for our
22, 2025
Yesterday’s planned beach crawl during OC Jeep Fest was scratched due to beach flooding and tidal surge, but participants were able to try out the beach obstacle course instead. See page 30 for Jeep event details and page 3 for more on Hurricane Erin preparations in Ocean City.
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Mayor makes it clear, he doesn’t like them and wants their operators held accountable if they fail to obey state and local traffic laws.— PAGE 13
Barred from public ramps, boat operator enlists others to help with big concert crowds— PAGE 18
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) While Hurricane Erin was forecast to remain far offshore, its effects were felt along the Delmarva coastline this week, with several beach and ocean closures announced in the days leading up to the storm’s arrival.
On Tuesday, the Town of Ocean City announced it would be closing public access to the water as Hurricane Erin inched closer to the mid-Atlantic region.
While the storm stayed offshore, Worcester County remained under a Tropical Storm Warning for much of the week, with high winds, dangerous surf conditions, minor beach erosion and strong rip currents expected along the coast.
"Due to strong waves and dangerous rip currents, we are prohibiting swimming and surfing in the ocean," Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald said in a statement Tuesday. "This proactive step was taken to protect the safety of residents, visitors, and first responders; however, the beach itself remains open, and the Town of Ocean City remains open for business."
A High Surf Advisory was also issued through 7 a.m. Friday, with meteorologists projecting peak wave heights of 10 to 15 feet on Thursday and potential storm surge along the coastline.
During Monday’s Ocean City Council meeting, City Manager Terry
McGean urged beachgoers to take caution and to follow the instruction of lifeguards as the storm nears.
“If we close the beach to swimming, we are very serious about it,” he said. “Do not swim. Do not think you can outswim the rip currents.”
Another concern this week, McGean said, was the 30% reduction in Ocean City Beach Patrol staff, as college students who served as lifeguards during the summer returned to classes. However, he said remaining lifeguards would stay in their stands, so long as it was safe to do so.
“We are now down to about 60 to 65 stands this week,” he said.
Just south of Ocean City, Assateague State Park announced it would close ocean access to swimming, surfing and wading, while Assateague Island National Seashore announced it would close over-sand vehicle areas and all oceanside beaches.
“This is a fluid situation, and it is impossible to predict when things will reopen,” Assateague Island National Seashore said in a news release Tuesday. “There is also the possibility of more closures in the next few days, as wind speeds and tidal surge caused by the passage of Erin are difficult to predict and coincide with a very high tide cycle.”
Closures also extended north into Delaware beaches, where municipal officials from Fenwick Island to Rehoboth Beach warned residents and visitors of dangerous surf conditions.
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By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) County officials this week agreed to rezone a small parcel along the west side of Racetrack Road from an environmentally protected district to general commercial zoning, opening the door for future development on the site.
Arguing before the Worcester County Commissioners in a public hearing on Tuesday, attorney Mark Cropper said the roughly one-acre parcel was wrongly zoned in 2009 as a wetlands conservation area. The commissioners agreed unanimously to rezone two of three property subsections into C-2 General Commercial from RP Resource Protected.
Cropper said the zoning error was made clearer in 2019, when the county rezoned 15 properties on the same side of Racetrack Road (Route 589) as commercial lots.
Because the county’s zoning change was comprehensive, individual site characteristics – like his client’s property – were not considered, he said. He argued that it was both a zoning mistake and a change in the character of the neighborhood.
“I see this merely as a correction,” Cropper told the commissioners, “to make it consistent with the critical area designations and the new zoning classification.”
The parcel in question is part of a 9acre woodland property located across from the Ocean Downs Casino property on Route 589.
Records show Michael Lupacchini purchased the land in 2024 and the landowner is now listed as Racetrack Plaza LLC.
The owner didn’t want to rezone all 9 acres, just the 1.07-acre portion nearest to the road, so it would align with the underlying commercial zoning for the rest of his parcel.
In hearing the case earlier this summer, Worcester County’s planning commission split this portion into three
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smaller pieces – zones A, B, and C – separating the portions of land they’d be willing to rezone from the land they weren’t, according to Cropper.
At the same time, the state’s Critical Area Commission is re-doing its maps and intends to designate area C on the property as a Resource Conservation Area (RCA), though the map update is still ongoing.
The planning commission ultimately gave the thumbs-down to rezoning a smaller portion and said it should remain in protected status as a Resource Conservation Area.
While Cropper argued before the commissioners that all three zones should be brought into the commercial zoning district – even bringing in land surveyor Frank Lynch to testify that the
zone is upland and not wetland – county staffers on Tuesday said they agreed with the planning commission’s conclusion.
Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs, told the commissioners that county staffers don’t support rezoning the smaller area from resource-protected to commercial.
He also worked with the state to closely consider hundreds of parcels countywide that were on the bubble of environmental sensitivity, and this was one of them.
“Our contention is it should stay RCA and should not be rezoned,” Mitchell said.
Moving forward, Cropper has stated his client is going to determine how best to develop the site based on zoning and critical area boundaries.
Last week’s editorial concerning the lodging industry’s impact on the resort economy as compared to the contribution of short-term rentals said that STR’s have no employees.
That is incorrect. Vacasa, which manages vacation rentals, pointed out that it has four local offices and employs many local workers. It also said that, contrary to an assertion in that editorial that short-term rental properties are cleaned once a week, its crews are cleaning daily and that it has created hundreds of jobs.
The editorial writer apologizes for employing these erroneous assumptions.
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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) The Worcester County Board of Education this week agreed to continue its partnership with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office by signing a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two entities.
The agreement, signed during Tuesday’s board meeting, sets the expectations of both the sheriff’s office and the school system in providing a student resource deputy (SRD) program in the coming academic year.
Following the official signing, Board of Education President Todd Ferrante applauded the ongoing partnership and the work of student resource deputies at each of Worcester County Public Schools’ campuses.
“It’s a great working relationship
we have with you and your resource officers,” Ferrante told members of the sheriff’s office Tuesday. “And we appreciate what you do for our school system, how you look after our kids. We look forward to a continued relationship with you going forward.”
The MOU signed this week lays out the roles and responsibilities of SRDs and school staff, as well as guidelines for handling complaints, interventions, arrests and more.
For his part, Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said the SRD program prioritizes the safety of Worcester County Public School students and staff.
“I also want to say that as long as I’m in this position, we will always prioritize Worcester County Public Schools, our children, and our school staff, at the top of our mission, to ensure your safety, because you deserve
a safe and nurturing learning environment. And my team, our team, of SRDs, will continue to provide that,” he told the board.
“I expect them to not only be in this partnership but – for our youth, for our children – to be guides, coaches and mentors as you navigate through Worcester County Public Schools.”
He continued, “So thank you for this partnership, we enjoy it, and we’re very honored to be team members with you. And we will do every-
thing we can to get better each day.”
Superintendent Annette Wallace agreed.
“I want to thank the sheriff,” she said. “I also want to thank the chief deputy who’s also here, and Shawn [Goddard, coordinator of school safety and security] and Dr. Record [chief safety and academic officer] for their leadership of school safety. I can only see it getting better and better. We always go up from where we are, so it’s going to be a great year.”
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan made it clear Monday that the police department would start increasing patrols in its attempt to address unlawful scooter operations.
During Monday’s meeting of the Ocean City Council, Meehan reiterated concerns about the proliferation of scooters on the city’s roadways, as well as some of the traffic laws those users continue to break. He said officials have addressed those issues at last week’s meeting of the Ocean City Police Commission and will continue to do so in the months ahead.
“It’s 10 miles of roadway, just Coastal Highway itself,” he said. “It’s a lot of roadway, we can’t be everywhere all the time, but I really do appreciate that the [police] department is going to put an emphasis on this. And, hopefully, over the next couple of months and into next year, we can resolve some of those problems.”
Meehan said police commission members last week agreed to address concerns about bikes and scooters –but particularly scooters – running red lights, traveling in the wrong direction and not having the appropriate lights.
He said when he goes out in public, he is often approached with one question: “What are you going to do about the scooters?”
“Lots of times it’s not only because they are concerned about those young adults that are, in most cases, the riders, but they’re concerned about hitting somebody because they’re having problems with people going the wrong way and running red lights,” he said.
Meehan assured the public this week that the police department was looking to use grant funding to increase enforcement. He said that would go hand-in-hand with an educational campaign that would target J-1 students.
“I know in a lot of the countries
where these J-1 students may come from, they may not have the same rules of the road – they might not have any rules of the road – and they now have to be educated,” he said.
“But I think a lot of the others I see day to day, they know darn well what the rules are. They’re just not obeying them. And I think we need, again, to get the word out.”
Officials said this week that they would be offering recommendations on how to deal with the ongoing issues of bikes and scooters. Meehan said that could include conversations at the state level and changes in law.
“The state law changes on Oct. 1 where, through the state, you are allowed to ride bikes and scooters on the sidewalks,” he added. “But it is something where a municipality can take their own action and deny that if they choose to do so. And I think it’s something we need to have a conversation about as well.”
Ocean City resident Jean Keagle also came before the council this week to express her concerns regarding bikes and scooters. She argued that education wasn’t enough to get the message across.
“Education is great, but it's obviously not working,” she said. “You know, when I see the professional bike rider – he's got his bike shorts, he's got his professional bike and his helmet – run two red lights right in a row, that's a lot of points on his driver's license. Let's give him a ticket. You know, a lot of drunks are out there riding bikes because they don't want to drive a car when they're drunk, so they're riding a bike. They can get a DUI on their bikes. You know, let's start issuing citations and help us out here.”
She added, “You know, nobody wants to hurt a pedestrian or a scooter or a bicyclist, but they're giving us so many opportunities to hurt them. We have the laws, let's use the laws and enforce them and take care of us and protect your citizens.”
By Stewart Dobson Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) Sitting high — and dry under the circumstances — the offshore liftboat, RAM XV, planted itself in the Ocean City Inlet Monday, as it sought refuge from rough seas and the likelihood that conditions would worsen with the approach of Hurricane Erin.
The ship, which can jack itself up on its tripod-like spuds (steel poles) and anchor itself in the seabed, was on its way from Dorchester Shipyard on the Maurice River in New Jersey to Baltimore when its operators made the call to ride out the storm in Ocean City.
Officially, the RAM XV is listed in maritime records available online as an “offshore supply ship.” But it can do more than that with its two cranes, other equipment and its ability to operate in 130 feet of water courtesy of its 175-foot-long spuds.
It and others like it owned by Aries Marine Corp. of Lafayette, Louisiana have helped to install wind turbines, served as platforms to repair undersea cables and have worked oil-drilling platforms, according to company literature.
But one thing this 113-foot bargelike vessel is not designed to do, according to the specifications listed by shipbuilder Conrad Marine of Morgan City, Louisiana, is handle seas of more than 5 feet.
The wave height offshore already exceeded that Monday and, considering that RAM XV — top speed 8 knots — had already been underway for three days when it reached Ocean City, it would not have been able to outrun worsening conditions.
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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) Plans to enclose a restaurant’s dining area and develop offstreet parking will move forward with the support of resort planning officials.
On Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted unanimously to amend a site plan for the 45th Street Village, which will allow for enclosed dining areas and a revised parking tabulation, as well as approve the development of offsite parking for the shopping center.
“This project has two parts to it,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told the commission this week.
As proposed, the owner of the 45th Street Village has plans to enclose existing outdoor dining areas of the 38.3775.07 Lookout Lounge, Bendler said. Those changes, he added, will allow for additional service, no matter the weather.
“The current restaurant that sits there now is open air to the elements,” he said. “And from a statement from the owner, the reason for the closure is the elements are extreme there. It’s difficult to continue operations there during inclement weather – wind and such – so they are looking to enclose this.”
Bendler said the applicant also has plans to demolish a tiki bar located behind the Sugar Planet store. He said the
area would be replaced with additional parking.
“To enclose this space, the applicant needed to repurpose some areas and add some additional parking,” he explained. “There’s also an intent to do some redevelopment of this site in the future, so there’s some future planning in this as well.”
Bendler told commission members the applicant is also seeking to create additional offsite parking for the 45th Street Village. He said a site plan submitted to the city proposes demolishing a four-unit apartment building at 16 43rd St. for the creation of a 10-space lot.
“This will primarily be used for employee parking,” he said. “This won’t be used by the general public. That’s what the owner has told us. Regardless, it’s added to the parking requirement for the site.”
Bender added the proposed parking lot was located approximately 600 feet from the 45th Street Village, the maximum distance allowed by city code. He also noted that the lot would be deed restricted.
“The parking will be exclusively for the 45th Street Village, not for the housing around it or anything,” he said.
After further discussion, the commission voted unanimously to approve the changes, but with the condition that the applicant maximize the amount of available parking at the offsite lot.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) Updates to Ocean City’s fire prevention code will advance to a second reading following City Council approval this week.
On Monday, the council voted on first reading to incorporate state-level changes into the city’s own fire code.
Officials noted the state periodically updates its fire and life safety codes, and that changes were recently made to the 2024 edition.
“This was presented to you at a work session, and approved on July 29, to coincide with the Maryland State Fire Code NFPA1 and 101 changes,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said.
During last month’s meeting, Fire Marshal Joe Sexauer presented the proposed amendments, which include a new requirement for low-frequency smoke alarms in newly constructed hotels and condominiums, and new signage requirements for high-rise buildings.
“That does impact existing buildings …,” he said at the time. “Any non-sprinklered high-rise building now has to have warning signage in the lobby that essentially says this building is not protected by a sprinkler system.”
Sexauer also noted the state code includes new charging requirements for lithium ion batteries and requires that jurisdictions create an inspection program for all existing buildings.
However, Sexauer said the biggest change for existing buildings would be a new requirement for fire alarm systems in special amusement buildings. He said that requirement will affect amusement operations like haunted houses and mirror mazes.
He said the fire marshal’s office was working with two city businesses that will be affected by the code change.
Back on the agenda this week, the council voted 7-0 to approve the amendments on first reading.
The council on Monday also voted to adopt changes to its fire prevention and protection code, which currently states “the fire marshal shall receive such salary as the mayor, together with the advice and consent of the majority of the City Council, shall from time to time prescribe.” Stansbury said the change would clean up code language on how the fire marshal is paid.
“This deals with some code cleanup that had been long coming,” she explained, “and this also revises the language relative to the fire marshal's salary.”
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) Ocean City officials this week formalized new bike and skateboard hours on the Boardwalk.
On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution that moves up the start of Boardwalk bicycling and skateboarding hours from 2 a.m. to midnight. While officials say the additional time is meant to encourage nighttime workers to travel home on the Boardwalk rather than the street, Mayor Rick Meehan opposed the change.
“I think the Boardwalk is a lot more crowded than people think it is after midnight during certain times during the summer season,” he said. “And now, you add skateboards to that.”
Currently, bikes are allowed on the Boardwalk from 2 a.m. to noon from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. All other times of the year, bikes are allowed on the boards at any time.
However, during a joint meeting earlier this year, members of the
Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission asked city representatives to consider allowing bikes on the Boardwalk at all times during the summer, as the city was no longer running the Boardwalk trams.
To that end, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, liaison for the city’s bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee, made a recommendation at
‘We would like to make it 12 to 12, because of visibility, because J-1s are getting off at 12 … Midnight to noon is our recommendation.’
Council Secretary Tony DeLuca
last month’s work session. While the group did not support the elimination of bicycling hours, it did support an extension of those hours.
“We would like to make it 12 to 12, because of visibility, because J-1s are getting off at 12 …,” he said at the time. “Midnight to noon is our recommendation.”
With the council’s support, a resolution presented at Monday’s meeting extended Boardwalk bike hours from 2 a.m. to noon, to midnight to noon, Memorial Day through Labor
Day.
However, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the resolution could be amended to include skateboards.
“I believe the skateboards may have, for some time, not received the proper treatment and should be dealt with in the same manner bicycles are, because they are permitted, by a general enforcement standpoint, the same times as bicycles,” she said.
With no further discussion, a motion to amend the resolution to include skateboards and to adopt the time change passed in a 7-0 vote. However, Meehan continued to share his objections.
“There's only two weeks to go before the summer season is over, so I don't understand the urgency,” he said. “But I think there will be an enforcement issue. I think adding the skateboards is just going to make it even more difficult for all the pedestrians that are on the Boardwalk.”
He added, “We're struggling with getting compliance from bike operators, scooter operators, you know, with the other laws in Ocean City, and I think maybe we need to get their compliance and support for those before we increase the time periods and, in my opinion, create maybe some issues on the Boardwalk that are unanticipated.”
Group identifies locations for shuttling festivalgoers
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) After Worcester County officials quashed Tony Battista’s water taxi service for Ocean City’s music festivals because he was using a public boat ramp, he had to pivot.
Now, he’s teamed up with other charter boat companies and they’re ready to shuttle concertgoers between multiple private launch sites in Ocean City and West Ocean City this fall for the resort’s three big concert events.
Battista said his charter outfit, Saltwater Adventures, will team up with three other operators: Steve Butz of OC Bay Hopper, Chip Ridgely of Go With The Flow cruises, and Ron Croker of Liquid Tiki. They’ll be operating on the water for nine days a year during the Oceans Calling, Country Calling, and Boardwalk Rock festivals.
“It’s all looking great right now,” Battista told OC Today-Dispatch. “At the end of the day, I think it might be
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a better situation, and all the sourpusses can mind their own businesses. Now we can handle 1,500 to 2,000 people easily when before we were struggling to do 950 to 1,000. It can only get better and better.”
Passengers can book online or via app for a bayside pickup in Ocean City at the Food Lion at 118th Street or the convention center at 40th Street, from Ocean Pines at the Yacht Club, or from West Ocean City’s commercial fishing harbor at either Pure Lure or Harborside Bar & Grill. Oneway admission ranges from $15 to $35 depending on the length of the trip.
“It’s too big for any one of our companies – none of us could tackle it,” Battista said. “I estimate we have about 18 boats, probably, total now, and that’s being conservative. Not only is it a ride, it solves a parking issue and it gives them some heritage of our area – it takes ‘em through the commercial harbor.”
Battista’s working not just with boats, but buses, too. He’s cut a deal with five hotels along the West Ocean City corridor: their guests will be picked up by charter bus at the hotel,
dropped off at the boat launch, and then ferried to the festival.
Before cementing this new partnership, Battista had been picking up passengers by himself, at first at the public boat ramp in West Ocean City on his 25-foot center consol boat and shuttling them over Isle of Wight Bay to The Angler restaurant.
When business boomed after the first day, he called in for a lifeline from a few other fishing boat captains. Together, they ferried about 800 people total for that three-day event in 2023.
Worcester County parks and recreation officials, who have oversight of the boat ramp, initially supported the service, because it got a lot of concertgoers out of the snarled stream of inbound car traffic.
But parks officials also told him he couldn’t advertise there with a banner. Battista did anyway – which he calls “a mistake” – and someone called to complain.
Battista was then forced to make a formal request of the Worcester County Commissioners. They ruled against him on July 15, saying the public ramp was not to be used for a ferry site, mostly for liability reasons.
“These fishing boats will be basically used as ferries,” County Attorney Roscoe Leslie said at that meeting. “So, we’ve got boats that are not designed to be ferries, on docks that are not designed for ferries, either.”
Butz, too, had been shuttling 17 passengers at a time on his four Carolina skiffs during the concerts, selling out bookings that retrieved passengers from downtown Ocean City when the concerts ended. He also had to process $11,000 in refunds when the very first Oceans Calling was canceled for bad weather, “so, that was not fun,” he said.
Now, he said he’s looking forward to working with a team of operators and seeing the West Ocean City harbor come to life with potential passengers.
Getting people to the show is easy, because it’s a day-long trickle of tourists. The hard part, unsurprisingly, is when all those folks show up at the same time for their departure.
“The big problem is at 11:10 p.m. Everyone wants to leave at 11:10. I’m already completely sold out” for those departures, Butz added. “The reason why I partner with Tony and Chip,
frankly, is because I can only make 68 people happy by getting them right when they leave the concert, and there’s thousands of people.”
Ridgely’s pontoon, the Salty Siren, can carry 22 passengers and three crew members at a time. Last year he teamed up with the Bay Hopper before joining up with Battista’s ferry flotilla. He called the concert shuttle service a prime marketing opportunity for his business throughout the year.
“As they're getting off of their boats, they're getting some kind of pamphlet, brochure. I’ve got rack cards that we hand out. Hopefully, that comes back in the summer when they bring their families back or they're back on a bachelorette party or bachelor party,” he said.
Battista agreed. He’s already seen some return business after having run his ferry service for the last two years’ of resort concerts.
“When they go back to Arizona, Tennessee, or Connecticut, they should know about your business. You know, you're gonna have their attention for 32 minutes each day. In Ocean City, we're all in the entertainment business,” he said.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) As part of an agreement reached with the owners of Telescope Pictures, the Ocean City Council on Monday voted to proceed with code changes pertaining to the city’s beach photography franchise.
An ordinance, which passed on first reading this week, changes certain aspects of the franchise agreement, including reducing the annual fee in exchange for a brand deal with the Town of Ocean City.
“You'll recall that this was discussed at the August 12th work session,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said, “and at that time it was indicated that certain code revisions were needed to the
franchise agreement to effectuate the changes that you approved to the contract.”
For years, Ocean City’s beach photography franchise was broken into two separate franchises. The two franchises were not divided geographically but rather limited the number of photographers allowed on the beach.
In 2018, Telescope Pictures owners Jon and Sam Cameron submitted the only bid for one of the two franchises and was awarded a four-year contract at $152,500 per year. And in 2019, the owners expressed interest in the second available franchise, which they bid at $76,250 per year.
To that end, the mayor and City Council that year agreed to combine
the two-franchise system and accept the Camerons’ second bid for the consolidated franchise.
Earlier this summer, however, the Camerons asked the council to allow changes to their franchise agreement to reflect technological changes that affected their business. The couple acknowledged that changes in technology and the proliferation of cellphones had upset their business model, and that they were now seeking a reduction in their annual fee in exchange for some brand deal with the city’s tourism department.
“What we’re asking is to help us stay in business,” Jon Cameron said at the time.
Following that meeting, the
Camerons met with city staff and the Ocean City Tourism Department to discuss the new terms, which were presented to the City Council last week for approval. Specifically, officials proposed reducing the company’s franchise fees to $114,475 and granting a three-year contract extension in exchange for branding all of the company’s products with the city’s logo and web address.
However, to make those changes, the council directed the city solicitor to amend the beach photo franchise ordinance and draft a new agreement between the city and Telescope Pictures. The ordinance amendment passed on first reading this week, in a 7-0 vote.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) Solar farm developers in Worcester County would need to set aside money for decommissioning before getting their projects approved by the county, under new legislation being proposed.
The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday considered an
emergency bill on solar energy systems that would add decommissioning bonds to the review process for major solar farm projects and legally establishes abandoned solar projects as a public nuisance. It means developers would have to get both a state and county bond for decommissioning. Six of seven commissioners raised
their hands to support the bill, which will come before the board for a final vote at a future meeting. Commissioner Jim Bunting did not express opposition to the measure, but neither did he raise his hand in support of it.
Under the bill, solar developers of projects greater than 2 megawatts –that’s enough electricity to power a small town – would have to provide
detailed decommissioning and restoration plans and would require a solar developer to post a bond at 125% of the project cost, explained Jennifer Keener, the county’s director of development review and permitting.
At the meeting, Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, West Ocean City) asked what happens if the cash set
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aside for decommissioning isn’t enough to cover the eventual cost.
“We need to continue to work on that gap,” he told Keener.
Initial bond estimates would be prepared by an independent certified engineer and evaluated every five years, which is consistent with what other jurisdictions have done and is what the state’s Public Service Commission requires, Keener said.
Developers under this proposal would have to bond out with both the state and the county. While the state may preempt the county and ask for salvage costs to be removed from the bond value, the county’s bond would not include the cost of salvage.
Solar farm owners must notify the county when a project is slated to go dark and provide an updated decommissioning cost estimate. The county must be notified if a solar farm goes out of production for six months, and decommissioning must be completed after a year.
Projects that end up abandoned would be deemed a nuisance under county law. County officials are allowed to enter the site if they suspect a solar farm is offline.
Decommissioning is proposed to apply to major solar systems, any-
thing over 200 kilowatts, that sell power to the grid or to others electricity consumers.
However, the county’s Planning Commission, which voted in favor of the bill Aug. 7, said they wanted a developer to share decommission plans regardless of whether a solar farm sells power to the grid or is used only for on-site consumption. Whether the scope gets widened to include all solar farms would be up to the commissioners.
Also at the meeting, Commissioner Chip Bertino asked whether the proposed legislation covers remediation or decommissioning of battery units, on which state law is silent. Keener says she has not addressed battery energy storage systems in the bill.
“It’s a very sticky issue, that’s why. Nobody wants to step up to the plate,” Bertino said. “I just don’t want the county to be on the hook. God forbid there’s a problem with one of those battery units exploding or catching fire.”
When it comes to decommissioning and demolition, the bill does address removal of concrete pads and replacing topsoil, “but what we’re hearing from other counties is, they’re basically destroying the farmland from ever being farmland again by
mixing in soil cement,” said Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young.
Keener said she needs to look into that and that any changes to this bill could be part of the public hearing process.
The issue arose a month ago, when the commissioners were briefed on a proposed solar farm, a 40-acre, 5 megawatt project off Queponco Road. Commissioners didn’t like that talks of decommissioning come at the end of the approval process, not the beginning.
Commissioners also said they didn’t want to be kept in the dark should a solar farm suddenly stop delivering power, leaving behind a field of junked metal, glass, and electronics.
Officials say cleanup for dead solar farms can be expensive because solar panels at salvage sell for pennies on the dollar, and the farmland may be deemed hazardous and plummet in value.
Under Maryland law, counties can offer feedback but can’t adopt zoning laws or regulations that would get in the way of any solar development. Ultimately, all solar farm applications go before the state’s Public Service Commission for approval, according to county attorney Roscoe Leslie.
(Aug. 22, 2025) The four-day Ocean City Jeep Fest got underway Thursday and runs through Sunday.
Participants and visitors will see hundreds of Jeeps of all kinds and configurations on display and on the beach.
The event’s now well-known beach crawls will begin each morning of the event at 7:45 a.m. at the inlet parking lot and will head north up the beach to 30th Street.
From there, it will be on to the hub of the festival at the Ocean City convention center, where vendors will be lined up for inspection by Jeep and other four-wheeling aficionados. In a nod to vendors and the crowd, the show’s producers, B-Rad Productions and Live Wire Media & Events, have added a fourth day for vendors at the
convention center.
Among the retailers and suppliers on hand this year will be event sponsor, Kicker Audio, as well as Audio Works.
In addition to showing off the merchandise, some vendors will have factory-trained reps on hand to install systems onsite.
Returning to the showcase this year will be Joe’s Jeep Jungle, while Gears Garage will have its Jeep upgrades on display as it makes its debut appearance. BWT Off Road will have 500 rims on display and for sale from major brands. All the vendors will have specials and gear for Jeeps and other 4x4s. Gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the convention center Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Other attractions will include a “show & shine competition” where owners can show off their Jeeps and their custom modifications, with awards and prizes on the line.
A sand course created by Delmarva Jeep Events will be located north of the pier on the beach downtown. The course has three shifts a day, with one shift on Sunday.
On the entertainment agenda, Friday will see a bonfire and a party in front of Coconuts from 6:30 until 9 p.m., hosted by Maryland’s Jeep Club and Kicker.
Then Saturday night it’s “Jammin’ with Jeeps” at the Ocean Pines Beach
Club, with closing events at Sinepuxent Brewery from 3-5 p.m. and Papi’s Tacos Sunday night from 7-9.
To register for Jeep Fest, go to OCJeepFest.com.
For more information about the family-friendly festival, go to Facebook: Ocean City Jeep Fest, or on Instagram: @JeepFestOC.
“This isn’t just a Jeep show — it’s the biggest Jeep party around,” said organizer Brad Hoffman. “The expo gives fans the chance to experience the heart of Jeep culture, while the nightly gatherings bring the community together long after the last beach crawl of the day.”
The Town of Ocean City has announced the new Every Tree Counts mini-grant, providing residents of the Town of Ocean City with a $100 voucher to purchase and plant a tree selected from the Town’s Plant List.
Trees provide natural habitat for animals and pollinators, which is essential in an urban environment like Ocean City. They naturally shade and cool areas, reducing heat outdoors and decreasing your home’s overall energy consumption. Trees also improve water quality and curb erosion, helping to protect the ocean and bay that surround and vitalize Ocean City. Trees native to Maryland’s coastal region are more adapted to our unique environment and better at resisting disease — meaning less maintenance for you.
Funding for this project was awarded to the Town of Ocean City by a grant
from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Applicants must be residents or property owners that live within the corporate limits of the Town of Ocean City, and trees must be planted within the corporate limits. Limited quantities are available for reimbursement. Applicants are permitted to apply for more than one tree voucher.
The deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 14. Please visit oceancity.green to learn more about this grant opportunity, find our tree list, and apply for a $100 voucher. For more information, please contact Jenelle Gerthoffer at JGerthoffer@oceancitymd.gov or 410-289-8825.
Wor-Wic Community College will offer new degrees in the STEM concentrations of data science and mechatronics engineering starting this fall.
The STEM transfer associate of sci-
ence degree with a data science concentrationincludes the courses usually required during the first two years of a bachelor’s degree for students pursuing careers such as data analyst, database administrator, business intelligence analyst or machine learning engineer. Graduates will be trained in the core concepts of data science, mathematics, statistics and computer science, and will use data science tools and appropriate technology to create models for solving real-world problems.
“We are excited to offer this new transfer program,” said Dr. Stacey J. Hall, dean of STEM. “In the state of Maryland, data scientists are projected to be in the top 10 of growing occupations with educational value. Our associates degree provides a path for transfer students to Maryland institutions, including Salisbury University.”
The STEM technology associate of applied science degree with a concen-
tration in mechatronics engineering is designed to provide students with engineering, electronic and computing skills needed for careers in advanced automation and manufacturing industries. Students will learn to apply engineering design processes to develop solutions for business needs, as well as designing, programming and troubleshooting automated machines and robots for industrial applications.
“Our new mechatronics engineering A.A.S. degree provides a pathway directly to the workforce for students interested in engineering applications,” said Joe Roche, applied technologies department head and associate professor of trades. “We have worked with industry partners in the development of this program to ensure our graduates are prepared to work side-by-side with engineers and field technicians to build, test and install mechatronics systems in an increasingly automated workplace.”
Visit www.worwic.edu for more information about the program or to register.
The Worcester County Arts Council (WCAC) invites artists to submit original works for its upcoming juried exhibition, “Tell Me Your Story,” on view from Sept. 2 through Nov. 2 at the WCAC Gallery in Berlin.
Art has the power to tell stories that words alone cannot. This exhibition encourages artists to explore the theme of storytelling through visual expression, whether inspired by personal journeys, cultural heritage, emotional experiences, or imaginative narratives. Through bold color, intricate detail, or abstract form, artists are encouraged to take a creative journey, reflecting on meaningful experiences, memories, or dreams and translating them into compelling visual works that invite viewers to connect, reflect, and be inspired.
“We believe every artist has a unique story to share, and this exhibition offers a platform for those voices to be seen and felt,” said Anna Mullis, executive director of the Worcester County Arts Council. “Whether the work is deeply personal or entirely imaginative, we hope the pieces will resonate with our community and spark meaningful conversations.”
Important dates include artwork delivery, Aug. 26-28, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the WCAC Gallery (6 Jefferson Street, Berlin), and opening reception and awards, Sept. 12, from 4-6 p.m., with awards presented at 5 p.m.
Entries for the competition will be judged by Tamara Mills, Worcester County Public Schools fine arts coordinator.
Monetary prizes will be awarded, and juror remarks will be shared during the reception, which is free and open to the public.
For more information about submission guidelines and exhibit details, please visit the Arts Council’s website: www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org.
(Aug. 22, 2025) The 31st Annual Wine on the Beach is scheduled to return to the Ocean City Inlet parking lot this year on Sept. 5-6.
The late summer wine and music festival is now the unofficial kick-off to a succession of popular weekend events that keep visitors coming to Ocean City throughout the fall.
As a result, more Boardwalk attractions and accommodations are open and ready to welcome guests.
“We still have the best date in the calendar,” said Chris Nokes, manager of the festival since its inception. “The water is warm, lifeguards are on duty, and cool breezes keep the beach pleasant for picnicking oceanside.”
Picnic tables, benches and tables are provided by Ocean City, and beach umbrellas and chairs can be rented.
The festival is an annual favorite for family reunions, friend and family gatherings and especially bachelorette weekends.
“So much of the fun is sharing the experience with others as you taste and compare various wines” Nokes said.
In addition to unlimited samples, wines are offered by the glass, bottle and case. As many of the Maryland wineries have limited distribution, the festival offers the opportunity to purchase a supply of favorites in bulk.
In addition to the Maryland wineries featured, the festival has an assortment of food offerings and craft vendors.
Music on the oceanfront stage will be provided by Bird Dog and the Road Kings. Also featured this year will be local favorites Tranzfusion and Misspent Fortune, playing favorites from the 80’s and more.
A ticket includes a souvenir glass and unlimited samples in the hours between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wine will be available for sale from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day, with the festival going until 7 p.m.
Bulk purchases can be stored at Will Call, and a nearby pickup is available for vehicles.
“Bring your blankets and wagons for a beach party,” Nokes said. “This beach party is not the end of summer, it’s the beginning of a new season of fun in Ocean City.”
Move-in ready beautifully furnished 3,069 SF townhome with elevator & inlet & marina views. Latest upgrades & finishes throughout including plantation shutters. 1st level 1st family room w/gas fireplace - could be game room, office or 4th BR. 1st level Full BA, custom shower & laundry room. 1st level deck to pier & boat slip. 2nd floor luxurious primary BR suite w/2 walk-in closets, overlooks water, has en suite BA heated floors, steam shower & soaking tub. Another 2nd level BR has en suite BA w/shower. 3rd level has 2nd family room w/gas fireplace, wet bar, dining area, upgraded kitchen granite countertops, SS appliances, wine refrigerator & breakfast bar. 3rd floor BR full bath w/shower & walk-in closet. Stunning views from 2nd & 3rd floor decks & crow's nest. Close to inlet, restaurants, shopping, water sports & beach & Boardwalk. Boat slip & lift accommodates 38’ boat w/25,000 lbs. weight capacity. $1,450,000
(Aug. 22, 2025) Join Coastal Hospice for an unforgettable evening on the shores of the Assawoman Bay, complete with breathtaking sunset views, an open bar, savory heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the soulful blues stylings of Margot & Co.
The organization’s annual Blues on the Bay will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6-9 p.m. at Macky’s Bayside Bar and Grill on 54th Street in Ocean City.
Sponsored by Macky and Pam Stansell and hosted by Highwater Management, this cherished Ocean City tradition marks the close of the season with friends, family, and community spirit. Proceeds benefit the Macky and Pam Stansell House at Coastal Hospice in Ocean Pines.
Event creators and benefactors Macky and Pam Stansell look forward to Blues on the Bay every year. Inspired by the exceptional care Pam’s mother received at Coastal Hospice at the Lake, the Ocean City couple quickly became devoted champions of the organization.
Coastal Hospice Donor Relations Team Lead Kerrie Bunting, shares, “We are eternally grateful to the Stansells, not only for their financial contributions toward our mission, but also for their advocacy of that mission. Blues on the Bay has become a celebration of their commitment to and gratitude for our work, and we are honored to call them friends.”
The Macky & Pam Stansell House is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and compassionate place for hospice patients who cannot safely manage their care at home. Located on the Isle of Wight Bay in Ocean Pines, the inpatient facility provides the dignity of hospice care with the comforts of home.
Blues on the Bay tickets ($125 per person) and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit www.coastalhospice.org/blueson-the-bay.
Top three films to advance to 10th Annual Ocean City Film Festival next March
(Aug. 22, 2025) The Ocean City Film Festival will premiere entries from the 8th Annual Ocean City Film Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 23 on the 94th Street tennis courts. Doors open at 7 p.m. with films screening at 7:30 p.m. The event is free to the public.
In case of inclement weather, the screenings will move inside the Ocean City Center for the Arts next door on 94th Street. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs.
Filmmakers were challenged to produce an original short film about Ocean City no longer than 10 minutes and made between July 1 and July 31, 2025. Films must have been shot in Ocean City or be about Ocean City and include a secret line of dialogue.
Nine entries were received in the challenge, and eight will be screened. The entries were selected by special guest juror Ian Postley, who annually designs the official Ocean City Film Festival poster. Postley will offer remarks about his choices and announce the challenge winners. The three top films will be screened at the 10th Annual Ocean City Film Festival in March 2026 and receive prizes.
“Join us for a beautiful night under the stars, and watch the stars come out on our movie screen, too,” B.L. StrangMoya, creative director of the Film Festival, said. “You’ll be the first to view these very creative and entertaining films about our resort. And admission is free, although we would love your donations.”
The Film Challenge films to be screened are:
Empty Bottles directed by Joseph
Robinette. A drunk from Ocean City, NJ, finds himself accidentally transported to Ocean City, Md. via bus.
The Worst Gift in Ocean City directed by Holden Connor. A group of young girls seek out the worst gift in Ocean City.
Day Off directed by Angeline Timmons. A girl desperate for an Ocean City card to go on the rides, spots one and attempts to steal it, but fails miserably.
Changing Tides directed by Blake Dasher, Ciara Gustin, Dominic Breitenbach, Kiara Davis, Mckinley Stokley, Piper Drace. Phoebe and Wes meet on a summer day on the beach, but what’s to become of the young lovers when summer ends?
Ocean City Vacation Daze: A “Ken Burns” Film directed by Thomas Taylor, Chris Demone, Xavier Geraldes, Steve Myers. An homage to legendary documentarian Ken Burns as he takes us on a mock vacation with his family in Ocean City.
Jolly and Gerald directed by Fiona O’Brien and Zoe Couloumbis. This silent film describes a brother duo. Jolly, beloved by the community, is known for opening the Jolly Roger Amusement Park at the Pier. Gerald is the one who makes things happen behind the scenes.
Ocean vs. Bay 2 directed by Marlon Wallace. Two young men battle over which side of Ocean City is better, and face an even greater threat from a man with a mysterious past.
Tomorrow’s Dujour directed by B.L. Strang-Moya. An unfortunate line cook must pick up a last-minute delivery from a mysterious new vendor.
The Ocean City Film Festival and the Ocean City Film Challenge are programs of the nonprofit Art League of Ocean City. More information is available at OCart.org/events or by calling 410-524-9433.
By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!”
You’ll see this trademark slogan on lifeguard stands and signs all around Ocean City. It’s more than just a catchy phrase, it’s a lifesaving reminder. Swimming in unguarded water is never a good idea. In fact, a sobering statistic from Ocean City shows that 98% of all drowning deaths in the past 90 years happened when the Beach Patrol was not on duty. Although this advice applies to pools, it is even more important when swimming in open water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, which have uneven bot-
toms, changing currents, poor visibility, sudden drop-offs and changes in depth. These factors make RIP currents the 2nd leading cause of weather-related death (last year), according to the National Weather Service (NOAA), ahead of lightning, tornados, and Hurricanes (also sharks). Not only should you only swim when the Beach Patrol is on duty, but you need to swim in front of a guard, especially as we get later in our season and our stands are moving much further apart. When fully staffed we like to have our stands positioned about 195 yards apart, however, as you are reading this our stands are likely 400 yards apart (four football fields or ¼ mile), so swimming in front of a staffed chair is even more critical. Just because you can see the Surf Rescue Technician on the stand, does not mean that they can see you well enough to determine if you need assistance.
I have noticed that people tend to leave their cares, concerns, and common sense behind them when they come to the beach. No one can blame them; vacationers have worked hard, and they simply want to enjoy their time by the ocean. Most people believe that nothing bad is going to happen while they are on vacation and that they will never be the unfortunate victim of an accident or injury while enjoying a day at the beach. The possibility of a tragedy occurring with a loved one is the furthest thing from their mind when they choose to go swimming without a lifeguard. This fact unfortunately came true four summers ago when a man chose to go swimming at 7:00 PM after the beach patrol had long gone off duty and cleared the water of all swimmers. Caught in a RIP current the man was pulled into deep water as his wife and child watched helplessly. Beach Patrol members working evening mobile patrol were joined by off duty beach patrol SRT’s and Fire Department rescue swimmers and were able to locate his body, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, this was repeated earlier two summers ago at 8:40 PM, over 3 hours after SRT’s had cleared the ocean and left for the day, as well as last spring, three weeks before we began guarding the beach. More recently an 18-year-old man, drowned at Assateague Island National Seashore on July 24 during the day while swimming on an unguarded beach as his family watched helplessly. While friends and family will forever be changed by such a preventable tragedy. Another alarming statistic is that when untrained individuals attempt to “rescue” someone from the ocean, they frequently become
beaches and a few times this year in North Carolina and Florida. Although education is the first priority of the Beach Patrol mission and the press has dedicated time and resources to help us get these lifesaving messages out to you, many people just do not heed our advice and lives are lost and families devastated by the poor decisions of others.
It is important to remember that the ocean is not just a fun place to spend a vacation, it is a natural, ever changing dynamic environment and like all natural phenomena, if it is not treated respectfully, it can be deadly. Even experienced swimmers and surfers have lost their lives swimming alone with no one to help them when things go wrong. A powerful RIP current can flow away from the beach, at a speed that is faster than an Olympic swimmer can swim against it. Lifeguards and people dedicated to water/beach safety feel frustrated by these stories, since we are good at making rescues when we are there, but are no good if we are not there. There is no need for anyone to lose a family member on vacation. It is a tragedy that could be easily avoided.
The ocean is constantly moving and changing. To the untrained eye it can look calm and safe, but currents on the calmest day can still be dangerous. Do not hesitate to approach the lifeguard and ask about water conditions. They enjoy answering questions and educating beach patrons and have received extensive training on being an ambassador.
Every member of the beach patrol is fully tested and certified before they ever have the privilege of guarding you, your family, and friends. Their job is to recognize the danger and educate beach patrons about it. If you hear them blow their whistle, look and see who they might be trying to communicate with. It could be you. The lifeguards will use their flags to direct you out of harm’s way. Often during the summer, we see a lot of wildlife activity out in the ocean. There could be whale sightings and very often, dolphins traveling close to shore. Although these creatures aren’t normally harmful to humans, it’s safer to simply move out of their way and let them pass. Lifeguards have a better view of what is going on from their guard stand and will move you away from the less dangerous occurrences such as these and the more dangerous situations such as rip currents.
We hope you enjoy your time here in Ocean City. To help us keep you safe, always check in with the lifeguard on the stand and never enter the ocean when the Beach Patrol is not on duty. This is so important to us that every day at 5:30 p.m., lifeguards clear the water before leaving their posts. Remember our slogan and share it with family, friends, or anyone whose life you value: “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!” At this time of year, when stands are spaced farther apart, take the extra few minutes to walk to the nearest lifeguard stand and swim directly in front of it because it could save your life.
The Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC) hosted its annual Summer Soirée at the Holiday Inn Ocean City on Aug. 13. The event drew more than 500 tourism, hospitality, and business leaders from across the state for an evening dedicated to celebration, connection, and collaboration. The festive twohour gathering served as both a member appreciation event and a reception for Maryland’s elected officials, offering attendees the chance to connect with legislators in a relaxed, beachside setting. Pictured are Ruth Toomey, right, executive director of the Maryland Tourism Coalition, standing alongside event attendees, including Del. Wayne Hartman, back right, and Susan Jones, center, executive director of the Ocean
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) Pocomoke City is beginning to make plans for a new community center and will soon begin soliciting design bids from architects and engineers.
“We need to create a space to serve as a hub for all residents – youth, seniors and families,” Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock said in an interview. “We want a safe space for recreation, education, and community connection. This is really about bringing the citizens of Pocomoke together and strengthening the fabric that makes us Pocomoke City.”
The proposed 32,778 square foot location for the new community center is along Clarke Avenue between Willow Street and Maple Street, on a vacant lot behind the just-razed Pocomoke Armory. Nock said the city also owns a building near there that had previously been used as a public works office and for storage.
According to the town’s request for proposals, such a facility could include multipurpose spaces, offices, meeting rooms, restrooms, storage areas, and other amenities based on community needs. Nock in particular said he’d like to see classrooms, an open gym, a recreation area, and maybe even a swimming pool.
The mayor also is planning to honor a beloved community by naming the community center after them: the late Will Stevenson, who died in 2021 at age 90. Nock said he was a major supporter of Pocomoke City and deserves the honor, though he’ll have to get members of the Town Council to agree.
“He donated and gave and sacrificed,” Nock said, “and we would be remiss to not name this community center after him.”
For now, it’s too soon for any definite timeline or cost for the project. But Nock did say the city has $35,000 pledged from community members to put toward the project. They’re also going to seek financial assistance at the state and local level, in addition to the town’s own contributions.
Nock said Pocomoke is looking for an architect with relevant experience and qualifications that’s completed this kind of a job before. The town is hosting a mandatory pre-bid meeting for the project at City Hall on Sept. 4 at 10 a.m., to review the project, its scope, and applicable federal grant requirements.
“We want to see the beauty of our town incorporated in this building, just as when they built Pocomoke high school. We want to see the same thing because this is going to serve our community long after we’re gone,” Nock said.
BURLEY OAK BREWING COMPANY
443-513-4647
10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin
Sat., Aug. 23: Donavon Frankenreiter w/ Christina Holmes (Ticket Event)
Sun., Aug. 24: Joey Harkum
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY
28th Street Coastal Hwy.
Wednesday: Karaoke w/ DJ Hundley
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk
In The Courtyard Marriott
Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue
CARIBBEAN POOL BAR
410-289-6181
In The Plim Plaza Hotel
109 N. Atlantic Ave.
Fri., Aug. 22: Johnny Cardo & Lime Green Band
Sat., Aug. 23: Permilla Project & Royal Flush
Sun., Aug. 24: Cecilia’s Fall & Steve O’Boyle
Mon., Aug. 25: DJ BK & Johnny Cardo
Tues., Aug. 26: Nick Hundley & Briggs Duo
Wed., Aug. 27: Fil Rhythm & Jason Lee
Thurs., Aug. 28: Ragged Mile & Lost Figures
COCONUTS BEACH BAR
410-289-6846
Oceanfront At Castle
In The Sand Hotel
37th & 38th Streets
Fri., Aug. 22: Darin Engh & Monkee Paw
Sat., Aug. 23: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama & Chris Diller Band
Sun., Aug. 24: Solid Maybe & Sister Midnight
Mon., Aug. 25: Sean Loomis & Matt Tichon Duo
Tues., Aug. 26: Jess Arms & Full Cicle
Wed., Aug. 27: The Bilenki Duo & Zion Reggae
Thurs., Aug. 28: Jack Bannon & Lime Green Band
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.
Fri., Aug. 22: Schizophrenic Boogiemen
Sat., Aug. 23: Jim Long Party & The Rockoholics
Tues., Aug. 26: Karaoke
Thurs., Aug. 28: DJ Wax
CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd.,
Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE
Sun., Aug. 24: Rick & Regina
Wed., Aug. 27: Tony Mowen
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756
Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.
Fri., Aug. 22: Jonny Cardo
Sat., Aug. 23: The Biscotti Boys
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay
Fri., Aug. 22: The New Romance, DJ RobCee & Kittyback
Sat., Aug. 23: Other Brother Darryl, DJ Dnial & Kittyback
Sun., Aug. 24: The 1974 & DJ Accelerate
Mon., Aug. 25: DJ Wax, The 1974, DJ Stinson & Jexxa
Seacrets: Sunday, August 24 (Ticket Event)
FULL CIRCLE
Coconuts Beach Bar: Tuesday, August 26
Seacrets: Wednesday, August 27
THE DUNEHOUNDS
Harborside: Saturday, August 23
LENNON LARICCI & THE LEFTOVERS
Jolly Jellyfish Beach Club: Saturday, August 23
THE ROCKOHOLICS
Coins Pub: Saturday, August 23
Fagers Island: Wednesday, August 27
LIES
SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN
Coins Pub: Friday, August 22
The Wedge: Tuesday, August 26
THE BISCOTTI BOYS
Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, August 23
JOEY HARKUM
Burley Oak: Sunday, August 24
RICK & REGINA
Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, August 24
OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
Harborside: Sunday, August 24
Seacrets: Tuesday, August 26
Tues., Aug. 26: DJ RobCee & EDM Night
Wed., Aug. 27: Latin Night & The Rockoholics
Thurs., Aug. 28: DJ Groove
FISH TALES 410-289-0990
22nd St., & Bay
Sun., Aug. 24: Charlie Travers
Tues., Aug. 26: Bilge Rats
Wednesdays: DJ Wax
Thurs., Aug. 28: Blake Haley
GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC Sat., Aug. 26: TBA
HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Fridays: DJ Billy T
Sat., Aug. 23: The Dunehounds & DJ Bigler Sun., Aug. 24: Oppostie Directions & Johnny Cardo
Wednesdays: DJ Billy T
Thursdays: Dust N Bones
JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB 443-664-6147
98th Street Coastal Hwy., Plaza Condominium
Fri., Aug. 22: Cup Of Joe Sat., Aug. 23: Lennon LaRicci Sun., Aug. 24: On The Edge
Mondays: First Class
Tuesdays: Lost Figures
Wednesdays: Joe Mama & Friends
Thursdays: Beach Bandits
PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Sat., Aug. 23: Lies From Granny Sun., Aug. 24: End Of Year Party w/ Ashley LaRue Band, Michael Sky, Elephants Dancing & Fubar
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wax
Wednesdays: Beats By Madame Dutchess
Thursdays: Beats By Connair
PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953
Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Fri. & Sat., Aug. 22 & 23: TBA Sat., Aug. 23: Steve O’Boyle (2pm) Sun., Aug. 24: Bryen O’Boyle (2pm) & Lithium & Candy (10pm)
Wednesdays: Balkan Party w/ DJ Papi
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy.
Fri, Aug. 22: 4 DJs, Lights Out By 8, The Benderz & Kono Nation
Sat., Aug. 23: 4 DJs, The Benderz, The Poprocks, The Audio Files & Lights Out By 8
Sun., Aug. 24: 2 DJs, Triple Rail Turn & Red Not Chili Peppers (Ticket Event)
Mon., Aug. 25: 2 DJs & Blake Haley
Tues., Aug. 26: 1 DJ & Opposite Directions
Wed., Aug. 27: 1 DJ & Full Circle Duo
Thurs., Aug. 28: 2 DJs, Faith Noel & Go Go Gadjet
THE WEDGE 410-289-5121
806 S. Atlantic Ave.
Sun., Aug. 24: Jason Lee
Thurs., August 28: Joe Esham
(Aug. 22, 2025) The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation is seeking sponsors for its 18th Annual Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament, to be held Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.
The event is the major fundraiser for the foundation’s education programs, which include annual field trips for all Worcester County fifth graders to the Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines.
The tournament will feature a scramble best ball format with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Registration is $150 per player and includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, “grab and go” breakfast, lunch and tournament prizes.
Sponsorships are still needed at various levels, ranging from $125 to $2,500.
Foundation President Marie Gilmore said sponsor support directly impacts the more than 650 students who visit the memorial each year through the Foundation’s programs.
“Since 2007, every fifth-grade student in Worcester County has visited
the memorial as part of a special field trip,” Gilmore said. “They learn about the military branches, the real-life stories behind the engraved bricks, and the meaning of service and sacrifice.”
The tours are run in partnership with the Worcester County Board of Education and feature volunteer docents, as well as demonstrations by JROTC cadets from Stephen Decatur, Snow Hill and Pocomoke high schools. Local Coast Guard members also frequently participate.
“Our foundation covers all costs for these trips, including buses, drivers and educational materials,” Gilmore said.
“As those expenses grow, we rely more than ever on community support to make this possible.”
The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all contributions are taxdeductible. In addition to sponsorships, the Foundation also welcomes donated prizes, gift certificates or items for the tournament’s silent auction.
To sponsor the tournament or donate, contact Marie Gilmore at 410726-2881 or opmarie@aol.com.
For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, visit wocovets.org.
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■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$
■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted
South end to 28th Street
■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON
DRY DOCK 28
28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com
Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.
■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE
15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.
■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT
28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com
$$ | 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 and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.
■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR
17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ CRAWL STREET
19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com
Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.
■ DISTRICT 24 CRAFT BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR
2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-2893322, district24oc.com
There is more at District 24. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, pastries and coffee at Jay’s Cafe. CRAFT Pizza, Beer & Cocktails at CRAFT Lounge. Fresh Seafood at BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar. Enjoy an elevated dining experience with great chophouse dishes and charcuterie boards, along with a Wine Spectator Award Wining Wine Menu at Embers Rooftop Restaurant. There is something for everyone at District 24 like live music in the courtyard, mini golf, arcade play and axe throwing.
■ FISH TALES
2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 410-289-0990, ocfishtales.com
Bayfront marina dining offered here with a huge menu to satisfy guests of all ages. Enjoy a drink from a hanging chair or fish tacos at your table while the kids play in a playground build in the sand. Food and drink menus offer enough of a variety to meet all needs.
■ HARBOR WATCH
806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com
$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Celebrating our 41st anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open every day. Monday through Wednesday open at 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday open at 11:30 a.m. Call for banquet and large-party details.
■ PICKLES PUB
706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.
■ PIT & PUB
2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com
Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Familyfriendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.
■ THE WEDGE BAR
806 S. Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, www.thewedgeoc.com
$-$$ | Full bar
Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and grilled burgers. Open every day, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
streets
■ 32 PALM
32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com
$$ | 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!
■ THE BONFIRE
71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com
Celebrating more than 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.
■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL
3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-6846, castleinthesand.com
A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean City-based surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule.
■ FAGERS ISLAND
201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com
$$ | Full bar
Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.
■ HOOKED
8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | Full bar
Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.
■ SEACRETS
49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.
■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS
118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com
The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.
■ THE CRAB BAG
13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB
9800 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 443-6646147, jollyjellyfishbeachclub.com
Oceanfront bar with casual island style outdoor dining with awesome ocean views focused on cool beach vibes. Open for lunch and dinner and suitable for the entire family. Diverse menu available for every type of diner and featuring a cocktail menu with six housemade kegged cocktails. Every Sunday all summer features a “big deck energy party.” Entertainment daily, 4-7 p.m. Located in the Plaza Condominium with plenty of free parking.
■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com
Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style
cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com
Reservations | Kids’ Menu “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL 9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com
$$ | Full bar
Full service, family friendly, casual dining to please everyone. Offering breakfast lunch and dinner with breakfast being served all day. Classic American cuisine with a selection of delicious Maryland favorites. Happy hour everyday from 16 p.m. with bar specials and tasty bites. Daily specials Monday through Friday. Dine-in and carry-out.
■ BREAKFAST CAFE
12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com
All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.
■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com
$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar
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.
■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND
West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com
This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 123rd Street location offers lunch and dinner menus in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.
■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500
Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.
■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. ■ OC DINER 12744 Ocean Gateway, Rt 50 east, Ocean City, 410-390-5112
Family owned for over 25 years. Serving the best homemade food. Local’s favorite. Breakfast served all day. Kids’ menu. Dine-in and carry-out. Open 7 days a week.
Organization striving to provide grant funding for multiple regional groups
(Aug. 22, 2025) Thirteen years ago this August, Mary McMullen – a beloved Millersville special education teacher and tireless advocate for youth athletics – passed away after a lengthy illness. She was 64.
In the years since, her family has kept her spirit alive through the Mary Mac Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating brighter futures for children by funding summer camp programs and supporting food banks across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. region.
“Our mission is to provide opportunities for young people so they can live better lives by offering the resources they deserve and need,” said Mary’s husband, Tim McMullen, who co-founded the Foundation with his brother Don and other family members. McMullen was also a career educator and coached a variety of school sports.
This summer, the foundation supported programs at St. Vincent de Paul Summer Day Camp in Baltimore, and Camp Ocean Pines, where Mary once served as one of the first camp directors.
Community partnerships have helped stretch the foundation’s impact.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines donated $1,000 in Mary’s memory to send low-income children to camp, while Choptank Electric awarded a $1,200 grant to fund camp T-shirts.
Former Ocean Pines Association President Tom Terry helped secure the Choptank grant, and Bob Wolfing and John Hansberry assisted with Kiwanis funding.
McMullen also recognized board members Susan Wojciechowski, his and Don’s sister, and Lida Payne, one of Mary’s best friends and a retired
Fort Meade recreation director, both of whom play key roles in supporting the Foundation’s work.
On July 14, McMullen visited Camp St. Vincent alongside John Scardina, a former first baseman for one of McMullen’s school teams in the late 1970s, to see the camp’s work firsthand.
"We spent the day there, and we saw three and four-year-olds being given lessons in reading and math. We saw reading groups for middle school kids. We saw tremendous activities – and we just saw smiling kids,” McMullen said.
"The fact that these kids are being given three meals a day, swim lessons, and lessons in math, English and science just reaffirmed that that's the best possible place we can be doing our work right now,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Foundation hopes to raise $10,000 during August and September to expand food bank support throughout the region.
“Once people see where the money goes and who it’s helping, they understand the impact – and their generosity makes it all possible,” McMullen said.
In 2024, the Mary Mac Foundation donated more than $32,000 to food banks and scholarship programs.
This year’s Eastern Shore grant recipients include:
• Worcester County Child Advocacy Center
• Diakonia (Worcester County)
• Mid-Shore Meals (Dorchester County)
• Bayside Shelter (Sussex County)
The Mary Mac Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN#46-2720845). Donations can be made online atwww.paypal.me/marymacfoundation, or by mailing a check payable to “Mary Mac Foundation” to 174 Nottingham Lane, Berlin, MD 21811.
To learn more, visit www.marymac.org.
With Bunk Mann
Ninety-two years ago, this month a category one hurricane came up the coast bringing four days of drenching rain and flooding much of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. On Aug. 23, 1933, the swollen Sinepuxent Bay would cut a path through a low area near S. 4th Street creating a 50-foot-wide inlet to the Atlantic Ocean.
As the tides changed and water from the ocean flowed back and forth to the bay this gap would widen until eventually spanning three blocks and washing away everything in its path. Assateague Island would be separated from Ocean City forever.
The destruction to Ocean City was massive with the Boardwalk in pieces, the railroad bridge destroyed, and the fishing camps demolished. The automobile bridge was unusable for three days.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the storm would turn out to be a blessing. With the opening of the Inlet, Ocean City would enter its modern era with a commercial harbor and a base for the deep-sea charter fishing industry. Assateague would eventually become a National Seashore while Ocean City would become the “White Marlin Capital of the World.”
By Steve Green
A tray of burgers hot off the grill
Counting down to the NFL season
The uniqueness of each sunrise
People with nice handwriting
A back yard full of kids at play
Quick rainstorms
The first shave with a new blade
Steamed crabs once a month
The sense of accomplishment after something is put together
A latte to start every day
Friendly approaches from a stranger
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.
Photo from Bunk Mann’s collection
24 Hour Awake Staff
All Private Rooms & Baths
Three Home-Cooked Meals a Day!
All Inclusive Pricing
In-House Doctor Visits
VA and MAC Subsidy Approved
Respite Care and Hospice Care
Call 443-256-4871 Today for more information or to schedule a visit to our on-site showroom.
On Saturday, Aug. 16, children painted beach scenes during the free Saturday Kids’ Crafts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th St. bayside, home of the nonprofit Art League of Ocean City. Aug. 30 is the last day for the weekly summer program. Top left are Dani, Allie and Viviana Lynch of Towson and Bella and Chloe Iannetta of Havertown, Pa. Top right are Zoey, Jake and Marilyn Schuman of Ocean City. Pictured left from left, are Owings residents Caroline Rush, Hannah Bower and Tessa Rush.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
by Steve Green
ver the last 10 years of our son’s participation, Surfers Healing in Ocean City has evolved for our family.
It’s now more about everyone else’s experiences than it is about our own.
With Carson now 15 years old and a big guy, the surfing sessions are long gone when the surfers easily pull him up on the board to ride waves. We have dozens of photos of previous years of Carson with a huge smile on his face standing on a surfboard with a buddy riding a wave to shore.
These were incredibly special memories for us when Carson was young, and we cherished those summer days.
I remember our first year Pam and I took Carson, then 6 years old, and we let Beckett go to his summer camp. We were not sure what to expect, and we wondered how Beckett would handle the scene and react. We drove to Castle in the Sand that morning about an hour before he was to surf. I recall having my camera around my neck but forgetting to take one photo because I was in awe of what I was observing –dozens of kids with all sorts of disabilities being paired with surfers to ride waves in the ocean. The action in the water was incredible but it was the parental reactions on the beach that were truly special.
We now schedule a family “staycation” around Surfers Healing each year and usually have family and friends visit with us on the beach that day. We come the night before the fundraising activities and particularly enjoy the morning prayer circle to kick off the morning of the event.
It’s a family tradition even if the specific experience for Carson has changed some. Next year changes could be in store with Beckett going off to college.
Honestly, Surfers Healing is not as special of an individual experience today for our family as it was in years past.
However, it’s equally touching and in-
spiring when we just let ourselves watch and observe the experiences of others. We tend to view the event through these young families who are new to the experience. It’s what you see and hear that makes the day an emotional one.
There was the young boy who was clearly battling anxiety and about to tantrum waiting to surf. His angst got the best of him at one point, and he reached out to bite his mom’s arm that was massaging his shoulder to soothe him.
There was the young teen violently battling the volunteers who picked him up with permission to carry him to the surf. He was kicking and hitting with all his might until he got into the water and was placed on the board. Minutes later, the same child went from battling and aggressive to smiling and settled. It’s the ocean’s magic.
It’s the mother, father and daughter standing together nervous for their son and little brother who was surfing for the first time. I could hear the mom giving a play by play with the daughter assuring her mom, “Mom, he’s going to be okay, he’s safe, he’s good, See, see, see… oh my God he’s laughing.”
In a story last week in this paper, Shippensburg, Pa. resident Melody Connelly and her husband traveled to Ocean City to participate in Surfers Healing for the first time with their son Maverick, 13. Like so many, Melody cried as she watched her son stand on the surfboard with assistance.
“Oh my gosh, look at him,” she told Staff Writer Brian Shane. “It's an awesome moment of inclusion, for sure. He's not a big water person, so this is pretty awesome to have somebody out there with him. We obviously don't have surfing experience, so this isn't something that we can provide for him.”
This is what can be experienced and it’s what the event is all about. It provides opportunities many people would never be able to experience. It’s a memory making event.
For us, Carson goes in the ocean a lot. He holds my hand nearly the entire
time, but he loves the ocean as well as the pool. He’s always enjoyed the water. Surfers Healing provides him with a special chance to connect with a stranger for 15 minutes while getting to do something he doesn’t do much – ride waves.
This year Carson opted to ride an oversized bodyboard and I think it was a good move. He’s a big guy now, and I recall anxiety over the actual surfing part last year. It’s because the last year couple years he has been physically bigger than his surfers and there’s no way to lift him up to his feet.
Carson rode about six waves during his session. The photos of him smiling as well as his surfing buddy’s giggles are treasured.
It’s special what happens in the ocean, but Surfers Healing is about so much more than just the wave riding. It’s about the sights and sounds of the day.
Every special needs family has its own set of unique experiences and challenges. Though it may not be obvious on the outside, I can promise you every single “special parent” masks internal anxiety, fears and consternation. We are battle tested but also battle scarred. We are wounded by our journey, but stronger, inspired and motivated by our experiences. We are grateful for progress and appreciate awareness.
Through everything, we understand the importance of valuing what’s important. A peaceful day is to be cheered. A disturbing day is to be learned from, and an up-and-down day is a mystery to be solved.
Surfers Healing is as much a celebration of families as it is the special needs individuals. It’s a highlight of the summer for many of us. We remain grateful for it.
(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@octodaydispatch.com.)
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) A lot is written and spoken about rip currents but the thought here is that the more knowledge one has the better.
As of this writing Hurricane Erin is moving in a westerly direction across the Atlantic Ocean. The forecast is favorable in that Erin is supposed to curve to the north and northeast and not directly affect land though larger surf and more intense rip currents will most probably be a factor with the sizable swell.
Generally speaking, this news grabs the attention of the experienced surfer. It should also do the same to any frequent beach goer and especially to the casual visitor.
Lots of data on rip currents or “rips” as they are commonly called is available on the internet but one of the best sources of knowledge is the surf rescue technician on the beach.
Lifeguards are trained to inform the public but they also have to keep a close watch on the water. In lieu of a conversation there are very informative signs attached to the back of lifeguard stands. Incidentally rip currents can be confused with rip tides. Rips can occur regardless of the tide although an outgoing tide can exacerbate a rip current.
Ironically rips can be advantageous to the surfer. The rip can act as a conveyor belt in assisting the surfer out to the “line-up” or the area in which the waves are breaking that the surfer will hopefully be able to catch and ride.
I’d strongly suggest anyone, experienced or otherwise learn as much as possible and/or refresh themselves on the subject of rip currents. Water safety is never a bad idea. Sometimes it’s just best to stay out of the water.
Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
(Aug. 22, 2025) Last May, Salisbury University (SU) inaugurated its year-long SU Centennial celebration — “Salisbury. Forever.” — with its 100th spring commencement at Sea Gull Stadium. Events kick into high gear this summer and fall.
Opened in 1932 as part of the third wave of construction of the university’s first (and, until 1951, only) building, the space once hosted a daily social hour for residential students, as well as weekly teas and the campus’ annual Christmas candlelighting ceremony.
Today used for special events and receptions, the room currently is being enhanced with an ADA-compliant chair lift, new furniture and rugs, a coat closet, a fireplace insert and more. New bookshelves will house a library of faculty-authored books, recognizing the publications and scholarly work of SU’s professors. A plaque featuring the names of all contributors to this donor-driven project also will be installed in the room.
A reveal of the enhanced room is scheduled 5 p.m. Monday, August 25. The campus and greater communities are invited.
Activities continue in September with “SU Gala: A Century of Success.” Proceeds from the private fundraising event benefit SU scholarships and other University needs.
In 2000, then-Salisbury State University celebrated its 75th birthday with Fun Day, welcoming the community to campus for an afternoon of family-friendly activities, demonstrations and treats. In that same spirit, SU invites community members to its “Fun Fest in the Nest” campus celebration 1-4 p.m. Sunday, September 7.
Marking the 100th anniversary of the day SU officially opened to students, the campus-wide party features 100 activities including a carillon concert and other live music, fun educational and athletic events, yard games, carnival activities, food trucks, cupcakes, ice cream and a Ferris wheel.
Football fans also may enjoy a watch party in the Fireside Lounge of the Guerrieri Student Union in honor of Washington Commanders head coach and SU alumnus Dan Quinn ’94 as the Commanders taken on the New York Giants.
The first 2,000 in attendance at Fun Fest in the Nest receive a free SU tote bag. The event is sponsored by Perdue, M&T Bank, UHY and WMDT.
For more information about any of the above events, email Amy Waters, SU Foundation deputy director, at ahwaters@salisbury.edu.
During the past quarter-century, three visionary leaders have helmed SU, shepherding the institution through periods of academic, athletic and physical growth.
Those three presidents — Drs. Janet Dudley-Eshbach (2000-2018),
Charles Wight (2018-2022) and Carolyn Ringer Lepre (2022-present) — reflect on the past 25 years of SU and offer a peek behind the scenes at what it takes to run a diverse, comprehensive, 21st-century university during a panel discussion 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, in the Guerrieri Academic Commons Assembly Hall.
Moderated by Bryan Russo, chief content officer for Delmarva Public Media, the evening inaugurates the SU Centennial Speaker Series, spotlighting academics and other important campus offerings. Additional speakers during the fall and spring semesters will be announced.
Additional activities expected in the coming months include an SU “100” aerial photograph on Holloway Hall Lawn, serving as an homage to an early aerial photograph of campus
in which students spelled out “SNS” (for SU’s original name, the Maryland State Normal School) on the same grounds. The photo also will highlight the new Centennial Plaza leading to the building’s entrance, paying tribute the University’s first 100 years.
Also planned are exhibits showcasing the history of athletics and arts on campus, hosted by SU’s Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture at the Guerrieri Academic Commons; a dedicated day of service not only for current campus community members, but alumni around the world; and a spring block party and student gala. A photo book highlighting the campus’ first century also is expected.
Beyond campus, plans include a spring 3rd Friday celebration in downtown Salisbury with an SU
theme, as well as limited-edition, SUthemed food and beverages offered in partnership with local businesses including Island Creamery, Evolution Craft Brewing Co. and Sposato Family Vineyards.
The celebration will culminate with SU’s 101st Commencement in May 2026, commemorating “100 Years of Alumni.”
Perdue is the presenting sponsor for the SU Centennial. Additional sponsors include Avery Hall Insurance; the Richard A. Henson Foundation, Inc.; PKS & Company, PA; Pohanka Automotive Group; Sposato Family Vineyards; the SU Foundation, Inc.; TidalHealth; the University System of Maryland Foundation; and Whiting-Turner. For more information, visit www.salisbury.edu/centennial.
Calvin B Taylor House Museum in Berlin holds an annual peach festival to celebrate the local fruit’s local history and partake in fellowship. Germantown School Community Heritage Center decided to grill the hotdogs and hamburgers at the event. Pictured are members of the Germantown School’s executive board.
SUBMITTED
The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club has installed new officers for 2025-2026. Pictured, from left, are Jay Warrington, Sgt. at Arms; Cliff Berg, co-president; Margaret Mudron, co-president and treasurer; and Tom Sweeney, president-elect. The club meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at Don's Seafood at the South Gate of Ocean Pines.
Tim Lund, a former member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City was the guest speaker at the Aug. 13 weekly meeting. Lund, a Delaware resident, gave up his membership when a change in his work location moved him farther from Ocean Pines meetings. A Merrill Lynch financial advisor, Lund gave a short financial presentation and took questions from the members. Lund, left, is picturd with current President Tom Southwell.
Twenty-one law enforcement officers from Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Talbot, Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties graduated in the 94th entrance-level class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy (ESCJA) operated by Wor-Wic Community College at the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury. Worcester personnel, pictured front from left, Elizabeth Peasley of the Pocomoke City Police Department; Gena Donalds and Timothy Stedding Jr. of the Ocean City Police Department; and Matthew Swistak of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office; and, back from left, Cole Bennett of the Pocomoke City Police Department and James Lerch Jr. of the Ocean City Police Department.
(Aug. 22, 2025) Hartley Nursing and Rehabilitation in Pocomoke recently claimed the top spot in this year’s published report by the Maryland Health Care Commission.
In detailed questionnaire, the commission surveyed family members of residents at 217 nursing home facilities throughout the state. The purpose of the survey was to measure experience and satisfaction as well as compare those levels among other nursing homes across the state.
Hartley Nursing and Rehab outscored in all areas including the following categories: Staff and Administration of the Nursing Home; Care Provided to Residents; Food and Meals; Autonomy and Resident Rights; Physical Aspects of the Nursing Home Activities; Security and Residents’ Personal Rights; and Overall Rating of Care
Received at the Nursing Home.
Overall, Hartley Nursing and Rehabilitation scored a 3.6, on a scale from one to 10, while the statewide average score was a 3.3. Hartley ranked about 20-percent higher than the state average.
“The Hartley team is very invested in our facility remain quite close to our residents,” says Hartley Nursing and Rehab Administrator Novella Bozman. “We are very lucky they our team strives to serve our residents’ needs first and foremost and always puts their best interest heart.”
TidalHealth announced the appointment of Andi West-McCabe as the new senior director of nursing operations. In this role, West-McCabe will provide strategic leadership and oversight for nursing supervisors and supplemental staffing resources across all three hos-
pitals within the system. She will also lead the Access Coordination Center, supporting seamless care coordination and operational excellence across the organization.
West-McCabe, who assumes her new role after three decades of service and nursing leadership at Atlantic General Hospital, brings a distinguished background in clinical care, healthcare education and operational leadership. With extensive experience in change management, process improvement and program implementation, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to building high-performing teams and driving both clinical and financial success.
Her academic credentials include a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Wilmington University and completion of the prestigious Wharton Nursing Leaders Program at the Univer-
Continued on Page 58
sity of Pennsylvania. She is board-certified as a nurse executive (NE-BC) and has served as a registered nurse in the state of Delaware for many years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andi to our nursing leadership team,” said Angie Brittingham, chief nursing executive and vice president of patient care services for TidalHealth. “Her dedication to patientcentered care, combined with her operational expertise, will continue to be a tremendous asset to our health system and the communities we serve.”
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) announced the appointment of Judy Diaz as the new General Manager of Delmarva Public Media — a collaborative network of public radio stations WSCL, WESM, and WSDL, licensed by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury University.
The stations offer a diverse lineup of news, jazz, R&B, blues, classical, and adult album alternative programming across the Delmarva Peninsula.
Judy brings a distinguished career in media and innovation to the role. She was instrumental in launching PBS KIDS in 1999 and later led brand and audience strategy across PBS. She founded PBS Next Avenue, a digital platform serving adults 50+, and later joined AARP to lead strategy and operations for the digital initiative Life Reimagined. She also
served as Vice President of Marketing at POLITICO and worked with Paul Allen, founder of Ancestry.com, on a number of start-ups.
Since relocating to Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 2021 with her husband Kevin Diaz, a journalist who now freelances for Delmarva Public Media, Judy has focused on strengthening local media. As General Manager of WHCP in Cambridge, she secured funding to transition the community station into a full-power NPR affiliate.
Following the retirement of Gerry Weston, Delmarva Public Media’s previous general manager in 2024, she served as interim GM, leading a number of key initiatives.
During her interim GM tenure, Judy expanded local news and locally-produced music programming, upgraded production and broadcast infrastructure, launched Intergenerational Beats which pairs experienced journalists with journalism students to cover pressing topics for Delmarva listeners, revamped the station’s website for improved access to content and information, and built an emergency alert system infrastructure in Princess Anne to now have emergency alerts throughout Delmarva.
“I feel like all of my career has led to this role,” said Diaz. “It’s incredibly important and meaningful to ensure that local, independent, and non-commercial public media not only survives but thrives on the Eastern Shore, even in the face of the recent federal funding cuts. The dedi-
cated team at Delmarva Public Media built a strong foundation, and we’re all committed to carrying it forward.”
Mehak Bassi, MD, now provides care at TidalHealth Gastroenterology in Ocean Pines.
Bassi earned her medical degree from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, India. She completed her internal medicine residency at Saint Peter’s University Hospital/Rutgers
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where she was selected to serve as a fourth-year
chief resident. She went on to complete her gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at the same institution.
She has a strong clinical interest in complex inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, obesity-related digestive disorders, and a broad spectrum of general gastrointestinal conditions. She is skilled in performing colonoscopies, endoscopies, enteroscopies and small bowel capsule studies. In addition to her clinical work, she is deeply committed to medical education and actively participates in community outreach programs focused on IBD awareness and early detection of colorectal cancer.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
This week you are unstoppable, Aries. Your confidence will be shining brightly for all to see, and the right people are bound to take notice. Expect to tackle some projects.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, small comforts will bring big happiness to you this week. Plus, your natural charm will draw others in. A surprise in your home life will make your heart soar. Enjoy the moments.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, your words will be magical this week whether you’re pitching ideas or chatting with friends. There’s not much you can’t say that people will not hear and take to heart.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, this week you may be building something meaningful, whether it is in love or work. All of the steps you are currently taking will help establish security and happiness in your life.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Your creativity is on fire right now, Leo. People are drawn to your warmth and charisma. This is a great time to start something new or share a talent with others.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Something that felt out of place begins to align perfectly right now, Virgo. You might be tapping into your inner wisdom, and it’s guiding you toward some much-needed success.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, new connections will be coming your way, meaning that you may have different avenues for social connections. Get out and meet people as much as you can.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Your drive is unmatched right now, Scorpio. Whatever goals you have established you are pushing through faster than would seem possible. Stay focused, but celebrate your progress.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Adventure is calling, Sagittarius. You might be planning a trip or diving into a new study subject. This week a fire will be lit and your optimism is contagious.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, a breakthrough in your life may be brewing. You are increasingly making smart choices that can offer long-term dividends. Stay open and trust the process.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Connections with others are a primary focus for you this week, Aquarius. Whether you are exploring love, friendship or new business opportunities, fresh energy comes into play .
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
You are in your element this week, Pisces. A creative idea or unexpected kindness makes the week extra special. Focus on some self-care and keep giving off positive vibes.
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) Have you ever thought about writing a cookbook?
I have and am pleased to announce that my very first cookbook, “An Eastern Shore Special: Recipes from the Heart,” is on sale at Amazon.
Writing a cookbook is not an easy task, and there are many considerations. If this is a topic that tickles your palette, read on.
The very first consideration is -- what makes your cookbook unique? There has to be a selling point since the market is flooded with cookbooks. An Eastern Shore Special: Recipes from the Heart is a culmination of past articles from my column: a short story or culinary information followed by a recipe and picture. The title is also crucial for success. This is the first introduction to your book. I suggest that you go online and check out the titles of cookbooks that pertain to your type of book.
I cannot reiterate how important the cover of the book is. And this is something I struggled with for a long time. I knew I wanted the ocean in the background. I wanted food on the cover with a sense of elegance and casualness. After much work, I am thrilled with the cover. But trial and error were the key to the cover.
Believe it or not but the tables of contents are important. I wanted mine to stand out, so I titled my table of contents, Seasonal Offerings followed by Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
In addition, my introduction and table of contents were done in italics. Every aspect of any book has to be personal and with intention.
I sent out samples of my book to many publishers with no success. Then I looked into self-publishing. I did not always agree with their vision of the book or were too expensive for my budget.
Then I looked into Amazon. This was much more affordable due to the fact that a book is not printed until it is ordered. So, one does not have to purchase several hundred books at a time. And for this reason, I decided to go with Amazon. It’s a dream come true.
The following recipe has been previously published in the paper and is featured in An Eastern Shore Special: Recipes from the Heart. Enjoy!
Marinara Sauce
1 (28-oz.) can good quality crushed tomatoes
2 pinches baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 to 1 ½ teaspoons crushed red peppers flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried basil
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream
In a small pan, combine the ingredients until fully incorporated. Simmer for 15 minutes. Set aside.
Veggie Fries
1 eggplant
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra salt to taste
2 zucchinis
2 yellow squashes
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup corn meal
3 cups plain panko
3 large eggs
3 teaspoons water canola oil for frying
freshly ground black pepper to taste grated parmesan cheese fresh basil as a garnish
1. Remove the ends of the eggplant and cut into strips resembling fries.
2. Place the eggplant fries on a plate and coat them with 3 teaspoons of kosher salt. They will start to sweat after about 30 minutes. Rinse eggplant fries thoroughly and set aside.
3. Remove the ends of the zucchini and squashes, and cut them into the shape of fries.
4. Prepare the dredging station by placing 1 cup of flour on a large plate. The next step is to whisk the eggs and water in a small bowl. Then combine remaining flour, cornmeal, and panko in a pie pan, mix thoroughly.
5. Press individual fries in the flour and shake off any excess. Then dip the fries in the egg mixture, allowing excess egg mixture to drip off. The last step of the dredging process is to gently press the fries in the panko mixture, making sure the fries are completely covered in the breading.
6. Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until temperature reaches 375 degrees.
7. Fry the fries until the edges turn a golden-brown color, about 3 minutes. Turn the fries over and cook for another 2 minutes or until the entire surface of the fries are golden brown.
8. When the fries are cooked, place them on a cooling rack and apply a dusting of salt.
9. Allow the fries to cool slightly. Add a dusting of parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with marinara sauce.
Submit calendar items to: editor@octodaydispatch.com. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
SUMMER SEND OFF
Ocean City beach between Dorchester and Third streets. Hot air balloons, giant kites and laser shows each night (9-10 p.m.). Four days of fun all throughout town. The main event held on two best weather days.
www.ococean.com/events/summersend-off/
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Held June 27, July 25, Aug. 15 and Aug. 22. Join 1, 2, 3 or all sessions. Strength in Every Story — Understand how poverty affects everyone and explore real, local solutions.
OCEAN CITY JEEP FEST
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Featured in the OC Inlet will be beach crawls, sand courses, and at the convention center will be Vendor Village, live music, Show & Shine and a kids’ area. Schedule: www.oceancityjeepfest.com. 443-3665944
OC MAHJONG CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
LOBSTER ROLL FUNDRAISER
Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin. 4-7 p.m. Lobster roll, mac & cheese and Cole slaw for $20. Benefiting and hosted by VFW Post 2996.
34TH ANNUAL MID ATLANTIC TOURNAMENT
Weigh-ins are held at Sunset Marina in Ocean City from 5-9 p.m. and Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, NJ. Livestream broadcasting will keep everyone informed in both locations. https://themidatlantic.com
SIPPIN’ WITH SLOTHS
Coastal Wilds, 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, 6-8 p.m. Music by Sound Living/Glenn Stern. Cost is $40 and includes sloth encounter, self-guided tour, and one complementary glass of wine. Tickets: https://book.singenuity.com/469/activ-
ity/details/2284/rates. 302-829-1548
KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994
P.E.P CLUB
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 5-7 p.m. Join in for a night of creativity and crafts. Menu includes hot dogs, drinks, chips and cookies. www.oceanpines.org, 410641-7052
SUMMER SEND OFF
Ocean City beach between Dorchester and Third streets. Hot air balloons, giant kites and laser shows each night (9-10 p.m.). Four days of fun all throughout town. The main event held on two best weather days. www.ococean.com/events/summersend-off/
OCEAN CITY JEEP FEST
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Featured in the OC Inlet will be beach crawls, sand courses, and at the convention center will be Vendor Village, live music, Show & Shine and a kids’ area. www.oceancityjeepfest.com. 443366-5944
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST, SLIGO BY THE SEA, SUMMER MINISTRY
First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., 10 a.m.-noon. Pastor Anthony Kent - Associate Ministerial Secretary, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, MD. sligochurch.org/sligobythesea, 301-2706777
LOTR ESCAPE ROOM CHALLENGE
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 12-3 p.m. Solve puzzles, crack riddles and work together to help Bilbo in a new quest involving his infamous ring. Teens welcome. Reservations: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org
CHILI PEPPERS FESTIVAL
Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 12-5 p.m. Featuring chili peppers food, sauces, etc; vendors; and Hot Sauce Band, 12-1:30 p.m.; competition,
1:45-2:45 p.m.; Mariachi Los Mensajeros, 3-5 p.m.
LIBRARY LEGO LEAGUE
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Explore your imagination with LEGO bricks provided by the library. Your creation will be displayed in the library for the next whole month. For ages 6-11 years. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OCEAN CITY FILM NIGHT
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 7-9:30 p.m. Free event. Join us under the stars to watch the next generation of film stars! Bring a chair. If inclement weather, event will be moved inside. 410524-9433, megan@artleagueofoceancity.org
DELMARVA SHOREBIRDS X ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY
Perdue Stadium, 6400 Hobbs Road, Salisbury, 7-9 p.m. Tickets $30. Join the Art League of Ocean City for an exciting evening of baseball, fellowship, and fireworks as part of the Art League Games! Tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/DMVAR TOC. 410-524-9433
OCEAN PINES 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. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-641-7052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market
SUMMER SEND OFF
Ocean City beach between Dorchester and Third streets. Hot air balloons, giant kites and laser shows each night (9-10 p.m.). Four days of fun all throughout town. The main event held on two best weather days. www.ococean.com/events/summersend-off/
OCEAN CITY JEEP FEST
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Featured in the OC Inlet will be beach crawls, sand courses, and at the convention center will be Vendor Village, live music, Show & Shine and a kids’ area. Schedule: www.oceancityjeepfest.com. 443-3665944
OC CRUZERS ON SOMERSET PLAZA Somerset Plaza, Somerset Street, Ocean City, 3-6 p.m. Free, family-friendly car show featuring classics, hot rods and customs from the OC Cruzers Car Club. Also featuring live music by “Bilenki Duo.”
https://ocdc.org
SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “The Mashup” (raw, funk, rock), activities and entertainment for the kids. Ice cream available for purchase. Bring picnic baskets & beach chairs. Followed by fireworks.
BERLIN FARMERS MARKET
Sundays - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, May through October, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Producers only market featuring more than 50 farmers, food cultivators, bakers, distillers, seafood, meat and more. Also featuring a petting farm (9-11 a.m.), free kids art station and live music. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com
SEWING FOR A CAUSE
Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY MEETING
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Members and prospective members gather to socialize and learn about “organizing in rural areas.” https://dwcmd.org
STORY TIME: NATIONAL DOG DAY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment or in remission, the group is here for you. Friends and family also welcome. 410641-2626
FIBER CRAFT MEET-UP
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 4 p.m. Bring your work in progress for community and shared knowledge. Held in the meeting room or in the garden, weather permitting. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a
healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-6410157
OC BEACH DANCE PARTY & FIREWORKDS
Caroline St. Stage, 2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Featuring music by Ocean 98.1 WOCM. Bring chairs and blankets. Fireworks display begins at 9 p.m.
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
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, 302-242-7062.
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
SENSORY STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Make some new friends to play with and improve language and motor skill development. For ages 0-5 years. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. A variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC KNITTING GROUP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SEAFOOD NIGHT WITH THE KNIGHTS Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Held Tuesdays in the Columbus Hall behind St. Luke’s Church. Pre-order crabs Monday or Tuesday morning of that week: 410-524-7994. Non-seafood options will be available.
CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET
Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.
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 HeroesOC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP
Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP
Meets the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-6419568
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
COFFEE & CRAFTS: STAMP MAKING
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Join in every month for a new craft. Materials provided. Limit 30. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 34 p.m. The goal of the group is to provide participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410-641-9725, Gail.Mansell@TidalHealth.org
MOVIES ON THE BEACH
Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m. Featuring “Moana 2.” Free, family-
friendly event. Bring blankets, chairs, snack, drinks and warm clothing. Weather permitting. www.ococean.com/things-to-do/freefamily-fun/
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS
Wednesdays (through Aug. 20) - Ocean Pines Yacht Club Pool, 1 Mumford's Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. DJ, games and prizes. Food available for purchase. Admission is $3 for OP swim members, $5 for OP residents, $7 for non-residents and free for non-swimmers. Cash only. 410-641-7052, oceanpines.org
KIWANIS CLUB MEETING
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.
CASH BINGO
Wednesdays - Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. Door open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Food available before bingo and at intermission. Open to the public. 443-605-5028
STORY TIME: THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Songs, dancing and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with others families. For ages 0-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC CHESS CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a relaxing game of chess every Thursday at the library. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MOBILE MENTOR
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. The Mobile Mentor provides one-on-one assistance for those who want to make the most of their tablet or mobile device. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OCEAN CITY TOURISM POP UP EVENT AT SEACRETS
Seacrets, 117 49th St., Ocean City, 2-5 p.m. Fun games and giveaways, OC photo ops, win smile swag and more. Download the app to play game and win swag.
BOB DYLAN AND THE ROAD TO NEWPORT
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Bob Dylan going electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival is part of music lore. Frank DeLucco and Harry Brett examine why he left folk to chart a new course.
FIRESIDE CHAT
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. Book discussion featuring books you have read and want to share. Come find your next great read. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Atlantic General Neurology at the Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m. This group is open to all caregivers and helps participants build a support system with others who understand. Heather Adkins, 410632-0111, Heather.Adkins@worcoa.org
SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS
Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “The Dunehounds” (jam band), sunset over the Isle of Wight Bay and free admission. https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/sunset-park-partynights/
BUS TRIP TO CAMDEN YARDS FOR DODGERS VS. ORIOLES
Game is Sunday, Sept. 7. Bus will depart from Ocean Pines Community Center at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $150 and includes seat for the game, bus transportation and food and beverages at the Picnic Perch at Camden Yards. Register: 410-641-7052.
POLISH FESTIVAL BUS TRIP
Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Festival takes place Sept. 7. Cost is $90 and includes bus transportation, tip and entrance to the festival. Bus will depart from St. Andrew Parish at 7:45 a.m. and will return at approximately 7:45 p.m. For information: Joyce Dabrowski, 410615-0833, jhdabs@hotmail.com. Make checks payable to: Polish American Club of Delmarva and mail to Joyce Dabrowski, 129 Clam Shell Road, Ocean City, MD 21842.
BUS TRIP TO THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘NOAH’ LIVE ON STAGE
Takes place at the Sight & Sound Theater on Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. Cost is $127 and includes transportation and show ticket. Bus will depart from Ocean Pines Community Center at 9 a.m. Register: 410641-7052.
Crossword answers from page 58
PT
DENTAL HYGIENIST
Ocean City, MD 410-213-1032
HELP WANTED
BARBER wanted at Charlie’s Barbershop, Berlin, MD. With clientele. To rent a chair. 443-944-2240
JOLLY ROGER
Small Engine Mechanic. Ride Maintenance. Year Round.
Wage starts at $15/hour & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902
THE IRENE CONDOMINIUM at 11100 Coastal Highway in Ocean City is hiring a part-time Maintenance Person for year-round work. Great work environment with flexible hours in a friendly beachfront building. Competitive hourly wage based on experience. Duties include routine maintenance, minor repairs, light painting and grounds keeping. Light physical labor is required. Text or call Ed @ 443-415-8000.
AMERICAN LEGION
Assistant Manager, PM Shift
2 Line Cooks, Part-time. Exp. required. Apply at Post, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue or call 410-289-3166
OCEANFRONT WINTER RENTAL
2BR/2BA, furnished Condo, Avail. Oct.-Apr. Direct ocean views, balcony, parking, WiFi incl. Ideal for 2 mature adults w/strong rental history. Ocean City, Md. Contact Mary Beth 410-241-3376
YEAR ROUND & WINTER BAYSIDE CONDO 4 - 2BR/2BA FULLY FURNISHED Units. W/D, AC & parking. Starting September. Call Mike at 410-603-6120. www.mbjcproperties.com
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
ROOMMATE HOUSESHARE
Looking for mature female to share house in Ocean Pines. Priv. Bedroom, full use of house. $900 per mo., incl. all utilities. No pets, no smoking. 443-497-2332
Commercial Space for Lease. ONLY 1 UNIT LEFT! 2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 1000 sq. ft. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885 for more information.
LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE No job too small.
Must have Tools, Transportation, Drivers License Experience preferred, but will train.
Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.
2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200
Full
Starting Salary: $39,061 to $50,779 (based on experience)
The County of Accomack is seeking applications for a fulltime position of Code Enforcement/Building Inspector, in the Building, Planning & Economic Development department. The designation of Code Enforcement Officer I or II will be based on previous direct experience.
The position is responsible for enforcement of state, federal, & local laws and regulations, codes and ordinances related to residential and commercial structures, in a uniform and systematic manner. Applicants must be able to perform field work and may be assigned to do inspections in any location within the County.
Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma or GED; the ability to read and interpret building plans and specifications; Experience with enforcing building and zoning codes and ordinances; Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. Preferred qualifications: Experience with Energov software program, ability to use mobile devices and platforms and/or bilingual capabilities. Possession of a valid Driver’s License and the satisfactory completion of a criminal history, drug screening, and DMV records checks are required prior to employment. Job description and details are available online: http://www.co.accomack.va.us/residents/job-opportunities. This position is open until filled with the review of applications to begin on Thursday, Sept 4, 2025.
The County of Accomack is committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.
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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
We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any
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In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000051 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 3:15 p.m., at the front door of Bay Winds II Condominium Unit No. 104, 511 Robin Drive, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Bay Winds II Condominium Unit No. 104, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and By-Laws, as amended, dated December 26, 1973, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 423, Folio 326, et seq., and pursuant also to the several plats described in the said Condominium Master Deed and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book No. 40, Folio 31, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book 8136, Page 247, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.
A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater and water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.
For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400. OCD-8/21/3t
In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000026 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at the front door of Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, 16 64th Street, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, together with an undivided per-
centage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and ByLaws, as amended, dated September 12, 2001, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 3122, Folio 573, et seq., and pursuant also to the several plats described in the said Condominium Master Deed and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book No. 171, Folio 28, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book 8417, Page 180, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.
A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater and water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.
For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400.
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BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555
OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON
1921 NORTH OLD MILL DRIVE POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated June 30, 2023, recorded in Liber 8602, Folio 419 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $282,970.00, 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 26, 2025 AT 4:05 PM
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 $28,000 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. 376024-1) Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees OCD-8/7/3t
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY NOTICE OF APPROVED CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTION 2025-01
RE: Qualifications for Election as Mayor or City Councilman
Pursuant to §4-304(b) of the Local Government Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that subsequent to a public hearing and presentation held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at the 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, Charter Resolution 2025-01 was adopted by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City. Summary of Charter Amendment Resolution 2025-01 is as follows: § C401, Qualifications for Election as Mayor and City Councilman: 1) amends the existing Charter provisions that a candidate for election must be a resident within the corporate limits of the Town of Ocean City for a period of four (4) months proceeding an election, and extends the residency requirement to a period of two (2) years preceding the election; 2) adds a requirement that a candidate for election must not possess, for two (2) years preceding the election, a rental license at the location in which they have identified as their domicile for the purposes of their candidacy unless said location is a multiple-family dwelling which maintains a rental license for the other units; not the domicile of the candidate ; and 3) adds a requirement that once elected to office, the official must continue to be a resident of and domiciled in the corporate limits of the Town of Ocean City during the term for which they are elected and abstain from obtaining a rental license for their domiciliary residence throughout the term of office, or be subject to disqualification under Charter Section C-408.
An exact copy of Charter Amendment Resolution 2025-01 is posted at City Hall, and available in the July 21, 2025, agenda packet online at oceancitymd.gov and can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 410-289-8824. OCD-7/31/4t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
B01-26 – Eagles Landing Golf Course Flood Remediation
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Flood Remediation and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
BID Documents for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Flood Remediation may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A Pre-BID Meeting will be conducted on TUESDAY, JULY 22ND, 2025, AT 8:00AM AT EAGLES LANDING GOLF COURSECLUBHOUSE Pre-BID Meeting attendance is mandatory for Vendors intending to submit BID proposals for consideration. The Town of Ocean City will additionally provide a virtual attendance option, via Zoom, to Vendors unable to attend the Pre-BID Meeting in person. A site survey shall immediately follow the Pre-BID Meeting. The last day for questions will be on MONDAY, AUGUST 4TH, 2025 AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, AUGUST 5TH, 2025
Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2025, BY 4:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2025, AT 1:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (B01-26 – Eagles Landing Golf Course Flood Remediation) must be noted on the outside of the package.
Late BID Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged
to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
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COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090
410-296-2550 File #: 461769
Richard E. Solomon
Richard J. Rogers
Michael McKeefery
Christianna Kersey
Kyle Blackstone
Jason Murphy
John Ansell
Jason Beers
Brandon Ewing 1099 Winterson Road, Suite 301
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs v. Diana J. Brooks AND Byron L. Brooks III AND Allentown Entertainment, Inc. AND Bruce F. Bright, Esquire
8203 Atlantic Avenue #8PH Ocean City, MD 21842
Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case No. C-23-CV-24-000316
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given this 30th day of July, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 1st day of September, 2025, provided a copy of this notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 25th day of August, 2025.
The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $439,018.99. The property sold herein is known as 8203 Atlantic Avenue #8PH, Ocean City, MD 21842. Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-8/7/3t
COATES, COATES & COATES
SEAN J. COLGAN ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HWY., STE. 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-6698
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20755
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Surrogate’s court of Westchester County, New York appointed Jaclyn Saraceno, 520 Linden St., Mamaroneck, NY 10543-2723 as the Executor of
the Estate of Jack W. Saraceno who died on April 08, 2025 domiciled in New York, USA.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Sean J. Colgan, 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; 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.
Jaclyn Saraceno
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 7, 2025
OCD-8/7/3t
REENA J. PATEL ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B
SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20770 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JERRY A. SMITH
AKA: JERRY ANTHONY SMITH
Notice is given that Sundi Truitt, 5784 Homestead St., Salisbury, MD 21801-8203, was on July 28, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jerry A. Smith who died on June 26, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of January, 2026.
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.
Sundi Truitt Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: August 07, 2025
OCD-8/7/3t
JAMES E. CLUBB JR, ESQ 108 N 8TH ST. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of ANDREA SCHAAF Estate No. 20776 Notice is given that DANIEL JEREMY SCHAAF whose address is 307 E COLLEGE AVE SALISBURY, MD 21804-6505 was on AUGUST 04, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANDREA SCHAAF who died on JUNE 01, 2025 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of FEBRUARY, 2026
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-8/7/3t
LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE
REENA J. PATEL ESQ. 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B
SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
ESTATE NO. 20783
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Register of Wills court of Bucks County, Pennsylvania appointed Barbara Edwards, 567 Buck Dr., Fairless Hills, PA 19030-3701 as the Foreign Personal Representative of the Estate of Edward P. Heinemann Sr. AKA: Edward Paul Heinemann who died on March 31, 2025 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Reena J. Patel, 1321 Mount Hermon Rd., Ste. B, Salisbury, MD 21804-5303.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; 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.
Barbara Edwards
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 14, 2025
OCD-8/14/3t
CAROLYN A. TRUBY ESQ. ADAMS LAW OFFICE, LLC
4201 NORTHVIEW DR., STE. 401 BOWIE, MD 20716-2605
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20779
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT RAYMOND REED SR.
Notice is given that Ronald Reed, 6410 98th Ave., Lanham, MD 207062622, was on August 04, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Raymond Reed Sr. who died on May 05, 2025, 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 represen-
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 DATE: 08/08/2025
AUTH: Raymond J Austin Chief of Police
tative 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 4th day of February, 2026.
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.
Ronald Reed
Personal Representative
True Test Copy
Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street
Room 102 - Court House
Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:
Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: August 14, 2025
OCD-8/14/3t
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland
on:
Thursday, August 28, 2025 AT 6:00 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Sections 110-94(3)(a) and 11094(3)(c) to request (1) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 0.3 feet from a front lot line; and (2) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 0.4 feet from a side lot line. The property is described as Lot 8A of the Warren’s Park Mobile Home Park Plat. It is further described as being located on the south side of Canal Overlook Lane and is locally known as 41 Canal Overlook Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: CLAYTON HOMES (BZA 2727 #25-09400011)
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, Attorney OCD-8/14/2t
MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC
9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE. 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20787
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY GWENYTH WALKER
Notice is given that Beth Ann Walker-Bole, 12814 W. Hopetown Ln., Ocean City, MD 21842-9609, was on August 12, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Mary Gwenyth Walker who died on June 26, 2025, 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.
Beth Ann Walker-Bole Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: August 21, 2025
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HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. 313 LEMMON HILL LN. SALISBURY, MD 21801-4238
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20775
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHANS court of DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed DONNA JO PERRY whose address is 462 OLD FORGE RD., MEDIA, PA 19063-5511 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of JOSEPH C. PERRY SR. who died on MAY 23, 2024 domiciled in PA, USA
The name and address of the
Maryland resident agent for service of process is HEATHER R. KONYAR ESQ., 313 LEMMON HILL LN., SALSBURY, MD 21801-4238. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE
SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
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Public Landing Shoreline Protection
Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for the installation of a new 400 +/linear foot bulkhead/retaining wall in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above-referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during regular business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third-party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
A pre-bid meeting will be held onsite at 4549 Public Landing Wharf Road, Snow Hill, MD, 21863, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 1:30 pm. The last day for questions will be noon on Friday, August 29, 2025. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than 2:30 pm on Monday, September 8, 2025, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – Public Landing Shoreline Protection” in the lower lefthand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of the solicitation.
Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-8/21/1t
Worcester County Vehicle Storage Facility
Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to submit bids for the Project as described in conformity with the requirements contained in the Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above-referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during regular business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda before submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third-party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
A pre-bid meeting will be held onsite at 6743 Central Site Lane, Newark, MD 21841, on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm. The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, September 15, 2025. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than 2:30 pm on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. They will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late bid documents will not be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – Worcester County Vehicle Storage Facility” in the lower left-hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of the solicitation.
Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-8/21/1t
RACHEL B. HARRIS ESQ. P.O. BOX 62
POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218510062
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20757 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GEORGE ANN WAY
Notice is given that Ronald James Matyas, 1128 Parkview Dr., New Kensington, PA 15068-5304, was on August 12, 2025 appointed personal
representative of the small estate of George Ann Way who died on June 24, 2025, 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.
Ronald James Matyas Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: August 21, 2025
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OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND
Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of the Town of Snow Hill Section 200-134 notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider an ordinance to amend: CHAPTER 200, ENTITLED ZONING, SECTION 200-41, ENTITLED RESIDENTIAL USE CATEGORY, AND SECTION 200-53,
ENTITLED PERMITTED USES TABLES OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND to address new manufactured homes and new modular dwellings in residential zones.
The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing or for a copy of the ordinance please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410632-2080.
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MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC
9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE. 112
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20774 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BARBARA ANN HENNING
Notice is given that Joanne M. Lettis, 20 Coral Ln., Frankford, DE 19945-9682, was on August 12, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Ann Henning who died on June 29, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of February, 2026.
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.
Joanne M. Lettis Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: August 21, 2025
MARIANNA BATIE ESQ.
BATIE LAW LLC
9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE. 112
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20789 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD JAMES SWEENEY
Notice is given that Kerry Jean Sweeney, 7 Lisa Ln., Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776-2915, was on August 12, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard James Sweeney who died on August 01, 2025, 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 12th day of February, 2026.
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.
Kerry Jean Sweeney Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: August 21, 2025
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HUGH CROPPER IV, ESQ. 9927 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., SUITE F12
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
ESTATE NO. 20788
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit Court of Brevard County, Florida appointed Joseph V. Drosey Sr., 1029 Royal Palm Dr., Barefoot Bay, FL 32976-7011 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of
Joseph V. Drosey Jr. who died on October 15, 2024 domiciled in Florida, USA.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Hugh Cropper IV, 9927 Stephen Decatur Hwy., #F-12, Ocean City, MD 21842-9349.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; 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.
Joseph V. Drosey Sr. 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 21, 2025
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To all persons interested in the estate of JANET O. CASSIDY Estate No. 20676 Notice is given that ELAINE WELSCH whose address is 11406 DEPEW WAY, WESTMINSTER, CO 80020-6896 was on AUGUST 14, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JANET O. CASSIDY who died on MAY 10, 2025 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 ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/21/1t
BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND
IN THE MATTER OF TPE MD WO73, LLC’S APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT A 5.0 MW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATING FACILITY IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
CASE NO. 9772
The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a virtual public comment hearing to consider TPE MD WO73, LLC’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to construct a 5.0 MW solar electric generating facility approximately ½ mile northwest of the intersection of Old Ocean City Boulevard and Main Street, Berlin, MD.
DATE: Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
TIME: 7:00 p.m. EDT
PLACE: Virtual Meeting
Anyone wishing to speak at the hearing may sign up through the Public Service Commission’s website, https://www.psc.state.md.us/ by Tuesday, September 9, 2025. To sign up, go to “Featured Topics” on the right side of the website, then click on Public Hearing Signup, click Case No. 9772, click September 11, 2025, select 7:00 p.m., then follow the prompt and click “Schedule Event.” Once you have completed the sign up you will receive a zoom link for the hearing. Otherwise, you may view a live stream of the hearing via the Public Utility Law Judge’s (PULJ) YouTube Channel, https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP. The hearing will include a presentation by the Applicant and Parties, followed by an opportunity for members of the public to provide comments on the proposed Project.
Written comments may be submitted electronically or by first-class mail through Friday, September 12, 2025. Comments submitted electronically must be submitted through the Commission’s Public Comment Dropbox, which can be accessed at www.psc.md.us. Instructions are available at www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-publiccomment. Comments submitted by first-class mail must be addressed to Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Mary-
land Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore MD 21202. All comments must include a reference to Case No. 9772. OCD-8/21/4t
IN THE MATTER OF THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS FOR THE PROPOSED ADOPTION OF: A MINOR CHILD IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA FAMILY LAW DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-DR-004060 DIVISION: I NOTICE OF ACTION AND HEARING TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS PENDING ADOPTION
TO: Benjamin Vargas III or any known or unknown legal or biological father of the male child born on January 3, 2015, to Katrina Sierra deOliveira Martin
Last Known Residence Address: 304 Woodcreek Drive, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440
Last Known Location: Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Verified Petition for Stepparent Adoption has been filed regarding a male child born on January 3, 2015, in Richmond, Virginia, to Katrina Sierra deOliveira Martin. The legal father, Benjmain Vargas III, is Caucasian/Mexican, 34 years old, 5’ 5” tall, approximately 150 pounds, brown hair and eyes, facial hair (beard) if possible, thin build. All
other physical characteristics and his residence address are unknown and cannot be reasonably ascertained. Additionally, the identity and all physical characteristics and the residence address of any known or unknown legal or biological father are unknown and cannot be reasonably ascertained.
There will be a hearing on the Verified Petition for Stepparent Adoption on October 1, 2025, at 9:30AM EST, before Judge Lindsay M. Alvarez (Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs St., Courtroom 408, Tampa, FL 33602). The Court has set aside 15 minutes for the hearing, which will be held via Zoom at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/ 3704372256. The grounds for termination of parental rights are those set forth in Fla. Stat. § 63.089.
You may object by appearing at the hearing and filing a written objection with the Court. If you desire counsel and believe you may be entitled to representation by a courtappointed attorney, you must contact the Office of the Clerk of Court and request that an "Affidavit of Indigent Status" be mailed to you for completion and return to the Office of the Clerk of Court.
If you elect to file written defenses to said Petition, you are required to serve a copy on Petitioner's attorney, Tate Healey Webster, 418 W. Platt St., Suite B, Tampa, FL 33606-2244, (813) 258-3355, and file the original response or pleading in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida, 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 276-8100, on or before September 23, 2025, a date which is not less than 30 nor more than 60 days after the date of first publication of this Notice.
UNDER § 63.089, FLORIDA STATUTES, FAILURE TO FILE A
WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE WITH THE COURT AND TO APPEAR AT THE OCTOBER 1, 2025, HEARING CONSTITUTES GROUNDS UPON WHICH THE COURT SHALL END ANY PARENTAL RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING THE MINOR CHILD.
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator, Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs St., Room 604, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 272-7040, at least seven days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than seven days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
DATED in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, this 12th day of August 2025.
VICTOR D. CRIST
Clerk of the Circuit Court Hillsborough County Courthouse 800 E. Twiggs St. Tampa, FL 33602
By:
Deputy Clerk Isha Tirado-Baker
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Notice is hereby given that the following vessel has been abandoned for more than 180 days, on the property of: James and Glenda Moses, 12402 Daye Girls Rd, Bishopville, Md 21813. 443-373-9682.
The vessel is described as a Yellow fiberglass open boat, 10’ 1” long x 54”
wide. Has “with 200” on the side. VIN #TNO200360282
Application for the title will be made in accordance with Section 8722 of the annotated code of Maryland Natural Resources Article. If this vessel is not claimed and removed from the above property within 30 days of this notice. OCD-8/21/1t
TOWN OF SNOW HILL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS for UPDATE OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR TOWN OF SNOW HILL
The Town of Snow Hill is inviting proposals for professional consulting services to update the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, to include all required Comprehensive Plan elements as per the Annotated Code of Maryland, Land Use Article, Title 3. Comprehensive Plan, Subtitle 1. Requirement and Elements, § 3-101- 3-114. The Comprehensive Plan shall take into account any new plan elements or requirements as mandated by the State between the date of last adoption and the final draft prior to adoption.
The proposals shall include a (by task) itemized “proposed budget”, indicating the contracted cost to the Town for a final product meeting all of the requirements indicated within each task as outlined in Sections 3 –16 of the full RFP packet. Sealed proposals containing ten
(10) paper copies in an envelope marked RFP SNOW HILL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN will be accepted at Snow Hill Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, until 4:00 pm on September 12, 2025, when they will be opened publicly and read aloud. Electronic submissions will not be accepted.
All questions from Interested Consultants shall be made in writing or email and submitted to Town Manager to be addressed, and the response will be provided to all Interested Consultants. Addendums to the Request for Proposals, resulting from an Interested Consultant's substantive question, shall be provided to all Interested Consultants.
The Town reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to negotiate with any or all responsible submitters and to waive any informality in the Request for Proposal. Submitter shall be responsible for any and all expenses that they incur in preparing proposals.
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RE: Fire Prevention and Protection
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-21 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of August 18, 2025. Second reading is scheduled September 2, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the August 18, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance updates current code and adopts provisions of the State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code.
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RE: Beach Photographers Franchise
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-22 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of August 18, 2025. Second reading is scheduled September 2, 2025. A complete text of the ordi-
nance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the August 18, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance amends code language to reflect Council authority to enact changes associated with the franchise to include payment amount, payment schedule, contract term, and product branding requirements.
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RE: Mutual Aid Agreement with Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-23 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of August 18, 2025. Second reading is scheduled September 2, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the August 18, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts a mutual aid agreement to authorize, establish and provides for reciprocal mutual aid among the Sheriff’s Office and the Ocean City Police Department.
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RE: Mutual Aid Agreement with Multiple Worcester County Law Enforcement Agencies
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-24 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of August 18, 2025. Second reading is scheduled September 2, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the August 18, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts a law enforcement reciprocal mutual aid agreement with multiple Worcester County law enforcement agencies.
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Reinvesting proceeds from property sale a way to keep hard-earned capital gains
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
home. But, like-kind actually refers to the property’s kind or class. So, land can be exchanged for a rental home is an example.
Most people use a deferred exchange, selling the relinquished property to an unrelated buyer and having the proceeds held by a qualified intermediary (QI) until they’re used to buy one or more replacement properties.
(Aug. 22, 2025) What is Section 1031? A 1031 exchange, under IRC Section 1031, is a method for sellers to defer capital gains tax on the sale of a like-kind property, letting them reinvest the full proceeds, trade up or diversity, and adjust real estate holdings as their needs change, without losing hard-earned gains to taxes.
However, 1031 exchanges defer taxes, they don’t eliminate them. Taxes become due if you sell without doing another exchange.
A common myth is that “like-kind” means exchanging the same type of property — such as a single-family home for another single-family
There’s even a structure for a reverse 1031 exchange when the replacement property must close before the relinquished one is sold.
The usual timeline though for 1031 exchanges is 45 days to identify up to three replacement properties once the relinquished property sale closes. Then 180 days to acquire one or more of those three identified properties.
To fully defer taxes, your replacement properties must equal or exceed the value of the one sold. They can be worth less, but there would be tax due on the difference.
-Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City
Town hosted state leaders visiting during OC’s annual Assoc. of Counties event
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Aug. 21, 2025) Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker visited Berlin last week as part of his effort to tour every county in Maryland, learning about each area’s economic challenges and opportunities, and identifying ways in which the state government can assist.
The secretary, joined by members of his office, was paraded around downtown Berlin by the municipality’s economic and community development director, Ivy Wells. Wells took Coker to town staples, such as the Worcester County Arts Council, the iconic mural of the Berlin-born minister and gospel composer Charles Tindley, the olive oil and vinegar store Una Bella Salute, and Jeffrey Auxer’s glass-blowing studio.
These stops were made to feature the people who make Berlin the thriving town it is today, furthering the secretary’s objective to learn more about the communities that comprise Maryland, and witness firsthand the successes and challenges faced by their local economies.
“We are taking tours of every county
of the state because we want every county and every resident to know that they all count and they are all needed by the State of Maryland,” Coker said. “It’s a way of showing our partnership. And then we ask those counties, citizens, and residents: How can the Maryland Department of Commerce be an even stronger partner? We want feedback. We want to know what we can do to advance economic development for those individuals.”
The tour highlighted the unique charm and character of Berlin’s Arts and Entertainment District, a designation given to towns throughout Maryland that promote cultural and artistic centers. Coker aims to identify the distinct characteristics of each of the state’s municipalities and how they could benefit from specific strategies. The arts districts promote tourism, a central part of Berlin, and the Eastern Shore's economy.
As such, last week’s walkthrough was also attended by Steven Skerritt-Davis, executive director of the Maryland State Arts Council. The arts personnel spoke to the economic benefits of an arts and entertainment status.
The goal of the entertainment program is to attract business, create a sense of community, and foster artistry. Tax incentives are provided to towns or counties with the designation, SkerrittDavis said.
A local property tax credit, for instance, is offered to stimulate business development.
“There is a local property tax credit that encourages property developers and property owners to renovate for arts uses, to make a space that would be good for an arts organization or to build artist live-work spaces,” the executive director said. “It’s a very narrow tax credit, but it is very specific and targeted in trying to encourage development that will attract art and arts businesses.”
An income tax credit is also available for arts and entertainment expenses. This benefit allows artists making and selling work in any of the districts across the state to forgo income tax on art sold in the designated artistic areas. Furthermore, the admissions and amusement tax abatement applies to businesses that
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are eligible for that abatement, encouraging arts activity within the districts.
These advantages have had stellar effects on the Town of Berlin, said Skerritt-Davis.
As part of the commerce secretary’s mission to advance Maryland’s economy, he looks to determine the uniqueness of each jurisdiction. On the Eastern Shore, financial stability is primarily driven by tourism, and in Berlin, this visitation is further encouraged by the city's arts and entertainment scene.
“One way is that a major industry on the Eastern Shore is tourism and hospitality,” Coker said. “You go further in Maryland, there are different industry actors from technology to life sciences to aerospace and defense. But the Eastern Shore, tourism, hospitality services, agriculture, and aquaculture, all important, but different here on the Eastern
See BERLIN Page 76
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Shore.”
To capitalize on tourism, marketing plays a significant role, Coker noted. Investing in the promotion of Maryland towns is one way to ensure that money flows to jurisdictions. For the Eastern Shore, these strategies are prioritized.
“We need to ensure that folks understand, to grow an economy, we have to invest in the economy, and marketing is one of those ways to invest and grow the economy,” the commerce secretary said.
For Berlin, getting the word out to people who are unaware of its charm is one way the Maryland Department of Commerce plans to support the municipality. Coker noted that he himself was unaware of much of the town’s history and offerings, and intends to share its success with fellow Marylanders.
“[Berlin] is a lovely and informative arts district,” he said. “I was not familiar with most of what I saw in my less than one hour in Berlin. I think spreading the good word to people who might not otherwise visit here is what we need to do. Again, I’ve seen it first-hand.”
Coker added that during an earlier visit, declining to share the name of the jurisdiction, he was informed about Berlin’s economic success.
“I was told about Berlin as being a model for an Arts and Entertainment District,” he said. “It was another com-
munity. They said, ‘We want to be like Berlin.’ They have seen the turnaround, if you will.”
Furthermore, Coker said that while many of Berlin’s achievements are monetary, the town is rich in local appreciation.
“Local pride is another thing about arts that people don’t articulate,” he said. “Art enhances our quality of life. Too often, we overlook traditional industries like manufacturing, which are important, and forget about the impact that the arts have on our souls, on our quality of life. That’s important to message that. Too often, return on investment is viewed quantitatively in terms of profit and loss, dollars. When it comes to art, it generates revenues for sure, but it also impacts us internally.”
Coker noted that he “will be back” in Berlin. During his tour of downtown, the commerce secretary was particularly moved by the Tindley mural, a commemoration of local African American history, as well as his visit to the store Una Bella Salute.
“I am looking at a picture that I took in [Una Bella Salute], and it is going to stay with me,” Coker said. “It is right above the cash register and says: 'Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.’ That is going to stay with me.”
Council members consider ordinances to partner with sheriff’s office, other towns
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) City officials this week agreed to enter mutual aid agreements with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and other municipal police departments.
In an attempt to update existing agreements, or to create agreements where none existed, the Ocean City Council on Monday approved the first reading of a pair of ordinances, which define the terms of mutual aid among the sheriff’s office and other law enforcement agencies in Worcester County.
Specifically, the first ordinance establishes an agreement between the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Ocean City Police Department, while the second ordinance establishes an agreement among law enforcement agencies within Worcester
County, the Town of Ocean City, the Town of Berlin, the Town of Snow Hill, and the City of Pocomoke.
“We have historically had mutual aid agreements,”
City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the City Council this week, “but it was time to clean those up.”
Stansbury said one agreement details the terms of mutual aid among each law enforcement agency in Worcester County, while a second agreement – between the city and the sheriff’s office – outlines the duties of both agencies when requesting or responding to requests for assistance.
‘I was involved in all of the emails, back and forth, and there was really no opposition. There was some tweaking of languages, but it does seem to be a completely cooperative effort from all the law enforcement agencies.’
City, when conducting investigations that go beyond Ocean City, and when addressing criminal or traffic offenses on town property located outside of the jurisdiction.
Heather Stansbury, City Solicitor
“There is a master mutual aid agreement …,” Stansbury said. “But in addition to that, we thought it best, working through your chief, who’s here tonight, as well as the sheriff, Sheriff [Matt] Crisafulli, we also wanted an agreement that would allow there to be constant cooperation and work together for town-owned properties outside of the
town limits.”
When asked about liability, Heather said the topic was included in both mutual aid agreements. She added that all parties were in support of the language included in the agreements.
“I was involved in all of the emails, back and forth, and there was really no opposition,” she said. “There was some tweaking of languages, but it does seem to be a completely cooperative effort from all the law enforcement agencies.”
With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve both ordinances on first reading. Stansbury noted the agreements would also be presented to the councils of each jurisdiction.
“We are the first ones to have it presented,” she said.
The agreement also outlines the powers granted to the Ocean City Police Department outside of the city’s corporate limits – including when police pursue violators outside of Ocean
By Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
(Aug. 22, 2025) As Ocean City and Worcester County continue their campaign of opposition to offshore wind farms, a coalition of offshore wind supporters are hoping to share the benefits such projects could bring to Maryland.
Last week, a group of individuals manning a booth at the Maryland Association of Counties summer convention in Ocean City kept busy handing out flyers and talking to attendees.
Their message, they say, is simple: offshore wind will bring environmen-
tal and economic opportunities to the mid-Atlantic region.
“There’s $25 billion invested in the offshore wind supply chain around the country, and there’s many Maryland companies that are part of those contracts up and down the east coast on projects,” said Jen Brock, chief development officer for the Baltimore-based Oceantic Network.
‘I think it’s time a pro-voice of offshore wind, a rational voice, and information that is fact-based and science-based, is getting out there, so that people have an informed choice.’
Brock is one of several members representing the new Offshore Wind Alliance, a coalition of environmental groups, labor unions, religious groups and other organizations throughout Maryland and Delaware in support of offshore wind.
Kathy Phillips
“That wasn’t being discussed on the shore as much, and we want to demonstrate that there are unions, environmental groups, industries and a much larger voice of support.”
Their goal, she explained, is to educate the public on the benefits of offshore wind projects and the importance of clean energy.
“Many of us have been working to advocate for offshore wind energy for 14 years, and there have been many iterations of what that looks like,” she said. “And over the last year, as we’ve seen Ocean City
and Worcester County invest taxpayer dollars in a PR campaign, we all decided we needed to coordinate much more closely in Delaware and Maryland to elevate the positive delivery of offshore wind that generates thousands of good paying jobs, the billions of dollars in supply chain investments, Tradepoint Atlantic, and the operations and maintenance facility here on the shore.”
In recent weeks, members of the Offshore Wind Alliance have launched a public awareness campaign, complete with a new website and local advertisements. The goal, according to the alliance, is “to stop misinformation about offshore wind and share the facts.”
“I think it’s time a pro-voice of offshore wind, a rational voice, and information that is fact-based and science-based, is getting out there, so that people have an informed choice,” said Kathy Phillips, an environmental advocate and community organizer for the group.
Phillips, a Worcester County resident, said she has seen the impacts sea level rise and storm surge have had on the community. She added that local delay tactics to stop offshore wind will have a detrimental effect.
“Ocean City’s not going to die from seeing turbines on the horizon,” she said. “Ocean City is going to die from stronger storms hitting us all the time, from Coastal Highway being flooded all the time, from St. Louis [Avenue] being flooded, even on a sunny day.”
Jared Schablein, chair of Shore Progress, an Eastern Shore regional advocacy group, said despite the local anti-wind campaign, a recent poll –sponsored by his group – showed a majority of Eastern Shore residents supported offshore wind farms off Maryland’s coast. He said a proposed
project led by US Wind would reduce electricity bills and bring well-paying jobs to the community.
“We want to work good-paying jobs in this community, and we want to be able to afford our electric bills,” he said. “That’s what offshore wind offers – affordable electricity, energy independence and a chance to actually say yes, I have a good, dignified job here on the Eastern Shore.”
Jim Strong, offshore wind sector assistant for United Steelworkers International Union, said the US Wind project in particular would not only produce much-needed energy, but would create higher-paying jobs in manufacturing and other sectors across Maryland.
He said the union has a partnership with US Wind to organize workers and turn the former Sparrows Point steel mill into a steel fabrication facility for offshore wind and other projects.
“We believe at full capacity, there will be over 500 steelworkers returning back to where we had tremendous history,” he said.
He also noted the project would produce between 50 and 100 operations and maintenance jobs on the Eastern Shore and would begin to address the effects of climate change. He pointed to the flooding that
plagues Ocean City streets.
“Every time you get a decent thunderstorm, the streets are flooded …,” he said. “I’m not suggesting this project will cure that issue, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
Ron Larson, managing partner with Sea Risk Solutions, said his company has served as a liaison between US Wind and the local fishing community regarding the development of the offshore wind project in Maryland. While he acknowledged the concerns of the fishing community, he said he sees the project as a winwin.
“This structure, once it’s there, will bring biodiversity to the area,” he said of the wind turbines. “It’s a reef effect.”
However, Larson said communicating the benefits of offshore wind have been challenging.
“My job is to be out there with those industries and help them communicate,” he explained. “The communication aspect has been very difficult because the polarization is really hard to overcome.”
However, Phillips said alliance members are eager to “dispel the usversus-them” mentality. Brock added offshore wind will bring affordable power, and much-needed jobs, to Maryland.
“That’s why we’re confident this is going to move forward,” she said.
Schablein agreed.
“Our organization is excited,” he said. “We are excited for this industry and we know it’s going to go through, these delay tactics will fail. We’re just hoping Ocean City gets on board and focuses on helping people for the first time in a very long time.”
The coalition’s message has not gone unnoticed by officials in Ocean City. This week, Mayor Rick Meehan alerted residents to the newly created Offshore Wind Alliance, pointing to advertisements and a “Save Ocean City” website that he called “misleading.”
“It says ‘Support Ocean City,’ turbines are affordable and reliable,” he said. “That’s exactly the opposite of what we are saying. They are not affordable, and they’re not reliable.”
Meehan also pointed to the group’s criticism of Ocean City and Worcester County spending taxpayer dollars on an opposition campaign. He said unanimous votes to approve those expenditures were made in public meetings, with no opposition.
“This is an example of local government trying to protect their communities and support their constituents, not being in opposition,” he said
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) The Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors officer slate will undergo a shakeup, with director John Latham taking over as president, succeeding Stuart Lakernick, who held the position for the last year.
Lakernick nominated Latham as his successor, which was approved unanimously by the board. Director Steve Jacobs made a motion to appoint the remaining officers, which was approved uncontested.
Monica Rakowski will retain her seat as treasurer. Jeff Heavner will step up as secretary, succeeding Latham, who previously held the role before he was appointed president. Furthermore, Rick Farr will continue serving as vice president.
The reorganization of officers follows the conclusion of the OPA 2025 Board of Directors election, which took place on Aug. 6. Four residents ran for the three open seats on the governing team. Incumbents Rakowski, Jacobs, and Lakernick, whose previous three-year terms had expired, kept their seats. Sole challenger Amy Peck failed to break into the group. The elected officials will each serve for another three election cycles.
Upon reviewing the results, the board held an executive meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, to certify the outcomes. At this gathering, Election Committee Chair Steve Ransdell presented the board with final election statistics.
A total of 2,824 ballots were cast in this year’s board election. Of these votes, 2,079 were submitted via paper materials. Online voting was also an option, and 745 residents opted to cast their votes electronically.
An organizational meeting where the officers were determined was held promptly after the executive session. During this portion of last Tuesday night’s assembly, the group voted and approved appointments.
Bruce Bright of the law firm Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand was selected as the community’s general counsel. Linda Martin will serve as assistant secretary, while Mark Swift will assume the role of assistant treasurer. New York-based company UHY LLP was reappointed as OPA’s audit firm.
Doug Parks, who served on the OPA Board of Directors for seven years and retired as president in 2023, was reappointed as parliamen-
tarian. Parks was selected in a 6-1 vote, with Jacobs the sole dissenting voice.
Additionally, board members were assigned community advisory committees to oversee during the next 12 months. Lakernick will take on the strategic planning group. Heavner will liaise with elections, environmental, and recreation and parks crews. Director Elaine Brady will oversee the architectural review and communications teams. Farr will oversee the aquatics committee. Rakowski will deal with the budget and finance volunteers. Jacobs will supervise the bylaws and golf committees, and Latham will mind the marine activities squad.
The regularly scheduled board meetings for next year were also announced last Tuesday night. Upcoming gatherings, subject to change, are planned for the following dates: Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 22, Dec. 20, Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, May 30, June 27, and July 25.
The board of directors will plan executive and special meetings as needed.
The aforementioned board meeting dates could be adjusted, particularly those in the summer months. Jacobs asked the group to revisit the possibility of weekday assemblies, specifically during the warmer season. Further discussions will likely
occur in January.
The regularly held directors meetings are hosted in the community’s clubhouse on the golf course.
“During the summer, getting to the clubhouse on a Saturday and having to deal with the noise of the golf is a bit of a pain in the neck,” Jacobs said.
Brady added that during the busy season on the Eastern Shore, board members and homeowners are often tasked with entertaining visitors, making it more difficult for them to attend meetings on weekends.
“I had talked about doing weeknights during the summer months, because we have families coming in or are on our vacations,” she said.
Not everyone on the board was in favor of the meeting change, however. Lakernick pointed out that for those working in other areas during the week, getting to a meeting on a Tuesday or Wednesday night in person is a challenge.
Virtual attendance is less than ideal, he noted.
“I’m not in favor of weeknight meetings during the summer months,” he said. “Those of us who can’t be there because we work, I think, it creates a strain. I think the people of Ocean Pines need to see us conducting the business of Ocean Pines in person at our board meetings.”
Diakonia, the West Ocean City-based provider of services to the homeless, knows something about adversity as well as how to overcome it through perseverance.
The nonprofit organization demonstrated the latter last Wednesday at the groundbreaking for a project that at one time appeared to be forever doomed.
It's not clear how Diakonia managed to regroup and revise its plan to build a new campus on Route 611, replete with flexible rent housing, administrative offices, food pantry and thrift store, but it did with the help of contributors, supporters, volunteers and excellent leadership.
The Worcester County Commissioners had all but killed the shelter’s plans in January 2024 when a voting majority of four members rejected a solution to Diakonia’s need for wastewater treatment services the county was unable to provide.
Thwarted by the lack of treatment capacity in the county district it occupied, Diakonia struck an agreement with the Town of Ocean City to tie into its services.
The four commissioners, however, refused to allow it, apparently believing that accepting the homeless shelter’s workaround would put them in a politically awkward position with homebuilders who also had projects they wanted to build but faced the same wastewater treatment problems.
Even more ridiculously, the commissioners tried to justify their refusal to accept the Diakonia deal by saying they wanted to “level the playing field” — as if would-be home sellers and the homeless shelter were competing for the same clientele.
But Diakonia’s resourcefulness and the generosity of contributors such as Jack Burbage’s Blue Water development and hospitality business, found a way forward by deciding to build the project in phases. That allowed them to seek a much-reduced treatment capacity, which the commissioners had little choice but to approve.
In light of Diakonia’s successful approach, we applaud its leadership and its supporters for their problem-solving ability. But, most of all, we admire their perseverance.
This column in recent weeks has been too rushed, too short and too dull in my estimation, and it’s because of two of my (many) character flaws: procrastination and lack of perseverence when I see something I think is more interesting.
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By Stewart Dobson
These unfortunate traits were initially diagnosed by my sixth grade teacher (and noted busybody) Mrs. Roberts, who sent this note to my parents on my first quarter report card: Procrastinates; lacks stick-toitiveness.”
I would have been irritated at Mrs. Roberts for offering such a critical assessment after knowing me for just one marking period, but I never got around to it. Besides, she was, of course, correct, which brings me back to my original point: I have not been devoting enough time to writing these articles, although it might be argued that I have persevered in doing things at the last minute for years.
With that in mind, I concluded it’s never too late to do better and decided last week to sit down Sunday and begin writing. Here’s how it went:
Sunday: Here I am. I’m writing. Rather, I’m thinking about writing because I need to improve and ...
Monday: I got nothing done on Sunday, so today’s the day. All I need is a subject of some ridiculousness on which to expound, like whether the Maryland National Guard could be called out to defend this state against the West Virginia National Guard if ...
Tuesday: Unfortunately, I got distracted
yesterday because I Googled the history of the National Guard and in the process spotted this neat gadget in a banner ad and, even though I knew better than to click on suspiciously appealing banner ads, I ...
Wednesday: If you see a neat gadget on a banner ad on the National Guard website, Do Not Click On It. It will take you down a rabbit hole in pursuit of a gadget that does not exist.
Furthermore, it is featured next to other neat gadgets that may or may not exist, but look interesting enough to merit a closer look, even though ...
Thursday: OK, time’s up and those other gadgets are ripoffs too. As for today’s inspiration, there’s the gerrymandering brouhaha taking place in Texas and California.
Here’s what I don’t get — we have millions of people fighting over who gets sent to Congress, when Congress doesn’t really do much of anything these days, except agree and disagree over who gets to do nothing more often. I think the whole business is like fighting over who has the most horses on a merry-goround that no one rides.
Thursday, noon: It’s crunch time, and although I am seriously drawn to the idea of looking up my sixth grade teacher to see what became of her, I have to wrap this up.
My final thought of the day: authorities checking Asian exports bound for U.S. stores have discovered that some of the shrimp caught in those far eastern waters are radioactive, and we all know what that can lead to over there.
This just in: all of Japan has just been put on alert. Godzilla must be summoned to confront this newest threat to civilization: It’s ... it’s Shrimptura, and, boy, is he steamed.
By Steve Green
Electric scooter use has been trending up in Ocean City for years, but this season has seen a huge spike. It’s why the Ocean City Police Department has been conducting details to address safety along Coastal Highway.
Some of the data shared is noteworthy. The OCPD has conducted 69 details, including one funded by a Maryland Highway Safety Office grant, with 96 citations issued and interactions with 300-plus individuals. During four specific details on bikes and scooters, police recorded 220 bikes and scooters using the highway. Furthermore, it was reported last week there were 11 scooter collisions in 2023, 36 in 2024 and 41 to date in 2025, as of two weeks ago.
It’s easy to see through simple observations along Coastal Highway there’s reason for concerns about safety and scooter riders – and bikers -- not adhering traffic laws. I view it as a miracle there has not been more accidents involving scooters in Ocean City and on the shoulder of Route 50. Though it’s a serious problem in the resort, scooter use on Route 50 has also soared with one major hospitalization occurring earlier this summer after a collision.
Complicating the matter for Ocean City is a state law that allows scooters and bikers to use sidewalks effective Oct. 1. Mixing scooters, bikers and pedestrians on resort sidewalks happens already but most on wheels prefer the level bus lane for transportation purposes. The good news is Ocean City appears primed to mute the state law by imposing its own sidewalk prohibition for scooters and bikers. It’s a no brainer.
So far, absent a massive infrastructure overhaul that isolates scooters and bikers from automobiles and buses, the tact in Ocean City seems to be educate the scooter riders and issue citations if deemed appropriate. It’s clear education and enforcement will be needed, as scooters are often seen riding against traffic in the bus lane and ignoring common traffic rules like stoplights. These are modes of transportation, and the rules of the road should apply to them. Everyone seems to agree it’s an issue in need of more attention over the offseason.
***
Ocean City sees enough value in the beach photo franchise – scopes –to try and help the current business owners. It’s a worthwhile effort. Having spent quite bit of time on the beach and out and about in Ocean City in recent weeks, it’s clear the scopers work hard during the day and at night. Long gone seem to be the days when the photographers hit the beach and then return to the business office to sell the pictures to customers. I can remember as a kid having scopes taken and then waiting in line with my parents to select the photos for the telescope keepsakes.
The business model has certainly changed due to cellphones, but Ocean City adding its branding to the franchise in exchange for lower fees is worth a shot to try and save the tradition. Whether it’s enough to keep the business viable for the owners will be determined over the next three years.
***
It’s interesting to note when it comes to offshore wind both sides of the discourse seem confident they will prevail.
Armed with the president’s opposition, lawsuits and promises more roadblocks will be announced soon, Ocean City seems to be feeling better about its fight to keep the offshore wind farm from ever being built off the coast.
Conversely, while US Wind has been silent when asked to respond for recent articles, there’s a new pro-wind movement being led that’s equally optimistic the project will come to fruition. With a website called saveoceancity.net and social media campaigns, the effort maintains, “offshore wind means good jobs, lower energy prices and less flooding.”
At last week’s MACo conference in Ocean City, there were pro-wind and anti-wind supporters present. Last Thursday morning, I saw two individuals holding “Stop offshore wind” signs on the Coastal Highway median for convention attendees in Ocean City.
At this week’s meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan wanted to clear the air about the pro-wind website and Route 50 billboard, calling it “misleading.” He said, “It says ‘Support Ocean City,’ turbines are affordable and reliable. That’s exactly the opposite of what we are saying. They are not affordable, and they’re not reliable.”
In other news, it was interesting to review when public schools in Maryland open to students. On Wednesday, Aug. 20, two public school systems – Frederick and St. Mary’s – opened. This coming Monday, Aug. 25, is the most common opening bell date with 10 school systems returning including Talbot on the shore. Four other school systems open on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.
On Sept. 2, Worcester County Public Schools reopen along with eight others including most Eastern Shore counties. For those looking ahead, the last day of school as of now for the 25-26 school year in Worcester is June 11, contingent on weather closures.
Editor, Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointed Frances Perkins as Secretary of Labor in 1933. She was the first woman ever to be appointed to a Presidential Cabinet. Ms. Perkins played a pivotal role in the creation of Social Security by providing us with a 40-hour work week, unemployment insurance, minimum wage, a ban on child labor, and many safety rules for workers. The Social Security Act is the greatest anti-poverty program in our country establishing a trust fund financed by workers’ contributions to provide payments to the elderly, dependent children, disabled and needy Americans. Baltimore’s Chandler Building has been the home of the Social Security Administration since its inception.
On August 14th AARP hosted a delightful and informative breakfast in Ocean City to celebrate 90 years (8/14/1935} since FDR signed the Social Security Act into law. Many MD state representatives and AARP officials spoke about our efforts to strengthen and protect Social Security for our children and future generations. Today, 69 million Americans receive Social Security benefits with 183 million workers paying into the program. Worcester county reports 28% of their residents are 65 years or older. Tony Treakle relayed that 95% of Republicans, 98% of Democrats and 93% of independent voters support Social Security. AARP reports in their 7/22/’25 poll “Ninety-six percent of respondents characterized Social Security as an important program, and 74 per-
cent rated it as one of the most important, up from 68 percent in 2020.”
In 1965, Lyndon Johnson and a Democratic majority House and Senate amended the Social Security Act to include both Medicare and Medicaid. In 2010, Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. History shows Republicans were against the bills in ’35. ’65 and 2010 claiming they supported socialism. Today, Americans overwhelmingly support these programs. We are greatly distressed that the Big “Beautiful” Bill passed last month has cut $900 billion in Medicaid, $500 billion in Medicare and $300 billion in the Affordable Care Act program over the coming decade.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Elon Musk, E. J. Antoni (Heritage Foundation’s Chief Economist) and others have called Social Security a Ponzi scheme and want to do away with our program by privatizing it. Earlier this year Musk tried to do away with phone call lines to Social Security offices. Over 2 million people protested to fight to save the Social Security call lines and won!
The annual Social Security Trustee Report came out in June stating that by 2034 the trust fund will only be able to pay 81% of benefits if changes aren’t made. Medicare taxes all wages where as Social Security caps its tax on wages exceeding $176,100. We need to eliminate this cap so there will always be enough funding to pay full benefits to future generations. We also need to see that congress doesn’t approve E. J. Antoni’s appointment to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics as he would then be in charge of setting our anContinued on Page 84
60th anniversary event to explore controversy around artist’s festival performance
(Aug. 22, 2025) In the summer of 1965, Bob Dylan and his back-up band plugged in their instruments at the Newport Folk Festival, shocking acoustic purists and changing music forever. Sixty years later, Frank DeLucco and Harry Burkett examine the Newport controversy at the Ocean Pines Branch of the Worcester County Library on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m.
Continued from Page 83
nual COLA adjustments to our Social Security benefits. Please call your representatives and show up to demonstrations to protect and strengthen Social Security and health care.
Tish Michel Ocean City
Motorized events erode family friendly reputation Editor, Good article on occupancy, but I
Dylan rose to prominence in New York City’s Greenwich Village, and, viewed as the heir-apparent to folk singer Woody Guthrie, gave voice to the civil rights and anti-war movements with songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind,” performing at Carnegie Hall and at the 1963 March on Washington. He was the obvious headliner for the 1965 Newport Folk Festival on Rhode Island, appearing with Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul, and Mary, and scores of folk performers from across the country.
He had already stretched folk norms with the release of the album
Bringing It All Back Home earlier in the year, but acoustic tracks such as “Mr. Tambourine Man” kept him in the good graces of traditionalists. Yet Newport organizers should have heeded “Maggie’s Farm” and “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” which foreshadowed his departure from folk music.
“We want to give the larger picture, which shows the 1960s generation was going to express itself through rock music instead of folk music, and that would have happened whether Dylan plugged in or not,” said DeLucco. “Dylan’s act of
defiance at Newport symbolized the change, but the Beatles had as much to do with folk music’s fading relevance as anyone.”
Burkett added, “We’ll address a lot of myths about Newport, too. Was Dylan the first to go electric at Newport? Was he really booed out of the festival? Did Pete Seeger try to chop the power cables with an ax? The story is more complex than most people realize.”
For more information on all Worcester County Library programs, check out the Events page at worcesterlibrary.org.
was bummed to hear Bike Week will be continuing and plans to draw more bikers in with a large concert.
Most of us had hoped we got lucky when the original promoter had financial issues and that the town would finally evolve out of this noisy event that us non-bikers have had to endure. Nope. Guess my family and friends will have to do our annual migration out of town.
So many young families used to really love coming and enjoying our beach before these types of events became too big and overwhelmingly
deafening…my dog is terrified when we try to walk him. Concerts remain at the inlet/downtown or at Northside Park…you can get away from it and still enjoy the sounds of the surf if you want to.
No one is able to get away from the excessively loud motors everywhere and the pollution it causes.
These types of loud motorized events have slowly eroded our town’s family friendly resort reputation over time. Beach towns are beginning to back away from certain promoter pushed/taxpayer spon-
sored events that frankly, many tax payers would rather not be paying for.
A music festival would have been more than enough on its own merit to generate revenue. A rock concert coinciding with thousands of bikers may be over the top. I know I know, “heads in beds” $$$.
Believe it or not, some of us still live and vacation here to simply enjoy just the beach and our beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
The Lee Family Ocean City
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) Snow Hill says its plan to reinvigorate a downtown boulevard with a streetscape project is shovelready and awaiting a groundbreaking date before the year is out.
Featuring pavers, trees, benches, historical markers, and even an area for a performance stage, a reconfigured and meandering Bank Street promenade will connect Green Street in the downtown with the Pocomoke River.
All that’s left now is to hire a firm to manage the project, await a final funding push, and get to work, according to Paul Bessette, Snow Hill’s grants administrator. The hope is for a completed project by spring 2026.
Most of the project’s estimated $1 million cost has been fully funded or pledged, according to Bessette. Worcester County officials helped last year by donating about 9,000 square feet of property along Bank Street for the project.
All that’s left is to bury the utility lines for aesthetics. The town applied for a $300,000 award to handle that from the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development. They already secured an earlier $150,000 award from DHCD toward the project.
Making this spot a permanent gathering space took root during the COVID19 pandemic, when picnic tables were left at the intersection of Bank Street and Green Street so people could safely take their socially distanced lunch outdoors.
“It was blocked off with big planters and it was just a nice place where, with the restrictions people could, gather and communicate on a human level – you know, everybody knows what we were facing” with the pandemic, Bessette said.
From there, the seed was planted: some in the community wanted to keep that camaraderie going and build up a kind of transitional area from the downtown to the riverfront.
A Main Street-type of organization called Downtown Snow Hill picked up the torch and pushed the project forward with robust community support. Their motto: a place you to travel to, not through.
When it’s done, the Bank Street promenade will be multi-use: it’ll serve as a two-lane road most of the time, but it can be blocked off for artistic and social events, like Snow Hill’s First Friday, paddle boat races, or the annual Blessing of the Combines.
There also will be different kiosks and installations offering Snow Hill facts and historical tidbits, Bessette said: about the
African American community, about the former industry that was here, how Snow Hill as a port city was a huge player on the Eastern Shore in colonial times, and more.
Bessette said a quick glance at the space now between downtown and the river feels more blighted than beautified. But when some vacant spaces get filled, like the town’s historic firehouse and an adjacent restaurant, there’s hope for a renaissance here.
“It’s never going to be industrial –we’re not going to build ships, there’s not going to be any more chicken plants on the river, or anything like that,” he said. “What’s going to be on the river is people, and social activities, and I think it’s a great connection. It’s just sort of symbiotic.”
Snow Hill’s Town Manager Rick Pollitt said the project already was underway when he got hired here in 2021. He said the idea was to funnel tourists down to the Pocomoke River, where a tourist destination, a paddleboat called the
Black-Eyed Susan was docked.
But after a year, that boat project failed badly, mostly due to regulatory issues and prohibitive six-figure repair costs. It left Snow Hill reeling with a black eye of its own, tourism-wise.
Pollitt used to be the Wicomico County Executive at a time when the City of Salisbury had its own pedestrian promenade, a former two-way street near the Wicomico River that was closed to traffic to boost tourism and foot traffic.
He said the concept here – a connection between the business district and the river – is strikingly similar. He’s hopeful it’ll spark an economic boost.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an energetic and cohesive community spirit out of a downtown organization as I have here,” Pollitt said.
“These folks really have their act together. It’s truly the concept of the rising tide, you know? It’s not survival of the fittest. It really is a community spirit hard at work downtown Snow Hill, and I am just so happy to see that.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) A project years in the making along Route 611 broke ground officially last week.
On land donated by long-time local businessman Jack Burbage will soon be the highly anticipated “House of Hope” supportive living campus. The project, according to Diakonia, marks a major step forward
in its mission to provide stable housing and essential services for individuals and families in need across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
The Aug. 13 ceremony was attended by local community members, volunteers, and elected officials, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Wayne Hartman, and Maryland Secretary of Department of Housing and
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Community Development (DHCD) Jake Day.
The event also drew media, community leaders, and longtime supporters who gathered to witness this transformational milestone.
When complete, the House of Hope campus will feature 42 units of transitional housing, an expanded thrift store, administrative offices, and a larger food pantry with increased donation and distribution capacity.
“This is not just a new building — we are building a bridge to stability, compassion, and hope for our neighbors in need,” said Brian Roberts, chair of the Diakonia Board. “The House of Hope is a tangible expression of our decades-long commitment to serving the most vulnerable among us and creating pathways to independence.”
The ceremonial groundbreaking followed remarks from Amanda Shick, capital project manager, Roberts, and other distinguished guests, underscoring the communitywide effort and shared vision driving the project forward.
According to a press release, “The House of Hope is part of Diakonia’s ongoing commitment to meet the region’s growing need for supportive housing, consolidate vital services in one location, and expand its ability to assist individuals and families on their path to stability and independence.”
Diakonia currently operates out of its current facility on Old Bridge Road where emergency housing, a food pantry and office space exists. The needs have recently grown beyond the nonprofit’s current infrastructure.
Back in January 2024, it was unclear whether the new project at 9601
Stephen Decatur Highway (Route 611 south of the Decatur Diner) would ever come to fruition due to the Worcester County Commissioners in a 4-3 voting against an agreement with Ocean City that would have given Diakonia access to the West Ocean City sewer system rather than the Mystic Harbor sewer system.
Commissioners Eric Fiori, Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Caryn Abbott voted against it while Ted Elder, Joe Mitrecic and Diana Purnell voted for it.
Chair of Diakonia’s Board of Directors at the time, Reid Tingle, was candid in describing his agitation with the commissioners for not letting the 32 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) be granted as part of the deal with the Town of Ocean City.
“It is unfortunate that the ‘Gang of Four’ decided to play politics with people’s lives and wellbeing instead of doing what is in the best interest of the citizens and communities they were elected to represent. … We are currently looking into and pursuing options at the state and federal level that would allow us to move forward without the support of the Gang of Four,” he said. “If there are no options on the state or federal level, barring a white knight coming forward and offering some sewer capacity, the project cannot move forward at this time.”
Two months later, Diakonia scaled back its request, seeking four EDUs from the Mystic Harbor plan to allow part of the project to move ahead. The commissioners unanimously approved that request.
Some state funding has been obtained for the project including a grant from the DHCD. Fundraising is continuing and information about the effort can be found at diakoniaoc.org.
Birch’s name would later be co-opted for political purposes long after the war
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) This week, 80 years ago, a young Air Force captain,
working for the O.S.S. (the forerunner of the CIA) was killed by Chinese Communists near the 3,000-year-old Chinese city of Xi’an. Today the city has a population of 5.5 million and is the capital of Shaanxi Province, which borders Inner-Mongolia to the north.
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The young man that was killed was John Morrison Birch. Thirteen years after the young captain’s death, retired candy maker Robert H. W. Welsh, Jr., co-founded the John Birch Society. Other co-founders included Harry Lynde Bradley, Fred C. Koch (founder of Koch Industries and father of the “Koch Brothers”), Robert Waring Stoddard and Revilo P. Oliver.
The organization was named for the young captain because the founders considered that he was the first casualty of the “Cold” War with the Communists.
Birch was born, on May 28, 1918, in the Himalayas, in what is now the Indian state of Uttarakhand. His parents were Baptist Missionaries. He was raised primarily in Georgia and was graduated from Central High School in Macon.
Following graduation, he attended and was graduated from Mercer University, also in Macon, magna cum laude, in 1939. Following his graduation from Mercer, he enrolled in the Fundamental Baptist Bible Institute in Fort Worth, Texas. It is now the Arlington Baptist College in Arlington, Texas.
The Institute was founded by the anti-communist, anti-evolutionist, fundamentalist Baptist preacher, J. Frank Norris. Birch completed the two year curriculum in one, and was
sent by the World Fundamental Baptist Missionary Fellowship to Shanghai, where he learned Mandarin.
After six months, he was sent to Hangzhou, in Nationalist-controlled China. The 7,000-year-old city is located on the Hangzhou Bay, is the capital of Zhejiang Province, on the East China Sea, and today has a population of 7 million. After Pearl Harbor, the Japanese sent troops after the missionaries, so they left the city, and moved to the coastal area.
It was in this area that Lt. Col. James Doolittle’s plane, and others from the famous bombing raid on Toyko, crashed, after completing their mission. The crews were rescued by Chinese civilians. Birch made his way there to help.
When Doolittle finally arrived at the Chinese capital of Chongquin, he told Flying Tigers’ head, Col. Claire Chennault of Birch’s assistance. Col. Chennault brought him onboard as a 1st Lieutenant. When the Fourteenth Air Force was formed, under Chennault’s leadership, on March 5, 1943, Birch was also incorporated.
Because he was working in intelligence, he soon began working for the OSS. In 1944, he was promoted to captain and awarded the Legion of Merit, which is awarded, “For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.”
When the Japanese finally surren-
dered in August 1945, the Imperial Japanese Army was ordered to continue occupying whatever areas that it occupied until the forces of the National Chinese Government could take over. That obviously didn’t sit well with the Communists.
In the Communist areas, fighting continued between the Peoples Liberation Army and the Imperial Japanese Army and anybody helping it. On Aug. 24, as Capt. Birch was leading a party of Americans, Chinese and Koreans to rescue Allied personnel in a Japanese prison camp, they were stopped by Chinese Communists near Xi’an.
The Communists asked him to surrender his revolver. When he refused, the situation went downhill, and he was shot and killed. The circumstances of his death are a bit cloudy. One version has the Communists binding his hands and feet, making him kneel and executing him with a bullet to the back of the head. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for “Exceptionally Meritorious Service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility.”
Meanwhile, his parents were told that he was killed by “friendly fire.” Some time elapsed before an investigation provided the parents with the above version.
On Dec. 9, 1958, Welsh established the society in Indianapolis, Indiana
and, for a while, the John Birch Society was accepted as part of the conservative movement. However, when it began to label presidents Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower as Communist, and upon closer look revealed that it was never for anything, but always against most everything, it fell into disrepute.
Welch insisted that the War in Vietnam was part of a Communist plot aimed at taking over the United States! The JBS opposed water fluoridation, which it called “mass medicine.”
When Welch insinuated that Ike committed treason, that was the end for most thoughtful conservatives. The leading conservative, William F. Buckley Jr., editor of the main conservative magazine “The National Review,” accurately described Welsh and the John Birch Society, as, “. . . far removed from commonsense.”
After decades of “non-participation,” JBS participated in the 2010 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) but was not invited to the 2012 Conference.
Next week: Surrender 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
DEBORAH J. FREDO Ocean Pines
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deborah J. Fredo (referred to by old friends as Debbie), a beloved resident of Ocean Pines, who peacefully left us on Aug. 5, 2025, at the Pam and Macky Stansell House of Coastal Hospice.
Deborah was born on Nov. 14, 1949, in Parkville to the late Frances H. Lucas and Clara (Ritter) Lucas. She graduated from Perry Hall High School, Class of 1967, and pursued further studies at the University of Baltimore. Her dedication to helping others led her to nursing in her later years, where she earned her LPN from York County School of Technology in York, Pa. Her 30-year nursing career took her to many different places, but she often spoke most fondly of her experiences as a psychiatric nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
After moving to Ocean Pines, she continued her work at Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and various other care facilities, where her compassion and commitment touched many lives. Deborah had an uncanny talent for diagnosing people simply by listening to their symptoms — her instincts were remarkably sharp.
She was also exceptionally knowledgeable about pharmaceuticals and often served as a go-to source of information for colleagues, friends, and family alike.
Although she was never a smoker, in January 2025 she was diagnosed with what became a rapidly progressive form of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a condition she faced with strength and dignity.
She is survived by her beloved companion of 19 years, Robert Grant; her daughter Kristy Kenney and her husband Danny Kenney; her son Brad Cox and his wife Lisa Cox; and her cherished granddaughter Samantha Cox. Deborah’s love and devotion to her family were boundless.
An avid animal lover, Deborah’s home was warmed by her dog Bella and her treasured house rabbits. She was also fond of the squirrels in her yard.
Her empathy extended beyond people to all living creatures, reflecting a deep and gentle spirit.
Deborah was known for her sharp wit and steadfast principles, but she was also very kind and considerate with those she cared about. She never hesitated to stand firm in her beliefs, and her passionate nature and fearless voice enriched every conversation.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home, 108 Williams St, Berlin, Md. 21811. A visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Entombment will follow at Granite Memorial Mausoleum, 12840 Worcester Hwy, Bishopville, Md. 21813.
Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Deborah’s memory to Worcester County Humane Society, 12330 Eagles Nest Rd, Berlin, Md. 21811, or American Lung Association at www.lung.org.
"Her strength, kindness, and fierce spirit touched many lives. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her."
JAMES G. WHALAN
New York
James (“Jim”) G. Whalan, 77, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, at Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility, in Liberty, N.Y. He is the brother of Judith Ann Whalan, of Ocean City, and the uncle of Caitlin Whalan Jones, formerly of Ocean City.
Jim, the son of Francis and Joan Whalan, was born on October 18, 1947, in Yonkers, New York.
At age 13, he and his family moved to Highland Lake, New York, in the Catskill Mountains, where he attended and was graduated from El-
dred Central School, Eldred, New York.
He attended Sullivan County Community College, prior to serving in the United States Army.
Shortly after his return home, he began working for the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, from which he retired as a Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant.
Following his retirement, he worked with his brother at Bill Whalan Auto Sales in Mongaup Valley, New York.
Jim had a great love for animals, the beach, and was a dedicated son, devoting his Sundays to spending time with his late mother.
In addition to his sister, he is survived by his two daughters, Rachel (Will), and Christine (Florencio); son, Frank (Susan); four grandchildren; brother, Bill (Lynn); and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at Vanlnwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, at 401 Broadway in Monticello, New York, on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Interment of his ashes with military honors followed at the Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery in Liberty, New York.
Contributions may be made to Catskill Animal Rescue (“CARE”), www.catskillanimalrescue.com; Sullivan County SPCA, www.sullivanspca.org; or a local animal shelter of your choice.
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By Bruce C. Walls
Contributing Writer
(Aug. 22, 2025) Stephen Decatur’s girls soccer team faced off in a downpour against Notre Dame Prep of Baltimore at Louis H. Taylor Stadium on Tuesday.
Head Coach Will Cooledge said after the game the team had tryouts last week and one practice on Monday prior to the game. Cooledge said this year’s squad returns nine starters, including seven seniors.
Last year the team won 10 games and lost three, including one to nemeiss James M Bennett and another to Kent Island. The third loss, a 4-0
shutout, was during the 3A East Region 1 Semifinal to Severna Park High School.
Cooledge said, “This pre-season we wanted to be incredibly challenged so that when we try to win a regional or championship, we’re used to playing high level teams.”
Tuesday’s game was just that. Although they lost 6-0, the players were working as a team, according to Cooledge. At half time the Seahawks were down 2-0.
“The first goal went right through the goalie’s legs and I know if she had that shot again, she would have made the save and then the second one is just tough to concede on a corner kick right before halftime,” he said. “So, we were pretty happy honestly. We thought for a large portion of the game we actually defended in the way that we talked about defending. Especially during the first half. I thought was good for us with only one practice we were able to instill that in the game.”
The weather was challenging for spectators as it was a consistent light rain that at times became stronger with wind and a chill in the air.
“I would say the biggest things we learned today are if this is the worst we are, that’s great because we got a lot we can improve on,” Cooledge said. “The conditions were not ideal but honestly, I think they’re perfect soccer conditions because the ball just skips across the field. I guess we weren’t really ready for it but at the
end of the day, those teams are playing on the same field. So that’s (field conditions) never an excuse we can ever use.”
Cooledge said this week’s rout is a building block for the season.
“This game absolutely reflects zero part of our season. It’s exactly what we wanted. Now we know the things that maybe potential problems that could have come later down the road,” he said. “We already know them now. It’s better to have these tough losses against pretty good opponents. It’s better for them to happen now than at the end of September, October. We have high expectations for this year. I think all the girls are really excited.”
After an away scrimmage on Saturday at John Carroll, the Seahawks host Wi-Hi on Sept. 5 at home to start the regular season.
95% of swimmers achieve personal best times during DSA championship meet
(Aug. 22, 2025) The Ocean Pines Swim Team (OPST) Hammerheads made a powerful splash this summer as they wrapped up their milestone 50th anniversary summer season with standout achievements across the board, marking the end of Head Coach Scott McIntire’s first full year at the helm.
The Hammerheads finished the Delmarva Swim Association’s (DSA) dual meet season with a 5-1 record, securing second place in their division and overall at the highly competitive Allen Nelson DSA Championship Meet.
The girls team finished in first place, while the boys team earned second. Leading the charge were the unstoppable 13/14 girls, who captured the High Point Award for their age group for the second consecutive year. Together, the team earned 16 first-place finishes, 20 second-place finishes and 12 third-place finishes.
Notably, 70% of swimmers contributed points to the team total, and over 95% achieved personal best times, a testament to the hard work, focus, and team camaraderie that defined the season.
Swimmers must meet qualifying times to attend the final championship meet and the Hammerheads brought a strong contingent of 64
swimmers to this year’s Championship Meet, including seven 8-10year-olds who made the trip just to help round out relays—an essential component of the team’s overall scoring. Team-first mentality and spirit were on full display by those young swimmers.
Over the course of the summer, the Hammerheads shattered 19 longstanding team and pool records (many several times over), including 11 records broken at Championships alone.
Two DSA relay records were also crushed by the 13-14 girls relay teams, including the 200-yard freestyle relay with Karis Bagley, Bryn Wanner, Emily Fink, and Kate Wanner (1:41.81) and the 200-yard medley relay with Bagley, Kate Wanner, Finley Helfrich, and Bryn Wanner (1:51.97).
While the DSA Championship Meet marked the official end of the summer season, the work didn’t stop for a dedicated group of OPST’s yearround swimmers, parents and coaches. Just three days later, 12 Hammerheads – the largest contingent in team history – headed to St. Mary’s for the Maryland LSC Long Course Championship Meet.
Earning a spot on the roster for this competition requires swimmers to meet the most difficult qualifying times in Maryland Swimming. Representing OPST were Karis Bagley (14), Kendall Bagley (16), Emily Fink (14), Nate Fink (16), Macie Groves (15), Fin-
ley Helfrich (13), Riley Metcalf (12), Patrick Murphy (12), John Parker (14), Madison Trimper (13), Bryn Wanner (13), and Kate Wanner (15).
Their performances at this championship directly rank them among the top swimmers in the state for their respective events.
Over four intense days of prelims and finals, the team recorded 33 new team records, dozens of personal best times, and 49 top-16 finishes including 13 top-three finishes. Every single swimmer finished in the top 16 in at least one event. Impressively, eight swimmers were attending this meet for the very first time, a testament to the growth and depth of the OPST program.
Patrick Murphy, in his first appearance, made it to finals in every single event, secured personal best times in 10 out of 14 swims and placed in the top eight in every event, earning 122 points for the team.
Two years ago, Daniel Karcheuski made history as the first OPST swimmer to attend a national-level USA Swimming meet. Now, three more Hammerheads are following in his footsteps. These elite level meets are part of the pyramid that leads to Olympic Trials.
Kate Wanner earned her very first Futures cut in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:13.97). Bryn Wanner and Kendall Bagley each secured their first Sectionals cuts in the 200-meter freestyle (2:02.23) for Bryn and 200meter butterfly (2:27.86) for Kendall.
Kate also won three state LC titles with her first-place finishes in the 50meter, 100-meter and 200-meter breaststrokes.
Each swimmer who competed earned their place through grit, focus, and resilience, and every one of them had a moment to shine on the state stage. This meet not only capped off an incredible summer—but also pointed clearly toward a bright and fast-moving future for OPST.
“I am so proud of the entire team — not just for their performances this summer, but for their achievements throughout the year,” said McIntire.
“Their progress in the pool and their growth as young people have been truly remarkable. The end of this season is really just the beginning for these swimmers.”
The Hammerheads’ 50th summer season may have come to a close, but the impact of their performance — and the momentum they’ve built — will carry them into the future stronger than ever.
OPST, a non-profit 501c3 organization, has an average 85 year-round swimmers and 140 summer season swimmers ages 5-18 and is the only competitive swim team in Worcester County. The Hammerheads are a Level 1, Safe Sport Certified team affiliated with Maryland Swimming and USA Swimming.
For more information or to see how you can help support the team, please visit www.opsthammerheads.org.
It was a busy opening day for the MidAtlantic Tournament, which features boats from Cape May, N.J. and Ocean City battling it out for more than $3.2 million in prize money. Monday saw 115 boats heading offshore to try and take advantage of a hot billfish bite over the weekend. On Tuesday, all boats stayed at the docks due to heavy surf and poor weather. On Wednesday, 73 boats went offshore even with Hurricane Erin swirling to the south. The tournament has been extended by one day to compensate for the hurricane affecting conditions. On Monday, a 71-pound white marlin caught by angler James Quillen aboard Jimmy Hahn’s Tailchaser from Pocomoke was brought to Sunset Marina in West Ocean City. The fish, pictured top left, could be worth $317,400 but there’s plenty of fishing to go. The tuna leader is Curtis Bay’s Nick Neary with a 103-pound big eye caught aboard his Lit Up by angler Jason Cullum, above right top. Second place currently belongs to Matt Weber of Vero Beach, Fla. aboard his Max Bet with a 97-pound yellowfin for angler Chris Wood, left. In the wahoo category, above, Bobby Pastorius of Ocean City aboard his Jenny Poo leads the category with a 60 pounder for angler Jennifer Pastorius. A full tourney recap will be published next week.
