Christmas parade on Main St. tonight
Berlin tradition marks its 54th year, with many floats, marching units and entries
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 4, 2025) The Town of Berlin will welcome thousands of residents and visitors — and close to 100 floats and entries— tonight for its 54th annual Christmas parade.
The procession up Main Street will begin at 7 p.m. at the Berlin Welcome Center and run north to the Berlin Fire Company and will feature floats and marching units from local schools, organizations, small businesses, performers, and Worcester County fire departments. Ivy Wells, the municipality’s economic and community development director, said the event has about 85 participants this year.
Wells added that Santa Claus will make an appearance, hitching a ride
on a fire truck to spread holiday cheer to kids and their families.
The theme of Berlin’s parade this year is “A Miracle on Main Street: A Celebration of the Holidays’ Favorite Songs and Movies.” Mayor Zack Tyndall announced the concept earlier this year on July 25, during the promotion known as “Christmas in July.”
“The parade has been a Berlin tradition for more than 50 years,” she said. “It’s really woven into the town’s history…It’s a big part of what makes Berlin feel like Berlin.”
The economic and community development director noted that the march is “easily one of the biggest events [Berlin] hosts all year.”
According to Wells, planning for the festival begins in the summer with the announcement of the theme in July, and a few emails in June from participants hoping to secure their spots early.
OP fire department has its trains running for holidays
Expanded setup on display this year as volunteers hit throttle on model showcase
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 4, 2025) The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department is revving up its holiday cheer with the company’s fourth annual Christmas-time model train display, featuring various
locomotives and a scavenger hunt.
The railway vehicle showcase is located at the department’s North Station at 249 Ocean Parkway.
According to Joe Enste, the OPVD’s president and public information officer, visitors can expect a variety of trains, ranging in size and era, “spanning from the early 1900s to more modern models from the 2000s.”
The arrangement has expanded
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Governor officially appoints Anderson to replace Otto
Somerset farmer had close ties with former delegate who passed away Oct. 17
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 4, 2025) Princess Anne seed farmer Kevin Anderson has officially been appointed to represent District 38A in the Maryland House of Delegates, filling the seat held by the late Charles Otto.
Gov. Wes Moore’s office announced the appointment Tuesday, citing Anderson’s roots in Somerset County and his lifelong commitment to agriculture. Anderson will hold the seat until the next statewide election in November 2026.
“Kevin Anderson is a son of the Eastern Shore,” Moore said in a statement. “He understands the needs of his community firsthand, and I am confident that he will serve his constituents with dedication and distinction. I look forward to working in partnership with Kevin to build a Maryland that leaves no one behind.”
A three-term incumbent and lifelong farmer, Otto died suddenly on Oct 17. The process to name his replacement moved quickly. Because he was a Republican, state law says his party gets to forward applicants of their choosing onto the governor.
The Lower Shore’s Republican central committees worked together to solicit applicants. Candidates were required to be residents of the district, which covers all of Somerset County, about a third of Worcester County, and a sliver of Wicomico County.
Anderson ended up besting four others on the GOP shortlist, including Pocomoke City Councilman C.L. Marshal and farmer Mike McCready, who ran for the seat once before in 2010.
The tri-county GOP nomination committee in a Nov. 10 statement said Anderson would honor Otto’s
legacy while bringing a steady, solutions-oriented hand to the State House.
“Mr. Anderson is a respected community leader with life-long ties to the district, a strong record of public and civic engagement, and a demonstrated commitment to the agriculture, small business, and coastal community priorities that define District 38,” they wrote.
Anderson, 58, has worked the land all his life. Today he’s a third-generation seed farmer, joining his father and wife on their family farm, Wimberly Farms. They grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and barley. He and his father also operate a seed conditioning facility as a side business.
He’s been the recipient of multiple agricultural awards and recognitions, including the American Farm Bureau Federation’s National Young Farmer Achievement Award in 2002. He was also named a National Outstanding Young Farmer by the Outstanding Farmers of America in 2007, according to the governor’s office.
His experience also includes serving on various statewide boards, civic clubs, and trade groups. He currently serves as vice president of the Maryland Crop Association and also sits on the Maryland Grain Producers board of directors.
Notably, Anderson and Otto were lifelong friends. Otto was the best man at Anderson’s wedding to wife Liz, and Anderson was Otto’s campaign manager who first convinced him to run for office in 2010. Otto succeeded the late Page Elmore, who died in office.
In an interview earlier this month, Anderson said he plans only to be a voice for his constituents in Annapolis and won’t go into the next Legislative Session with a personal agenda or preconceived notions.
“I’ve been going to Annapolis to advocate for agriculture for 38 years; it’s not new to me,” he said. “I’m just going to be sitting on the other side of the table.”
Christmas parade ready to go
Organizers also work to iron out logistics. For example, parents have expressed “year after year” that waiting for Santa to make his appearance for the duration of the parade was challenging for small children. As such, Saint Nicholas has been re-stationed at the beginning of the procession.
“That change made a lot of young families very happy,” the economic and community development director said.
Also new to the parade this year is stricter enforcement of chair placement rules. In November, the municipality announced that for parades and events, residents and visitors will be prohibited from setting up chairs and blankets until the town officially closes the roads for the festivals. This is typically about two hours before the celebrations start.
Berlin officials said that it is not
uncommon to see seats along pedestrian paths as early as sunrise on the day of the Christmas Parade. While some have argued that this practice is a town tradition that allows visitors and citizens to reserve a front-row viewing position, the municipality ultimately cited accessibility and safety concerns as its rationale for the policy.
The chairs are placed along the sidewalks against Main Street, blocking walkers and shoppers.
The new regulation means that for tonight’s event, attendees will still be permitted to set up their blankets and chairs before the scheduled start time, but no earlier than 5 p.m.
The parade is expected to run until about 9 p.m.
“People love this parade because the kids do an amazing job and there’s just something about a night parade with the lights, the music, the whole vibe,” Wells said. Continued from Page 1
Fire dept. model train showcase expanding
Continued from Page 1
this time around. Enste said last season that the project was made possible by the efforts of him, his father, Don Enste, and lifelong family friend, Mark Libertini, who combined their personal train collections to create the exhibit.
Other fire volunteers and officials have also gotten in on the fun since the program’s launch four years ago. This year, the department has added trains and has refreshed the track layouts to include additional figure-8 designs, Enste said.
“We’re also excited to feature several trains that were generously donated to the department by members of our community,” he added.
The fire president explained that the yearly display is built, maintained, and operated by Don Enste and Libertini, who work with other OPVFD members to ensure the presentation is operating.
While viewing the toy cars, attendees will be able to hear from members of the OPVFD who built the display about the history and significance of model trains, and talk with the community’s public safety personnel.
Organizers hope that not only does the showcase foster some Christmas spirit in Ocean Pines but also
strengthens neighborhood ties among residents and the citizens who help keep them protected.
“Our display offers a unique experience for all ages and generations — from grandparents who reminisce about the trains they had around their Christmas trees as children, to today’s kids who associate trains with characters like Thomas or ‘The Polar Express,’” Enste said.
“It creates a shared space where everyone can come together, reconnect, and simply be a kid again, leaving the stresses of everyday life behind for a while.”
Furthermore, the train display is interactive. Enste said visitors will have the option to participate in a scavenger hunt, which consists of 13 questions. These inquiries can only be answered by carefully examining the presentation.
“Some questions require participants to count specific items throughout the exhibit, while others highlight and introduce the various sponsors who help make the display possible,” Enste said.
Scavenger hunt forms can be picked up at the North Station upon arrival. Once completed, the sheets may be dropped in a designated box. In January, one winner, with the correct answers, will be selected to re-
ceive a prize.
The fire department’s model train display will be viewable to the public throughout December. It’s open on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then again from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Serpone’s Pizzeria has returned for the second year in a row as the train project’s presenting sponsor, said Enste. Ocean Pines Handyman and Realtor Cindy Poremski have also joined the initiative as featured spon-
sors. At the same time, Dandy Don’s Bike Rentals, Preston Automotive Group, McGee Fence, and My Backyard are scavenger hunt sponsors.
“We also extend special thanks to Seaside Hobbies and the Delaware Seaside Railroad Club for their continued support,” the fire president added.
On Saturday, Dec. 20, Santa will make a special appearance at the exhibit, and the department will finally select a winner of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
One of the model trains on display is pictured at the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department’s North Station at 249 Ocean Parkway.
Solar farm’s stormwater review fee reduced
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 4, 2025) The Berlin mayor and Town Council voted last week to reduce a stormwater review fee from nearly $20,000 to $5,500 for an 18megawatt solar farm proposed off Route 818.
The vote followed a lengthy discussion about the precedent such a reduction could set. Council members Steve Green (the executive editor of this paper) and Shaneka Nichols voting to decrease the fee. Councilmen Jack Orris and Jay Knerr opposed the motion. With the council’s vice president, Dean Burrell, absent, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall broke the draw, casting his vote to lower the cost of the review fee for the solar field project.
Steve Engel, Vista Design principal representing solar developer Soltage,
asked the town to reduce the fee from $19,577.60 to $5,500. Engel argued that the nature of the solar project requires less analysis than that of commercial developments with bioretention facilities, gravel wetlands, or other stormwater management systems.
“There just isn’t a lot of calculations or facilities to review,” Engel said. “...A commercial development would have numerous stormwater management facilities, gravel wetlands, all of those having very specific calculations that go along with them, but in this case, we don’t have any of those calculations.”
Rather than systems typical to a commercial development, the Vista Designs principal explained that at the solar farm, the stormwater sheets off the panels, landing on the ground, and
then filters into the grass below.
Town Administrator Mary Bohlen added that the project’s design is unique under the municipality's current code, which was not written with solar farms in mind. She noted that it would be “fairly easy” for the Town of Berlin to create a definition for solar projects to account for them in the fee schedule.
Under Berlin’s fee schedule, stormwater review charges for multifamily, agricultural, commercial, and industrial developments are calculated based on disturbance area at a rate of $4 per 1,000 square feet for projects over 220,000 square feet. For Soltage’s solar proposal, that formula generated the nearly $20,000 price tag.
A legal letter submitted to the town by Soltage’s attorney, Brendan Mullaney, argued the fee is “excessive” for a project with minimal stormwater management systems to review.
According to that same letter, it is “Vista Design’s professional opinion that to complete a review of this nature should take somewhere around 40 hours to complete.” This would place the likely cost near $5,500 when including administrative overhead.
Councilmember Jack Orris, however, opposed any reduction, pointing out that the solar farm is still a commercial use and that Worcester
County does not reduce stormwater review fees for such projects.
Councilmember Jay Knerr concurred with Orris’s position.
“I hate to set this precedent,” he said.
However, Town Attorney David Gaskill noted that under state law, municipalities can adopt fees only to cover administrative costs, restricting them from over- or under-charging for regulatory review.
“They’re not to be used [for revenue],” he maintained.
Green also argued that the town’s fees are intended to reflect staff and consultant time, and in this case, the calculated rate of almost $20,000 “is not what it’s going to cost.”
Nichols moved to reduce the fee to $5,500 for this project only and to direct staff to develop criteria for evaluating solar developments moving forward. Green seconded.
Nichols and Green voted in favor, while Orris and Knerr voted against. With the vote tied, Tyndall cast the deciding vote to approve the reduction.
“The rationale behind my vote is I believe we should have fees that cover the cost of the project as well as review for staff … I can’t justify asking a company to spend roughly $20,000 when we know it's going to come in closer to the $5,000 mark,” Tyndall said.
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The Framing Corner
White Horse Park to host holiday marketplace events
(Dec. 4, 2025) It’s the most wonderful time of the year, as the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market is preparing for its annual Hometown Holiday Marketplace at White Horse Park.
This year’s market takes place December 6, 13, and 20, from 9 a.m. –12 p.m. each day. Enjoy the sound of holiday tunes while visiting the various merchants and everything they have to offer. Plus, at the December 6 market, visitors can enjoy a special Candy Cane Hunt, with hundreds of candy canes hidden throughout the Marketplace.
At the bakery shops, the sweet aroma of fresh-baked cookies and dinner rolls wafts through the air, making everyone's mouth water. "Our talented bakers are working overtime to create the most scrupulous treats for Santa Claus himself!" says David Bean, market manager. "From classic sugar cookies to gingerbread men, they've got the holiday baking scene covered," Bean adds.
The farm stand at Stag Run Farm and pop-up greengrocer shop of D.J. David are bursting with colorful fruits and veggies, perfect for creating any bountiful holiday feast. "Our fresh cranberries add a pop of color to our
shop displays, and the selection of fresh herbs like sage and rosemary will make your holiday meal sing," said David Joseph Deacon, co-owner of D.J. David Greengrocer.
As shoppers venture through the market, the scent of spices and herbs is sure to bring shoppers to JABBS Seasonings. Janice and Bill Curtis offer up their spice blends, infused oils, and vinegars with holiday magic. "Add a pinch of this, a dash of that," Janice Curtis says. "Your holiday meals will be pure perfection!"
Meanwhile, Longridge Gardens and Stone Cottage Flower Farm have conjured up stunning centerpieces, wreaths, and garlands, featuring fresh greens, seasonal florals, and all things shiny and bright.
And make sure to keep an eye out for Ms. Claus herself, as she loves to make surprise visits to the Marketplace with her mischievous elves. Laughter and holiday music fill the air as you shop and savor the flavors of the season. Come one, come all, and let the holiday magic of Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market warm your heart.
For more information, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/far mers-artisans-market.
Fire department selling 2,500 tix in Jeep fundraiser
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 4, 2025) A new Jeep Wrangler will soon find a home after the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department raffles off the vehicle later this month. Tickets are still available for anyone in the market for the SUV.
On Saturday, Dec. 20, during open hours of the holiday model train display at the OPVFD’s North Station at 249 Ocean Parkway, the fire company will select a winner of a 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4x4 Anvil Clear Coat.
According to Joe Enste, OPVFD’s president, the department will cover expenses that are typically the responsibility of the person whose ticket was chosen—winner fees, including taxes, title, and registration.
So far, a little under 1,000 of the 2,500 available tickets have been sold. Fire department officials are encouraging Ocean Pines Association members to secure their last-minute raffle entries for the chance to have their slip selected and take home the brand-new Jeep. Tickets are $100 each, and individuals can purchase as many as they like.
“The winner will not be responsible for paying taxes on the vehicle this year,” he said. “This was made possible by increasing the ticket price over the past two years to help offset the costs associated with taxes, title, and related fees. Doing so ensures the winner takes possession of the vehicle without facing an additional $20,000 or more in out-of-pocket expenses.”
The car fundraiser has been a department tradition since 2019. During that time, the company has raffled off various types of vehicles, including full-size pickup trucks, Wranglers, and crossover SUVs such as the Ford Bronco and Ford Explorer.
The initiative helps raise funds for the fire department while also giving community members a chance at a new car. Enste said that the proceeds from the effort vary annually based on the number of tickets sold and the cost of the vehicle. However, the department’s goal is $50,000 or more.
The Jeep this year was provided by i.g. Burton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT of Berlin. It’s valued at approximately $53,364.
Those who wish to purchase a raffle ticket must be 18 years or older. Slip holders do not have to be present at the drawing to win and will be notified immediately. Tickets can be obtained at https://opvfd.com/vehicle_raffle/.
A 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4x4 is currently available through a raffle fundraiser.
Small Business Saturday a big day for Berlin merchants
Merchant estimates 25% increase in foot traffic for downtown businesses
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 4, 2025) Berlin’s downtown merchants say last weekend’s Small Business Saturday promotion delivered shopping traffic from residents and visitors looking to support independent businesses.
Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said participation was widespread among downtown shops, noting that “nearly all of them” offered specials or promotions during Small Business Saturday, which occurred nationwide.
The designated day took place after Black Friday to encourage shoppers to support the independent stores in their area. In Berlin, the event was held in collaboration with holiday season festivities.
“There’s something about Small
Business Saturday that really brings out people who want to shop local,” Wells said. “People came from all over to be here. With so many shops to choose from, plenty of places to eat, benches to relax on, Merry Marketplace, free carriage rides, and Santa visits, the whole experience draws crowds. Many folks reached out to tell us how much they love coming to Berlin to shop.”
Wells said the town sees more shoppers on the Saturday after Thanksgiving now than it did before Small Business Saturday was created in 2010, noting that the event has brought “a spotlight on the ‘shop local’ movement.”
“When people are buying gifts, they want something unique and you can find those things here in Berlin,” she added.
For business owners, that spotlight translates into a boost, one that was especially apparent this year. Co-owner of the home store British Rose, Larnet St. Amant said that she
Banner holiday weekend seen
estimates a 25% to 30% increase in foot traffic this past Saturday, as compared to a normal weekend.
“The foot traffic this year, I think it was a perfect storm,” she said. “The weather was nice and chilly; it put you in the spirit … There were a lot of people. It was definitely up over 30%. Every year we build on what we have.”
St. Amant said she and her sister, the store’s other owner, turned the day into a full “sip and shop” experience.
“It’s hard to compete with big box stores,” St. Amant said. “As a small business, we try to have a sense of community.”
British Rose offered complimentary red and white wine to shoppers, samples of British chocolates, and a free soap gift with purchases of $20 or more.
St. Amant noted that the entire weekend — from Ice Ice Berlin on Black Friday to the town’s tree lighting and festive decorations — helped to propel business.
“We are very blessed here,” she said. “We make it a whole weekend. Black Friday becomes Ice Ice Berlin, which brings people to see the ice sculptures. Also, the tree lighting and all the things that make it very festive creates a buzz. People want to be here, and people stay later than
they normally would.”
St. Amant added that her shop stayed open late on Friday and Saturday, and offered the same wine, chocolate, and gifts on both days.
For St. Amant, personal touch remains the defining edge that small shops like British Rose have over larger retailers.
“With our shops being small, we have customer service,” she said. “We wait on people, we ask if they need help or if they have someone in mind for a gift, and we can help them find a gift. We’re a hands-on, smaller retail spot.”
She described the day as “perfect.”
“Everybody was in a good mood, people were so excited to be there and support,” St. Amant said. “It’s important for us. In this town, we all support each other. We all work together.”
Small Business Saturday was initiated in 2010 by American Express. In 2011, the U.S. Small Business Administration came on as an official cosponsor.
According to American Express’s official website, the company launched the project to “drive consumers to spend at small businesses” right before the holidays, between the traditional Black Friday and Cyber Monday events.
MedOne completes transition to new space
Old Ocean City Blvd. site was home to Rite Aid for more than two decades
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 4, 2025) Berlin’s newest pharmacy, MedOne, has officially taken over the town’s former Rite Aid after the major corporation closed its doors nationwide this year.
MedOne, which operates eight pharmacies across the state, has served Berlin and the surrounding areas at 10119 Old Ocean City Blvd since the end of the summer, filling a gap left by former tenant Rite Aid. The major retail pharmacy went out of business in 2025 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in less than two years.
Now, MedOne has taken over to meet the community's pharmaceutical and convenience store needs. The business’s partner and store manager, Danish Nadeem said the decision to move into the location happened quickly, with the store opening on Aug. 18, the same day Rite Aid vacated the property.
“In terms of taking over the business, I can tell you it was very crazy,” he said. “When someone is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, there are a lot of issues that go along with that … It was an aggressive merger in the sense that we moved here so quickly. You could say it was less than two weeks.”
The urgency, Nadeem said, was vital to protecting patients.
“As soon as we found out that this community was losing a stable pharmacy in this location, we felt like we had to jump on this opportunity,” he said. “We understood that Rite Aid was closing all over the country, and a lot of patients were affected by that.”
He continued, “Patients are taking their maintenance medications. Our industry is very special, where we can’t close on certain days because people rely on us. We are a staple in the community. We make sure your mom, your grandma, your grandpa, and you are healthy and taking your medication when needed. That's why
we wanted to jump over here as soon as possible.”
Nadeem said that since opening in August, MedOne has been able to offer its customers something the previous company lacked — quality and personal service.
“Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens — they’re all corporations,” he said. “Unfortunately, when you work for them, you’re unable to do the extra things or go out of your way to take care of a patient.”
MedOne, he added, has none of those restrictions.
“When your insurance claim is rejected, or the insurance does not cover the product, and a patient has to pay out of pocket, we can work more with the patient because we don’t have that corporation requiring these obscure requirements and pushing their employees to push certain narratives,” he said. “Rather than pushing medications, pushing narratives, we’re pushing a healthy community here in Berlin.”
MedOne also offers complimentary delivery. This service is available nationwide, not just locally. Whether a patient travels south for the winter or forgets to pick up medication before a vacation, MedOne will ship prescriptions at no cost.
Additionally, to maintain comfort,
MedOne has retained Rite Aid’s former staff.
“The main reason is to keep the familiarity aspect, and trust between store and community,” Nadeem said. “And then also to know how Rite Aid was doing certain things and how we can do it better.”
Beyond its full pharmacy operation, like Rite Aid, the store maintains its retail side, selling beauty products, toiletries, household items, snacks, and beverages. Additionally, MedOne is hoping to expand.
“We’re trying to cut half the store and create a health clinic to make it more convenient than a doctor’s office or urgent care,” the partner and store manager said.
The clinic would offer walk-in services, including flu and COVID testing, blood pressure checks, and quick diagnoses.
MedOne has been operational since Rite Aid’s closure and looks forward to continuing to serve Berlin's residents.
“The day Rite Aid closed was the same day we opened up,” Nadeem said. “It was a convenience for our patients. We didn’t want them to go even an hour without being able to get their medication. That’s why we aggressively merged on and made sure we were able to get up and running.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
New signage for the MedOne pharmacy in Berlin is now in place. The operator took over the space formally held by the former Rite Aid over the summer.
Opinion
Addis resigns abruptly from board of ed seat
When news comes out of a Worcester County Board of Education meeting, it’s seldom about the board members themselves. Yet, the biggest takeaway from Tuesday’s public input budget session in Newark is that board member Katie Addis stunned everyone in the room by announcing her immediate resignation.
She has caught people off guard before, but this declaration was different. In her speech that led up to her announcement, she said she had found the job more difficult than anticipated because of biased newspaper reporting, a “good ol’ boy” mentality in the county and a school system that routinely wanted more money than it needed.
Also coming in for a verbal walloping from Addis was the Worcester County Teachers Association, which she accused of not always working in the teachers’ interest.
Addis began her surprise resignation speech by saying she sought — and won — a school board seat three years ago because it was her dream to see her children enter the county school system. That, she continued, would not be the case, although she offered no specific reason why that would not or could not happen or what prompted her decision to step down with one year left on her term.
That she was destined not to blend in with the other members of the board was evident during her 2022 campaign for the 6th District’s (Bishopville) seat on the board. In an interview with the Capital News Service, Addis said the biggest problems facing the school system were “Social Emotional Learning, a damaging health framework and constant political agendas are being pushed.”
She also objected to what she said were the schools teaching “Critical Race Theory practices, gender identity and other social justice programs to create a divisive divide in our schools.”
Addis also had butted heads with other members and the administration over the board’s budget proposals, which she saw as excessive. Now, she’ll have to object from the sidelines for reasons that remain unclear, for now.
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
Be smart with tree decorations in park
Editor,
I am a 12-year-old girl from Ocean Pines and the club reporter for the 4-H Nature Adventurers. Our club is made up of homeschoolers. We focus on education, the environment, and service to the community.
We gather several times a year to collect trash at various parks, including White Horse Park. Unfortunately, while the parks and rec team
do an excellent job cleaning up after events, we still find bits of broken ornaments and zip ties there yearround.
We have decorated trees as a club the past few years, and this time we went with all nature-friendly ornaments, using string and twine to hang bird seed covered pinecones, popcorn and cranberry garlands, dried oranges, and even a star made of sticks.
With any luck, the birds will help themselves to our
decorations and leave us little to clean up after the holidays.
All the trees are always so beautifully decorated. We hope that our tree this year will encourage others to think about nature when securing their ornaments (it can get so windy!) and maybe even hang things that if blown off will be safe for the local critters to find.
Wishing you a happy holiday season, Frankie Maratea Ocean Pines
Candidate files for Abbott’s position
Business owner eyes commissioner run with unique skill set
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 4, 2025) The owner of a septic service company in Snow Hill has filed to run for the District 1 County Commissioner seat in next year’s election.
Shaun Shockley, 48, registered as a candidate with the Board of Elections on Nov. 18. He plans to bring to bear his 27 years in an industry where he said he’s become an expert at all things water, sewer, and landfill. Shockley owns Smith Septic Service, a company formerly owned by his father-in-law Marvin Smith.
“I think a lot of these people get into these positions and don’t know business stuff, don’t know water sewer,” Shockley said. “You almost need to have a little bit of an insight into how these things work, otherwise you spend a lot of time figuring it out,” he said. “I know what it takes to make it work and not be a failure at that end of it.”
He added that long-term planning for the county’s beleaguered water-sewer system has been “somewhat
neglected” and he wants to be part of a solution.
“Stuff that needs to be worked on today isn’t for tomorrow, “he said. “A lot of it’s for 10, 15 years down the road. It doesn’t happen overnight.”
Shockley registered to run as a Republican, setting up a potential primary matchup next June against incumbent District 1 Commissioner Caryn Abbott. As of this writing Abbott has not yet filed to run for a second term.
He admits that, when it comes to the issues, he needs to learn more about the state of Worcester County Public Schools and the politics of the elected school board, but says he’ll start attending meetings to get caught up.
He’s also been told by some teacher friends that negotiated salaries are a key issue for educators here, to the point some teachers have left Worcester County for neighboring districts that pay more.
One other issue he wants to focus on recruiting and retaining paramedics. He’s heard from some friends in the fire service that some municipalities are shorthanded with emergency medical service.
He said the county might
need to take over the whole EMS system and rotate paramedics to different duty stations.
Born and raised in Salisbury, Shockley moved to Worcester County in 2001 and now lives outside Snow Hill. It’s his opinion that commissioners previously elected to represent District 1 ended up focusing too much on Pocomoke City, when the district itself is quite broad, taking up nearly half the county by area. The Southern district seat has flipped a few times in recent years: Democrat Bobby Cowger, elected in 2006, served one term. Republican Merrill Lockfaw served two terms from 2010 to 2018. Democrat Josh Nordstrom was elected in 2018, and Abbott put the seat back in GOP hands in 2022.
Shockley isn’t on social media (“I spend enough time at work in a cesspool,” he joked) but is planning to set up an online presence in the near future to support his campaign – as well as a trip to the menswear shop.
“I don’t even currently own a suit. I work out in the field. It’s just kind of never been my thing to dress up. I do have collared shirts but no tie and no jacket. Gonna work on that,” he said.
Berlin museum planning two holiday events
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 4, 2025) The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum in Berlin is ushering in the Christmas season with two events intended to celebrate local history, engage families and town residents, and offer a unique shopping experience, all while showcasing the museum in its cozy, holiday candlelit setting.
Taylor House President Melissa Reid said this year’s seasonal lineup includes the annual “Kids’ Wassail and Gingerbread” event, a day of local vendors, as well as the museum’s popular children’s tours, which highlight the historic home decorated for the holidays and offer a look at an 1830s-inspired dessert course recreated exclusively for December.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the museum will host a combined Sip and Shop and Kids’ Wassail and Gingerbread event from noon to 4 p.m. Previously, the two traditions were held on the same day, but at different times. This year, the children will can occupy themselves with activities geared toward them, while the adults can enjoy a holiday cocktail and scope out local vendors and the Taylor House’s gift shop.
“We realized we had lots and lots of families come out for the Wassail and Gingerbread and we realized instead of making it two separate events…if you’re going to come and do a kids activity, then while you're here, you may as well have
the opportunity to look at these handcrafted gifts,” Reid said.
“We thought it made sense to put the event all together as opposed to spreading it out. It used to go from 12 p.m. to like 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., and that just felt long and spread out. We had a lot more people who came to the kids' event, so we thought we would try to put them together and see how that goes.”
The afternoon will feature the return of children’s activities, such as makeand-take crafts and popular pine-cone bird feeders rolled in peanut butter and seed. Kids can also have gingerbread and a cup of wassail, a historic holiday drink similar to apple cider.
While the kids are entertained, local artisans will set up shop throughout the museum to offer hand-crafted holiday presents. Attendees can also browse the Taylor House’s gift shop, which now includes a custom jigsaw puzzle featuring the museum, a paint-by-numbers set of the historic home, and new ornaments, including one created in collaboration with Worcester Technical High School, and miniature framed prints of the building by artist Clare Hoerl, which can also be hung from a Christmas tree. Reid added that Hoerl sells her work at Baked in Berlin.
All proceeds from Sip and Shop directly support the museum.
“It’s a nice way to come and get some handcrafted or locally focused gifts,” the
Taylor House’s president noted.
Organizers hope that combining the kids and the shopping event, and holding it during the daytime, will improve the experience.
Later this month, on Sunday, Dec. 14, the museum will continue its tradition of second-Sunday programs with two interactive children’s tours at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The candlelit tours are designed to bring the historic house to life through storytelling and hands-on activities tied to the Christmas season.
“It gives kids an opportunity to see a historic house, but in a way that’s a little more interactive and fun,” Reid said.
During the kids' tours, the youngsters will have flashlights and will be instructed to look for hidden objects throughout the museum.
Additionally, at both the Sip and Shop event and the children’s walkthroughs, visitors can view the museum’s recreated dessert course from the 1830s — a display constructed with the help of food historian Joyce White.
The exhibit includes replicas of molded gelatin desserts, plum pudding, tarts, gingerbread, and even ice cream scoops. The ice cream was added because, according to Reid, the 1845 estate records show that the original homeowner, Isaac Covington, owned an early ice cream maker, a luxury at the time.
Reid said that White has studied food
history extensively, including in England, and has used her expertise to bring an exhibit to the Taylor House Museum, exclusively for the weeks leading up to the holidays.
“This fake food is grounded in very thorough and very rigorous historical research,” Reid said. “It allows people to get in touch with the past in a way that maybe just displaying an empty dining room table does not…Everyone loves the holidays, and people have traditions that are important to their own family. We wanted to show that those traditions go back and that history is part of tradition and tradition is part of history.”
These two December events allow the museum to continue telling the town's stories, even during the facility’s offseason. The Taylor House opens for tours in the spring and closes at the end of October. Reid said that touring the museum during the summer and Christmas is an entirely different experience.
“Right now, we’re open April through October,” she said. “What is amazing is to see the house lit up by candlelight during the off-season…
“If you’ve come and taken a tour in the summertime during the day, the museum, especially the historic rooms, is radically different at night, lit by candlelight. [These events] allow someone who's been at the museum to see it in a different way.”
Former museum director to serve time for theft scheme
By Steve Green Executive Editor
(Dec. 4, 2025) The former leader of a Snow Hill museum has been sent to jail and ordered to pay restitution for stealing nearly $100,000 from the small nonprofit.
Life and Folk Lore, was previously a staff curator/folklorist at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury.
Cynthia Byrd
Julia A. Purnell Museum Executive Director Cynthia Byrd pleaded guilty in August to the charge of theft scheme of $25,000 to $100,000. On Nov. 21, she was sentenced by retired judge Donald C. Davis to 10 years in jail with all but 18 months suspended. She was also ordered to pay $97,316 in restitution to the museum and will be on five years of supervised probation after her release.
In May, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Byrd, a Salisbury resident, with felony theft scheme, which court records allege began back in 2016. Byrd was hired as the executive director at the Julia A. Purnell Museum in 2011. Byrd, who has a doctorate in Folk
A press release from Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser shed some light this week on how the theft occurred. Byrd in 2017 opened an unauthorized credit card in the museum’s name and over the next seven years charged 1,781 fraudulent purchases to the card, totaling $97,316.
The museum’s losses devastated the Snow Hill-based facility, which had to close for 18 months. The museum, which is owned by the Town of Snow Hill but operated by the Friends of the Julia A. Purnell Museum, reopened on Nov. 1.
Court records paint a picture of financial troubles for Byrd in recent years including the May foreclosure of her Salisbury residence and small claims debts from earlier this year.
Additionally, court records show recent criminal issues, including a guilty plea to driving a vehicle while under the influence in November of 2024 as well as assault charges placed on the stet document earlier in 2024.
Police probe vehicle shooting
(Dec. 4, 2025) The Berlin Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance after a vehicle shooting on Sunday night.
Around 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, Berlin police were alerted to gunshots in the 100 block of Flower Street. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office also responded. The 100 block of Flower Street runs from its intersection with Bay Street toward Henry Park and beyond.
“When officers arrived on the scene, they located a vehicle that had been shot several times,” a Berlin police press re-
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Fri-Mon 11am-4pm H
Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm
lease from Chief Arnold Downing said. “Officers canvassed the area for any other victims or property damage and recovered evidence related to the crime.
Officers also were able to contact the owners of the vehicle, who were not in the vehicle. There were no injuries or additional damage reported in this incident.”
Anyone with knowledge about the incident are asked to contact Berlin police at 410-641-1333 or the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation at 410632-1111.
Ocean Pines3BR/2BA
Saturrdday 11am-1pm 9500 Coastal #12F
Saturrdday 11am-3pm
Saturrdday 12:30-2:30pm 6305 Atlantic A
Saturrdday Noon-2pm 11500 City
Saturrdday 2-4pm
Calendar
Thurs., Dec. 4
BERLIN CHRISTMAS PARADE
Downtown Berlin, Main St., 7-9 p.m. Parade starts at The Berlin Welcome Center, then runs north to the Berlin Fire Company. The judging stand is located on West/Baker Street near the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. More than 80 Floats.
PAJAMA STORY TIME: GINGERBREAD
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Dress in your jammies and join in for a story, songs and 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 at the library. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME ‘YOU ARE AWESOME!’
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
POCOMOKE BRANCH BOOK CLUB ‘THINGS FALL APART’ BY CHINUA ACHEBE (MD250)
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. Join in for a lively discussion each month. Stop by the Pocomoke Branch to pick up a copy in advance. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
LEGO MASTER CHALLENGE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for a Lego challenge event. All materials provided. 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., Dec. 5
FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION & HOLIDAY ARTISAN FAIR
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and see the new exhibits. Free event and all are welcome. Also browse through the holiday fair with a variety of unique, handmade items. artleagueofoceancity.org
FIBER FRIENDS HAT SALE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hats, headbands, scarves, cowls and mittens available. All are handmade items to benefit the Ocean Pines Library. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
HOMESCHOOL HIATUS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Take a break from learning to explore STEAM activities and crafts. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CURRENTLY READING BOOK CLUB (CRBC)
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Just drop in to this club to discuss what you are currently reading and share it with the group. 410-208-4014, 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. 410524-7994
Sat., Dec. 6
OCEAN CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE
Parade travels along Coastal Highway from Old Landing Road north to 120th Street, 11 a.m. Awards and fun follow at the Carousel Hotel. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/specialevents/christmas-parade
HOLIDAY VENDOR FAIR
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m.-noon. Featuring a variety of vendors including Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Bradley and Scentsy to customers art, tumblers, candles and more. Free admission. Vendors needed. 410-641-7052
REINDEER LANE GIFT SHOP
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8-11 a.m. Kids ages 12 years and younger can purchase gifts for family and friends. All gifts are $5 or less. Free admission. Donations needed. Drop off new or slightly worn items at the community center. 410-641-7052
BERLIN’S MERRY MARKETPLACE
Berlin Main St. & Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday market. ocberlinrotary@gmail.com
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8-11 a.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $6 for ages 4-10 years and free to
Please send calendar items to editor@baysidegazette.com by 5 p.m. Monday. All community-related activities will be published at no charge.
those 3 years and younger. Pay at the door. Purchase photos for a $5 donation. Collecting unwrapped gifts and non-perishable food items. 410-641-7052
HOMETOWN HOLIDAY MARKET
White Horse Park Marketplace, 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 9 a.m.noon. Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisan Market will feature seasonal offerings. Also a Candy Cane Hunt. Hundreds of candy canes will be hidden throughout the marketplace. Who’ll find the most? 410-641-7717
MEET SANTA
Kringle Kottage on Artisans Green, 12 Artisans Way, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Artisans Green is located behind the main Berlin parking lot, next to Honey Water Candles, behind the Sterling Tavern. https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinholiday-events/
FREE CARRIAGE RIDES
Historic Downtown Berlin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Take a horse-drawn drive around town.
https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinholiday-events/
COOKIE AND CANDY WALK
Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, 8-11 a.m. You pick homemade cookies and candy. Cost is $11 per pound for cookies and $13 per pound for candies. Enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate while you shop. 410-641-2186, bethany21811@gmail.com
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Silent auction, vendors, White Elephant, soup and sandwiches and bake table. 410-641-1137
FIBER FRIENDS HAT SALE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hats, headbands, scarves, cowls and mittens available. All are handmade items to benefit the Ocean Pines Library. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SATURDAY WRITERS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their writings projects. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises. Drop-ins welcome. 410-641-0650
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
CANDY CANE HUNT AND HOLIDAY CRAFTS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Hunt down candy canes, decorate a gingerbread man and make some festive cards and crafts. For families. Registration required: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org
HOLIDAY ARTISAN FAIR
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wander through a curated marketplace featuring talented local artisans and discover oneof-a-kind handmade treasures. Enjoy a free hot chocolate and a hands-on seasonal craft. artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-254-9433
PAWS & READING
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Young, independent readers can practice their literacy skills by reading aloud to a friendly, trained dog at the library. Stop by to sign up for a time slot. For ages 611 years. 410-641-0650
WARM HEARTS WINTER BASH
Crawl St. Tavern, 19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 3-6 p.m. Live music, refreshments, raffles, silent auction and Gingerbread House contest with prizes and more. Benefiting Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County. https://www.acsgwc.org, 443783-6180
Sun., Dec. 7
MID ATLANTIC SYMPHONY - HOLIDAY JOY Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 3 p.m. Featuring Kresley Figueroa & Jonathan Patton. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/655825 35/mid-atlantic-symphony-holiday-joyocean-city-oc-performing-artscenter?gclid=
WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS JINGLE BELL 5K RUN
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5-6:15 p.m. Packet pickup starts at 3:30 p.m. Wear your most festive outfits for a chance at additional prizes. Signup online (https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Oce anCity/WinterfestofLightsJingleBell5k) or on site.
MEET SANTA
Kringle Kottage on Artisans Green, 12 Artisans Way, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Artisans Green is located behind the main Berlin parking lot, next to Honey Water Candles, behind the Sterling Tavern. https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinholiday-events/
FREE CARRIAGE RIDES
Historic Downtown Berlin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Take a horse-drawn drive around town.
https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinholiday-events/
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane, 9-11 a.m. Breakfast buffet, photo with Santa, holiday crafts, activities, DJ and a stuffie. Reservations: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annualbreakfast-with-santa-benefit-tickets1963525985078?aff=oddtdtcreator.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and at the Museum of Ocean City. Story telling, authentic food samplings, hot cocoa bar, 20% off store sale, live music, sea glass activities and wreath making (sign up www.ocmuseum.org). Free event.
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., Dec. 8
WINTERFEST ENCHANTED EVENINGS
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5-8:30 p.m. Hop aboard a buggy for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Winterfest of Lights. Reserve 2 or 6 person carriages or individual seats on the 12 seat carriage. https://www.ococean.com/winterfest/
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: COOKIES
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
WRITING FOR WELLNESS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. The group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MOVIE MATINEE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Come see a movie you may have missed in the theaters. 410-208-4014,
www.worcesterlibrary.org
THE ART OF BREWING
Fika Coffee Roasting, 303 N. Washington St., Snow Hill, 2 p.m. Learn about various brewing methods, tips and tricks, and what actually makes a difference in the final taste. Coffee sampling included. Registration required: 443783-6164. www.worcesterlibrary.org
COOKIE PARTY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4:30 p.m. Feel free to bring your own treats to share or come to sample — homemade or store bought is fine. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
ANNUAL HOLIDAY SING ALONG
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Delmarva Chorus will be singing all the favorite holiday songs that you know and love. Spend time listening, singing and enjoying complementary cookies, goodies and beverages.
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, 410-641-0157
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. 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, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
Tues., Dec. 9
WINTERFEST ENCHANTED EVENINGS
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5-8:30 p.m. Hop aboard a buggy for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Winterfest of Lights. Reserve 2 or 6 person carriages or individual seats on the 12 seat carriage. https://www.ococean.com/winterfest/
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.
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 fingerplays. 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. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME @ THE DELMARVA DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts that feature one of the museum’s special animals. For ages 0-5 years. Registration required: 410-9570878. www.worcesterlibrary.org
BOOK CLUB @ TIDES & VINE: JANE AUSTEN
Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 6 p.m. An evening of books and wine. Happy 250th Birthday Jane Austen. Read any Austen and tell the group about it. www.worcesterlibrary.org
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning
more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
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. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
Wed., Dec. 10
PIZZA PARTY WITH SANTA Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy pizza, crafts, cookie decorating and a special visit with Santa completed with photos. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/, askrec@oceancitymd.gov, 410-250-0125
KIDS PAINT NIGHT
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 5:30-6:30 p.m. All materials and instruction provided. For ages 8 years and older. Cost is $22. Preregistration required: 410-641-7052.
CRUZ THE TRAFFIC SAFETY CAR
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. A kid-friendly comprehensive car traffic safety presentation starring Cruz, the three-foot-tall, remote-controlled talking car. Best for ages 3-7 years. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SNOWMAN PAINTING AT 50PLUS CENTER Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. Come create a snowman painting, all supplies provided. www.worcesterlibrary.org
MERRY MAKERS: HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Use various media to embellish a ceramic ornament for the Christmas tree. Registration required: 410-208-4014. Limit 10. www.worcesterlibrary.org
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
ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 4-5 p.m. Learn about the engineering design process
and test your skills to complete requirements for each challenge. For ages 6-11 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
WINTER STEAM CHALLENGE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m.
Design and make a snowball launcher then create some snow art. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PAJAMA STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6:30 p.m.
Wear your pajamas and bring your stuffie to snuggle while you enjoy stories and songs to wind down to bedtime. For age 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
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. 443605-5028
ONGOING EVENTS
WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, Nov. 20-Dec. 21 and open daily Dec. 22-31, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults and free to those 11 years and younger. Enjoy a walk-through winter wonderland experience. Also featuring 50-foot Christmas tree, refreshments, bonfire, interactive games, photos with Santa Claus, family crafts, a gift shop and train gardens (6-8:30 p.m.). Tickets: www.ococean.com/winterfest/.
On Dec. 1, 8, 9 and 15, enjoy a horsedrawn carriage ride through the lights. Enchanted Evenings tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1054835
/enchanted-evenings-ocean-city-winterfest-of-lights.
Pets are welcome on Wednesday evenings. Mobility devices available for rent on site - $10 per two hours (scooters, powered wheelchairs) - standard wheelchairs also available. Scooters-4Rent.com 302-280-6203. Info: 410-289-2800.
3RD ANNUAL TRAIN DISPLAY
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, North Station, 249 Ocean Parkway, Nov. 23 to Jan. 5. Free entry; donations appreciated. Hours are Fridays, 6-9 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.OPVFD.com
P.E.P. CLUB CHRISTMAS WISH TREE
Choose a tag off of the P.E.P. Club Christmas tree, wrap the gift and return with tag attached by Dec. 15. Christmas Tree is located in the Ocean Pines Community Center lobby.
SEND
LETTERS TO SANTA
Drop off letters to Santa at the red mailbox in the Ocean Pines Community Center, Nov. 25 to Dec. 20. Include child’s name and address so Santa can respond.
LETTERS TO SANTA
Drop off letters to Santa at the Berlin
Welcome Center, 14 S. Main Street. Receive a letter back with a coupon for a free treat. BerlinMainStreet.com
BE A SANTA TO A SENIOR PROGRAM
Select an item from Home Instead’s “Be A Santa To A Senior” Amazon wish list, purchase a gift card; or donate items such as warm clothing, blankets, crafts, puzzles and personal hygiene items. Drop off gifts to the Ocean Pines Community Center by Dec. 10. Gifts do not need to be wrapped. 410-641-7052, oceanpines.org
LIGHT UP THE PINES
Free annual outdoor decorating event. Register by Dec. 12 to be entered into the drawing to win one of three $50 bill credits from Choptank Electric Cooperative. The first 25 home to sign up will receive Choptank Electric goodies. Residents may sign up throughout the holiday season to have their homes added to the online map (oceanpines.org). Register: info@oceanpines.org, 410-641-7717, Ext. 3014.
TRAIN GARDEN SCAVENGER HUNT
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Dec. 1 through Jan. 3. Stop by the Ocean City branch to admire the holiday magic and help complete a very special scavenger hunt. For families. 410-524-1818
December 4, 2025 Bayside Gazette 21
MARKETPLACE
Join the Sea Colony East Maintenance Team! Now hiring high rise condominium/full time building maintenance techs. Great Benefit plan/paid time off! Apply online at troon.com/careers - company location Sea Colony Assoc East or email bethann.steele@seacolony.com or call 302-541-8831 for an interview
Currently Hiring Manpower
o Experience preferred.
o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus.
o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.
Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800
Worcester County Health Department OFFICE SECRETARY II
Full Time, State Benefits. This position is located in Snow Hill, Maryland. Applicants must be able to work at and travel to ALL Worcester County Health Department sites. This position provides secretarial support for the Community Health Adult Services program within the Nursing Department. Responsibilities include considerable organization, filing of both electronic & paper documents, maintenance of staff schedules, composing & proofreading correspondence, compiling & summarizing data into concise form, assisting clients with Maryland Access Point intake services, data entry & tracking for program reporting, preparation of technical & confidential reports and taking & typing meeting minutes.
Background check required.
$42,893.00 - $54,223.00/year with potential growth to $65,893.00/year
APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by December 10, 2025.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.
Taylor Marine Center (West Ocean City) 11850 Ocean Gateway, 21842 (410-213-1391)
Boat Yard Assistant, Full Time Position, Paid Health Insurance, 401K, Five Day Work Week, 8:30-5:00. Duties: Boat movement, bottom painting, cleaning boats, yard maintenance, etc. Punctuality, Self Motivation, Orderliness, Ability to pass drug screening, along with valid driver’s license.
Compensation Hourly dependent on experience. Apply in Person, Call or Email, aschlaich@ taylormarinecenter.com
NEEDED IMMEDIATELY
Help live streaming on TikTok Live® $50+ per hour. Serious Inquires Only! 410-206-6590
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 OCEAN PINES
Avail. Immediately South Gate Cul de Sac Recently renovated. Unfurnished. 4BR, 2BA Screened in porch, Central HVAC. No smoking/pets.
$2,600 per mo. + utils. & sec. dep. 410-404-8851
OC WINTER RENTAL Downtown 2BD/2BA, Apt., furnished. Central HVAC, W/D, WiFi, cable included. Occ. lmtd. to 2. No smoking/pets.
$800/mo. + utilities. 410-202-6353
YR APARTMENT 8th ST.
1 BR, Fully remodeled. 3rd Floor, No elevator
$1,850 per mo. Includes Cable, Elec. & Water 410-430-7675
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
Seeking Year-Round Rentals!
Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE BISHOPVILLE
2BR, 2BA Mobile Home. In great shape. Min.’s to beach.
$34,000 Cash + $700 per mo. ground rent. Park is open YR! 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
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.
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.
