MARCH 13, 2025
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
FREE
Yacht Club’s new vendor begins Tues. Rather than wait until lease ends April 30, parties agree to prepare now for season
SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
STUDENTS TESTIFY Two Stephen Decatur High School student-athletes testified March 5 in Annapolis in support of Senate Bill 588, also known as the Fairness in Girls Sports Act that requires only biological females participate in girls athletics. Above, Decatur student April Bondurant testifies alongside James Crawford, 36-year volleyball and soccer referee; Senator Mary Beth Carozza; and Decatur student Brooke Berquist.
Microtel plan stirs opponents Petition seeks signatures to show support for claims hotel could be safety hazard By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 13, 2025) Opponents of the Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, planned for the east side of Route 113 near Franklin Avenue in Berlin, are collecting signatures on a petition to bolster their claim that the project would create a safety hazard. The hotel, a planned four-story, 78-unit Microtel Inn and Suites, is to be built in front of the early learning center Bundles of Joy University and the Healing Arts Center of the Eastern Shore, a spot that opponents say could lead to child safety risks, increased crime, exacerbated parking and traffic problems and more noise. “Our primary concern is the safety, well-being and optimal learning environment for the young children who attend Bundles of Joy University and the individuals who attend the Healing Arts Center of the Eastern Shore,” reads a change.org petition Bundles of Joy Preschool Center Director Megan Smith started last week.
A rendering of the proposed Microtel Inn and Suites is pictured.
The online petition as of Wednesday afternoon had 330 signatures. The petition argues motels bring “transient populations” to an area through their construction. The increase of these “unfamiliar individuals” could create security risks for the children and staff at Bundles of Joy University. The petition cites the structure’s size, along with a rise See MICROTEL Page 6
Kozma Jewelry & Coins Your Custom Design Jeweler Since 1978
We specialize in creating custom-designed jewelry that is as unique as you are. Create a custom piece, update your current jewelry, or simply explore our collection.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 14, 2025) Touch of Italy will take over the Ocean Pines Association’s food and beverage services at the Yacht Club, the Beach Club in Ocean City, and the Clubhouse Bar and Grille earlier than originally planned. Instead of ‘I have signed a assuming control of the op- personal guarantee erations on on that lease, which May 1, after the means that if I don’t agreement live up to my with the previous vendor, obligations, you have Matt Ortt recourse to come C o m p a n i e s , after me for the rent. expires, Touch of Italy will I believe right now, take over at the since we signed that, beginning of you will always be in next week. the black at this News of the point.’ accelerated Bob Ciprietti schedule came in a press release last week from Josh Davis, OPA’s director of public relations and marketing. The restaurant group was named the association’s food and beverage operator in January. Founded in 2010 by Bob Ciprietti, the company owns and operates Italian restaurants in Ocean City, Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, Delaware, along with the Sunset Island Bar and Grille in Ocean City, and Royal Prime Steakhouse at Bally’s in Dover, Delaware. Association officials later revealed at a town hall session that Ortt would remain in charge until its contract’s expiration on April 30. As it stands now, Ortt and Touch of Italy will work together to create a See TOUCH Page 4
WE BUY Gold & Silver Coins Gold Jewelry • Silver Jewelry • Silverware D.A. KOZMA JEWELERS RT 50 & 611 in the FOOD LION SHOPPING CENTER WOC 410-213-7505 • DAKOZMAJEWELERS.COM