JANUARY 15, 2026
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
FREE
State’s firefighters to parade downtown Firefighters’ Association says event to feature units from 150-160 companies By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 15, 2026) The Maryland State Firefighters’ Association (MSFA) is relocating its annual parade from Ocean City to downtown Berlin this summer, citing a consistent decline in participation over the past few years. With Councilmember Shaneka Nichols and Vice President Dean Burrell absent, the Berlin Council unanimously approved a special event request this week to allow the MSFA to bring its yearly parade to Berlin on Saturday, June 20, marking
the first time the statewide event will be held in the town. The request was presented during Monday night’s council meeting by MSFA Convention and Conference Chair Robbie Blackiston, who said the association has been exploring new venues amid a decrease in firefighters and agencies statewide choosing to participate in the procession in recent years. Traditionally held on a Wednesday in Ocean City, the parade has seen reduced turnout as it has become harder for firefighters to take time off during the workweek. Blackiston said that last year, the parade had 114 participants and lasted 50 minutes. In the past, the event has typically extended about See FIREFIGHTERS Page 3
Auxer’s winning idea takes competition and big check Glass cremation keepsake wins grant to help company expand with new enterprise
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARSHALL CREEK FARME
ALPACA LUNCH The animals at Marshall Creek Farm in Newark have received about 250 Christmas trees from the Town of Berlin as well as Schellville in Delaware. About 150 trees were donated by Berlin for the goats, alpacas and sheep to enjoy.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 15, 2025) A new branch of Berlin-based business Jeffrey Auxer Designs will continue to provide memorial glass in remembrance of pets and loved ones to its customers, and, as the winner of a $35,000 competition, advance the brand. About two years ago, Jeffery Auxer of Jeffery Auxer Designs, a glassblow-
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ing establishment in downtown Berlin, launched Remember Me Glass. The new side of Auxer’s company provides grieving pet owners and family members with a customblown glass cremation keepsake. In late October of last year, the memorial business entered Salisbury University’s Shore Hatchery Competition and won the top prize, securing a $35,000 grant. Auxer said he intends to use the money to build an online platform in partnership with veterinarians, where the vets will come on board See JEFFREY Page 10
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