10/30/2025 Bayside Gazette

HOUSING CEREMONY

The Berlin Fire Company hosted an open house last weekend to showcase the department’s new engine, which is pictured being ceremoniously pushed into place inside the fire headquarters by members of the BFC.

OP has cell tower deal

Board’s contract with Virginia co. will lead to structure disguised as tree near Ocean Pines Golf Course

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 30, 2025) Improved phone service is headed to Ocean Pines, as last week the community’s governing board authorized the signing of a site lease agreement with a company to construct a cell phone tower to remedy poor, unreliable reception.

At an Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Oct. 25, the board

agreed unanimously to take the next step in enhancing the spotty cell phone reception in Ocean Pines, an issue that has plagued the wooded community for years.

OPA will enter into a contract with the Virginia-based company Milestone Towers to build the 143-foot structure resembling a tree behind the maintenance facility at the Ocean Pines Golf Course. Officials said that this site was selected due to its central location.

“I have confirmed that it is going to look like a tree and it is going to blend in, trying to keep that beauty that we’ve come to know here in Ocean Pines,” said Tim Robinson, Ocean Pines’

OP leaf collection

collect bagged leaves from Nov. 24 through Dec. 31. Bagged leaves will be picked up on days opposite Republic Services’ regularly scheduled collection days: Residents whose trash is collected on Mondays and Thursdays will have bagged leaves picked up on Tuesdays and Fridays. Those whose trash is collected on Tuesdays and Fridays, can have bagged leaves picked up on Mondays and Thursdays. In addition, Republic Services will offer six curbside leaf collection days during November and December. The schedule is, Northside: Nov. 8 & 22, Dec. 12. Southside: Nov. 15, Dec. 6 & 20. Leaves must be placed in paper bags only – no plastic bags.Thirty-gallon paper bags can be purchased at the Public Works Building in bundles of 5 for $10 plus tax. The Public Works Yard will be open for yard waste Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., from Nov. 24 through Jan. 3. The yard will be closed Nov. 27-29, Dec. 24-26, and Jan. 1.

Berlin approves event slate for coming year

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 30, 2025) The Berlin Town Council this week approved the municipality's 2026 lineup of events, which includes favorites such as the Independence Day fireworks, Oktoberfest, the Christmas Parade, and the New Year’s Eve celebration.

On Monday, Oct. 27, at the Berlin Mayor and Council meeting, Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, presented the dates for next year’s festivities, either sponsored by the municipality or by the Town of Berlin Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District.

The lineup is as follows:

• Berlin Restaurant Week from Jan. 19 to Jan. 26; Berlin Community Yard Sale on April 4; Berlin Little League Parade on April 11; Berlin Vintage and Vinyl on April 18; Take Pride in Berlin Week from April 19 to April 25.

• Memorial Day at Monument on May 24; Memorial Day Parade on May 25; Berlin Fireworks on July 3; National Night Out on Aug. 4; Oktoberfest on Oct. 17; Touch A Truck-NTreat on Oct. 24; Christmas Tree Arrival on Nov. 16; Fall Glow Walk in Nov., specific date to be determined;

• Ice Ice Berlin and Tree Lighting on Nov. 27; Merry Marketplace on Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, and Dec. 19; Christmas Parade on Dec. 3; Berlin Hanukkah Celebration on Dec. 10; New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31; and the Berlin Farmers Market every Sunday from May through October.

Some changes will be made for Oktoberfest in 2026, Wells said. Councilman Jay Knerr said while this year's event was a great success, with local brews, music, and German-inspired food, he asked whether there was a way to minimize excessive beer lines.

“Is there a way to reduce that, like by having more beer trucks?” he

asked.

Wells said that at Oktoberfest next year, her team intends to spread the beer trucks out and add more to redeuce the queues and congestion.

“Many of the people wanted Burley Oak beer, so they were waiting in line for Burley Oak, and that line started to go into the other beer lines,” she said. “We realized that Burley Oak is in high demand so they will be bringing extra beer trucks for next year.”

The economic and community development director added that for this most recent Oktoberfest, the town received permission from Taylor Bank to use the back section of their parking lot, behind J&M Meat Market, as a beer garden.

With grant funding, Wells and her crew purchased and placed 10 hightop bar tables, which she said were used and “loved” by attendees. However, it revealed to them a missed opportunity for more beer trucks, which they intend to take advantage of next year.

“We also realized it was a missed opportunity to have some beer trucks back there also, so that's what we’re going to do,” she said. “What we discussed is that it's going to be a ‘Berlin Makers Beer Garden’ for Burley Oak, Berlin Beer Company, and Forgotten 50. So, if you want something that was created here in Berlin, that's where you would go.”

There was also discussion at Monday’s meeting about potentially pushing back the town’s ball drop on New Year’s Eve from 6 p.m. until around 8:30 or 9 p.m.

It was argued that with a drop time of 6 p.m., families come out to ring in the New Year a little early, but then roll out as soon as it's over, and by 6:20 p.m., the town is empty.

Officials hope that adjusting the ball drop to around 9 p.m. will encour-

age Berlin residents and visitors to arrive in town for dinner, spend some money at the restaurants and shops, and then stick around to enjoy the New Year's Eve tradition.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the ball drop is scheduled each year at 6 p.m., because that’s midnight in Berlin, Germany. Still, staff said that they would not mind pushing the event back to bring in more revenue for the downtown businesses.

“I don’t have any problem changing the time of the ball drop,” Wells said.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said that the municipality should prioritize directing traffic to the town’s establishments, echoing the community development director.

“Our goal is, we want people in the restaurants before we have the festivities, or immediately following,” he

said. “If we can adjust, I think we’re all open.”

Berlin’s 2026 events were approved, with the understanding that officials and staff will seek feedback from business owners to determine the best time to hold the New Year’s Eve ball drop.

“I think 9 p.m. at the latest because of the kids,” Wells said. “I don't want parents to say, ‘You had it at 6 p.m. and now it's at 9 p.m. and that's too late.’ Because I know that my grandkids go to bed at 7 p.m.”

Further discussion will be held on the New Year’s Eve schedule, but residents and visitors should expect an amended ball drop start time to encourage downtown patronage.

“It's not good for the town to clear out at 6:20 p.m.,” said Councilman Steve Green.

OPA to gain $35K in revenue

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police chief, on Saturday.

Milestone Towers will put up the tower at their cost and satisfy a onetime fee to Ocean Pines of about $20,000. The new addition will also yield yearly revenue for OPA, Robinson added. The cell phone carriers will pay rent for use of the structure, 40% of which will go right into Ocean Pines’ pocket.

According to the police chief, all three major carriers —Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — are planning to come on board. If this remains the case, the Pines will secure about $35,000 annually.

Residents can expect the tower’s construction to be complete around November 2026. With a signed contract, Milestone Towers will be responsible for each step from here on out.

“They’re going to take care of everything, like the permits,” Robinson said. “Once [the lease agreement] is signed, it's all in their hands.”

A cell phone tower was proposed by the Ocean Pines police chief last year, when he noticed just how fickle reception could be within the community, especially during holidays and busy summer weekends. He said this was particularly alarming from a public safety perspective, as emergency calls were at a risk of failing.

As such, Robinson has spearheaded the cell tower project to ensure that OPA citizens may not only get in touch with their friends and family without dropped calls, but that they can reach 911 in life’s more dire situations.

Representatives from Milestone Towers and Verizon have held informational sessions over the past few months to get the public up to speed on the initiative. In September, Paul Plymouth, Director of State and Local Engagement for Verizon, came to a board meeting where he guaranteed that the cell structure will improve reception for the entire community.

A previous graphic had board members and residents confused, as it appeared that only those within a one-mile radius of the tower would benefit.

However, Plymouth last month maintained that while these homeowners would be in the direct path, the structure would work to ultimately alleviate congestion, clearing up space for every member of the neighborhood to feel an improvement in reception.

Now, that refined cell service nears fruition, with the OPA board’s decision to authorize a site lease agreement with Milestone Towers. More information will be presented to the community as it becomes available.

Council says yes to chamber and Taylor House event lists

Berlin groups to bring back beloved festivities in 2026, with several modifications

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 30, 2025) The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum and the Berlin Chamber of Commerce presented their 2026 event lists this week, with the Peach Festival and the Bathtub Races returning. The Berlin Town Council approved the lineups.

In 2026, the Taylor House’s event schedule is as follows: The Pig Roast, Saturday, April 18 from 4 to 8 p.m.; 2nd Sunday at the Museum Concert, Sunday, June 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., 2nd Sunday at the Museum Concert, Sunday, July 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; the Peach Festival, Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 2nd Sunday at the Museum Concert, Sunday, Aug. 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; 2nd Sunday at the Museum Concert, Sunday, Sept. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; and the Book Festival, Saturday, Oct. 17 from noon to 4 p.m.

All the aforementioned events, sans the Peach Festival, will offer alcohol.

The museum's Book Festival in

2026 will coincide with the townsanctioned Oktoberfest, said Carol Rose, a member of the Taylor House Board of Directors. The decision to coordinate with the German-inspired beer, food, and music festival comes after the success of this year’s collaboration.

According to Rose, the foot traffic from Oktoberfest drove visitors and residents to their yard’s bookish event just a few weeks ago.

“It was beautiful weather, and with folks walking and parking, we had a wonderful afternoon on the lawn,” the museum board member said.

The logistics for the Peach Festival were also discussed before the schedule was approved this week. The Peach Festival features peachy food and treats, music, and children’s activities, and is the facility’s largest fundraiser each year, attracting thousands of attendees.

Councilman Jay Knerr asked the Taylor House representatives if they had thought about the possibility of coordinating with the Town of Berlin to close Main Street for the event, because last year, he said, the Peach Festival was so crowded that people were pushed out onto the road any-

See CHAMBER Page 6

Berlin complies with state’s law changes on fines

Speed camera tickets will now vary by mph overage

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 30, 2025) Fines will increase for drivers caught on camera exceeding the posted speed limit in Berlin, officials said this week.

At a Berlin mayor and council meeting on Monday, Oct. 27, town attorney David Gaskill and Police Chief Arnold Downing announced that motorists can expect steeper violation fees if they exceed the speed limit in the areas in town where speed cameras are stationed—Flower Street at Railroad Avenue, Flower Street at Peach Lane, and Seahawk Road near Stephen Decatur High School.

The posted legal speed limit in these areas is 25 miles per hour. When the devices were installed last year, violators driving 12 mph or more over the maximum faced a $40 citation. Now, per state law, these tickets will be increased, with violations adjusted, depending on exactly how fast a car is going.

Gaskill said that rates will remain at $40 if a vehicle is between 12 and 15 miles per hour over the speed limit. A motorist will be charged $70 if they’re between 16 and 19 miles per hour over, $120 for going between 20 and 29 miles per hour over, $230 for going between 30 and 39 miles per hour over, and $425 for driving 40 miles per hour over the speed limit.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall asked Downing how often the cameras catch someone traveling at the highest speeds, such as 40 miles per hour over the posted limit. The police chief maintained that it's not often, if ever. The fastest car was clocked at 70 miles per hour coming off the highway onto Seahawk Road.

“The thought was that the person was shooting across to try to catch the light,” Downing said. “We don’t anticipate a lot [of cars] going over the first two tiers.”

The Berlin Town Council maintained that the changes are not the municipality’s decision but rather an adjustment to comply with a new state law modifying the fee structure, which was signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore this spring and officially took effect on Oct. 1.

This week’s discussion on the matter in Berlin was a first reading of the ordinance. A public hearing regarding the speed citation topic is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, at the mayor and council’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Chamber will not hold Jazz and Blues in ‘26

way.

Heather Nottingham, museum administrator, said that facility officials are not interested in blocking Main Street for the Peach Festival, because then the event would lose its identity as a Taylor House benefit.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it is purely a Taylor House Museum event,” she said. “If we close Main Street, we lose our event.”

Nottingham added that she realizes the Peach Festival has grown in popularity, bringing with that some logistical challenges that come with increased crowds. However, she said they are making adjustments to ensure the event remains in the best interest of the town.

“Originally we had vendors that sold jewelry and artifacts and things on the lawn, but we don't do that anymore to try to push our people into the [Berlin] businesses,” the museum administrator noted.

“Now we just have nonprofits with food and demonstrators. We hope that people come to the Peach Festival, get some peach food, learn about local nonprofits, and then go into town for shopping…The Peach Festi-

val committee meets year-round because it's such a big event, so we look at all different angles to make sure we're meeting the needs of everyone.”

Jimmy Charles, the town’s director of public works, said that to handle the Peach Festival crowds, his team has purchased cones, barricades, and rails to keep people on the sidewalks.

“We have also looked at buying chalk to make a temporary crosswalk,” he added. “We learned a lot last year on how to bring people onto the sidewalks more.”

The municipality’s council also approved 2026 events for the Berlin Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber’s lineup is as follows: Spring Celebration, Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (the Saturday before Easter); Spring Cruisers, Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Corresponds with the Ocean City event); Bathtub Races, Friday, June 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.; Chili and Chili Peppers, Saturday, Aug. 22, 3 to 8 p.m., rain date on Saturday, Aug. 29; Fiddler’s Convention, on Friday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 10 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain dates on Friday, Oct. 2 and Sat-

urday, Oct. 3.

Berlin Chamber of Commerce representatives said that this year, they chose to do away with the popular music festival, Jazz and Blues, to alleviate pressure on the town’s public works department. However, the group intends to resume the event in 2027.

Also in an effort to decrease its list of events, which the chamber said they were asked to do, the team is considering eliminating the Friday night Fiddler’s Convention date. The Saturday festival would continue.

“We are requesting approval for the Fiddler’s Convention for both Friday and Saturday; however, it is still under review to possibly discontinue Friday night,” reads a chamber letter to the municipality.

Councilman Jack Orris asked the organization’s representatives if this option was still a possibility during discussion this week, before the schedule was greenlit.

“We're considering it,” said chamber president, Garrett Neville. “It ends up being a popular local’s night so ideally we wouldn't, but we were putting everything on the table as far as town staff and set up, and we

wanted to make sure we were being as accommodating as possible if there's any strain on resources.”

The council, however, expressed their strong desire to maintain a Friday night Fiddler’s Convention.

“I support Friday's Fiddler Convention,” Councilman Steve Green said. “It is a local’s event. There were a lot of people there last year, and I would like to see it continue.”

Garrett added that after their event lineup was submitted for approval, the chamber received “extreme interest” from Berlin establishments, particularly Sterling Tavern, in hosting a seafood festival.

The organization’s president asked the municipality’s mayor and council if they would consider this potential function for 2026. Local businesses would likely sponsor the festivity, and the chamber may simply apply for the liquor license.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said that they are “in the works on something as well,” and said that he would be interested in talking with the chamber on a possible seafood festival.

“Maybe we could make something work for everybody,” Tyndall said.

Off-season improvements planned at clubs

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 30, 2025) Improvements are coming to the Ocean Pines food and beverage operations, including a new outdoor kitchen at the Yacht Club, a shade structure at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille, and renovations at the Beach Club in Ocean City, officials said last week.

At the Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Oct. 25, the board agreed to proceed with engineering designs for enhancements to the community’s eateries, which are currently operated by restaurant group Touch of Italy (TOI). This preliminary phase will cost the association about $165,000.

The construction work is a multiyear project. Each establishment will receive upgrades to improve the cus-

tomer experience, with costs split between OPA and TOI.

OPA General Manager John Viola said an outdoor structure — a pizza oven and a grill — will be erected to improve service to the pool and the outside deck that at the Yacht Club.

Last Saturday, the board unanimously agreed to proceed with obtaining engineering designs from Vista Design for $40,800.

According to Bob Ciprietti, TOI owner, this past summer presented challenges in getting orders to patrons at the facility’s outdoor space, while keeping service quick and the food fresh.

“It was hard to keep the food hot, no matter what we tried. The thought is if we had a really good outside kitchen there, we could create a better experience for everybody and im-

prove not only the food service but the drink service,” Ciprietti said.

Ciprietti’s team will also add tables to the space between the upcoming outdoor kitchen and the existing tiki bar to create “a more intimate setting.”

Viola said an outside shade structure that will offer refreshments to golfers will be built at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille. The staff hopes this will improve the speed of play on the course. The hope is that the golfers won’t have to stop inside to get a drink or a bite to eat. Instead, they will be able to grab some fuel quickly and head immediately back to the links.

The board also approved securing engineering designs for the Clubhouse’s outdoor pavilion from Vista Design for $51,000.

Ciprietti said he hopes the addition will enhance the community’s golfing experience and generate revenue for OPA. A potential menu may include hot dogs, burgers and wraps.

“The big issue is the turn from the ninth to the tenth hole,” he noted. “Usually, golfers want to stop and get something to eat or drink. The faster the speed of play, the faster people play through, the more money the Clubhouse and the Ocean Pines Golf Course make. To do that, we propose putting a pavilion outside where we’ll put a small kitchen so the golfers won’t have to come inside.”

The board approved the expenditure for the Clubhouse design plan, with member Steve Jacobs abstaining.

Jacobs noted that he was “torn” on the Clubhouse work, arguing that he doesn’t “see it as being workable.”

“I understand the goal, to make sure we don’t fall behind on the pace of play and all that stuff at the golf course,” he said. “I’m not convinced that this sort of construction, that is being suggested, is going to substantially increase the pace of play. When this issue was raised several months ago, it really was a factor that there’s insufficient staffing in the kitchen and in the restaurant to meet the need for the golfers.

“And moving something to the outside —if you haven’t addressed that problem, I don’t know how you're going to address this one…If there were assurance that this would generate more revenue, I would be a lot more convinced, but at best, what we’re talking about is breaking even with what we’ve got now…I don’t see this as being a revenue center.”

However, other board members maintained that this project would provide significant benefits to the community, including additional income.

“My understanding of this is, if you're coming off the course, you’re going into [the restaurant] whether it’s enough staffing or not,” said Elaine Brady, OPA board member. “To me, it takes a lot more time to get food and beverages coming inside, where there’s also a lot of other people being attended to. If you’re coming around the turn and you’ve got the tiki bar and a quick thing where you can grab something, it would be a revenue generator, I think. Some people probably skip through the course, or they bring their own cooler or whatever, because they want to keep the play going.”

Viola added that a new pavilion would improve the customer experience, which is the community’s primary objective.

“It's not just about generating revenue,” he said.

The Ocean Pines Beach Club will also undergo improvement work. Ciprietti said that it is a two-year proj-

County superintendent gives 100-day recap

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 30, 2025) Worcester County Public Schools’ new superintendent, Annette Wallace, presented last week on her first 100 days in the position, pledging to ensure that during her tenure and beyond, every student is on track to succeed.

The school system leader said that as part of her plan for her initial 100 days, she would engage with the school community and share her findings with the Worcester County Board of Education. Wallace provided that report at last week’s board meeting, on Thursday, Oct. 23.

“From day one, my guiding belief has been simple, yet powerful: every child is known by name, strength, and need, because the whole child is the whole point in what we do in education,” Wallace said. “These first 100 days have been about listening to the voices in our community, celebrating the incredible progress already underway, and laying the foundation for the future that’s ahead.”

The new superintendent took over for former superintendent Lou Taylor, who announced his retirement in January and formally stepped down from his post at the end of the last school year. Wallace has now tackled 100 days in the role.

During her first three months as the school system’s leader, Wallace approached her work in three phases: listen and learn, align and assess, and create and cultivate, with each period building on the last.

The first 30 days, Wallace said, were about relationships, and “understanding all of the people in our system.” The following month was to identify where the schools’ “strengths meet the greatest opportunities,” and the final 40 days were to take action, “creating systems

that cultivate trust, collaboration, and measurable progress.”

During the first 30 days, or the listen-and-learn phase, the superintendent visited schools and had conversations with community members, including each school's principal, the system’s executive team, and the board of education.

Wallace said that she visited the summer academy programs and that a member of her team has been in classrooms almost daily since the start of the

school year in September. A new superintendent’s webpage was launched, detailing initiatives and engagement opportunities, and a WCPS biweekly newsletter was kick-started for system staff.

“These were small steps towards a larger goal, ensuring communication across Worcester County is not just clear, but it's connected,” Wallace said. “The first phase affirmed something I already believed in: that our greatest

Changes approved for OP food ops

Continued from Page 8

ect. The first year will include remodeling the entire first floor, including a new kitchen and bar. During the second year of the initiative, the building will receive a new restaurant on the second floor with a deck overlooking the ocean, which would likely be open for nine to 10 months of the year. The downstairs space will also get a new deck with a tiki bar-style structure. Furthermore, an elevator will be added to ensure the facility remains compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The OPA board voted to move for-

ward with obtaining basement plans and engineering designs for the Beach Club from Atlantic Planning and Development for $75,000.

Officials maintained that the work at the Beach Club is more than needed.

“So everyone knows, that building, if you have been over there, that building is tired,” said OPA Board President John Latham. “We were going to spend money on it anyway. Having a partner to share those expenses will be nice.”

The cost of the projects at the community’s food and beverage facilities

will be divided between OPA and TOI. Viola said that the restaurant group is responsible for the building’s interiors, such as the kitchens and bars, while Ocean Pines is to pay for the structures themselves.

For the work at the Yacht Club, for example, the construction of the outdoor kitchen is the responsibility of OPA. TOI will pay for the equipment.

Viola added that once the architectural and engineering drawings are complete, his team will solicit bids for the actual construction work, and final prices will be made public when available.

Wallace outlines ‘shared vision’ for schools

Continued from Page 9

strength in our district is our people. Their expertise, their dedication, and their deep love for our students.”

The following 30 days were to assess and align. The superintendent and her team evaluated data across measurements from state assessments to iReady and observed that Worcester County continues to demonstrate and lead in academic success.

This data review period also showcased that there is room to grow, aiming to ensure achievement for each student, Wallace said.

“We articulated a shared vision to know every child by strength, name, and need,” she added.

A priority for the school system leader has been creating a culture of “appreciation and celebration.” As such, recognition programs have recently been implemented, including awards to honor students and staff.

“These programs have one common thread: they remind us that excellence doesn’t happen in isolation,” Wallace said. “It happens in a culture that values people, uplifts all voices, and celebrates progress every day.”

Wallace has also created superintendent advisory panels to meet with students, teachers, and support staff.

“Each of these groups gives me a direct line to the people who do the work

every day, ensuring decisions are informed by real-life experiences of our community,” she maintained.

Wallace emphasized that these panels were randomly selected.

“People like me had no kind of political or connection with anyone important; my parents were very hard-working middle-class people no one knew, so it was very important to me that these students and staff were randomly selected,” she said. “I want real feedback. The randomly selected teachers are also a big part of that.”

The new superintendent’s most recent 40 days were reserved to “create and cultivate.”

Part of that effort was to affirm the county’s literacy goal, which aims to ensure that every student in Worcester County will read on grade level by third grade. Each child’s progress was analyzed to identify those who need intervention.

Work has been done to advance avenues for educators to better support young learners as they transition between grade levels and schools.

“We have some exciting things on the horizon,” Wallace said. “We know that consistency builds confidence.”

Community engagement initiatives have also been a focus. Programs have been held, with the hope of continuing and expanding, like Diet Coke with the

Superintendent, where parents, students, and community members can drop in and share ideas with Wallace at a local McDonald's.

Throughout Wallace’s first 100 days, her team discovered that to maintain a top-performing district, they must recruit and retain highly qualified educational professionals.

“Specifically hiring and recruiting educators who look like our students and seeking candidates whose background and experience mirror the community and cultures of our students,” she said.

To do this, the superintendent and her staff will contact the presidents of local HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities), develop local homegrown talent, and accelerate hiring timelines.

“We are streamlining the recruitment and hiring process to make sure that we grab up those very best candidates very quickly,” Wallace said.

Literacy has and will remain a priority for Wallace, who said that she is excited to kickstart and continue a few initiatives. These include “Books from the Backseat,” a project she started as an assistant superintendent. The way it works is Wallace gives away books from the back seat of her car to students while she’s on-site visiting the county’s schools.

The system has also restarted the summer “Book It” program with Pizza Hut, which encourages reading to students through sixth grade. Parents who missed last summer’s initiative can reach out to WCPS personnel for details on next year.

“Also, because more pizza is always better, our library media specialists have started a ‘Hooked on Books’ partnership with Pizza Tugos where student readers are also rewarded with free pizzas,” Wallace added. “We’re very excited for that because creating and cultivating kind students who care for our community and care for each other is our number one, but my number two is creating students who are literate and go out and participate in the world. If you can also get pizza along the way, I don’t think it gets better than that.”

Wallace concluded her presentation by promising to continue the work to foster a positive school system culture and reach student achievement for every child.

“I can say at this time, after all the listening and learning, Worcester County Public Schools is the best of the best,” the superintendent said. “But we missed the mark last year with 133 students in grade three who were not reading on grade level. And the time is now to finish the job. And I promise you this: our team is ready to finish the work.”

Mixed comments on Turning Point chapter

Board of Education hears from citizens in support of, opposition to formation

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 3o, 2025) The Worcester County Public Schools community is split on the system’s allowance of the politically charged Turning Point USA chapter at Stephen Decatur High School. An onslaught of citizen comments at last week’s board of education meeting highlighted this divide.

Turning Point USA was founded in 2012 by the late conservative and controversial political activist, Charlie Kirk, who was murdered on Sept. 10 during an event and debate at Utah Valley University.

Kirk’s murder has been deemed an act of political violence, furthering the volatile energy on both sides of the aisle. The incident has also led to an increased interest in Kirk’s organization. As “Fortune” reported last month, Turning Point has received 60,000 inquiries about new chapters on high school and college campuses.

The ramifications of Kirk’s assassination have reached Worcester County, where a group of students at SDHS has spearheaded its own chap-

ter of TPUSA’s high school program.

According to the organization's website, “Turning Point USA High School is the largest and most impactful youth movement for promoting freedom-loving, American values. Students champion these initiatives by organizing into student-led chapters and activism hubs.”

That club’s formation has been met with strong support and opposition, with many questioning the morality of the affiliation and whether the Worcester County Board of Education and SDHS’s administrative team should permit such a group.

Tamara Mills (WCPS Coordinator of Instruction), because she described how the decision was made to allow Turning Point into Stephen Decatur’s after-school clubs,” Hay said.

“However, somewhere in that explanation was the sentence that clubs should cause no harm at all. But the origin of this particular program, Turning Point, is not very inclusive; in fact, it's a pretty divisive group that started this program…They are anti anyone who doesn’t believe what they believe.

‘[TPUSA] is a national organization known for, at times, divisive tactics, including targeting of teachers and students who hold different views.’

Marie Velong

The divide within Worcester County on the issue was on full display last week, at the school system’s board of education meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.

County resident Pam Hay was first to speak during the gathering’s public comments segment. Hay, who said she has lived and worked in Worcester for 53 years, expressed her opposition to Decatur’s Turning Point chapter.

“First, I would like to thank

My question is, who is monitoring what's being said? My hope is that this is a flash in the pan and it goes away fast.”

Patrick Whaley, an alumnus of SDHS who owns property in Berlin, said that he drove four hours from Pennsylvania to protest the TPUSA team. Whaley argued that schools are a facility to learn, not a place where political groups meet, particularly ones like Turning Point, which he said promotes hate.

“We all know what Charlie Kirk stood for,” Whaley said. “Some say he was Christian, and he taught Chris-

tian values. But there's a scripture that tells us about love. When you preach hate against different groups, against Black people, against LGBTQ people, people who are not white, that is not love. I am here to protest. If we do anything, we need to have a club that preaches unity. And I feel that this club is not about unity.”

Debra Fisher Reynolds, a retired teacher, expressed a similar sentiment.

“Turning Point USA claims they promote free speech and debate, but instead promote hate, violence, bullying, and threatening students who are different,” she said. “As a rightwing group promoting bigotry and fascist ideology, the way politics in the United States has become so polarized and partisan is deeply worrying and ultimately a threat to American democracy and student safety in our schools.”

Berlin resident Marie Velong, who noted that both of her children graduated from Decatur, said she was worried about the precedent set by approving TPUSA for high school students. Velong argued that while Turning Point is a discussion group— an essential aspect of civil engagement—it is also deeply partisan.

“[TPUSA] is a national organization known for, at times, divisive tac-

Abbott shows support before school board

tics, including targeting of teachers and students who hold different views,” she said. “True education depends on intellectual diversity—the free and respectful exchange of many perspectives. If the chapter remains, I urge the board to ensure balance by approving a counterpoint organization. Our schools should be places for dialogue, not division, for critical thinking, not campaigning. Upholding intellectual diversity means giving every student the confidence to speak, question, and learn without fear of bias. I ask the board to reconsider approving the TPUSA chapter or to encourage the formation of a complementary club. I think that's one of the things that's good about the club, the civic awareness, but it's too slanted.”

Velong also claimed that TPUSA has a watchlist of schools and teachers that do not hold similar values to the conservative organization, undermining its commitment of free speech.

According to a Sept. 13 report by The Baltimore Sun, TPUSA initiated a professor watchlist project in 2016. The group says that this inventory was taken of teachers who have discriminated against conservative students.

“The project consists of published news stories detailing instances of bias, propaganda, or speech infringement on college campuses,” the professor watchlist website reads. “We only publish profiles on incidents that have been reported and published via a credible source. TPUSA will continue to fight for free speech and the right of professors to say whatever they believe; however, students, parents, and alumni deserve to know the specific incidents and names of professors that advance a radical agenda in our lecture halls.”

While much of the board of education’s public comments were flooded with TPUSA protestors, many came out in support of the Decatur club.

“I'm not sure what everybody’s afraid of with TPUSA,” said Worcester resident Peter Ostrowski, “As I read the mission statement of TPSUS, it's to ‘identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government.’ I'm not sure why that spooks people.”

Worcester County Commissioner Caryn Abbott was also present at last Thursday’s meeting, urging the board to support the student organization. Earlier this month, the county com-

missioners proclaimed Sept. 10 as Charlie Kirk Day.

“Charlie Kirk was murdered for his Christian faith, comprehensive knowledge of the Constitution, and the belief that America is the beacon of hope, liberty, and freedom of speech for all,” Abbott said. “He taught countless youths across this nation to embrace American ideals, engage civilly with those they disagree with, and open debate, arming themselves with facts and reason. He knew that when people stop talking, violence happens. I applaud the administration at Stephen Decatur for sanctioning the students’ trip to the commissioners the day we presented the [Charlie Kirk Day] proclamation. We need to encourage future leaders in our schools.”

Also present at the board meeting

was 20-year-old Colin McEvers, the president of the Salisbury University chapter of TPUSA. McEvers said that Turning Point’s mission is to engage the public in debate and dialogue, a practice required to maintain American democracy. The student said he resents that members of Turning Point are referred to as extremists, and that the organization's very vision contradicts that claim.

“Engaging in discussion, having conversations, political discourse, none of that is fascistic, racist, discriminatory, or any of the things that people are accusing [TPUSA] of being,” he said. “If we suppress the opinions of students, that breeds more division, more partisanship, more hatred between people. We need more discussion, more political discourse. We need all these things

because if we do not, people will only hate each other more. We live in a very polarized society, and if we do not actually sit down and have conversations with people, which is exactly why this club was formed, then we will not be able to have good relationships with each other.”

Some community members have questioned whether a politically charged student club is allowed to operate. Officials said earlier this month that the TPUSA chapter is not schoolsanctioned, but it may meet on the school system’s property during OutOf-School-Time (OST), granted it follows specific guidelines.

For instance, the club’s application had to come from interested students, not adults, the group had to be led by the young learners, and parent permission slips were to be signed.

Proposal asks county to pay for private schools’ security

Commissioners postpone agenda item, say more info is needed for a discussion

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Worcester County officials this week sidelined public discussion of a proposal by the sheriff’s office to put deputies on patrol in private schools.

In an Oct. 14 letter, Chief Deputy Nate Passwaters pitched the county commissioners on hiring new school resource deputies, or SRDs, to cover Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin, Seaside Christian Academy in West Ocean City, and Most Blessed Sacrament, located outside Ocean Pines. The latter two are parochial schools with a religious curriculum.

“While public schools in our community have long benefited from the presence of SRDs, private schools are not consistently afforded the same level of safety and security,” he wrote. “With the continued increased in school-related safety concerns nationwide, it is critical that we provide a consistent equitable approach to student protection across all educational institutions within Worcester County.”

“There has been no criteria put forward as to what would qualify as a private school – are these going to trickle down to nursery schools and day care centers also?” he said.

Mitrecic added that the commissioners should pursue fact-finding about how other jurisdictions handled the same issue, and that liability issues with the county’s insurance company also bear review.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office currently posts one deputy to each of the county’s 14 public schools. Two additional deputies are assigned as floating SRD supervisors.

Deputies on this detail are working overtime, and the coverage is paid for with a $90,000 grant from the Maryland Center for School Safety, Passwaters told OC TodayDispatch. This grant only covers public school coverage, which also includes extracurricular events.

Passwaters in his letter to the commissioners also said the sheriff’s office struggles with SRD staffing because deputies can be pulled away “almost daily” for job-related demands like training, court appearances, as well as sick leave.

Fall Beauty Awaits

Four deputies would be hired under the proposal, with one for each of the three private schools and another as a backup. The estimated start-up cost to Worcester County for the start of the 2026-27 school year would $840,000, including deputies’ salary, patrol car, and all equipment, the letter said.

However, on the advice of their attorney, the county commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting voted unanimously to table the issue.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic made the motion to postpone discussion at the outset of the meeting, saying several questions needed answering “before we can actually consider this with any seriousness.”

Overall, the sheriff’s office is short-staffed by at least nine deputies, including two on longterm medical leave, Passwaters also said. He and Sheriff Matt Crisafulli have long petitioned county leaders to increase deputy pay to remain competitive in hiring against other agencies.

Despite being pulled from the meeting agenda, several people showed up to voice their support on the matter – including Katie Addis, an elected member of the Worcester County Board of Education.

Addis also serves on the board of Seaside Christian Academy and wore a sweatshirt with that school’s logo when delivering her remarks.

“Now more than ever, schools of faith and private Christian schools

County sidelines deputy debate

are under attack,” she told the commissioners. “We as taxpayers of Worcester County should not have to worry that our children will not be safe and protected because we choose to send our children to a different Worcester County school. The most equitable thing that you can do is to ensure across the board that all children in Worcester County schools are guaranteed the same protection as children in public schools.”

Asking private schools to pay for police coverage out of their own pockets is “discriminatory,” she added, because the county’s publicschool budget does not fund school resource deputies.

“Some of you are also of the mindset that our taxes should not pay for private school security because some of the children are coming from outof-county or out-of-state,” she said. “God forbid there was a catastrophic event that happens at one of these private schools, the news is not going to be worried about what the population breakdown is per school … Do you want that on your conscience, that you had the chance to vote ‘yes’ for something like this, and you voted against it?”

Several others commented in support of the proposal. Ocean Pines na-

tive Bryan Murphy has two daughters, ages 7 and 10, who attend Most Blessed Sacrament. He alluded to the Aug. 27 shooting of Minneapolis church where two Catholic school students were killed while attending Mass.

“We live in a world where violence happens way too often at our schools,” Murphy told the commissioners, “but even more so at our religious institutions, where we have children getting shot literally in their churches, in their pews praying. This is completely unacceptable. I shouldn’t have to worry about my children being safe.”

Commissioner Eric Fiori, whose West Ocean City district includes Seaside Christian Academy, said he would support the proposal, but also said the topic should have been researched further before bringing it to the floor for public discussion.

“If you’re in the public school system and you argue for safety for children, how do you argue that it’s entirely too much money for the safety of children in a private school? I don’t understand that argument,” Fiori told OC Today-Dispatch. “If we’re arguing for the safety of our children, it shouldn’t matter. That safety standard should be the same. If it’s within legality, I would absolutely be in favor of it.”

Saturday, November

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

New food pantry to open on Nov. 4 to help those in need

(Oct. 30, 2025) Through a funded mini-grant from the Worcester County Health Department, nonprofit Worcester Youth & Family Counseling Services Inc. (WYFCS) is proud to offer a free food pantry box.

Starting on Nov. 4, the agency’s location at 124 N. Main St., Suite C. in Berlin will be hosting the “Healthy Little Food Pantry,” where residents can access shelf-stable foods with a focus on overall health. This pantry is in the rear of the building and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for food access.

“Our goal is to create an accessible food source for everyone. Sometimes folks don’t get off work until late and cannot access a traditional food pantry. Others feel a level of embarrassment in accessing free food at all … our discreet location for this pantry is meant to help alleviate those feelings,” said Rachel Mitchell, WYFCS coordinator. “No one should feel shame for caring for their basic needs.”

The Healthy Little Food Pantry is

sponsored by the Worcester County Health Department as a mini-grant due to funding from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Also funded by this mini-grant is another food pantry box, located at Community Behavioral Health in Snow Hill; community garden assistance in Snow Hill, Pocomoke City, and Newark; seed libraries available at the Pocomoke, Berlin, and Snow Hill libraries; and Pop-Up Farmers markets occurring in Berlin, sponsored by Cross Farms.

Healthy cooking and shopping courses, called “Cooking Up Health” courses, are taught by the University of Maryland Extension and the Worcester County Health Department.

The class will next be offered starting November 10th at 2pm at the Berlin Library.

Members of the community are encouraged to visit the Health Department’s landing page for the Cooking Up Health program to learn more, located at bit.ly/cookinguphealthwchd.

For questions and more information on Worcester Youth & Family’s outreach programs, please reach out to them at 410-641-4598 or at shine@gowoyo.org.

PUMPKINS IN THE PARK

County school system presents first awards

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 30, 2025) Worcester County Public Schools students and staff were recognized last week at a board of education meeting for their efforts in cultivating a positive and thriving learning community.

At the Worcester County Board of Education’s meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23, school system leaders honored students and personnel as part of two new recognition initiatives, the Heartbeat of Worcester Award and the Surge Awards.

WCPS Superintendent Annette Wallace said that the goal behind the acknowledgments is to “shine a light on those who exemplify the heart, the energy, and the spirit of our school system.”

The program’s first recipient of the Heartbeat of Worcester Award was Kimberly Purnell, who serves as a driver for Ocean City Elementary School on bus 45.

“The Heartbeat of Worcester Award honors a single staff member who goes above and beyond in service

to our students, colleagues, and community,” Wallace said, while presenting the commendation. “[Purnell] represents everything that this award stands for. Student-centered impact, excellence in service, collaboration, community engagement, and resilience. She has built relationships that truly matter and creates a warm and welcoming environment as the first face students see every morning and the last one they see every afternoon.”

The superintendent shared a note from a parent about Purnell, praising the driver.

“[Purnell] has shown nothing but genuine patience, love, and kindness to our son,” the letter reads. “We appreciate her and feel so lucky that [our son] has her to make his transition to school as smooth as possible. She’s a smiling, friendly face in the morning, and that means the world to us.”

Wallace also honored students last Thursday, through the newly kickstarted Surge Awards, aimed at recognizing kids “whose quiet strength, creativity, and leadership energize

and protect those around them, much like a surge protector keeps the systems on which we rely running strong.”

Seryna Weaver of Snow Hill High School was the first recipient of the accolade. As a performing arts student, Wallace said that Weaver brings dedication and humility to each show she participates in.

“Her presence ensures a respectful, hardworking theater community where everyone feels valued and inspired,” the superintendent added.

Quinn Westbrook from Buckingham Elementary School was also honored as a Surge Award recipient at last Thursday’s meeting. Wallace noted that Westbrook was recognized for her careful listening skills and resilience.

“She approaches every challenge with determination and gives her very best to all that she does,” Wallace said.

The third Surge Award was Dalton Tingle from Snow Hill High School, a multifaceted musician.

“I have not seen a musician who is

more talented on every instrument and singing,” said the superintendent. “He is a one-person show. He is a multitalented performer who excels in every area of the arts: concert band, marching band, jazz band, choir, and theater. Whether on the stage or in the classroom, his passion for performance captivates everyone around him.”

Finally, April Dashiell from Pocomoke High School received a Surge Award in the program’s first round last week. Wallace said that the high school senior is recognized for her “drive for excellence” and a willingness to collaborate with her fellow students.

“She is always eager to learn, to grow, and lift her peers through music,” Wallace said. “Her positive attitude and leadership make her a role model for performing arts students at Pocomoke High School.”

These awards aim to encourage student achievement through a culture of celebration. The initiative is a hallmark of Wallace’s first 100 days as superintendent.

Homestead tax cap reduced to 0% from 3% in Worcester

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 30, 2025) Worcester County elected officials unanimously voted this week to lower the county’s homestead property tax credit from 3% to zero, effective July 1.

The County Commissioners voted for the change at Tuesday’s meeting, though the decision was tentatively made earlier this year when the commissioners were drawing up their fiscal year 2026 budget.

Ted Elder, President of the County Commissioners, predicted Ocean City businesses owners who also own property will see “overwhelming savings” on their tax bill.

“I think it’s a boon for their businesses,” said Elder (District 4, Western). “It’s something we did as County Commissioners to support and help our businesses in Ocean City, and I think we need to use that going forward to help keep our lines of communication and back-and-forth with Ocean City, keep it open and keep it healthy.”

Designed to protect homeowners from the tax burden that comes from increased property assessments, the Homestead Property Tax Credit program puts a ceiling on how high your property tax bill can go in Maryland.

A zeroed-out homestead tax credit means eligible homeowners would effectively lock in their property tax rate until they sell their home.

And, because Maryland’s state income tax is going up for higher earners, wealthy Marylanders could move to Worcester County full-time and take advantage of a lower tax rate.

When it takes effect, the tax rate decrease represents an estimated revenue hit of about $900,000 for the county.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said the lowered tax rate – which he introduced – now gives him pause over how nonresident owners might play it moving forward.

“We have a tremendous amount of nonresident taxpayers that, you know, pay the freight, for lack of a better word,” said Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean

City). “My concern is that there will be, at some point in time, a group of those nonresident taxpayers that decide that they want to go to Annapolis, and they want to be heard in Worcester County also.”

Commissioners held a public hearing to accompany the code amendment. The only member of the public to speak was Vince Gisriel, a former Ocean City councilman.

“I’m hard-pressed to imagine a better action that you could do for your local residents that own property here than this action today,” he said. “I think it’s a fair thing to do.”

The homestead tax plan was hatched in the spring along with the commissioners’ decision to cut income tax by a quarter percent, from 2.25% to 2%.

Officials said they hoped the moves would offer some financial relief to residents and taxpayers, given the county’s multimillion-dollar budget surplus.

Worcester County has about 12,000 property tax accounts enrolled in the program, according to deputy county administrator Candace Savage.

State law says counties and municipalities set their own tax cap, which cannot exceed 10%. Homeowners can only qualify for the tax credit on their primary residence, and they must apply online with the state.

Because Ocean City’s municipal homestead tax credit is also set to zero, it means an Ocean City property owner gets double the protection. Seven other municipalities statewide, including Salisbury, offer the zero-percent cap.

Locally, Berlin’s cap is 5%, Snow Hill’s is 3% and Pocomoke City’s is 10%. Elsewhere on the Eastern Shore, Talbot County’s homestead tax rate is 0%, Wicomico and Dorchester counties are 5%, and Somerset County’s is 10%.

Other Maryland municipalities with 0% caps include Salisbury in neighboring Wicomico County, College Park and Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County, and the Talbot County hamlets of St. Michaels, Trappe, and Queen Anne.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

Opinion

Schools, county no role in TPUSA chap.

The uproar that should never have occurred burst into full voice last week as parents, students, political party faithful, government officials and other opinionators weighed in on the appropriateness of having a Turning Point USA chapter at Stephen Decatur High School.

They should keep quiet, because it’s no more inappropriate legally than having a chapter of the High School Republicans or Young Democrats of America or, for that matter, the Young Democratic Socialists of America.

If a student has an interest in a philosophy or any academic or non-academic pursuit, there’s a national organization for it, and, as long as these organizations are student-initiated, student-led and not sponsored or endorsed by the schools or government itself, no one can stop it.

That’s the law. In the meantime, parents, administrators and government officials are free not to like it or not. They have no license to force the kids to think or do anything in the free time after school.

Time was the battle for the hearts and minds of high school kids was being fought over whether JROTC programs should be permitted on campus. Critics argued these programs led students into a militaristic way of thinking, while organizations such as the Heritage Foundation said JROTC helped teach leadership skills. Who can say?

Unfortunately, in this instance, County Commissioner Caryn Abbott used a recent commissioners’ meeting to note the Turning Point chapter’s arrival by recognizing the group after leading the commissioners to proclaim Charlie Kirk Day. Although it’s her right to do that, she did the kids no favors by interjecting the party’s national platform into the local discussion, since it’s doubtful she would have been equally supportive of the formation of a local Muslim Students Association chapter.

The best course of action in this situation is not to beat on the board of education, or by railing at the county commissioners. The best option may be to follow the advice of of the rock group Pink Floyd, who, in its album, “Another Brick in the Wall,” sang, “...leave them kids alone.”

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

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ................................ Steve Green

ASSOCIATE EDITOR .......................... Bethany Hooper

STAFF WRITERS Tara Fischer, Brian Shane

ACCOUNT MANAGERS ........ Mary Cooper, Renée Kelly, ..................................................................Terri French

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS ........................ Pamela Green

ART DIRECTOR ...................................... Cole Gibson

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

SENIOR AD DESIGNER .............................. Kelly Brown

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

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

Please send all letters and other editorial submissions to editor@baysidegazette.com by 5 p.m. Monday.

Letters

Opponents should laud new energy Editor,

Affordable energy is on the horizon - President Trump is threatening its possibility

For decades, Ocean City has been powered by energy sources that we don’t see: coal plants far inland, gas pipelines snaking through other people’s communities, and transmission lines that bring power in from elsewhere. Now, we have an opportunity to generate sustainable, affordable electricity right off our shores with the MarWin offshore wind project. Unfortunately, political threats, including President Trump’s call to cancel offshore wind projects, could rob Ocean City of this chance.

As someone who grew up here, was inspired by our beaches and wetlands to protect our coast, and spent the last decade working in energy policy, I want to share a few key facts about why offshore wind is not a threat to our way of life, but rather, an opportunity. I know many of you are skeptical, but hear me out. I want what is best for our community, I want to bring my future kids here to enjoy everything I did growing up, and I want it to be a better world here – more than anywhere else!– because this is my home.

I have worked across 14 energy sectors and honestly, offshore wind has always been my favorite. I went around our country and the world to learn what works

and I believe the pros by far outweigh the cons for our community.

1. Offshore Wind Will Lower Electricity Bills: Your electricity bills are not going up because of offshore wind projects. The power you’re using today mostly comes from fossil fuels like natural gas, which experience big price spikes at the whim of volatile oil and gas markets and unpredictable supply chain disruptions. That is what is driving your bill up –not an offshore wind that has not even been built yet.

In fact, offshore wind would drive energy prices down. Once those projects come online, they will help stabilize prices by reducing our reliance on expensive, unpredictable fossil fuels.

2. Offshore Wind Will Not Harm the Fishing Industry: Contrary to popular belief, offshore wind can support, not hurt, local fishing. Turbine foundations act as artificial reefs, attracting marine life and boosting fish stocks.

A 2020 University of Rhode Island study found no negative impacts near the Block Island Wind Farm; some fishers even reported improved catches. Regulators also collaborate with the fishing community to ensure safe navigation and coexistence. For Maryland’s fishermen, offshore wind offers a path to healthier oceans and more resilient livelihoods.

3. Offshore Wind is a Reliable, Sustainable Alternative: Unlike fossil fuels, which pump carbon into the atmosphere and drive the very sealevel rise that threatens

Ocean City, offshore wind is clean. Each turbine can power thousands of homes without emitting greenhouse gases. Offshore wind also pairs well with other renewables: when the sun isn’t shining, strong offshore winds often are blowing.

And yes, I know some of you are worried about how the turbines will look. But let’s put that in perspective.

Right now, most of our energy comes from infrastructure you’ll never see like smokestacks in other counties, pipelines running through someone else’s backyard, power plants miles away. This would be the first time our energy infrastructure is visible, and there’s something powerful about that. These turbines don’t spew pollution, they won’t make kids sick, instead they’ll stand as symbols of clean energy and local resilience — something we can be proud of.

As for the view: we've all seen the fear-mongering billboards showing massive turbines looming over the beach. That’s not reality. These turbines will be 10 nautical miles offshore. On a clear day, yes, you will spot them on the horizon but they won’t be anywhere near the sand or surf.

The real threat to Ocean City is not the potentially faint sight of turbines miles offshore. It is clinging to the old, expensive, and polluting ways of producing energy. Offshore wind is our chance to secure a brighter future, right here at home.

Zainab Mirza

Thanksgiving Fest date announced

(Oct. 30, 2025) Get ready for a bountiful Thanksgiving at the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market with the return of the annual Thanksgiving Festival on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Tuesday, Nov. 25.

D.J. David Greengrocer, a 14-year greengrocer shop at

the market, will showcase an impressive array of fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits, perfect for crafting traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. They’ll also have a wide selection of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for meal prep or snacking.

The many bakeries, in-

cluding DelVecchio’s Bakery and Bella’s Bakery, are taking special orders for pies, breads, dinner rolls, and breakfast pastries. An assortment of sweet and savory treats offered at the market are sure to complement your Thanksgiving

See SPECIAL Page 19

Former Army special forces officer will speak at event

(Oct. 30, 2025) The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation will have a traditional Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to honor all who have served in our military.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 11am at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines, including patriotic music and a salute to all branches of our Armed Forces.

This year’s guest speaker will be Col. John Fenzel, retired Senior Army Special Forces Officer, who served in both war and peace, extending from Washington D.C. to the Middle East.

The ceremony will also include the dedication of a National Gold Star Memorial, presented to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial by the Worcester County Garden Club, a member of the Garden Club of Amer-

ica and Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland.

“Veterans Day is a Day to honor and celebrate all who have served in our military.” We are forever indebted to those who were willing to serve to protect our freedoms. We are grateful to the families they left behind while they served,” said Marie Gilmore, president of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation.

Some seating will be provided, but attendees are recommended to bring a chair. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the Ocean Pines Community Center.

For more information about the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial, visit www.WoCoVets.org.

Special market on tap Nov. 22

Continued from Page 18

feast.

Indulge in local honey, jellies, and jams from We Be Jammin, perfect for adding sweetness to your holiday meal. JABBS Seasonings will also feature an assortment of gift sets, including their famous Vermont Maple Honey Rub for turkey.

Explore unique gifts from local artisans, including jewelry, candles, and floral arrangements, ideal for hostess gifts or early holiday shopping.

"The Thanksgiving markets at the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans

Market have become a family tradition," says Market Manager David Bean. "We can't wait to see everyone there. Come and experience the best of Ocean Pines' community spirit, local goods, and delicious food. Mark your calendars for a fun and festive shopping experience.”

The market takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day at White Horse Park, located at 239 Ocean Parkway.

Learn more about the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market here: www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/far mers-artisans-market

Wrongful death lawsuit against jail settled

Amount not available, but county says payment from insurance carrier LGIT

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2024) A $5 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Worcester County Jail and its contracted medical provider, Wellpath, has been settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Plaintiff Jennifer Albero sued Wellpath, Worcester County, and several jail employees in federal court after her 36-year-old son hung himself in his jail cell. The suit alleges that Kyle Arthur’s 2021 death could have been prevented if guards and medical staff had followed proper protocols.

Worcester County did not handle the lawsuit directly nor does any settlement come from taxpayer dollars. The county handed the case off to its insurance carrier, Local Government Insurance Trust, or LGIT. Generally, a settlement isn’t an admission of negligence, according to county attorney Roscoe Leslie.

Arthur was on probation for prior burglary charges when State Police pulled him over outside Ocean City for erratic driving on Sept. 9, 2021. He was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.

Within 24 hours of arriving at the Worcester County Jail, he was found hanging from his bedsheets.

The lawsuit alleged that a guard only checked on Aruther three times during an eight-hour shift instead of the required 30-minute checks.

Albero’s suit argued that Wellpath failed to provide “medication-assisted treatment,” the state-mandated withdrawal protocol for inmates. It accused medical staff of giving Arthur aspirin and motionsickness pills instead of anti-withdrawal medication as he went into opioid withdrawal and his heart rate soared to 160 beats per minute.

In a motion to dismiss, four medical staffers named as defendants argued that Arthur underwent an initial screening 90 minutes after booking by a medical professional, during which he denied suicidal thoughts. They also claimed he was placed on a standard opiate with-

drawal program and was checked twice more by medical professionals.

Defendants also said in their rebuttal that jail workers are not liable because government employees doing their job are immune from prosecution.

“There are simply no plausible factual allegations which would establish that the nurses’ administration of the facility’s opiate withdrawal protocol rose to the level of deliberate indifference to Mr. Arthur’s serious medical needs,” the defense argued in its Aug. 25 motion.

US District Court Judge James K. Bredar on Oct. 9 signed off on the settlement, court records show.

“We appreciate the County’s willingness to participate in a settlement that brings a measure of closure to a family who has endured unimaginable loss,” said Albero’s attorney, Thomas Kielty, in a statement.

“At the same time, we remain deeply frustrated by the corporate tactics employed by Wellpath to maneuver our clients’ claims – and indeed, nearly all personal injury and civil rights cases against the company – into bankruptcy. We will con-

tinue to fight for accountability and justice for this family and others,” he added.

Owned by private equity firm H.I.G. Capital and based in Nashville, Wellpath had employed 15,000 people at more than 130 facilities in 37 states. On its website, Wellpath calls itself a “national leader in developing and offering MAT services to prevent and treat substance abuse disorder.

According to published reports, Wellpath had been the target of more than 1,500 lawsuits alleging negligence or substandard care. With $644 million in debt, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024.

By May of this year, the company announced it had completed a financial restructuring process and emerged from Bankruptcy Court having agreed to pay $15.5 million to creditors.

The company also spun off its behavioral health division, providing services at inpatient psychiatric hospitals and rehab centers, to a lender in exchange for canceling about $375 million in debt, according to reports.

$1,845.

Saturrdday 11am-1pm

Saturrdday Noon-2pm 403 Str

Saturrdday Noon-3pm 11204 City

Saturrdday

RESIDENT HONORED

Patricia “Pat” McKensie was honored by AARP Maryland at the Annual Andrus Award Celebration on Oct. 8 at Kurtz’s Beach, Pasadena, Maryland. Maryland Retired School Personnel Association submitted her for the award in recognition of her community service. She is pictured with Bev Yurek, executive board member for Maryland Retired School Personnel Association.

Oct. 31 - Nov. 7

Calendar

Thurs., Oct. 30

OC RV & VAN LIFESTYLE SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 12-7 p.m. Explore the latest RVs, custom vans, kayaks, fishing gear and outdoor accessories. Enjoy BMX and skateboarding demos, test ride the newest e-bikes, bay cruises and more. Tickets: https://ocrvshow.com.

TRICK OR TREAT AT THE LIBRARY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Come in costume, create your trick or treat bag, and then go around the desks to collect your candy. For ages 0-18 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘NOT SO SPOOKY STORIES’

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: HALLOWEEN STORY TIME AND COSTUME PARADE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Come dressed in costume for a story and a parade through the library. Trick or treat around the different areas and make a craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, 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

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S HAUNTED LABORATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2-5:30 p.m. Walk the road to the mad doctor’s lair; You’ll see many things to give you a scare: A dinosaur here! An alien there! A zombie horde! Walk on by - if you dare! 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MUSIC LEGENDS MOVIE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Elton John’s music provides the soundtrack for this biopic about the performer’s extraordinary life. Rated R. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHAIR YOGA

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. This is an alllevels chair yoga program. Handouts with poses and stretches you can do at home will be provided. Registration required: 410957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch,

13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books you have read and want to share. Come find your next great read. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HALLOWEEN STEAM!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for some scary good crafts and experiments. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DRY PANTRY

Thursdays - St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street, Berlin, 10 a.m.1 p.m. For those in need of resources such as paper products, laundry products, baby items, and personal care items. Limits apply. 410-641-0270

Fri., Oct. 31

OC RV & VAN LIFESTYLE SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Explore the latest RVs, custom vans, kayaks, fishing gear and outdoor accessories. Enjoy BMX and skateboarding demos, test ride the newest e-bikes, bay cruises and more. Tickets: https://ocrvshow.com.

BRONCO BEACH BASH

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Inlet Parking Lot. Held with the OC RV & Van Lifestyle Show. Featuring beach cruises and trail-in-spired challenges, show and shine competition, exclusive merch and giveaways. broncobeachbash.com, 443-366-5944

HAUNTED BINGO

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-noon. For senior adults, 50 years and older. Come dressed in your Halloween best and play for prizes and share some donuts. Free event. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreationparks/, 410-250-0125

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. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HALLOWEEN AT THE ART LEAGUE OF OC Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free slime making class, trick-or-treating and dance to spooky tunes. Costumes are encouraged. https://artleagueofoceancity.org/event/hal loween-at-the-art-league-of-oc/

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S HAUNTED LABORATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 12-7 p.m. Walk the road

Please send calendar items to editor@baysidegazette.com by 5 p.m. Monday. All community-related activities will be published at no charge.

to the mad doctor’s lair; You’ll see many things to give you a scare: A dinosaur here! An alien there! A zombie horde! Walk on by - if you dare! 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DISCOVERY DEN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3:30-4:30 p.m. Come enjoy a new topic every week. Best of elementary and middle school students, but all are welcome. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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. 410-524-7994

Sat., Nov. 1

OC RV & VAN LIFESTYLE SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Explore the latest RVs, custom vans, kayaks, fishing gear and outdoor accessories. Enjoy BMX and skateboarding demos, test ride the newest e-bikes, bay cruises and more. Tickets: https://ocrvshow.com.

BRONCO BEACH BASH

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Inlet Parking Lot. Held with the OC RV & Van Lifestyle Show. Featuring beach cruises and trail-in-spired challenges, show and shine competition, exclusive merch and giveaways. broncobeachbash.com, 443-366-5944

OCTOBERFEST SHORE CRAFT BEER FEST

Bayside Park at Third Street, Third Street, Ocean City, 1 p.m. Local craft breweries, food trucks, live music and more. Tickets: https://shorecraftbeer.ticketspice.com/20 25-octoberfest. 410-703-1970

‘RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC’

‘Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member Mick Fleetwood. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/73432829/ rumours-of-fleetwood-mac-ocean-city-ocperforming-arts-center.

FALL ‘TEAM’ PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Teams of four (two men, two women). https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/pickleball/, 410250-0125

BREAST CANCER 101 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave., Salisbury, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for visiting vendors and a complimentary break-

fast, guest speakers will begin at 9:00 a.m. This conference is free to attend, but space is limited. 410-548-7880

WINTER WONDERLAND HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Gifts galore! All items are handcrafted. Also featuring bake sale, free admission and free parking. The Artisan Gift Shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FALL MARKET AT THE MODERN GRAZE The Modern Graze, 36298 Old Ocean City Road, Willards, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy strolling the Makers Market featuring local community vendors and artisans from the Eastern Shore.

CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Community Church at Ocean Pines - Family Life Center, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring Christmas clothing, jewelry, trees, wreaths, lighting, decorations, new toys and gifts. Baked goods and light lunch sold. Canned goods always appreciated for the Food Pantry. 410-641-5433

CRAFT SHOW

Selbyville Volunteer Fire Co, 30 N. Main St., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring more than 30 vendors. There will be a Tricky Tray Auction and a 50/50 raffle. Offering scrapple and egg sandwiches for breakfast, and hot dogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers for lunch.

CRAFTY SATURDAY: DINOVEMBER

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Come craft fossils, create skeletons and more. For ages 0-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ALL YOU CAN EAT FRIED CHICKEN BUFFET Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 36540 Mount Pleasant Road, Willards, 11 a.m. Vegetables, beverages and dessert included. Cost to dine in is $17 for adults, $8.50 for children and those 5 years and younger eat free. Cost for carryout is $15. No pre-orders. 410-835-8340

COMIC BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Like graphic novels? Come create your own and make a craft. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

2ND ANNUAL NIGHT OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Friendship Church of Berlin, 10537 Friendship Road, 6 p.m. A love offering will be taken to benefit the ministries of Friendship’s Men’s Group. Light refreshments will follow.

OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Continued on

Calendar

Continued from Page 23

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/f armers-artisans-market

Sun., Nov. 2

OC RV & VAN LIFESTYLE SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Explore the latest RVs, custom vans, kayaks, fishing gear and outdoor accessories. Enjoy BMX and skateboarding demos, test ride the newest e-bikes, bay cruises and more. Tickets: https://ocrvshow.com.

BRONCO BEACH BASH

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Inlet Parking Lot. Held with the OC RV & Van Lifestyle Show. Featuring beach cruises and trail-in-spired challenges, show and shine competition, exclusive merch and giveaways. broncobeachbash.com, 443-366-5944

5TH ANNUAL SNOW HILL SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Downtown Snow Hill, 1-5 p.m. All-YouCan-Eat and Drink Seafood Festival with live music, 50/50 raffles and event merchandise. Cost is $65. Tickets: https://www.snowhillchamber.com/seafoo d-festival.

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

Mon., Nov. 3

STORY TIME: OUTER SPACE

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MYPLATE FOR DIABETES

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. Learn the MyPlate method of creating

meals that can help manage diabetes. Presented by TidalHealth. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN’S MOVE FOR THE CURE

Fager’s Island, 201 60th St., Ocean City, 5:45 p.m. Check in begins 5 p.m. The event requires a $20 donation and features a high-energy dance class led by Pure Family Fitness instructors, a Chinese auction, and a 50/50 raffle. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

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

Mondays - Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-6410157

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. Elissa, 410-641-8050; on social media; or delmarvachorus.org.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 78 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

Tues., Nov. 4

LINE DANCE GALORE

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 6-9 p.m. Also offering pizza, soda, bottled water and ice cream. Cost is $8 for Ocean City residents and $10, non-residents. Must register in advance: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreationparks/. 410-250-0125

STORY TIME: AUTUMN

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and finger plays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, 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. Group meets every Tuesday. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MASTER GARDENERS PLANT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring questions and feel free to show your plants as well. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

INTRODUCTION TO ACUPUNCTURE

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Dr. Brooke Bochinski LAc., DOM, from Sea Wellness Acupuncture, teaches this introductory class. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SUPER SMASH BROS TOURNAMENT

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4 p.m. Test your Smash Bros skills against fellow patrons for the chance to win a prize. For ages 12-18 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DRONES 101

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Come check out drones and learn all about them with Worcester Tech instructor Valerie Zienty. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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 oth-

ers 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.

Wed., Nov. 5

PAINT & SIP

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Cost is $27 and includes wine and crackers. Must be a least 18 years of age to participate. Register: 410641-7052.

GRACE PARKER BREAKFAST

First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., 7-11 a.m. Menu includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and home fries. Cost to eat-in is $12 and carryout is $10.

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with new-to-you puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle to exchange but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be complete in their original boxes. 410-641-0650

STEM FEST: FOOD FOR ENERGY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2:30 p.m. Learn why it’s important to keep our energy levels high and how our bodies convert food into energy. Sample some healthy, high energy snacks. For ages 6-11 years. Registration necessary: 410-957-0878.

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

October 30, 2025 Bayside Gazette 25

TIKTOK®/ SOCIAL MEDIA WHIZ PART TIME

Looking for help with TikTok LIVE® and to monetize.

I have millions of viewers!

410-206-6590

Experienced

YR SOUS CHEF

Mancini’s Restaurant

907 Coastal Hwy Fenwick Isle, DE

302-537-4224

JOLLY ROGER

Small Engine Mechanic. Ride Maintenance. Year Round. Wage starts at $15/hour & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902

DENTAL HYGIENIST Ocean City, MD 410-213-1032

YR APARTMENT

8th ST.

1 BR, Sleeps 6 Fully remodeled. 3rd Floor, No elevator

$1,850 per mo. Includes Cable, Elec. & Water 410-430-7675

YR APARTMENT

28th ST. Large 1 BR, Fully remodeled. 3rd Floor, No elevator

$1,500 per mo. Includes Cable, Elec. & Water 410-430-7675

YEAR-ROUND RENTAL

3BR, 2BA

Beautiful Townhouse with garage. Unfurnished. Off Rt. 54 in Atlantic Lakes.

$2,300 per mo. + util’s. Owner pays HOA. Community pool. No pets/smoking. Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

YR or WINTER RENTAL

OCEAN CITY

Several locations. Furn. or unfurn. 2BR, 2BA and larger. 410-524-0663

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

YEARLY RENTAL

2BR, 1BA Unfurnished

319 Robin Drive

Available immediately

Dog friendly, ground floor. Ideal 2 mature adults w/strong work history.

$2,000/mo + electric Call/text 703-819-7400

WINTER RENTAL

North OC

1BR, 1BA Condo

3rd Flr walk up, furnished, WD, Parking, Walking distance to restaurants

$1,100 per mo + sec. dep. Incl’s Util & WiFi 412-965-4079

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

39 ACRE FARM

mostly cleared. Between Pittsville and Salisbury. Huge warehouse/barn w/concrete floor. Perfect for horse, vehicles, contractors.

Includes 2,200 sq. ft. house. Gourmet kitchen, liveable but needs updating.

$650,000

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

COMMERCIAL

2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

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.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Rt. 611, Stephen Decatur Business Center.

Large unit with 5 individual office spaces within. $2,400 per mo. 410-430-7675

Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

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

ATTENTION

All relatives of restaurant owners in the OC MD area that are interested in preserving our little towns restaurant heritage. Contact Kelly Carney 410-251-6694 Or KaCarney7@gmail.com

MISC. FOR SALE Get

Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

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