6/16/2023 Ocean City Today

JUNE 16, 2023

BIG SLASH BEGINS

Worcester Board of Ed. starts process of closing $4.5M shortfall in FY24 budget – Page 45

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Marketing plan to be assessed

Research firm will gauge effectiveness of campaign

Air show soars to success

Dazzling demos awe crowd, good weather boost as well

(June 16, 2023) Jets, planes, helicopters and parachuters flew through clear skies above a full audience last weekend at the 16th annual Ocean City Air Show.

“The crowds were unbelievable on both the beach and Boardwalk. The weather cooperated on both days, which helped a lot,” said Chris Dirato, director of public relations for the airshow.

The premium seating sections at

the Quality Inn Boardwalk Hotel on 16th Street and in front of it on the beach sold out both Saturday and Sunday, Dirato said.

Dirato estimated that tens of thousands of people were in town, which is similar to years past.

Fan favorites seemed to be the Thunderbirds, the F-18 and the F-35, he said.

“I think folks also enjoyed seeing the A-10s,” Dirato said.

On Friday, Jenifer Rayne, principal

See CLEAR Page 4

(June 16, 2023) The effectiveness of the millions of dollars Ocean City has pumped into rebranding and promoting the resort will soon be revealed in a tangible report.

At a Tourism Commission meeting this week, representatives of marketing firm BVK gave an update on its recent efforts, which included months of market research leading up to the development and reveal of a new brand, tagline and complete marketing strategy unlike anything the resort has ever had.

Now, with the new Catch a Ride campaign — a quirky effort to target key audiences in Ocean City’s primary tourist markets — in full swing, the marketing team is ready to see how well it worked.

Stephanie Barkow, BVK’s senior vice-president of brand strategy research, told Tourism Commission members at a meeting June 12 that they are working with research firm SMARInsights to provide data on the effectiveness of BVK’s recent destination marketing efforts.

Barkow said the firm has a proven track record, three decades of experience and access to a large database of comparable results to determine exactly how the town’s advertising has fared.

See SURVEYS Page 3

Surveys will identify visitor awareness of ad campaign

Continued from Page 1

Through online surveys, the researchers will identify visitors who were both aware and unaware of the advertising and compare their travel behaviors.

“It will determine the level of travel that would not have existed if it wasn’t for the advertising,” Barkow explained.

The results will also show the return on investment, through destination spending and taxes generated as compared to media spending, for the firm’s summer and fall campaigns.

The “Enjoy” campaign used social media influencers, targeted advertisements, marketing videos and other means to showcase everything Ocean City has to offer in the summer and off-season in a new and fresh way.

Once all of the feedback is developed, the information will be presented to the full council.

“I’ve had several council members ask how are we measuring success,” City Manager Terry McGean said.

Representatives from BVK also gave the tourism commissioners an update on the Catch a Ride campaign, which launched Memorial Day weekend with pop-up events in Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia.

The epicenter of the events, a vintage 1968 Volkswagen van decked out with Ocean City’s new winky smiley face logo and signature colors, attracted droves of people to sign up to win summer trips, road trip kits and other swag. The van will serve as a concierge carting around six grand prize winners during all-expensepaid trips to the resort. And according to the BVK team, the van and

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everything offered at the events were a huge hit for attendees.

“We literally put what a trip to Ocean City would like in the hands of everybody that interacted with us that day,” BVK Account Supervisor Kristin Wood said.

And while the team is still collecting data, the initial results show that the campaign generated 4,000 contest entries, 265 million public relations impressions, 13.9 million media impressions and more than 7,000 smile swag shares on social media.

Wood said about 80 percent of the work on the campaign is done, with roughly 20 percent to go.

“And we couldn’t be happier than we are with where we are today,” she said.

Members of the Tourism Commission also inquired Monday about what will happen to the antique van, which was on display at the official brand unveiling during the kick-off of Springfest in the inlet parking lot. McGean said he would prefer the city stay out of the business of owning a vehicle with such a high liability factor. But Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, said he sees ownership of the van as a potential advertising opportunity.

“Do I see it sitting at Springfest, Sunfest, Winterfest? Do I see it sitting at C3 [Oceans Calling Festival], [or] next week at the Maryland State Fireman’s Association?,” Perlozzo said. “When you look at it that way, am I going to be driving up and down the road all the time? No.”

Staff members said the van is leased for now, but will be up for sale after the summer.

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Obituaries........................58

Public Notices..................38

Service Directory..............36

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Discounts for money-making events to end

(June 16, 2023) The fear of “phony” nonprofit agencies swindling city staff could hit legitimate charitable organizations in the pocketbook in the latest change to the resort’s new, working special event fee policy.

At a Tourism Commission meeting Monday, City Manager Terry McGean and Special Events Director Frank Miller unveiled a plan to ensure all new hosts are charged fairly to hold money-making events on city property.

“When a new nonprofit comes in, we will treat them as a for-profit entity and charge full price,” McGean said of the change, which was added in response to a concern from Councilman John Gehrig.

As part of a plan to overhaul the re-

Smith Island Cruise

sort’s special event fee structure to cover associated costs more fairly and adequately, staff initially proposed offering discounts on application and space use fees to all nonprofit registered event hosts. Gehrig, however, pointed out that an organization could essentially become a nonprofit to save on costs.

McGean said Monday that the concern was “legitimate” and city staff responded with the solution to take the discount away from any new event that charges money for attendance.

Miller explained that nonprofit organizations that do not charge for entry or collect any other money, such as Jesus at the Beach, would still receive a discount. He added that existing, recurring nonprofit events are grandfathered in for the reduced costs.

“We are going to look at the new rather than the existing,” Miller said. “The new events, in season, asking to be paid by the people participating.”

He pointed out that recurring nonprofit agencies that propose new events that generate revenue will not receive the discount either.

The potential discounts within the new policy also vary for in- and outof-season events, and for different tiers, which are based on size and attendance levels.

“This is the bottom line of how we’re going to do nonprofits going forward,” Miller said of the changes. “And this is what we’re going to put in front of council.”

The overall policy, which has been adjusted a few times since staff members introduced it to the Tourism Commission in March, will cost most

organizers more money to hold events in the city. It came about after Mayor Rick Meehan suggested staff look into the special event fees after learning how much other resort areas charge for similar events. The fee structure had not been touched for years, and had many flat charges that did not account for how much labor and other costs go into hosting events.

The policy includes higher application fees and a four-tier system that separates events by size and attendance, with the larger tiers requiring more discussion and attention.

Commission members balked at the first proposal, which had some events paying more than 100 percent in costs. It has since been refined to become more fair, and will move next, with the nonprofit change, to City Council members for review.

Clear skies boost tourism demand

Continued from Page 1

of Pocomoke High School, got to ride in Thunderbird #7 with the pilot Lt. Col. Ryan Yingling as part of the Thunderbird’s Hometown Hero program.

The fighter jet ride recognized Rayne’s acceptance of the Maryland State Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights Award at the association’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Racial Social Justice Summit. She earned the award through her support of the Speak Up Club at PHS.

Dirato said planning for next year started as soon as this past weekend’s show ended, but added that it’s too early to begin naming performers

Fortunately for the air show, the smoke from Canadian wildfires that cast a haze over the region starting

Tuesday cleared up by practice day on Friday morning.

Dirato said the smoke earlier in the week had no effect on air show turnout.

But a few hotels did report cancellations because of air quality concerns, said Susan Jones, director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.

Although occupancy numbers for this month won’t be known until mid-July, some OCHMRS member hotels reported Friday that they only had a few vacancies for the weekend, and very little walk-in availability.

“From a weather standpoint, the weekend was spectacular and, hopefully, now that we’ve had a little good weather, the momentum to book rooms will pick up,” Jones said. “We

did have some hotels that sold out over the weekend and restaurants that were pretty full.”

Jones said visitors are still a little dubious to make advance bookings as they wait for consistently hot weather to be a sure thing. Until some schools finish trickling out of session and the daily heat brings motivation to cool off at the beach, the visitor turnout is likely to vary.

Relative to the past few years, when covid made car travel more attractive than cruises or flights, reported booking for June has been slow, Jones said.

“Cruises are discounting deeply to lure passengers back,” Jones said. That being said, Jones noted that July and August reservations are picking up.

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Tourism Commission reviews room tax policy

(June 16, 2023) Members of Ocean City’s Tourism Commission continued discussions this week about a working policy designed to improve the allocation of room tax dollars back to advertising.

And while most of the commission members signed off on the draft, Councilman John Gehrig, who sits on the commission and served as the loudest voice against some of the existing expenses charged to advertising, was still not completely satisfied.

City Manager Terry McGean presented the working document, which he drafted recently to address concerns from council members brought up during budget discussions.

As written, the city’s room tax ordinance dedicates about 42 percent of the city’s gross room tax revenue to cover expenses to promote destination marketing without deductions for salaries, office equipment, and the like. The approved expenses include advertising; marketing; promotions; sponsorships; research including consultant fees, subscription and trade dues; conference fees; and marketing and promotion of special events.

McGean has said that the language, like any law, is “open to interpretations,” which has created some confu-

sion, friction and debate. The “spirited discussions,” as he described them at Monday’s Tourism Commission meeting, led to the creation of the new policy.

McGean said during the meeting that the two main areas of concern, according to Gehrig’s comments, were the accounting of legal expenses for advertising-related matters, and how to determine and divide profits made during events that use advertising funds.

Currently, the city attorney, who

works on a contract, charges tourism as a whole for work done for the department. The money is then split, with 80 percent coming from the advertising fund and 20 percent from the general fund.

McGean said he and Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo, as well as Budget Director Jennie Knapp, believed the breakdown was “excessive.”

“It remains, at least in my mind, that if the city attorney is reviewing [marketing firm] BVK’s contract, those fees

should come from the advertising fund,” McGean said.

Gehrig, however, disagrees. He believes that when the attorney does research for contracts that it should not fall under advertising, as the original ordinance was drafted to refer specifically to market research, not other types, when it comes to paying for legal fees.

“In the grand scheme of things, it’s a minor expense,” Gehrig said. “The problem is, is when you let the camel’s

MSFA convention back in Ocean City starting this week

Annual gathering chocked full with variety of events

(June 16, 2023) A fire of epic proportions is never ideal but if one were to break out, Ocean City would be well-prepared next week when thousands of firemen will be in town for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association annual convention.

The yearly gathering, which runs from Sunday, June 18, to Thursday, June 22, will feature myriad events, including a flea market, family night at Jolly Roger Amusement Park, exhibits at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the Miss Fire Prevention contest, a new culinary competition and the annual parade downtown on Wednesday.

It’s the second straight year back after a two-year hiatus because of the covid-19 pandemic.

“Year after year, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of firefighters from all corners of Maryland, gathering at our convention center for this remarkable event,” Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Ryan Whittington said in a text message.

“During their stay, we are committed to ensuring their well-being by providing on-site medical coverage each day.”

Whittington said that OCVFD is “particularly excited” to participate in the parade and cooking competition.

“We couldn’t resist the chance to show off our firefighters’ culinary talents,” he said. “Believe me when I say, our firefighters can cook!”

“Through these engaging activities and shared experiences, we foster a sense of camaraderie and strengthen the bonds within the firefighting community. We are honored to be part of this cherished tradition, and we extend our warmest welcome to the Maryland State Fireman’s Association.

“Together, we will make this year’s event an unforgettable celebration of bravery, camaraderie, and delicious food!”

Registration for the convention begins at 7 a.m. on Sunday and the association will hold its executive committee meeting two hours later at 9 a.m., the same time that the flea market opens in the convention center’s performing arts center lobby.

Opening ceremonies and the first session will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday in the ballroom.

The annual parade, scheduled for Wednesday, will line up at 1 p.m. in the inlet parking lot. The parade route will be between 16th and 30th Street on Baltimore Avenue.

For more information, visit convention.msfa.org.

Lankford owner faces BZA after building without permit

(June 16, 2023) The Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously denied an after-the-fact variance request for construction outside the Lankford Hotel at its meeting on June 8, after the owners began building a deck that violated zoning codes and didn’t match the approved plans.

On Feb. 23, the hotel received BZA approval for 14 parking spaces, and on March 21, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan for renovation of the Lankford Hotel on

the Boardwalk.

Kay Gordy, the city’s zoning administrator, pointed out these circumstances in the staff report.

In the original approved site plan, the hotel changed the use of tenant spaces on the first floor to indoor restaurant dining and added outdoor dining and a tiki bar to the front of the hotel facing the Boardwalk.

The Lankford Hotel is located in a Boardwalk commercial zoning district (BC-2), which states that the main body of a building on Atlantic Avenue

See BZA Page 10

Gehrig argues details of new working policy

Continued from Page 6

nose under the tent, it comes in.”

He explained that the ordinance states room tax dollars cannot be used for salaries or any expenses related to labor, but because the word research was in the ordinance, he believes staff members identified a “loophole.”

“Clearly, we were talking about market research when we were drafting the ordinance, and you saw the word research and thought legal research,” he

said. “My issue is not, once every few years the city attorney looks at BVK’s contract. It’s the abuse of the loophole. That’s the bigger issue.”

McGean said, during an extended back-and-forth with Gehrig, that the new policy aims to define the language better so the alleged loophole essentially does not exist.

The new policy provides two options to determine how profits from events that receive advertising dollars are dis-

tributed. In one, the money will be split similar to the room tax money, but in a 60-40 breakdown. The other would allocate all of the money to advertising, and then pull out funds to pay for labor and equipment.

McGean said the first option is simpler, but said staff members would be fine with either one.

And while commission members seemed to lean toward the first option, Gehrig argued for the second.

His main point was that the city should be given the best deal possible when it comes to putting on events, which led into — at times argumentative — comments regarding issues such as special event fees, and labor and equipment costs.

Tourism commissioners ultimately agreed to forward the draft policy to the full council for review, at which time Gehrig said he plans to continue the discussions.

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BZA denies hotel’s variance request

Continued from Page 8

has to be 32 feet back from the Boardwalk, and then the porch line must be 20 feet back.

Before permits were issued during the review process, it was noticed that the decking being built did not resemble the approved site plan or follow code. Chief Building Official James Metzger posted a stop work order on May 4, and the variance request was subsequently filed.

Gordy said she was aware a building permit had been submitted as of March 30, but found out that construction had started before the permit had been processed and granted.

“I did not realize anything else was going on until I found out about the beginning of May that work was in progress,” Gordy said. “No permit had been issued, and it was totally different than what the planning commission had approved.”

The outdoor seating and bar area as built touches the Boardwalk directly instead of having 20 feet of space, and the deck is elevated where it meets the Boardwalk. Original plans showed a walkway and dining area that’s level with the boardwalk until it rises to the hotel porch via steps.

Gordy also said it appeared that the outdoor tiki bar had come forward with the deck, instead of remaining

within the minimum 32-foot distance between a standing structure and the Boardwalk.

BZA Chairman Christopher Rudolf noted at the beginning of the meeting that they were only considering the elevated surface, and not the tiki bar.

Gordy said the bar would have to be removed ... if the builders were allowed to continue.

Attorney Regan Smith filled in at the BZA meeting for the applicant’s counsel, Joseph Moore, to represent 8th Street Properties, the company in charge of the Lankford Hotel.

Smith said approval of the variance is a determination of the practical difficulty standard, which, when applied, relieves the applicant from code restrictions.

For the practical difficulty standard to permit a code variance, applicants must prove that complying with the restrictions would unreasonably hinder the owner from using the property for a permitted purpose and whether the grant of the variance would do substantial justice to the applicant as well as other property owners in the district.

Franko Fidanza, owner of the hotel as of last year, said that elevating the deck so that it was level with the hotel porch would’ve benefited customers by eliminating stairs between hotel and

outdoor seating. It was a tripping hazard, he said.

“We felt that that was the best way, not realizing that we’re in a situation where the setback of the elevated (section) was going to be an issue,” Fidanza said. “We didn’t think of it that way, nor did we intend to make it an issue.”

Board members questioned Fidanza about why he had proceeded with non-compliant plans without communicating it to zoning officials, to which Fidanza said his architect suggested that they didn’t think the change would have been an issue.

Smith said he and Fidanza, as owners and representatives, are ultimately responsible for the mistake.

Zachary Bankert, executive director of the Ocean city Development Corporation, said the OCDC objected to the variance request.

“Looking at any variance with a project that went so far away from what it was originally permitted for, to me, doesn’t seem like best practice and seems like we’re putting the cart before the horse with this,” Bankert said.

Board members said that, based on the practical difficulty standard, they did not find that conformity to code and plans was unnecessarily burdensome, or that there were any unique topographical conditions on the property to permit a variance.

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Planning comm. holds public hearing for parasail site plan

(June 16, 2023) The Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously at a Tuesday, June 6 public hearing to recommend to the City Council that it approve a conditional use application from Ocean City Parasail Adventures.

If passed by council, the conditional use would allow the business to operate and launch one parasail boat from the dock behind Dead Freddies on 64th Street, an area zoned as a localcommercial district (LC-1).

Water-related recreation must be approved in an LC-1 through conditional use, according to the staff report.

The decision was made after a pres-

entation from applicant and business owner Brad Donahue, of Parasail Sarasota LLC, and his lawyer Joseph Moore.

Donahue was raised in Berlin and started working at a young age on head boats such as the Ocean Princess, and then the Sea Rocket for about 11 years, he said. Since 2007, Donahue has worked in watersports, primarily parasailing. He works summers in OC and winters in Sarasota, Florida, Donahue said.

Donahue said there are about seven companies in town with a total of around 11 boats, which all operate primarily south of Route 90 bridge. Donahue agreed with Moore that it would likely be the only parasail company between Delaware and Route 90.

“If the wind is blowing south or north in the north of the bay, it’s a very good location, but on an east and west wind, with the buildings affecting the gusts and things, it’s much more convenient to have more room, so south of the 90 bridge is better,” Donahue said.

The trips would stay in the bay and not venture into the ocean, he said.

The parasail business would include three parking spots at Dead Freddies, and customers and parasailing staff would have access to Dead Freddies’ restrooms, Donahue said.

The business plans to operate from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., doing four two-hour trips of 12 people per day that depart at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

“We believe that the evidence is absolute that we do comport with the (Ocean City) comprehensive plan,” Moore said.

Dead Freddies’ dock sits in a branch of the bay along 64th Street, and the area directly around the dock can become too shallow for a boat at low tide, Donahue said.

However, Donahue plans to use the 64th Street public boat ramp next to the Ocean City Public Works facility to launch the boat or drop off and pick up customers.

This area, Donahue said, will always

See LAUNCH Page 14

PZC approves St. Louis Ave townhouse rentals

(June 16, 2023) The Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the site plan of three multi-family townhouse rental units in downtown Ocean City at its meeting on June 6.

The townhouses, which are planned for the west side of Bayview Lane and East side of St. Louis Avenue at 209 St. Louis Ave., were proposed by applicant Niko Dhima who already owns Dhima Suites, a 10-unit hotel at 8 St. Louis Ave.

Dhima had partially presented the site plan at the April 18 planning commission meeting, but it was decided that he would withdraw the application until he resolved a deed restriction that stated the townhouse property would need an extra parking spot to supplement the hotel, said Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy.

The commission had also discussed reconfiguring the garage parking in the townhouses, Gordy said.

Dhima added an extra parking spot to resolve the deed restriction and he expanded garage parking spaces to 10 by 20 feet for the June 6 meeting presentation.

The plan also provides for a drive aisle bordered by a two-and-a-half foot landscape strip, which Gordy said

was given the nod from OC Environmental Engineer Jenelle Gerthoffer.

“I believe this does satisfy everything as far as making this a code compliant project,” Gordy said.

Commission member Palmer Gillis wondered why the landscape strip had been counted as part of the drive aisle, because with the landscape strip included the width was minimum for a drive aisle.

“I don’t see how that meets code,” Gillis said.

Bill Neville, director of planning and community development, told Gillis that the plans had considered the landscape strip a tailgate overhang for backing up, and since the strip was planned to be paved with previous surfaces, planning staff had felt it met the language of regulations.

“We are double counting. You are correct in your review of this,” Neville told Gillis.

Gillis worried that allowing this case could set a precedent for other site plans to use exceptions in the code and that the plans didn’t show the strip consisting of pervious pavers as opposed to grass.

Neville suggested this could be considered an exception for downtown to prevent future projects from following precedent, and he said the strip shouldn’t, and won’t be, grass.

The commissioners added three conditions of approval: the hotel’s extra parking spot needed signs showing it is reserved, the landscape strip

must be paved as a pervious surface and cannot be grass, and the garage should be used for parking and not storage.

All

Launch location worries boaters

Continued from Page 12

have an adequate depth for his boat, which he would launch into the water and take home every day.

Commission member Joe Wilson opened the floor for members of the public to speak in favor of or against the conditional use.

The first public speaker, Susan Wenzlaff, owner of Advanced Marina with her husband Mark, claimed to walk her dog in the area often and worried there wouldn’t be enough water to launch a boat there regularly.

“This boat ramp, there’s barely any water here, and you hardly have any people going in and out of here,” Susan said.

Donahue told Wenzlaff he visited with the Coast Guard less than a month ago and the boat ramp on low tide was five feet deep, which was still enough for his boat. He added that the shallowest part was actually out in the bay.

“Brad is a great person and the best operator,” Wenzlaff said. “I was just giving you a little food for thought there.”

The second speaker, Mark Wenzlaff, shared similar worries about the tides and water-depths.

Wenzlaff said that he would volunteer to do soundings near the boat ramp to prove it’s too shallow, and that the parasail boat would worsen an already high-traffic boat ramp. He added that it wouldn’t work well to load customers on the boat at the public ramp.

“We don’t want to hurt these people’s business. It’d just be nice to help them find a spot that’s going to be deeper and more suitable and not interfere with the public boat ramp,” Wenzlaff said.

Donahue said that the ramp has been known to have four or five boats coming and going all at once, and that there is a kick-out dock at both sides where he can load passengers without interfering.

With their favorable recommendation, the commission decided to grant three years for the time-frame of the conditional use.

OC floats changes to building code

(June 16, 2023) Members of Ocean City’s development community made it known this week that they want a seat at the table when staff members begin efforts to improve and streamline the resort’s building permit construction and inspection process.

“There are 61 pages of possible changes to the building code,” Joe Mitrecic, a Worcester County Commissioner and the president of Mitrecic Builders, said during a City Council work session Tuesday.

“I think that in the future ... a lot of these changes could cause the permit process to be longer than it is now,” Mitrecic continued.

The comments were made in response to Chief Building Official James Metzger’s introduction of a new working plan submission guide for construction projects. Metzger said the plan was presented solely for informational purposes Tuesday to let council members and the public know of the potential changes.

“I think it’s going to be a great initiative for the intake process,” Metzger said.

The proposal includes an array of new requirements for building, inspections and more, which Metzger

said aims to make the overall process smoother.

“At first, change is always difficult,” he said. “But I think it’s going to streamline the process. Because we’re going to have all the information up front to issue the building permit. And then when we go out in the field we can easily do the inspections and not have to worry [about] getting all the information at a fast pace to be … approved and looked at.”

Even so, the proposed changes concern developers such as Mitrecic and Atlantic Planning President Jeff Thaler, who also spoke during Tuesday’s meeting.

Thaler, who has been involved in the development of countless projects around town, said he was most concerned about not having time to fully review the information before it was introduced.

“I found out about it yesterday a little before 5,” he said during the Tuesday afternoon meeting. “Some … haven’t had enough time to read through it. Some contractors who wanted to be here have jobs today.”

Like Mitrecic, he noted that the proposal includes a total of 61 changes, additions and applications.

“That’s 61 items to look over in a matter of 24 hours,” Thaler said.

Several City Council members also sympathized with the developers’ concerns. Councilman Tony DeLuca said some of the language seems like it would be more tedious than simplifying, and wanted to move to ensure developers have the chance to redline the copy with their input.

He did not need to make the motion, though, because Metzger said it was always the plan to bring in members of the development community for feedback.

“We want to open this up to all the contractors, developers architects, engineers, the community themselves ...” Metzger said. “To get their thoughts, get their concerns, say what we plan on doing, delete any documents we don’t need at that time.”

City Council sends employee housing draft to first reading

(June 16, 2023) The Ocean City Council voted to approve employee housing code amendments with changes to the tier system that defines what size of employee housing developments can be in certain districts during their work session Tuesday.

The code adjustments will now move on to the first reading before the council, another step in the discussion process before its passage.

The draft of the code that the council reviewed at work session was submitted to them with planning commission’s favorable recommendation, which commission members voted for unanimously at a May 16 meeting.

Most of council’s code changes were based on a list of suggestions from Councilman Peter Buas. With the exception of parking requirements, the changes almost revert the employee housing amendments back to an April 11 version of the draft from the planning commission, Buas said.

“The changes that are being recommended significantly change the ordinance, or the recommendations that are before us,” said Mayor Rick Meehan in response to Buas’ original list of changes.

Since 2022, the council and planning commission have planned revisions for the employee housing code to incentivize developers to build more housing and to expand living options for seasonal workers.

The covid-19 pandemic also took a toll on seasonal housing availability as landlords shifted from employee housing to more profitable vacation rentals.

One of the main focuses of the code amendment was to allow nonaccessory employee housing, which refers to housing near, but outside of, the employees’ place of work.

In the final vote of Tuesday’s work session, the council altered the resi-

dent capacity that defines each tier.

Now tier 1 housing is 16 or fewer people, tier 2 is 17-60 people and tier 3 is 61 or more.

As for which zones can contain which tiers, the members decided tier 1 projects can be placed in R2 medium residential districts, R-2A low-density multiple-family residential districts and R-3 general residential districts through the permit process alone.

Tier 2 housing will be conditional use in all residential districts, but council members said they plan to revisit this decision after about a year.

In the conditional use process, developers must present their plans to both the planning and commission and City Council to receive site plan approval.

Tier 3 housing will be prohibited in R-2 and R-2A districts.

In R-3, tier 2 and tier 3 will have to go through conditional use.

For all other districts, tier 1 and tier 2 will require only permits, while tier 3 will have to go through conditional use.

R-1 single-family residential districts and MH mobile home districts are off the table for employee housing.

The council also adjusted the timeline for deed restrictions and clarified the definition of “applicability” in the code so that it only applied to new employee housing developments that took advantage of density incentives.

Another amendment suggested by Buas changed employee housing parking regulations to reflect the code for multi-family homes, which would require one space per bedroom for the first two rooms and a half a space for every room thereafter.

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury added a clerical adjustment that changed the language of “persons,” in the code to “residents.”

Six council members voted in favor of the changes. Councilwoman Carol Proctor was absent from the

See CITY Page 18

OC exploring all options to address livestreaming issue

(June 16, 2023) A host of recent technical issues with livestreaming public meetings has Ocean City officials looking at other options, which include the possibility of getting a new provider.

In recent weeks, the webcasts for City Council and other board meetings began experiencing issues with audio and video feeds.

“It cropped up a couple weeks ago,” City Manager Terry McGean said earlier this week of the issues. “We have a backup system that does audio.”

He said the webcast provider, Granicus, with which the city contracts to provide the webcasting serv-

ice, was unable to fix the issue last week, forcing officials to buy equipment and create their own YouTube channel.

Several meetings have been broadcast on the channel so far, and McGean said there is a possibility that could be the permanent fix for the issue.

In any case, he said staff are revisiting the contract with Granicus to determine if a change can be made.

“We are looking at all of our other options,” he said.

In the meantime, city meetings can be accessed through the YouTube channel, which can be found through a link on the existing meeting portal at: oceancitymd.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx.

City Council changes PZC’s draft

Continued from Page 16

meeting.

Before voting, Buas and Meehan went back and forth on where in the tier system they should allow conditional use.

Meehan made the case that conditional use should be the standard for some housing smaller than just tier 3.

These developments will border residential areas, and the public should be able to voice their concerns at public hearings so the council and planning commission can impose certain conditions on employee housing projects, Meehan said.

Buas said that conditional use has no predictability so projects would be subject to the whim of whoever sits on planning commission or council.

“We want to be able to look at the code and know what we (developers) can build. We don’t want people deciding that they like or don’t like a specific project,” Buas said.

Buas said conditional use on smaller projects would disincentivize developers, which is the opposite of the code amendment’s purpose.

Council Member John Gehrig was also in favor of conditional use, saying that this code was new and may have unprecedented consequences. Conditional use would give city officials more control over projects.

Gehrig also worried that developers could abuse building incentives for employee housing, then illegally turn to vacation rentals instead. Enforcement and penalties must be severe, he said.

Early in the meeting, Bill Neville, Ocean City’s director of planning and business development, presented the planning commission’s May 16 draft to the council.

Neville told the council the planning staff would support the changes and that this was the time for council action.

“There are several projects that we know of that are waiting to be fed into our development pipeline waiting for the decision on this ordinance, so I think it will open some immediate opportunities for people to move forward on this non-accessory housing,” Neville said.

OCPD ask for public’s help to find stolen statue and thieves

(June 16, 2023) Members of the Ocean City Police Department are seeking public assistance in the investigation of the theft of a statue from a local church.

According to a news release, a statue of Mary that was sitting outside the Holy Savior Catholic Church on 17th Street and Philadelphia Avenue went missing sometime during the night on June 12.

The statue described as three feet tall and heavy (usually requires more than one person to move).

Anyone who has information about the theft, or who saw any suspicious activity in the area of Kingfish Avenue and 17th Street is asked to contact Ofc. R. Walker at Rwalker@oceancitymd.gov, or contact the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610.

Anonymous tips may also be left by calling 410-520-5136 or emailing oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/p olice/crime-tips. Responders are asked to reference CC# 2023-002068.

County offices to be closed on June 19

Worcester

(June 16, 2023) Worcester County Government offices, including all five branch libraries and recreation and parks, will be closed Monday, June 19, for Juneteenth, National Freedom Day.

The central landfill and homeowner convenience centers will also be closed.

Government offices will resume standard operating hours on June 20.

Sexual assault

OCPD charged Charles Baird Garvin, 55, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, with assault, a fourth-degree sexual offense, disorderly conduct and trespassing, according to a police report.

On June 8, around 5 a.m. police responded to a midtown hotel on a report of an assault.

Once arrival, police met Garvin standing outside. When officers entered the hotel they met the victim, who said she first saw Garvin inside the hotel making an employee uncomfortable.

The victim said she gave Garvin directions to a convenience store, but when she walked outside Garvin touched her bottom. She said Garvin then slapped her butt, and allegedly asked her to come back to his hotel room.

Garvin and the victim were strangers.

Garvin was evicted from the hotel and police walked him to his room to collect his belongings. Officers escorted him off the property and reportedly warned him he would be arrested for trespassing if he came back.

Garvin started standing in the parking lot of the hotel and police arrested him.

Officers reported that Garvin made sexual comments to female booking officers later on.

Contact with bodily fluid

Police charged Evan Michael Price, 32, of Ocean View, Delaware, with causing contact with bodily fluid, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to a police report.

Continued on Page 24

OCPD arrests Virginia teen for June 7 stabbing near 80th St.

(June 16, 2023) A Virginia teen faces five assault and weapons charges in conjunction with a stabbing that occurred just after midnight on June 7 on an uptown street.

According to a news release, Jackson Turner Hopkins Perry, 18, Haymarket, Virginia, turned himself in to Ocean City Police last Thursday afternoon, hours after police released photos of him alleging he was involved in a physical altercation on the sidewalk near 80th Street.

Officers were reportedly called to the area to attend to a male who was suffering from stab wounds to the forearm and hip area. The release

said the victim was taken to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional with nonlife-threatening injuries, and Perry, who was identified later, had left the area.

Detectives conducted numerous interviews with witnesses of the incident along with viewing surveillance footage in the area. Social media posts were issued with photos asking for the public’s assistance in identifying Perry.

Perry faces charges of first-degree and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, wearing/carrying a concealed dangerous weapon, and wearing/carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to cause injury.

The release said Perry was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and held without bond.

OCPD arrest woman for fire truck hit-and-run

(June 16, 2023) Ocean City Police arrested a Pennsylvania woman on an array of traffic-related charges, including DUI and negligent driving, after she was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run involving a city fire truck.

According to a news release, police officers responded just after 8:30 p.m., June 10, to the area of Eighth Street and Philadelphia Avenue for report of a black sedan that reportedly failed to stop after getting rear-ended by a fire truck.

The driver, Tashae Raezheen Lashan Simmons, 27, of Lancaster,

Pennsylvania, was arrested on charges of negligent driving, reckless driving, driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, driver changing lanes while unsafe, failure to control vehicle speed on the highway to avoid a collision, and multiple other traffic-related charges related to the incident.

There were no injuries reported at the time of the collision, and officers

provided a description of the driver, later identified as Simmons, to fellow law enforcement. Maryland State Police troopers quickly found Simmons’ vehicle in the 10-block of Surf Avenue.

During the investigation, the release said officers learned that the Ocean City Fire Truck was responding to a report of a gas leak in the area of 1101 Atlantic Ave. The fire truck had its emergency lights on, and witnesses reported that the sedan was traveling above the speed limit and pulled out in front of the fire truck, causing the collision. The sedan continued to

travel south on Philadelphia Avenue. The fire truck stopped immediately. Officers with the Ocean City Police Department responded to Surf Avenue. The driver of the sedan was identified as Tashae Simmons. Officers suspected Simmons was impaired by alcohol. Simmons was placed under arrest for the hit-andrun collision and driving under the influence.

The released said Simmons was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and held on a $5,000 bond.

Pork roulade with cranberry, apple and bacon stuffing

(June 16, 2023) Tempestuous winds pirouette to a magnificent performance as another front sweeps through the Eastern Shore.

But do not be fooled, the sun beams in delectable delight as summer is finally here.

Vacationers head to the beach and the tide of serenity is put on hold.

Large crowds disrupt my daily itinerary and plans to stay at home pervade my inner thoughts.

Images of mother and nanny preparing a pork roast and sauerkraut come to my mind. Salting a piece of meat is a simple task, but the recollections are priceless.

I have to admit the idea of pork sounds yummy but a modern twist is necessary to satisfy my artistic whim. A grilled pork roulade with an apple, bacon and cranberry stuffing sounds divine.

Stuffing a pork loin does not only add flavor but also makes a stunning presentation.

Following is a brief review on how to prep a pork loin for a roulade.

First and foremost, brine the pork in one quart of water and one-eighth cup of salt for 12 hours. This step will ensure a moist, succulent loin.

The next issue at hand is how to stuff the pork? The easiest option is to cut the cylinder of meat lengthwise so it opens up like a book, add the stuffing, and close it.

Another way to stuff the loin is to make a hole in the middle of the pork, creating a sort of tube and fill the area with the stuffing.

Spiral cuts are the most impressive and are the best option to showcase the meat along with the stuffing. It is imperative to have a sharp knife, and preferably one that is the actual length of the pork loin.

Place the loin, fat side down on the cutting board so it is perpendicular to you. If you are right-handed, place your left hand on top of the meat. Apply a little pressure as you cut the pork from the top to the bottom.

The thickness of the pork should be about one-half to two-thirds of an inch. Gently pull back the top flap and con-

See STUFFED Page 27

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, despite your best efforts, you cannot seem to get much work done this week. Your head is in the clouds with matters of the heart. Soon enough your focus will return.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

This week you may tire from charging into battle and prefer others to do the fighting for you, mighty Taurus. You can use a rest from always putting yourself out there.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Adopt a more serious tone this week, Gemini. Your actions may be judged without your knowledge, so lay low. Put the most professional foot forward.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

People may respond much better to comforting words and gestures this week, Cancer. Carefully construct your approach to communicating to reach the widest audience.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

You may soon discover that a person who you consider a friend really is your perfect match, Leo. When you look at this person, the realization may suddenly dawn on you.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, others around you are especially sensitive this week, so even the slightest criticism could be mistaken for an insult. Rather than ruffle feathers, hold your tongue.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

These next few days you could present an opportunity to break free from everyday life and the mundane, Libra. If you don’t know how to proceed, follow your gut.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

You don’t always need to be in pursuit of some sort of intellectual betterment, Scorpio. Get outside and take a walk or swim in a lake. Engage in trivial things that bring you joy.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, you are capable of producing impressive results if you set your mind on a plan. This is the week to dabble in a new hobby that will bring forth your creativity.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Some debates may not come to a swift resolution, Capricorn. You may need to accept that you simply disagree with someone on a particular topic and let things lie.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you may have been a little worried about your work or studies lately. This week things will lighten up and you’ll feel much more in control of your situation.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

This is likely to be a busy week filled with the potential for travel. Bring along a close friend or a loved one for the adventure.

Stuffed pork ‘stunning main course’

Continued from Page 26

tinue cutting. Continue this process until the pork is completely butterflied. Using a meat tenderizer or the flat side of a small pan, pound the loin to even out the thickness of the pork. A light coating of salt and pepper is applied at this time.

Spread the stuffing over the entire surface, leaving a one-and-a-half-inch border on all four sides. Using the back of a spoon, even out the stuffing.

Gently roll the roulade, and tie it with cooking twine. Trussing the meat keeps filling intact and helps the meat hold its shape.

In closing, cooking is about making choices that you feel comfortable with. The following recipe is based on the spiral cut, but can be easily adapted to the other styles.

If one does not have access to a grill, no worries. Sear the pork roulade in a cast iron skillet to get a crispy exterior and finish it in the oven until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees.

Remember, the element of surprise is key to successful entertaining. A grilled pork roulade with an apple, bacon and cranberry stuffing is a delicious, stunning main course that is sure to get the attention of your guests. Enjoy!

Grilled Pork Roulade with an Apple, Bacon, and Cranberry Stuffing

Brining Solution for Pork

1-quart cold water

1/8 cup table salt

1 boneless 3 ½ pounds pork loin

1. Combine pork, salt, and water in a 2-gallon plastic bag. Place filled bag in a large bowl to prevent leakage. Brine for 12 hours in the refrigerator.

Stuffing

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

3 large cloves garlic, minced

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped

1/2 cup cooked bacon, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

¼ cup raisins

½ cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley

¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, dried crushed rosemary

extra virgin olive oil

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. In a large pan, warm olive oil and

3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onions, and

sauté for 5 minutes. Add apples, bacon, raisins, cranberries, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper and mix well. Set aside.

2. Prep your charcoal grill. You want the charcoals to be white, the hotter the grill the better.

3. Rinse the pork loin thoroughly in cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Butterfly the pork according to the spiral instructions in the article.

4. Spoon the stuffing evenly onto the meat and leave a half-inch border on all sides. Roll the loin and tie it with cooking twine; tie it at intervals so it keeps its shape.

5. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

6. Grill the roulade until all sides have a nice char. Then place the meat seam side down on a baking sheet and cook until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.

7. Remove the pork from the oven and allow to rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before cutting. While the meat is resting, add a drizzle of extravirgin olive oil. This facilitates the cooling process, adds moisture, and a dazzling shine to the meat.

Serves 4 to 6

Secret Ingredient – Sentiment

“Sentiment is the poetry of the imagination.”

— Alphonse de Lamartine

Stephen Ministers join OP church

(June 16, 2023) The Christian care-giving ministry at Community Church at Ocean Pines in Berlin has grown.

Jeff Lloyd, Wayne Janis, Austin Buchaine, Teresa Kinhart, Emily Gelman, Louetta McClaflin and Gail Ter-

rier will be commissioned as Stephen Ministers on June 18.

The new caregivers join eight Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders already commissioned and serving at Community Church at Ocean Pine.

“The people at CCAOP are excited

to offer the care and love of our Stephen Ministers to our congregation and community,” Pastor Dale Brown said in a news release. Stephen Minister Mary Boyd also commented on her role in the church. See MINISTERS Page 28

Ministers to be commissioned Sun.

Continued from Page 27

“Stephen Ministry means I have an opportunity to fulfill Christ’s command to help my brothers and sisters in Christ; visiting the sick, comforting those who mourn, and loving others as we love ourselves,” Boyd said in the release.

Members of the church expect the Stephen Ministry to continue as a source of warmth, care, and blessing for many years to come, enabling the entire congregation to grow as a nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for and their needs taken seriously, all in the name of Jesus Christ, the release said.

Stephen Ministers offer care and support for people experiencing life difficulties such as the death of a loved one, job crisis, aging, separation or divorce or long-term illness, and offer support of a Christian friend. They have undergone 50 hours of intensive training covering topics such as effective listening, confidentiality, the stress of hospitalization, feelings, and using community resources.

Soon-to-be new Community Church at Ocean Pines Stephen Ministers will be commissioned on June 18. Pictured, in back, from left, are Jeff Lord,

and Austin Buchiane, and in front, Teresa Kinhart, Emily Gelman, Lou Etta McClaflin and Gail

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. Those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

The lay Christian caregivers will also continue to receive twicemonthly continuing education and supervision support sessions as they strive to offer the highest-quality Christian care giving.

Community Church at Ocean Pines is one of more than 11,000 congregations throughout the United States, Canada, and several foreign

countries representing more than 160 different denominations that have implemented a program of lay Christian care giving.

The Stephen Series was developed by Stephen Ministries in St. Louis. Community Church at Ocean Pines has been part of the Stephen Series since 2012.

For questions about Stephen Ministry at Community Church at Ocean Pines, or if you know someone in our community who needs care and support at this time, call Mary Stover at 410-726-1795.

Big Brothers Big Sisters in need of mentors for youth

(June 16, 2023) Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore invites members of the public to become a mentor to a local child.

Mentor matches will have the opportunity to participate in community activities and agency-hosted events that expose children to activities they might not otherwise experience. By spending time together over the summer and beyond, mentors will build closer friendships and create great memories going to the park, swimming at the beach, playing sports together, or participating in many other activities.

Existing school and site-based mentors, the fun of mentoring does not need to stop when school lets out. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore works with other site- and school-based mentoring programs to safely allow mentors and students to spend time together in the community over the summer.

When the new school year begins, in-school mentoring with mentees would resume.

For more information, call 410543-2447, email client services@shorebiglittle.org, or visit shorebiglittle.org.

NOW PLAYING

33 RPM

Coconuts Bar & Grille: Sun., June 18, 4-8 p.m.

THE ANGLER RESTAURANT

312 Talbot St., Ocean City, 410-289-7424 / www.angleroc.net

June 16: Sydney Smith, 5 p.m.

June 17: Lauren Glick, 5 p.m.

June 18: Bilenki Duo, 5 p.m.

June 21: Sean Loomis, 5 p.m.

June 22: Carley Twigg, 5 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com

Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue, 5-9 p.m.

CARRIBBEAN POOL BAR

In the Plim Plaza Hotel

109 N. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-289-6181 / www.plimplazaoc.com

June 16: The Quartermen, 1-5 p.m.;

Joint Operation, 7-11 p.m.

June 17: Lime Green, 1-5 p.m.;

The Runner Ups, 7-11 p.m.

June 18: No Byscuyts, 1-5 p.m.; Brian Bishop, 7-11 p.m.

June 19: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.;

Spencer Joyce, 7-11 p.m.

June 20: John Remy, 1-5 p.m.; Ray Holiday, 7-11 p.m.

June 21: Nick Hundley, 1-5 p.m.; Jason Lee, 7-11 p.m.

June 22: Naked Nation Duo, 1-5 p.m.

COCONUT’S BAR & GRILLE

3701 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, 21841 410-289-6846 / castleinthesand.com

June 16: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.;

The Mark Nelson Band, 5-9 p.m.

June 17: Doug Kaetz, noon to 4 p.m.;

Mercury Agency, 5-9 p.m.

June 18: Aaron Howell Duo, noon to 3 p.m.; 33 RPM, 4-8 p.m.

June 19: Nate Clendenen, noon to 3 p.m.;

Remy & Lyons, 4-8 p.m.

June 20: Rich Walton, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.;

Dave Hawkins & Joe Mama, 3:30-7:30 p.m.;

Movie Night, 8 p.m.

June 21: Keri Anthony, noon to 3 p.m.; Bilenki Duo, 4-8 p.m.

June 22: Kevin Poole Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Full Circle, 4-8 p.m.

COINS

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

June 16: Beach Bandits, 8 p.m.

June 17: Jim Long “Get Off the Beach Party” 3-6:30 p.m.; Tear the Roof Off, 8 p.m.

Every Tuesday: DJ Jeremy Karaoke Party, 8 p.m.

MACKY’S BAYSIDE BAR & GRILL

54th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-723-5565 / mackys.com

June 16: DJ Casper, 10 p.m.

BEACH BANDITS

Coins: Fri., June 16, 8 p.m.

JOHN MCNUTT BAND

Seacrets: Thurs., June 22, 5-9 p.m.

June 17: DJ VYBE, 10 p.m.

June 18: Trivia Night, 8 p.m. with 1st, 2nd, & 3rd

Prizes

June 20: DJ E-State, 10 p.m.

June 22: DJ Casper, 10 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

June 16: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 17: Transfusion, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

June 18: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

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

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

June 21: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

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

SEACRETS

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

June 16: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; 9 Mile Roots, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Late Last Night, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 17:Bobby-O on De Bay, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Tuff, noon to 2 a.m.; Late Last Night, 1-5 p.m.; 9 Mile Roots, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Dear Zoe, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Band of Make Believe, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 18: DJ Connair on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 4-8 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Storm, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Cherry Crush Band, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 19: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Blake Haley, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Storm, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; The Way Outs, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 20: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; The Burnsiders, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Billy Walton, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 21: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Ballyhoo!, 7-10 p.m.; The Burnsiders, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Connair, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

June 22: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; Jah Works, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Kristen & the Noise, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

PIZZA TUGOS

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922 / pizzatugos.com

June 16: Arrogant Orcas – 9 p.m. to midnight

June 17: Fox Duo, 8-11 p.m. Every Wednesday: Karaoke w/DJ Chuck, 9 p.m.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ ANGLER RESTAURANT

312 Talbot St., Ocean City 410-289-7424, www.angleroc.net

$$ | Reservations | Kid’s menu | Full bar

$6 cruise with $15 lunch or dinner food purchase. Serving lunch, dinner, and lite fare. Seafood is our specialty and great landlubber choices. Boat Bar Happy Hour is 3-6 p.m. Open daily. For lunch, dinner, and Lite fare. Dine in or carry out available.

■ ANTHONY’S CARRYOUT

1608 N Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, (corner of 17th and Coastal Hwy) 410-213-4803, anthonyscarryoutoc.com

$$ | Sandwich shop

American restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. Locally baked rolls with overstuffed and oversized subs, sandwiches, hand cut Idaho fries, fried chicken and much more. Thinly shaved slow roasted roast beef and hams daily. Breakfast sandwiches stuffed meats, eggs and cheese piled high. A must try!!! Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

■ CABANAS BEACH BAR & GRILLE

Located in the Plim Plaza Hotel, 109 N Atlantic Ave., 2nd Street & the boardwalk, Ocean City, 410-524-1776, www.cabanasoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open to the public. A full-service restaurant serves lunch and dinner inside and Signature smash burgers, fresh cut fries, handhelds, signature salads, and much more. Indoor and outdoor bar. Fresh squeezed crushes, frozen drinks, tropical libations. Dine in or carry out. Open 7 days a week. Saturday & Sunday, serving breakfast 8-11ish a.m.; Weekdays, Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6ish p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8ish p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9ish p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11ish p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6ish p.m.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-2897192, www.captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Visit Captain’s Table for seafood, steaks, lobster specials and martinis; Open for breakfast and dinner everyday; Breakfast, Monday and Friday, 7:3010:30am, Saturday and Sunday, 7:30-11:30am; Dinner, Monday through Thursday, 4-9pm, Friday through Sunday 4-10pm. Come hear Phil Perdue live on piano, Friday and Saturday nights from 59pm.

■ CARUSO’S PIZZA & SUBS

Downtown & Boardwalk across from Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Ocean City, 410-289-1990, oceancitymdpizza.com

$$ | Kids’ menu

Pizza, subs, calzones, stromboli’s. Fresh lemonade, orange crushes and beer. Open 7 days a week. Dine in or carry out available.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 25:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine with a Caribbean flare from a selection of house specialty entrees such as burgers, seafood, and pastas! Breakfast, Daily, 7am to 11:30am; Lunch and Dinner, Sunday through Thursday, 11:30am to 9pm, Friday through Saturday, 11:30am to 10pm; The elegant, yet cozy dining venue is perfect for a date, fancy family dinner, or celebratory meal.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

Caroline St, Wicomico St. & South Division St.

on the boardwalk, Ocean City www.dumsersdairyland.com

Ice Cream is made daily. Stop by any Dumser’s location for homemade ice cream, milk shakes, sundaes, floats and much more. Open 7 days a week.

■ FISHTALES BAR & GRILL

21st Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-2890990

$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Fishtales located in a premier outdoor beach location on the bay with the best sunsets. Come for the best local fare in town. We offer lunch and dinner with great happy hour food and drink specials. Kids play area too. So, sit back and enjoy. Open 7 days a week.

■ HAMMERHEADS RAW BAR & GRILL

913 Atlantic Ave. on the boardwalk, Ocean City, 410-289-0006, www.hammerheadsocmd.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy the best food, drinks, and view that Ocean City has to offer on our ocean front deck. Grab a table up against the boardwalk for some great people to watch while enjoying some of the local’s favorite food, such as the seafood steam pots and 1/2 lb burgers, or our creative cocktails like the shark tank and rum punch bucket. Take a break from the beach with a cool frozen drink or one of our refreshing fresh squeezed fruit crushes. Open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Open 7 days a week. Dine in or carry out is available.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaraunt.com

$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Join us for our award-winning Raw Bar where you will find the most fresh, off-the-boat seafood!

Featuring the best views of the Inlet and Assateague Island, dine in for our unlimited sides and certified Angus Beef steaks; Now Open, Monday and Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS

11805 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 443-664-7275, www.ochoriosjerkandtings.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Authentic Jamaican Food in Ocean City. From the authentic jerk chicken to the mouth-watering oxtail, your taste buds are sure to thank you. Serving lunch and dinner. Two born and raised in Jamaica island boys decided they would bring the true Jamaican food experience – spices and all, that millions enjoy every year when they visit the island of Jamaica. Starter with Yaries jerk wings, soups, salads, chicken, seafood, beef, oxtails to curry goat and coco breads. Finish off a delicious meal with Jamaican rum cake and fried sweet plantains. Also, available are vegan options. The combination of a great beach town and authentic Jamaican food will definitely give you that true island feeling. Open Wednesday – Thursday, 12 AM – 8 PM, Friday – Saturday, 12 AM – 9 PM, Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PM. Carry Out – Dine In – Delivery.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIZZA MAMBO

710 Philadelphia Ave., between 7th and 8th Streets, Ocean City 410-289-1200; 7205 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-524-0090, ocpizzamambo.com

$$ | Kids’ menu

Serving pizzas with homemade crust, sauces, and 100 percent cheese. Specialty pizzas, wings, appetizers, and salads. Also, calzone, subs, and sandwiches. Fast free delivery with 2 locations. Open year round. Order online at ocpizzamambo.com

■ TOAST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

221 Wicomico St, Downtown Ocean City, Inside Emerson Towers on the Bay 410-237-7070, www.toastocmd.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Serving NY specialty pizzas, home of the Super Slice Challenge, brunch breakfast, soups, salads,

sandwiches & subs, Italian & Seafood. Relocated to Ocean City’s downtown bayfront. Check out Facebook for daily specials, days & hours open. Dine in and carry out available.

■ THE WEDGE 806 South Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

South end of the Boardwalk overlooking the Inlet. Waterfront bar and grill, open every day, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the summer. Opening menu –small plates, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and signature cocktails. Full menu coming soon!

MIDTOWN

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

32 Palm’s inviting decor fuses the perfect atmosphere with Eastern shore favorites for an exceptional dining experience! Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring a unique selection of bourbons. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year! Also, don’t miss out our extensive wine list and whiskey menu.

■ THE BONFIRE

7009 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 410-524-7171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

The ultimate all-you-care-to-eat seafood and prime rib buffet. 150 feet of delicious food with prime rib carving to order station, chicken, ham, steamed and fried shrimp, briskets, salad and soup bars, homemade desserts, and so much more. Crab legs are available by the pound. Check out the early bird specials. A special section of foods for children when the kids are happy so are the parents. Plenty of seating for large parties. Call for reservations. Voted the best buffet in Ocean City for 6 years. Open 7 days a week, Monday through Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m.; and Sunday, 4 p.m.

■ MARLIN MOON

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

Eat where the locals eat! Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon delivers the culinary combinations you’re craving and uses only locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables. Open all year round daily featuring a great selection of entrees, small plates, appetizers, and creatively crafted cocktails. Breakfast, 7:3011am; Lite Fare, 11am to 10pm; Dinner, 4-10pm.

■ MACKY’S BAYSIDE

54th Street & The Bay, Ocean City 410-7235565, info@macky.com

$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill, where life is good!

Macky’s is open daily during the season and features chef inspired specials, an awesome happy hour, and the best bayside sunset on the eastern shore. Visit mackys.com to check out our music schedule and upcoming events. Come hang out where life is good, Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill open all summer long!" Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. at the Bar and Cocktail Deck. Open 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

■ PGN 29th Street, Ocean City, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-8380, 410-289-4083, www,pgncrabhouse.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & Wine

Know for their famous steamed crabs. Dining in or carry out is available. Casual seasonal seafood stop for the all-you-can-eat specials. Steamed crabs, chicken and corn on the cob. You can find clams, ribs, crab cakes, seafood platters and more. You can call for daily specials. Open 7 days a week. 11 a.m.

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through midnight with island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

days. Seafood, chicken, homemade soups, super crab cakes, steamed shrimp, fresh clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters, and snow Crab Claws.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

Enjoy one of four restaurants in the Carousel. Serving breakfast; The Bistro, Saturday through Sunday, 7-11 a.m. proudly serving Starbuck’s brand. Reef 118 Restaurant, Saturday through Sunday, 7-11 a.m. buffet or A la carte. Serving Dinner; Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Bistro, Friday, 3-10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reef 118 Restaurant, Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails in the Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

■ SQUARZ. PIZZA & RESTAURANT

In Montego Bay Shopping Center, 12825 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 443-664-8149, www.squarzpizza.com,

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

New Ownership. Open 7 days a week at 4 PM. Serving soups, salads, build your own pizza, small plates, sandwiches, dinner entrees and desserts. Full bar and HH 7 days a week, 4 to 6 PM. Dine in special menu that changes weekly in addition to the regular menu. Wide variety of gluten free options. No fryers on premises, Dine in, carry out and delivery available. Check out the menu and order online. 10% of entire check excluding alcohol.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

Located on the 8th Floor of the Fenwick Inn, 13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City VISTAROOFTOPOC.COM / @VISTAROOFTOPOC

$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Check out this beautiful restaurant overlooking the ocean, bayside view and looking down Coastal Highway. Now open. Serving lunch and dinner with a Happy Hour menu. Soups, salads, house specials, starters, fork & knife specials to fabulous deserts. The drink menu is a must including specialty cocktails, martini list to crushes. Check out the menu online for more information.

■ WHISKER’S PUB

11805 Coastal Hwy., Located in the Ocean City Square Shopping Center 410-524-2609, whiskerspub.com

$$/$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Under new management. Serving lunch and dinner with new menu items. Finger foods, savory sandwiches, soups, salads, and delicious entrees. One of the highlights is the famous burgers. High quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. Also, serving fresh seafood, steaks, and chef’s special dishes. Open 7 days a week at 3 p.m. Happy Hour, daily, 4-7 p.m. Dine in, carry out and curbside pickup. Come for the food and stay for the fun.

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining

$$ | Full bar

Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday. Carry out also available.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open daily at 11 a.m.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro

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

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

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

■ PIZZA TUGOS

■ BAHAMA’S CRAB SHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET

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

Premium seafood, fat crabs by weight, sandwiches and dinners. Open daily at 10 am, closed Wednes-

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922, pizzatugos.com

$$ | Full bar | Celebrating 40 years in Ocean City. Offering pizza, wings, burgers, subs, salads, pasta and more! Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 2 a.m.

Worcester County students win state DAR essay contest

(June 16, 2023) Three Worcester County students were recently recognized for first-place wins in an essay contest hosted by the Maryland State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

According to a news release, members of the DAR hosted the organization’s 118th State Conference on May 20 at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City. During an awards luncheon, State Regent Mernie Crane presented students sponsored by the General Levin

Winder Chapter from Pocomoke Middle and Worcester Preparatory schools with first-place American history essay awards.

Gabrielle Purdy from Pocomoke Middle was the fifth grade winner, and Collin Hastings and Sophia Poffenberger, both from Worcester Prep, won for sixth and eight grades.

Each student read an excerpt from their essay about a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and received a medal, certificate and cash award.

Worcester Prep third grade bread sale supports AGH

(June 16, 2023) Worcester Preparatory School teachers Annie Seipp and Hannah Showell and their students, hosted this year’s third grade bread sale as part of a handson learning lesson combining English, science, social studies (civics and community), mathematics and philanthropy.

According to a news release, the project is modeled like a small business, with the young entrepreneurs baking bread, selling it to Lower School classmates in The Surfing

Café, and donating the proceeds to charity. The project involved researching ingredients, creating posters, giving oral reports, and rotating jobs — from baker to cashier — to learn all the facets of running a business.

The class partnered with Bad Monkey West in Ocean City where they learned how to make and bake the bread. At the end of the bread sale, students counted the money and donated the proceeds to Atlantic General Hospital.

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

Sat., June 17

ANNUAL OC SURF FEST

37th Street & Beach, Ocean City, 8:30

a.m.-4 p.m. Five-person teams competing for fun in the “Anything Goes Team Challenge” Surf Contest. Also demonstrations and games on the beach. Benefiting Ocean City Surf Club. Register: www.oceancitysurfclub.org.

TEACH A KID TO FISH DAY

S. Gate Pond, 11144 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines, 9-11 a.m. All ages invited. Learn fishing skills and techniques from members of the Ocean Pines Anglers Club and DNR. Bring insect repellent, water and rod. Bait provided. John McFalls, 610-505-1697

WALK WITH A DOC

South Gate Pond, Ocean Pines, 9 a.m. Educate. Exercise. Empower. Monthly Walk with a Doc. Alyce Marzola, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org

TINKER TIME: LOVE BUGS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime. Use the library’s supplies and your imagination to create. This month, create a love bug for someone special. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STEM SATURDAYS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Join in any time during the day to use your creativity and build using one of the STEM building kits. For all ages. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ANNUAL YOUTH FISHING DERBY

Assateague State Park, 6915 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Register at the Nature Nook. Participants must be ages 15 years or younger. Learn fishing techniques and surf fish. Fishing equipment is provided but limited. Prizes awarded. Info: 443-3970078.

CHICKEN SALAD CARRYOUT

Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 10709 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, 122 p.m. Cost is $8 per pint. Call 619-9229950 for a guaranteed preorder.

ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. A ranger-led adventure featuring crafts,

puppets, stories and cool props from Assateague Island National Seashore. All children and their families are invited. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HISTORIC SUMMER FUN KICKOFF

Germantown School Community Heritage Center, 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Featuring arts and crafts, face painting, a moon bounce, animal encounters, train rides, museum tours and more. Free and open to the public. 410-641-0638, 443-235-9803

CRAFTY SATURDAY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: RAINBOW PRIDE CRAFTS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Spend a Saturday making crafts to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Crafts for all ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., June 18

SUNDAES IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Music by The Vi-Kings “60s/early 70’s Soundtrack of your life,” activities for children and fireworks. Ice cream and beverages for sale. Free event. Bring your picnic basket and beach chairs.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., June

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00

CALENDAR

p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.

OVEREASTER’S ANONYMOUS

Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

Tues., June 20

NO BULLYING, STOP BULLYING … AND LET’S BE FRIENDS!

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. This high energy dance show works to prevent bullying. A mix of music, slapstick comedy and animated story-telling. For ages 6 years and older. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BLOCK PARTY

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

NO BULLYING, STOP BULLYING … AND LET’S BE FRIENDS!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. This high energy dance show works to prevent bullying. A mix of music, slapstick comedy and animated story-telling. For ages 6 years and older. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 5:306:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Free event. Registration required: 410-524-1818. www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-

289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., June 21

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

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

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

NO BULLYING, STOP BULLYING … AND LET’S BE FRIENDS!

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. This high energy dance show works to prevent bullying. A mix of music, slapstick comedy and animated storytelling. For ages 6 years and older. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-5487880

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

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

MIKE NIXON: AUTHOR BOOK TALK & SIGNING

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 5 p.m. Featuring “Life Travel And The People in Between.” The author will discuss his travels and writing journey. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OPA CANDIDATE FORUM

Clubhouse Meeting Room, 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines, 6 p.m. All four candidates for the OPA Board of Directors election are expected to take part in the forum. Questions from homeowners for the forum and the remote viewing link: elections@oceanpines.org.

SUMMER SOLSTICE

Held via Zoom, 7 p.m. Learn about the longest day of the year and how the world celebrates the sun. A guided medi-

tation to welcome the summer season. Have a candle nearby. 443-783-6164

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community

Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Thurs., June 22

SUMMER NIGHT JAM

Newtown Park, Groton Road, Pocomoke City, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Outdoor Adventure Night. Fish, kayak, play and explore the great outdoors. Free, family-friendly festival. Tyler Keiser, 410-632-2144, Ext. 2505, tkeiser@marylandscoast.org. No registration required.

STORY TIME AT THE PARK

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 10:30 a.m. Story time will be at the picnic pavilion by the playground. Bring a blanket or sit at the tables. For ages 25 years. Rain location is the Ocean City branch. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

NO BULLYING, STOP BULLYING … AND LET’S BE FRIENDS!

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. This high energy dance show works to prevent bullying. A mix of music, slapstick comedy and animated storytelling. For ages 6 years and older. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Quiet place to meet new friends and play some chess. Bring your boards. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

RWWC JUNE (RED, WHITE AND BLUE) GENERAL MEETING AND LUNCHEON Lighthouse Sound Restaurant, 12723 Saint Martins Neck Road, Bishopville, 11 a.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Vanessa LaFranco, 1st Vice President of the NFRW. Cost for the luncheon is $35. Reservations: gopwomenofworcester.org. gopwomenofwc@gmail.com

NO BULLYING, STOP BULLYING … AND LET’S BE FRIENDS!

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. This high energy dance show works to prevent bullying. A mix of music, slapstick comedy and animated story-telling. For ages 6 years and older. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

T(W)EEN PRIDE CRAFTERNOON

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3 p.m. T(w)eens and families can join in for an extra special rainbow afternoon. Hang out, do crafts and play the Nintendo

Switch. For ages 12-15 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Registration required: 410-6410650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS

Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4 p.m. Info: 302-436-9577.

ONGOING EVENTS

BOOKOPOLY

Held all summer, all day at every Worcester County library branch. Let the game choose your next read. Play a round or a few to try a different genre than you normally read. Book selections for adults and teens. www.worcesterlibrary.org

CREATIVE KIDS CORNER

Held all day, every day in June at the Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway. Come grab an art fit to create at the library or take it with you. Most supplies are included. For all ages. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

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

‘SAVE OUR STORIES’

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is asking community members to send in their accounts as to how COVID19 has impacted them. The submissions can be a specific experience, direct answers to the prompt questions, or a combination. No story is too long or too short. To submit, visit www.ocmuseum.org. Info: Christine@ocmuseum.org.

Crossword answers from page 26

Hiring Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Housekeeper, Liquor Store Attendant, Boat Mates

Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

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

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $20/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

Seeking (2) full time FIELD AGENTS for full service landscaping & property maintenance company in Frankford & Delaware beach resort areas. Salary position, benefits include partial health, Simple IRA, holidays & vacation.

(2) OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Customer Service, MS Word & Excel, knowledge of Basic Office Procedures; Strong Math Skills are a plus. WE OFFER: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, competitive pay, great benefits, paid holidays and vacation.

Email resume to Gherker@comcast.net or call 610-459-5857

Worcester County Health Department

ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE - Full Time, State Benefits. This position provides administrative support for the Director of Nursing/Community Health & Emergency Preparedness in the Worcester County Health Department. Duties include but are not limited to coordinating & tracking workflow and projects, using independent judgment & analysis in preparation of technical and confidential reports, conferring with program directors for program plans & reports, acting as a liaison with other agencies, scheduling appointments for leadership, maintaining schedules, drafting correspondence and taking & typing meeting minutes.

Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by June 22, 2023.

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

Lawn Care and Light Maintenance

Full time, year round for condo in Ocean City. Good pay w/health insurance. Call 443-523-5739

Sales Associates

Carquest Auto Parts & Marine

Now has openings for Full and Part Time Associates.

Exc. Pay and Benefits including Retirement Plan, Friends & Family Discounts and much More!! Experience a plus but will train the right person! Located in Ocean Pines, MD Call: 302-344-9769

Building Attendant. PT/FT summer season. Monitor pool and parking lot. Report to property manager. Good Pay. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com or call 410-250-1111.

LIGHT MAINTENANCE

Full Time Year Round. Family atmosphere. Seatime Condominiums. Apply in person. Call 410-250-2262.

Nail Technician OC Hair and Nail Studio. Full or part time position available. Located in the Gold Coast Mall. Please call 410-524-7606 for private interview.

Cleaners - Vacation rentals needed for OC and the Pines. Experience preferred but not required. OC Purifiers. Call or text 443-397-1189 or email karen@ocpurifiers.com.

Thunderbird Beach Motel

NOW HIRING

4-Midnight FRONT DESK CLERK

Apply in person

Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm. 32nd Street & Baltimore Ave., Thunderbird Beach Motel

Atlantic Dental is hiring a Full-Time Dental Assistant

Work hours are Monday –Friday from 7:30 am-4:00 pm. We are a busy yet fun, family-oriented private dental practice. We are seeking a hard worker who is detail oriented and offers initiative & dependability. Experience not necessary but preferred. Maryland Radiology License strongly preferred.

Email resume to: admin@atlanticdental.com

THE LOWER SHORE CLINIC IS GROWING!

We are building a new team and expanding our services thanks to a $4 million funding stream. We are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center that offers integrated behavioral health services, outpatient therapy, substance abuse, and primary care services. We offer a rich benefit package, competitive salaries, and tuition assistance. We hope you join our team!

Check out our website lowershoreclinic.org.

Pool -

General Maintenance

Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus/not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer. includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others. 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne

Barn 34 Hiring Food Runners, Bussers & Cooks. Apply in person, any day. 3400 Coastal Hwy.

RENTALS

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

Yearly & Seasonal Rentals

We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700

www.holidayoc.com

ROOMMATES

Furnished Room in South Gate, Ocean Pines. Full house privileges. All utilities included. No smoking, no pets.

$800/month, $200 security deposit. 443-880-2317

600 & 800 sq. ft.

Commercial Warehouses for Lease. West Ocean City & Bishopville. Yearly lease. Call 646-812-1212.

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

Industrial Warehouse Spaces: 2100 sq. ft., 1867 sq. ft. and 1500 sq. ft. Masonry construction, 18 ft. high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom. Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

Self-Storage Units on Route 50 on Grays Corner Rd. 100 sq. ft., 200 sq. ft. & 250 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft. $125/mo. 200 sq. ft. $185/mo. & 250 sq. ft. $200/mo. Call Bill 301-537-5391

Warehouse/Contractor Shops/Storage/ Flex Building for Lease/ Option to Purchase 1000-10,000 sq. ft. In town Ocean City on 142nd St. 410-723-4400 or 410-430-8332

DONATIONS

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

PETS

Beautiful Irishdoodles, family raised with lots of love and interaction. Parents are young, healthy, smart and loving. Parents are AKC registered. Mother is an Irish Setter and Father is Silver Standard Poodle. Ready to go to their new home June 9th. Dewormed and vaccinated. $1000/each. Email: jasjas123@gmail.com. Text: 843-455-3517.

FOR SALE

Toro Lawn Mower 2 yrs. old. Call 410-250-2548

BUDGET MOVERS

443-664-5797

LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING

Full Packing Service

Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

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

MARYLAND STATEWIDE

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK FOR SALE

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SERVICES

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

CALL 410-723-6397

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

MISC. FOR SALE

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

MISC. SERVICES FREE high-speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-888-592-5957

Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-888-928-1656 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/mddc

SERVICES

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC#6258

VEHICLES WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/

RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org

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

101 S BAY ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated March 27, 2015, recorded in Liber 6537, Folio 204 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $122,448.00, 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

JUNE 27, 2023 AT 4:09 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located 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 $12,000 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, or any modifications thereto, 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 to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. 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 purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. 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. 361504-1)

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

56 COASTAL DR. BERLIN, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated February 28, 2007, recorded in Liber 4907, Folio 71 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $66,400.00, 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

JUNE 27, 2023 AT 4:05 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located 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. The property will be sold subject to a prior mortgage, the amount to be announced at the time of sale, if made available to the Substitute Trustees.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $5,000 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, or any modifications thereto, 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 to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. 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 purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. 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 in-

surable 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. 357188-1) Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

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ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A. 128 East Main Street Salisbury, Maryland 2l801

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF

CONDOMINIUM UNIT

Unit No. 1, Straney Condominium, 15 43rd Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Pursuant to Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, entered in Case No. C-23-CV22-000199, the undersigned Trustee will offer the following described property for sale to the highest bidder at public auction to be held at the premises, 15 43rd Street, Ocean City, Maryland, on

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023, at the HOUR OF 12:00 NOON.

The real property located in Worcester County, Maryland and described as follows: CONDOMINIUM UNIT NO. 1 in STRANEY CONDOMINIUM [hereinafter “the Condominium”] as shown on the Condominium Plats of the Condominium, recorded among the Plats of Worcester County, Maryland in Plat Book F.W.H. No. 64, Page No. 54, et seq., as amended to date; together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements and in the common expenses and common profits of the Condominium as more particularly referred to and specified with respect to the Unit in the Master Deed or Declaration and as shown on the Condominium Plats as herein described.

BEING one of the Condominium Units mentioned in the Condominium Declaration or Master Deed (including the By-Laws) of The Condominium dated November 29, 1980, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber F.W.H. No. 737, Folio 181, et seq., as amended to date and as shown on the Condominium Plats aforesaid.

The improvements thereon being known as Condo Unit No. 1, 15 43rd Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. [Tax Account Number 10-066204].

TERMS OF SALE: The property will be sold to the highest bidder at public auction. The purchaser will be required to tender on account of the bid price at the time and place of sale certified funds or cashier’s check payable or endorsed to the undersigned, in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00). The deferred portion of the bid price shall

be evidenced by the Promissory Note of the Buyer, bearing no interest provided settlement is made and the full price tendered on or before fifteen days after the date of ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland; otherwise, the deferred portion of the bid price shall bear interest from the date of sale at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum. Neither the Trustee nor the auctioneer make any representation or warranty concerning the property, the same being sold “as is”; and, if for any reason the Trustee is unable to deliver good and marketable title to the real estate, subject only to easements, rights of way, and use restrictions of record, the sole and exclusive remedy of the Buyer shall be a refund of the deposit money. Neither the Trustee, auctioneer or note holder are aware of any violation of any federal, state or municipal environmental law or regulation; however, in the event any such violations exist, they are not responsible for same. All settlement costs, including, but not limited to, document preparation, recordation and transfer taxes, recording costs, and title examination, if any, shall be the obligation of the Buyer. State, County, and municipal property taxes and assessments, and condominium assessments, shall be adjusted as of the date of sale. Buyer shall be entitled to possession upon final settlement and payment of the purchase price in full, which shall occur not later than fifteen days after final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact the undersigned Trustee or Auctioneer.

John B. Robins, IV Trustee 410-749-3791

Pete Richardson Auction Sales, Inc. 410-546-2425

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of LAURA LYNN WHITTINGTON Estate No. 19743 Notice is given that ELIZABETH MELISSA WHITTINGTON whose address is 2800 WHITE AVE., BALTIMORE, MD 21214 was on MAY 25, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LAURA LYNN WHITTINGTON who died on MAY 17, 2023 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to

the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/1/3t

JOHN J FERGUSON FERGUSON & WILPON 3406 OLANDWOOD COURT ONLEY, MD 20832

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of LENA EDITH TURNER SPRAGGENS Estate No. 19751 Notice is given that SHARON LEE TURNER JONES whose address is 15 SILVER MOON DRIVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904 was on JUNE 01, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LENA EDITH TURNER SPRAGGENS who died on APRIL 27, 2018 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 1st day of DECEMBER, 2023

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19687 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DOLORES P. PRITCHETT AKA: DOLORES PINK PRITCHETT

Notice is given that Amanda Brooke Hailey, 10025 Mason Road, Berlin, MD 21811, was on May 30, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dolores P. Pritchett who died on January 7, 2023, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Terri

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:

June 8, 2023

tained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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

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

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

June 08, 2023

OCD-6/8/3t _________________________________

M. DAVID STALLINGS, ESQ. NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP

11032 NICHOLAS LANE, SUITE A201 BERLIN, MD 21811

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19752

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY HENSHALL

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE

TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19740

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RONALD W. ARMSTRONG

Notice is given that Lisa Joan Armstrong, 2425 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103; and Lori B. Armstrong, 4821 Babylon Road, Taneytown, MD 21787, was on May 30, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald W. Armstrong who died on May 11, 2023, with a will.

Further information can be ob-

Notice is given that Deborah J. McKenna-Burns A/K/A Deborah Jackson, 11926 Man O War Lane, Berlin, MD 21811, was on June 01, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Henshall who died on September 23, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of December, 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with

the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

Deborah J. McKenna-Burns

A/K/A Deborah Jackson 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:

June 08, 2023

OCD-6/8/3t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Dallas Chester Harrington, 6951 Hall Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: South Bend, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Wine Rack 85

8501 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: 85th Street Carry Out, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on:

June 21, 2023

@ 1:15 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-6/8/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: Evan Grier Elliott, 203 2nd Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Tracy Lynn Stitely, 36292 Regnault Street, Willards, Maryland 21874; Gary Mitchell Gibbs, 2130 P. Street, North West #812, Washington, DC 20037.

For: Dented Can, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Dough Roller

6909 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: AWH 41, LLC

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 21, 2023

@ 1:25 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-6/8/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE

LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Upgrade in Type from Beer to a Class: "D" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Bryan Brushmiller, 103 South Main Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Burley Oak Brewery

10016 Old Ocean City Boulevard Berlin, Maryland 21811

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on:

June 21, 2023

@ 1:35 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-6/8/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer for a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Jill Richardson Paquette, 8705 Caribbean Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; R. Furman Richardson, Jr., 9559 Ocean View Lane, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Montego Bay Super Thrift, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Montego Bay Super Thrift

12903 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: R. Furman Richardson, Jr. (Individually)

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 21, 2023

@ 1:50 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-6/8/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Request for background music inside from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Request for background music outside from 8 a.m to 11 p.m. Request for amplified live entertainment inside with up to three pieces from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. four days per week, Request amplified live entertainment outside with up to three

pieces from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. four days per week, Request piano or keyboard inside seven days a week, Request karaoke inside during business hours and Request for offsale of beer and wine in factory sealed containers. Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Michael Berardinelli, 30225 Green Valley Run, Milton, Delaware 19968; Robert J. Masone, MD, 29471 Eagles Crest Road, Milton Delaware 19968; Brian Shofi, 12508 West Torquay Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Bay Bar, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Toast Café

221 Wicomico Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on:

June 21, 2023

@ 2:25 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-6/8/2t

AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P.A.

VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19742

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Probate Court of Summit County, Ohio appointed Susannah Lich, 654 Schocalog Road, Akron, OH 44320 as the Executor of the Estate of Margaret S. Van Auken AKA: Margaret Susannah Van Auken who died on August 30, 2019 domiciled in Ohio, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Victoria L. O’Neill Esq. whose address is 6200 Coastal Hwy., Suite 200, Ocean City, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT OF INVITATION TO BID

RFP # 2023-07

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UPGRADES

PHASE 2: PINE ST., FRANKLIN AVE., AND NELSON ST. TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND

Sealed proposals will be received by the Mayor and Council of Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland, at Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811 until 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, for the STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UPGRADES – PHASE 2: PINE ST., FRANKLIN AVE., AND NELSON ST. located within Pine Street, Franklin Avenue, and Nelson Street, at which time the proposals will be opened publicly and read aloud.

Potential bidders are encouraged to attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting which will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, Maryland.

Bid documents are available from DiCarlo Precision Instruments, Inc., 2006 Northwood Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21801 (410-749-0112). All inquiries shall be directed to Darl Kolar, P.E., Project Manager, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC at 410-641-5341.

OCD-6/8/2t

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 Zoning 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, June 22, 2023 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(1)

requesting a special use exception to allow a leased bicycle rental within the interior of the hotel in the R-3 Zoning district. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 4-9, Block 79N of the North Ocean City Plat, further described as located on the east side of Baltimore Avenue and the north side of 26th Street, and locally known as the Flagship Hotel, 2600 Baltimore Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BIKE WORLD LLC

C/O JOHN BARRETT (BZA 2657 FILE #23-09400010)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

OCD-6/8/2t

NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF BILL 23-04 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 23-04 was passed by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Fiori, Mitrecic and Purnell on June 6, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

A legislative bill amending Section 3-203 of the Public Safety Article of the Worcester County Code to allow paid parking on county public property.

This bill becomes effective fortyfive (45) days from the date of its passage.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-6/15/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19762

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD PAUL MATTHEWS

Notice is given that Jeffrey Paul Matthews, 5247 Fleming Mill Road, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, was on June 07, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Richard Paul Matthews who died on May 17, 2023, with a will.

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

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

with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

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

Personal Representative

True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

June 15, 2023 OCD-6/15/1t

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

Public Landing Beach Engineering Services

Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified Vendors to contract for engineering services to design and prepare construction documents, specifications and bid packages for approximately 390 feet of shoreline for an erosion prevention project at Public Landing Beach in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal 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 Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 1:30pm onsite at Public Landing Beach. The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, July 3, 2023.

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 2:30pm and will be opened and

read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Envelopes shall be marked: Public Landing Beach Engineering Services

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

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

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-6/15/1t

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

Pay-by-Plate, Solar-Powered Pay Stations - Parking Management

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide site construction for the Pay-byPlate, Solar-Powered Pay StationsParking Management and for said work to be in conformity with the Proposal Documents.

Bid Documents for the Pay-byPlate, Solar-Powered Pay StationsParking Management may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Scott Wagner, at swagner@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov by calling 410-723-6643 during normal business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/ ) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Proposal meeting will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 9 am, located at City Hall , 301 North Baltimore avenue, Ocean City, MD, community room for any questions concerning the Proposals Documents. (We will also have availability to join remotely, please email swagner@oceancitymd.gov or dwebb@oceancitymd.gov for invite information.) The last day for questions will be on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 3pm. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Friday, July 7, 2023

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Friday, July 28, 2023 by 3:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud at the Mayor and City Council Work Session held on

Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Proposal are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: City Manager; Room 230, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 and must note the name of the solicitation (Pay-by-Plate, Solar-Powered Pay Stations - Parking Management) on the outside of the package

Late Bid Document will not be accepted.

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

OCD-6/15/1t

LOUIS J. WEINKAM JR, ESQ WEINKAM & WEINKAM, P.A.

1002 FREDERICK ROAD

CATONSVILLE, MD 21228

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 19767

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LELSEY BRENT JOHNSON

Notice is given that Julie Lynn Johnson, 339 Ocean Parkway, Berlin, MD 21811, was on June 12, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Lelsey Brent Johnson who died on March 3, 2023, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Personal

True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

OCD-6/15/1t

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

Ocean Pines Biosolids Dewatering Equipment and Building Design

Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified Vendors to contract for design, bidding, and construction phase services in the Ocean Pines Service Area for the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant biosolids dewatering equipment and building design in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal 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 Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 1:30pm at the Worcester County DPW - Water Wastewater facility, located at 1000 Shore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811. The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, July 3, 2023. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 2:30pm and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Envelopes shall be marked: Ocean Pines Biosolids Dewatering Equipment and Building Design.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

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

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

Worcester County, Maryland

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19765 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF

JACQUELINE ANN TODD

Notice is given that Lisa Schwartzer, P.O. Box 404, Pineville, PA 18946, was on June 09, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacqueline Ann Todd who died on May 24, 2023, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of December, 2023.

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

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

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

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: June 15, 2023

Resort eyeing perks to entice tram drivers and conductors

(June 16, 2023) The familiar summer staff shortage in the Boardwalk tram division is a little too familiar for some members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee, who pushed this week to do everything possible to increase the number of drivers and conductors before July 4.

“The real question is, what do we need to do to hire more?” City Councilman and Transportation Commission member Tony DeLuca said of the Boardwalk tram staff during a Tuesday meeting.

“To me, I always say the season is July 4 to Labor Day. That’s the peak,” DeLuca continued. “So, it’s early June, what do we need to do to get more tram drivers and conductors?”

Transit Manager Rob Shearman reported that the department, which began deploying trams daily Memorial Day weekend, has 18 drivers and 17 conductors. The goal is 25 of each, although city staff have said that would be difficult to achieve every year, as few people are cut out for and want to perform the job.

Shearman said he and other staff members are actively recruiting and collecting applications, but DeLuca said whatever they are doing “is not working” and more needs done.

OCD-6/15/3t

He suggested signing bonuses, which staff members said can be tricky without requirements for staying on board, or other incentives.

Shearman said tram drivers and

conductors have been offered end-ofseason loyalty bonuses and were given opportunities to earn overtime. City Manager Terry McGean also said the conductors received pay raises last year.

McGean agreed, though, to talk with department staff and come up with more incentive options at the request of the commission members.

“We need to do something different now,” DeLuca said. “Because we still have a couple of weeks.”

Councilman Frank Knight, who also sits on the commission, agreed, and pointed out that the department is losing revenue by not having enough staff members to deploy more trams.

The Boardwalk trams, which are popular modes of transportation on the boards, have been significant revenue boosters for the transportation department, even supplementing the other divisions in pre-covid times.

Members of the tourism department are also working on a recruitment video, which they hope will help with the efforts to attract more applicants.

Mayor Rick Meehan, who chairs the Tourism Commission, pointed out, though, that recruitment is tough for tram employees due to the crowds, hours and other difficulties.

“There’s a limited number of people who are interested in that position,” he said. “… It is challenging. It is a job that requires a great deal of patience and the right person.”

Bus usage may never bounce back

(June 16, 2023) The pandemic may be officially over, but its effects linger for the Ocean City bus division, and officials believe the numbers may never return to pre-covid levels.

“Bus ridership, with covid and behavior changes, will probably never be back to where we were,” City Councilman Tony DeLuca said during a Transportation Committee meeting June 13.

DeLuca’s comments came in response to staff reporting that bus rid-

ership for the month of May and the first part of the summer were down 58 percent from pre-covid 2019.

DeLuca pointed out that the revenues are also down by $15,000, according to the data, which he deemed concerning. He said the dollar amount was especially noticeable because the city raised both the bus and tram rates by $1 beginning May 1 in an effort to stave off increased costs for drivers and fuel.

Piggybacking on DeLuca’s comments, Public Works Director Hal Adkins also said he did not see the

numbers ever going back to the way they were before the pandemic hit.

The figures for the rest of the summer remain to be seen, though.

Mayor Rick Meehan said this week is typically one of the busiest for bus ridership with high school senior week groups traversing all over town.

“It’ll be interesting to see the June numbers,” he said.

City Manager Terry McGean also pointed out that the weather in May could have been put a damper on the number of people in town riding the buses.

MD www.montegobayrealty.com

County extends overtime pay window in vote

(June 16, 2023) Worcester County employees will start receiving more overtime hours following a unanimous decision from the county commissioners to increase the overtime shift window by five hours and 15 minutes on June 6.

County employees receive a five percent shift differential for overtime work.

County Human Resources Director Stacey Norton noted in a memo that the current window does not result in a “True differentiation in pay” for evening and night-shift hours, which was the essence of the policy.

“With this policy, it’s been on the books for over 20 years. It’s created a disconnect within some departments (where) the dayshift and the nightshift are eligible for the shift differential based on their scheduled times,” Norton said at the meeting.

According to her memo, the current

policy states that “Shift differential pay shall be set by resolution of the County Commissioners at a percentage of an eligible employee’s budgeted annual salary. Shift differential of the eligible employee’s budgeted annual salary, including paid time off, shall be paid to classified employees’ whose regularly assigned work shift begins before 6 a.m. or ends after 6 p.m. Shift differential shall also apply to overtime pay.”

The new system will revamp the policy to clarify that employees whose regularly assigned work shift begins after 3 p.m. and before 4:45 a.m. will apply for overtime pay.

Commissioner Caryn Abbott said the policy change is a “good start” but added that she’d like to see the county eliminate the five-day wait time for compensation to be distributed.

You don’t have to move on a shift for more than five days before getting (compensation),” Abbott said. “To me, if you’re

getting pulled, you should automatically get that (compensation). I’d like to see a weekend and holidays because currently we have people who are working the holidays like landfill and others and they’re not getting holiday pay. If we want people to pick up shifts that are not the most desirable … I think we need to add something for that. “

Norton said that the policy is written to reflect limitations with a two-week pay period.

“It’s difficult to do it by day,” she said. “It’s much more efficient (this way) for the entire pay period. (But) you’re correct — we do not offer any additional premium or incentive to those employees.”

“Some of those schedules rotate, some are consistent (and) work every weekend and get additional days off,” Norton said.

“If I could just get direction on what the dollars would be if we want an extra 5 percent for those who work on the weekend. Those costs won’t be included in the

(FY24) budget.”

There is compensation for those scheduled to work holidays at the jail, Sheriff’s Office and Public Works, she said. They get paid for “their actual work and get an alternative holiday.”

Commissioner Ted Elder said he’d like to see some more “fine-tuning” later on but this measure works for what the county needs to accomplish immediately.

Chief County Administrator Weston Young said that they’re approaching the issue “with baby steps.”

“When we triage this, our main priority is filling those less desirable shifts. We do hear that those who have to work holidays when everyone else is sitting around for a Christmas meal or Thanksgiving meal and they’re working, that’s heartburn on the employee and we’d like to try to address that somehow.”

Young, Abbott and Norton expressed a desire to discuss the issue more in the future.

State aid available to struggling homeowners

(June 16, 2023) The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has helped more than 11,000 homeowners behind on housing-related payments, including 6,000 who were facing foreclosure, stay in their homes since the Homeowner Assistance Fund program launched in March 2021.

The department has expanded the program to add an additional option for mortgage servicers to provide eligible homeowners with relief as interest rates have risen and affected the affordability of some loan modifications. The pro-

gram now is able to fund up to six months of forward payments for eligible applicants, and is estimated to help more than 1,000 additional Marylanders.

“The department has quickly adapted the Homeowner Assistance Program to extend its reach given new housing market conditions that didn’t exist when the program started,” said Jake Day, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. “This assistance supports longterm, sustainable solutions for

homeowners who are still dealing with the aftereffects of pandemic-related hardships.”

The Homeowner Assistance Fund offers legal assistance, loan modifications with payment of delinquent mortgages, grants to avoid displacement due to property taxes, association and water and sewer fees, and other housing related costs. So far, the program has provided more than $125 million to eligible homeowners, with an average of $17,100 of assistance for each household.

No additional application is required to be considered for the new forward payment option, and the department is also reviewing past applications to de-

termine if those homeowners would be eligible for the forward payment option and reaching out to them to offer assistance. For more detailed information on eligibility and to apply for assistance, go to homeownerassistance.maryland.gov. The HAF program was established by the American Rescue Plan Act enacted in 2021 to help homeowners experiencing financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development was awarded a total of $248 million to administer through the program.

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

School board begins budget slashing process

(June 16, 2023) It’s already a safe assumption that the sun won’t shine on the faces of the Class of 2024 when they walk across the stages to receive their diplomas nearly a full year from now.

Instead, they will do so indoors after the Worcester County Board of Education cut outdoor festivities for the rising seniors, along with several other items, following a board meeting last week that saw the school system begin to close the $4.5-million shortfall with which the county commissioners’ maintenance-of-effort vote left them.

The eliminations included locally funded tutoring programs; afterschool and 2024 summer academies at Ocean City and Showell elementary schools, Berlin Intermediate School and Stephen Decatur Middle School; the Haven House after-school program at Snow Hill Elementary School; and the 2023 Opening Kick-Off event for faculty and staff.”

The board also reduced funding by 50 percent for instructional supply and materials of instruction allotments for all schools, local funding for special education materials of instruction, field trips and translation costs for afterschool and summer academies.

It reduced instruction support supplies, administration supplies and

travel at the WCPS central office by 25 percent and reduced the matching funds for the Maryland LEADS grant. Those cuts aren’t the end, either, as board President Todd Ferrante alluded to the fact that the school system will reenter into negotiations with the Worcester County Teachers Association, the Worcester County Bus Contractors Association and the Worcester County Educational Support Staff Association.

Though board negotiators haven’t yet sat down with any of the parties, it’s already clear that the school system

See CUTS Page 46

Worcester County seeks award nominations

(June 16, 2023) To honor volunteers whose contributions help improve the quality of life locally, Worcester County residents are invited to nominate individuals, organizations, and businesses for the Volunteer Spirit of Worcester County awards.

The nomination period opened June 7, and ends at 4:30 p.m., Aug. 25.

“This past year, we have started to

move toward a new normal, and residents are volunteering in the community again,” Human Resources Specialist Kelly Brinkley said in a news release. “It is wonderful to see the full support for our local nonprofits return, and nominating an individual, group, or business for the 2023 Volunteer Spirit of Worcester County is the perfect opportunity to showcase their dedicated service.”

Volunteer spirit nominations will be accepted for each of the following eight categories, with one winner to be chosen from each: individual,

group/team, emerging leader, faithbased, nonprofit volunteer program, local business, veteran, and lifetime achievement.

Nominees should reside in and represent the volunteer spirit of Worcester County. Nomination forms are found online at worcestervolunteer.org. Once there, click on “News.”

Completed forms may be submitted to the Human Resources Office, Room 1301 in the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill, or by contacting Brinkley at 410-632-0090 or kbrinkley@co.worcester.md.us.

All five branch libraries – Berlin, Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Pocomoke, and Snow Hill — will have paper copies of the nomination form. This year, nomination forms may be completed and submitted at any Worcester County branch library.

To highlight the outstanding services of the volunteers, the Worcester County commissioners will be presenting award winners at their Sept. 19 meeting. The Volunteer Spirit of Worcester County takes place in cooperation with the annual Governor’s Service Awards program.

Cuts for school programs, salaries may be next

likely won’t be able to afford the 4 percent and 4.5 percent raises it told teachers, bus contractors and support staff they would receive earlier this year.

“We think all of our people deserve every bit of the raises promised in those original negotiated agreements, but to balance our budget, we have tough decisions ahead of us,” Ferrante said.

Ferrante added that changes might still be made after renegotiations, but the board needed to have a framework

for the county by Tuesday.

At the meeting, board member Jon Andres summed up the impact the decisions will have on Worcester County children.

“Not all kids can learn in a six-anda-half-hour day in 180 days,” he said. “We implemented (these programs) to assist kids both in remediation and enrichment. Our kids need them; our families need them.”

Across the county on Friday teachers wore black in solidarity, reflecting somber attitudes toward the message that, at least for a year, they and their

students will make ends meet with significantly fewer resources.

At Buckingham Elementary School, many teachers didn’t show up for work until the second students walked through the doors, a labor tactic known as “work-to-rule.”

Worcester’s teachers and their supporters didn’t hold back on social media in reacting to the fallout from the commissioners’ 5-to-2 vote.

“Anyone hiring for the entire Worcester County teachers?” one wrote on Facebook. “After this delightful decision, every teacher is going to

need an additional job or two to keep their heads and family above water.”

“This is a disgrace!! VOTE THEM OUT!” another wrote.

The Worcester County Teachers Association posted a commissioners district map, asking if “your commissioner” voted for the education budget.

Commissioners Caryn Abbott, Eric Fiori, Ted Elder, Jim Bunting and Chip Bertino voted to only fund the school system at the same level as last year, while Commissioners Joe Mitrecic and Diana Purnell voted against the measure.

OP Anglers Club host Teach a Kid to Fish Day

“We will put it together for them,” McFalls said.

computers and IPADs. It’s a great hobby.”

portant to protect birds and other wildlife.

(June 16, 2023) The fish will be biting on Saturday, June 17 for the annual “Teach a Kid to Fish Day” hosted by the Ocean Pines Anglers Club.

From 9 - 11 a.m. kids will get the chance to fish at the South Gate Pond, near the Sports Core Pool.

Members of the Ocean Pines Anglers Club and the state Department of Natural Resources will be on hand to teach the kids fishing skills and techniques such as knot-tying, how to bait a hook, lure selection and casting. They’ll also talk about fish identification.

“A lot of it becomes, not teach a kid, but teach a parent or teach a grandparent to fish,” John McFalls of the Anglers Club said.

Many come to the event with a fishing rod still in the package.

The stocked pond contains all kinds of fish: largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, carp, and crappie, according to McFalls.

This is strictly a catch-and-release event. McFalls does not recommend people eating the fish they catch in the South Pond because of the number of ducks and geese that also use those waters year-round.

The event, which draws between 6080 people each year, inevitably produces a great level of excitement among the young participants.

“That’s why we do these things. We enjoy that excitement,” he said.

“Fishing is a great activity. It gets kids outdoors, and away from their

There will be a drawing for a free rod and reel, so when kids arrive they should register to enter. This year’s prize is a custom-made rod with reel by David Hammond.

“Custom rods are pricey; I don’t even have one,” McFalls said.

McFalls said the winner can contact Hammond and he will put their name on the rod.

The Ocean Pines Environmental Committee will be at the event to talk to the kids about protecting the environment while they fish. The efforts would include picking up lures, hooks and fishing line. Lines can get caught in trees, especially with novice anglers, so cleaning those up before leaving is im-

DNR will have a table with coloring books and whistles for the kids. Participants are encouraged to bring insect repellent, water and a rod. Bait will be provided.

The event is free. No pre-registration is required.

For those who enjoy their first fishing experience, the Angler’s Club will be hosting the 27th Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest on Saturday, July 15 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the South Gate Pond near the Sports Core Pool. Trophies and prizes will be awarded for age groups of 4-7, 8-11 and 12-16.

For more information on either of these events, call John McFalls at 610505-1697

ATVs critical to the OC Beach Patrol mission

(June 17, 2023) Many years ago you would never see the ATVs with guards patrolling the beach. Back in the 1940s, the captain of the Beach Patrol (Robert Craig) would ride a bike along the Boardwalk to supervise the patrol. By the 1960s, the area supervisors of the patrol used to run up and down the beach to assist and supervise the guards in their area.

In fact they also relied on reading the semaphore messages sent between guards to be alerted to an emergency situation and then would run to the location since the patrol did not have two-way radios at that time and only had phones mounted on poles every 3/4 mile. I’m sure it probably helped to keep them in amazing shape, but it certainly decreased their ability to supervise effectively and assist in emergency situations.

Today, each sergeant or area supervisor uses a mobile rescue unit (ATV) to adequately cover and supervise a large area of Ocean City. Typically, we have multiple ATVs on the beach each covering a specific area of the beach.

These area supervisors encompass the role of a south supervisor (inlet to 23rd Street), middle south supervisor (23rd to 53rd ), middle north supervisor (53rd to 100th) and the north supervisor (100th to the Maryland/Delaware line). Each of these supervisors provide supervision and leadership for all of the guards in that area, as well as responding to any and all situations that occur in

their area during the day.

We also supplement the area supervisors with additional mobile response units to provide support and back-up to the surf rescue technicians, or SRTs, on the stand. Especially during times of the season when the number of stands are reduced and the distance between each stand increases we use as many of our available mobile rescue units as possible to cover a larger area (this season we plan to deploy 15 each day).

All operators of a mobile rescue unit must have a minimum qualification as an SRT II (advanced specialized training and over 130 days experience), been promoted to an assistant crew chief training position and attend specialized training, which includes a classroom component, hands on operation and obstacle course, as well as an eight-hour ridealong with an instructor that covers all 10 miles of our beach. Re-certification is required each year for all mobile rescue unit operators. Although not required by state law to operate an ATV off-road, we require a valid driver’s license and yearly copy of a clear driving record.

Although the ATVs may be an annoyance sometimes to the general public enjoying their vacation in the sand, it is one of our most critical pieces of equipment in order to provide the necessary care in a medical emergency. It really comes down to how quickly we can arrive on a scene, and what equipment we carry on the mobile rescue unit and can deliver to the emergency that matters the most.

First, and most importantly, the operator of the mobile rescue unit has experience with many emergencies and will establish command and control and is in constant communica-

tion with all other departments and agencies in and around Ocean City. The most critical piece of equipment that is carried is an automated external defibrillator, or AED, which is an electronic device that is able to diagnose cardiac arrhythmias and treat them with defibrillation (a shock that reestablishes an effective heart rhythm).

CPR does not typically correct a person’s heart rhythm, but rather moves blood throughout the body buying valuable time until defibrillation is available. This enables us to literally bring people back to life (clinically dead) that are in cardiac arrest on the beach and we have been very successful with these pieces of equipment over the past several summers (there are over 12 loved ones alive today because we were able to arrive quickly with this critical piece of lifesaving equipment and a highly

trained rescuer ready to use it).

Unfortunately, each summer, we have several neck and back injuries due to shore break waves or diving in shallow water as well as other medical emergencies on the beach.

One important role of the ATV is to get the paramedics and their lifesaving equipment to the patient as quickly as possible so they can begin assessing the patient and delivering treatment. When the EMS personnel backboard a patient for removal from the beach, and take them to a medical facility, our ATVs provide an easy transport from the beach to the ambulance.

The patient that has been placed on the backboard is lifted and placed perpendicular on the back of the ATV. The ATV operator drives the patient off the beach while the EMTs maintain the stability of the backboard on the quad. This helps to reduce the jostling of the patient that would normally occur while carrying them off the beach.

There are also several other items we carry daily on the quad.

A BVM (bag-valve mask fitted with a special filter) makes giving breaths during CPR more effective. A new addition the past two seasons is a full set Personal Protection Equipment, or PPE, for use during a medical response, as well as an array of first aid supplies allowing us to respond to minor medical situations.

A clipboard containing pertinent paperwork provides the ability to document important events and incidents. A set of goggles and fins proves advantageous for searches in the water. We also carry additional sunscreen and first aid supplies for the guards in our area. A rescue buoy mounted to the front of the quad is available for a water rescue.

Many officers also carry additional clothing and supplies on the back of the quad for changes in

Vehicles can help find lost kids on beach

all know how quickly the weather can change in Ocean City!

Our ATVs also serve another very important function. During the course of a day, we deal with several lost children (up to 1,000 each season, which is a decrease from past years due to our emphasis on education). Having the ability to search a large area quickly makes finding and reuniting these children with their “panicked” parents much easier. Most lost or found individuals are reunited in under 10 minutes, with a 100 percent return rate.

Our officers on the patrol that ride the ATVs during the day have more than just a few years of experience. Their experience ranges from 11 to 40 years. Having someone on scene quickly during an emergency with that kind of experience is very helpful to providing the best care possible for our beach patrons.

Without the ATV’s we simply would not be able to move easily from place to place on the beach. We all know how crowded the beach becomes on a nice day. If we only had trucks and SUVs we would not be able to respond as quickly due to the size of the vehicles. However, these enclosed vehicles are critical during dangerous weather when we must

keep the beach clear. Being able to move around quickly also enables our sergeants to assist handicap patrons by giving them access to the town’s beach wheelchairs at several street heads throughout town.

When our area supervisors are not responding to a call, they assist the SRTs in performing their role. They will see potentially dangerous situations from the back of the beach and can intervene rather than having the SRT have to get off the stand to deal with a deep hole or an ordinance infraction. This allows the SRT to concentrate on those people in the water and our area supervisors can also supervise our personnel and assure they are performing up to or exceeding our high expectations.

With a season that begins early in May and extends to the end of September (Sept. 24th this season), the deployment and use of our mobile rescue units changes as we increase or reduce staff depending on if it is the beginning or the end of our summer season.

Many of our guards are educators or in school themselves. As we have less stands on the beach the distance between stands is greatly increased and the responsibility to back-up an SRT making a rescue is changed from

the adjoining SRTs to the areas mobile rescue unit (ATV). We also supplement the guard stands with additional mobile rescue units, which consist of one SRT (rider) acting as the primary rescue swimmer while the other SRT (driver) maintains radio communication and backup during an emergency.

Added a few years ago were our morning and evening patrols, which are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., before and after the SRTs are on duty (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), to be available for an emergency, should people not follow our number 1 rule, to not swim before or after the guard is in the stand. These patrols are responsible for countless interventions and saving the lives of dozens of individ-

uals. Although these mobile rescue units are not out there to “guard” you and your family, they are on the beach so they are close to a needed response if someone makes the foolish decision to go swimming without a lifeguard. Swimming when the surf rescue technicians are not on duty is more than just foolish, it may be deadly and with over 98 percent of all drowning deaths in Ocean City over the past 90 years occurring when the patrol was not on duty. This statistic says it ALL.

Don’t let that person be you! Remember, “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard is in the stand.” As added protection for you and your family always locate the nearest stand with a guard and swim on that beach.

BREAD SALE

LIONESS SCHOLARSHIPS

The Ocean City Lioness Lions Club presented scholarships to five Stephen Decatur graduating seniors at a recent meeting. Receiving awards, from left, are Sarah Smith, Emily Sandt, Sophia Krasner, Kai Ross and Kameron Harris. They are joined by Lioness Lions Ashley Furbay, Linda Oliver and President Bev Topfer.

IRISH AMERICAN CLUB AWARDS

Delmarva Irish American Club board member and Stephen Decatur High School teacher Brian Shane, far left, poses with students Summer Banks, Eric Bell, Summer Brenner, Collin Bunting, Natalie Canham, Mackenzie Lawrence, Audrey Mumford, Raven Wheatley and James Watkins, pictured from left. The nine students recently received $1,500 scholarships from the club, which came from the group’s St. Patrick's Parade.

BOY SCOUT DONATION

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recently donated $5,580 to Boy Scout Troop 261 to fund their trip to Camp Powhaten.

KIWANIS SPEAKER

Board-certified family practice physician Dr. Angela Gibbs, left, stands with Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City Tim Lund after speaking at the group’s morning meeting on may 24. Gibbs, who earned her medical degree from the Military Medical School in Bethesda and spent most of her adult life in the military, spoke about her specialty, arthritis. Since 2018, she's had a concierge practice on Racetrack Road in Berlin.

LIONS DONATION

The Ocean City Lions donated $500 to the Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, which offers mental health counseling for all ages, family resources and youth mentoring. Pictured, from left, are OC Lion Steve McMillan, WYFCS Director of Worcester Connects Kayla Figueroa, WYFCS Communication Coordinator Rachel Mitchell, and OC Lions President Norm Cathell.

ASSATEAGUE FIELD TRIP

Ocean

NEW KIWANIANS

From left, new Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City members Ron and Bette Wildgust, sponsor John Hulit and Past President Tim Lund pose for a photo after the couple’s induction into the club on May 10. The new members, who love pickleball and are part of a group of pickleballers who recently joined Kiwanis, were inducted during Kiwanis International membership month.

MUSEUM CHECK

Ocean City Lion JD Quillin presents a $500 check to Ocean City Life-Saving Museum Curator Christine Okerblom.

FREE EYE SCREENINGS

The Ocean City Lions Club provided over 400 eye screenings free of charge for local schools during the past school year. The screenings detect a disorder known as Amblyopia, a medical term for “lazy eye.” Pictured is the OC Lions’ Vision Screening team, from left, Greg Burgan, Sarah Hooper, Steve McMIllan and Mike Hooper. Not pictured: Jackie Burgan.

TOP NURSE

Atlantic General Hospital Nurse of the Year Victoria Schmidt, third from left, poses with hospital staff. Schmidt, an RN who works in the emergency department, earned the nurse of the year award at a recent awards ceremony held to recognize members of the organization who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the nursing profession. Whether it’s providing exceptional care, comforting patient family members, assisting colleagues however possible and much more, the Atlantic General staff members who were recognized made contributions to the community that can be felt by every patient they serve.

PRINT DONATION

Robert Forester, vice president of the Lower Shore Performing Arts Company and director of “Gilligan’s Island, The Musical” that completed a two-night run at the Ocean City Center for the Arts to sold-out audiences, left, presented John Sisson, president of the Art League of Ocean City, a framed print in appreciation of the partnership of the arts organizations. The print is of a painting by Kathryn Redden, right, who produced the musical and played Mrs. Howell in the show.

PINK PARTY CHECK

At Sunset Grille’s annual Pink Party earlier this year, Toni Keiser, Atlantic General Hospital vice president of public relations; John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage Jr., CEO of Blue Water Development; Steven Tyson, AGH donor relations officer; AGH Foundation board chairman Steve Green; cancer survivor Hope Palmer, the corporate communications director of Blue Water Development; and hospital CEO Don Owrey are pictured from left with a check. The event, held in honor of Palmer, raised more than $13,400 for Atlantic General Hospital’s John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center.

NEW OFFICERS

New officers from the Worcester County Jail and Detention Center Erica McFarlin, Timothy Howell and Tiffany Purnell pose from left for a photo after graduating in the 116th entrance-level class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy operated by Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury.

TAYLOR BANK SCHOLARSHIP

Taylor Bank Loan and Business Development Officer Cory Walsh, left, presents a $1,000 scholarship to Pocomoke High School Senior Ethan Scott. Scott was one of three 2023 graduates in the bank’s service area — which encompasses Worcester, Sussex and Accmoack counties in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia — who received awards from the bank to help fund continuing education expenses. Scott plans to study business management in college.

BOOK SIGNING

The Worcester County Republican Central Committee hosted Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller at Ocean City Golf Club on April 29. Scheller signed his book, “Crisis of Command,” and told his story of the failed pullout from Afghanistan. Pictured are Carl Smith, Dale Hall, Tom Babcock, Andrew Hobbs, Lt. Col. Scheller, Beth Rodier, Susan Ostrowski, Jana Hobbs and Richard Addis.

Mayor dedicates bike rack on Boardwalk from Marines

(June 16, 2023) The First State Marines of the Eastern Shore recently became the first donor to provide funds for procurement and installation of newly designed bicycle racks on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

According to a new release, Mayor Rick Meehan dedicated the bike rack in May at the Boardwalk’s gateway on North Division Street.

Plans are in place to install multiple bicycle racks, newly designed and fabricated from stainless steel to withstand the saltwater environment, along the entire Boardwalk. Meehan said at the dedication that a permanent, stainless-steel plaque was welded to the rack to acknowledges

the Marines’ gift to the city.

Bob Broderick of the First State Marines said in the release that the gift “was to further our commitment to community service and our continued support for the City’s Bike Safety Initiative.”

The marines donated funds to the resort’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee for the procurement of bike safety lights in support of the group’s safe rider initiative. The lights were affixed to bikes belonging to riders who participated in the 2022 Semper Fi Bike Ride.

For more information on the First State Detachment, visit firststatemarines.org.

What happened to OC Air Show?

Editor, This was the fourth and last time I’ll attend the show.

As a Salisbury resident I’m always happy to see O.C. doing well. I’m a handicapped veteran and have never had trouble parking. I had my daughter drive and we stopped at 14th street to unload.

I saw a parking sign and thought how convenient would this be. The lady told me $100 and I lost my breath. My daughter (from Glen Burnie) found a spot across the highway, at a church, charging $30. She had no choice.

So I’ve been here 25 minutes, drop

zone five tickets with taxes and fees, $192. Then $30 to park. On a fixed income I’ve spent $222 to bring in people who don’t go to the air show, plus my wife and I.

So a tourist town could and should entertain out-of-towners. When we went to leave my daughter couldn’t get back to 14th Street because all lanes were blocked. She circled twice in my specially fitted van to get me.

I can barely walk but managed to find a bicycle policeman at 15th Street. I yelled, why can’t my daughter get near me to pick me up? He was kind and rode to her, he had to tell a parking attended that she could drive through his lot. She couldn’t have got to us without the policeman’s help.

Fifty minutes from getting off the beach we finally met at 15th Street, loaded the car and got out of town. My daughter and niece said “ Never again.” It’s a shame that you not only lost me, you lost the next two generations by poor planning and greedy people.

Special thanks to the officer who was kind enough to help. Unfortunately the experience soured the whole five people in the van.

Abolishing voter ID helps cheaters

Editor,

Fair and free voting is the most important activity the citizens of a free society can engage in.

Without this, we lose our republic. Everything that the government does can be changed or supported by means of citizens voting the associated law-maker in or out of power.

There is substantial evidence that the trend in early voting and election day voting are being reversed when the mail-in ballots are counted. This was found to be evident with 17 Maryland statewide contests. All Republican candidates were leading but were all reversed after the mail-in ballots were counted. Coincidence??

I think not! We need to adopt paper ballots, single-day voting, and eliminate mail-in ballots, drop boxes and

voting machines.

What I want to take issue with here is the fact that we do not have mandatory ID requirements when we vote. Our Worcester County Board of elections are in favor of this but were stymied by the state claiming imposing such a requirement on our citizens is discriminatory. Oh really, then let me show you what other activities in our society are discriminatory.

A valid ID is required for: driving, boarding an airplane, purchasing a car, getting a car registration, renting anything, buying insurance and plane tickets, obtaining a passport, picking up mail from Fed X, UPS and the post office, visiting a doctor’s office or hospital, getting outpatient testing, donating blood, getting a prescription, buying certain over-the-counter products, applying for a job or a school, applying for a professional license, getting married, checking out a library book, joining the military, adopting a child, transacting with a bank, sending a wire transfer, applying for online banking, applying for store credit, establishing a utilities account, getting a credit card, opening a retirement account, applying for a mortgage, buying a house, applying for apartment rentals, renting a hotel room, buying a cell phone, going to court, entering federal buildings, getting a business license, getting a state ID, cashing a large lottery ticket win,

Continued on Page 56

Lot

$289,900

Pay tram crews for hassle-factor

As the Ocean City government scrambles to find drivers and conductors for its Boardwalk tram service, it is beginning to appear that the only way the city can meet its hiring goal is to upend its pay policy.

The problem is clear — these aren’t jobs that many people would want, at least not for the income they would receive.

Mayor Rick Meehan said as much at this week’s Transportation Committee meeting, when he told members the limited interest in these jobs is because of their challenging nature. Translated, that means people aren’t as eager as they once were to make a modest amount of money by putting up with all kinds of behavior by passengers and the pedestrian crowds that surround the cars as they wind their way up and down the Boardwalk.

Despite the raises and incentives the city instituted last year to make these jobs more attractive, they apparently weren’t enough to make a difference. Officials and other municipal employees might argue that this wage scale is fair, but it makes no difference if people just don’t want those jobs at that money.

That leaves city government one choice if it wants to fill the tram crew roster. Officials will have to pay tram drivers and conductors more than they think the job is worth. And then they will have to explain to other workers on the city payroll that the wages for some jobs have to reflect how difficult or unpleasant they are to do.

It might be called a hassle-factor differential if that’s what it takes. Other employees will probably complain that they deal with tough circumstances as well and deserve to be compensated accordingly.

But as William Munny (Clint Eastwood) tells "Little Bill" Daggett (Gene Hackman) in “Unforgiven” after Daggett says he doesn’t deserve to be shot, “Deserve’s got nothing to do with it.”

In the case of tram jobs, if having a fully operational tram service is as critical as the council says it is, the right level of pay is whatever it takes to fill those posts and still make money. Fair has nothing to do with it.

Ocean City Today

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson

MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli

STAFF WRITERS ..............Jack Chavez, Mallory Panuska,

Hoffman, Hunter Hine

ACCOUNT MANAGERS .......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier

Kelly

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER ...... Christine Brown

SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks

GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown

PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts

Not a golf column

The easy thing to do would be to write about my once-a-year golf outing, during which I did hit the ball several times. And only broke one club.

I’m not sure how that happened, although I suspect it was a variation of the Irish blessing, “May the road rise to meet you,” except in this instance it was the earth itself that rose up to meet the club.

Although golf etiquette demands that you do your best to repair any excavations that your flailings inflict on the course, I left one in particular untouched after concluding that the golfers behind me would find the sight of the earth’s boiling core, which I exposed with one mighty swing, just as fascinating as I did.

It is general knowledge that I don’t play golf; I endure it. And even then I take my open wound of a game out of exile just once every June for the Children’s House by the Sea benefit tournament.

My presence is critical since someone has to be the worst player, and my participation relieves everyone else of that obligation. In other words, I make everyone, no matter how many times they swing and miss, putt sideways, or actually drive the ball backwards, as I have done, feel better about themselves.

Actually, local golf courses should allow me to play for free, because I’m good for the game. I keep hopelessly bad, no-talent golfers paying those greens fees by being so terrible that, after seeing me, they believe they actually have a chance. But, as I said, I’m not writing about my annual release of golf balls into the wild, where they can join all the other golf balls gone feral after months of hiding in the brush, trees and grasses that grace the

perimeter of the Ocean City Golf Club’s Newport and Seaside courses. Again, that would be too easy, when matters of much more significance demand attention.

Such as: A national study by NJcasino.com has found that Maryland is the seventh safest place to be in the event of an alien invasion. This is based on UFO sightings, military presence, total number of law enforcement officers, engineers, forest cover, food and beverage manufacturing companies, and the number of caves.

The safest place overall is Virginia, because it has 29 caves where people can hide, although cramming close to nine million people into them would break down to 310,344 people per cave and would require some seriously harsh dietary restrictions and a daily singalong of “Getting to Know You.”

Interestingly, Alabama has many more caves — 35 in total — although most of those are owner-occupied.

Nevertheless, it is comforting to know that Maryland residents have a fair chance of not being eaten, turned into pod people or otherwise annihilated by space aliens, should an invasion take place.

Why this would be of interest to the operators of an online New Jersey casino guide is a mystery ... unless they’re already setting the odds and taking bets on the outcome of an alien apocalypse.

Of course, if they really wanted to make some out-of-this-world wagers, I suggest putting some money down on the possibility that I can be even worse at next June’s Children House golf tournament. I say the possibility exists. All I have to do is show up, because not playing would improve my game immensely.

Ocean City fire dept. hosting public safety expo June

(June 16, 2023) The Ocean City Fire Department will present a Public Safety Expo at Northside Park next Friday, beginning at 1 p.m., so families can talk to first responders and learn about the importance of public safety.

The expo, fire department spokesman Ryan Whittington said will feature a capitvating lineup of activities and exhibits. This will include the opportunity for families to explore fire trucks and ambulances, and children will have the chance to learn how to dial 911. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to tour emergency boats, mobile command centers, and other crucial equipment utilized by our first responders.

The highlight of the event will be the landing and take-off of the Maryland State Police Trooper 4 helicopter. Whittington said once the helicopter touches

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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obtaining Medicare and Medicaid, applying for food stamps and welfare, applying for unemployment, using social security services, applying for section 8 housing, applying for a H18 Visa or Green card, holding a rally or protest, buying a firearm, applying

down, families will be able to embark on an up-close and personal tour.

“We are thrilled to invite everyone to the Ocean City Public Safety Expo,” said Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers. This event provides a unique platform for the community to meet our first responders, learn about public safety, and enjoy a fun-filled day of activities. We encourage families to attend and engage with us as we showcase the vital work, we do to keep our community safe.”

In addition to the various exhibits and tours, expo visitors will be treated to light refreshments and have the chance to witness awater rescue demonstration performed by the Ocean City Beach Patrol and the Ocean City Fire Department Water Rescue Team. Admission is free, and ample parking is available.

Gold Badge Member Hedges brings 30 years of experience

(June 16, 2023) This week we proudly recognize Gold Badge Member David “Coconut” Hedges. David’s interest and love for the fire service was undoubtedly influenced by his father, Eugene “E.C.” Hedges.

Mr. Hedges served over 30 years in the fire service and retired as the career fire chief of the City of Pompano Beach Fire/Rescue Service in Pompano Beach, Florida. Chief Hedges was well-respected in the fire service and was considered a “fire fighter’s fire chief.”

The Pompano Beach Fire Station #103 was dedicated to Retired Chief Hedges on May 6, 2016. When asked

his reason for joining the OCVFC Firefighter Hedges replied, “to somewhat follow in my father’s footsteps.”

for a hunting or fishing license, joining a gym, using a pawn shop, entering a night club, volunteering at nonprofit organizations, voting in a union election, buying cigarettes or liquor, visiting a casino, buying an Mrated video game, going to jail, participating in outdoor dangerous

activities, buying annual tickets to an amusement park, adopting a pet and the most contradictory requirement demanding ID is the participation in a political event but NOT IN THE POLITICAL EVENT OF VOTING!!!!

So if we are to believe that demanding an ID is discriminatory does that excuse fit all these? Isn’t applying for food stamps and welfare needing an ID discriminatory? You cannot adopt an animal but you can vote without an ID.

Those that are against voter ID are only against it because they want to cheat. This is the ONLY reason; not because they think it is discriminatory which makes no sense.

Right now conservative votes are not being counted or are being drowned in illegal votes by dead people and people that do not exist. We are campaigning against, not other voters but against paper ballots, a printing press in reality. This has been proven!

We must “true the vote” and demand that every voter show a picture ID (like a driver’s license) is the beginning of this. If we don’t, we will lose our republic as Benjamin Franklin forewarned. Remember the expression: “you don’t know what you have until you lose it!”

Best-in-state schools put to test with budget vote

Editor,

The state’s top public schools are those in Worcester County. Is it reasonable to put this rating in danger?

We won’t advance and may perhaps go backward with the level of funds that the commissioners approved. The County Commissioners’ recent decision to simply provide

Hedges is currently employed as the senior funeral director’s assistant for the Bishop/Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville. David had previously been employed as a 911 Dispatcher for the Ocean City Department of Emergency Services Communication Center.

He is also well-known in the MidAtlantic sport-fishing community having previously served as a sport

See ‘COCONUT’ Page 57

funding for schools at maintenanceof-effort levels ($4.4 million less than asked) is extremely short sighted. Maintenance of effort means we spend only what we spent this year. That means salary increases and inflationary costs would not be taken into account, necessitating significant budget cuts. There is a teacher shortage everywhere. Contracts with employees will need to be renegotiated at this funding level. This is a slap in the face from the commissioners, and it might cause us to lose teachers at a time when finding new ones is so challenging.

Some commissioners keep talking about transparency. The school system provided additional information requested by the county. What more do they want? In a meeting with county officials, the school system posed the question: Is this what you want? The county responded in the affirmative, but when the commissioners received the information, they declared it insufficient.The commissioners keep moving the goalpost.

What exactly do they want to see? Be specific. Why do the commissioners need more information when they claim they don’t want to micromanage? Do they believe the school system is hiding something?

An excellent relationship between the county government and the school system should not be put in jeopardy. The high caliber schools in the county are a result of this close relationship and trust. I urge the county to support a request for more financing if at some point they determine they have extra funds. Hopefully, it won’t be too late to keep our topnotch faculty and staff, as well as the top-notch student programs.

Jean Moulin - ‘The Face of France’

(June 16, 2023) This week, 80 years ago, a handsome Frenchman, Jacque Martel, sporting a scarf, presented himself at the office of Dr. Frédéric Dugoujon on Place Castellane, in Caluire-et-Cuire, France, a suburb of the southern French city of Lyon.

Monsieur Martel was dressed in a sharp gray suit and was wearing a brown trilby and sunglasses. (A trilby is a narrow-brimmed hat, smaller than a fedora. Its name is taken from an 1896 play and novel of the same name) Monsieur Martel pressed the doorbell and was greeted by Madame Marguerite Brossier, the doctor’s maid.

She showed him to the waiting

OCVFC VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

room. He was already 45 minutes late. He took off his hat and glasses and took a seat among the six patients waiting to see the doctor. The seven patients waited while Dr. Dugoujon completed his examination of a small boy.

Suddenly, Monsieur Martel heard the sound of cars screeching to a halt, doors slamming, footsteps running! Monsieur Martel didn’t have to wonder what was happening. He knew immediately. Gestapo agents filled the doctor’s waiting room. Monsieur Martel was grabbed, thrown against the wall, and handcuffed.

The Gestapo agents were led by SS

Hauptsturmführer Klaus Barbie. Herr Barbie had already acquired the sobriquet “The Butcher of Lyon.” He became head of the Gestapo in Lyon in November 1942, when the Germans occupied the previously unoccupied part of France, following the Allied invasion of French North Africa.

This was the greatest triumph of his career – he had captured the notorious Jean Moulin – the head of all Resistance in France. For this Barbie was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class, by Hitler.

Jean Pierre Moulin was born on June 20, 1899, in the ancient French city of Béziers, located six miles from the Mediterranean Coast. He obtained a law degree in July of 1921 from the Montpellier Law School, after which

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‘Coconut’ Hedges valuable resource

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fishing boat captain and marina manager. He continues to remain involved in the annual Huk Big Fish Classic as well as other events in the Ocean City sport fishing community.

David joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company in August 1991. During his 26 years of active service, he served for 20 years as a member of the board of directors and was an influential member of the West Ocean City/Station #5 expansion project. He also served as lieutenant on Engine #1.

He is currently a member of the Ocean City Fire Department Peer Support Team and has served over 10 years as a Worcester County Fire Police Officer.

Firefighter Hedges recalls the most significant event of his OCVFC career to be his involvement in rescuing a family during a nor’easter in 1998. During the height of the storm

with winds of 50 to 60 mph, Ocean City Fire Dispatch received a call from a family of five adults and a child trapped in their home by flooding waters at the end of Old Bridge Road in West Ocean City.

Hedges and Chief David Cropper launched a boat at the OC Fishing Center, sailed across the bay and removed the family from their flooded home to the safety of waiting Ocean City EMS units. Firefighter Hedges received the Distinguished Service Award for his heroic efforts on that day.

“Coconut” cites being recognized by his peers in receiving the president’s award in 2019 and being named the Member of the Year in 2018 and 2021 as his greatest accomplishments in the fire service.

We thank Firefighter Hedges for his many years of dedicated service to the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors to our resort com-

munity.

For membership information or to learn more about your volunteer fire company, please visit ocvfc.com

he served in various minor governmental positions. He married a 19year-old professional singer, Marguerite Cerruti, in September 1926, but the marriage did not last. Moulin entered the French army during the last year of World War I but did not see combat.

He was first arrested by the Germans on June 17, 1940 because he refused to support their false accusations that three Senegalese soldiers had killed French civilians, when, in fact, they had been killed by German bombings. While in prison and being beaten, he attempted suicide by cutting his own throat with a piece of broken glass. This resulted in a telltale scar, which he attempted to hide with his trademark scarf. His suicide attempt failed when he was discovered by a guard and taken to a hospital for treatment.

In September 1941, he crossed the Spanish border and made his way to Lisbon, from whence he traveled to London. While in London, he met Gen. Charles de Gaulle on Oct. 24, who described him as, “A great man. Great in every way.” At the time, the French Resistance was plagued by disunity, with at least five different groups and five different leaders. De Gaulle assigned Moulin the task of unifying these disparate organizations.

He began his assignment by parachuting into southern France on Jan. 1, 1942. Within a year, he had convinced three of the groups to join together as the United Resistance Movement. He returned to London, with some of the Resistance leaders, in February 1943. He returned to France on March 21, 1943, and met with other Resistance leaders in Paris on May 27, 1943. At that meeting, he convinced the disparate groups to join the Conseil National de la Resistance (“CNR”) with himself as the leader.

Moulin went to Dr. Dugoujon’s office outside of Lyon, on Monday, June 21, 1943, to meet with other resistance leaders. After his arrest, he and the five other men he was to meet were taken to Montluc Prison in Lyon. The city is located 243 miles southeast of Paris, 173 miles northeast of Marseille, and 70 miles southwest of Geneva, Switzerland, at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône. With a current population of 522,969, Lyon is the third-largest city in France. In 1943, its population was 460,000.

Resistance members understood that if they were captured they would be tortured. They also knew that eventually they would break. It was also understood that they should do their best to hold out for two days. If that could be done, then contacts could be switched, and phone numbers, addresses, and code names changed. This was because no member of the resistance knew everything – except Jean Moulin.

After 17 days of Klaus Barbie’s unrelenting torture, his beaten and mangled body was thrown into a boxcar at Metz, headed for Germany, but by then the life had been squeezed from it. But the Resistance was not compromised, because Jean Moulin didn’t talk.

Jean Moulin is the fifth most popular name for a French school and the third most popular name for a French street. The Paris metro station is named for him. He was the subject of two TV movies. A plaque honoring him can be seen at the Metz railway station. Before France joined the European Union, his face adorned two, one hundred, and five hundred franc coins. French schoolchildren are taught that Jean Moulin is a symbol and hero of the French Resistance.

As for Klaus Barbie, who it is estimated was responsible for the deaths of up to 14,000 people, with the help of this country’s CIA, he was able to

make his way to Bolivia after the war and lived there for 30 years under the name Klaus Altmann.

Through the efforts of noted Nazi hunters, Serge and Beate Klarsfeld, he was located and eventually extradited to France, where he stood trial in Lyon in 1987. On July 4, 1987, Klaus Barbie was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. He died in prison, in Lyon, four years later, aged 77.

In 1988, the documentary “Hotel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie,” won an Academy Award for Best Documentary (Barbie’s headquarters was located in the Hôtel Terminus, now Hôtel Mercure, Lyon Centre, Château Perrache, in Lyon.)

Remains that are thought to be those of Jean Moulin were buried in Le Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. They were later transferred to the Panthéon, on Dec. 19, 1964. Author André Malraux, then serving as the first French Minister of Culture, delivered one of the most famous speeches in French history, concluding by asking the, “... young people of France ...” to, “... think of this man as you would have reached out your hands to his poor, unrecognizable face on that last day, to those lips that never let fall a word of betrayal: on that day, his was the face of France....” Seated in the audience was French President De Gaulle, who wore his military uniform. Malraux’s remains now, also, rest in the Panthéon.

The identity of the one who betrayed this great man remains unknown.

Next week: Peenemünde

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

OBITUARIES

KIMBERLY ANN PHILLIPS

Berlin

Kimberly Ann Phillips, 57, of Berlin, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born on May 24, 1966, she was the daughter of the late James Richard Phillips III and Janice Hope Sorin Wainwright.

In addition to her mother, Kimberly was survived by her stepfather, Harold Wainwright; brother, James R. Phillips, IV (Christie); and her two nieces that she loved and adored, Brooke & Moorea.

Kim earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon College and her master’s degree in psychology from Salisbury State University. She worked for many years at her family motel, the Nassau, until she started her job at the Stockley Center in Georgetown, Delaware.

She enjoyed many outdoor activities, playing cards, and was a serious football fan, but more importantly she loved her friends and family dearly and dedicated her life to helping others. She had a strong passion and love of horses and was a competitive equestrian rider in her early years. Later on, she was actively involved with her nieces at Autumn Grove Stables where she enjoyed spending most of her time, and with her many wonderful friends.

A service will be held at 11 a.m., June 13, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Letters of condolences can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Autumn Grove Stables 11026 Sinepuxent Rd. Berlin, Md 21811.

WILLIAM JAMES “JAMIE” NICOLL Cockeysville

William James “Jamie” Nicoll, 53, of Cockeysville, passed away on June 9, 2023, at Gilchrist Center in Towson, after a long and heroic battle with advanced prostate cancer.

Jamie was born and raised in Ocean City and attended Worcester Preparatory School (formerly Worcester Country School) where he graduated in 1987. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Richmond in 1991 and went on to earn a juris doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1995.

He was subsequently admitted to

Tony’s Pizza owner, Antonio Russo, dies at 81

Antonio “Tony” Bruno Russo, 81, of Ocean City, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 8. Born in Biancavilla, Italy, he was the son of the late Alfio Russo and Francesca Bruno Russo.

Tony immigrated to the United States in 1960 with his mother. His strong work ethic landed him several jobs in the Baltimore area. He worked at the H&S Bakery, tried his hand at being a mechanic, learned masonry work and even went to barber school.

While working at Squires in Baltimore, Tony met the love of his life, Trudy Russo. They began their first business, Tony’s Pizza on Wise Avenue in Baltimore before heading to their forever home in Ocean City. In 1968, Tony bought the Roosevelt Hotel on North Division Street. For over 61 years, Tony worked faithfully alongside Trudy as they built their legacy together, from owning and operating the Roosevelt Hotel to Tony’s

OBITUARIES

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the State Bar of Maryland and began his legal career clerking for the late Honorable Dana M. Levitz of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. Jamie then worked as an associate attorney for Eccleston and Wolf in Baltimore.

After leaving Eccleston and Wolf, he went to work for many years at Jenkins and Block where he became a partner of the firm. He concentrated his practice in the areas of workers compensation, personal injury, and social security disability law.

Jamie married his law school sweetheart, Jacquelyn (née Avin) in 1997 and had two beautiful children, Joshua Aaron Nicoll (age 23) and Julia Avin Nicoll (age 20).

He is survived by his wife, Jackie, and their two children, Josh and Julia, of Cockeysville; his parents JoAnn and Frederick Nicoll of Ocean City; his sister, Tracey Nicoll Pate and brother-in-law, the Honorable Michael T Pate of Baltimore County; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Jamie loved to laugh and to make others laugh. He was a great lawyer and was beloved by his clients, his coworkers, his family and his friends. He leaves a wonderful mark on the community. Jamie lived his life with grace and gratitude. Even in the final months of his life when he was asked how he was doing, he enthusiastically exclaimed he was “Living the Dream!” May we all be led by his example.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jamie’s memory to the prostate cancer research project led by Jamie’s oncolo-

Pizza and Tony’s Casa Di Pasta, and more recently The Rideau Oceanfront Hotel.

Tony’s legacy reaches far beyond the businesses he and Trudy created; Tony changed the downtown community forever. He was a highly respected businessman who taught countless lessons of hard work and sacrifice. His dream was to make everyone successful.

Tony spent many wonderful winters in his Florida home, the perfect destination for boating and fishing which he loved. Tony was an avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed many adventures seeking the big hunt, including trips to Africa and Canada.

Most of all Tony was a family man. He cherished the time spent in Sicily with his family. Tony’s zest for life was seen in countless celebrations

throughout the years, all with great music, delicious food, and, most importantly, as much family and friends as possible.

Tony the “Pizza King” is survived by his three children, Lisa Russo, Tony Russo Jr., Cristina Russo (Mark Bitzel); four grandchildren, Chelsea Andresen, Jeffrey Andresen, Aleksandra Russo, Antonio Russo; and a great-granddaughter, Brayleigh Andresen; his sisters, Agatina Tomasello (Alfio), Maria Borzi (Salvatore), and Eufemia La Rocca (Nino); a nephew, Pino Tomasello (Karen), his sister-inlaw, Antonella Russo, and many relatives who live in Ocean City, Baltimore, and Sicily.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Trudy Russo, brother, Giuseppe Russo, and his beloved son, Angelo Russo.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1705 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Gifts in

memory of Antonio “Tony” Russo may be sent to the University of Maryland, Baltimore Foundation (make checks payable to UMBF, Inc.) in support of the Cardiology Research and Technology Fund. Please send your check to: University of Maryland School of Medicine Office of Development Attn: Traci Morgan 31 S. Greene Street, Third Floor Baltimore, MD 21201 Alternatively, you may also make a memorial or honorary gift by calling the Office of Development at 410.706.8503 or online by clicking “Give” at medschool.umaryland.edu

A viewing will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

gist, Dr. Kenneth Pienta, by including “Dr. Pienta’s research” in the memo line and mailing a check to The Brady Urological Institute, Attn: Development Office, 600 North Wolfe St.,

CMSC 130, Baltimore, MD 21287.

Donations may also be made online at secure.jhu.edu/form/urology.

Donors will want to select OtherSupport a Doctor and type in Dr.

Pienta’s name. Donations may also be made to Gilchrist, 11311 McCormick Rd., Ste. 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or online at gilchristcares.org/donate/.

$1,445.

Decatur softball, baseball players presented awards

(June 16, 2023) Several Stephen Decatur softball and baseball players received Bayside South All-Conference honors for their performance during the 2023 spring season.

Softball

First Team: Madison McGinnis, Leah Simpson and Ryleigh Smith

Second Team: Madison Donoway, Bailey Griffin, Ava Snelsire and Kiara Taylor

Honorable Mention: Emily Blume and Sarah Smith

The Decatur softball team had another successful season, for the second consecutive year finishing in the top four in the MPSSAA 3A state tournament.

The Lady Seahawks battled with Damascus in the 3A state semifinals, but lost, 5-2, on May 23 at Bachman Sports Complex in Glen Burnie.

“On the doorstep two years in a row, we have to remind them no one from Decatur has been here since 1991 and the seniors that are leaving got to do it twice,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz. “They get to hang a banner two years in a row. Nobody else had ever done that. Of course, you want to take that next step, but you don’t want to sell short what they accomplished to get there.”

Decatur finished the season with a 19-3 overall record. The team also won its second straight regional title. The team will only graduate two players. Eight starters will be returning.

“We told the girls [that will be returning] to remember this feeling and that we want to put ourselves in a po-

sition to have a chance to go further next time,” Kurtz said. “These next two years to who knows [how long], we just keep building. We’re really excited with the potential of this group coming back together next year.”

Baseball

Bayside South Co-Player of the

Year: Lukas Loring

First Team: Gus Croll, AJ Kolb, Owen Knerr, Lukas Loring and Ryan McLaughlin

Second Team: Waylon Hobgood and Caden Shockley

Honorable Mention: Brooks Kendall, Ryder Swanson, Stephen Wade and Matt Wright

The Stephen Decatur baseball team fought but came up a bit short, losing 5-3, to River Hill in the MPSSAA 3A state semifinals on May 23 at Joe Cannon Stadium in Hanover.

It was Decatur’s first appearance in the state semifinals since 2013. That same year, the Seahawks also earned the program’s first regional title.

Decatur finished the 2023 season with a 19-3 record and won a regional championship.

“It was a very successful season. I was really happy for the seniors to be able to leave with a regional championship and play to the last week of the season, we just didn’t get to the

final game,” said Decatur Coach Rich Ferro. “We had a good group of seniors who competed and some younger guys who played big roles for us.

“You hate to lose, but collectively, I thought the season there were a lot of positives,” he continued. “They outweighed the negatives. It just stinks because when you lose the playoffs you’re done.”

Decatur will graduate eight players, all of whom Ferro said had a role in the team’s success.

“We have a lot of guys coming back,” he added. “We’ve had that in the past, it just comes down to a little bit of luck and guys working to get better.”

White Marlin Open to celebrate 50 years

(June 16, 2023) The White Marlin Open, the world’s largest offshore billfish tournament held annually in Ocean City, announced plans for its 50th anniversary, presented by Pure Lure.

Held from Aug. 7-11, anglers will have the opportunity to hook a record-breaking white and blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, swordfish, or dolphin.

Tournament directors expect the

purse for this year’s event to be over $10 million, and have added a new $50,000 entry category.

Additionally, for the third year in a row, Marlin Fest will coincide with the tournament – a free viewing event located on the beach at the inlet featuring a festival-like atmosphere as well as real-time, unobstructed views of the live stream of the tournament weigh-ins via large screens.

“We’re thrilled to honor 50 years

of hosting one of the most exciting and competitive fishing experiences in the world, right here in Ocean City, Maryland,” said Madelyne Rowan, tournament director. “Following this year’s tournament, we expect to surpass more than $100 million in cash rewards to our anglers, who we cannot thank enough for their continued support. We also want to recognize our long-term sponsors, partners, and most impor-

tantly, the amazing community of die-hard fans who show up year after year and make this a truly unforgettable experience.”

In celebration of the anniversary, a new white marlin ‘Winner Take All’ entry category has been added. The $50,000 category, also known as the “Anniversary Level,” will add to the millions of dollars already at stake for the heaviest white marlin.

Ocean safety, rip currents and beach replenishment

(June 16, 2023) The thought here is to continue on the theme of ocean safety as in the last column.

I’m hoping that some of you out there follow these articles but regardless, anyone who frequents the beach can always benefit from some ocean savvy.

Last time we discussed the pros and cons of rip currents and how they can be a problem for swimmers but a benefit for surfers.

Rip currents can help a surfer get out past the breaking waves but can prevent a swimmer from getting back to shore.

A surfer has the benefit of a great floatation device. A swimmer in usually on his or her own.

If caught in a rip current the swimmer should try to avoid panic. Float, stay calm and swim in a steady motion along or parallel to the beach to get out of the grip of the rip.

A picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes, and illustrations of rip currents are posted on the back of all lifeguard stands.

The lifeguards, or surf rescue technicians as they are known, are usually happy to talk to any curious ocean goer.

One other pertinent issue is to not go into the ocean over knee deep if unable to swim.

Although the ocean is a prime attraction of this area it is not on par with the Boardwalk, miniature golf or an amusement park.

It has its own ways, and should always be respected whether it’s big and nasty or placid and mellow.

Now on to the main theme which is shore break of any hard breaking wave.

Shore break is when a wave is breaking directly on the beach or shoreline. “Breaking in the dirt” as friend David Hartman would say.

This can catch any swimmer or wader or even surfer by surprise and if strong enough can slam the victim to the sand, sometimes causing heavy injury.

Hard-breaking waves even a short distance from the beach can have the same effect.

Many times it’s a good idea to dive under or through the wave before it

breaks, the idea being to get past the energy and not take a direct hit. As was said this goes for the surfer as well.

All of this has been exacerbated by beach replenishment and the vagaries of wind, tide, swell, bottom contour and mood of the ocean.

The replenishment has had a great deal to do with the bottom contour and has caused the surf to break harder, closer to the beach and more top to bottom, coming over all at once.

This is known as a closeout and frequently gives the surfer no choice but to simply go straight, unable to traverse the wave just in front of the whitewater where the power is or try to get inside the tubing wave.

I’m not against preserving our ocean side town, I just think that there might be other ways to do it aside from beach replenishment.

More about that has been expressed in previous columns and undoubtedly will be expressed again in future ones.

Observe a knowledgeable surfer and watch them take off, make the drop, turn off the bottom, or do a top turn and travel along the wave, either left or right just in front of the breaking whitewater of the wave.

This is what is known as traversing, or moving across the face and getting the most that particular wave has to offer.

Many years ago when I as training to be a lifeguard on the Ocean City Beach Patrol I had the benefit to spend a day in a stand with an experienced guard.

Among other things I always remember something he said, “Never turn your back on the ocean.”

This phrase can be transferred and altered to and for a lot of situations, but in this case the meaning is obvious.

Sure, the OCBP is out there for your protection, but especially with not as many people stepping up to the job, one should take it upon themselves to help with their own safety.

The ocean is a beautiful thing and provides a lot for many people, but it has no emotion and as crude as it sounds, doesn’t care what you or I think or feel.

Always remember, never turn your back on the ocean.

— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

Annual Ocean City tourney set to take place Aug. 7-11

Continued from Page 60

“It’s remarkable to reflect on 50 years of tournaments, especially back to our first event held in 1974. We drew 57 boats, and 150 anglers, and paid $20,000 in prize money,” stated Jim Motsko, founder of the White Marlin Open. “Fast-forward to today and we continue to stay true to our mission of world-class fishing, with our added entry categories more than doubling that initial payout in 1974. Last year, we drew 408 boats, over 3,500 contestants, and awarded over $8.6 million in prize money, including the top individual prize of $4.53 million – a new world record award for the catch of a fish.”

The White Marlin Open invites anglers to donate their catch, making the tournament the largest supplier of protein to food pantries in Maryland annually.

This year, the tournament will be partnering with Catch N Carry to clean, portion, flash freeze, and distribute donated fish directly to local food pantries throughout the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Marlin Fest will be held at the inlet from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the tournament.

The free event welcomes families to bring beach chairs and blankets to spread out and enjoy live music and views of the anglers as they bring in their daily catches to nearby Harbour Island.

Vendors will be onsite selling a variety of items including official Marlin Fest merchandise and White Marlin Open gear, as well as food and

alcohol.

This year, Marlin Fest will support the Ocean City Reef Foundation, an organization committed to the enhancement, and restoration, of Maryland’s seafloor by deploying reef substrates and monitoring coral coverage.

The foundation’s goal is to build living reefs that will help bring back species of fish, lobsters, crab, and shrimp closer to shore.

Marlin Fest is a free event, no ticket or registration is needed.

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available. For more information, contact sashawhitemarlinopen@comcast.net.

To register to participate in the White Marlin Open tournament, visit https://whitemarlinopen.com/.

The White Marlin Open is a 50year-old offshore fishing tournament held annually in Ocean City.

The tournament awards prize money for catches of white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and swordfish.

Long known as “World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament,” the White Marlin Openhas awarded over $95 million since 1974 to the lucky winners among more than 105,000 anglers aboard over 14,000 registered boats.

Along the way, the WMO became the largest billfish tournament and holds the world record for prize money payouts for any fishing tournament.

To learn more, visit https://whitemarlinopen.com.

Ocean City Surf Club to host annual Surf Fest, Saturday

(June 16, 2023) The Ocean City Surf Club will present its annual OC Surf Fest, this Saturday on the beach at 37th Street.

The Castle in the Sand Hotel will host the event that will feature fiveperson teams competing in the “Anything Goes Team Challenge” Surf Contest. All skill levels welcome.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol will be on hand to perform a live ocean rescue demonstration and the United States Lifesaving Association will showcase its S.A.L.T program (Surfer’s Awareness Lifesaving Techniques) as well as some basic CPR instructions.

Additional activities during the day will include sand and ocean Tugof-War and beach games.

This event, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m., is free and open to the public.

The OC Surf Fest is a fundraiser for the all-volunteer nonprofit Ocean City Surf Club.

Sponsors and volunteers are needed to support its mission of providing scholarships, youth mentoring and volunteer programs, environmental programs, charity and community service.

OC Surf Club apparel and merchandise will be available at discounted prices.

Food and drinks will be available at Coconuts Bar & Grill.

For more information or to register for the “Anything Goes Team Challenge” Surf Contest, visit www.oceancitysurfclub.org.

Seahawk Summer Basketball Camp set for June 20-23

(June 16, 2023) The ninth annual Seahawk Summer Basketball Camp will take place June 20-23 from 9 a.m. to noon at Stephen Decatur High School.

The camp will be led by Bryon “BJ” Johnson, head coach of the Stephen Decatur High School boys’ varsity basketball team.

Joining Johnson will be assistant varsity coaches Jeff Levan and Ty Northam, junior varsity Coach Adrian Bowen, and Aaron Wyatt, Decatur varsity girls’ team assistant coach.

The basketball camp is open to boys and girls in second through eighth grades.

The camp will include: ball handling; stationary shooting; passing; footwork; offense and defense; individual and team instruction; 2-on-2, 3-on-3 and 5-on-five competition; contests and prizes.

Registration at the door will cost $125. The camp will take place at Stephen Decatur High School, 9913 Seahawk Road, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For more information, email coachbaj83c@aol.com or call 443373-9546.

EARNS LETTERS

WCRP to offer summer sports camps, activities

(June 16, 2023) Summer is right around the corner, and Worcester County Recreation and Parks is offering a full lineup of Specialty Youth Summer Camps and Camp Coast designed for youth in grades first through eighth to pursue their existing interests and discover new ones.

Registration is open for a host of sports and activities designed to inspire youth to explore, learn and engage.

DONATION

Buddy Jenkins and Jolly Roger Amusements recently donated $1,000 to the Stephen Decatur track/cross country program. It will go to Decatur’s fundraising campaign to pay for a new high jump pit. Construction will soon be underway on the school’s new track. Pictured, from left, are Vice Principal Dr. Curtis Bunting; Gavin Buchheit, a member of the Decatur track/cross country program whose father works for Jolly Roger; and Coach Brenda Hommel.

Activities include baseball, softball, field hockey, Pocomoke River canoe camp, swim lessons, Brazilian soccer, and outdoor adventure.

Families are encouraged to register early, as space is limited, and spots fill up quickly.

Camps will run from June through August at various parks and facilities throughout Worcester County.

New this summer are camp field trips. For an additional fee, campers will be traveling to Shad Landing State Park and Frontier Town for swimming, adventure, and other activities

For more information, contact WCRP at 410-632-2144 or email recandparks@co.worcester.md.us.

To view a full calendar of other programming and to register online, visit www.playmarylandscoast.org.