8/11/2023 Ocean City Today

Hooper’s fire fails to slow staff

Kitchen blaze breaks out while restaurant packed with Friday night patrons

(Aug. 11, 2023) The management and staff at Hooper’s Crab House at the foot of the Route 50 bridge in West Ocean City are feeling grateful after a fire that broke out in the restaurant last week was quickly extinguished and they were back at work the following day.

The fire was noticed at around 7:32 p.m. on Aug. 3, with fire crews arriving at around 7:40. A press release from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office said the source of

the fire was in one of the kitchen walls, behind a kitchen appliance.

“Because it started from the wall, it took longer to find the root cause of the fire,” said kitchen manager Charlie MacEwan. “The fire was coming from the exhaust from one of the deep fryers.”

The restaurant, which seats approximately 500 people, was at full capacity when the fire broke out.

“We were able to handle (the evacuation) calmly,” said manager Michele Dunn. “Everyone was able to get out quickly and safely, and nobody got too excited.”

Hooper’s owner, Royette Shepherd, orchestrated the evacuation, with the overhead announcer system being employed so all of the restau-

rant patrons could be alerted of the situation.

Hooper’s was originally scheduled to close for a few days after the fire. However, according to a Facebook post from Hooper’s, the restaurant was ready to reopen a day later.

“Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our local heroes in red and the tireless effort of our incredible staff, we have successfully overcome the challenges posed by the recent fire. Your support and encouragement have been the driving force behind our swift recovery, and we are immensely grateful for it,” the post read.

“The Ocean City Fire Department was able to arrive in 15 to 20 minutes,” Dunn said. “The contractors

KNOCK OUT

WHITE MARLIN OPEN UPDATE

Stephen Decatur Seahawks take down undefeated North Caroline – Page 47

More than $10.5 million up for grabs; no billfish boated as of Thursday morning - Page 66

First phase in Mailloux case Aug. 18

(Aug. 11, 2023) Tyler Mailloux, the 23-year-old Berlin resident who has been charged as the driver in the hitand-run accident that killed 14-yearold Gavin Knupp of Ocean Pines, has a motions hearing in Worcester County Circuit Court next Friday.

In the months since courts scheduled the trial and hearings on May 17, prosecution and defense have filed a slew of motions concerning discovery, expert witnesses, requests for

See HOOPER’S Page 8 See MAILLOUX Page 8

Commission schedules code changes for public hearing

(Aug. 11, 2023) The public will get its chance to comment on the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission’s proposed off-street parking regulations at an Oct. 3 hearing, following the commission’s decision Tuesday to proceed with that and one other proposed zoning code amendment.

The other matter to be discussed at that hearing concerns the definition of habitable attics and dormers.

After the hearing, the commission will weigh the public comment and then vote on whether to forward changes to City Council with favorable recommendations.

Bill Neville, director of planning and community development for Ocean City, presented the code amendment draft to commission members.

One potential change for off-street parking would raise the requirements for multi-family homes and townhouses from providing two-and-ahalf parking spaces per three bedroom unit, to three spaces.

“That’s a change we may get comment on,” Neville said. “It was a concern that there wasn’t enough off-street parking and that’s where the idea of upping the standard came from.”

Another change would affect situations when more than two spaces are required. In that instance, one would have to be unenclosed, so room for guest parking is available, Neville said. Included in that proposed amendment would be a clarification that parking spaces must not

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

be used for storage.

The draft would also create a standard to identify how wide a parking area in a garage must be depending on how many spaces it holds. A onecar garage parking space must be 12 feet wide, a two-car garage must provide 23 feet and a three car garage must have 34 feet of parking space. All space depths would be 22 feet. Amendments add that interior drive aisles serving garages spaces must have a 90-degree angle of parking, and it must be 20 feet wide.

Neville told commissioners they created a clause that states if parking is only used to meet requirements, builders must create a 132-squarefoot storage area on ground level of the residence.

Commission member Joel Brous worried that if the space requirement was met by attaching a storage shed to the side of a residence it could be an eyesore.

Commission member Palmer Gillis, a builder and developer, said he loved the draft, but recommended they add a required five-foot apron in front of each garage door.

“I think this is unbelievably awesome, and I think it really goes a long way to address what I have seen, and witnessed, and photographed, and photographed, and photographed, and talked about for two or three years, and I think that everything you’ve written in here is what I would suggest or hope to present to a public hearing,” Gillis said.

Gillis said that the Sunset Island Community off of bayside 67th Street had created an efficient parking de-

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Eagles Landing clubhouse, parking improvements OK’d

(Aug. 11, 2023) Since Eagles Landing Golf Professional and Manager Bob Croll began working at the cityowned course more than 20 years ago, renovations to the clubhouse area have been on a facility-wide wish list.

Now, the long-awaited project, along with upgrades to the parking lot, are set to get underway.

“The clubhouse renovation, that’s something that’s been talked about since my first day here in 2001,” Croll said during a City Council work session last week of the plans to renovate the restroom and kitchen areas.

Year 2023 is estimated to be $750,000, and the staff members’ request was for up to $200,000, which council members unanimously approved.

Croll said the original parking lot was built in 1991 and is now in need of attention.

“There are cracks throughout, grass growing through cracks,” he said. “It’s something that needs to be done, it’s just that time. It’s probably passed time for that.”

Eagles Landing Golf

Professional and Manager

“We just really didn’t have the money,” he continued. “And we had some tight budgets through the years. So, we made do with what we had.”

Croll and Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petitio requested permission to use money from the golf course fund balance to cover the cost of design work for the clubhouse renovation, as well as milling and repaving of the parking lot.

The course’s fund balance for Fiscal

He added that public works staff members have said the lot has outlived its life cycle.

Along with repaving and milling, the project will also include adding a planter to cover a septic tank that was installed when the course was hooked up to county sewer. Croll said the planter will cover a bump caused by the tank, as well as provide an aesthetic benefit.

Plans for the clubhouse include renovations to the kitchen and improvements to and reorganization of both the men’s and women’s restrooms. The project includes updated facilities, as well as creation of needed storage space.

Potential amendments for parking and attics on table

Continued from Page 3

sign, and Neville noted it was also compact.

The next set of possible code changes concerned attics, habitable attics and dormers — windows that stick out from a slanted roof.

In the draft, Neville added new definitions for all three that would be applied townwide.

The amendments define “attic” as an unfinished space above maximum building height that is between the ceiling and roof, while “habitable attic” is the same, but defined as “habitable space.” The floor dimensions of the habitable area inside a habitable attic could be no more than 50 percent of the upper-floor footprint. An extra 25 percent of the habitable attic space could be used for a bathroom, storage, utility space or deck.

The definition of building height was also edited to allow living space above it, which would include a habitable attic, while living spaces weren’t previously allowed to be above maximum height, Neville said.

A new definition for dormer specifies that it may not exceed 75 percent of the building roof, and that dormers

must be set four feet back from the end of the main roof.

“The concern was we wouldn’t want to adopt a definition here that dramatically changed what the downtown design guidelines were trying to do,” Neville said.

The draft also included a “development incentive” that would allow projects with pitched roofs and dormers to use 50 percent of the upper floor for residential and commercial uses and another 25 percent for accessory employee housing. In this instance “accessory employee housing” means housing on the same premises as the place of work.

The draft states that for singlefamily and multi-family residences, one additional parking space is required for an enclosed loft or habitable attic.

The commissioners scheduled the public hearing for these code amendments in October because of its busy fall schedule and would give the commission time to discuss changing building height measurements in downtown flood zones and possibly schedule that for the Oct. 3 hearing as well.

“The clubhouse renovation, that’s something that’s been talked about since my first day here in 2001.”

FY 23 budget amendment to reduce need from reserves

(Aug. 11, 2023) An increase in room tax and other revenues, along with adjustments in other departments, has resulted in a projected sizable slash in the amount of money Ocean City officials will need to borrow from reserves to balance the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.

At a work session last week, City Council members voted unanimous to send to a first reading a request for a budget amendment that recognizes the increase revenues and other changes.

Budget Manager Jennie Knapp presented the details, which as of now show that the estimated amount of money needed from the prior year reserves to balance the budget is decreasing from nearly $12.6 million to more than $6.3 million.

She added that at this point the budget is still just an estimate and she expects that the total will end up being less once the final numbers are calculated.

“I very much don’t think we will be taking $6 million from fund balance,” she said during the meeting.

In summary, the budget amendment recognizes increased revenue estimates of $3.7 million from sources including room and admissions taxes, and interest in investments. Revenue increases from building permits, Medicaid reimbursement, grants and donations equaled $2.1 million.

The amendment also includes adjustment of the advertising budget. The fund is set to get $600,000 through a city ordinance, and another nearly $600,000 from a state tourism grant, which Knapp said should be received in time to count in fiscal 2023.

The amendment also includes the offsetting of some higher expenses in the transportation and water funds, and most notably, worker’s comp claims.

Knapp said there was a “large change” in the risk management budget that derived from more than $1 million in claims. She said the budget allocated $700,000 for the claims, requiring another $350,000 from other funds.

The staff report said most of the total was covered by savings in other areas of departmental budgets.

Knapp said money has been allocated in Fiscal Year 2024 to perform an actuarial study to determine what the fund balances should be to better cover costs in the future.

Other details of the budget amendment include $73,000 from casino revenues going to street paving, adjustments for higher energy costs at the convention center following last year’s expansion, and increases for chemicals for the water department and parts for IT.

Following council members’ vote, the budget amendment will come back for a first reading on Aug. 21, with the second and final reading set to follow at a later date.

Hooper’s staff pitches in after fire

Continued from Page 1

and Sysco (restaurant supply company) were already there before the fire department even arrived.”

Speaking about how the fire was able to be put out so quickly and efficiently, Dunn said that everybody had everything on hand at that moment.

She also extended her gratitude and praise toward the staff who weren’t scheduled to work that evening but came to help with the cleanup. “Everyone jumped in with no hesitation,” Dunn said.

Hooper’s burned to the ground in a fire on Jan. 29, 2002, and following that the owners had put everything in place to make sure nothing like that ever happened again.

MacEwan said that after last Thursday’s fire, things at the restaurant are essentially back to standard

operating procedure. “It’s really all about paying close attention to detail. We have three to four people check for heat, any open flames or gas leaks.”

“The community is just so awesome,” Dunn said. “A huge thanks to all the contractors for ensuring we

opened when we did, the staff for helping with the cleanup, and all the people in the Ocean City community for reaching out.”

A full list of the companies that helped Hooper’s reopen so swiftly can be found on their Facebook page.

motions include request for venue change

Continued from Page 1

charge dismissals and a change of venue.

The motion hearing was initially scheduled for Aug. 16 with Judge Brian D. Shockley, but it was rescheduled to two days later and taken over

by Judge Brett W. Wilson. The Dorchester County judge also will preside over the trial, which is scheduled for Sept. 11-14 at Worcester County Circuit Court in Snow Hill.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser filed 17 charges against Mailloux in circuit court on April 28, about 10 months after the July 11, 2022 fatal accident on Grays Corner Road.

Four of the 17 charges are felonies, and two of those carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. All the charges are related to Mailloux’s alleged failures to stop at the scene or report it later.

Mailloux’s initial appearance in court had been scheduled on May 1, but was canceled since charges had already been filed, Heiser said.

One of the more notable motions to be considered will be the defense’s request for a change of venue.

In filing the motion on June 16, Mailloux’s attorneys argued that the widespread publicity generated by the case has created prejudice against Mailloux across Worcester County.

The prosecution’s filings also disclosed it anticipates calling eight expert witnesses, while the defense has listed four.

Inaugural Beach Tennis Maryland Open OK’d

(Aug. 11, 2023) Hoping to create a welcome break from government bureaucracy, Chestertown attorney Chip MacLeod is again ready to bring a beach tennis tournament to Ocean City.

And last week, he secured the goahead to make it happen.

“It’s a diversion from everything else you all have been worried about,” MacLeod told City Council members at a work session Aug. 1.

MacLeod requested approval of a special event request for the Inaugural Beach Tennis Maryland Open, set 8 a.m.

to dusk, Aug. 17-20, between Second and Fourth streets.

During his presentation, he compared the request to the more serious government matters the council members had addressed that day, and said they are the types of matters he deals with on a regular basis in his firm’s local government practice group.

Although the tournament will be the first large one hosted in Ocean City, the unanimous vote from council members to approve it was the second MacLeod has received.

Last year in mid-August, MacLeod sought approval of the first Inaugural

Beach Tennis Maryland Open, set for the last weekend of September and first of October between Seventh and 12th streets. The tournament was scheduled at the same time of the proposed threeday Oceans Calling Festival planned for the inlet and surrounding beach downtown.

A forecast of severe storms ended up canceling both events, and while Oceans Calling organizers are trying again Sept. 29-Oct. 1, MacLeod decided to move the beach tennis event up a few weeks.

He is hoping the tournament will be annual, and expects players from all over the United States, as well as interna-

tional participants from places such as Brazil, Japan, Venezuela and Aruba to participate.

Beach tennis is defined in the event staff report as a hybrid of beach volleyball and tennis, with some influence of badminton. It is played in teams of two on a standard sized volleyball court. MacLeod said last week that 12 courts will be made in the sand for the upcoming tournament.

He also said he has spoken to the beach stand vendors in the area of Second and Third streets and worked out a way to co-exist with them during the

Route 90 bridge work begins Monday, expect some delays

(Aug. 11, 2023) The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin a project on Monday that may cause delays along the Route 90 bridge.

According to a news release, crews are set to clean and paint the structural steel beams on the bridge over the Norfolk-Southern Railroad near the Route 113 interchange in Berlin.

The project is expected to be finished by mid-September, weather permitting.

Beginning Monday, work will start on the west side of Route 90. All cleaning and painting equipment will be staged on the 11-foot western shoulder on the bridge.

Crews will work 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and full traffic will be restored at the end of

each workday.

Portable message signs to alert motorists will be in place to alert drivers to the narrowed shoulder area.

The release said State Highway Administration officials understand the closures will inconvenience some travelers and ask all motorists to stay alert and be patient as you pass through the work zone.

The project is part of the State Highway Administration’s bridge preservation program and will help to preserve and extend the service life of Maryland bridges.

Cleaning and painting the bridges preserves existing steel sections and protects them from corrosion, which could cause expensive and time-consuming repairs and bridge closures in the future.

Last call for nominations for county volunteer spirit award

(Aug. 11, 2023) Local organizations and individuals have until 4:30 p.m., Aug. 25, to nominate residents, organizations and businesses for the 2023 Volunteer Spirit of Worcester County awards.

Volunteer Spirit nominations will be accepted for eight categories: individual, group/team, emerging leader, faith-based, nonprofit volunteer program, local business, veteran, and lifetime achievement. One winner to be chosen from each.

Nomination forms are available at all five branch libraries and online at worcestervolunteer.org under the News tab. Completed forms may be returned to the library or submitted

Event set for Aug. 17-20 on beach near downtown

Continued from Page 10

event.

“We’ll be getting a discount on chairs and umbrellas before it’s all over,” he joked.

The staff report said the beach tennis tournament will be subject to weather conditions, and if lightning is spotted, or if Beach Patrol staff clear the beach for any reason, participants must also leave the area until it is safe to return.

Beach Patrol staff will also have final say on the event footprint, and MacLeod must provide emergency access.

MacLeod will pay the town a total $2,100 in private event fees to host the tournament.

to kbrinkley@co.worcester.md.us.

Volunteer award winners will be recognized at the Sept.19 Worcester County Commissioners meeting.

Campground expansion approved

(Aug. 11, 2023) Frontier Town on Route 611 on the way to Assateague Island can proceed with its campground expansion plan following a unanimous endorsement from the county Planning Commission last Thursday.

This expansion will include a total of 107 proposed park unit sites along with a

public pool and recreation area.

According to the memo included in the western-themed attraction’s request, the required parking for each campsite is two spaces minimum, with a maximum of 2.5 spaces. The number of parking spaces that will be provided is 228, with 20 designated as handicap-accessible. Of these, seven of the units have been designed for handicap accessibility, which includes the required accessible parking space on the campsite.

No additional loading spaces have been provided with the expansion.

The site of the expansion is able to be accessed off Route 611 through an existing commercial entrance. No additional signage has been proposed, with modifications to the current signage requiring review.

The memo also stated that the plan will include a variety of deciduous trees and evergreen trees (eastern red cedars and southern magnolias) as well as a variety of shrubs and ground covers (hollys, azaleas, nandinas). The revisions to the parking area will have plantings of native species in newly constructed landscape islands.

In terms of refuse, four new 20-by-

20-foot dumpster enclosures with six-foot tall fences will be at various locations around the perimeter of the campground.

For lighting, general lighting is already implemented along the main travel ways and near the parking spaces within the campsite area. The lighting will be mounted on 10-foot poles with French lantern style decorative light fixtures.

There has been approval for a stormwater management facility site design plan.

The required water capacity for the project is 35.6 equivalent dwelling units, or EDUs. The Department of Environmental Programs said the number of sites on the plan should not exceed 38 by 300 gpd/EDU or 11,400 gallons.

Furthermore, a bath house will be constructed with a sloped, patina green metal roof with natural clay, horizontal vinyl siding. The camping units will be designed with 390 square feet of living space with an open porch area.

The developer of this project is Sun TRS Frontier, with Davis, Bowen and Friedel heading the engineering and land planning. The company in charge of the architecture is Fisher Architecture.

Ocean Downs private wells to be converted for Riddle Farm

(Aug. 11, 2023) Last Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners voted to convert the private water supply wells owned by Ocean Downs into public wells and add them to the Riddle Farm service area.

Also last Tuesday, the commissioners approved a public works department request to begin the design of an emergency bypass sewer force main across the Ocean Downs property to serve the Riddle Farm wastewater treatment plant.

Department Director Dallas Baker asked the commissioners to add the Ocean Downs wells to the county’s system. One well is for domestic use and the other was used for irrigation and maintenance.

A memo from Baker said the discussion of the track and casino’s wells grew out of water and sewer committee discussions about expanding the customer base by connecting other water systems.

Baker said Ocean Downs was willing to give the county the domestic wells if the county would run the water treatment systems and provide the casino with 171 equivalent dwelling units, or EDUs, of domestic water.

Baker also told the commissioners that Ocean Downs’ water tower doesn’t have the necessary pressure needed for the fire sprinklers for the current facility. The connection to the county water system would solve that problem, he said.

The tentative plan, Baker said, was to connect the Ocean Downs well to the closest tower, located at the Riddle Farm service center.

As for the emergency bypass force main for The Riddle Farm wastewater treatment plant, and connecting it to the Ocean Pines system, Baker said it would allow for “temporary plant shutdowns or to divert partial flow without the need for expensive pumping and hauling operations.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting, who cast the only opposing vote, worried that the county might be giving away more than it received in terms of services and water allocation in exchange for two wells.

Baker, however, countered that the agreement did recognize the value of what the county would be receiving through the exchange.

The cost of the well conversion amounts to more than $1 million. The cost for constructing the Riddle Farm bypass is $1.45 million.

Commencement set for Trails and Greenways plan

(Aug. 11, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners approved the development of the Trail and Greenways program’s master plan at a meeting last week.

In a 6-0 vote, with Commissioner Joe Mitrecic absent at the time of vote, the commissioners agreed to a contract with Mead & Hunt Inc. to head the completion of the master plan.

The contract, listed in a memo from Procurement Officer Nicholas Rice, requires that the company furnish and provide all of the material, supplies, tools, equipment and other services necessary to complete the project.

Mead and Hunt will also be in charge of the work required by the contract documents within the specific timeframes listed in the proposal documents, unless there is a need to extend the completion period.

With this in mind, the company would have to agree to perform the work mentioned in the contract and comply with the listed terms for $100,000. This funding was approved in a grant from the State of Maryland to the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore, with the Department of Commerce approving the grant to transfer over to Worcester County.

The documents listed in the contract include the standard terms and conditions, general information, general conditions, proposal specifications, evaluation and selection process, form of proposal, references, exceptions, individual principal, vendor’s affidavit of qualification to bid, non-collusive affidavit, completed proposal documents (provided by Mead and Hunt), a notice of award, and a notice to proceed.

The master plan would be incorporate in countywide projects, enhancing accessibility to recreational and natural resources. One project, “Rails to Trails,” plans to install a shared-use path along a railroad from Berlin to Snow Hill.

The Town of Berlin discussed funding for the project in March, with the estimated cost amounting to $1.26 million. Funding from the bikeway program in Fiscal Year 2017 will be allocated to pay for the project. Davis, Bowen and Friedel, a Salisbury-based firm, is heading the project.

Worcester County sent out the proposals for the project in June.

No injuries reported in Snow Hill house fire last Wednesday

(Aug. 11, 2023) Crews from several regional departments spent roughly two hours last Wednesday battling a Snow Hill house fire that derived from “improperly discarded smoking materials.”

According to a new release from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, the blaze broke out just before 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 inside a bedroom at 413 West Market St. in Snow Hill.

After arriving at the two-story home, firefighters saw flames showing on several sides, but were able to find and extinguish them quickly, and ensure everyone in the house had

safely evacuated.

Deputies from the fire marshal’s office conducted a scene examination. They determined the cause was accidental and the result of improper discarded smoking materials in bed.

The release said crews remained on scene for about two hours ensuring the fire was completely extinguished.

The Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company was assisted by firefighters from Pocomoke, Stockton, Newark and Girdletree. The American Red Cross helped the occupants with displacement after the fire. No injuries were reported.

Police identify two women who spit on, bit bus riders

(Aug. 11, 2023) Charges are pending against two women who are alleged to have spit on and bitten passengers on an Ocean City Bus last Saturday.

Four people were spit on by a woman wearing a white bikini while a woman in a green bathing suit, who was carrying an open beer can, bit one of them, according to City Police.

The two were last seen around 6 p.m. near 131st Street that evening.

Ashley Miller, deputy communications manager for the OCPD, said that investigators identified the women on Tuesday night because of many tips, along with confirmations obtained through vehicle records, social media and interviews.

Officers will apply for charges through the District Court Commissioner, who will either issue a summons or an arrest warrant, Miller said. The names of the suspects had not been released as of Wednesday.

“Physical altercations on our buses are not unheard of, but they’re not ter-

ribly common,” said Rob Shearman, transit manager for Ocean City. “A handful of times per year a disturbance will escalate into a situation requiring police intervention.”

Shearman said drivers are taught to immediately call police for assistance when incidents like this occur after the driver has stopped the bus at the closest safe location and opened all the doors.

“The desire to provide an opportunity to de-escalate the situation by physical distance far outweighs any desire to attempt to detain or contain any of the combatants,” Shearman said. “In this situation our driver did exactly as he was trained.”

Because one of the women had an open alcohol container on the bus, Ocean City Transit will conduct an internal review to see if the driver followed protocols.

“It is not always possible for our drivers to spot and deter this,” Shearman said of open alcohol on the buses. He said they will address any “deficiencies” they find in the investigation.

Suspect sorry for tearing down car wash flag

(Aug. 11, 2023) The owners of Zoom Car Wash, a business off Route 50 near Walmart, captured security camera footage last week of a man taking down their 24-by-32 foot American flag, and then writing on it in black marker.

At first, the incident appeared to be an act of mean-spirited vandalism that led to outrage in some quarters, but Zoom’s owners later found that might not have been the case at all.

The incident happened between 10

p.m. and midnight on Aug. 4, when a man used his white Chevy Equinox to pull the flag down, and bent and damaged the 80-foot flagpole to which it was attached.

Owners Bruce Rogers and Charles Holland estimated the cost to remove and replace the flag pole at around $30,000. It cost Zoom $20,000 to install the original, and Holland assumed it would cost $10,000 for removal, Holland said.

“When you see the video, it’s unbelievable the amount of effort, but we know he was on the lot for two hours

just being disruptive,” Rogers said Monday.

On Tuesday, Holland said that they got in touch with the suspect who expressed remorse for the damages.

Owners had put the flag at halfmast that night because of expected high winds so the flag wouldn’t tear or suffer damage. The man told Zoom’s owners that he had intended to raise the flag, but accidentally broke the pole in the process, Holland said.

The car wash’s video footage

shows the man taking a rope and a safety harness out of a small trailer located by the dumpster behind Zoom’s main building. Using the two, he attached one end to his car and the other to a lock panel on the flagpole.

He drove the car away from the flagpole and broke open the panel, which contained a pulley system used to raise and lower the flag. The flagpole bent in the process, Holland said.

Then, the man hooked the line into the pulley system, drove away from it

See OWNERS Page 21

Owners estimate flag pole fix to cost $30K

Continued from Page 20

and broke it too, causing the flag to fall.

“It’s one thing to go out here and damage our coin machine or our equipment, we expect a certain amount of vandalism because the world is what it is today, but this to me is unacceptable,” Holland said Monday, before being in contact with the suspect. “I’m a veteran. I don’t agree with it … I don’t like anything about it.”

Holland served in the army from 1989-1997, he said.

Throughout Zoom’s surveillance videos, the man is seen seemingly showing the rings on his knuckles to the security camera and praying - at one point bending up and down at the waist repeating the phrase, “Oh my Lord, oh my God.”

Holland said the man was also filming himself with a separate camera.

Most of the writing on the flag was unintelligible, expect for a few words and phrases including “Every road has it’s thorns.”

Holland said his staff found a credit card on site after the incident, which they assumed was stolen. They turned it over to Maryland State Police, who is continuing to investigate the incident.

While speaking to Zoom’s owners earlier on Tuesday, the man said he left the card at the scene so that they could charge him for the damages, Holland said. He claimed to have confessed to State Police over the weekend after they called him in relation to finding the credit card, Holland said.

Maryland State Police said they could not confirm the suspect’s alleged confession, and that charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Holland said Maryland State Police ran the car’s Pennsylvania license plates, which were from a 2000 Acura that had been salvaged and were not registered to the Chevy.

On Sunday morning, the owners posted about the incident on the Zoom Car Wash Facebook page, asking the community for leads on finding the suspect. This was before Holland and Rogers got in contact with the man.

The post got over 1,100 shares in one day, and as of Tuesday it has 1,300.

One man commented on that post offering to donate an American flag that was flown in combat in Afghanistan as a replacement, and Holland said they intend to accept the offer.

On Tuesday, Holland said members of the Berlin American Legion were coming to pick up the fallen and drawn-on flag to ceremonially burn and retire it. He also said someone was coming Tuesday to assess the flagpole’s condition.

Berlin police investigating numerous thefts from cars

(Aug. 11, 2023) Berlin Police are investigating a string of thefts from vehicles that took place in the town over the last two weekends and are searching for suspects in the crimes.

Besides the reported thefts, said to be between 14-18, about five other people have reported that someone tampered with property inside their cars, but not taken anything, said Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing.

“This is the first time in the general area that we’ve had something like this happen,” Downing said. He added there have been single-incident thefts from cars in the past, but not a string of them such as this.

The thefts have taken place on

Branch Street, Schoolfield Street, Elizabeth Street, Maple Avenue, Flower Street, Bay Street and Ennis Lane, and they have been concentrated between Friday and Saturday of each weekend, according to police.

All vehicles that were stolen from or tampered with are suspected to have been left unlocked by their owners, Downing said.

Police believe that there have been more incidents that went unreported.

On Aug. 6, Berlin police posted pictures of the suspects, apparently captured on security camera footage, on Facebook.

The pictures show the perpetrators entering several different vehicles at different locations around Bay Street and Maple Avenue between 1:303:30 a.m. on Aug. 5, according to the post. That night they stole money, purses, wallets and other items, police said.

Suspicious people also have been seen trying car-door handles and moving past locked ones, Downing said, adding that the thieves briefly enter unlocked cars and take several items, then they often assess the stolen items as they exit and walk away from the car, discarding unwanted items.

For this reason, police ask that people report any items they see on the ground or in their car that is not theirs.

“We don’t want individuals to feel that this situation is not grave enough to actually report it to police,” Downing said.

Berlin police are asking that residents lock their cars and keep valuable items out of sight. They are also encouraging anyone who may have had a theft, or who believes someone tampered with their car, to report it to police. It will help officers track the activities and whereabouts of the suspects, Downing said.

“If you ever see anything suspicious, do not hesitate to give us a call. We’d much rather investigate something that is nothing than miss out stopping something that is criminal,” Berlin police said on Facebook.

Downing said thefts from cars are common in the spring and summer as people sometimes leave car windows open. It’s also common around Christmas and the holiday season when people leave gifts or valuables within sight inside their vehicles.

“Multiple victims stated they thought crime like this did not happen in Berlin. Crime like this happens everywhere across the country. It’s not specific to Berlin, Delmarva, Maryland, or the U.S.,” Berlin police said on Facebook.

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ipal lot and police approached the car.

They told the driver, Ickes, it was a traffic stop and looked at his Pennsylvania identification card. Ickes couldn’t find his registration and said he thought it had expired. Police confirmed it was expired.

Another officer showed up to the scene and told the other police that they had tried to pull over Ickes earlier, but Ickes had eluded them. Officers asked Icke to step out of the car and could see signs he was drunk.

Police tried to get Ickes to give them his license but he would not, police said, adding that Ickes failed a roadside sobriety test. Police reported that Ickes also blew a .14 on an alcohol breath test that was administered during booking.

Officers searched Ickes car and found a loaded 9mm handgun in the trunk. He did not have a concealed carry permit in Maryland, according to police.

Hit-and-run

Brolin Alduvi Madrid-Portillo, 18, of Dundalk, received seven charges from the OCPD, including failure to remain at the scene after being involved in a car accident, driving on a highway without required license and authorization and possessing a dangerous concealed weapon, according to a po-

lice report.

On Sunday around 7:30 a.m., police responded to a downtown convenience store in reference to a hit-and-run. There, officers met the victim, who said he was inside the store when he saw a blue Chevy Equinox back into his car twice in the parking lot. His wife was inside their car when it was hit.

Police could see damage on the rear bumper.

The victim described the driver to police, and said there should be damage on the front of the Equinox.

While police were investigating, they saw an Equinox turning west onto the Route 50 bridge. Officers pulled over the car on the other side of the bridge in West Ocean City, and identified Portillo, who matched the victim’s description.

Portillo told police he did not have a license and only had a Honduras passport.

Police could see scuff marks and scrapes on the front passenger bumper.

Portillo told police he did not remember hitting another car, but that he had been at the same convenience store.

Police called a tow truck to take the Equinox and searched the car. They found a boxcutter in the center consol.

Officers arrested Portillo.

Making fried, stuffed tomatoes

(Aug. 11, 2023) Today, we think of Milan as the fashion capital of the world. But it also claims to be the birthplace of one of Italy’s most classic recipes, Osso buco.

Osso buco, translated, means “bone with a hole” originated in the Lombardy region in the 19th Century.

This star of this rustic stew is a veal shank, cross cut to reveal the marrow that oozes into the sauce as it cooks, lending it a rich flavor and luscious texture.

The bone marrow is a delicacy and presenting the dish with a bone marrow spoon adds a certain elegance and homage to the delectable dish.

Osso buco is traditionally garnished with gremolata: a bright, acidic condiment of lemon zest, parsley, and garlic that brightens and cuts through the richness of the meat.

Osso buco is generally served with risotto; however, some prefer pasta.

The reason for the adjustment is simple, risotto can be a heavy accompaniment for the tender, succulent meat.

The dish is easy to make, but it is time consuming.

The meat is cooked at a very low temperature for a long time to ensure tenderness. Slow cooking also allows the flavors to mingle and form a symphony of harmonious deliciousness.

Veal shanks are pricy, lamb and pork can be substituted for a more frugal budget.

That being said, a chef’s reputation depends on creativity and whimsical interpretation and the element of surprise is a must for memorable merriments.

Tomatoes are in season and sweet for the picking. A fried tomato “osso buco” is a fun interpretation of the Italian masterpiece.

Tomato slices are hollowed out in the center, breaded, and fried for a crunchy delight. A fragrant basil remoulade is piped in the center to represent the decadent bone marrow.

The element of surprise is a key ingredient in the art of entertaining.

Before we conclude our time together, allow me to share a few tips for frying tomatoes.

Typically, fried tomatoes are made with green tomatoes. I find that tomatoes that are partially green and red produce the best results. Green tomatoes have a firm consistency and red tomatoes are full of natural sweetness.

When frying, dip the veggie or protein in flour, egg wash, and dredging batter. One might ask why flour? The flour acts as a glue. In essence, the egg wash will stick better to a dry surface than a wet surface.

Flour, cornmeal, and panko are the trinity of frying goodness. The ratio is one part flour, one part cornmeal, and two parts panko bread crumbs.

The choice of pan is another consideration. You cannot beat a cast iron skillet for frying. The cast iron retains the heat and is your best option.

When frying, it is important not to overcrowd the pan. Otherwise, the temperature will drop and you will end up with a soggy mess.

When you have finished frying your veggies or protein, place them on a cooking rack. There is nothing worse than obtaining a crispy exterior and allow it to sit on a plate lined with soggy paper towels.

In addition, a cooling rack allows the fried foods to continue the process of crisping. Place paper towels underneath for a speedy clean up.

While the hot food is resting on the cooling rack, salt your food. Salt adheres better on a hot surface.

Fresh basil remoulade tops popular creation

Continued from Page 26

Fried tomatoes have always been a favorite in my family. I can see mom and nanny frying them, but even this team of “Walkers” could not keep up with the demand.

My Aunt Mary Ann, dad, and I waited patiently and partook as soon as they hit the platter. Even my sister, Donna, the picky one, could not wait to devour this good old-fashioned favorite.

Food is not just about the taste, it’s about family. And it is these recollections that season our daily lives. Enjoy!

Fried Tomatoes with a Fresh Basil Remoulade

Fresh Basil Remoulade

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2/3 cup cream cheese

1 tablespoon finely chopped cornichons

½ tablespoon chopped capers, drained

½ cup fresh basil

½ teaspoon Herbs de Province

1 teaspoon whole grain mustard

1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic in a jar, drained

1. In a medium bowl, using a hand-

held immersion blender, puree the ingredients.

Refrigerate the remoulade for 30 minutes.

Fried Tomatoes

canola oil for frying

3 tablespoons bacon fat

4 partially ripened tomatoes; cut into ½-inch rings

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

3 large eggs

3 teaspoons cold water

2 cups plain panko bread crumbs

1 cup cornmeal

½ teaspoons each garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. In a large skillet, preheat oil and bacon drippings to 350 degrees.

2. Place ¾ cup flour in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, whisk eggs and water until fully combined. In a pie plate, combine remaining flour, panko, cornmeal, and seasonings.

3. Using a small biscuit cutter or knife, cut out a 1-inch hole in the center of the sliced tomato.

4. Dredge the tomatoes in the flour and shake off any excess. Dip tomato slice in egg mixture and allow excess

to drip off. Place tomato slice in the panko mixture and gently press so more bread crumbs mixture adheres to the slice of tomato. Repeat this process for the remainder slices of tomatoes.

5. Gently lower the breaded slices of tomatoes in the oil and fry until golden brown on both slices. Do not overcrowd the pan, or the temperature of the oil will drop, causing the tomatoes to become soggy.

6. Place fried tomatoes on a cool-

CROSSWORD

ing rack underlined with paper towels. Season with a dusting of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

7. Stack 3 slices of fried tomatoes on serving plate and pipe the basil remoulade in the hollowed-out center for a more sophisticated look.

8. Dust tomatoes with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Secret Ingredient – Surprise “Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.”

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Things that have seemingly been holding you back should be reevaluated this week, Aries. You are looking elsewhere for solutions, when all you need to do is make a few tweaks.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, spend time reflecting on things this week, as you may have some difficult decisions to make in the near future. A close confidante can serve as a sounding board.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, now is the time to identify your priorities as they pertain to the job. Do you want a career and a company that you stick with? Or, are you satisfied with being a contract worker?

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Prepare for some stressful times ahead, Cancer. It is nothing you cannot survive, but it could throw a wrench in your plans for the time being. Reward yourself with some extra pampering.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you may have planned on staying to yourself, in order to knock things off of your to-do list. That simply will not pan out right now. Expect to be surrounded by people.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, others do not seem receptive to your way of doing things this week. You cannot please everyone, so figure out who you can work with and appeal to those people to get things done.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you may have to take off the rose-colored glasses for a little while. Although it’s good to have a cheery outlook, a no-nonsense approach will serve you well in the days ahead.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you could be having doubts about your role in your workplace. Maybe the work isn’t stimulating or the responsibilities too great. If change is happening, do it soon.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, something from your past will come back to the surface in the days to come. Maybe it is an error you made or it could be an opportunity that you thought was lost.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Think about adding more hobbies or recreational activities to your slate, Capricorn. All work and no play is not healthy for you right now. It’s time to find a greater balance in life.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, the latest developments on the job have not been encouraging. You are tempted to cut back on your efforts, but you are worried about the implications of that.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

People who followed you in the past may now confront you with a difference of opinion, Pisces. No need to worry as a healthy dialogue could help the relationship grow.

Plein air event set Aug. 9-13 around Ocean City, region

(Aug 11, 2023) The Ocean City Art League is ready to host its 18th annual Artists Paint OC Festival, from Aug. 9-13.

The art style featured is “plein air,” or painting in the open air. It differs from studio painting, as the outdoor climate allows the light to change over time, and the artist isn’t confined to an indoor studio, said Rina Thaler, the executive director of the Art League.

“It revolutionized how artists painted,” Thaler said. “Artists could paint quicker and in the moment. The paintings themselves also became more affordable for people to collect.”

Recently, plein air painting has seen a resurgence, bringing on a competition where groups of people have competitions where they go outside to paint in the open air.

This year’s plein air painting competition will see 50 painters travel all around the resort and Assateague Island to paint iconic Ocean City landscapes. The artists come from six different states, the majority of them award-winning. Thaler dubbed the event the White Marlin Open of

painting, noting that the artists run into each other often when traveling all over for painting competitions.

“It gives them a chance to celebrate what they have in the community,” Thaler said.

Usually, about 300 paintings are gathered and put up for display from the artists. They will be on sale during the “wet paint sales” which are held on 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 12 and 13 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 13. These will both be free events. The paintings that don’t get sold will still be on display at the Art League in an exhibi-

tion that lasts through Sept. 30.

One of the main attractions of the five-day event takes place on Sunday morning, where artists will gather on the Boardwalk for a two-hour painting competition, the winner of which will be chosen for the main competition. The prize money at stake is $6,500.

Something new that will be at the festival is “Kids Paint OC,” which will feature young artists ages 6 through 17 painting outdoors. This event is sponsored by the Worcester County

Annual music fest adds new venues

in Berlin, Snow Hill

(Aug. 11, 2023) The 2023 Chamber Music by the Sea festival, set Aug. 1319, is changing things up in its eighth year.

The annual event will feature some of the world’s most acclaimed young musicians playing in venues in both Berlin and Snow Hill. It will also welcome members of the public for a behind-the-scenes peek at how the musical magic is made.

Violinist Elena Urioste, the founder and artistic director of Chamber Music by the Sea, said in a news release that she is grateful for the support the festival has received through the years and is eager to keep audiences coming back for more.

“I wanted to reinvigorate things this year so that newcomers, as well as our friends who have been with us all along, will have something fresh and exciting to look forward to,” she said.

New venues such as Berlin’s iconic Atlantic Hotel and Snow Hill’s Bishop’s Stock gallery will join returning events at Temple Bat Yam and All Hallows Episcopal Church.

The summer festival will also includes an open-air rehearsal on South Point that is open to the public, a free family concert at the Berlin library, and an informal outdoor performance on the lawn of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum.

The release said music for this year’s performances ranges from masterpieces of familiar composers including Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schubert and Florence Price. And no Chamber Music by the Sea festival would be complete without the trademark wit and charm of Tom Poster’s new arrangements for the musicians.

Other festival favorites joining Urioste and Poster include violinists

Grace Park and Melissa White, and cellists Guy Johnston and Brook Speltz. Violist Kyle Armbrust will also perform in his Chamber Music by the Sea debut.

Other artists include first prize laureates of the international Naumberg and Sphinx Competitions, BBC New Generation Artists, and recipients of awards from the Royal Philharmonic Society, Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine.

Under the sponsorship of the Worcester County Education Foundation, funded by the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, and with continuing support from the Ocean City Lioness Club, Chamber Music by the Sea sponsors year-round arts initiatives in Worcester County public schools. The initiatives include festival ticket sales, such as live in-school programs and virtual visiting artists programs, which allow students to interact directly with acclaimed musicians in real-time virtual classroom sessions.

The 2023 festival schedule is as follows:

• 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug.13 —

Ticketed salon concert and reception at a private Snow Hill home (seating limited)

• 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 14 —

Open-air rehearsal on South Point

• 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15 —

Ticketed salon concert and reception at Bishop’s Stock Gallery, Snow Hill (seating limited)

• 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 16

— Ticketed concert and reception at Temple Bat Yam, Berlin

• 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 17 — Free family concert at the Berlin Public Library

• Noon, Thursday, Aug. 17 —

Student workshop (open to the pub-

Art will feature local landscapes

Continued from Page 29

Arts Council.

Other business sponsors for this event include Royal Plus, The HotelMotel-Restaurant Association, and the Town of Ocean City.

“It’s fun for the attendees to see art being made, and for them to meet the artists behind the paintings,” Thaler said. “People get excited when they see 300 paintings that hadn’t been created before, and to see these artists become inspired by what they love about the town.”

For more information, visit OCart.org or follow Artists Paint OC: A Plein Air Event on Facebook. Another plein air event will be

lic) at the Berlin Public Library

• 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 17 —

Ticketed concert at the Atlantic Hotel, Berlin

• 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18 —

Ticketed concert at All Hallows Episcopal Church, Snow Hill

• 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 19 —

hosted by the Worcester County Arts Council from Sept. 17-23. Currently, the council is taking registration applications, with the deadline set for Aug. 31.

This event will feature artists setting up their easels around the Worcester County area and painting scenes that capture the beauty found in the nature of the community. An exhibit featuring this work will be at the Berlin Library from 5 - 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23. The artwork will be available for sale, and will be displayed until Oct. 30. For more information, contact the arts council at 410-641-0809.

Free open-air informal performance on the lawn of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, Berlin

More details, including ticket and artist information, as well as a full list of Chamber Music by the Sea’s sponsors, can be found at chambermusicbythesea and wced.foundation.

Water awareness becomes injury prevention in ocean

(Aug. 11, 2023) So far this summer we have experienced our fair share of heat and humidity in the past few weeks, but mostly we have enjoyed some very pleasant beach days.

August typically brings hot humid temperatures and rougher ocean conditions as tropical storm activity gets more prevalent.

As the Atlantic Basin experiences more storm activity, it will begin to push larger more frequent waves onto our beaches. With this activity, rip currents, shore break, and what some people refer to as “great body boarding waves” develop and have the potential to create dangerous situations for swimmers.

People who are unaware of the ocean’s power and swiftly changing movements can suddenly find themselves in trouble without realizing it.

Swimmers who overestimate their abilities while underestimating the power of the ocean and its waves and

currents, may be in for an unpleasant life-altering experience (this is often associated with alcohol consumption).

The crushing power of a ton of water in the form of a wave can cause serious or fatal bone and joint injuries.

In addition to our slogan, “ Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard is in the stand” we recommend that beach patrons introduce themselves and their children to the surf rescue technician, or lifeguard, on duty and ask about the current water conditions for the day.

The lifeguards are happy to answer any questions. They have information about potential hazards that you should be aware of. Your lifeguard may even gather everyone on their beach around their stand for a safety talk to make sure you are aware of constantly changing conditions.

Just because you heard “the talk” before, don’t dismiss it as unnecessary, since it is based on changing conditions and new information. However, if an unfortunate accident should happen, lifeguards are well prepared to handle any emergency.

Although broken ankles, dislocated shoulders, concussions and cracked ribs are not uncommon injuries for active people, the most serious of these involve head, neck and back injuries.

Most people are aware that on land it is always best not to move a person who may have a back injury. However, in the ocean the movement of the waves makes leaving the victim

NOW PLAYING

Aug 12: Risky Business, 9 p.m.

HAMMERHEADS RAW BAR & GRILL

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

Aug. 11: Bryan Dorsey, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 12: Chris Mooneyham, 1-5 p.m.; Josh Pryor, 711 p.m.

Aug. 13: Mike Chester, 1-5 p.m.

MACKY’S BAYSIDE BAR & GRILL

ROGUE CITIZENS

Pickle’s Pub:

Saturday, August 12, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

THE ANGLER RESTAURANT

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

Aug. 11: RPM, 7 p.m.

Aug. 12: WACK, 5 p.m.

Aug. 13: Kasey Briggs, 5 p.m.

Aug. 14: Sean Loomis, 5 p.m.

Aug. 15: Dune Hounds, 6 p.m.

Aug. 16: Chris English, 5 p.m.

Aug. 17: Full Circle Duo, 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

Aug. 11: Phil Perdue, 5-9 p.m.

CAROUSEL BEACH BAR - TSUNAMI

In the Carousel Hotel, 118th Street, Ocean City 410-524-1000 / www.carouselhotel.com

Aug. 11: DJ Nigel, 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 12: DJ Nigel, 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 13: Chino Rankin, 5-8 p.m.

Aug. 17: Chino Rankin, 5-8 p.m.

CARRIBBEAN POOL BAR

In the Plim Plaza Hotel

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

Aug. 11: Endless Ember, 1-5 p.m.; Kaotik, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 12: Lime Green, 1-5 p.m.; The Runner Ups, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 13: No Byscuyts, 1-5 p.m.; TBD, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 14: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.; Naked Nation Duo, 711 p.m.

Aug. 15: John Remy, 1-5 p.m.; Ray Holiday, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 16: The Quartermen, 1-5 p.m.; Jason Lee, 7-11 p.m.

Aug. 17: Mike Mead & Eric Wolf, 1-5 p.m.; Mercury

Agenda, 7-11 p.m.

COCONUT’S BAR & GRILLE

3701 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, 21841

410-289-6846 / castleinthesand.com

Aug. 11: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; Colossal Fossil

Sauce, 5-9 p.m.

Aug. 12: The Everafter, noon to 4 p.m.; The Bills, 5-9 p.m.

Aug. 13: Hurricane Kevin, noon to 3 p.m.; The Lauren Glick Band, 4-8 p.m.

Aug. 14: Nate Clendenen, noon to 3 p.m.; Remy & Lyons, 4-8 p.m.

Aug. 15: Ben Davis, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Homeskool Dropouts, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Aug. 16: Jack Bannon, noon to 3 p.m.; Chris Diller Duo, 4-8 p.m.

Aug. 17: Josh Pryor Duo, noon to 3 p.m.; On The Edge, 48 p.m.

COINS

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

Aug. 11: Beach Bandits, 8 p.m.

Every Saturday: “Jim Long” Get Off the Beach Party, 3:306:30 p.m.; OHO, 8 p.m.

Aug. 16: Support your Local Bartender Night, DJ Wax, 9 p.m.

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

19 Wicomico Street, Ocean City 443-373-2756

Aug 11: Tyler Greene & Friends, 9 p.m.

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

Aug. 11: DJ Casper, 10 p.m. to midnight

Aug. 12: DJ Vybe, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Aug. 13: Trivia w/Brandon Myers

Aug. 15: DJ E-State, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Aug. 17: DJ Flight, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

Aug. 11: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aug. 12: Rogue Citizens, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aug. 13: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aug. 14: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aug. 15: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 17: 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

Aug. 11: 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.; Jah Works, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Aug. 12: Bobby-O on De Bay, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; DJ Tuff, noon to 2 a.m.; Kono Nation, 1-5 p.m.; Jah Works, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Cellar Sessions, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Kristen & the Noise, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Aug. 13: 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.; The Burnsiders, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Amish Outlaws, 10:15 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Aug. 14: 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.; The Burnsiders, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Turning the Tide, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Aug. 15: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 12th Annual Fastest Server on Da Beach Contest, noon to 4 p.m.; Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; Zion Reggae Band, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Cherry Crush Band, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Aug. 16: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Connair, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Davie, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Storm; 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Aug. 17: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 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.; Go Go Gadjet, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

Located on the 8th Floor of the Fenwick Inn, 13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City vistarooftopoc.com / @Vistarooftopoc

Aug. 11: Steve Kuhn, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 12: Sarah Freih, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 13: Rachael Quillen, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 14: Marcella Peters, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 15: Steve Kuhn & Glenn Stern, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 16: Taylor Know & Brian, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 17: Drake Burd, 4-7 p.m.

WHISKER’S BAR & GRILL

In the Ocean City Square Shopping Center, 11805 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 410-524-2609 /www.whiskersbar.com

Aug. 11: Dance w/Beats by Followers, 8 p.m.

Aug. 14: Industrial Night, 8 p.m.

Aug. 15: Ladies Night, Karaoke w/DJ Wood, 8 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 breakfast, 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 starting with breakfast 8-11 a.m. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at least 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bar is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at least midnight Friday and Saturday.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for more than 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and regional seafood. Open for breakfast and dinner every day. Happy Hour: 7 days a week, 4-6 p.m. Breakfast: Monday through Friday, 7:30-10:30 a.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m.

■ 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

17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites. Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharable, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET TAVERN

19 Wicomico Street, Ocean City 443-373-2756, @crawlstreettavern

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Come join the Crawl Street Tavern family with great food, drinks and fun. Serving breakfast,

lunch and dinner. Good home cooking from cream chip beef, pancakes to their famous crab cake sandwiches, burgers, finger foods, tacos, steamed shrimp, salads, wings, soups and much more. Open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. to 2 A.M. Dine in or take out. No delivery.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

Caroline Street, Wicomico Street and S. Division Street 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 410-289-

0990

$-$$$ | 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

Oceanfront deck. Try our Seafood steam pots and 1/2 lb burgers, creative cocktails like the shark and 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 7 Days a week, noon to 10 p.m. Dine in or carry out is available.

■ HARBOR WATCH RESTAURANT

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

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

The highest quality seafood, unlimited sides, award-winning raw bar, certified angus beef and home to the best view of Ocean City, Inlet and Assateague Island. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Raw Bar specials, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m, featuring half priced steamed shrimp and $4 draft beer. 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. Serving lunch and dinner. Yardies’ 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. Vegan options are available. Open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ 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. Open 7 days a week. Serving brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner 3-9 p.m. Happy Hour 1-6 p.m.

■ THE WEDGE BAR 806 S. Atlantic Ave., Boardwalk and Inlet, Ocean City www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and burgers grilled on Ocean City’s only Josper grill. Happy Hour, Sunday through Thursday, 3-5 p.m. Open Daily, 11:30 a.m.

MIDTOWN

■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, www.32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ 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

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

$$ | Full bar

Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring July drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.

■ 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!

■ 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.

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.

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

■ 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 Wednesdays. 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

Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistr

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

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.

Beach Patrol guards trained to help distressed swimmers

Continued from Page 32

in the surf, to possibly sustain more injuries, not an option and if they are unconscious or immobile it may create a drowning situation.

A quick and controlled removal is critical but putting victims on backboards while in the surf can actually cause more damage. Already this season, our lifeguards used this method on several different victims, most of whom had a favorable outcome and no serious injuries.

Doctors often call us and commend us for the way we extract potential neck injury victims and keep them immobile until EMS arrives.

Beach Patrol guards are taught how to effectively and carefully extract victims from the surf who may have sustained an injury to the head, neck or back.

Guards work as a team to carry a victim to safety while minimizing movement to the head, neck and back.

The Beach Patrol has collaborated with medical professionals to modify a technique of removing victims with suspected neck or back injuries out of deep and or shallow water. The technique has been refined over many years of training and usage from its introduction as a technique developed in Hawaii.

The modified technique is unique to the OCBP, but has developed with input from the medical community and emergency providers. It has been approved by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services and as a result of the great successes with the technique, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems recognized the Ocean City Beach Patrol with the Outstanding EMS Program Award.

Because of our experience and expertise in this area we have been asked to teach other first responders and organizations in the victim removal technique, including beach patrols as far away as Brazil to share our training materials, and have been featured presenters at several statewide Emergency Medical Services symposiums.

A few seasons ago we were contacted by one of the largest yearround Beach Patrols in California and they have requested training materials for our technique which they feel is more effective that what their current protocols are. They even indicated a desire to make our procedure the national standard.

As we network with other beach patrols around the world and programs like “Blink of an Eye,” we all agree that the most common culprit of neck injuries results from swimmers who are body surfing or body

boarding incorrectly or in unsafe conditions.

To make sure you don’t experience our extraction technique first hand, make sure you use the proper technique for riding waves.

The safest method is to get in front of the wave so it is pushing you out in front and finish your ride before running out of water. Body boarding on the top of a breaking wave may cause you to be propelled to the ocean floor. To prevent this, stay on the rear half of the board, and if you need to bailout, go off the back of the board.

The proper way to body surf a wave is to have your hands out in front of your body; this allows for more control of movement in the water.

The most dangerous condition exists when we are experiencing shore break. Shore break occurs when waves continue to build and crash with full force on the shore with little or no water depth.

When unsuspecting victims find themselves on a breaking wave and they are thrown into shallow water, they have set themselves up for a tragedy. NEVER ride a wave during shore break conditions or play in the impact zone.

Although education and prevention are the primary focus of the Beach Patrol mission, lifeguards are well trained and prepared to handle severe neck and back injuries. If they find a victim unconscious and the injury is unknown, the guards are trained to treat any unknown injury as a suspected neck back injury.

Lifeguards will often be alerted to beach patrons with facial abrasions from hitting their head on the ocean bottom. Sometimes people will come up to the guard and tell them they feel tingling after being slammed by a wave. Beach Patrol protocol requires the guards treat these situations as if the victim had a neck or back injury.

Being aware of the dangers that could occur in the ocean is the first step to prevention. Diving or doing flips in shallow water as well as riding waves that are breaking on the beach could lead to serious injuries or death.

Never underestimate the power of the ocean, keep yourself and your loved ones safe by always checking with the lifeguard on duty about daily surf conditions at your beach.

As a reminder to anyone diving into any body of water, not just the ocean, we say “Feet first, first time.”

We are glad you are here and we want to help you stay safe. So PLEASE, “Keep your feet in the sand, until the lifeguard is on the stand!”

Inside Out Car Care

Author releases new Ocean City-themed children’s book

(Aug. 11, 2023) Katherine Ruskey, author of books such as “The A B Seas of Ocean City,” and “Marlin Week,” has just released a new book tailored to kids

titled, “If You Give a Crab a Seashell.” The book details a day in the life of a crab who comes to the beach and all the possible adventures that follow suit. Ruskey, who is from Baltimore

See RUSKEY Page 37

Ruskey released book about White Marlin

Open in ‘22

Continued from Page 36

County, has been teaching sixth grade math for 18 years. During the summer, she works as a content creator and writer for oceancity.com.

“I started writing books when I was in the fifth or sixth grade,” Ruskey said. “In my sixth grade yearbook, you would be able to put a future job with your picture, and I knew what I wanted to say for mine was that I’m going to be a writer when I get older.”

She said that the thing she loves most about writing is seeing the kids get excited to read the books and tell her how much they enjoyed reading them.

“Families will contact me or message me on Instagram and say how much their kids have loved my books and how they’ve been the most enjoyable thing to read for them,” Ruskey said.

Currently, Ruskey is the author of seven children’s books.

Her first book, “The A B Seas of Ocean City,” was released in August of 2018. She also has one fiction novel, titled “Marlin Week,” about the White Marlin Open, which took her two years to write.

Ruskey said that she was inspired by the format in the bestselling book, “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie” while writing, but aimed for a more nautical theme to tie into the beach atmosphere of a resort town.

She hopes families can read this book to their kids after a long day at work, making them excited to be at the beach for the summer.

“They’re silly, they’re goofy, kid laugh about them,” Ruskey said, referring to how her books are also often read aloud in elementary schools to kids.

“The illustrations are also outstanding,” Ruskey went on, explaining how she found the illustrator for her latest book on Instagram. “I have a vision in my head of what I want the illustrations to look like, and it’s just a matter of finding that perfect illustrator to take your vision and match what you want them to look like,” she said.

Ruskey’s books are available on Amazon, but can also be found in local places such as Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, the Ocean City LifeSaving Station Museum, and Telescope Pictures on Fourth Street, 16th Street, 60th Street and at the inlet.

Released in mid-July, “If You Give a Crab a Seashell” has had a general positive reception by kids and families.

“I always have a great time writing these books. You never really think how they will be received when you first start writing,” Ruskey said.

The 32-page book is currently selling for $15 on Amazon.

For more information on Ruskey, visit kruskeyauthor.com

There are approximately 3800 boats stored on trailers registered to Worcester County residents. Worcester County maintains 9 recreational boat ramps. The ratio is 420 to 1 or 420 boats to registered Worcester County residents for each of the county’s public boat ramps. Parking at all locations is limited and on a first come first served basis.

For three quarters of a century or more these ramps, built with state funds earmarked to provide access to the water for the boating public, have been held in trust by the previous County Commissions for the purpose intended; to provide access to the state’s waters for Public Recreation. Under pressure from a special interest lobbyist the Worcester County Commissioners are considering changing the county code and allowing Charter businesses and other for profit operators use of these recreational boat ramps for their commercial purposes.

If you believe as I do, that the recreational boating ramps are a public asset. That their presence in the county adds value to our homes and enhances the quality of our lives, then the recreational ramps are worth preserving for future generations.

Alex Sandrowsky 3 x 12.75

Please join with those of us who oppose the commercialization of the public’s recreational boat ramps by contacting your County Commissioners and expressing your opposition.

A final note; it has become the standard practice for the Worcester County Commission to hold votes on important public matters giving no more than the bare minimum public notice required by state law. This means public notice is given a mere 24 hour before a vote is taken, leaving little time to respond. That is why it is necessary that you act now.

Help preserve Worcester County’s Public Recreational Assets passed to us by our Parents and Grandparents that they may continue to be enjoyed by our Children and Grandchildren.

Five Worcester nonprofits get women’s fund donations

(Aug. 11, 2023) The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Women’s Fund recently awarded $65,000 to nonprofits in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties for support of programs that address the unmet needs of women and girls.

The women’s fund is a giving circle at the community foundation that allows members to have a team approach to philanthropy and charitable networking.

A total of 16 local and regional organizations received funding, five of which help residents of Worcester County.

For example, the Art League of Ocean City received a grant tact will support three artists in residence who will complete work for a show coinciding with Women’s History Month in 2024.

The Unstoppable Joy Co., which supports local cancer fighters by providing them with resources to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit during their treatment, received funds to help provide healing bags, self-care and zen-time services.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the

Eastern Shore, which creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships between local volunteer “Bigs” and local youth “Littles,” received a grant to launch the SHEro campaign to inspire women to be strong female mentors and create a strong future for girls.

Worcester County GOLD, which stands for Giving Other Lives Dignity, provides emergency financial assistance and basic needs items for lowincome Worcester County residents. The nonprofit received a grant that will be used to create “Dignity Boxes” of comfort, hygiene, and household products for women and girls.

Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health in Berlin also received a grant, which will be used to support the group’s women’s resource center that offers parenting classes, education, support groups and other complementary services to help pregnant and parenting mothers in the community.

Other organizations based in Somerset and Wicomico counties will use funds to support similar missions. www.oceancitytoday.com

Calendar

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

Fri., Aug. 11

MARLIN FEST

On the beach at the OC Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Beach party featuring a live stream of the White Marlin Open weigh-ins, live music, food and drinks, vendors, a variety of beach activities and WMO and Marlin Fest merchandise. marlinfest.com, 410-289-9229

WHITE MARLIN OPEN

Harbour Island Marina, 14th Street, bayside, Ocean City, 4-9 p.m. Watch the weigh-ins of the “World’s Largest & Richest Billfish Tournament” in person from Harbour Island Marina. whitemarlinopen.com

AUGUST FEATURED ARTISTS’ RECEPTION

Worcester County Arts Council, 6 Jefferson St., Berlin, 5-7 p.m. Meet the three featured artists, enjoy the artwork created by students attending the 2023 Summer Arts Camp while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Bid on the scholarship silent auction items.

Sat., Aug. 12

THE ULTIMATE VEGAS VARIETY SHOW

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Featuring the The Edwards Twins impersonating a variety of stars including Sonny & Cher, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, Tom Jones and more. Tickets cost $35-$55. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/606331 3/the-ultimate-vegas-variety-showocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

TINKER TIME: NATURE JOURNALS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime. Assemble your own nature journal. 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

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. Guest speaker will be Captain Bill Duncan, who has been plying Ocean City waters for more than 30 years. Also updates on fishing regulations and planned fishing trips. All welcome. 410641-7662

FAMILY LIBRARY DAY - BUILD IT

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10 a.m.-noon. Join in for a variety of building games and materials including the new Rigamajig, a large building kit made up of wooden planks, ropes, pulleys, nuts and bolts. For all ages. 410-957-0878

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. All children and their families are invited. A different adventure each week. 410-6410650

CHILDREN’S CRAFTS IN THE COURTYARD

Art League of Ocean City - Courtyard, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Engage in hands-on activities from painting to paper crafts and beyond. In case of inclement weather, classes will be held inside. Held every Saturday until Labor Day. artleagueofoceancity.org

COUNTRY GENTLEMEN TRIBUTE BAND

The Island Theater, 4074 Main St., Chincoteague, 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets $20. Don’t miss this live tribute to one of the most influential bands in bluegrass history. Come see and hear the sound that is The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band. 240-285-0055

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., Aug. 13

CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE SEA FESTIVAL

Ticketed salon concert and reception at a private Snow Hill home, 3 p.m. Music by Beethoven and more. Tickets: www.wced.foundation/events.

SUNDAES IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. 7-9 p.m., Music by FIREKITE “Party Rock,” 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., Aug. 14

RESERVATION DEADLINE FOR 14TH ANNUAL PATRIOT DAY FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON

Held Sept. 14 at the Ashore Resort and Beach Club, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring fashions by Chico’s of Ocean City. Plated luncheon cost is $45. Reservations by Aug. 14: Jean Delcher, 410-746-1612.

CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM MOUSE PAD

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Design and decorate our own mouse pad using fabric markers. (While supplies last.) For ages 10 years and older. 410957-0878

STORY TIME: ROBOTS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a silly robot story time filled with stories, games and songs. For ages 2-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE SEA FESTIVAL Open-air rehearsal on South Point, 11 a.m. www.wced.foundation/events

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MONDAY MOVIE MATINEE: SUMMER READING EDITION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. Watch movies related to this year’s summer reading theme. Snacks provided. For ages 6 years and older. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

OCEAN PINES PLAYERS AUDITIONS

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Auditions held for two shows. “Petticoat Regime,” will have participants cold read from script.

Bring your own selection to sing to audition for “The British Invasion.” info@oceanpinesplayers.org

OC BEACH DANCE PARTY

Caroline St. Stage, 2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free event held every Monday from July 10-Aug. 28. Grab your beach chair or blanket for an evening of interactive entertainment hosted by local DJs. For all ages. www.ococean.com, 410-250-0125

FIREWORKS ALONG THE BOARDWALK

2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 9:30 p.m. Dazzling spectacle of fireworks scheduled every Monday night from July 10Aug. 28. www.ococean.com

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Aug. 15

AAARGH! IT’S PIRATE DAY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Dress like a pirate and be prepared to walk the plank. Fun activities and games. For ages 2-5 years. 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

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 12 p.m. Make your own sundae and celebrate another successful Summer Reading Program at the Berlin library. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

END OF SUMMER ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Choose your flavor and toppings then kick back and hang with your fellow summer readers. While supplies last. For children of all ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 5:306:30 p.m. Join Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood.

Continued on Page 40

CALENDAR

Registration required: 410-524-1818. www.worcesterlibrary.org

OCEAN PINES PLAYERS AUDITIONS

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Auditions held for two shows. “Petticoat Regime,” will have participants cold read from script. Bring your own selection to sing to audition for “The British Invasion.” info@oceanpinesplayers.org

30TH ANNUAL TENT SERVICES

Richard Allen School, 316 S. Railroad Ave., Georgetown, 7 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to encourage individuals whose lives have been adversely affected by drugs or alcohol. Speaker will be Bishop Andre Alexander. Open to the public. 302-381-3711

CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE SEA FESTIVAL

Bishop’s Stock, 202 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 7 p.m. Ticketed salon concert and reception. Music by Schubert, Montgomery and more. Tickets: www.wced.foundation/events.

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. 410289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., Aug. 16

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

SUMMER READING WRAP UP: ITALIAN ICE PARTY!

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Wrap up summer reading with fun songs, games and Italian ice. All ages welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-548-7880

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

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

SUMMER SEA GLASS ART

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Learn to make a summer-themed sea glass art. Materials will be provided. Registration is required: 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

30TH ANNUAL TENT SERVICES

Richard Allen School, 316 S. Railroad Ave., Georgetown, 7 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to encourage individuals whose lives have been adversely affected by drugs or alcohol. Speaker will be Apostle Helena Bailey. Open to the public. 302-381-3711

CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE SEA FESTIVAL

Temple Bat Yam, 11036 Worcester Highway, Berlin, 7 p.m. Ticketed salon concert and reception. Music by Mendelssohn, Komgold and more. Tickets: www.wced.foundation/events.

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays through Aug. 25 - Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 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., Aug. 17

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointment required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Come to the library and bring your boards. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MID-MORNING CRAFTS: ALL TOGETHER NOW!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.

Join in for a fun mid-morning craft to celebrate the summer reading theme: All Together Now! Be prepared for a mess. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014

CREATE TOGETHER!

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Kids ages 5 years and older and parents create together. Explore a variety of art and craft materials. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE SEA CONCERT AND WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Free family concert. Meet Chamber Music by the Sea Festival musicians. A workshop for young musicians will be held at noon. 410-641-0650

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research, followed by a Q&A session. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration requested: 410-208-4014.

END OF SUMMER OUTSIDE PLAY DAY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 1-3 p.m. Make foam gliders, blow giant bubbles, spray paint pictures, play corn hole and more. Dress to get dirty. While supplies last. All children welcome. 410-957-0878

THE BOARDWALK, BEACH AND BAY: THE HISTORY OF OCEAN CITY’S LANDMARKS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. The history of Ocean City’s famous landmarks, as told by Dr. Robert M. Craig, author of “Ocean City’s Historic Boardwalk, Beach and Bay.” 410-208-4014

RELAXING CRAFTS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3 p.m. Make some calming crafts and learn a few tips about mindfulness. For ages 1215 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

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

30TH ANNUAL TENT SERVICES

Richard Allen School, 316 S. Railroad Ave., Georgetown, 7 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to encourage individuals whose lives have been adversely affected by drugs or alcohol. Speaker will be Elder Frank Gibbs Jr. Open to the public. 302-381-3711

WORCESTER COUNTY NAACP TO HOST MADD PRESENTERS

Berlin 50plus Center, 10129 Old Ocean City Blvd., 7 p.m. Amy Davis and Tom

McKnight, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, will share their stories about impaired drivers and how they were personally affected. Attendees will receive a goody bag. 443-944-6701

CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE SEA FESTIVAL Atlantic Hotel, 2 S. Main St., Berlin, 7 p.m. Ticketed concert. Music by Florence Price, Arensky and more. Tickets: www.wced.foundation/events.

SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS

Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Free concert featuring Lauren Glick Band (pop and rock). Beverages, including beer, are available for purchase. Bring your own seating. https://ocdc.org, 410-289-7739

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577, BeachSingles.org.

ONGOING EVENTS

COMMUNITY BOOK SWAP

Pocomoke library, 301 Market St., during the month of August. Bring a gently read book to share and take another. 410-957-0878

CREATIVE KIDS CORNER

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, all day, every day in August. Come grab an art kit to create at the library or take it with you. Most supplies included. For all ages. 410-524-1818

FREE SUMMER PROGRAMS

OC Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, July 3-Aug. 25. Held Monday through Saturday, 1010:30 a.m. Mondays feature History of Our Surfmen; Tuesdays, Beach Safety; Wednesdays, Knot Tying; Thursdays, All About Sharks; Fridays, Land, Sky, & Sea; Saturdays, Aquarium Feeding. www.ocmuseum.org

KIWANIS 2024 “LOTTERY RAFFLE” TICKETS ON SALE

Every Saturday at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $20. A tickets is good for all 365 days of 2024 drawings of the Maryland evening “Pick 3” drawing. There are 17 Special Dates that pay up to $250. See www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Crossword answers from page 28

Morning Star Publications, publishers of the Seaford and Laurel Stars, and the Business Report, Is Looking For A Full-Time Ad Rep to service businesses in Wicomico and Sussex counties.

Ad reps receive a base salary, commission and 401K.

Previous outside sales experience preferred.

Email resume to sales@ mspublications.com

HIRING Code of Enforcement & Building Official. Full-time with benefits for the Town of Selbyville. Complete job description at Selbyville.delaware.gov

Beachwood Custom Builders Now Hiring for Experienced Full-Time Trim Carpenter. Valid Driver’s License A MUST. Vacation and Benefits. Contact Lauren@beachwoodinc.com

Snow Plowers Needed Dependable plowers with truck & insurance for services in Ocean City, Bethany, Lewes and Rehoboth areas. Call 610-459-5857

RENTALS

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

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

Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

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.

Commercial Warehouses 600 and 800 sq. ft. spaces West Ocean City and Bishopville, MD Yearly Leases Only Call 646-812-1212

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.

YARD SALE River Run Community Saturday, August 12th, 7am-11am (rain/shine). Off 589 Racetrack Road turn at Beauchamp, .8 mile River Run on your left.

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

FULL-TIME MECHANIC for a property maintenance company in Frankford, DE

MINIMUM 3 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR Repair & maintenance for 2 & 4 cycle engines, and trucks.

WE OFFER: Great, competitive pay, paid holidays and vacation, partial health and Simple IRA.

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

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

Seeking (2) full time FIELD MANAGERS 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

Ocean Front Luxury Rental

The Capri on Coastal Highway, Unit 609

2 Bed / 2 Bath

Sleeps 6 Indoor Pool

Available weeks of Aug. 12th & Aug. 26th

Call Long & Foster (800) 843-2322

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.

Multiple Estate Sale Furniture, Home Décor, Artwork, Tools and More. Warehouse is located at 35129 Roxana Road, Unit 1, Frankford, DE. Sunday, Aug. 13, 11am-4pm VEHICLES WE BUY CARS Running or not. 302-732-3529

SERVICES

BUDGET MOVERS

443-664-5797

LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service

Piano Movers - Full Service

www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

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

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

Advertise in MDDC Maryland, Delaware and D.C.: 106 papers with a circulation of 2.3 million and readership of 4.9 million! For only $495. Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication. Call 410-723-6397 for more information.

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ.

1 08 N. 8th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

TRUSTEE'S SALE OF TIME-SHARE INTERVALS INTHE OCEAN TIME CONDOMINIUM OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-23-000168, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Ocean Time Condominium building located at 13 136th Street, Ocean City. MD 21842, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023 AT 9:00 A.M.

Each time interval being one week per year of the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Ocean Time Condominium as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and Bylaws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and subsequent TimeShare Instruments as to each condominium unit, and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property 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 warranties or guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of sale per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all recordation and transfer taxes and all other incidental settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. Trustee

410-289-2323

JAMES E.

OCD-8/10/3t

108 N. 8th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

TRUSTEE'S SALE OF TIME-SHARE INTERVALS INTHE LIGHTHOUSE POINT VILLAS CONDOMINIUM OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-23-000170, he undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Lighthouse Point Villas Condominium building located at 14409 Lighthouse Avenue, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023

AT9:30A.M.

Each time interval being one week per year of the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Lighthouse Point Villas Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and ByLaws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions as to each condominium unit, and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property 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 warranties or guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of sale per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all recordation and transfer taxes and all other incidental settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk

and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. Trustee 410-289-2323 OCD-8/10/3t

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.

1966 Greenspring Drive, Suite LL2 Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland 21093 (410) 238-2840

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

703 141st Street, Ocean City, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Purchase Money Deed of Trust from Telma Yuman and Adolfo Yuman, dated October 27, 2006 and recorded in Liber 4809, Folio 624 among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $280,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Courthouse for Worcester County, Courthouse Door, 1 West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 11:00AM

ALL THAT FEE-SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND and the improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Purchase Money Deed of Trust. The real property is known as 703 141st Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, Tax ID #10178576. Tax Map 0118, Grid 0014, Parcel 9404A.

Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same, if any and with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $22,000.00 in the form of cash, cashier’s check, certified check, or other form as the Substitute Trustees determine acceptable, is required at the time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. At the Substitute Trustees’ discretion, the foreclosure purchaser, if a corporation or LLC, must produce evidence, prior to bidding, of the legal formation of such entity. The purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note, its assigns, or designees, shall pay interest on the unpaid purchase money at the rate of 4.625% per annum from the date of foreclosure auction to the date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees.

In the event settlement is delayed for any reason , there shall be no abatement of interest. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, or front

foot benefit payments, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale, to be adjusted as of the date of foreclosure auction an assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If the purchaser shall fail to comply with the terms of the sale or fails to go to settlement within ten (10) days of ratification of the sale, the Substitute Trustees may, in addition to any other available remedies, declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser, and the purchaser agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees for the Substitute Trustees, plus all costs incurred, if the Substitute Trustees have filed the appropriate motion with the Court to resell the property. Purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such a motion on himself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail directed to the address provided by said bidder at the time of foreclosure auction. In such event, the defaulting purchaser shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price, all costs and expenses of resale, reasonable attorney's fees, and all other charges due and incidental and consequential damages, and any deficiency in the underlying secured debt. The purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property. If the Substitute Trustees cannot convey insurable title, the purchaser's sole remedy at law or in equity shall be the return of the deposit without interest. The sale is subject to postsale confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of his deposit without interest.

NOTE: The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for informational purposes only. Neither the auctioneer, the beneficiary of the Deed of Trust, the Substitute Trustee nor his agents or attorneys make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of information.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO PERFORM THEIR OWN DUE DILIGENCE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY PRIOR TO THE FORECLOSURE AUCTION. For additional

information, please contact the Substitute Trustees.

Tidewater Auctions, LLC

305 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 105 Towson, Maryland 21204 410-825-2900

www.tidewaterauctions.com

OCD-8/3/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

707 NINTH ST

A/R/T/A 707 9TH ST

POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated July 30, 2019, recorded in Liber 7466, Folio 346 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $122,735.00, 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

AUGUST 15, 2023 AT 4:07 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. 361440-1)

Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

AUGUST 15, 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.

OCD-7/27/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

5735 CASTLE HILL RD.

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated August 7, 2002, recorded in Liber 3401, Folio 488 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $88,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit

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. 145087-2) Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees OCD-7/27/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

CARRIE M. WARD, et al. 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs, vs.

BRUCE ALBERT LUKOSKIE (DECEASED)

6245 George Island Landing Road Stockton, MD 21864

Defendant(s).

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-23-000046

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 20th day of July, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 6245 George Island Landing Road, Stockton, MD 21864, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 21st day of August, 2023, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 14th day of August, 2023.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $46,000.00.

True Copy

Maryland

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-7/27/3t

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARK EDWARD DENHARD Estate No. 19822 Notice is given that CHRISTOPHER DENHARD whose address is 2100 ALLIBONE ROAD, BEL AIR, MD 21015 was on JULY 18, 2023 appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of MARK EDWARD DENHARD who died on JULY 2, 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 18th day of JANUARY, 2024

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-7/27/3t

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 19820

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the WILLS/ORPHAN’S court of ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA appointed JONI FERRARA whose address is 2645 TIMBERGLEN DRIVE, WEXFORD, PA 15090 as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of CHARLES M. GIFFEN who died on JANUARY 21, 2023 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is DAVID ROBERTS whose address is REGISTERED AGENTS INC, 5000 THAYER CENTER STE. C, OAKLAND, MD 21550. 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 delivery

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

These three weeks of notification begins on 08/11/2023

All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643.

of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-7/27/3t _________________________________

94(1&2) requesting special use and parking exceptions to allow temporary special event tents to include vendors during Delmarva Bike Week in a parking lot. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 131, 132, & 133 of the Neptune Development Plat; further described as on the west side of Herring Way, locally known as Fishtails, 2107 Herring Way, in the Town of Ocean City Maryland.

APPLICANT: HARRISON’S CUSTOM CYCLES (BZA 2660 #23-09400011)

the will dated August 31, 2020. You may obtain from the Register of Wills the date and time of any hearing on this matter.

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

Name of newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: August 10, 2023

OCD-8/10/2t _________________________________

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:

August 24, 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-

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

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman

Maureen Howarth, Esq., Attorney

OCD-8/10/2t _________________________________

IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: GEORGE D. ENGLAND ESTATE NO. 19580

PUBLIC NOTICE TO CAVEAT

To all persons interested in the above estate: Notice is given that a petition to caveat has been filed by Carl J. England, 709 94th Street, Unit 10, Ocean City, MD 21842 challenging

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

Town of Ocean City Weed Spraying

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide service for the Town of Ocean City Weed Spraying and for said work to be in conformity with the Proposal Documents.

The Proposal Documents for the Town of Ocean City Weed Spraying 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 busi-

ness 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 proposals. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party 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, August 28, 2023 at 10 am, in the Procurement Conference Room, located at 214A 65th Street, Ocean City, MD, for any questions concerning the Proposals Documents. The last day for questions will be on Monday, September 4, 2023 at 3pm. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Thursday, September 7, 2023

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Thursday, September 21, 2023 by 3:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Sealed Proposal Documents are to be submitted to the Town of Ocean City Procurement Department, Attn: Scott Wagner, Procurement Manager; 214A 65th Street, Suite 4-119, Ocean City, MD 21842 and must note the name of the solicitation (Town of Ocean City Weed Spraying) on the outside of the package.

Late Proposal Document will not

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

OCD-8/10/1t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 AT 6:00 PM TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

RE: PUBLIC PROPERTY - ALLEY CLOSURE AND CONVEYANCE

A Public Hearing is scheduled on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council, in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. The purpose of this public hearing is to consider the abandonment and closure of the 16’ wide alley known as Washington Lane between 13th and 14th Street. The hearing will allow public input for Mayor and Council consideration as to whether or not it is in the public’s interest to determine that the property is no longer needed for public use and move forward with the abandonment, closure

and property conveyance. Additional information can be obtained from the City Clerk’s office by calling 410289-8842.

OCD-8/10/1t

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON

CHRISTOPHER T. WOODLEY

ESQ.

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19833

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Surrogate’s Court of Rockland County, NY appointed Maureen L. Hayes, 23 Kevin Drive, Orangeburg, NY 10962 as the Administrator of the Estate of Hugh J. Hayes AKA: Hugh John Joseph Hayes who died on October 20, 2019 domiciled in New York, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Christopher T. Woodley whose address is 3509 Coastal Highway, 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 Worces-

ter 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.

Foreign Personal Representative

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: August 03, 2023 OCD-8/3/3t _________________________________

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARION A. LINVILL Estate No. 18003 Notice is given that GEORGE B. LINVILL whose address is 1734 POCOMOKE BELTWAY, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 was on SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of MARION A. LINVILL who died on DECEMBER 21, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET

Hales recognized in 40 Under 40 program

(Aug. 11, 2023) Jessica Hales, President of the TidalHealth Foundation and former Atlantic General Hospital employee, was recently named to the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy 2023 40 Under 40 List.

According to a news release, the association’s 40 under 40 program is designed to recognize leaders within the healthcare philanthropy community. The organization chose the individuals because they are shaping the future of the healthcare industry, one campaign at a time.

“These honorees are part of a select group of healthcare philanthropy profes-

sionals who have demonstrated impressive career achievements, deep community involvement and the potential to be leaders in our profession for years to come,” Association President Alice Ayres said in the release.

After working careers that included national nonprofit and higher education work, she returned to healthcare in May 2022 as President of the TidalHealth Foundation. Her roles, scope, and influence have continued to evolve to serve the communities in Maryland and Delaware.

meaningful investment opportunities help transform care for our patients and preserve access to healthcare in the communities we serve for generations to come.”

To learn more about the TidalHealth Foundation and ways to give, visit tidalhealth.org/foundation.

(Aug. 11, 2023) The National Association of Realtors released an article expressing that real estate industry

Hales started her philanthropic work with Atlantic General Hospital in 2009, where she worked closely with the development department and enjoyed the fulfillment of watching others give to something they were passionate about.

“Connecting donors with their passion has always been something that I enjoy,” Hales said in the release. “The possibilities to do that in healthcare are endless: legacy gifts, grateful family gifts, designated gifts for service lines or equipment, endowments, gifts in honor of a provider that made a difference, and the most impactful to me, ‘in memory of’ gifts. These

The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, established in 1967, is an international professional organization dedicated exclusively to development professionals who encourage charity in healthcare organizations.The association members represent more than 2,200 healthcare facilities around the world.

Rate increases upset industry economists

economists are unhappy with the continued rate increases.

The most recent federal reserve increase was at the end of July, when the fed raised the target federal funds rate by

a quarter of a point.

The association article explained that this is despite a growing number of economists who’ve called on the fed to put an end to its rate increase agenda, and this marks the tenth time that the central bank has hiked its benchmark rate since March 2022, following a brief pause in June.

So far, “the impact on the mortgage rate appears to be muted,” Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, said after the fed’s move on Wednesday to raise its federal funds rate to a range of 5.25 percent to 5.5 percent.

“The Fed, unfortunately, is still using language based on the lagging indicators of ‘robust’ jobs and ‘elevated’ inflation,” Yun continued. “The fed funds rate is now 2 percentage points higher than inflation, a rare and very tight monetary

policy condition.”

The unemployment rate stands at 3.6 percent compared to 3.4 percent a few months ago, Yun adds. “All the while, because of higher interest rates, home sales have fallen, businesses are cutting back on investments and community banks are under stress,” he said.

The association article gave the following details:

• The fed is continuing to raise shortterm rates in an effort to cool inflation to a 2 percent target

• Recent data has shown inflation cooling considerably from the highs a year ago of 9 percent and drop to 3 percent in June

• Economists have pointed to a long lag time in monetary policy as to why the fed should stop raising its rate now, as the full impact of the past year’s decisions has yet to take effect.

August 10 - August

Playa Bowls serves fruity goodness

(Aug. 11, 2023) The line was out the door two Saturdays ago for the grand opening of Playa Bowls in the shopping center in front of Walmart on Route 50, and owner Tony Martina and his team were ready for them.

At 10 a.m., July 29, the doors opened, and fans of the fruity concoctions eagerly ordered their bowls. The first 50 people in line received a free bowl and a Playa Bowls T-shirt.

For those who are not familiar with Playa Bowls or acai (pronounced aa-saa-ee) bowls, they start with freshly made granola, which is topped with a fruit-based sorbet or thick smoothie, fruit and a drizzle of honey or other toppings like Nutella.

The options for the sorbet/smoothie layer include acai, pitaya, coconut, green, banana, or chia pudding. The base is made of fruit and emulsifiers for texture. Oatmeal is the only non-fruit base in the dairy-free product.

Every bowl is made to order. Blenders were whirling away on opening day with kale, bananas, coconut milk and other fresh ingredients.

Tony and Cassie Martina are the proprietors of Playa Bowls, which is

part of a chain of about 190 stores around the country.

The concept was started by surfers Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor in Belmar, New Jersey. The couple was inspired by the acai and pitaya bowls they enjoyed at the exotic surfing locations they visited. They decided to recreate their favorite recipes and

launched the business from a food truck 10 years ago.

Tony Martina was introduced to Playa Bowls by his daughter, who took him to the Middletown store. He had a number of dietary issues that were affecting his health, but found he felt better once he switched to eat-

Playa Bowls brings healthy food choices to community

Continued from Page 51

ing only natural foods.

He combined his own commitment to eating healthy with his business expertise and opened a Playa Bowls in Easton. Today he has three stores, Easton, Salisbury and now one in the Berlin/West Ocean City area.

“This area will enjoy what Playa Bowls has to offer, considering there are so many health-conscious people with active lifestyles here,” Martina said.

The most popular bowl is the acai, which is a berry that comes from the acai palm tree in South America.

“It’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants. It’s a superfruit,” he said, adding, “Playa Bowls has its own acai

brand, which is organic and pure acai.”

The bowls are 16 ounces and are quite filling.

“I have a smoothie every morning and a bowl for lunchtime. When I travel, within about three to four days, my body craves it,” Martina said.

Not only are the bowls and smoothies healthy, but the company makes the environment a priority. The straws, bowls, cups and spoons are all biodegradable.

Martina has about 20 people on his staff in Ocean City. He expects to keep the shop open year-round.

To check out the menu, visit playabowls.com/location/oceanpines/

Ocean Pines welcomes new chief of police, Tim Robinson

(Aug. 11, 2023) Tim Robinson started on Aug. 1 as Ocean Pines’ new chief of police and was introduced to residents that evening at the local law enforcement’s First Night Out event in White Horse Park.

“I believe in being present and responsive to the citizens of this incredible community,” Robinson said.

His plans include being highly visible around Ocean Pines so residents should not be surprised to see him at the Saturday Farmers Market and at the pools and festivals.

Robinson is no stranger to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, having moved to this part of the state in the 1980s to attend Salisbury University. He never left.

“The best move I ever made as an adult was moving to the Eastern Shore,” he said.

Robinson’s experience with law enforcement began early, since his father was a police officer in Prince George’s County. Raised in Bowie,

Maryland, Robinson was a seasonal officer in Rehoboth in the early 1990s and then worked full time for the Delmar Police Department for a little more than three years.

He spent most of his career at the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, where he was captain for the special operations bureau until the end of July, when he retired.

He looks at becoming chief of police in Ocean Pines as his second career.

His style, he explained, is service first, while protecting the community and maintaining a level of professionalism on par with any other police department.

One of his first initiatives is to roll out body cameras for Ocean Pines police officers. He also expects to update the department’s policies and procedures.

A top priority, he said, will be to recruit new police officers and work to retain the officers already on the force.

Fine spirits come to Berlin thanks to Forgotten 50

(Aug. 11, 2023) If you are looking for County Commissioner Eric Fiori, you might try the local bar.

That’s right, Fiori has partnered with Cody Miller, the former distiller at Secrets to open the Forgotten 50 Distilling on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin. The distillery takes its name from its location, Fiori said.

The building that houses the operation was built in the 1940s as the Wright Plymouth dealership. Fiori purchases buildings to rent to small businesses. When his wife saw the building, she told him they had to preserve it.

Cody Miller, then the distiller at Seacrets, heard that Fiori purchased the building and reached out to him to see if he would be willing to turn it into a distillery.

They shook hands on it, leading Fiori to observe, “It was a good old fashioned Eastern Shore business deal.”

Miller started home brewing beer out of his garage. In 2010, he started brewing across the street at Burley Oak to take his brewing skills to the next level.

But he made more money as a barback at Seacrets in Ocean City, where he worked for 17 years.

Seacrets started building its distillery and he asked management if he could get into that work. He said they made him the head of the distillery, without any experience under his belt.

He took classes to learn the craft,

eventually taking Seacrets to a firstclass distillery with 50 awards and 20 different flavors sold throughout the region.

“We would go through so much product, I could not really create anymore,” Miller said. The production was on a finely tuned schedule, leaving him with less time to explore new

ideas.

Partnering with Fiori was the answer to feeding his creative drive and getting back to small batches. He wanted to create boutique gin, rum, whiskey and other flavors.

Besides creating spirits for a craft cocktail bar, he plans to work with

Ocean City Chronicles

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Recruitment challenges will be top priority for new chief

Continued from Page 52

“Every police department has the challenge of recruitment,” Robinson said. “There is less interest in a career in law enforcement. Thirty years ago, law enforcement was an extremely popular profession.”

Back then, he said he was competing with hundreds of other applicants for jobs.

“Now we are lucky if we get 12 applicants. And that’s not just Ocean Pines. Every department is faced with the same challenge. We are competing with every police department for the same dwindling pool of applicants,” he said.

“My job is to make Ocean Pines an appealing place to work and stay. And I have the support of the leadership of Ocean Pines to make that happen.”

Ocean Pines is considered a safe place to live, when it comes to crime. In 2023, the Southwest Journal ranked Ocean Pines the safest place to live in Maryland.

The biggest issue Robinson has heard about is speeding.

“Ocean Pines is not immune to

crime. We have had the occasional drug possession, heroin overdose and burglaries. Fortunately, the numbers are much less than other communities. Our officers do a great job of keeping this community safe.”

When he is not on the job, Robinson find himself exploring U.S. history.

He has a master’s degree in colonial and American history from Salisbury University. He loves visiting historical sites and museums, watching historic documentaries and reading books about history. He is on the history faculty at Salisbury University.

He also loves meeting historical figures. His most favorite memory is meeting Babe Heffron, a member of the 101st Airborne division of the United States Army during World War ll. Heffron was portrayed in the HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers.” He ran into Heffron on the streets of Philadelphia while on a trip with the Boy Scouts.

“He’s one of the most special people I have ever met.”

Forgotten 50 now open in Berlin

Continued from Page 53

other establishments in town to create their own recipe and labeled spirits.

He expects to start small and make the best possible product.

To make the most of their craft spirits, they have brought on board Tim McCall, a Scotsman who has spent the past 23 years traveling the world where he learned many styles and influences in the craft cocktail universe before he settled in Berlin, with his wife (a Salisbury native), whom he met in New Zealand.

He said some of his cocktails take two to three days to make, such as his Mango Pudding Punch, which is infused with bread pudding.

He is teaching his techniques to his new staff, dedicating a day a week to training, not just in fine cocktail making but in wine and beer knowledge as well.

“I want them to understand what they are doing,” McCall said.

“I want Berlin to be known for its intellectual drinking.”

Miller said the distillery should be operating, producing spirits by September. Until then, they will be crafting with fine spirits, many of which are locally made, such as Lyon’s Rum, out of St. Michaels.

While they will not initially host distillery tours formally, Fiori said that he can see them bringing various dinners through for spontaneous tours.

To compliment the fine cocktail fare, Miller and Fioni have brought in

Jeff Phillips, of Phillips Crab House as their head chef.

Phillips is planning seasonal menus and pairings with various spirits.

Miller expects to host theme nights, pairing an agave spirit with a Latin inspired menu or a rum pairing with a South American/Caribbean style cuisine.

Fiori said their food will be farm to table fare. To illustrate this, he said this weekend, they ran out of tomatoes and corn so they ran to the Berlin farmers market to purchase more.

McCall considered this an eclectic place, that is more considerate and thoughtful with its food and beverages.

Fiori hopes to connect the Forgotten 50 and the other establishments with the rest of Berlin. He hopes to partner with Tracks and Yaks, the new railbike business that opened in Berlin. He also would love to see sidewalks on Old Ocean City Boulevard,. He built a sidewalk in front of his establishment and hopes other businesses on the street follow suit.

“I would like to make this a secondary business district for Berlin, with sidewalks and Rails to Trails that link the entire town together.”

As a county commissioner, he said there are efforts and funding initiatives from South Point on to make Worcester County a more bikeable region. He also hopes that any development at Heron Park will enhance the bike/walking concept.

Sheriff position will center on school safety

New lieutenant’s duties will include overseeing county program for the 23-24 year

(Aug. 11, 2023) Starting this school year, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office will have on staff a lieutenant whose sole responsibility will be overseeing the department’s countywide school safety program.

In a 7-0 vote last week, the Worcester County Commissioners approved the request to hire the new deputy from

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli. The new position carries a price tag of about $41,000.

The Sheriff’s Office will create this position by promoting a deputy sergeant to lieutenant, a corporal to sergeant, a deputy first class to corporal and converting one part-time deputy to full-time.

“A lieutenant dedicated solely to overseeing daily operations in our schools is essential and mission-critical,” Crisafulli said. “A lieutenant solely focused on [school] safety would ensure that appropriate actions are being taken in a timely and consistent manner.”

Currently, one lieutenant oversees the office’s entire support services division, Crisafulli said. That division also includes IT duties, software services, quartermaster duties.

The vast coverage area for one lieutenant has led to burnout and fatigue, Chief Deputy Nate Passwaters wrote in a memo.

Crisafuli said that the estimates for promoting a deputy sergeant and a corporal — $7,949 and $15,205, respectively — are “looking at the high-end numbers.”

“I am aware of having to be responsible with our taxpayers’ money,” Pass-

waters said. “With our approved budget, I’ve tasked my team to look at the current allocated budget and each ledger line and we feel we can adequately sacrifice some spending to go through line-by-line to account for the $41,375 cost that this will be for this budget cycle.”

Crisafulli also pointed out that his office was able to offset $382,000 for the state’s body-worn camera mandate through a state grant.

He added that it was crucial to move on the school safety program lieutenant with the school year beginning later this month.

Eight applicants eligible to sell easements

Requests went through land preservation board and planning commission

(Aug. 11, 2023) Eight Worcester County property owners will be allowed to sell easements to the state’s

Town accepting applications for Ocean City Univ.

(Aug. 11, 2023) The Town of Ocean City is accepting applications for the 2023 semester of Ocean City University.

The free course invites residents and visitors to learn more about the town’s municipal government and services.

Classes are held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 13. There is no charge for the tenweek course which offers citizens a diverse background on Ocean City by covering topics on public works, public safety, tourism, finance and a variety of areas related to Ocean City municipal government.

“The goal of Ocean City University is to provide a better understanding of government’s role and relationship with citizens, as well as continue to build the relationship between government and residents to improve our community’s quality of life,” City Manager Terry McGean said of the course in a news release. “We hope this course gives citizens a sense of ownership in government actions because we believe informed citizens can make a difference in the community.”

A minimum of 20 students must be enrolled. To sign up, visit oceancitymd.gov/forms/OCURegistration.p df, or call the City Clerk’s Office at 410-289-8824 by Aug. 31.

land preservation foundation, following a vote by the county commissioners at a public hearing last Tuesday.

The Agriculture Land Preservation Board, which reviewed the applications on June 6, recommended that the eight be sent to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation for appraisal, and the county planning commission concurred with board’s assessment on July 6.

Six of the applicants met the foundation’s minimum requirements,

Katherine Munson of the Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs told the county commissioners at the hearing.

Two were re-applications and two were under the 50-acre minimum and were thus subjected to additional requirements and review by state and county land preservation authorities. Zoning for all the properties was for agricultural purposes or limited development.

According to a memo from Munson, the undersized properties —

those less than 50 acres — had to show “extraordinary agricultural capability.” In that regard, the tracts needed to have a soil conservation plan in place and be in an area designed for preservation. The soil on the properties also had to be suitable for farming.

Altogether, the total acreage set aside for preservation was 1,096.79 acres and were scattered around the county, the majority situated in the southern region. The total sales prices have yet to be established.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

VOLUNTEER BARBECUE

The Art League of Ocean City held a barbecue for their volunteers on July 21 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts to thank them for their service to the nonprofit. A group shot of the volunteers.

KIWANIS NIGHT OUT

Members of the Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City Kiwanis Crew who donated and made 200 hotdogs for the Ocean Pines National Night Out Celebration pose for a photo at the event on Aug. 1 in White Horse Park. Pictured, from left, are Kiwanians Dave Landis, Mark Page, Bob Wolfing, Sue Wineke, Kitty Wrench, Tim Hill and Mike Castoro.

CHECK PRESENTATION

The Ocean City Lioness Lions Club recently made a donation to Chamber Music by the Sea, which will present concerts with world class musicians across Worcester County from Aug.13-19, some of which will be free to the public. Pictured, from left, with the donation check are Lioness President Ann Runo, Jan Adamchak representing Chamber Music, and Bev Topfer, Lioness past president.

NEW MEMBERS

The Coastal Association of Realtors welcomed 10 new members during New Member Orientation on Aug. 8. Pictured, front row from left, are Jennifer McCabe, Kristie Fogle, Allison Carey and Jessica Dunn. Pictured, back row from left, are Carly Torres, Teresa Donaldson, Sherry Waskey, Cory Purdy, Chase Broadhurst, and Austin Whitehead.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

LIONS SCHOLARSHIPS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Ocean City Lions Club awarded four scholarships this school year. Pictured, from left, are Scholarship Chairman Lion Sean Williams with recipients Marian Hanna, and Katie Pizlo. Not pictured are Ashley Carcamo-Diaz and Sopia Krasner who also received OC Lions scholarships.

KIWANIS LOTTERY

The sales table for the Kiwanis Club’s annual lottery fundraiser to support children’s programs and scholarships is set up at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market. The table is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. Tickets are $20 and good for all 365 evening Maryland Pick 3 drawings from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024.

KIWANIS SPEAKERS

The Kiwanis Club’s Aug. 2 meeting featured guest speakers Clara L. Small, a professor of history for 36 years at Salisbury University, and Barbara Purnell, the president of the Germantown school, who talked about the history of two Maryland schools that were built for African American children as part of the Rosenwald School Building Program. Pictured, from left, during the meeting are Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing, Purnell, Small and Lynne McAllorum, the club’s speakers chair.

FRENCH FRY SPONSOR

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Thrasher’s French Fries is a sponsor of the Art League of Ocean City’s annual Artists Paint OC Plein Air Festival, set Aug. 9-13, across the resort and beyond. Pictured, from left, are Festival Chairperson Laura Jenkins, Thrasher’s General Manager Les Morris, and Art League Executive Director Rina Thaler.

LIONS PRESIDENT

Greg Cathell, bottom right, was recently elected the 2023-24-OC Lions Club president. Pictured, standing from left, are Club Director John Topher, Food Drive Chair Jeff Facello, Directors Ken Robertson and Doug Parks, Membership and Scholarship Chair Sean Williams, Second Vice President Mike Hooper and outgoing President Norm Cathell. Seated, from left, are First Vice President Scott Stark, Secretary Steve McMillan, and Cathell.

LEGION OATH

PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean City American Legion Post 166 Commandant Tom Wengert takes the oath of office as the Marine Corps League’s First State Detachment compliance officer from Detachment Commandant Al Soto. Wengert recently took on the new title and responsibility, along with leading the local post.

Worcester Co. Arts Council’s August exhibits on display

(Aug. 11, 2023) During the month of August, the Worcester County Arts Council will showcase the creative talents of three local artists.

Brigitte Bowden will display oil and acrylic work, Dee Brua will display pieces made with watercolors, and Robert Johnson is displaying ceramic works.

The public exhibit reception will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11.

Members of the public are welcome to the featured artists and view their work in the exhibit. All artwork is available for sale and light refreshments will be offered.

Samples of artwork donated by the featured artists is available for bids in the silent auction to benefit the council’s arts scholarship program.

Exhibit on display until August 31, 2023.

To learn more about the featured artists, visit worcestercountyartscouncil.org

Along with the featured exhibit, artwork created by 30 local artists and gallery members will be on display and available for sale.

Elks scholarships available to 2024 high school seniors

(Aug. 11, 2023) The Elks National Foundation continues to invest in the future of many high school seniors through a variety of grants and scholarship programs.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Grand Lodge will award more than $4 million nationwide to students who qualify through applications and judging.

The Ocean City Elks Lodge, in conjunction with the Elks National Foundation, will promote the scholarship programs at the local level.

There are three programs available each academic year, which provide financial opportunities and assistance through the Elks National Foundation. Of the three, only the Most Valuable Student competition is open to all high school seniors. The other two are reserved for students whose families are associated with an elks’

lodge.

Brochures explaining the programs are available at the Ocean City Elks Lodge and in the office of senior counselors/academic advisors at the local high schools.

Most Valuable Student competition: The Elks National Foundation awards $2.5 million in college scholarships each year to 500 seniors nationwide who participate in the Most Valuable Student competition.

The scholarships range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year. The top 20 applicants in the 2024 competition will each receive $30,000 ($7,500/year). The remaining 480 applicants will receive $4,000 ($1,000/year).

Ocean City Elks Lodge ##2645 also awards local scholarships to selected applicants in the program.

Any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen is eligible for a scholarship. The student need not be related to an elk.

Judges will base awards on Academics, Leadership, Financial Need and Service.

Applications have been available online since Aug. 1. For details, and to access the application, visit enf.elks.org/mvs

Senior counselors at the participating high schools will be provided information to assist students with the application process.

Participants must submit their application online on or before Nov. 13, 2023.

More information can be obtained by visiting scholarship@àelks.org or calling 773–755-4732

TACO FEST SUCCESS

The inaugural Ocean City Taco Festival, held last weekend in the convention center parking lot, was a success after two days filled with food, live music, entertainment and fun for all ages. Each vendor tent saw consistent lines of people awaiting fresh-made tacos and other delicacies.

Ocean Pines Library book sale success

Editor,

Last weekend was the largest annual event held at the Ocean Pines Library.

The volunteer organization Friends of the Ocean Pines Library sets up a book sale that encompasses over 25,000 books, DVDs, audio books and music CDs divided into about 25 categories.

Most are sold over a three-day period with all proceeds going to benefit the Ocean Pines library and used for buying equipment, sponsoring programs offered at the library and supplementing the budget provided by the Worcester County Commissioners.

This year was the 23rd Annual Book Sale. It was put together by nearly 90 volunteers who donated more than 500 hours to make this sale possible.

Throughout the year, patrons, estate closings and organizations donate 95 percent of the books, DVDs and CDs that are sorted, evaluated and categorized for the sale. This year’s sale was one of the largest ever with about 1,600 patrons attending and spending nearly $16,000.

On behalf of the friends of the library, and the Ocean Pines Library, we would like to thank those who donated books throughout the year, the volunteers who assist with the library every day and at the sale, and the staff of the library who are so gracious with our activities.

To all of you who came out to support the sale that benefits the library and its programs – thank you, thank you, thank you.

Donations of books, DVDs, CDs and audio books are now being accepted for next year’s sale. Donations can be left at the front check-out counter or in the back of the library on the loading dock.

See you all in July 2024!

Do not succumb to Maryland culture wars

Editor, In Florida, they have culture wars. Some would have you believe that Disney takes extremist views when really, they just provide an excellent entertainment venue without favoring or discriminating against any Continued on Page 62

Solving boat ramp access equitably

The editorial in last week’s edition of the Ocean City Today missed a critical point in the debate over how county government-owned boat ramps should be used and by whom.

In arguing that recreational boaters should rank at the top of the hierarchy of boat ramp users, the editorial implied that parking problems at the South Point boat launch were attributable to one commercial user. That isn’t the case.

The fact is the clientele at virtually every seaside ramp in the county is a mix of residential and commercial users, with the latter including County Commissioner Eric Fiori’s watercraft dealership Bayside Jet Drive in Berlin and other boat and watercraft retailers.

Consequently, the argument that a single commercial operator should not be allowed to dominate parking still holds true as far as it goes, but it needs to be made clear that any rule restricting parking has to be applied fairly and does not target one specific operator.

Attorney Mark Cropper emphasized that requirement at the county commissioners’ July 18 hearing on a bill that would revise the boat ramp regulations. Cropper told the commissioners they could not impose a parking space limit on one business user while excluding others from the limitation.

His suggestion, and we concur, is that the revised rules should allow up to two parking spaces per commercial operator.

If this argument is about commercial users dominating parking at the South Point landing or any other public launch facility in the county, this would solve the problem ... equitably.

If, on the other hand, the commissioners wish to reserve these facilities for recreational use only, that has to mean a countywide prohibition all commercial uses of boat ramps regardless of their extent.

No one really wants that to happen, when the objective is to facilitate reasonable access for all Worcester County-based users in general. The commissioners can do what they will with out-of-state boaters who take over ramps. That’s a different problem and a different discussion altogether.

Ocean City Today

11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842

Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson

MANAGING EDITOR ............................ Mallory Panuska

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR .......................... Lisa Capitelli

STAFF WRITERS ................ Cindy Hoffman, Hunter Hine

.............................................................. Remy Andersen

ACCOUNT MANAGERS .......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier

..................................................................Renée Kelly

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER ...... Christine Brown

SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks

GRAPHIC ARTISTS ............ Kelly Brown, Jane Leibowitz

PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts

Let’s be anti-social

I continue to read about people who make or are attempting to make a great living as social influencers.

From what I understand about this phenomenon, which isn’t that much, social influencers are people who spend their days at home making money by looking good so they won’t have to leave home and risk the possibility of looking bad. Or appearing to be out of sync with whatever trends they are creating or promoting.

know how to do their hair or dress themselves or go out on the town.

As an anti-social media influencer, I could advise people not to dress at all, which would be a truly anti-social approach in many, many circumstances.

“Aeeeiiiiiiiiiiii! I can’t see! I can’t see!” would be one likely response.

But there are plenty of other totally cool ways to establish your anti-social credentials, including introducing yourself at dinner parties as “a tick farmer from down yonder.” Or by RSVP-ing an invitation to a beach party with a cheerful “Pound sand.”

In other words, these folks are self-made experts on themselves who advise other people on how to be them ... assuming that anyone cares.

It has occurred to me, however, that despite the successes these influencers seem to be having among the Tell-Me-What-To-DoBecause-I-Have-No-Mind-Of-My-Own set, there remains a great untapped market of people who have yet to sign on as followers of these influencers, because either they don’t like being told what to do or they need help but just don’t know it. This is where I come in.

As I’ve always prided myself on recognizing opportunities others might overlook (see my plans for the vacuum cleaner attachment that’s shaped like a putter so he can practice his stroke and help around the house at the same time) I’ve decided to become an anti-social influencer.

The laws of nature demand that this position has to exist to counter the force exerted on millions of people who apparently don’t

I’ve had other great ideas in the past that I have failed to act on, including my shower shoe/tub cleaner combo.

That would be a pair of flipflops with scrubbing sponges attached to the soles, thus allowing household sloths to help clean that vital station without even knowing it.

I do, however, intend to take my anti-social influencer idea as far as it will go.

When you think about it, most people who are socially influenced are normal individuals who feel they need a little help in the being cool department. The problem, though, is that being normal is overrated.

After all, normal people did not invent lightbulbs or build the first airplane, or, in the world-altering scheme of things, come up with something truly unique that the public didn’t even know it needed, like Cheetos, for instance.

The truth is, going along with the crowd isn’t for everyone. So, take it from me and follow my anti-social influence, bearing in mind that if we can attract enough followers, we can be different like everyone else.

Recognizing Firefighter Priestley

Ocean

(Aug. 11, 2023) This week we proudly recognize active firefighter and past vice president of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Jerry Priestley.

Firefighter Priestley grew up in Ocean City, graduating from Stephen Decatur High School.

In 1983, he married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Suttka, and as Ocean City residents they raised two beautiful daughters. They are the proud owners of Designing Windows Inc., a well-recognized window treatment company serving Ocean City and the surrounding resort area.

Influenced by his father-in-law, Craig Suttka Sr., and his brother-inlaw, Craig Suttka Jr., both of whom served Worcester County as Maryland State Troopers with the Berlin Barrack, Jerry knew he also wanted to serve his community.

Firefighter Priestley joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company

on May 19, 1998, “to be a part of the OCVFC brotherhood and to help serve and protect our Ocean City community.”

During his 25 years of active service to the fire company, Priestley has served 10 years as a member of the board of directors, including two years serving as vice president of the organization.

Firefighter Priestley cites two significant events during his firefighting career. The first was the Hooper’s Crab House fire of Jan. 29, 2002. Priestley was one of the first firefighters on the scene, and as the fire intensified, he was saddened to realize that long-time family friends, owners Pete Shepherd and his family, were about to suffer a catastrophic loss.

The second event was the Dough Roller Restaurant fire of March 30, 2008. Firefighter Priestley was battling the fire while assigned to OCVFC Tower 705 as he realized his great friends, the Bill Gibbs family,

Business classes for artists offered in online platform

were also going to lose their business.

Jerry believes his greatest accomplishment in the fire service is serving for 25 active years in the OCVFC and having the opportunity to serve on the board of directors for 10 years.

He concludes by saying, “Growing up in Ocean City and graduating from Stephen Decatur High School, I always knew I wanted to give back to our community. I have truly enjoyed the past 25 years serving alongside a wonderful group of men and women, all with one common goal – to make our community a safer place for both our residents and our visitors.”

We thank Jerry for his many years of service to the OCVFC and his commitment to the safety and well-being of our entire community.

For membership information or to learn more about the volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from Page 60

group.

Others would have you believe that slavery somehow was a benefit for slaves.

Neither of these views are backed up by facts.

Here in Maryland, a very vocal minority is speaking out against offshore wind turbines in a similar culture war.

At the latest Public Service Commission hearing largely requested by Eastern Shore politicians, 85 percent spoke in favor.

Some in favor liked the job and economy upsides. Environmentalists like the renewable energy and the low environmental impact. Yet despite several public PSC hearings, this vocal minority would have you believe no one is listening. If you don’t believe it, all the PSC hearings are online and available.

Since the PSC hearings didn’t work in their favor, the opposition’s latest tactic is to claim that whales and

(Aug. 11, 2023) The Art League of Ocean City is offering a series of free pre-recorded online business of art classes with the support of a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council.

Designed for artists who want to learn more about the business side of art, the pre-recorded classes cover a variety of topics, including marketing and promotion, pricing strategies, legal issues, and financial management.

Each class is taught by a professional artist or business professional who has experience in the art world and can offer valuable insights and advice.

The three classes were prerecorded by the instructors, so viewers can access them with an internet

See OC Page 63

birds will be harmed.

That’s not what NOAA or the Audubon society say, but barely a week passes without an Ocean City paper carrying these claims either from a politician or letter to the editor ranting on the subject.

There is never a scientific or environmental study to back it up because it’s nonsense.

When a whale washed up on Assateague, they claimed it was the wind turbines. Never mind that zero offshore wind turbines have been built within hundreds of miles of Maryland (yet) and there was no ongoing wind turbine surveying happening any time near the whale death.

Like all animals, whales occasionally die and that’s what happened here. In Europe, offshore wind turbines have been running for decades with no notable whale or bird dieoffs.

Speaking of Europe, part of the culture war is xenophobic and antiEurope driven. The fact that Europe is so far ahead of us in this technology figures prominently in part of the culture war. Never mind that the jobs created and the manufacturing will both be American.

A recent article pointed out that Ocean City lodging numbers are down for the year. Will a culture war help this? Here in Maryland, we may have a few on the Eastern Shore that believe a culture war is fun stuff, but most Marylanders would disagree.

If there are real reasons with real facts to say no to offshore wind, list the facts, but don’t just make up stuff. That’s the stuff of culture wars and not good for Ocean City.

City native became part of volunteer company in 1998, following family

OC art league offering courses

Continued from Page 62

connection from anywhere at any time. They are open to artists of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals, and are free to view.

David Baxter leads an “Intro to Etsy” course, geared toward anyone considering opening an online store to market and sell their work and who doesn’t know where to start.

Abbi Custis teaches “Branding and Marketing for Artists.” Lack of marketing is a common reason why talented artists don’t generate income, and Custis reviews what’s needed in promotional toolkits.

Liz Kauffman discusses “Best Practices for Creative Professionals,” covering how to connect with an audience and where to find opportunities for making money from art.

The free, pre-recorded online

SchooLARS 4 STEM hosting back-to-school event Aug. 19

(Aug. 11, 2023) SchooLARS 4 STEM in collaboration with Salisbury University’s Foundation Inc. is hosting a back-to-school community STEM event later this month in Salisbury.

According to a news release, the STEM n da CommUNITY event is set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 19, at Salisbury University’s Wayne Street Fields (adjacent to Seagull Stadium), at 1301 Wayne St. in Salisbury.

The event will allow more than 200 students (K-12) to experience STEM careers and opportunities existing on the Eastern Shore. More than 50 STEM vendors ranging from

aeronautics to law enforcement will see firsthand the needs of the local and future STEM pipeline. Highly immersive and engaging displays and demonstrations will inspire and promote STEM curiosity.

The event merges STEM engagement with community partnership and aligns perfectly with this year’s theme: Educate, Elevate, Employ.

SchooLARS 4 STEM is a grassroots mentoring program borne out of the desire to create a pipeline of local students with strong STEM competencies by providing authentic, highly-immersive STEM engagement experiences.

classes are available to access at OCart.org. More information is available by calling 410-524-9433.

Water damage, mold found inside Berlin Town Hall wall

(Aug. 11, 2023) According to a news release issued Wednesday, on Aug. 3, water damage and mold were discovered within the northern-facing wall of the Town Hall Council chambers during routine maintenance.

Out of an abundance of caution, work was halted immediately to allow for further testing and evaluation of the area. After it was determined there were no safety and/or environmental risks present, town staff worked with external contractors to carry out necessary demolition and remediation of the area.

As work continues, the release said residents may notice several contractor vehicles parked at Town Hall during and after normal business hours.

Town staff will continue to work

inside the building, and Town Hall will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow residents to make payments on their utility bills.

Due to the location of the water damage, some public meetings have been postponed and rescheduled.

The board of zoning appeals and planning commission meetings, both set for Aug. 9, will now be held Aug. 23. The Mayor and Council meeting scheduled for Aug. 14 will now be Aug. 21.

Visit berlinmd.gov regarding other changes to meeting dates and times.

Restoration work is scheduled for completion by Wednesday, Aug. 16.

For questions or concerns, contact the mayor’s office at 410-641-3858 or MayorZack@berlinmd.gov.

Schweinfurt-Regensburg raid targeted factories in Bavaria

(Aug. 11, 2023) This week, 80 years ago, the United States Army Air Force launched nearly simultaneous raids against the Messerschmitt factories in Regensburg and the ballbearing factories in Schweinfurt.

Both of these ancient German cities are located in Bavaria. Regensburg, the older of the two, is located at the confluence of the Danube and Regen Rivers. During the war, Messerschmitt built the BF-109 fighter at one of its factories in Regensburg, which was the target of the United States Army Air Force on Aug. 17, 1943.

The 1,200-year-old city of Schweinfurt, with a population of 50,000, is also located in Bavaria, on the right bank of the Main River. During the war, its factories produced almost all

of the Reich’s ball-bearings.

The Americans thought they had a keen idea for this raid. The second raid, on Schweinfurt, would follow so closely upon the Regensburg raid that the Luftwaffe would not have time to rearm and refuel to intercept it. Maybe it would have worked if the second group’s departure not been delayed by weather.

The first group consisted of 146 B17 “Flying Fortresses” under the command of Col. Curtis LeMay. LeMay would later become famous for the firebombing of Japan, advocating the nuclear bombing of Cuba, and as Alabama Gov. George Wallace’s running mate in the 1968 Presidential election.

With 13 .50 caliber Browning machine-guns distributed around the B17 in eight turrets, the “Fort” was

Continued on Page 65

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 64

initially thought to be nearly invincible — hence its name. It was thought because of its heavy armament that it would be able to take the air war deep into the Fatherland, without fighter escort, in daylight — and return. This mission demonstrated that even the U.S. could not sustain the losses.

LeMay’s group, headed for Regensburg, crossed the Dutch coast at about 10 a.m. escorted by P-47 Thunderbolt fighters. The Germans knew they were coming and were waiting. Because of the Thunderbolt’s limited range, the fighter escorts were forced to leave the bombers 90 minutes from Regensburg, shortly after crossing the German border. That’s when the German fighters pounced.

By the time the Americans had reached Regensburg, 15 of the “Forts” had been destroyed. Now the city’s anti-aircraft defenses took over. Even so, 126 planes dropped 298.75 tons of bombs.

Then, the Americans pulled a fast one on the Germans. Instead of making a U-turn and heading back to England, and the waiting Luftwaffe, they turned right and flew across the continent and the Mediterranean to Tunisia. Nine more planes were lost on that portion of the trip. Of the 122 that arrived in Tunisia, 60 had suffered damage.

Meanwhile, another 230 “Forts,” under the command of Gen. Robert B. Williams, were on their way to Schweinfurt. More than 300 Messerschmitt and Focke-Wulf fighters awaited the Americans.

Having destroyed 22 bombers, the fighters disengaged 15 miles from the target to refuel and rearm, and to give the city’s anti-aircraft defenses an opportunity. These weapons accounted for another three planes. Even so, 183 bombers dropped 424.3 tons of bombs, of which 125 tons were incendiary. This group did not try anything tricky and returned to England. On the return, the Luftwaffe accounted for nine more bombers.

In addition to the bombers, three American fighters and two British Spitfires were lost. The Americans lost twice the bombers on this mission as on any other mission to that point, with almost 565 airmen killed or captured. It would be four months before the Americans returned to the skies over the Fatherland.

Luftwaffe records show that it lost 27 fighters. Reichsminister of Production, Albert Speer, confirmed a loss of 34 percent in production. However, German industry recovered quickly, as slave laborers repaired the damage and surpluses of ball-bearings were located. Another factor was the failure of the Allies to continue the attack. The bombing killed 203 civilians.

The mission was the inspiration for Sy Bartlett’s novel, “Twelve O’clock High,” which became a movie in 1949, starring Gregory Peck. Dean

Jagger won an “Oscar” for Best Supporting Actor.

Next week: Patton’s Apology

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

BEVERLY DOROTHY RICE

Ocean Pines

Beverly Dorothy Rice, 94, died on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, surrounded by her loving daughters. Beverly was born on Oct. 15, 1928, in Baltimore. She was preceded in death by husband Robert “Bob” Rice and twin brother William Winder.

She is survived by daughters Suzanne Watson of Arnold, Maryland, and Deborah Hoke (Gregory) of Warner Robins, Georgia. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Danielle Martin (James) of Kathleen, Georgia, and Jennifer Smith (Brandon) of Bonaire, Georgia; and three great-grandchildren, Alexis George, Kylee George and Ellie Smith; as well as several nieces; nephews; and very special friends.

Beverly was a member of the Community Church of Ocean Pines. She enjoyed volunteering at the Shep-

herd’s Nook. She was a former member of the Ladies of the Elks of Severna Park, the Red Hats, the Pine’eer Craft Club and the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines.

She loved swimming at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club and the Sports Core until the age of 91. She also enjoyed being part of the Drawbridge Divas, the Drawbridge Dinner club and numerous lunch groups.

Beverly started her career with C&P Telephone Company. She later worked in Annapolis at The Barrister Inn and at the Income Tax Division of the Maryland Comptroller’s Office.

After her husband, Bob, retired in 1986, they enjoyed spending time between Ocean Pines and Cape Coral, Florida.

A memorial service will be private for family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ocean Pines Fire Department at 911 Ocean Parkway, Berlin, Maryland 21811, or Hospice of the Chesapeake at 90 Rithie Hwy, Pasadena, Maryland 21122.

OBITUARY NOTICES

Obituary Notices cost $50 per week for Print and Online Publications.

$1,445.

Still no qualifying billfish in WMO as of Thurs. morning

(Aug. 11, 2023) With $10.5 million in total prize money on the table and 400 boats fishing for a slice of the winnings, the 50th annual White Marlin Open yielded no boated billfish as of Thursday morning.

While white marlin, blue marlin and swordfish were still empty of potential winners after three days of fishing, placements in the tuna, mahi and wahoo categories were getting filled. Although, that doesn’t mean anglers with top-placing meat fish can’t get dethroned before it’s all said and done on Aug. 11.

Despite the lack of qualifying billfish the last few days, many have been released. There was $7 million up for grabs in billfish categories.

On Monday, 378 boats went out to fish. Two hundred and twenty-six white marlin were released, and 18 blue marlin were released, according to the Open’s species count page.

On Tuesday, just 22 boats fished, and only one white and one blue were caught and released. On Wednesday, 383 boats headed offshore, and 199 white marlin were released, along with 14 blue, according to the species count.

On Thursday, 60 boats went out.

“It’s just seems like all those white marlin are all about the same size, which is too small,” Jim Motsko, founder and director of the Open, said Thursday morning.

Motsko remains hopeful that a qualifying white will be caught, but admitted he doesn’t know for sure.

A white marlin must be at least 70 inches long and weigh a minimum of 70 pounds to qualify.

Blue marlin must be at least 114 inches, and there is no minimum weight.

There have been a few years with either no white or no blue marlin qualifiers, but there has never been an Open when neither a qualifying blue or white marlin were caught.

The first day brought probably the best weather despite a shifting offshore forecast in the week leading up to the Open, Motsko said. Tuesday afternoon had a strong southwest wind and a front that came in late at night, thankfully missing the fishing time and weigh-ins, Motsko said.

“Nothing you can do about the weather. You just got to live and bare it,” Motsko said. “We were down a

couple boats from last year, and that was probably all weather related.”

Angler Chris Mentlik, of Street, Maryland, on the boat Fishlik, slid into first place with a 247.5-pound bigeye tuna he brought to the Harbour Island scales on Wednesday. The fish’s estimated worth was $1.2 million.

Jack Roesner, of Middle River, Maryland, was in second place as of Thursday morning with a 203.5pound bigeye tuna hooked on Full Service on Wednesday. It had an estimated payout of $95,000.

In third for tuna was Robert Wagner, of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, with a bigeye tuna weighing 199 pounds.

Wagner had the potential to earn $38,000 for the catch, which he landed on Monday.

Fourth place belonged to Dante Soriente, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, who was fishing on the MJ’s. He caught the 178-pound bigeye on Wednesday, and the tuna was estimated to earn him $220,000 because of participation in added entry level calcuttas.

The heaviest wahoo as of Wednesday night was a 57-pounder caught on Tuesday by Shooting Star angler John Harris, of Boyertown, Pennsylvania. The fish’s estimated worth was $2,000.

Captain Deadly angler, Chad Jackson, of Ft. Myers, Florida, was bumped down into second place by Harris. Jackson caught a wahoo

weighing 55 pounds on Monday that was estimated to win him $32,000.

Francis Johnson, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, caught a 40-pound wahoo aboard the SeaFix on Wednesday, which also was expected to win him a $32,000 payout.

On Wednesday night, Will McAteer, of Kent Island, Maryland, reached first place in the dolphin division with a 31-pounder that he caught aboard Maverick. It is estimated to be worth $34,000.

In second place was C.J. Walus, of Newark, Delaware, from the Under Taker. His dolphin, which weighed 26 pounds and was also caught Wednesday. It had an expected payout of $2,000.

Harley Smegal, of St. Augustine, Florida, had the potential to earn $32,000 for the third-place 21-pound dolphin he caught on Monday aboard Hey Buddy.

If no white or blue marlin qualify, then the prize money entered into each division will be awarded to heaviest tuna winners, according to the Open’s Wednesday news update.

Daily weigh-ins are at Harbour Island Marina on 14th Street from 49:15 p.m. It’s free and open to the public each tournament day. Although, Motsko said there was a twoblock-long line of people waiting to get in on Wednesday.

On Monday, Pete Boinis, who previously owned Harbour Island Marina and produced the first Open with

Motsko in 1974, made a showing to the scales. Boinis, now of Boca Raton, Florida, hasn’t visited the tournament in 10-15 years, Motsko estimated.

Marlin Fest is once again coinciding with the Open. It’s hosted daily at the inlet parking lot and beach, and features vendors, cornhole, a big screen showing live weigh-ins and more. Many flock to Marlin Fest to see boats coast through the inlet on their way to weigh-ins. Entry is free.

“It’s (Marlin Fest) been a whole lot more than we ever anticipated. It’s growing each year,” Motsko said. “I think the first day we had 7,500 people come through there. I remember the very first year we ever did anything like that we had 5,000 in a week.”

The weigh-ins will be streamed live on www.whitemarlinopen.com. Daily activity and updates will also be posted on the website and Facebook.

The first White Marlin Open took place in 1974 with 57 boats registered and a guaranteed $20,000 in prize money.

There are eight less boats registered this year compared to the 49th Open, however, there is about $1.7 million more available in payouts to winning anglers.

“Everything’s going relatively smooth. Everything changes. You never know what’s going to happen and what each boat brings in and what goes along with it,” Motsko said.

Marlins for Mason raises over $295K donation to charity

(Aug. 11, 2023) Sixty-eight boats registered for the inaugural Marlins for Mason tournament, a catch and release event held Aug. 4-5 to benefit the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, and around $79,000 was paid out to winners.

Tournament organizers are still calculating the total money raised for the foundation, but as of mid-week the figure is over $295,000.

It will be the largest single donation ever made to the foundation, said Amanda Prather, founder and director of Marlins for Mason.

“The tournament was definitely a huge success, [it] had an overwhelming amount of support for sure and got more boats than we even anticipated,” Prather said.

Marlins for Mason is a nonprofit fishing tournament named after Mason Prather, Amanda’s son.

Mason, a 5-year-old member of the local fishing community, lives with Dravet Syndrome, a rare lifelong form of epilepsy that results in frequent and severe seizures, developmental delays, movement problems and other health issues.

Mason started having seizures at 4 months old and was diagnosed three months later.

Treatment for Dravet Syndrome is limited, and there is no cure.

Entry fees, funds from silent and live auctions featured at tournament events, sponsors and direct donations all factored into the total donation that will go to the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, an organization that supports research, spreads awareness and assists families affected by the disease and related epilepsies, according to its website.

The Ocean City Marlin Club’s Heels & Reels all-ladies tournament, which ran the same days as Marlins for Mason and shared the registration table, collected $8,050 for the foundation.

“Having the Marlins for Mason tournament here is a good cause and a good thing to bring attention to in the community, so I was glad that we got to be a part of that and help out with that,” said Renee Lessman, operations manager, social marketing administrator and events coordinator for the OCMC.

The club had not presented the donation check to Prather as of Wednesday.

All of the money entered into Marlins for Mason calcuttas went back to tournament winners.

Prather said offshore weather was a little rough for boaters on Saturday, but it didn’t stop people from going out.

Any all-women teams fishing in

the OCMC’s Heels & Reels tournament could also participate in Marlins for Mason. The fish the ladies caught could count for both events.

Open teams, or crews that included men, could sign up for Marlins for Mason only.

Boats using sonar received 100 points for each white marlin, sailfish and spearfish they caught and released, and 150 points for each blue marlin or swordfish.

Boats without sonar received 50 percent more points for each release.

Marlin release categories awarded winners trophies, while entry into marlin release calcuttas made teams eligible to win cash.

Ladies teams could participate in open categories and calcuttas as well as ladies categories and calcuttas. Open teams could only participate in open categories and calcuttas.

The team Outlier, won both the open marlin release category with 1,000 points. They also won the open marlin release calcutta, which earned them $29,000.

Cabana Reel Girls earned a placement in every category with a score of 600 points. They won second in open marlin release and first in ladies teams marlin release. Then the team took second in the open marlin release calcutta, winning them $17,400, and first place in the ladies teams marlin release calcutta, which earned the group $10,500.

Cabana came in third in the open marlin release category with 500 points, and also finished in third in the open marlin release calcutta, for which they received $11,600.

With 450 points, Lights Out came in second place for the ladies team marlin release category and was presented $6,300 for also winning second place in the ladies teams marlin release calcutta.

Finally, Shotski earned 400 points

to come in third in the ladies teams marlin release category, and third in the ladies calcutta. The calcutta placement earned them $4,200.

The Marlins for Mason cocktail party at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City had a great turnout on Friday, Prather said. There, organizers held auctions for items like fishing gear and hunting trips.

Organizers held an awards brunch on Sunday, also at Sunset Marina.

Prather said once she and other organizers have fully wrapped up work on last week’s tournament, they

Marlins for Mason is named after Mason Prather, a 5year-old member of the local fishing community who lives with Dravet Syndrome, a rare life-long form of epilepsy. Pictured, from left, are Mason’s sister, Abigail, his father, John, Mason, and his mother, Amanda.

will begin planning for the 2024 event.

“We appreciate the community coming together to support this deserving cause,” Prather said.

“We’re very proud and wouldn’t have been able to do that without the support of our sponsors,” Prather said of the donation to the Dravet Syndrome foundation.

For more information about Marlins for Mason, visit https://marlinsformason.com/. To learn more about the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, visit https://dravetfoundation.org/

Poor Girls Open final registration set Aug. 16

(Aug. 11, 2023) The annual Capt. Steve Harman’s Poor Girl’s Open ladies-only fishing tournament is returning to Ocean City for its 29th year from Aug. 17-19, and it once again benefits the American Cancer Society.

The tournament targets tuna, mahi and wahoo, while placing an emphasis on catch-and-release for billfish.

About 30 teams have pre-registered as of Aug. 8, although most wait to sign up until the final days leading up to the Open as anglers keep an eye on the weather and offshore fishing conditions.

“It’s going to be a fun time for a great cause,” said Shawn Harman, co-owner of Fish Tales and Bahia Marina, which is hosting the tournament.

In 2022 the tournament paid out $243,265 to winners, with a total of 797 lady anglers fishing on 161 boats. The Open also donated $105,000 to the American Cancer Society.

The cancer society uses tournament donations for breast cancer research, services for breast cancer patients and caregivers, and program development, said Mary Bellis, senior community manager with the foundation.

Bellis helps provide ACS volunteers that support the Open.

“The dedication of the Harman family and the staff that helps put this on every year…they make sure it’s a wonderful experience for the anglers,” Bellis said.

The American Cancer Society also runs the “Pink Ribbon Classic at the Beach Series,” which includes a variety of local activities to raise awareness about breast cancer and fundraise for the nonprofit.

Since 2005, the Open has raised over $1.8 million for the cancer society through the Harman family.

It’s become tradition for cancer survivors to fish each year, Harman said.

“I mean, you’ve got women that have already beaten cancer, and the captain comes up and says, ‘we know it’s going to be a little snotty out there tomorrow,’ and the girls are like, ‘screw that. We’ve already beat cancer. We’re going fishing.’ I mean, just true grit,” Harman said.

Boat registration costs $450, which includes four anglers. It is an additional $50 for each angler thereafter, and there can be a maximum of six women per boat.

The boat entry fee must be paid by Wednesday, Aug. 16, and teams can register online in advance until that date. Teams can fish one of three days.

In-person registration is Aug. 16 beginning at 4 p.m. at Bahia Marina, bayside on 21st Street. Harman said teams should have their registration forms filled out and money in hand before they get in line to sign up.

Registration will run in conjunction with the Pink Party, a kick-off celebration for the Open located in the Bahia Marina parking lot.

The event will also feature a 50/50 raffle and a “massive” ticket raffle, along with vendor and sponsor tents and official tournament merchandise for sale. The American Cancer Society will also be selling merchandise, Harman said.

Local artist George Kalwa will be painting a picture during the 2023 event, which will be auctioned off during the awards banquet.

The captains’ meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 16, also at the marina, where organizers will go over rules. Participants must attend the captains’ meeting, and those who have pre-registered can pick up tournament buckets at registration.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third billfish release winners, and to anglers who catch the heaviest tuna, mahi and wahoo.

Calcuttas include four billfish release categories – one of which pays out winner-take-all – along with categories for each of the meat fish species. Entry prices range from $100-$1,000.

There is also a division for junior anglers who are 16 and younger.

Harman said last week that marlin fishing has been a little slow so far, but he has heard reports of many catches in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and believes the fish are on their way.

“We’ve always been very fortunate because even if it’s tough to get a marlin during [the White Marlin Open], they all seem to show up the next week,” Harman said.

Daily weigh-ins begin each day at Bahia Marina starting at 4 p.m.. Fish

must be brought to the marina by 9 p.m., which is an hour-and-a-half later than last year. There will be more opportunities there to enter raffles and find official merchandise.

“Basically, it’s a party,” Harman said of the weigh-ins.

Catch reports must be hand-delivered to tournament organizers at Bahia Marina by 9 p.m. the day the team fishes.

The awards banquet luncheon is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Ocean City convention center, on 40th Street. It will be catered by Center Plate and feature auctions, announcements of raffle winners and an awards ceremony.

The Open also features two additional challenges that are not fishing related.

First is the Battle of the Bras, where contestants enter a decorated bra. It costs $25 for entry, and throughout the tournament people will enter donations toward each bra, which counts as a vote.

Both the entry fee and donations go to the American Cancer Society. The winner will be announced at the awards banquet, and they will receive a $100 gift card to Fish Tales.

The second contest is Best Dressed. Teams will be judged on their outfits each day at the weighins, and winners will earn a prize basket along with a Cruisin’ Tiki boat ride for six people. Winners will also be announced at the awards banquet.

The tournament has existed since 1994, when Capt. Steve Harman, who was Shawn’s brother, and his wife, Pam, held the inaugural Open. Their goal was to provide women with the chance to compete for prizes and money in a ladies-only tournament while also raising money for local charities.

Harman died in February 2004 and organizers renamed it in his honor that year.

For more information about the Poor Girls Open, visit https://poorgirlsopen.com/, or call Bahia Marina at 410-289-7438.

To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345. Cancer Survivors Network available at www.cancer.org, a 24-hour-a-day cancer information center; and 1-800-2272345 for patients to access ACS services.

Heels & Reels registers 63 boats, pays out over $115K

(Aug. 11, 2023) The Ocean City Marlin Club’s 15th annual Heels & Reels all-ladies fishing tournament, held last weekend, drew 63 boats and paid out $115,560 to winning teams.

Renee Lessman, operations manager, social marketing administrator and events coordinator for the OCMC, said the offshore forecast looked worrisome at the beginning of last week, but changed and made for pretty decent weather and subsequently, turnout.

“The weigh-ins on Friday were a little wet, but other than that the weather was beautiful for Saturday. Everything seemed pretty good,” Lessman said. “Everybody seemed pretty happy with what they got in when they finally did get in.”

Anglers could fish one of two days,

so 25 boats went offshore Friday and 38 on Saturday.

The fishing for billfish also fared well for the ladies, Lessman said. Several blue marlin were released, as well as about 20 white marlin.

First place in the billfish release division went to the team Cabana, who earned 600 points for six white marlin releases. The team won $29,745.

Lights Out took second place with 450 points for three white marlin and one blue released. The team received $65,507.

Shotski scored 400 points for four white marlin releases, and came in third. The team took home $4,338.

All the top three billfish release placers were using sonar and therefore were awarded the same points for each release. Non-sonar boats receive 50 percent more points for bill-

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Cabana takes first place for billfish release to win $29K

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fish releases.

The top junior angler was Brianna Lynch, who won $500 for her white marlin release while fishing on Kilo Charlie.

In the tuna division, Slaughterhouse took first place with a 55.5pound yellowfin that earned the team $6,165. The tuna was also part of their winning stringer.

Second place went to Hall Pass, for its 55-pound yellowfin. The team was awarded $14,274.

The Hall Pass payout was higher than Slaughterhouse’s due to entry in the C level tuna calcutta, which made up $10,575 of the team’s winnings. Both boats entered levels A and B, but Slaughterhouse did not enter level C.

Chain Reaction took third and won $2,466 with a 54.5-pound yellowfin. The team also only entered levels A and B.

The Buckshot team earned first and third place in the dolphin division for its 29.5- and 12-pound fish. The group was awarded a total of $19,206.

The Talkin’ Trash crew came in second for its 14-pound dolphin and won $3,699.

This was the first year Heels & Reels incorporated a stringer division into the tournament.

First place went to Slaughterhouse for yellowfin tuna weighing 55.5, 51 and 49.5 pounds. The team was awarded $8,280 for its 156-pound stringer weight.

Chain Reaction took second place for tuna weighing 54.5, 53 and 46.5 pounds. The team’s stringer weight of 154 pounds earned the ladies $4,968.

Even though Hall Pass came in third with a 55-pound yellowfin – one fish can count as a stinger – the team scored the biggest payout in the division – $15,912. A total of $12,600 came from level C for stringers. Slaughterhouse and Chain Reaction entered levels A and B, but not C.

This year, Heels & Reels coincided with the inaugural Marlins for Mason fishing tournament, a nonprofit event to benefit the Dravet Syndrome Foundation.

Dravet Syndrome is a rare form of childhood epilepsy. Mason Prather, a 5-year-old member of the local fishing community, lives with the disease, and the tournament is named after him.

The Dravet Syndrome Foundation funds research, spreads awareness

and supports families who are affected by Dravet Syndrome and similar epilepsies.

Ladies teams participating in Heels & Reels could register and participate in both tournaments, and most did, Lessman said.

With donations handed in on registration forms, Heels & Reels raised $8,050, which will go toward the Marlins for Mason’s donation to the Dravet Syndrome Foundation.

“Having the Marlins for Mason tournament here is a good cause and a good thing to bring attention to in the community, so I was glad that we got to be a part of that and help out

The Ocean City Marlin Club registered 63 boats and paid out $115,560 to winning anglers in the 15th annual Heels & Reels tournament. Pictured is the team Cabana, who earned 600 points for six white marlin releases and won $29,745.

with that,” Lessman said.

On Saturday, the Heels & Reels awards banquet was held at the OCMC clubhouse in West Ocean City. Checks were presented to the winners and tournament participants enjoyed dinner prepared by OCMC Executive Chef Brook Lamar and his team.

“I hope that it grows for next year even bigger [and] more lady anglers get into it,” Lessman said. “I think it’s a good thing. Getting junior anglers would be even better, getting more kids involved … but other than that, I think it was a successful tournament and I just hope that it gets bigger and bigger every year.”