn so much,” Dufendach said. “I spoke with the other collaborators and we went over what could run faster or better next year.”

Around 25-30 men participate in the Men’s Elite Race at the inaugural Ocean City Spartan Race in the inlet parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Over 200 vendors selling comics, costumes and other merchandise saw a huge crowd during the third annual Comic Con held at the convention center on 40th Street, Saturday, Dec. 14. This year’s Comic Con saw over 6,000 attendees, the largest in the event’s history.

COMING TO OCEAN CITY March 11th, 2020

With Special Guests DUBLIN and GERRY TIMLIN

5

At the Ocean City Performing Arts Center

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DELMARVACONCERTS.COM

PAGE 34

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Annual AGH Penguin Swim begins Wednesday at 1 p.m.

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) Hundreds of men, women and children will enter the ocean at 91st Street on New Year’s Day during Atlantic General Hospital’s 26th annual Penguin Swim.

Registration and check-in for the 2020 Penguin Swim will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at the Princess Royale Hotel on 91st Street, with the swim starting at 1 p.m. The cost is $25 per swimmer. All registered swimmers will receive an official 2020 Penguin Swim T-shirt.

“The Penguin Swim is a fun, annual event to support our not-forprofit community hospital,” Atlantic General Hospital Event Coordinator Joy Stokes said. “Each year, hundreds of penguins raise funds to help the hospital provide the excellent quality care our community depends on.”

Early registration and advance check-in will be available on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 2-4 p.m. at the hotel.

The Princess Royale will also offer a number of activities including carnival games, girls dressed as mermaids in the heated pool, Sherman the Shorebird mascot, live entertainment, a selfie station and face painting on New Year’s Day. There will also be a Penguin Swim-themed ice carving on display.

In 2019, just under 400 swimmers and 40 teams participated, raising

$92,242 for the hospital, Stokes said.

In 25 years, the Penguin Swim has raised about $1.4 million for the hospital.

“Proceeds from the event, gathered through corporate sponsorships and participant fundraising, support the strategic plans undertaken by Atlantic General Hospital to uphold their mission to improve individual and community health,” Stokes said.

Swimmers will also have other incentives and each registered participant will receive an official 2020 Penguin Swim T-shirt.

Penguins who raise anywhere from $50-$99 will have the choice of a Penguin Swim plush hat or stainless-steel thermal water bottle. Those who collect $100-$249 will take home an official Penguin Swim longsleeve T-shirt or sweatshirt.

Swimmers who collect $250-$499 will be given a Penguin Swim beach towel, and anyone raising $500 or more will be able to choose one prize from each level, Stokes said.

The top-three donors from each category, which includes individuals and adults, teams, businesses, community groups, youth and family, and 18 and under, will be awarded trophies and prizes.

There will be costume contest prizes awarded and special recognition will be given to the oldest and youngest penguins.

Before swimmers take the plunge,

PHOTO COURTESY ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Atlantic General Hospital Foundation’s 26th annual Penguin Swim will be held on New Year’s Day, Wednesday.

the Bull on the Beach team will parade down the beach in honor of being “the Emperor Penguin.” The parade will begin at 12:45 p.m.

There are 53 sponsors for this year’s swim, with Bull on the Beach being the legacy sponsor; having participated every year since the swim’s inception. “[Everyone] should be encouraged to participate for their community hospital. It’s a good way to ring in the new year with friends and family, old and young,” Stokes said. “I think it’s awesome for different businesses to be able to sponsor and there’s a lot of fun things to do.”

Organizers are always looking for sponsors and checks can be made out to the AGH Foundation and mailed to: 9733 Healthway Drive Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For more information on event sponsorship opportunities, call 410641-9671 or email jstokes@atlanticgeneral.org.

To sign up for the 25th annual Penguin Swim or to make a donation, visit aghpenguinswim.org or text PENGUIN to 51555. The event can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/penguinswim or call the hospital foundation office with questions at 410-641-9671.

Proceeds from the event support strategic plans started by Atlantic General Hospital and back its mission to improve individual and community health.

The hospital has been providing health care to residents of Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties in Maryland as well as Sussex County, Delaware, since May 1993.

ACT ready for 40th New Year’s Day beach walk

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) Celebrate the start of 2020 with a scenic nature stroll during Assateague Coastal Trust’s 40th annual Ilia Fehrer/Judy Johnson New Year’s Day Beach Walk at Assateague State Park.

Assateague Coastal Trust Communications Manager Billy Weiland will be leading participants up the beach to scenic and pristine views, with Ocean City’s strip in the distance, beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

“Anytime we can get outside, I think it does everyone’s attitude well and what better way to start off the new year,” Weiland said. “It’s [also] a great incentive for those trying to be healthier as part of their new year’s resolution.

The walk is about an hour long and less than one mile, Weiland said.

“We start from the concession area at the state park and we walk folks up to the northern part of the state park, which is only about a mile before it crosses into the National Seashore,” he said. “That gives us the opportunity to

talk about the island and its history and Assateague Coastal Trust and what we do to keep it from being developed.”

The theme for this year’s walk once again will be inspired by Assateague Coastal Trust’s online journal, “The Marsh,” which Weiland created. “‘The Marsh’ resides as the philosophical voice of our organization, which is that to care about the environment, we have to first immerse ourselves in, and experience our environment to better understand it on a scientific and personal level,” Weiland said.

Anywhere from 50 to, at the highest, 300 people come out every year. The numbers fluctuate depending on the weather, Weiland said.

In 2019, thanks to the warmer than usual weather, around 60 people attended the walk.

In the early 1970s, Judy Johnson formed the Committee to Preserve Assateague Island to draw attention to its beauty.

Around the same time, Ilia Fehrer of Snow Hill, visited Assateague on New Year’s Day wanting to reconnect with

the wilderness. She was an avid voice in preserving the wetlands and shorelines on Assateague Island. Her family continued to join every year, even coming down from Baltimore.

The invite went out to Assateague Coastal Trust, formally the Committee to Preserve Assateague Island, to join and members started participating. It grew larger every year.

The first beach walk was organized

by Fehrer and Johnson on Jan. 1, 1980, the same year former President Jimmy Carter declared “Year of the Coast.”

The New Year’s Day tradition has since been named in their honor.

“We care about the environment and we want people to experience it on that personal level and people are generally more inclined to take care of it and learn more about it,” Weiland said.

Entry into the park is free for the walk, and hot chocolate and cookies will be offered at the end. Assateague Coastal Trust encourages walkers to bring personal mugs to reduce waste caused by disposable cups.

Meet Assateague Coastal Trust staff and Weiland at the Assateague State

The public is invited to join Assateague Coastal Trust to celebrate the legacy of Assateague Island on New Year's Day at 1 p.m. at Assateague State Park.

Park concession stand at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1 to join the walk.

Dress accordingly.

In order to get to Assateague Island, driving from Route 50, follow Route 611 south across the Verrazano Bridge, then drive to the end of the road and turn right into the State Park’s parking lot.

For more information, call Assateague Coastal Trust at 410-6291538 or visit ACTforBays.org.

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 35

Ocean City Today

New Year’s Eve fireworks at park

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) Northside Park on 125th Street will have fireworks, hot chocolate and prize giveaways to celebrate the end of 2019 and the beginning of a new decade on New Year’s Eve. Guests can take one last tram ride through the Winterfest of Lights display across 53 acres of Northside Park on New Year’s Eve, which will have extended hours until 11:30 p.m.

In addition to the tram rides, there will be live entertainment from Baltimore’s DJ Kutt, hot chocolate and baked goods available for a small fee, and giveaways from Coca-Cola, Northside Park’s largest sponsor for New Year’s Eve. “Winterfest is always a great family experience and we even have people who will bring along their sparking non-alcoholic wines or juice and they’ll have that ready to toast at midnight, which is allowed,” Frank Miller, special events director for the Town of Ocean City, said.

DJ Kutt will start playing music at 5:30 p.m. inside the pavilion and will move outdoors around 11 p.m. in preparation for the midnight fireworks display.

Abbey Burger Bistro, located right across the street, will be open during the event, Miller said.

“In addition to what’s going on inside the Winterfest Pavilion, Abbey Burger Bistro will have a DJ, so if you’re hungry or need a beverage, you can go across

the street to Abbey Burger and warm up there as well and then come back for the fireworks,” he said.

Attendees can look forward to a couple photo opportunities and children can enjoy face painting and other activities inside the heated pavilion, which will have non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase.

Winterfest of Lights has become a tradition for residents and families visiting during the holiday season. Many check out the award-winning nighttime festival each year to take the guided open-air tour through the 125th Street park accompanied by holiday tunes.

“Winterfest is the place to be for fireworks on New Year’s Eve,” Miller said.

“It will be a fun occasion and if people have not come up to experience Winterfest yet, and they’re waiting until the last minute, there’s nothing like coming to do that on New Year’s Eve,” The New Year’s Eve festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. inside the Winterfest Pavilion. There is no cost to attend, although there is a charge to ride through the light displays.

Winterfest of Lights runs nightly through Dec. 31 at Northside Park.

Hours of operation are 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday, and 5:3010:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The cost to ride the train is $5 for adults.

Children 11 and younger ride for free.

For information, call 410-250-0125 or visit www.ococean.com/events.

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PAGE 36

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

New Year’s Eve parties will greet 2020 in coastal area

The new synthetic ice rink at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill is mobile and can be used year-round.

Synthetic ice rink now open at Wor. Co Recreation Center

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) The new synthetic ice rink at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill is now open for business.

The ice rink’s grand opening was on Dec. 20, with Elves on the Loose, an event for families to skate, watch the movie “Elf,” take pictures with Santa Claus, participate in the Great Elf Hunt and create arts and crafts.

Throughout the past week, recreation and parks has held several open skates that will continue today, Dec. 27, from 12-7 p.m. Two more will be held tomorrow and on Sunday at the same time.

Program Director Allen Swiger said that the idea sparked when staff were asked to do a free, public event around Christmas time.

“If we want to do something now, let’s think how this can impact the kids throughout the years and become a staple event,” Swiger said.

He added that it made sense to buy something for a long-term economic impact.

“We’re in the business of creating those memories for kids and long last experiences,” Swiger said.

Since the rink is portable, recreation and parks plans to give each town an opportunity to enjoy it. And, because the rink is made out of hard plastic, it can be used even during the summer months.

Although the next event has not yet been determined, Swiger hopes that the rink will move to Pocomoke City and Berlin next. Staff is also discussing the possibility of other organizations within the county renting the rink for various events.

The rink is 32 feet by 52 feet and would typically need a 40-foot by 60-

foot space to accommodate it.

“We want to make sure it’s getting used and not in storage,” Swiger said.

Last month, the Worcester County Commissioners agreed to allow the Recreation and Parks Department to reallocate funds from special event savings to purchase the synthetic ice rink. The purchase cost was $69,000, but with donations, the amount was brought down to $49,000, according to Tom Perlozzo, director of Recreation and Parks. With advertisements and sponsors, that cost could be even lower.

“It creates some buzzworthy opportunities,” Perlozzo said to the commissioners. “It’ll resonate in the communities. It’ll advance our mission and we can build upon it, especially with additional partnerships.”

Now that the rink is in place, he thinks it will be a great experience for kids.

“We’re looking forward to mobilizing it all over the county,” Perlozzo said.

Open skate costs $2 per person with no additional cost for renting skates. For now, recreation and parks encourages everyone to rent the skates as personal skates might not work well with the rink’s plastic surface.

Children age 6 and under must have an adult on the ice rink with them. Youth under age 14 must have an adult in the building.

“It’s about creating lasting memories,” Swiger said. “I have two kids that I’m going to bring down and it’s going to be their first experience skating, so its’ going to directly impact me as a father.”

For more information, contact Swiger at 410-632-2144 ext. 2520 or aswiger@co.worcester.md.us.

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) Several restaurants and hotels in the area are celebrating the end of 2019 and the decade, with specials and live entertainment to ring in 2020.

Here are some of the festivities taking place throughout Worcester County: BJ’s on the Water, 75th Street, will offer its regular menu from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. A champagne toast and party favors will be given out at midnight. DJ Fast Eddy will provide music from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. There will not be a cover charge.

The establishment will reopen New Year’s Day at 11 a.m. until 1:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.bjsonthewater.com.

Bourbon Street on the Beach, 116th Street, will offer a special New Year’s Eve menu in addition to the regular menu. The seating will start at 4 p.m. Catch live entertainment at 3 p.m. with OHO, followed by Reform School at 8 p.m.

For more information, call 443644-2896.

Carousel, 118th Street, will offer a buffet on New Year’s Eve for $39.95 for adults and $15.95 for children from 6-10 p.m.

There will be a free ice skating show at 6:30 p.m. with performances

by The Next Ice Age. A New Year’s Eve party will take place in the atrium as well. Live entertainment will be provided by Monkee Paw inside the atrium from 8 p.m. to midnight For more information or to make a reservation, call 410-520-2282.

Casino at Ocean Downs, Racetrack Road, will host a drawing on New Year’s Eve for a chance to win either a Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV or $20,000. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

There will be a chance to win slot dollars and various prizes. Ten finalists will be selected to pick a prize.

Poseidon’s Pub inside the casino will offer a four-course meal for $60 with appetizers like crab deviled eggs, sesame seared tuna and beef short ribs; salads; entrees including shrimp risotto, chicken Chesapeake and Steak in a Bowl. Finish off with desserts, including crème brûlée, flourless chocolate torte, apple walnut cobbler or “Brewamisu.”

For more information, call 410641-0600.

Clarion hotel, 101st Street, will offer a gourmet dinner buffet from 810 p.m. on New Year’s Eve along with dancing and entertainment from 9 p.m.to 3 a.m.

Two bands, First Class and On the Edge, will provide entertainment throughout the night. An open bar is

available, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Participants must be 21 years of age or older, with proper ID. Tickets to the party cost $150 per person, which includes dinner, the open bar and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

Barstool seating, which does not include dinner, costs $95.

Packages are available. To make a reservation, call 1-800-638-2100.

Cowboy Coast, 17th Street, will have a premium open bar all night with a champagne toast at midnight.

Live entertainment will be provided

by Sam Grow. Guests will also have a free ride on the mechanical bull.

Tickets cost $60, and can be purchased on Ticket Web. VIP seating will be available for extra charge.

Doors open at 9 p.m.

For more, visit www.cowboycoastoc.com.

Duffy’s, 130th Street, has a three-course dinner available for $35 per person on New Year’s Eve that includes a choice of soup or salad, an appetizer and an entrée.

Following its New Year’s Day tradition, the restaurant will serve a limited selection brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To make a reservation, call 410250-1449.

Dunes Manor, 28th Street, New Year’s Eve extravaganza cost $599 per couple. This includes oceanfront accommodations for two nights, open bar from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with beer, wine and premium beverages, a buffet featuring hand carved meats, desserts, entertainment by Power Play, and a champagne toast with party favors as well as breakfast on New Year’s Day. A package for one-night stay plus the party per couple will be $499.

Packages not including a room costs $199 per person.

To make a reservation, call 1-800523-2888 or visit www.dunesmanor.com.

Longboard Cafe, 67th Street, doors open at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Tickets cost $70 and includes hors d’oeuvres and buffet, party favors and champagne and reduced drink prices.

This is the seventh annual “It’s 12 o’clock Somewhere” New Year’s Eve Party. The ball will drop 10 p.m., and guests can burst piñatas in celebration. To make a reservation, call 443664-5639.

Marlin Moon, 33rd Street, will be accepting dinner reservations for New Years Eve. To make a reservation, call 410289-1201.

Ocean Pines Yacht Club, Ocean Pines, will be holding a New Year’s Eve Party featuring live music from Full Circle and offer a fourSee RESTAURANTS Page 38

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

PAGE 37

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Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

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Continued from Page 36 course dinner from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. for $150 per person. Reservations are required.

The Yacht Club will reopen for lunch and dinner on New Year’s Day and will offer 50 percent off all food items.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 410-641-7501.

Pickles Pub, Eighth Street, will have live entertainment provided by Crop Top on New Year’s Eve. There will not be a cover charge. A champagne toast will kick off the new year at midnight and food will be served until 1 a.m.

For more information, call 410289-4891.

Princess Royale, 91st Street, has several events for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day happening.

On New Year’s Eve, reserve a seat for dinner in the Palmetto Ballroom, for $119 per person beginning at 7 p.m. The reservation includes a fivecourse gourmet dinner of roasted tenderloin and lobster tail, shrimp cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a sixhour open bar.

Coat and tie attire are required.

Hear live entertainment by Baltimore premiere party rock band ‘Don’t Stop!’ with dancing and a champagne toast.

The Atrium Stars party will have a buffet dinner including baked salmon, beef tips, mashed potatoes, seafood Newburg, Eastern Shore fried chicken, chef’s choice of vegetables and sides, a six-hour open bar, live music by Out of Order, dancing, a champagne toast and party favors for $109. Upscale casual attire is requested.

To make a reservation, call 410524-7777.

The Residence Inn by Marriott, 61st Street, is offering a New Year’s Eve package with a jazz performance by Randy Jamz from 6-9 p.m. and Jerry Costanzo from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

For $399 per couple, guests will receive a studio king suite, a threecourse dinner for two, access to open bar and the jazz show, a champagne toast, late night appetizers and a New Year’s Day breakfast. Dinner will be served from 7-10 p.m.

Guests can choose to go to the show without an overnight stay for $249 per couple, which includes everything but the suite and breakfast, or $59 per person to watch the show with a champagne toast and appetizers.

For more information, call 410723-2222 ext. 0.

Seacrets, 49th Street, offers a New Year’s Eve Bash until 4 a.m., and opens again at 11 a.m. New Year’s Day. Dinner reservations cost $59 at 5:30 p.m., $69 at 6:30 p.m. and $79 at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dinner in-

cludes the party cover charge, a salad, appetizer and entrée. Dessert is available for an additional cost.

Cover starts at 6 p.m. for $30 in the bar area. Entertainment starts on the tiki stage at 4 p.m. with Full Circle, JJ Rupp at 8 p.m. and Nowhere slow at midnight. Inside Morley Hall listen to Garden State Radio, at 8 p.m. and Lima Bean Riot at 1 a.m.

To make a reservation, call 410524-4900 or visit www.Seacrets.com.

Skye Bar, 66th Street, will have its New Year’s Eve starting at 9 p.m.

Dinner reservations are available for 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. seating. A champagne toast with party favors at midnight. There will not be a cover charge. To hear more, call 410-7236762.

Sunset Grille, West Ocean City, will be holding a New Year’s Eve celebration from 4-11 p.m. Reservations are requested. Guests can choose from a four-course meal for $77.

The restaurant will also be holding a New Year’s Brunch every day from Dec. 28 to Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drinks include $4 orange or grapefruit mimosas or Bloody Mary’s, with brunch items including eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, PA Dutch or lemon poppyseed Belgian waffles.

For more information, call 410213-8110.

Whiskers Bar and Grille, Ocean Pines, will hold a halfway to midnight countdown party starting at 4-6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant will offer happy hour prices during the event and provide a free champagne toast at 6 p.m. Live entertainment will be provided by DJ Tuff.

For more information, call 410208-3922.

Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery, Berlin, will host a Black and White New Year’s Eve Bash from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Tickets cost $85 and include two glasses of wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, a performance by The Bilenki Duo and a late night send off with blueberry pancakes.

Clothing must be black and white.

Additional wine will be available for purchase.

For more information, call 410251-6122.

The Town of Ocean City’s Transportation Department will offer free bus service from 6 a.m. on Dec. 31 to 6 a.m. on Jan. 1.

On Dec. 31, bus services will run every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and every 10 minutes from 6 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Jan. 1. Buses on New Year’s Day will also run every 20 minutes from 4 a.m. until 7 a.m., at which time they will resume a normal winter service schedule of every 40 minutes.

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 39

Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted ________________________________

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE RESTAURANT 15th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com $$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Family-owned, serving fine seafood, steaks and poultry on the third floor of the Courtyard by Marriott.

■ COINS 28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-524 3100, www.coinspub.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families.

Crab cakes, hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood. Everything home-made. Happy hour 3-6 p.m. and early bird 4-6 p.m.

Daily specials.

■ THE CORAL REEF CAFE / HEMINGWAY'S RESTAURANT 17th Street, in the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.ocsuites.com/dining $-$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Four-story atrium cafe and an elegant dining room, Floridian/island-style cuisine, fresh seafood, fresh cuts of meat, farm-to-table produce, artisanal desserts, hearty sandwiches and much more.

■ VICTORIAN ROOM RESTAURANT Dunes Manor Hotel, OCEANFRONT at 28th and Baltimore Ave, Ocean City 410-289-1100, www.dunesmanor.com $$ - $$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full Bar Open year round. Oceanfront dining atmosphere with local, farm to table/sea to table cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Also Zippy Lewis Lounge with daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m., featuring Craft Beer selections and light fare menu; Milton’s Deck Dining; and tasty beach grillables at the Barefoot Beach Bar, in season.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM 32nd Street, in the Hilton Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.oceancityhilton.com/dining $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Western Caribbean cuisine, Eastern Shore favorites, extensive wine list and gourmet desserts.

■ BJ’S ON THE WATER 75th Street, Ocean City 410-524-7575, www.bjsonthewater.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Entire dining menu served 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., seven days a week, yearround. Daily specials, daily duck feeding.

Entertainment every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. No cover. Available for parties and banquets. Indoor and outdoor dining.

■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410524-9254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-7981 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Breakfast served daily at West OC, 41st, and 70th street locations. Check out our new bar and happy hour specials at our new West OC location. Order online at www.TheDoughRoller.com.

■ DRY 85 OC 12 48th Street, Ocean City 443-6648989, www.DRY85.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Steps from the beach. Gourmet “stick to your ribs” home cooking. A made-fromscratch kitchen with every sauce and every dressing hand crafted. It’s that attention to detail that takes the concept of burgers, fries, pork chops and wings and turns them completely on their head. Late night bar. Seasonal outdoor seating.

■ HIGGINS CRAB HOUSE 31st Street, Ocean City 410-289-2581, higginscrabhouse.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full Bar Known for all-you-can-eat crabs, crab legs, fried chicken, steamed shrimp, and baby back ribs.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 67th Street Town Center, Ocean City 443-664-5639, www.longboardcafe.net $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving lunch and dinner. Lite fare to dinner entrees offering a variety of burgers, paninis, sandwiches and salads. The "veggies" menu features wrinkled green beans. Signature house libations and signature entrees made with ingredients from local farms and fisheries. A family restaurant.

■ MARLIN MOON 3301 Atlantic Ave., in the DoubleTree Ocean City 410-280-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ | Full bar Featuring Executive Chef Gary Beach.

Fresh cuisine featuring locally sourced seafood, steaks and vegetables. Small plate appetizers, fresh salads. Local craft beers and cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

■ RED RED WINE BAR OC 12 48th Street, Ocean City 443-6646801, www.RedRedWineBar.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Steps from the beach. Coastal cuisine with a focus on local seafood and hand tossed pizzas plus artisanal cheeseboards. 35+ wines By the Glass, 120+ By the Bottle. Flights. Luxurious colors and custom built couches. Late night bar. Seasonal outdoor seating.

■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Island atmosphere. Soups, salads, Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

■ SKYE RAW BAR & GRILLE 66th Street, Ocean City 410-723-6762, www.skyebaroc.com $-$$ | Reservations | Full bar Lunch, dinner, raw bar or lite fare, at the top of 66th Street and Coastal Highway.

Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ■ ABBEY BURGER BISTRO OC 126th Street, behind the Holiday Inn, Ocean City 410-289-2525, 410-2502333, www.abbeyburger.com/ocean-city $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Large parties welcome. Craft beer. Award

winning burgers. Voted Best in Maryland, Wild Game.

■ BEACH BARRELS 13207 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250-0522, www.beachbarrels.com $ | Full bar Happy hour Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday. Featuring primo hoagie menu where premium ingredients are fresh, nothing is pre-cut. Open 7 days, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

■ BLUE FISH JAPANESE & CHINESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR 94th Street, Ocean City 410-524-3983, www.bluefishocmd.com $-$$ | Reservations | Full bar Japanese and Chinese restaurant and sushi bar with beer, wine and cocktails.

Dine in, take out and delivery available.

■ BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH 116th Street & Coastal Hwy., (Behind Fountain Head Towers Condominium), Ocean City 443-664-2896, www.bourbonstreetonthebeach.com $$-$$$ | Reservations recommended for large parties | Kids’ menu | Full bar Eastern Shore fare with a New Orleans Flare. Seafood, steaks and pasta dishes. Specializing in Jambalaya, Creole, & Gumbo. Home of the Ragin’ Cajun Bloody Mary. Happy Hour 4-7 p.m.

Weekly entertainment.

■ DUFFYS 130th St., in Montego Bay Shopping Ctr. & Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250 1449, www.duffysoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining, indoor or outdoor seating.

Irish fare and American cuisine. Appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood. Second season and daily dinner specials. Dine in, carry out.

Happy Hour, daily, noon to 6 pm.

■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT 101st Street, Ocean City 410-5243535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving beach-inspired dishes in our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breakers Pub. All-day menu, available 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Deluxe Sunday breakfast buffet, open year-round.

■ NORI 11403 Coastal Highway (Gold Coast Mall), Ocean City443-880-6258 $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open 7 days serving lunch and dinner.

Our creative menu features hand-cut steaks, grilled fish, crab cakes, sushi and sashimi. Dine-in or carry-out.

■ REEF 118 118th Street, in the Carousel Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Ocean City 410-524-1000, www.carouselhotel.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Serving breakfast, Friday through Sunday 7-11 a.m. Featuring a breakfast buffet or special order from the regular menu. Enjoy our delicious 3 Course Dinner for $25 served every Friday and Saturday, 4-9 p.m. with the choice of appetizer, entree and dessert.

■ WHISKERS PUB 120th Street, OC Square, Ocean City 410-524-2609, www.whiskerspub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Certified Angus® burgers and casual fare.

Call for hours.

WEST OCEAN CITY ■ ALEX’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Route 50, West Ocean City 410-2137717, www.ocitalianfood.com $-$$ | Reservations Accepted | Full bar Serving homemade Italian cuisine, steaks, seafood, chicken, pork and pasta. Elegant dining room. Early bird specials every day from 5-6 p.m.

■ THE DOUGH ROLLER West Ocean City, 12849 Ocean Gateway 410-213-7655 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast served daily at West OC, 41st, and 70th street locations. Check out our new bar and happy hour specials at our new West OC location. Order online at www.TheDoughRoller.com.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR AND GRILL 128741 S. Harbor Road, West Ocean City 410-213-1846, weocharborside.com $-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Home of the Original Fresh Squeezed Orange Crush! Open every day, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Appetizers, fresh seafood, steak and pasta. Live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday.

■ HOOTERS Route 50 & Keyser Point Road, West Ocean City 410-213-1841, www.hootersofoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu and game room | Full bar New smoked wings with half the calories. Traditional wings, burgers, quesadillas, tacos and healthy salads. Seafood selections with raw bar and crab legs.

Sports packages and live entertainment.

Large parties welcome.

■ POPEYE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN Route 50, West Ocean City 443-6642105 $ | Kids’ menu Family restaurant. Eat-in, carry out or drive-thru. Open seven days, year-round.

Every Wednesday, free kids meal with purchase of combo.

OCEAN PINES ■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, www.OPyachtclub.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Amid a bay front setting, the Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers dining selections for lunch and dinner. Fresh seafood and signature drinks. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

■ TERN GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar Located next to the Golf Shop, the Tern Grille serves freshly-prepared breakfast and lunch items. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting.

BERLIN ■ OCEAN DOWNS CASINO, POSEIDON’S PUB 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin 410641-0600, www.oceandowns.com $-$$$ | Full bar House soups, small plates, sandwiches, burgers and entrees including steaks, chicken, veggie and Eastern Shore favorites. Dining room hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 11 p.m. Pub open late.

PAGE 40

Ocean City Today

Mayor’s New Year’s concert will mark center’s 50th year

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) City officials encourage residents and visitors to join them for the 2020 Mayor’s New Year’s Concert at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street.

Resort leaders will also be celebrating the center’s 50th year of operation.

Doors to the free event open at 4 p.m., and the concert, hosted by Bryan Russo, will feature a meet and greet with Mayor Rick Meehan and City Council members, followed by a performance by the Beatlegacy band, a Beatles tribute group.

“We love Ocean City a lot,” said Dave Pal, who plays the role of John Lennon.

“We’ve played lots of place and events, but this is certainly an honor for us to start the new year with our favorite people in our favorite place, and we look forward to everybody coming out to the show.”

The event has transformed dramatically since its inception more than 20 years ago.

“It was started by … [former Ocean City] Mayor Jim Mathias,” Ocean City Communications Manager Jessica Waters said. “It was formerly the Mayor’s Open House, and it was a way to welcome people not only into the new year, but to bring people to City Hall.”

It was also a way to get people to stay in the resort a little longer, she said.

The event featured storytellers and photo displays that helped create an image for residents and visitors of the resort’s various departments and special features.

Five years ago, Mayor Rick Meehan decided to transform the event and make use of the new performing arts facility in the convention center.

“New Year’s is a fresh start … so getting out and joining your community and enjoying this facility we have that is so special to Ocean City, it’s just a great way to start the new year,” Waters said.

Last year, the city invited the Baltimore Cardinal Shehan School Choir to perform, and Waters estimated 400 to 500 people attended the event.

“They were absolutely amazing,” Waters said.

She said whether someone was there for the concert or because they didn’t have the means to do something else, the event was an opportunity to draw all types of people together in celebration of another year in Ocean City.

“The New Year’s Day Concert brings members of our community together for the start of a new year with an inspirational and positive tradition in Ocean City,” Meehan said. “What better way to start the new year than getting everyone together to celebrate the new year and the 50th anniversary of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.”

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PHOTO COURTESY DAVE PAL

The Ocean City Mayor’s New Year’s Day Concert will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street. Beatlegacy, a Beatles tribute band, will perform.

CROSSWORD

January 18-19th 2020 Saturday 10-5 & Sunday 10-3

$3.00 Admission

Juried vendor show for all mediums Ocean City Convention Center 40th St. Bayside

For More Information: 443-235-2926 www.delmarvaartexpo.com Answers on page 41

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 41

Ocean City Today

Calendar Fri., Dec. 27 FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITY Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Ave. Featuring Zippy’s Ugly Sweater Party, 7-9 p.m. (featuring drink specials). http://www.dunesmanor.com

FIBER FRIENDS Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:00 AM. Bring your lap work and join this group as they knit, crochet and embroider. All are welcome. Victoria Christie-Healy, 703-507-0708, http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

OPEN ICE SKATING Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, 12:00 PM 7:00 PM. Featuring open skating on the new synthetic ice rink. The cost per person is $2, which includes skate rental and unlimited skating for the day. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children age 6 and younger are not permitted to skate without an adult on the ice with them. Allen Swiger, aswiger@co.worcester.md.us, 410-632-2144, Ext. 2520

Sat., Dec. 28 FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Ave. Featuring Holiday DIY Treats, 2-3 p.m. (featuring creation and design of tasty goodies); Holiday Arts & Crafts, 1-2 p.m. (featuring creation of Christmasthemed ornaments and gifts). http://www.dunesmanor.com

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET Whaleyville United Methodist Church, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children.

OPEN ICE SKATING Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, 12:00 PM 7:00 PM. Featuring open skating on the new synthetic ice rink. The cost per person is $2, which includes skate rental and unlimited skating for the day. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children age 6 and younger are not permitted to skate without an adult on the ice with them. Allen Swiger, aswiger@co.worcester.md.us, 410-632-2144, Ext. 2520

YAKOV SMIRNOFF - HAPPILY EVER LAUGHTER Ocean City Performing Arts Center, in the Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7:30 PM. Doors open at 7 p.m. Yakov Smirnoff is an iconic comedian, movie star and best-selling au-

thor. He continues to inspire others with his message that America is still What a County! Tickets cost $47, $38 and $29.

410-289-2800, http://www.ticketmaster.com

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Featuring live music, chef demos, children’s activities and other special events. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., Dec. 29 FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITY Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Ave. Featuring Art Bar, 5-6 p.m. (an adult activity featuring craft cocktail lesson from the Dunes’ resident mixologist). http://www.dunesmanor.com

OPEN ICE SKATING Worcester County Recreation Center, 6030 Public Landing Road, 1:00 PM 6:00 PM. Featuring open skating on the new synthetic ice rink. The cost per person is $2, which includes skate rental and unlimited skating for the day. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children age 6 and younger are not permitted to skate without an adult on the ice with them. Allen Swiger, aswiger@co.worcester.md.us, 410-632-2144, Ext. 2520

YAKOV SMIRNOFF - HAPPILY EVER LAUGHTER Ocean City Performing Arts Center, in the Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 4:30 PM. Doors open at 4 p.m. Yakov Smirnoff is an iconic comedian, movie star and best-selling author. He continues to inspire others with his message that America is still What a County! Tickets cost $47, $38 and $29.

410-289-2800, http://www.ticketmaster.com

WORKS Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, MD. A fireworks show at midnight to celebrate the beginning of 2020 and the 27th Annual Winterfest of Lights.

There will be live entertainment, hot chocolate and the opportunity to ride through the Winterfest of Lights. 410289-2800 or 800-626-2326

BERLIN NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL DROP CELEBRATION Downtown Berlin. Featuring two New Year’s Eve Ball Drop celebrations. A kids celebration will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a ball drop at 6 p.m. The second celebration will be held from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with DJ’s Big Al Reno and Schwab, dancing, beer, food vendors and a ball drop at midnight.

Wed., Jan. 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY ASSATEAGUE ISLAND BEACH WALK Assateague State Park, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy., 1:00 PM. Assateague Coastal Trust to lead the Ilia Fehrer Judy Johnson Memorial Walk. Meet at the State Park concession stand. Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine). Hot chocolate served on the concession deck following the walk.

To save on disposables, personal mugs are encouraged. Dogs on a leash are welcome only as far as the boundary of the State Park. Billy Weiland, billy@actforbays.org, 443-366-4866, http://www.ACTforBays.org/Events

PENGUIN SWIM

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. TOPS is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Berlin group No. 169. Rose Campion, 410-6410157

Princess Royale Hotel, 9100 Coastal Highway, 1:00 PM. Featuring fun and games in the Atrium on the second floor, awards for top fundraisers, costume contest, gifts for oldest/youngest penguins and dollar carnival games. Swimmers earn an official Penguin Swim short-sleeve T-shirt for their $25 registration fee. Additional prizes can be earned. Proceeds benefit Atlantic General Hospital. Visit www.aghpenguinswim.org or #OCPenguinSwim on Facebook, twitter and Instagram. Advance check-in and registration available on New Year’s Eve from 2-4 p.m. in the Premier Lobby. Joy Stokes, jstokes@atlanticgeneral.org, 410-6419671, https://aghpenguinswim.org

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

MAYOR’S NEW YEAR’S DAY CONCERT

Mon., Dec. 30 TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 7:00 PM. Come and sing. Drop-ins welcome.

Carol, 410-641-6876

Tues., Dec. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION AND FIRE-

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, in the Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, All residents and visitors are welcome to attend this free event. After a brief meet and greet with Ocean City elected officials and community partners, the 2020 Mayor’s New Year’s Day Concert will feature Beatlegacy. 410-289-2800

Thurs., Jan. 2 BEACH SINGLES Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Beach Singles, 45 years and older, meet for happy hour.

Info: 302-436-9577, 410-524-0649 or BeachSingles.org

GRIEF SUPPORT Thursdays - Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 11:00 AM. Coastal Hospice provides grief support and education. Participants work together to help each other navigate through grief at their own pace. Free and open to the public. Nicole Long, 443-614-6142

ONGOING EVENTS GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION Berlin business are creating their own unique gingerbread houses. Vote for your favorite at any participating locations, Nov. 29th through Dec. 30.

BOOK A LIBRARIAN Through December, contact your closest library branch to schedule a personal appointment for help with resumes, job applications, E-Reader or basic computer skills. www.worcesterlibrary.org

CROSSWORD CLUB: BRAIN HEALTH advantAGE Through December, ask at the circulation desk at your closest library branch.

Form a club to figure out the clues. www.worcesterlibrary.org

SCRABBLE! DELUXE EDITION: BRAIN HEALTH advantAGE Through December, Bring a group to start up a game with other patrons in the library. www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS For a free vessel check, by a certified United States Power Squadron vessel examiner, contact Tony Curro at tcurro@mchsi.

Crossword answers from page 40

PAGE 42

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Strawberry’s message topic If it’s New Year’s Day, it must of mayor’s prayer breakfast be time for some prime rib

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) Christmas is over, but that does not mean it is time to relax as New Year’s celebrations are around the corner.

Menus should be planned at this point, but if indecision is crossing your path, allow me to make a few suggestions.

Once you have decided on an appetizer and main course, the rest of the menu should fall into place.

Black-eyed peas are a tradition on New Year’s Day and black-eyed pea hummus is a delicious, creative way to showcase the dish of good fortune.

Dried black-eyed peas are tastier than the canned version and produce a much better hummus.

The secret is to brine the beans with salt and baking soda. This process softens the skins, which promotes even cooking and keeps the skins from detaching from the bean.

The following recipe is based on dried black-eyed peas. If you prefer to use canned black-eyed peas, omit the brining instructions.

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus Ingredients 4 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons baking soda chicken stock (optional) 3 tablespoons minced garlic in a jar 16 ounces dried black-eyed peas 6 tablespoons good quality extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for garnishing 2 tablespoons tahini 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice lemon zest of 1 lemon ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra for garnishing 3 tablespoons favorite hot sauce kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste crackers, pita chips, or assorted vegetables to accompany hummus edible gold dust for a garnish (can be purchased at Amazon) 1. Soak black-eyed peas overnight in enough water to cover the beans by at least 2 inches. Add 3 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

2. Rinse beans thoroughly, add enough water to cover them, and add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Chicken stock can be added to the water for extra flavor.

Simmer until beans are tender, about 35 minutes. Drain.

3. In a medium bowl, blend garlic, black-eyed peas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, hot sauce, salt and pepper. If you own an

immersion blender, this is the time to use it.

4. In a large bowl, place a sieve that contains the hummus, and strain the mixture by using a large spoon and pressing the hummus against the sieve. Scrape the creamy hummus that comes through the sieve into another bowl.

5. Place the hummus in a serving bowl and using the back of a small spoon, make a circular indentation in the hummus. Add olive oil so it floats on top of the hummus.

Add a few sprinkles of paprika and freshly ground pepper. Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

6. Black-eyed pea hummus also makes a great amuse bouche.

Place a small amount of hummus on a Chinese soup spoon and garnish with black-eyed peas and edible gold dust.

The protein should be your next consideration, and speaking of meat, there is nothing better than a thick, juicy slab of prime rib.

Luscious, succulent texture is what one should strive for and moisture loss is proportional to meat temperature. That is why cooking prime rib at a low temperature is the preferred method.

But sometimes moisture retention has a down side; the ability to obtain a gorgeous char is lost. Cooking the meat at a high temperature for 30 minutes, then reducing it for the remaining cooking time will produce tender, mouthwatering meat that has a gorgeous crust.

While prime rib can be sold bonein or boneless, a bone-in roast is your best bet.

Season the meat the day before you plan to cook it, this way the seasonings have a chance to marinate the meat.

Always allow the meat to come to room temperature (2 hours) before cooking.

Herb-crusted prime rib with horseradish cream sauce is a delicious way to ring in the new year. If your taste buds are salivating, the recipes have been provided.

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce Horseradish Cream sauce ¾ cup heavy cream 1 cup sour cream

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) The Ocean City Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is all about optimism.

“The purpose of it is really to bring the community together and to start the year on a positive note and with a positive message,” Chamber Events Director Lisa Layfield said.

The event will be hosted in the Crystal Ballroom of the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel on 101st Street on Jan. 10, at 7 a.m.

Former Major League Baseball star, author and motivational speaker, Darryl Strawberry — most recognized for his time with the New York Mets and Yankees —will be this year’s keynote speaker.

Tickets cost $20 per person, $100 for open seating sponsors and $300 for a sponsor table.

This year’s sponsors are Bayshore Development/Jolly Roger Amusements, Bank of Ocean City, Farmers Bank of Willards, Mountaire Farms, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce, Delmarva Shorebirds and Ocean City Development Corporation.

There is no deadline for tickets, but guests are encouraged to purchase one as soon as possible, as the chamber has already sold half of its 400 or so tickets for the event.

Layfield said the event was started 30 years ago by Bruce Spangler.

On the event’s 25th anniversary, Spangler decided it was time to put an end to the prayer breakfast, and hosted what was, at the time, the final one.

This shocked community members, who rallied together and loudly voiced their desire for the event to be revived and maintained, Layfield said.

D. Strawberry Thus, the chamber of commerce took reign and brought the event back for 2016.

Last year’s speaker was former National Football League placekicker David Akers, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions.

This year’s theme seems to be resilience.

“Darryl just has an incredible story,” Layfield said. “Especially in the day and time that we’re living … everyone in some way, shape, or form is touched by [drug] addiction.”

Strawberry, who battled drug addiction, and has since written a book about his struggle with substance abuse and travels nationwide to share his testimony.

Layfield said she is excited for this year’s event, as it always proves to be a great way to gather all sections of Ocean City’s community together to celebrate the new year.

“It really is a great mix of our community, and I think it’s fantastic that we are able to start the year off with all of them [community members] together,” Layfield said.

For more information or to register for the event, visit https://chamber.oceancity.org/events/details/202 0-mayors-prayer-breakfast-guestspeaker-darryl-strawberry30705?range=365

½ cup prepared horseradish juice of 1 lemon kosher salt to taste few pinches of white powder

3. Pat the rib roast dry with paper towels. Rub the entire roast with the seasoned mixture. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.

4. Remove the plastic wrap and allow to stand at room temperature for 2 hours.

5. Position the rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees.

6. Place the roast, fat side up, in a large roasting pan. Roast for 30 minutes, reduce heat to 325 degrees and cook to desired temperature. Allow meat to rest for at least 15 minutes.

7. Carve and serve with horseradish cream. * On Dec. 17, I appeared on Delmarva Life and cooked the black-eyed pea hummus recipe. You can go to YouTube, type in Deborah Walker, black-eyed pea hummus and view the cooking segment for more detailed instructions.

Secret Ingredient – New Beginnings. “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

– Seneca

Prime Rib 5-pound standing rib roast 3 tablespoons kosher salt 3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 ½ teaspoons crushed rosemary 1 teaspoon dried thyme 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 ½ tablespoons veal demi-glace 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and sour cream until smooth. Add the horseradish, lemon, salt and white pepper and blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. In another small bowl, combine salt, pepper, onion power, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, veal demi-glace and olive oil. Set aside.

DECEMBER 27, 2019

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ssifieds la C r u o Y r e Ord

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YR RENTAL - 5 Bed / 3 Bath Home in WOC, Cape Isle of Wight. Fenced-in back yard, 2-car garage with full upstairs storage space. New carpet, paint, will be available around 1/1/20. $1750 per month, plus electric and cable. Resort Rentals, 410-524-0285.

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WINTER WEEKLY RENTALS

RENTALS RENTALS

Pool Front Room ..$199/wk Family Room ........$235/wk 2BR Apartment.....$315/wk 3BR Suite .............$400/wk Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave. 410-289-8581

YR, 3BR, 1.5BA, West Ocean City. Unfurnished. $1100/mo. plus one-month security. Water included.

Call 410-289-5335, or email airmasters6300@verizon.net for more details.

Yearly & Seasonal Rentals

Contact: Matt McGinnis 410-641-3575 or mmcginnis@worcesterprep.org

for a fast-paced offffice in the Housekeeping department. Full-time, year round, with benefits. Must be able to work weekends & holidays. Prior offffice experience preferred; customer service skills & the ability to multi task is required.

Please fax resumes letters and references to or inquiries to

RENTALS

HIRING ALL POSITIONS!!

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Year-Round Rental Available in West Ocean City. 2BR, 1BA. Call 1-877-289-1616 for more information.

We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com

Winter-Short Term Rentals ~ until 4/15/20 • SUNSET DR - 2 bdrm, 1.5 ba. Apt., $700/mo. • TIBURON 139TH ST - 3 bdrm, 2 ba. Condo $900/mo. • GOLF COURSE RD - 2 bdrm, 1 ba. Apt., $600/mo. • SILVERPOINT LANE - 3 bdrm, 2 ba. Home $950/mo.

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PAGE 44

RENTALS

REAL ESTATE

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Ocean City, Waterfront w/Boat Slip. 2 bdrms, tastefully furnished, year lease, $1,100/mo. with sec. dep.

Email: molly@mollyb.com or call 443-366-0990.

2 Bedroom, 2.5 bath, 12 128th St., Unit 16, Ocean Block. $193,900.

Email for more information: OC.prop.to.sell@ gmail.com

Berlin: 225 sq. ft. Office Space, $350/mo. includes utilities. 120 sq. ft. Storage Sheds, each $95/mo.

Call 410-726-5471.

Split, seasoned, ready to burn Mixed Hardwood.

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410-726-2887, please leave a message.

YR Ocean Pines. Large 2 story. 3BR, 2.5BA, screened porch, fireplace, oversized garage. No smoking, no pets.

Good credit. Security deposit plus utilities. $1495 per month. 301-509-6515 WINTER RENTAL - 1BR, Beachy, Poolside Apartment - 47th Street. Avail.

December 1. $600/mo.

Utilities & cable TV included. www.oceancity21.com 443-506-2738

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

2 Bedroom, 2.5 bath, 107 123rd Street, Unit 41, Bayside. $203,400.

Email for details: OC.prop.to.sell@gmail. com $59,900 cash buys you a BEAUTIFUL mobile home!

Thoroughly renovated, near boat ramp. Lot rent $425/month.

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555 Remodeled From Foundation Up, 3BR, 2BA Home on .25 Acre In Bishopville. No HOA. $239,000 Call Howard Martin Realty, 410-352-5555.

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL 1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City.

Call 443-497-4200

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Spacious, climatecontrolled corner office with beautiful views, available in Class A office building. Use of Conference Room and reception area, in a modern, well-maintained building, in prime mid-town Ocean City location.

Call 410-524-3440 for appointment.

SERVICES SERVICES

Classifieds 410-723-6397

House and Rental Clean Out, small and local moving, and removal of junk and furniture.

Also, will clean out garages/ sheds. 302-222-7297, 302422-9390

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. www.oceancitytoday.net

SERVICES

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

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RVs Lutheran Mission Society EDUCATION/CAREER of MD. Compassion Place TRAINING ministries help local families with food, clothing, counsel- AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINing Tax deductible. MVA li- ING – Get FAA certification to fix planes. Financial Aid if qualcensed #W1044. ified. Approved for military 410-636-0123 www.CompassionPlace.org benefits.

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PAGE 45

Ocean City Today

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PAGE 46 BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 5005 NASSAWANGO RD. SNOW HILL, MD 21863 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated September 30, 2015 and recorded in Liber 6665, Folio 125 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $135,615.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 14, 2020 AT 3:30 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $13,000 in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assess-

Ocean City Today / Public Notices ment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 341004-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/26/3t _________________________________ Hofmeister & Breza 11019 McCormick Road, Suite 400 Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF VALUABLE FEE SIMPLE DWELLING

2502 Worcester Highway, Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Purchase Money Deed of Trust from Jeffrey Young, dated June 11, 2010, and recorded in Liber 5499, folio 230, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, as modified, default having occurred under the terms thereof, and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the un-

dersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Courthouse Door, Snow Hill, MD on

Monday, January 13, 2020 AT 11:00 AM All that lot of ground and the improvements thereon SITUATED IN Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Purchase Money Deed of Trust.

The property is believed to be improved by a Rancher style dwelling believed to contain three bedrooms, two baths, central air conditioning, two fireplaces, a rear deck, and a two car driveway. The property address is 2502 Worcester Highway, Pocomoke City, MD 21851.

Said property is in fee simple and is sold in an “as is condition” and subject to all covenants, conditions, liens, restrictions, easements, rightsof-way as may affect same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $13,000.00 will be required of the purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note or its assigns, at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or certified check, or other form acceptable to the Substitute Trustees, in their sole discretion. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid in cash within ten (10) days of the final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. If payment of the balance does not take place within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit may be forfeited and property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser. The defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property. Interest to be paid on unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the deed of trust note from date of sale to date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees in the event the property is purchased by someone rather than the note holder.

In the event settlement is delayed for any reason , including, but not limited to, exceptions to the sale, bankruptcy filings by interested parties, or court administration of the foreclosure, there shall be no abatement of interest. Taxes, ground rent, water, condominium fees and/or homeowner association dues, all public charges, assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges and front foot benefit charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit.

Upon refund of the deposit, this sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further

DECEMBER 27, 2019 claims against the Substitute Trustees.

NOTE: The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for informational purposes only. Neither the auctioneer, the beneficiary of the Deed of Trust, the Substitute Trustees nor their agents or attorneys make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of information.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO PERFORM THEIR OWN DUE DILIGENCE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY PRIOR TO THE FORECLOSURE AUCTION. For additional information, please contact the Substitute Trustees.

Stephanie H. Hurley and Scott R. Robinson, Substitute Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC 410-825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com OCD-12/26/3t _________________________________ COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW 600 BALTIMORE AVENUE SUITE 208 TOWSON, MARYLAND 21204

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY 10146 GREENBRIAR DRIVE BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Mary F. Haines, dated October 30, 2002 and recorded in Liber 3501, Folio 041 among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, modified by Loan Modification Agreement recorded on December 17, 2003, in the Land Records of Worcester County at Liber No. 3966, Folio 441, with an original principal balance of $95,000.00, and an original interest rate of 2.000%, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, on January 7, 2020 AT 3:20 PM ALL THAT FEE-SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND and the improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling.

Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same, if any and with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $8,500.00 by certified funds only (no cash will be accepted) is required at the time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. At the Substitute Trustees’ discretion, the foreclosure purchaser, if a corporation or LLC, must produce evidence, prior to bidding, of the

DECEMBER 27, 2019 legal formation of such entity. The purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note, its assigns, or designees, shall pay interest on the unpaid purchase money at the note rate from the date of foreclosure auction to the date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees.

In the event settlement is delayed for any reason , there shall be no abatement of interest. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, or front foot benefit payments, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale, to be adjusted as of the date of foreclosure auction, unless the purchaser is the foreclosing lender or its designee. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by the purchaser.

Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If the purchaser shall fail to comply with the terms of the sale or fails to go to settlement within ten (10) days of ratification of the sale, the Substitute Trustees may, in addition to any other available remedies, declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser, and the purchaser agrees to pay reasonable attorneys’ fees for the Substitute Trustees, plus all costs incurred, if the Substitute Trustees have filed the appropriate motion with the Court to resell the property. Purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such a motion on himself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail directed to the address provided by said bidder at the time of foreclosure auction. In such event, the defaulting purchaser shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price, all costs and expenses of resale, reasonable attorney’s fees, and all other charges due and incidental and consequential damages, and any deficiency in the underlying secured debt. The purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property. If the Substitute Trustees cannot convey insurable title, the purchaser’s sole remedy at law or in equity shall

LEGAL ADVERTISING Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@ oceancitytoday.net

Ocean City Today / Public Notices be the return of the deposit without interest. The sale is subject to postsale confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the

loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of his deposit without interest.

Edward S. Cohn, Stephen N. Goldberg, Richard E. Solomon, Richard J. Rogers, David W. Simpson, Jr., Michael McKeefery, and Christianna Kersey, Substitute Trustees Mid-Atlantic Auctioneers, LLC (410) 825-2900 www.mid-atlanticauctioneers.com CGD File #: 443518 OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 3864 ALGONQUIN TRAIL SNOW HILL, MD 21863 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated August 21, 2009 and recorded in Liber 5349, Folio 1 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $242,723.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 7, 2020 AT 3:30 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $21,000 in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current

year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 343321-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________

PAGE 47 BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 546 OCEAN PKWY. BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated October 22, 2010 and recorded in Liber 5572, Folio 30 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $360,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 7, 2020 AT 3:33 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $21,000 in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assess-

PAGE 48 ment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 335352-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 13 WHITE CRANE DR. BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated June 22, 2012 and recorded in Liber 5947, Folio 185 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $390,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at

Ocean City Today / Public Notices the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 7, 2020 AT 3:36 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $26,000 in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any

such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 341887-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 11257 SAINT MARTINS NECK RD. BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated November 19, 2007 and recorded in Liber 5036, Folio 164 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $154,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 7, 2020 AT 3:39 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $13,000 in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or money order will be required of the pur-

DECEMBER 27, 2019 chaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Pur-

DECEMBER 27, 2019 chaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 341838-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

TO HOLDERS OF 7DAY CLASS "B", "C", AND "D" ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES ISSUED BY WORCESTER COUNTY Pursuant to the Alcoholic Beverages Article, Section 9-2005 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County has determined that all premises holding 7 Day Class "B", "C", and "D" alcoholic beverage licenses shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ONLY until 4:00 a.m. on January 1, 2020.

This notice shall not be construed as enlarging or broadening any other privilege conferred under said license except the two (2) additional hours of sale for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ON NEW YEAR'S EVE. BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, William E. Esham, Jr., Chairman R. Charles Nichols, Member Marty W. Pusey, Member *********************** April R. Payne, License Administrator OCD-12/12/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 Carrie M. Ward, et al.

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs vs.

MICHAEL FUSCO TERRI A. FUSCO 8201 Atlantic Avenue Unit P-3 Ocean City, MD 21842 Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-19-000204

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 6th day of December, 2019, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 8201 Atlantic Avenue, Unit P-3, Ocean City, MD 21842, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATI-

PAGE 49

Ocean City Today / Public Notices FIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 6th day of January, 2020, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 30th day of December, 2019.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $345,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/12/3t _________________________________ JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 N. 8TH STREET OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 COUNCIL OF UNIT OWNERS OF OCEAN TIME CONDOMINIUM, INC. Plaintiff V. DANIEL F. ABEEL IRENE M. ABEEL et al.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-19-000170

NOTICE

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 6th day of December, 2019 , that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by James E. Clubb, Jr., Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 6th day of January, 2020, provided a copy of this order be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 30th day of December, 2019 The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals: Price $50.00 $50.00 $3,300.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 Susan Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD Timeshare Wk 6, #105 Wk 36, #201 Wk 30, #206 Wk 48, #206 Wk 52, #206 Wk 17, #303 Wk 9, #305 Wk 13, #401 Wk 40, #401 Wk 12, #403 Wk 10, #404 Wk 42, #405 Wk 8, #406 Wk 20, #406 Wk 37, #406 Wk 44, #406 Wk 12, #504 Wk 20, #505 Wk 41, #506

OCD-12/12/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18077 Notice is given that the Circuit court of Arlington County, VA appointed Diane Kresh, 3930 Vacation Lane, Arlington, VA 22207 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Joan Helen Hayn Nester who died on March 04, 2019 domiciled in Virginia, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is John Joseph Nester Jr. whose address is 1655 Patrice Circle, Crofton, MD 21114.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Diane Kresh Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: December 19, 2019 OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________ McCabe, Weisberg & Conway LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, Maryland 20707 301-490-3361 Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs vs.

Cynthia C. Marks Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Civil No. 23-C-15-001099

NOTICE

ORDERED, this 10th day of December, 2019 by the Circuit Court of WORCESTER COUNTY, Maryland, that the sale of the property at 12 Footbridge Trail, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811 mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et. al, Substitute Trustees, be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the

13th day of January, 2020 next, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in some newspaper published in said County once in each of three successive weeks before the 6th day of January, 2020, next.

The report states the amount of sale to be $177,498.38.

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-12/19/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18060 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD LEE CORRIGAN Notice is given that Richard Lee Corrigan Jr., 8333 Glenmar Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043, was on December 11, 2019 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard Lee Corrigan who died on November 6, 2019, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of June, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Richard Lee Corrigan Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: December 19, 2019 OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________

PAGE 50

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

Samuel I. White, PC 596 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 JOHN E. DRISCOLL, III, et al Plaintiffs, Substitute Trustees v.

ROGER FREDERICK JORDAN, JR. Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Civil Action No. C-23-CV-18-000378

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 16th day of December, 2019, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 309 W. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 13th day of January, 2020, provided a copy of this NOTICE be published at least once a week in each of three successive weeks in the some newspaper of general circulation published in said County before the 6th day of January, 2020.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the sale to be $85,120.00.

Susan R. Braniecki CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

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 beginning DECEMBER 19, 2019 or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

Line No 1235-19 1236-19 1240-19 1244-19

Year N/A 2016 2016 2000

Make SCOOTER HYUNDAI JIAN VOLKS

Model LB500T6 ELANTRA MVP JETTA

N/A BLUE RED RED

Style OR 4S OR SD

VIN LFC1CBPK8B1000670 5NPDH4AE8GH772156 L2BB2NCC5GB809007 3VWTE29M2YM161679

Mileage N/A N/A 6178.8 221,135

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

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police OCD-11/21/3t ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ District of Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m.

Case No. 20-3, on the application of Calvert Crossland, LLC, on the lands of Orlando & Martha Harrison, requesting a special exception to construct a 195 foot tall telecommunications monopole in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1201(c)(29) and ZS 1-343, located on Ironshire Station Road, approximately 439 feet west of Downs Road, Tax Map 31, Parcel 40, in the Third Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS OCD-12/26/2t _________________________________

AGENDA

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020 Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland.

6:30 p.m.

Case No. 20-1, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, on the lands of James & Jennifer Young, requesting two variances to reduce the Ordinance prescribed minimum lot area from 10,000 square feet to 9,750 square feet (a reduction of 250 square feet) and two variances to the Ordinance prescribed minimum lot width from 80 feet to 67.5 feet (a reduction of 12.5 feet) associated with the proposed re-subdivision of two previously consolidated lots in the R2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2), and ZS 1305, located at 82 Ocean Parkway, approximately 172 feet west of Moby Dick Drive, Tax Map 16, Parcel 40, Section 3, Lot 280A of the Ocean Pines Subdivision, in the Third Tax

Color

NOTICE

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

Thursday, January 9, 2020 At 2:00 p.m.

MAJOR PW 19-103 A request has been submitted to construct a 6’ x 23’.5” perpendicular pier, install (1) boat lift with associated piling and (2) PWC lifts with associated piling.

Maximum channelward 28’.5”. The site of the proposed construction is

described as being located at 1517 SHAD ROW Parcel # 3379 -14 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: RICHARD & JANET WISER PW 20-01 A request has been submitted to install 40’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead, a 6’ x 17’ pier, one (1) boat lift and one (1) PWC lift with all associated poles. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 136 52ND ST Parcel # 8430 -136 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM OWNER: BRYAN FOREMAN PW 20-02 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated poles.. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 183 JAMESTOWN RD. SLIP 11, Parcel # 3962A-11 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARMS OWNER: JOSEPH KOSTACK PW 20-03 A request has been submitted to remove pier and build a new 4’ x 32’ pier, install (2) boat lift pilings and (1) 1,500 lb PWC lift with associated piling. Maximum channelward 36’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2845 GULL WAY Parcel # 4892 -A17 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: ROBERT HENNEBERRY PW 20-04 A request has been submitted to install (4) boatlift pilings and (1) parallel 8000 lb. boatlift, maximum channelward 18’6’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 719 TWIN TREE RD Parcel # 9479A-17 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BAYSHORE MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: JEFFREY ESBENSHADE OCD-12/26/2t _________________________________

Town of Ocean City

BID SOLICITATION Fire Department Station 2 Interior Renovations

The Town of Ocean City is seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors for Fire Department Station 2 Interior Renovations and to be in conformity with the scope of work detailed in the Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for Fire Department Station 2 Interior Renovations may be obtained from the Town of Ocean City’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Purchasing Associate, Leila Milewski, at lmilewski@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6643 during normal business hours, or via the Bid tab on the Town’s . Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids.

The Town of Ocean City 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.

A Pre-Bid meeting will be held on Monday, January 06, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Fire Station 2, 102 Dorchester Street, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, January 20, 2020 by 1:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud Monday, January 20, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Bids are to be submitted to the Town of Ocean City, Attn: Procurement Department, 204 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

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

OCD-12/26/1t _________________________________

DECEMBER 27, 2019 Peter Buas, Esq. 3509 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 21842 Scully Properties, LLC 5227 Thunder Hill Road Columbia, MD 21045 Plaintiff v.

Dena Shaffer 6955 Meadowlake Road New Market, MD 21774 Marion Shaffer 6955 Meadowlake Road New Market, MD 21774 Atlantic Mist I Condominium Association c/o Dawn Hodge 202 143rd St. Unit A Ocean City, MD 21842 Worcester County, Maryland Maureen L. Howarth, County Attorney Government Center, Room 1103 1 W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863 Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 76, Account No. 10290686, Property description U C 143RD ST ATLANTIC MIST I CM, Deed Reference: 02546/00308, Assessed to Marion Shaffer & Dena Shaffer, 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 All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 76, Account No. 10290686, Property description U C 143RD ST ATLANTIC MIST I CM, Deed Reference: 02546/00308, Assessed to Marion Shaffer & Dena Shaffer Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-19-000359

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding: Item No. 76, Account Number 10290686; Property Description: U C 143RD ST ATLANTIC MIST I CM; Deed Reference 02546/00308; assessed to Dena Shaffer & Marion Shaffer.

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

It is thereupon this 17th of December, 2019, by the Circuit Court for Worcester, County, 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 3 successive weeks, warning all persons inter-

PAGE 51

Ocean City Today / Public Notices ested in the property to appear in this Court by the 21st day of February, 2020, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be 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, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/26/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

Pursuant to the Town of Berlin, MD Code Sections 108-214 and 108215, the Berlin Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider a request for a Change in Zoning Classification received from Delmarva Property Management, Inc. during its regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 5:30 PM. The subject properties are currently zoned M1A Industrial District and are proposed to be changed to B-2 Shopping District, located on the north side of U.S. Route 50 and the westerly side of Maryland Route 818 (North Main Street extended), and are identified as Worcester County Tax Map Number 25, Parcels 0004 and 0461 consisting of approximately 26.67 acres.

OCD-12/26/2t _________________________________ WADE GRIMES FRIEDMAN MEINKEN & LEISCHNER PLLC GRETCHYN G. MEINKEN ESQ. 616 N. WASHINGTON ST. ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18108 Notice is given that the Circuit Court of Alexandria City, VA appointed Carl Christian Thier, 5782A S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32822 as the Administrator of the

Estate of Alfreda Victoria Miller who died on November 13, 2018 domiciled in Virginia, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Gina D. Shaffer Esq. whose address is 9921 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Site C3, Ocean City, MD 21842.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Carl Christian Thier Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: December 26, 2019 OCD-12/26/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zon-

ing Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on: THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020 at 6:00 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(3)(a) requesting a special yard exception to the front yard setback in order to rebuild a stair tower to life safety and building code, resulting in an encroachment of 3.5 feet into the 5 foot required by Code, in a manner similar to, but not exceeding, the conditions of the multi-family structure located adjoining on the west side, at 12 84th Street. The site of the appeal is described as Parcel 0869A, Tax Map 0114, on the Ocean Bay City Plat, dated 1937; further described as located on the north side of 84th Street, and locally known as the Stephanie Lee Condo, 10 84th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BELUKA BEACH PROPERTIES - (BZA 2542 #19-09400015) at 6:10 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to design standards as required

by Code to waive ½ parking space (1 parking space) required to add a third bedroom to Unit B. The site of the appeal is described as Lot B, Parcel 2491 of the 209 Dorchester Street Condo Plat; further described as located on the south side of Dorchester Street between S. Philadelphia and St. Louis Avenues, and known locally as 209 Dorchester Street Condo, Unit B, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: NOLEN INVEST LLC – (BZA 2543 #19-09400016) Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Alfred Harrison, Chairman Heather Stansbury, Attorney OCD-12/26/2t _________________________________

OCEAN CITY TODAY

Legal Advertising Call Nancy MacCubbin 410-723-6397, Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net

Commentary

Ocean City Today Dec. 27, 2019

Page 52

Happy 2020 Here’s to a prosperous new year from all of us

PUBLIC EYE

A tolerable New Year By Stewart Dobson

Things I’d like to see in the year ahead Ocean City Today P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS .................. Greg Ellison, Morgan Pilz, ................. Rachel Ravina, Joshua Kim, Elizabeth Bonin ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS ........ Mary Cooper, Shelby Shea CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS ................ Kelly Brown, Kyle Phillips PUBLISHER ...................................... Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year.

Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com.

Copyright 2019

1. Scrapple cheesesteaks — recognized as a health food, packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and better for you than string bean casserole.

2. The end of false gluten-free advertising labels on products that never contained gluten in the first place. Like, for instance, gluten-free, pure oatmeal.

Gluten is in wheat, not oats, so stop it.

There’s even gluten-free water on the market. Here’s a tip: the distillation process makes whiskey gluten-free.

See? It’s a health food, too. Hooray!

3. People reading something that’s not on their phone screens. I don’t care if it’s the ingredients on the back of an oatmeal box, it’s better than staring down at your phone. Besides, reading an oatmeal box while driving is easier for the police to spot.

4. Term limits. You think we’d be in this mess if national office-holders weren’t trying to get reelected?

5. Non-threatening weather reports.

“A huge snowstorm is moving across the country and it’s OK, because this is win-

ter. A thousand snowplow drivers will be affected and they’ll like it, because they’re getting overtime.”

6. Less profanity. Not because it offends me, but because so many people are using it these days that it takes the oomph out of these words when I use them. “Hey, will someone answer the — ——— phone around this place?” “Sure, boss. ‘Hello, this is ———— Ocean City Today, how may I help you?’”

7. Standardized gas pump keyboard functions. So, I put my card in here and press this button…” “Sorry, remove your card and try again.” Ok, where the hell is ‘Enter’ anyway? “Please remove your card and try again.” Fine.

You want me to press enter? Ok, how about I punch every ———— key and see what happens. Bang-bang-bam-punchblam-wham!” “Please insert your ——— — rewards card ...” Grrrr.

8. Scratch and sniff lottery tickets — “It Stinks to Lose!”

9. Fire Werks, a new car event — Thousands of enthusiasts come to town in Volkswagens and other small cars and we set them all on fire.

10. A federal ban on string bean casserole. Millions of people love this mushroom soup-string bean conglomerate, which proves that majority rule is overrated. It’s drywall mud with vegetables.

11. A tolerable new year. Given the way things were going in 2019, I’ll settle for that in 2020.

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 53

Ocean City Today

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

City Hall’s room tax increase starts Jan. 1

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) As Ocean City continues to grow, so do its expenses — a fact that city leaders have stressed all year. Nonetheless, despite ill bodings of the future, officials have room to celebrate after successfully finding one new source of revenue this year: an extra half-percent in hotel tax rates.

Although it is called a hotel room tax, the charge is applied to all room rentals, not just hotels.

City leaders and department heads hashed out the tax increase during a November 2018 council meeting.

Ocean City began collecting room taxes in 1998, and last increased the tax rate from 4 to 4.5 percent in 2008.

The tax rate increase resulted in an economic boost, but reduced property tax revenues offset those gains.

In 2008, property tax revenues amounted to $43.1 million, but dropped precipitously during the recession, before gradually returning to previous levels. In 2018, revenues totaled $42.9 million.

“Costs to provide core services increased during this time period, but the revenue source that traditionally covered these costs, property taxes, decreased,” Knapp said last November.

The city’s three largest revenue sources are property taxes, room taxes and parking fees, which together account for roughly 70 percent of the general fund.

Of the three, only parking fees generated significant revenues, and from 2008 to 2018, the combined revenues grew less than four percent from $54.3 to $56.1 million.

Expenses, on the other hand, grew more than 12 percent, from $75 to $84.4 million.

“We’ve operated business on the same for 10 years,” Knapp said in an interview in January. “Our budget has grown, but the three big revenue sources have not grown.”

The council chose to increase the hotel room tax, with Mayor Rick Meehan pointing out in several meetings that even with an increase, Worcester County would still have the lowest hotel tax in the area, compared to Annapolis at 6 percent and Baltimore at 8 percent.

However, city leaders faced a new hurdle: when should the city implement the tax hike?

City leaders were torn between two options: implement the tax hike on July 1, 2019 and gain a projected $1.3 million in revenue, or implement it on Jan. 1, 2020, and gain roughly

$492,000.

While the obvious answer may have been the July 1 implementation, Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said the earlier implementation would be a burden on hoteliers who had already budgeted for the season.

Rental owners throughout the city agreed.

“There’s no hotel that’s going to agree to any kind of tax increase in the middle of our season,” said Tom Tawney, general manager of the Cayman Suites on 125th Street at a council work session on Jan. 29. “That’s almost ludicrous because we have reservations on the books.”

Realtor Pat Terrill agreed.

“There is no way in this world we can call all the people who already booked and paid,” she said. “What are you going to do, call and say, ‘Ocean City screwed up, they raised their taxes’?”

Ultimately, the council chose the New Year’s date, and brought the proposal to Worcester County Commissioners on March 19.

Meehan told commissioners about the city’s rising costs, as well as a shift in marketing and advertising dynamics — with a stronger focus on digital and sports marketing.

“It’s not just putting a full-page ad in the Baltimore Sun anymore,” he said.

“It’s being on the internet. We’ve rebuilt our website twice. It’s digital marketing. It’s social media.”

Meehan told commissioners that the 5 percent rate would generate $700,000 total for fiscal year 2020, and $1.7 million in fiscal year 2021.

County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said the room tax increase made sense, as Ocean City has the most hotel rooms in the county.

However, regardless of personal sentiment, two steps needed to be taken before any raises could be made.

First would be to amend the local tax code, which required tax increases over 4.5 percent to receive state approval.

Then, the resolution would have to be introduced and approved to the commissioners, and then go into a public hearing.

Following all of this, it would require unanimous adoption by all county commissioners in order to become effective.

Luckily for the city, the county commissioners took all of the necessary steps, and gave their unanimous approval on Aug. 20.

The new room tax will take effect New Year’s Day, and the city will be able to relax — for a moment at least.

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PAGE 54

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

POLICE/COURTS

WORLD WAR II

Assault arrest made A suspect is under arrest in Worcester County and charged with the assault of another man who is in critical condition in a Baltimore hospital. The suspect is identified as Eric J. Jarrett, 48, of no fixed address.

Maryland State Police have charged Jarrett with first-degree assault, seconddegree assault and reckless endangerment. He is currently being held in the Worcester County Detention Center.

The victim is identified as George L. Stinnet, 58, of no fixed address. Stinnet is at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in critical condition.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, troopers from the Berlin Barrack were dispatched to on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City.

Troopers arrived to find an EMS team attending to an unconscious man, later identified as Stinnet, who was flown to the Shock Trauma Center.

Police said the preliminary investigation indicates both the victim and suspect are homeless and were in an apartment with other individuals. Although the investigation continues, police said indications are the suspect assaulted the victim.

In addition, Jarrett was arrested by the Ocean City Police Department the day before after being involved in an assault on another person. In that instance, the incident took place in a North Division Street apartment, and again, Jarrett is believed to have initiated the attack.

He faces two counts of second-degree assault in that case.

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Parking discussion not over yet Continued from Page 19 “We [have] got to talk about it,” Knight said at the Oct. 18, task force meeting. “I’ll be open to all of your concerns, but it’s not going to be a dead issue. We will continue to talk about this at the end of October [strategic planning meeting].”

Meehan has reasserted in May and

October that he would not reconsider a paid-parking expansion.

With the vote on Tuesday, expansion opponents may celebrate another victory, but should prepare themselves for another round of debate next year.

“I don’t want to wait,” DeLuca said about reigniting the expansion conversation on Tuesday.

Soviet Union’s Joseph Stalin named Time’s ‘Man of Year’

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Dec. 27, 2019) This week, TIME Magazine followed its 1938 “Man-ofthe-Year” selection of Adolf Hitler with 1939’s “Man-of-the-Year,” Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin. TIME selected him as its Man-of-the-Year because the Soviet Union had signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, giving Germany a free hand to attack Poland without fear of Soviet interference.

Thus, began WWII in Europe.

With the stroke of Foreign Commissar Vyacheslav Molotov’s pen, with the First Secretary of the Communist Party, Joseph Stalin, observing, the balance of power in Europe shifted.

Stalin was not the Soviet dictator’s real name. Nor was he a Russian. He was born Iosev Besarionis dze Jughashvili on December 10, 1878, in Gori, an ancient city in the eastern part of what is now the independent state of Georgia, with a current population of 48,000. Then, its population was 20,000. His Georgian origins account for the accent with which he spoke Russian. His parents didn’t speak it and he only began

learning it at age eight.

Georgia, which borders the eastern shore of the Black Sea, had been a part of the Russian Empire since 1801. To the Joseph Stalin south, it is bordered

by Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

In 1922, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, as the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic, became part of the Soviet Union.

In 1936, the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic was dissolved, and Georgia became a part of the U.S.S.R., as the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, where it remained until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Stalin was raised in a family that utilized corporal punishment — often.

His father was a drunk and beat him and his mother, and his mother beat him as well. In 1935, Stalin visited his mother, and asked her about the beatings she had given him. She replied, “That’s why you turned out so well!”

Continued on Page 55

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DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

PAGE 55

WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 54 However, no one would have ever predicted that the young Georgian would one day rule the world’s largest country, with the most powerful army, as an absolute dictator. When his mother died, the following year, he didn’t attend her funeral.

When Stalin was six, he contracted smallpox, which left his face scarred and pocked. He was struck by a carriage and seriously injured at the age of 12, which was probably the cause of the permanent damage to his left arm.

After five years at the Spiritual Seminary, in Tiflis (Tbilisi), the 1500year-old Georgian capital, where he was a very good student, he left. He joined the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, and, by 1901, was in a leadership position.

After leading several strikes and clashes with the authorities, he was arrested in April 1902, and the following year sentenced to three years’ exile in Siberia, which was cut short by his escape. He made his way back to Tiflis, where he co-edited a Marxist newspaper, “Proletarian Struggle.”

Stalin was married to fellow Georgian, Ekaterine Svanidze in 1906, who bore him his first son, Yakov, a few months later. Within the year she died of typhus, leaving Yakov to be raised by her parents. Yakov served in the Red Army and was captured at

Smolensk, in 1941.

Two years later, the Germans proposed to exchange Yakov for Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus, who had been captured at Stalingrad. Stalin declined, saying, “We don’t trade field Marshals for captains!” Yakov died in captivity.

In 1919, Stalin married Nadezhda Alliluyeva, who, before she shot herself in Nov. 9, 1932, bore him two children: Vasily, who was a general in the VVSand and who died in 1962 from chronic alcoholism, and Svetlana, who emigrated to the U.S., where she died of colon cancer in 2011.

Stalin was elected a delegate from Georgia to the Bolshevik conference in Saint Petersburg, which was moved to Tampere in Finland. It was there that he met Lenin for the first time, in November 1905. From there he began his rise through the party hierarchy.

He did this primarily by allying himself, tightly, to Lenin, and making himself indispensable by doing the non-glamorous jobs that no one else wanted. In January 1924, Lenin died, without a plan of succession. Out of the chaos and conniving, Stalin emerged as the “Vozhd,” or boss.

It was under Stalin that state farms were created, with the government determining where the crops were to be distributed. Much of the agricultural production was distributed to the urban and industrial areas, resulting in famine in the agricultural areas, such as the Ukraine. An estimated 5 - 7 million people died during this famine in the 1930s. In the meantime, the Soviet Union was rapidly increasing its industrialization.

The Purges began in the mid1930s, with the first “Show Trial” taking place in August 1936. These “Show Trials” resulted in the elimina-

tion of many rivals and potential rivals of Stalin. More than 700,000 died during the Purge. But, Stalin’s authority was now absolute. Stalin signed off on almost every execution Because Great Britain and France refused to deal with the Communist Soviet Union to confront Nazi Germany, Stalin turned to Germany, and in May 1939 began laying the groundwork for an agreement.

First, he replaced the Soviet Foreign Minister, Maxim Litvinov, with Molotov on May 3. Litvinov was Jewish, which was an obvious impediment to dealing with the Nazis. With this move, the two countries entered into serious negotiations, culminating in the Non-Aggression Pact of August 1939, which guaranteed Germany a free hand in Poland and Western Europe, without having to worry about a two-front war. On May 6, 1941, Stalin Continued on Page 56

PAGE 56

Ocean City Today

WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 55 became Premier of the Soviet Union and Minister of Defense. In March 1943, he was named a Marshal of the Soviet Union.

When the Axis launched Operation Barbarossa, on June 22, 1941, Stalin, even though having received numerous warnings, was stunned and paralyzed. It was not until July 4 that he finally responded, by addressing the nation on radio, calling for all citizens to defend the Motherland.

In October 1941, with the Wehrmacht grinding, inexorably, toward the Soviet capital, Stalin ordered the Communist Party, the General Staff and the civil government to evacuate from the capital on Oct. 13. Panic gripped the city as its citizens fled. Muscovites called this “The Great Skeedaddle.”

The government was transferred to Kuibyshev — formerly and now Samara — on the Volga River. On Oct. 16, a train was readied for Stalin. It was packed with documents and communications equipment. Stalin’s guards were on the platform. With the steam up, and the crew ready, Stalin didn’t board. If he had abandoned the city, Moscow would surely have fallen and the Germans would have won the war.

Shortly thereafter, Stalin, against the advice of the military leaders, ordered that the parade celebrating the

DECEMBER 27, 2019

OBITUARIES Revolution, be held on its anniversary, Nov. 7, 1941. The troops that marched into Red Square in review before Stalin and the other Soviet leaders, marched directly from Red Square to the fighting on the front line. The event was a terrific morale boost for the Red Army and the Soviet citizens.

Stalin would, once again, be named Time’s “Man-of-the-Year” in 1942, after the Red Army had fought the Wehrmacht to a standstill.

Stalin was the only pre-WWII leader to still remain in power when the war ended with Japan’s surrender. With his death, on March 5, 1953, a new era dawned on the Soviet Union and the world. He was 74.

More than 100 people were crushed to death as crowds swarmed to pay their respects.

In 2017, “Death of Stalin” was released, with Adrian McLoughlin portraying the dictator and Steve Buscemi his successor, Nikita Khrushchev.

Next week: Timoshenko to the Rescue Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

ORMAN O. BLOXOM Snow Hill Orman O. Bloxom, age 87, of Snow Hill, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, surrounded by his loving family in Painter, Virginia.

He was the son of the late William Bloxom and Anna Lilliston and the loving husband of the late Orman Bloxom Thelma (Disharoon) Bloxom.

He is survived by his son, Kevin Bloxom Sr.; daughter, Kimberly Bloxom Savage and husband, Bob; son by marriage, Erik Trader and wife, Barbara; and daughter by marriage, Regina Royer and husband, Jeff.

In addition to his children, he leaves behind grandchildren, Kevin Bloxom Jr. and wife, Desiree, William Kyle Bloxom, Kalyn Bloxom, Audrey Savage, Lydia Butcofsky and husband, Jesse and J. Anne Royer; great-grandchildren, Arianna Bloxom, Jackson Butcofsky and Isabel Royer; nieces, Marion Lowe and husband, Ron, Susan Mathews and Jackie Brown and husband Bruce.

Orman was a proud veteran and served during the Korean War in the 7th Division of the 49th field artillery “Hells Bells” where he earned three unit citations for most artillery fired

within 24 hours.

He also took part in the Chinese Offensive. Orman worked for many years for NASA before his retirement.

A funeral service was held at Bates United Methodist Church in Snow Hill, Maryland on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019.

Burial followed at the Bates Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest that a contribution be made in Orman’s name to: The American Legion Post 67, P.O. Box 161 Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; or to Bates United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Judy Clayville, 116 N Washington St., Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Condolences may be shared with the family via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland.

BARBARA TYNDALL Pittsville Barbara Tyndall, 84, of Pittsville, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, at her home.

Born in Snow Hill, she was the daughter of the late Cornelius and Pearl Smack.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Richard Tyndall, in Barbara Tyndall 1986 and by her son, Randy Tyndall, in 2002.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Marvel, Straughn, Dorsey and Robert, as well as her sisters, Margaret Davis, Dorothy Baker and Eleanor Adrian.

She is survived by her daughters, Wanda Donaway, Irene Baker and Teresa Tyndall; and niece, Helen Baily Smith, who was thought of as a daughter.

She is survived by her sister, Betty Jo Littleton, of Parsonsburg.

She has one granddaughter Lisa Bostic, and five grandsons, Nathan Baker, Matthew, Petey (PJ) and Justin Donaway; 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who all meant so much to her.

She was a retired poultry grower for 55 years, and a seamstress at home.

She loved to sew, do ceramics and make homemade quilts and refurnish furniture.

She was always there whenever anyone needed an extra hand in doing a project.

A graveside service was held on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 at Jerusalem Church Cemetery in Parsonsburg.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to: Powellville Ladies Auxiliary, Powellville Volunteer Fire Company, or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Maryland 21804.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Sports & Recreation www.oceancitytoday.com

Ocean City Today Dec. 27, 2019

Page 57

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 27, 2019) From records set to stellar season performances, here are some of the top sports stories for 2019: • Swim team Bayside champs: The Stephen Decatur girls’ swim team won the inaugural Bayside Conference championship meet in Cambridge in February.

“The girls did amazing. I am so proud of them,” Coach Mary Hathaway said. “It was a whole team effort with every single swimmer scoring points for us.”

Decatur scored 409 points in the victory. Easton was runner-up with 370 points.

“The competition was tight between us and Easton for most of the day, but our depth was the reason we pulled ahead,” Hathaway said.

The Decatur boys’ team came in second place in the first-ever conference championship.

Easton tallied 477 points to win the boys’ competition. Decatur scored 416.5 points.

“I thought the boys did very well.

We had a ton of best times and swam faster than we have all year,” Coach Steve Deakyne said. “We lost to a strong Easton team that has a lot of talented swimmers this year … 13 [Decatur] boys participated in Baysides and everyone contributed to the overall outcome.”

Deakyne said the first Bayside championship was exciting for both the swimmers and the coaches.

“I am happy the girls were able to win the inaugural Bayside championship and that the boys were the runners up,” he said. “Also, since it is the first year, we have a number of girls and boys who are the current Bayside record holders for their events.”

The girls’ squad finished the season with a 6-2 record. The Lady Seahawks came in third in the 3A-2A-1A East Region meet and 14th overall at states.

The boys’ team went 5-3. The Seahawks placed second at regionals and seventh overall at states.

Deakyne is back to coach this year and is joined by Kristina Watts, who has taken over for Hathaway.

• Successful wrestling season: The Stephen Decatur wrestling team had a stellar 2018-19 season.

The Seahawks went undefeated (13-0) during the regular season.

They captured the 3A East Region dual meet championship – the team’s first since 2011.

Decatur also won the 3A state dual meet title. The last time Decatur had won a state dual championship title was in 2008.

In the past 50 years, Decatur sports teams have won five state championships. The wrestling team holds two of those titles.

The Berlin squad also won a Bayside Conference championship. Six Seahawks – a program record – won their divisions and individual Bayside championship awards.

Eight wrestlers qualified for the state tournament. Six were state place winners – a school record.

As a freshman, Noah Reho captured the 4A/3A state title in the 126pound weight class in early March.

He was the only Maryland grappler to win a state title as a freshman.

“I think it was probably the best wrestling I’ve had in my career, so far. Hands down,” Reho said. “The reason why I think I did my best was because I was mentally tuned in.

Every match that I wrestled, I didn’t think anyone was going to beat me, nor score a point on me.”

Reho is the first Decatur wrestler to win a state championship since 2009. He is only the fourth wrestler

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHEN DECATUR SWIMMING

The Stephen Decatur girls’ swim team won the inaugural Bayside Conference championship meet in February.

PHOTO COURTESY MARY BETH D’AMICO

The Stephen Decatur wrestling team celebrates after capturing the 3A state dual meet championship title at North Point High School in Waldorf in February.

in program history to earn a state title.

His goal is to beat Danny Miller’s record of three state titles. The Decatur alum won state titles in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Reho finished the season with a 45-5 record. He also captured a re-

gional championship title and took third in the Bayside Conference meet.

• Softball team Bayside champs: The Stephen Decatur softball team won Bayside Conference championships in 1991, 1998 and 2000. The Lady Seahawks added another to its

collection in May, with a 4-1 victory over the Colonel Richardson Colonels in Salisbury.

When the two teams met early in the season on April 1, in Federalsburg, Colonel Richardson won, 12-1.

“On any given day if we show up Continued on Page 58

PAGE 58

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

As an incoming Stephen Decatur High School junior, Anya Knappenberger placed seventh in the United States Marine Corps/USA Wrestling National Championship, held in Fargo, North Dakota, in mid-July.

Worcester Prep girls’ tennis team Head Coach Cyndee Hudson, left, and Assistant Coach Debbie Speier commemorate their 200th career win on May 6.

Continued from Page 57 and play our best we can beat anyone,” Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz said.

“The girls were so excited. These girls, they can hit. It’s really fun to watch.”

Decatur finished the season with a 15-5 record. In his first season leading the team, Kurtz was named Bayside South Coach of the Year.

“It is very humbling. The girls ex-

the team captured the title. The last year the team won the championship was in 2000, which was before any of the current players were born.

• Coaches get 200 career wins: The Worcester Prep girls’ (13-0) and boys’ (10-0) tennis teams finished the regular season with undefeated records after earning victories over the Saint Thomas More Ravens

ceeded all expectations,” he said. “We set team goals and just kept checking them off. I learned a lot early on in the season and some bumps in the road helped me learn quickly what my players needed from me to succeed.”

One of the big accomplishments this season was winning the conference championship. It was only the fourth time in the program’s history

on May 6, but it was extra special for coaches Cyndee Hudson and Debbie Speier.

The win was their 200th overall since they started coaching the girls’ squad in 2002.

“We were afraid we were going to end up with 199, with all the rainouts and everything,” Assistant Coach Speier said. “Just thinking back on all Continued on Page 59

DECEMBER 27, 2019 Continued from Page 58 the girls that have come through the program, when some of them started they hadn’t picked up a racket and [later] went on to play in college. It’s just so exciting for us.”

The coaches finished their careers with a 200-15 record. They helped lead the team to nine undefeated seasons.

Hudson enjoyed her time as head coach, but decided it was time to step down. Both Hudson and Speier officially retired from coaching at the end of the season.

“It’s bittersweet,” Hudson said.

“It’s been fun. I’ll miss it for sure.

There’s been a ton of great memories.”

Continued on Page 60

Ocean City Today

PAGE 59

The Junior Berlin Little League All Stars advanced to the World Series in Taylor, Michigan, in August. The squad went 1-2 during the tournament and finished the season ranked fourth out of 1,500 U.S. Junior Little League squads and eighth internationally.

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PAGE 60

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ocean City Today

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Continued from Page 59 “We created a culture. We’re very proud of the girls. We’re proud that, every match, they come out and give 100 percent, sometimes more than that,” Speier added. “They just work hard, they improve [and] they work in the offseason. I’m happy for them.”

About a week later, the Worcester Prep tennis teams swept the singles

and doubles competition during the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship at Salisbury University.

• Knappenberger does well on mat: As an incoming Stephen Decatur High School junior, Anya Knappenberger accomplished her biggest feat to date – placing seventh in the

United States Marine Corps/USA Wrestling National Championship, held in Fargo, North Dakota, in midJuly.

Knappenberger competed in the Women’s Freestyle 16U 117-pound division. She finished seventh overall in her division out of 34 competitors.

“I feel like I wrested well,” she said. “I wish I could have placed higher, but all you can do is go out there and wrestled your hardest.”

She and six other girls represented Team Maryland at the competition.

In the U16 division, girls from about 40 different states participated.

After the two-day championship, Knappenberger had one day to rest before competing in the Junior National division on July 16. She also participated in the 117-pound weight class.

While the U16 division is for girls 16 years of age and younger, the junior division consists of female wrestlers in grades nine through 12.

“There were 52 girls in my bracket.

PHOTOS COURTESY COASTAL FISHERMAN

Tommy Hinkle of West Ocean City (holding fish) and his Fish Whistle teammates pose with his 79.5-pound white marlin on Aug. 8 at Harbour Island Marina on 14th Street. The fish took over first place in 46th annual White Marlin Open. The crew won over $1.5 million. Hinkle also landed the first-place marlin in 2008 and is the first angler in tournament history to catch the top white marlin twice.

PHOTO COURTESY STEVE DOCTOR

Kristy Frashure of Pasadena, holds the 74.5pound dolphin she caught on Aug. 16 while fishing on Haulin N’ Ballin during the 26th annual Capt. Steve Harman’s Poor Girls Open ladies-only tournament. The 74.5-pound dolphin is a new state record.

I just wanted another chance to wrestle some of the best girls in the country,” she said. “I think I wrestled really well. I was one win away from placing [top eight]. Toward the end I was getting tired.”

She finished in the top 12 in the juniors championship. Her overall record for the entire tournament was 8-4.

In February as a sophomore, Knappenberger took first place in the 112-pound division of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association Girls Invitational Wrestling Tournament at Northeast High School in Pasadena.

She wrestled three matches, earning a pin and two tech falls. She outscored her opponents a combined 45-0.

The year before, she placed first in the 108-pound division of the state competition, wrestling for Urbana High School.

• Berlin Little League success: Berlin’s Little League All-Star teams were quite successful this season, with several winning district, state and/or regional titles.

The Junior Berlin Little League All Stars advanced to the World Series in Taylor, Michigan, in August.

Berlin – district, state and regional champions – lost its first game to the South East Regional championship team from Florida, 15-2.

The next game was against the South West Regional championship team from Oklahoma. Berlin won 193.

The Berlin team played a team from Michigan next, and lost, 5-1, ending its World Series tournament run.

The squad finished the season ranked fourth out of 1,500 U.S. Junior Little League squads and eighth internationally.

“What an amazing journey this has been … I loved coaching all these boys and would do it all over again if I was given the chance … but wouldn’t change a thing about this ride,” Coach Kris Mandley said.

The team returned home from the World Series on Aug. 19 in style with a police procession and escort by the Maryland Red Knights Motorcycle Club.

Several local officials including Berlin Mayor Gee Williams, Worcester County Commissioner Bud Continued on Page 61

DECEMBER 27, 2019

PAGE 61

Ocean City Today

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Continued from Page 60 Church and Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli as well as the parents and family members of the Berlin Little League All Stars came out to the Worcester County Athletic Complex in Berlin to congratulate the team on its success.

The 8-10 League, Intermediate and Major Softball Berlin Little League All-Star squads all won district and state championship titles this year. Their seasons ended in their respective regional tournaments.

• White Marlin Open breaks records: The 46th annual White Marlin Open, held Aug. 5-9, saw several records broken, including $6,186,870 million in prize money awarded and the number of billfish caught and released.

A record 1,459 white marlins were caught, and 1,429 of them were released (98 percent), to break the record of 1,358 landed in 2016.

The Big Deal crew broke a 39year-old tournament record for most release points by a boat. The group released 27 white marlins, good for 1,960 points.

The previous record of 1,949 was set by the Escapade in 1980, with 24 white marlins released and two boated.

A total of 404 boats were regis-

tered this year.

Tommy Hinkle of West Ocean City won the coveted white marlin category with a 79.5-pound billfish he caught aboard Fish Whistle. The crew was awarded $1,504,720.

Hinkle landed the first-place white marlin in 2008 – and 81-pounder – also fishing aboard Fish Whistle. He is the first angler in tournament history to win the white marlin division twice.

While there is probably a mathematical formula and numbers to crunch, the Stephen Decatur High School math teacher summed it up by saying, “it’s pretty much a one-in-amillion chance.”

“The thought [of winning a second time] never crossed my mind,” he said. “It’s kind of unbelievable.”

Hinkle fought the fish for about 90 minutes.

“It was a pretty intense battle. So many things can go wrong in such a long fight,” he said. “There was a lot of things that could go wrong, but they didn’t. I did everything I could as an angler to land that fish.”

After a group effort, the fish was finally on the boat.

“It was the whole crew … it’s a team effort,” he said.

The group has been fishing together in the tournament since 2001.

Hinkle has been participating in the Open since the late 1990s.

• Another record-breaking Poor Girls Open: Records continue to be broken annually during the Capt. Steve Harman’s Poor Girls Open, and this year was no different.

“It went fantastic,” said Earl Conley, co-director of the Open. “There were no complaints, everything went smoothly and fishing was pretty good.”

A record 925 female anglers fished on 184 boats during the 26th annual

Bob Knox, longtime Stephen Decatur football coach, announced his retirement during a small, low-key press conference on Dec. 10, at the high school.

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That’s about a $40,000 increase from 2018, when $229,565 was paid out with 149 boats registered.

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PAGE 62

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 27, 2019

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 Continued from Page 61 Women enjoy fishing in the tournament because it benefits a worthy cause — breast cancer research.

Many cancer survivors participate in the event.

Proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society and earmarked for breast cancer research and program development as part of the “Pink Ribbon Classic at the Beach Series” – an assortment of local activities to raise breast cancer awareness while garnering money for the organization.

Perhaps the most talked about accomplishment of the tournament was Kristy Frashure reeling in a 74.5pound dolphin aboard Haulin N’ Ballin. The catch was a new Maryland state record.

Frashure’s state-record dolphin took top honors in the division. She and her Haulin N’ Ballin teammates received $13,447.50.

Frashure battled the dolphin for what felt like an eternity, she said.

“As soon as it jumped the mates and the captain, they knew. They said, ‘that’s a monster. That’s amazing. That’s a winner,” she said.

Frashure fought the fish for about 23 minutes.

Her catch topped Jeff Wright’s Atlantic Division record for common dolphinfish of 72.8 pounds, which was set just three weeks earlier on July 28. The previous record had been held since 1985.

To now have a state record, Frashure said is “very exciting.”

•Longtime football coach retires: Bob Knox, longtime Stephen Decatur football coach, announced his retirement during a small, low-key press conference on Dec. 10, at the high school.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to be the head football coach here,” he said. “I’ve seen many changes from when we first started – all positive – and it’s just been an honor to be able to do this for as long as I have.”

When asked how he would sum up three decades of running the Decatur program, Knox became a bit emotional as he said, “It’s been a great ride.”

Knox was hired in 1974 as a social

studies teacher and as an assistant football coach. He was the head basketball coach from 1980-82 and has been at the helm of the Decatur football program since 1983.

Knox decided to step down for the 2016 season when his then 2-year-old grandson, Eli Knox-Tadli, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. With his grandson responding well to treatment, Knox returned to lead the Seahawks for the 2017 season.

He still plans on attending games, which is what he will miss most – the Friday nights on the sidelines, he said.

“I’m gonna miss it, sure I am,” he said. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my family.”

In April 2018, Knox was inducted into the Maryland Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

While at the helm, Decatur won nine conference championships, made 10 state playoff appearances, competed in four regional championship games and in two semifinal matches. He was named Bayside Conference Coach of the Year seven

times.

With an overall record of 232-141 at the time of the induction ceremony, Knox was ranked 13th on the All-Time Winningest Coaches in Maryland list, and No. 2 behind Chuck Markiewicz of Arundel (24396) for Active Winningest Maryland Coaches.

He finished his career with 238 wins and 154 losses.

In his final game as coach, Decatur wrapped up the 2019 season in early November with a 63-0 victory over the Snow Hill Eagles.

The team also had the opportunity to play on the school’s new turf field this season. Decatur’s new athletic complex was dedicated during halftime of the Sept. 20 game against Easton in Berlin.

The Stephen Decatur High School Athletic Complex is named the “Robert G. Knox Field and Louis H. Taylor Stadium” in honor of the longtime football coach and teacher, and superintendent of schools.

“It’s the highest honor in my career as a football coach,” Knox said prior to the dedication ceremony.

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